JUNE 2015 - 4.

25

YOGA

WIN

board games

a 6 Day
Retreat
in Italy

10 paddle board poses

anyone can do

Follow
your
heart

Deal or
no deal
5 valuable
negotiating
lessons

love-shaped
cycle routes

Yoga Teacher Training

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE

OM Meets Meghan Currie

Conscious parenting press the pause button
Posh Picnics impress with our picnic treats
Summer nutrition tips love your body

OM Magazine
Issue 52, June 2015
Published by:

Prime Impact, Park House,

The Rural Business Centre,
Earls Colne Business Park,
Earls Colne, Colchester,
Essex CO6 2NS
Tel: 44 (0) 1787 224040
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The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing

in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do
not neccessarily represent the views of the Publisher. The Publisher cannot accept
liability for any loss arising from the later appearance or non publication of any
advertisement. Information about products and services featured within the editorial
content does not imply an endorsement by OM Magazine. OM Magazine is not
intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment
of a doctor, qualified therapist, nutritionist or dietician. Always consult your doctor
before undertaking any exercise programme.
Every effort is made to ensure that all advertising is derived from reputable sources.
OM Magazine cannot, however, accept responsibility for transactions between
readers and advertisers

Contributors
Paula Hines

A dedicated yoga practitioner and teacher from London, Paula

writes our Teachers Tales column. She is also a freelance writer with
a decades worth of experience in comedy script development and
comedy writing credits for CBBC, Radio 4 and BBC Three. Find out
more at: ucanyoga.co.uk

Larry McClain

Larry McClain is a writer based in Nashville, Tennessee in the USA

who has been influenced by Vedanta writers from Shankara to Eknath
Easwaran. He has written for MusicRow magazine and other music
industry publications, plus many leading business and travel magazines.
He blogs at: peeringthroughmaya.blogspot.com

Helen Cloots

Helen Cloots is a personal wellness consultant and a leading yoga

instructor in San Diego. Helen has her own website, Balancing Wellness,
dedicated to a more balanced way of living. Originally from Texas, her
passion for being outdoors has led her down the path of Paddle Board
Yoga instruction. In this issue she provides a guide to paddle board yoga
poses for everyone. Find out more at: balancingwellness.com

Regular contributors:

Siri Arti; Conscious Parenting

Lesley Dawn; Life and Loves
Paula Hines; Teachers Tales
Adam Hocke; Teacher Speak
Jill Lawson; Meditation Of The Month
Denise Leicester; Natural Born Beauty

Deb Mac; Whats Your Affirmation

Jonathan Schofield; Beginners Blog
Sarah Swindlehurst; Yoga Therapy
Lexie Williamson; OM Lite
Julia White; Yoga & Aromatherapy

Skye Heston Cates & Jess Trudeau photographed for

the cover of OM Yoga and lifestyle magazine issue 52
by Matt Fricovsky (mattf.me)

Welcome
Roll out the picnicblankets...summer is finally upon
us. Yes, that means its time to take your yoga
outdoors - in the garden, in the park, on the beach,
or anywhere else you can find a little space to
salute the sun. Go grab that fresh sunshine vitality
and lift your practice to new all-natural, super
healthy highs.
And if thats not enough for you, then this month
also brings with it the first ever International Yoga Day as well. Mark the date
in your diary now: June 21, 2015. Its also the day of the summer solstice, the
longest day in the year, which makes it even more magical.
There are countless events planned to celebrate. If youre not sure what to
do then come to our very own OM International Yoga Day, in the grounds of
Londons iconic Alexandra Palace. A real party in the park, it includes all day
yoga and meditation, from sunrise to sunset, with some of the worlds top
instructors. And the best bit: its free. Its going to be one incredible day.
To get you in the mood weve got some great new yoga stories and
sequences in this issue. Check out our interviews with inspirational figures like
American yoga superstar Meghan Currie (page 36). Or get inspired by Mariya
Gancheva, who successfully combines a high stress career in the financial
sector with her passion for teaching Kundalini yoga.
If youre really looking to expand your practice, and are thinking about
training to become a yoga instructor, then this is definitely the right place
to be. Inside, we have a bumper special report on yoga teacher training.
Find out from the experts what it all involves and what it takes to succeed,
starting on page 58.
Whatever your plans, whatever yoga style youre into weve even got
some paddle board yoga inside weve got your back. There really is
something for everyone in this issue. Have a great month, folks.

