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Philosophy & Spirituality

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!

[Read more…] about Using the Niyamas in our life: Saucha, Santosha, Svadhyaya & Tapas.

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

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breathing techniques to calm the mind
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 offer 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 self- practice, I will be using the “Breath awareness” technique as the first exercise of the day to awaken my senses, body and mind.

Enjoy and happy breathing.

To experience breath work and Pranayama, join me on my workshops, courses and retreats in the UK or around the world.
[Read more…] about Breathing techniques to calm the mind, for challenging times and for life.

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

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Mudra means ‘seal’, ‘gesture’ or ‘mark’. They are special movements that are incorporated into our yoga practice. They are often practiced 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 is 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 an 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 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!
[Read more…] about Eight powerful mudras (symbolic gestures) I use during my Yoga and Pranayama classes

Light on life by B.K.S Iyengar

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The yoga journey to Wholeness, Inner peace, and ultimate freedom.

One of the world’s masters of yoga invites both new to yoga and those who are experienced practitioners on an inward journey designed to increase their physical health, emotional vitality, mental clarity, intellectual wisdom, and spiritual bliss. As B.K.S Iyengar says, the potential for enlightenment lies in the heart of every person and the yogic journey will illuminate the path.

Light on Life conveys his discoveries fro a lifetime of intensive yoga practice, study, and teaching, and explains the role that yoga postures and breathing techniques play in our search for wholeness, the external and internal obstacles that keep us from progressing along the path, and how yoga can help us live in harmony with the world around us. Beyond the physical benefits that have drawn millions to the practice, Mr Iyengar shows how yoga can improve our lives in many practical and life-changing ways.

A book that I read and will never stop reading. A real companion during your  personal yoga journey.

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Sankalpa or ‘Sowing the seed of change’

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‘The purpose of Sankalpa is to influence and transform the whole life pattern, not only physically but also mentally and spiritually’ – Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Every year when the 1st  of January rolls around  many of us choose to make new year’s resolutions.  But truly, how long do we keep up our hastily made promises? One of the reasons that they fail is because sometimes we make resolutions that require an infeasible amount of hard work and a lot of willpower. Another reason is that sometimes the mind is not ready to receive a particular resolution and needs to be suitably prepared- this is where yoga nidra (yoga sleep) and Sankalpa comes along. [Read more…] about Sankalpa or ‘Sowing the seed of change’

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