I think us Yogis would all agree just how much we adore Yoga.

So why is it so darn hard sometimes to just roll the mat out and get on with it?

Whatever the reason, we’ve all been there.

So how do we get past it and get on that mat?

Here’s some motivation for exactly that…

Have you ever seen those beads that spiritually-inclined people tend to wear around their necks? Ever wondered what they’re all about?

Originating in Hindu and Buddhist culture, I first encountered Malas in Thailand and later again during my travels through India. I was aware they were prayer beads, similar to those used in Christianity, yet their deeper meaning escaped me on these trips.

I’ve been walking around barefoot a lot these days. It feels only natural. So much so that shoes now feel kind of weird on my feet! Who's born with shoes anyways?

In which ways do Yoga and Permaculture intersect?

Whilst on Awakened Spirit’s Sacred Earth Yoga Teacher Training, the Principles of Permaculture were passed along to us. Permaculture is the sustainable merging of people with nature that creates an ecosystem for all to thrive in. The ideals of this concept were coined by the duo David Holmgren and Bill Mollison and have since inspired many conscious humans (including myself!) to live by their values. This echos beautifully what yogic philosophy teaches us: when we embody these ancient principles, we are forging and creating a more harmonious existence with the world within and around us.

In today’s world of Yoga, exploring our edge is something heard often - but what exactly does that mean? It involves leaving that much loved zone of comfort in order to find real area for growth, having the bravery to peer into into the uncertainty of not knowing yet wanting to discover, whilst testing the limits.

In the legendary ancient Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali, Sutra 2.46 mentions ‘Sthira Sukham Asanam’, ‘Sthira’ meaning unwavering/stability and ‘Sukham’ being comfortable/sweetness. In regards to postures and edge exploration, this can be seen as applying a subtle effort to find that sweet spot right between the ease and the challenge. (On a cliff edge, you would have the perfect view of below without being blown off the top).

The majority of cultures around the world live their life through thanks - really taking the time, energy and enjoyment for the acknowledgement of this blessing of life. It seems we’ve lost our way somewhat. I learnt recently that the Hawaiian saying of Ho’oponono ‘I’m sorry; Please forgive me; Thank you; I love you’, used to only be ‘Thank you, I love you’, before we began destroying our home, this Earth. Giving thanks is natural and indeed needed. We as Westerners can probably most likely relate this to prayers before eating, perhaps in a religious concept, which it need not be. Simply to remember with true respect allows us to keep it all sacred.

Kleshas are something I've known of my whole life, but had never put a name to. Basically, they're all the pesky things holding you back. Or more literally, 'poisons'. They come under five main titles: avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego), raga (attachment), dvesha (avoidance) and abhinivesha (fear). From a Yogic perspective these are seen as the root cause of all suffering.

There is a certain kind of magic that I experience when I am in Peru that is hard to express in words. In the weaving of majestic landscapes, humble people, its’ culture, ancient history and mystical treasures, transports me to a place where I feel like everything vibrates and shines a bit more brightly. A place where I feel like the veil between this world and the spirit world is at it’s thinnest. A place where I feel more vitally alive…

Plants are sentient, intelligent, perceptive souls. Of course they are. They just aren’t as loud as us about it. You'll find that every plant has its own frequency and thus its own unique effect towards you. Combining their use with meditation, appreciation and mindfulness of the medicine allows a synergistic bond to form between you both.

I'm convinced that if everyone created a letter to the universe, they would find more direction and follow their soul purpose (what fulfils one whilst also contributing to the whole) with ease. It is such an empowering thing.

This year the Equinox is on September 22nd at 9:54pm EDT.  The Equinox occurs twice a year when the sun crosses the celestial equator. At this time, we on earth experience equal hours of light and dark. And as the Sun enters Libra, there is a shift in the cosmic energies towards harmony and equilibrium.

Can you think of the precise moment when you knew that things would never be the same? When you decided that it was time to shed, to expand, to grow, to harmonize, to heal, to activate, to step up, to surrender? 

In which ways do Yoga and Permaculture intersect?

Whilst on Awakened Spirit’s Sacred Earth Yoga Teacher Training, the Principles of Permaculture were passed along to us. Permaculture is the sustainable merging of people with nature that creates an ecosystem for all to thrive in. The ideals of this concept were coined by the duo David Holmgren and Bill Mollison and have since inspired many conscious humans (including myself!) to live by their values. This echos beautifully what yogic philosophy teaches us: when we embody these ancient principles, we are forging and creating a more harmonious existence with the world within and around us.

In today’s world of Yoga, exploring our edge is something heard often - but what exactly does that mean? It involves leaving that much loved zone of comfort in order to find real area for growth, having the bravery to peer into into the uncertainty of not knowing yet wanting to discover, whilst testing the limits.

In the legendary ancient Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali, Sutra 2.46 mentions ‘Sthira Sukham Asanam’, ‘Sthira’ meaning unwavering/stability and ‘Sukham’ being comfortable/sweetness. In regards to postures and edge exploration, this can be seen as applying a subtle effort to find that sweet spot right between the ease and the challenge. (On a cliff edge, you would have the perfect view of below without being blown off the top).

Can you think of the precise moment when you knew that things would never be the same? When you decided that it was time to shed, to expand, to grow, to harmonize, to heal, to activate, to step up, to surrender? 

I think us Yogis would all agree just how much we adore Yoga.

So why is it so darn hard sometimes to just roll the mat out and get on with it?

Whatever the reason, we’ve all been there.

So how do we get past it and get on that mat?

Here’s some motivation for exactly that…

In today’s world of Yoga, exploring our edge is something heard often - but what exactly does that mean? It involves leaving that much loved zone of comfort in order to find real area for growth, having the bravery to peer into into the uncertainty of not knowing yet wanting to discover, whilst testing the limits.

In the legendary ancient Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali, Sutra 2.46 mentions ‘Sthira Sukham Asanam’, ‘Sthira’ meaning unwavering/stability and ‘Sukham’ being comfortable/sweetness. In regards to postures and edge exploration, this can be seen as applying a subtle effort to find that sweet spot right between the ease and the challenge. (On a cliff edge, you would have the perfect view of below without being blown off the top).

The majority of cultures around the world live their life through thanks - really taking the time, energy and enjoyment for the acknowledgement of this blessing of life. It seems we’ve lost our way somewhat. I learnt recently that the Hawaiian saying of Ho’oponono ‘I’m sorry; Please forgive me; Thank you; I love you’, used to only be ‘Thank you, I love you’, before we began destroying our home, this Earth. Giving thanks is natural and indeed needed. We as Westerners can probably most likely relate this to prayers before eating, perhaps in a religious concept, which it need not be. Simply to remember with true respect allows us to keep it all sacred.

We feel you! We have the travel bug too. We love adventures.