OM in 30 seconds
Youve got to resonate with your yoga
teacher trainer, or guide, as youll be
spending a whole lot of time together.
Yoga Teacher Training Report
(page 58)

Live life your way: dont succumb to

pressure from your yoga peers to
act or be a certain yoga stereotype.
Its All In The Mind (page 110)

I practice where I can, when I can, and

listen to what comes, rather than a
specific daily sequence or routine.
OM Meets...Meghan Currie
(page 36)

This months competitions

& giveaways
Win an All-Inclusive 6 Day Abundance
Yoga Retreat in Italy Value 1240
Page 35

facebook.com/ommagazine
twitter.com/omyogamagazine

WORDS OF WIDSOM

To be yourself in a world that is

constantly trying to make you something
else is the greatest accomplishment.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Boutique Luxury Hand Art Therapy: Extraordinary

Care Duo page 116
Gardens page 116

Plus many more inside

5

June 2015
OM Regulars

OM FM

Editors Letter

54 Boys On Film: A Day In The Life

My Secret Place

10

Letters

12

Yoga Changed My Life

14

The 1,000-Year-Old Yoga Class

15

Whats Your Affirmation

16

Amazing Spaces

18

Natural Born Beauty

20

Fashion: Passion Statement

24

Planet Yoga

32

Of A Yoga Photographer

56 Stop, Thief: Yoga In The Park Can

Hurt Your Finances

57 Man On The Mat:

Trident (Tri Dandasana)

Cover
Story

OM Teacher Training
62 7 Things To Look For In A Yoga
Teacher Training Course
64

Its Been Emotional

66

To Teach Or Not To Teach

Take time out with the House of Jai

68

Be Prepared

Yoga At Home

70 What Really Happens On

A Yoga Course?

28 Love Your Body:

Cover
Story

Contents

35 Competition: Win An All-Inclusive 6 Day

72

Know Yourself

116 Giveaways

74

Kids Rule, Okay!

127 Yoga & Aromatherapy: Orange oil

76

Role Models

138 Life & Loves Of A Yoga Teacher

78

Pop The Question

146 OM Lite: Mission Meditation

80

Its All In The Detail

82

Take Five

84

The Business Of Yoga

Abundance Yoga Retreat In Italy

OM Body
Cover
Story

36

Cover
Story

OM Meets...Meghan Currie

40 Board Games: 10 Paddle Board Yoga

Poses Anyone Can Try

44

Yoga Therapy: Indigestion

46

A Love Letter To My Hamstring

86 Turn Your Yoga Teaching Into A

Yoga Business
88 From Baby Teacher To
Brilliant Teacher
90

Lifelong Learning

92

Home Education

Kapinyalasana (Partridge Pose)

94

The Little Things

50

Rave Culture: The Rise Of The Yoga Rave

96

Quality Control

52

Yoga A-Z: K Is For Kapotasana

98

Next Steps

48 The Partridge Family: Understanding

100 A Uniquely Personal Journey

102 Inside Knowledge
104 Tales From A Trainee
6

OM Mind
106 Ego Friendly: Meditation For A Healthy Ego
108 One Minute Mindfulness: Mindfulness
Exercises You Can Do Anywhere

106

110 Its All In The Mind: The Pressure Of Living

112
140

Up To High Yogic Ideals

OM Spirit
112 Letting Go 101: Classic Teachings To
Dissolve Those Attachments

114 Ayurvedic Clinic: Mouth Hygiene

OM Living
Cover
Story

117 Posh Picnics: healthy, delicious and

Cover
Story

122  Nutrition Zone: Summer Nutrition

nutritious picnic food

- Love your body this summer season

OM Family
124 10 Things To Do For Your Children:
The deep educational messages of yoga

Cover
Story

Cover
Story

126 Conscious Parenting: Press the pause button

OM Actions
128 Deal Or No Deal: Five simple tips
for better negotiating

130 Teachers Tales: Know more learning

131 Teacher Speak: Listen to your body
132 Starting Out: How to be a yoga rockstar, part 4

50 40

Cover
Story

134 Follow Your Heart:

Fill your bike ride with love and joy

136 Kundalini And The City - OM chats to

Kundalini Lounge founder Mariya Gancheva

58

OM Travel
140 Welcome To The Jungle: A magical yoga
adventure in the tree tops in India

