The summer solstice is a celebration of life, light, happiness and abundance. We expressed this ancient, Celtic festival through a dance of breath and movement, a yoga tandava. This experience was enhanced by the ambient, Indian sounds of the sitar, played live by Finn Petcher and the soulful songs of April Rose Moodie. Read More…
Brooklands Barn, Arundel, West Sussex, 29 – 31 May 2015The journey of yoga creates a path for you to explore the beauty of your body, your breath, your being on the simplicity of a yoga mat. Momentarily, there is a shimmering glimpse, an insight into the loving, blissful, light that is your soul. These fleeting experiences lighten our hearts, yet we are quickly absorbed into the distractions of daily life.
The spring equinox will take place on March 20th in 2015. ‘Equinox’ is a Latin word, meaning ‘equal night’; therefore an equinox signifies a moment when the length of day and night are almost equal.
During the course of a year, the Earth completes one orbit around the sun. When the sun is crossing the celestial equator (the projection of the equator in the sky), the Earth’s equator and the centre of the sun are directly aligned. Day and night are of nearly equal length, creating universal balance and harmony.
The direction of the sun on the Spring Equinox is upward (northern hemisphere), so it is a time to rise with the rhythms of nature; light and lifted towards a deep sky and golden sun. Read More…
In many parts of the world, the month of February is a time to celebrate the eternal emotion of love. Love is the freedom to fly; that brings your soul alive; that unites two hearts entwined. The love that is in your heart creates the light that illumines your world. The deeper you love, the brighter your soul, thus humanity’s heart is deeply moved and touched by the power of love.
Glastonbury is said to be the heart chakra of the world. The depths of ancient history, the rising hills and sacred sites create a magical energy that resonates with both heart and soul. There is a deep earthy energy that resides in the land; water energy flows through the Somerset Levels, where the sea used to roll in and out to the base of the Tor; the Tor reaches majestically to the sky. It is a magical place that is steeped myth, folklore, history and a deep sense of spirituality.
Our stunning sunshine days and the light of the summer Solstice is gently turning towards the deeper shades of autumn. Tones of amber, red, orange and gold will bless our days; a glow of warmth, colour and beauty. The Earth, the Sun, our being embracing the flow of nature.
The sun is celebrated all around the world as a symbol of life, light, energy, vibrancy, happiness and abundance.
The day with the longest period of light and sunshine is June 21st: Summer Solstice. This ancient festival is celebrated worldwide with blessings, salutations, revelry, dance and yoga. Read More…
Anatomical alignment of yoga asana creates a sense precision and presence in the body, ensuring that the sadhaka (yogi) experiences the optimal physical benefits of each pose. When a yoga posture is performed correctly, the skeletal and muscular systems are safely aligned and supported; organs and glands are massaged and stimulated; the body is opened and stretched; the breath is deep and rich, purifying, oxygenating and energising the body. This is annamaya kosha, the physical layer of our being.
The esoteric body, the layer of our being beyond the physical, the spiritual body, is pranamaya kosha. This layer of our being has its own complex esoteric anatomy, consisting of seven major chakras, or energy centres; 72 nadis, or channels which distribute prana throughout the body and chakras; marma points, or smaller energy centres. There are a myriad of other aspects, which create our unique being. Read More…
‘Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better you practice, the brighter the flame’ – B.K.S Iyengar
This is a burning desire to go deeper, to know ourselves and our spirit more. It is the fire inside the drives the Sadhaka, the yogi to explore their Sadhana, the disciplines of yoga practice. Tapas is what brings us to our mats, to read our yoga books, to study ancient, traditional scriptures, to become vegetarian or to make changes to our life style such as, practising ahimsa, non-violence . As our connections to yoga awaken, our tapas deepen and our inner, burning desire to go deeper strengthens. This is tapas:
‘Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better you practice, the brighter the flame’ – B.K.S Iyengar
I began my first yoga Teacher Training diploma in November 2011 Read More…
How does the practice of yoga serve to heal the human body, mind and spirit?
The great sages, spiritual leaders and ancient yogis have explored and revered the deeply healing and transformative effects of yoga through the ages. Yoga has survived and revived to serve humankind from east to west, as a physically and spiritually developmental practice. Patanajli explains, ‘By dedicated practice of the various aspects of yoga, impurities are destroyed: the crown of wisdom radiates in glory’ (sutra 2.28), on which B.K.S Iyengar reflects that ‘yoga can cure or lessen physical, mental, moral or spiritual suffering’. This essay will consider how sadhana creates this process of healing and purification in the body, spirit and mind.
"Heidi’s classes are uniquely empowering and her personalised, friendly approach always makes me feel supported and well cared for."
Jessica Burgess
"Thank you for your absolute brightness and devotion to other people's happiness."
Craig Dines
Read the full article in
Om Yoga Magazine.
