Creating space in your Yoga practice.
In the older Yoga traditions and texts, much significance is given to the more subtle parts of the practice, Pranayama (the movement of energy, initially via the breath) , Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), Samadhi, For they indicate that it is in this, that the state of Yoga begins to naturally and spontaneously […]
Be the change you wish to see in the world.
We live in uncertain times, or so it seems, we are constantly bombarded with news of political, economic, social and environmental instability, to look at all this can be truly depressing if not horrifying. How we can deal with seemingly huge issues seems overwhelming, we can feel powerless. I would not seek to diminish the existence of […]
The Hatha Yoga Lineage
When drawn towards a teacher or school of yoga, its credentials and lineage are of great relevance and value. Someone who has immersed themselves in Yoga is what we could consider as well cooked. Shandor, the disseminator of Shadow/Chaya Yoga who I recently had the opportunity to study with, is no exception. Having studied yoga since […]
Soma.
In the texts of yoga and Ayurveda, Soma is described as a divine nectar, that if embibed, gives, youthfulness, immortality and numerous other eternally sought qualities. Although, often mentioned in esoteric terms and in complex practices, we can experience it quite directly. We can regard Soma as bliss, the bliss of our existence. In Yogic thinking, […]
Yoga weekend retreat in the Green, Kilkeel, County Down, September 2019.
Continual change is a certainty in life and this is recognised by and central within the philosophy and understanding of yoga. So as we move into August, we can see some of summers characteristics change and the gradual appearance of some of the qualities that we associate with autumn. Sometimes actions that support and recognise […]
We are what we eat.
The deepening your yoga practice workshop is now fully booked and I’m very much looking forward to delivering it next weekend. The photo gives a tantalising glimpse of the lunch for the workshop, which my brother Derek is providing, all of which is grown with much care and love, organically in his garden. Yoga indicates […]
A new perspective.
Its easy to realise how beneficial it is to change our perspective, quite often if we have a problem we are told to look at things in a new light, this indication is very present in Yoga itself. We tend to forget that a lot of our ideas and views are based upon those we […]
Restoring the inner fire.
In Yoga, Tantra and Ayurveda the concept of the Tattwas, the elements in all of existence is central to the framework and understanding of the many strands of our lives and selves. Within these elements, Agni,the fire element is of major significance, it sits in a central position in Tantric practice, Ayurveda’s view on our health […]
Deepening your Yoga practice Workshop, Saturday August 3rd.
Creating a regular, home yoga practice, transforms your experience and study of Yoga, giving you an amazing tool for self sustainability and general wellbeing. The day will include an enlivening morning session and a more relaxing, restorative afternoon practice. There will be discourse on the integration of a yoga practice into your life via an exploration of […]
Ayurveda and Yoga, your own constitution and the three modes of nature.
The nature of studying with many international Yoga teachers, often means travel and journeys to coincide with where their schedule brings them. Thankfully I’ve always enjoyed this aspect of my continual broadening and deepening of yoga knowledge and have gotten to travel to some great locations over the years. This year has been no exception and […]