26 Subscription
Subscribe today to OM
Magazine and receive
a Green People Facial Sun
Cream worth 14.95*

om beginnings

My secret place
Location Navesink River, Red Bank, New
Jersey, USA
Eleonora Zampatti
Yogi
Photo Callum Garrity
The picture shows Eleonora Zampatti in a small harbour facing the Navesink River in
Red Bank, New Jersey. An Italian native, shes now a full-time yoga teacher in nearby
Monmouth County. Its a tranquil place thats ideal for some time out. After battling with
depression and domestic abuse, Zampatti now uses yoga to bring healing to others
and to raise awareness of both issues. I live a very hectic and busy life and sometimes
I need to disconnect to connect; to leave my phone behind, forget about the day and
quiet my mind, she says. These are the moments where I turn off the often bright lights
of the world and allow myself to surrender to the soft darkness of my soul. The river
helps me to connect to the motion of life.

om beginnings

om beginnings

Word up

Love OM magazine and want to tell the world? Heres your chance

line

Life changing
After dabbling in yoga for around 12 years, and
being semi serious for three, last year I decided
to go to the OM Yoga Show in Manchester. It was there that
I started my subscription to OM magazine. I can safely say
that day changed my life. Each month, I look forward to
reading your magazine cover-to-cover. In the past year, it has
encouraged me to go on a yoga retreat, start my foundation
in yoga, and now to register for yoga teacher training. The
positive effect this has had on my life cannot be overstated.
I never imagined when I walked up the steps to the exhibition
last year that in almost 12 months I would have found a new
focus and future. So thank you team OM for a great exhibition
and a wonderful monthly treat that keeps me developing
myself inside and out.
Helen Munn, by email

Look, my
first magazine
cover! Now I
just need to
learn to read...
Natiya Guin

Together time

Ive just finished an important yoga session with my four-year-old

in the living room. We had a look through the latest OM magazine
and tried out some poses. Generally, she chooses what we do
and I go with it. Sometimes I will go through a sequence and
she will join in when she wants. I love practicing with her. Being a
full-time midwifery student, part-time masseuse and a mother is
hard work. Yoga is my base. Sharing it with my daughter is a gift
(although I do sneak in as many private sessions as I can manage
too). Thank you for your magazine which helps keep me focused,
motivated and provides my little one with lots of inspiring pictures
to explore. There really is something for everyone inside. We love
trying the recipes too!
Mary Flynn, London

WRITE IN AND WIN!

Send your letters to

OM Letters, Prime Impact, Old School,
Colchester Road, Wakes Colne,
Colchester, Essex, CO6 2BY

Email us at: editor@ommagazine.com

Tweet us your thoughts: @OMYogaMagazine
Write on our wall: facebook.com/ommagazine

10

What you said about

us on social media

I love yoga but Im NOT sticking to it. If I can do a

successful week (at least 5 sessions) Ill reward myself with the
new @OMYogaMagazine!
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Love it when my @OMYogaMagazine lands on my
doorstep! #yoga #abouttocurlup&readit
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And now for some yoga practice, Vienna planning and @
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@chloe65019838

Send in your letters to OM Yoga and

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Month will win:
Mat Bag worth
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A VOYAGE TO TASTE DISCOVERY

Join us on a trip to Cocogonia: a Mecca of taste. To get the
ball rolling, weve put together 4 new organic coconut products.
Full steam ahead !
ITS COCONUT, ITS NEW, ITS A SUCCESS
Thrilled by the success of our RICE-COCONUT DRINK, weve created 4 new
coconut-based products with other plant-based ingredients. The COCONUTALMOND DRINK introduces a unique blend of exotic coconut with a subtle taste
of almonds. The new RICE-COCONUT-PINEAPPLE DRINK is a delicious new
unsweetened mocktail with coconut and fresh organic pineapple. Moreover, we
are adding a thrilling new drink to the mix in a convenient 200ml carton for all
you people on the go; our RICE-COCONUT-CHOCOLATE DRINK. Provamels got
it covered in the cool cabinet, too. Chilling on the cool shelf is another delectable
coconut goody. Our creamy SOYA-COCONUT PLANT-BASED ALTERNATIVE
TO YOGURT zero sugars only contains quality proteins extracted from the very
best soya. As its unsweetened, you can use it to flavour both sweet and savoury
dishes. Or just enjoy its pure taste on its own. Our new COCONUT-SOYACHOCOLATE DESSERT is sure to go down a treat with everyone; a wonderfully
tropical dessert made from organic cocoa and summery coconut.

