Pranayama (Breathwork) for Reducing Stress - 7 Simple Techniques to Try at Home - Yoga Philosophy Basics: Part 4
Pranayama, or breathwork, is a key component of a yoga practice. Known as the 4th Limb of Yoga, it’s about using our breath to cleanse, heal and grow on our personal journeys. Recent studies show that breathwork improves brain functioning, reduces stress, calms our emotions and supports our physical health. Whether or not you’ve previously practised this, the tips and techniques I share here will support you into a stronger understanding of this yoga ‘limb’…
7 Asanas (Yoga Poses) for Relaxation - Yoga Philosophy Basics: Part 3
The practice of asana - yoga postures - is one of many parts of the yogic path to deeper self-connection, freedom and truth. When practised with presence, attention and purpose, asana offers a wise integration of mind and body, helping us to relax physically and mentally, as well as to strengthen physically and mentally.
These are my favourite poses for stretching the key areas in our body that often become tight. Try them out, explore different ways to do them that works for you, and use your breath to let go into a release…
The Yamas and Niyamas of Yoga - Yoga Philosophy Basics: Part 2
The yamas and niyamas of yogic philosophy are 2 of the 8 Limbs of Yoga. They represent our relations or attitudes towards others (yamas) and ourselves (niyamas). Each one of us, whether conscious of this or not, has certain morals, views and behaviours we live our lives by. The yamas and niyamas offer a guide here and have been called the ‘golden keys to unlock the spiritual gates’…
What are the 8 Limbs of Yoga? - Yoga Philosophy Basics: Part 1
Yoga is, at its heart, a philosophy on life and our journey deeper within ourselves. Many of us may think of yoga as a physical practice, with some mindfulness and breathwork to set it apart from a gym workout. But yoga postures (i.e. the physical practice) are just one part of this wider philosophy, and one ‘limb’ - or ‘petal’ - of the ‘8 Limbs of Yoga’…
Working with the Chakras: Journal Prompts for Reflection
The Chakras’ wisdom can illuminate parts of is that require nurturing, healing and growth. In this post, I share different journal prompts that you can use to reflect on each chakra, and the way it may be influencing your life right now…
What are the Chakras? & How to Balance Them
The Chakras are energy points in the human body. Each energy point relates to different parts of the human experience, and we can use this system as a way to heal, grow and balance our inner and - in turn - outer world. We can experience more wholeness and alignment when all chakras (and the energies they represent) are appropriately balanced and free to interact with each other…
A Niyama Practice for Self-Love
The Niyamas of yogic philosophy are one of the most approachable yoga topics. They can guide us in our daily lives, encouraging inward reflection and growth, and showing up better in the world as a result of this.
For the past 30 days, I’ve been doing a daily niyama practice for cultivating self-love, which inspired me to share some light and my interpretations on this yogic wisdom. I’ve felt so connected and nourished by my daily practice, that I’ll be extending it as an ongoing daily ritual. I’ll be sharing how you can do this practice for creating self-love within…