Ultimate breathhold William Trubridge has mastered breath. He is a world leading freediver (from Christchurch) and in this, one of my favourite TedX Talks, he takes us through the process of a freedive. He shows us what is possible, and yet, even simple breath exercises can give us more vitality and better physical and mental …
Yama 2# – Satya, truth
Satya asks us for honesty, tempered by the kindness of yama 1 ahimsa. Although I note that Brene Brown is teaching that clear is kind. More deeply, when we talk about truth, whose truth do we mean? Yours, mine or is there something more universal? The religions would have us believe the latter, but then …
Yama 1# AHIMSA – non violence/loving kindness
We don't intend to cause harm, but we do just that through harmful words, angry thoughts and thoughtless actions. Often our harm is directed at ourselves and so that is a good place to start - being kind to ourselves in thought, word and action. Photo by William Fortunato on Pexels.com I'll share an example …
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How to live a more peaceful life – the YAMAS are our guide
This is about taking yoga off the mat and living a more yogic lifestyle. The yamas (restraints) offer a guide for how to be in the world in way that leads to deep peace and equanimity - a state of evenness or calm that is not disturbed by experience of or exposure to emotions, pain, …
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YOGA MAT GUIDE
When I first started teaching I bought a whole lot of cheap yoga mats, thinking that I didn't need anything fancy and I didn't want to support the consumerism around yoga. Big mistake. For one, they didn't last very well and started to leave bits of coloured rubber or maybe plastic everywhere. But more importantly, …
Why do home practice?
Even a short practice session can kickstart your day, helping you feel more focused and energised, or it can help you to wind down at the end of the day and prepare you for a deep, restful sleep. You might even start with 15 mins. That shouldn't seem too difficult to fit in. It also …
The key to reacting well
First class of the year. Pack my yoga gear, class plan, speaker for music, incense, candle, my mat, blanket, case filled with spare mats, straps and cushions - it's all there. But I have a niggling feeling all day. Sure enough when I get to the studio I don't have the key! I can't get …
Yoga for grief and shock
When the unthinkable happens, there is shock, grief, disbelief, numbness. We never for a moment thought there could be such a awful tragedy in Christchurch as the mosque attacks; we thought that we were too far away, as if magically protected by our distance and small population. On 19 March, my mission was to give …
Embracing new year energy
School’s back, and next week our classes start again, Summer holidays are receding into memories of beaches, BBQs, bachs, books, road trips - and all the activities that help us to rest and regenerate for the coming year. At least that’s the plan! On top of summer relaxing and fun, the new year often makes …
Breathe Aotearoa 