WELCOME TO COCOGONIA AND SHARE YOUR RECIPES

ON INSTAGRAM, #PROVAMEL
The fictional coconut world of Cocogonia has been created especially for
you. Explore our broad and sustainable 100% organic coconut range with
a map that marks a trail to delicious coconut recipes. You can even win a
glamping trip in our cooking competition. Up for the challenge? Just take
a photo of your dish made with one of our Provamel coconut products,
and share it on Instagram, #provamel. Stuck for ideas? Click through
the Provamel recipe page www.provamel.com. Read all about Cocogonia
at www.provamel.com/cocogonia and live the experience in your local
organic shop and health food supermarket. Lets go!

PURE ORGANIC COCONUTS

Our organic coconuts from Sri Lanka are grown sustainably
and transported by boat, cutting down the carbon footprint.
As with all Provamel ingredients, our coconuts are 100%
organic and do not contain pesticides, artificial fertilisers or
any genetically-modified substances.
Provamel products are available in organic and health food
supermarkets.

Follow us on

www.provamel.com/cocogonia

om beginnings

Yoga changed
my life
Lea Schodel says yogas teachings have influenced
every aspect of her life for the better
Name

Lea Schodel

Age
32

Occupation

Money coach, financial

planner & yoga teacher

Yoga Years
5+

Why did you start yoga

Flow Yoga
Retreat
in Ibiza

with Stephanie Aulestia

Aug. 29th - Sep. 05th 2015
This retreat is designed to take
time to (re)connect with yourself
while deepening your practice,
energize your body and quiet
your mind in a peaceful, safe &
warm environment surrounded by
beautiful nature.
2 yoga & meditation session / day,
double room accommodation,
all meals

Limited to 12 people, Transportation

& transfers not included.

Schedule & reservation:

www.zenenergy.net

Like many others, I started yoga purely for the physical benefits it offers. I had a goal to
increase my flexibility and tone up. After developing a regular practice I realised there was
much more to yoga than sun salutations, downward dogs and a nice long savasana.

How has yoga changed your life

Whilst I love yoga asana, it is the study of yoga philosophy that has changed my life. I am a
financial planner and after 15 years in the industry, studying yoga changed the way I look
at money, how I teach others about money and how I work with and empower my clients.
Patanjalis 8 Limbs of Yoga holds many key messages that we can use in our life and in our
finances. Money should be spoken about and managed using both left and right sides of
our brain. So rather than just focus purely on the numbers, calculations and projections,
we need to also focus on our emotions, behaviours and money personality. Yoga has
also provided me with a stronger connection to myself, a greater sense of self-belief and
confidence in who I am, my purpose and the message I want to share with the world.

Favourite yoga haunts

I find my flow when I practice yoga outdoors. I find being outside brings a sense of grounding
and deeper connection to nature, our surrounds and the universe as a whole. I love to hear
the sound of the birds during my practice and the feel of the sun on my skin in savasana.

Best yoga moment

Leading a guided meditation at the end of the first yoga class I taught. Seeing everyone
completely relaxed and in their own space in that moment was so humbling. I felt a great
sense of connection and gratitude to them for allowing me to share their space and yoga
practice. It was a beautiful moment of personal growth, filled with satisfaction and gratitude.

What else

Yoga is so much more than the asana. The yogic philosophy is beautiful. It encompasses
everything in life: our relationship to ourselves, others and the universe. When I practice,
teach or study yoga, I find flow and that sense of flow manifests through all facets of my
life: my relationships and ultimately my happiness. To practice yoga for me is freedom.

