Category: 2014
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Good Morning! The benefits of an every-day practice
So why oh why do lots of us get up in the early hours of the morning, maybe only a few hours after some people have even gone to bed, to practice yoga? It takes commitment, and when the mornings are dark you’ll need a dose of willpower too – but it’s all worth it….…
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Practice: Natarajasana (Dancer Pose)
A little more difficult than balancing poses such as vrksasana (tree pose). Natarajasana cultivates (and requires) lots of concentration and balance – as well as a big opening in the hips and quadriceps! Nataraja is said to be the ‘king of the dancers’, representing Shiva – who’s rhythmic play is thought to have created…
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Yoga For Runners
If you’ve managed to stick to your new year’s resolution of taking up running as a new way to stay healthy, then firstly; well done! Secondly; this could be handy…. While running is a really great form of exercise, unfortunately what comes with it – especially to those who aren’t necessarily experts –…
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Practice: Svarga Dvidasana (Bird Of Paradise Pose)
Svarga Dvidasana requires a combination of steadiness (sthira) and ease (sukha); the steadiness to maintain a lengthened spine and strong balance, and the ease to open the hips and extend the top leg to it’s full potential. No matter how ‘difficult’ a pose seems, there is always a level we can take it to that…
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Mindful Monday: Music and Your Brain….
Music is intended to move us; from the beginning of time, devotion and tradition were celebrated with movement and dance – some of the oldest artefacts to be found were even musical instruments. It wasn’t until the medieval times that the church decided to limit movement, until you were told when to dance and how…
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Practice: Astavakrasana (Eight-Angled Pose)
Ashta = ‘Eight’ Vakra = ‘Bent / Curved’ Asana = ‘Pose’ Possibly in some people’s ‘crazy arm balance’ category, Astavakrasana takes patience and practice. It’s often something which people decide they ‘can’t do’ before they even try….. While it may look a little complicated, Astavakrasana is easier than it may first seem if you…
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The Real Meaning Of ‘Health?’
“Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit” – BKS Iyengar When we think of health, what comes to mind?: Sweating it out at the gym, eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking or drinking, or making sure we’re happy with what we see in the mirror or read on the…
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Dhalicious Dhal….
Dhal is a traditional indian dish, either served as a side dish with curry or – when served with brown rice – is a complete protein, so it makes a meal by itself. Plus, it’s cheap, filling, and good for you! This recipe is adapted from one a friend gave me, and I have no…
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Practice: Camatkarasana (Wild Thing)
Camatkarasana or ‘wild thing’ is an expansive, energising and FUN backbend. If you’re planning on practicing Urdhva Dhanurasana (full wheel) then this is a good option to warm up with. Wild thing is also not-so-elegantly named ‘flip the dog’ sometimes…. You may need to open the hips a little before ‘flipping’ in to the pose,…
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MINDFUL MONDAY – Feet First
Consisting of just over 25% of the human body’s bones, 2,700 nerve endings, and the power to influence the health of our whole body, the foot is much more essential to our wellbeing than we give it credit for. Our feet carry us around all day, and as we know – it isn’t just what we…
