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Yoga with Laurent Roure

Hatha yoga, pranayama, meditation & yoga Nidra

Philosophy & Spirituality

It’s time to talk about the misuse of the word ‘self-care’ on social media and in the wellness industry

By Laurent Roure Leave a Comment | Last updated

Self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress (Oxford Dictionary).

The vast majority of yoga teachers and wellness facilitators have nothing but good intentions and are deeply invested in wanting to help support our students and clients.  Yoga, breathwork and bodywork teachers, therapists and facilitators have paid good money and given over a lot of time to hone skills which can be utilised for the wellbeing of everyone.

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Ahimsa, the art of non-violence and its relevance in our modern lives.

By Laurent Roure 1 Comment | Last updated

Ahimsa in Sanskrit

You might have already heard of Ahimsa (Sanskrit for ‘non-violence’) during yoga classes, as your teacher may have mentioned it. But perhaps you are a little uncertain as to what it really means and how to apply it to our fast and busy modern lives? The truth is that, although it is a concept dating back thousands of years, its wisdom can most definitely be of help to us today.

“As the Yogin becomes established in non-injury, all beings coming near him cease to be hostile. In the presence of one firmly established in non-violence, all hostilities  cease.”
The yoga sutras of Patañjali.

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Is Silence Golden?

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What does silence mean to you? Many of us don’t know what real silence is and never experience it. Some of us are frightened of silence, its expansiveness is intimidating and uncomfortable.

I don’t think silence really exists in any lasting form. Not as described by our dictionary: the lack of any sounds. There are always sounds, even on the quietest part of the earth. I always loved the expression ‘listen to the silence’ because it means that really there is no real silence, there is always something to hear.
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Using the Niyamas in our life: Saucha, Santosha, Svadhyaya & Tapas.

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On Sunday 22nd April 2018, I decided to begin 90 days of alcohol-free living. I am not a heavy drinker but like most people I like a glass of wine with my dinner. The thing is, at this stage in my life, I’d like to see what cutting alcohol out of my diet can do to make me feel better in my body and my mind.

I decided to use the Niyamas as support and guidance for my decision. The niyamas are the second limb of the “Eight limbs of yoga” taken from the yoga sutras, texts written by the sage and scholar Patanjali. They refer to our own duties to ourselves to be able to serve better the others.

Over the next few weeks I will be keeping a journal to follow the process and maybe inspire anyone out there who would like to try this challenge with me.

Let’s embark on this journey together and support each other!

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Breathing techniques to calm the mind, for challenging times and for life.

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Some breathing techniques increase the relaxation response, allowing you to be more present, aware, calmer, and attentive to your thoughts, feelings and experiences and more resilient to life stress.

I would like to share with you a couple of simple techniques that I use during my breathing classes and, which proved to be very efficient in most demanding situations and challenging moments. There are many more other techniques, but I find that less is more and the simplest the exercises, the more effective they are. Those breathing practices can be used anywhere and at any time. At your work, at home or during travels.

Please note that they are not cures of any sorts. They can be considered as your own personal “quick fix” tools for every day-to-day life challenges. If you continue to feel unwell, I highly recommend that you seek advice from your doctor.

They can also be used for general well-being or if you are planning to develop a pranayama or meditation practice. Breathing exercises are a great starting point to bring the mind inward and to develop a profound sense of awareness. In my own practice, I will be using the “Breath awareness” technique as the first exercise of the day to awaken my senses, body and mind.

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Eight powerful mudras (symbolic gestures) I use during my Yoga and Pranayama classes

By Laurent Roure 2 Comments | Last updated

Mudra means ‘seal’, ‘gesture’ or ‘mark’. The yoga mudras are special movements that are incorporated into the practice of yoga. They are often practised with the hands and fingers but also can be done with the feet. They facilitate the flow of energy through one’s body and enhance the effectivity of one’s practice.

For many years, the concept of using mudras during my yoga practice was a little confusing and blurry. To be honest, I used them constantly without really knowing or understanding their energetic and connective power.

It was only when I started the practice of pranayama taught by Swami Gitananda, that I started understanding and feeling the subtle connections created by those simple gestures, from one side of my body to the other or in a specific area of my anatomy.

I must say that effective and transformative use of mudras is not something that you can grasp the first time and you might not feel very much for a while. This is normal and to be expected. With perseverance, soft practice, patience and open-mindedness you might be able to draw yourself inward through the practice of the mudras.

There are hundreds of mudras that have been developed over the centuries, but here I will focus on my eight favourites that I regularly use during postures, pranayama or meditation.

Through my own practice and through my teachings, I have personally experienced their efficiency in providing health, empowerment and serenity. They are great for our wellbeing, so don’t be afraid to try them out!

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