13

om beginnings

The 1,000-year-old yoga class

Yoga group with a combined
age of over a thousand

ogas healthy living and longevity benefits are legendary,

but 1,000-years-old? Surely not?
OM recently caught up with a group of yoga fans
gathered for a special over-55s class, held at Northolt
Leisure Centre in London.
The two eldest participants in the class were 80 years young, with
the group as a whole boasting a collective age of more than 1,000.
Thats a millennium, folks, and a whole lot of history. To put that in
context, the Battle of Hastings was less than a thousand years (only
just, in 1066).
Well, weve heard of people in their seventies, eighties and even
nineties doing yoga - the worlds oldest practicing yoga teacher Tao
Porchon-Lynch in the USA is now 94 - so why not?
More and more yoga seniors are certainly taking to the mat these
days for all its many wellbeing benefits.
The special class was led by Iyengar yoga teacher Liz Elder, herself
aged 66, and incorporated chair yoga as well as more challenging
positions, such as warrior pose.
The class was run as part of health drink Yakults own 80th
anniversary celebrations.

14

om beginnings

Whats your
affirmation?
An affirmation for love and authenticity.
By Deb Mac
I am open to all that life has
in store for me. Each and every
step of my journey is full of the
possibility of adventure, wonder
and, most of all, the sharing of
love wherever I go
Wherever you go remember to always sprinkle love. Be remembered for
the love imprint that you leave.
People will always remember how you treated them. How you make
someone feel is far more important than all of the superficial nonsense
we sometimes get caught up in. People wont remember how much you
weighed, how big your house was, what car you drove, how wonderful
your asanas looked or any of the small stuff.
Remember your ego is not your amigo. Im not sure where that
saying comes from but its so true.
Be willing to explore and never be afraid to share yourself with the
world. Shine your light. Never be fearful of your uniqueness, too scared
to love. Open your heart to life. The opposite of love is fear and when
we live in fear we close down. We close ourselves off from the endless
possibilities that life has to offer.
Live life so that at the end you can say I did love.
If you have love in your heart and you have your breath then you
have all that you need.
A life without love is an empty life. Love yourself, love others.
Be the love.

By Deb Mac (contentedlittlesoles.com)

om beginnings

Amazing
spaces

Stylish and inspiring studio

design ideas and interiors
Inner Guidance, London, UK
innerguidance.co.uk
Situated just 90 minutes from London, Inner Guidance Retreat
Centre has become a popular choice for yoga teachers to
hold their UK retreats. Sitting atop a hill and commanding
breathtaking views across unspoilt Suffolk countryside, the
huge studio space is impressive and inspiring.
Owner and yoga teacher Jo De Rosa says, Its a perfect
environment to teach, with natural light flooding in. And in
summer all three sets of south facing windows and doors open
up so that the outside can come in, and in winter months we
have roaring open fires.
With visits from the likes of Gandhi, Winston Churchill
and other world leaders, this space holds very clear,
peaceful, yet transformational energy. A visit here can be a
life-changing experience.
De Rosas husband Dominic is the centres clean-chef,
meaning you can roll out of class and into the 500-year-old
dining room next door for the ultimate in healthy eating: all
food is wheat, gluten, dairy, sugar and alcohol free. Enjoy
raw sushi, vegan pizza, raw chocolate mousse cake and
other fab dishes.

16

om beginnings

17

om beginnings
Natural Born Beauty

Summer
serenity
Salute the sun this summer season. By Denise Leicester
I love everything the sun represents: light,
life, warmth, power, growth, clarity, energy
and enlightenment to name a few. As the
summer solstice approaches (June 21 in
the northern hemisphere), its a great time
to celebrate love, abundance and joy; to
rejoice being on our amazing earth; and to
reflect on the peak of power and potential
the summer sun brings.
Solstice is from the Latin sol (sun) and
sistere (to stand still) a term coined
long ago when astronomers believed it was
the sun that moved around the earth. This
solstice, I invite you to take this meaning
quite literally and to take a moment to
stand still, in the sun, when its highest in the
sky and bestows upon us the most daylight
hours. Feel its life-giving warmth and
experience the culmination of its and your
journey to the brightest light. Harness
this energy in your own life, whether its to

18

achieve greater health, spirituality or clarity

on an issue.
Its also the perfect time to focus on the
manipura (or solar plexus) chakra, located
just above the navel. Meaning beautiful,
shining jewel in Sanskrit, manipura is our
power centre and core self: the meeting
and balancing point of our inner and outer
energies, linked to achievement and the
power of transformation. Nurture and
harmonise this chakra during this period
through Kundalini yoga, eating certain
nutritious foods, targeted treatments,
breathing and meditation and flood your
entire being with a renewed energy that
radiates warmth, joy and vitality.
I love using Linden blossom at this time
of year too a little sun-yellow flower and
healing essential oil. Considered sacred by
many cultures, the Linden tree represents love
and compassion. Its a wonderfully emotive

ingredient that opens the heart, helps one tap

into the great mother energy, and channel
love and loyalty, peace and protection.

