I have long lamented the commercialisation of yoga which has turned the humble yoga mat into a fashion accessory. It seems that mindfulness now shares the same fate. New York Times reporter, David Gelles, shares his concerns. … [Read more...]
A Spring Plan – Be Yourself
Yes, it's true, Christmas was last week and in a couple of weeks Easter and the official start of spring begin. How did it happen so quickly? A quarter of 2016 has flashed by already yet you may have the sense that all your good intentions and goals have already been eclipsed by the ongoing daily demands of living a human life: work that fatigues, people - family, friends, colleagues, strangers … [Read more...]
Treasure Yourselves
This week Ondrea Levine announced the death of her work and life partner of 40 years, Stephen Levine, on Facebook. Theirs was no 9 to 5 job – together, they lead conscious living/dying workshops teaching meditation, compassion, forgiveness and spirituality to thousands of people all over the world. I came across their work on my own journey into meditation some time ago. In Ondrea’s Facebook … [Read more...]
Inner Light Winter Dark
So, here we are now in the northern hemisphere witnessing nature fully undressed in winter darkness. In the depth of this dark season we usually jump at the chance to change something about our life and so resolve to give/take something up. Our resolutions, mostly, change nothing. Why? If we hold true to nature's rythms, we follow her example - store the abundance of the previous season, … [Read more...]
What’s Change Got to Do With Yoga?
This autumn, if we take our cue from nature we see that change is necessary and can also be beautiful. However, as humans, we like to be in control and resist the present moment creating tension in the body and, of course, the mind. Yoga, a type of moving meditation, offers a wider perspective and a way of being in the moment, as it's happening, so we learn to flow with the changes - prepare … [Read more...]
Summertime and the Living is Easier…
"Yoga balances, harmonizes, purifies and strengthens the body, mind and soul. It shows the perfect way to health, perfect mind control and perfect peace with one's own self, the world and nature..." Swami Vishnudevananada, Founder of the International Sivananda Vedanta Centres and disciple of Swami Sivananda Some of you may know, that the last year has been very intense, not … [Read more...]
Summertime and the Living is Easy
With its long days, warmth and vivid colour it’s no wonder we feel brighter in the summer. We have more energy, eat lighter foods and are more likely than any other time of year to head outdoors. Although summer is a season of expansion with many people buzzing from event to event – think festivals, fairs, country shows – or pushing themselves with physical activity, if we actually observe … [Read more...]
A Swami’s Advice on Self-care
You can only elevate others if you've elevated yourself. This world can only be saved by those who have already saved themselves. A prisoner cannot liberate other prisoners. Swami Sivananda … [Read more...]