Conscious Beauty

Meditating on this article, I was reminded of

wishing boats: little floating vessels made
out of natural materials, into which flowers
and candles are traditionally placed along
with ones hopes and wishes, before being
sent off into a body of water. Recreate this
offering in your own home. Run a bath,
perhaps with a few Linden blossom drops,
and/or rose petals, and light a candle.
Visualise releasing and washing away all
of your worries and tension. Focus on
the flickering light and allow feelings of
abundance and joy to grow and flow. Happy
summer solstice.

Denise Leicester is the founder of ila-spa.com

om beginnings

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om beginnings

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om beginnings

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om beginnings

Planet yoga
Stories from around the weird and
wonderful world of yoga

USA

UK
USA

Cool dude

Yoga fashion group lululemon is to open

its first retail store in icy Alaska this year.
The company is looking to open up in
Anchorage later this summer, its first
shop in the USAs far northern state,
which sits above Canada. The brand,
based in Vancouver, British Columbia,
currently occupies a small showroom
area in the western part of the city. Its
a sign that yoga is getting hot in the
frozen north too. Alaskas also a place
populated by polar bears and igloos.
How cool is that?

24

No Regulation

Yogis in Colorado are celebrating after the

states governor signed into a law a bill to
shield yoga teaching programmes from
further regulation. The bill was passed
after yoga training studios received letters
from a state agency in 2014 looking to
step up oversight on all yoga teacher
training schemes. The idea brought a
storm of protests from studio owners.
Governor John Hickenlooper (pictured)
signed the bill to exempt teacher
training programmes from the additional
occupational training regulation.

Vote Green

If you do yoga youre more likely to be

agreeable, conscientious, and vote for
the Green Party, according to a study from
the British Heart Foundation into what
your sport says about your personality. It
suggests that yogis tend to be organised
and find it easy to put themselves into
other peoples shoes and one of the least
materialistic groups. Cyclists are more
likely to be emotionally stable, runners
the most extrovert, and walkers the least
materialistic of all. Oh, and in case youre
wondering, swimmers make the best lovers.

om beginnings

How can yoga

increase wellbeing
in schools?

India

The Instill conference

aims to explore the
connections between
wellbeing research,
yoga and education.

India

Celebration day

Dont forget: June 21 marks the first ever

International Yoga Day. Thousands of
yoga celebrations are expected around
the world after the United Nations backed
the idea first proposed by Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi. Look out for
events wherever you are. If youre in or
around London on the big day, theres free
yoga up for grabs at OMs International
Yoga Day at the capitals beautiful
Alexandra Palace. Plenty of yoga and
meditation from sunrise to sunset led by
top teachers from the UK and overseas.

The perks of the job

Want to know where your tax money

goes? Indias government is to provide
free daily yoga classes for its three million
employees and their families, according
to reports. Prime Minister Narendra
Modi (pictured), a big yoga fan, is keen
to promote the ancient discipline in an
effort to foster clean living values among
central government workers. The teetotal
vegetarian premier is said to have been
shocked last year at the habits of some
civil servants for arriving late and taking
long lunches.

CPD
EVENT

13th July 2015

9.00-5.00pm
SOAS, Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre,
Russel Sq, London WC1
www.teenyogafoundation.com/events

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27

om beginnings

Love your body

Take time out for yourself with yoga in the House of Jai
Warm up before doing this sequence: a couple of minutes core work and maybe five rounds of moon and/or sun
salutations would suffice. You can play with the timing for the sequence that works for you. Try going through the
poses slowly for a round or two and hold each move for five breaths. Or, try the sequence a few times holding just one
breath per pose. Above all, enjoy yourself.

Supta Padangusthasana B

Lie on your back and hug your right knee into your chest. Yogi-toe-lock
the right big toe. Externally rotate the right thigh bone and send the heel
forward as you bring the leg out to the side. Use your left hand to keep
your left pelvichalf grounded to the floor. Keep collar bones wide and
both shoulder blades down on the floor. Hold for about eight breaths.

SUPPORT: Grab the outer or inner right thigh instead of taking

yogi-toe-lock if the hamstrings are tight. The leg does not need
to be completely straight. Prioritise keeping the hips even and
the spine long.

2
Supported Vasisthasana

From plank pose send your left hand forward an inch or two
and roll to the outer edge of the left foot as you maintain
balance on the left hand. Step your right foot onto the mat
just below your hips. Be sure to keep your left shoulder
blade integrated onto your back and widen in the chest and
ribs. Draw your left ribs and hip away from the floor without
banana curving your spine. Think tadasana (mountain pose)
in the spine as you step strongly into your right foot. Hold for
five breaths.

28

om beginnings

Trikonasana

Wake up both legs strongly and open your arms to a t.

Reach forward before you fold over your right long leg. Keep
your spine long as you plant down through your right hand.
Send your tailbone towards your back heel and reach your
chest forward. Once again, be sure to integrate your right
shoulder blade onto the back and widen the collar bones.
Hold for about five breaths.
CHALLENGE: Yogi-toe-lock your right big toe.
SUPPORT: Use a block of any height under your right hand.

4
Arda Chandrasana

Place your right hand forward and slightly to the right of

your right foot. Slowly raise the left leg until its about hip
height. Flex the left foot like crazy and wake up your standing
leg. This is basically your vasisthasana here just standing on
your foot rather than on your hand.
CHALLENGE: Yogi-toe-lock your right big toe or press your
palms together at the heart to test your balance.
SUPPORT: Use a block of any height under your right hand.

Modified Anantasana

Lie on the left side of your body. Prop yourself up on your left elbow
but dont let the left shoulder shrug up to your ear. Press your left
forearm and elbow firmly into the floor to help you lift your left ribs
away from the mat. Grab the right outer thigh or knee. Externally
rotate the right thigh bone and send your right heel forward and
straighten the leg as much as you can. Hold for about five breaths.
CHALLENGE: Yogi-toe-lock your right toes instead of grabbing onto
the thigh.
SUPPORT: Dont straighten the leg. Just work the external rotation
at the right hip as you draw the right knee toward your right ear.

29

om beginnings

Full Vasisthasana

From low lunge, yogi-toelock your right big toe and roll onto
your left hand and outer left foot as you open your right leg
to the sky. Ground the inner edge of your left foot to the
floor. Externally rotate your right thigh bone and send the
right heel forward. Lift your left ribs and hip away from the
floor. Think tadasana (mountain pose) in the spine.
SUPPORT: You dont need to straighten your top leg to get
the benefit of the pose. Try grabbing the knee or the outer
thigh instead of taking yogi-toe-lock.

Model: Rebecca Ketchum (ketchumyoga.com)

Sequence: houseofjai.com
Photos: 2013NewYorkLens.com

Uttanasana

A nice deep forward fold to release the

lower back. Standing with the feet together,
hinging at your hips, let your head hang
with your palms relaxed toward the floor.

30

om beginnings

Beginner
Side Plank Pose Variation (Vasisthasana)
INTRODUCTION:
Side plank is one of our foundation arm balancing postures. It is a
great pose to practice when you start to incorporate arm balances
into your practice, as its relatively accessible and also has some
easier variations. It starts to test your balance, strength and
concentration, whilst simultaneously strengthening the arms, legs
and core. It should, however, be avoided if you have a wrist, elbow, or
shoulder injury.
INSTRUCTIONS:
From downward facing dog, shift your weight forward as you come
into a plank position with your shoulders above your wrists and your

32

feet hip distance apart. Step your feet together and roll onto the
outside edge of your right foot, stacking your left foot on top of your
right. Extend your left arm and take your gaze up towards your left
fingertips. Engage strongly through your legs and draw your navel in
as you lift your hips to create a straight line through your body.
If you need to modify, step your left foot half way forward and
press through the sole of your left foot. This modification will allow
you to still engage through your core in order to lift your hips. If you
are finding the balance tricky, look down towards your right hand.
Remain in the pose for five breaths before repeating on the other
side. You may also take rest in childs pose between each side.
Stay for five full breaths before repeating on the other side.

om beginnings

Intermediate
Side Plank Pose (Vasisthasana)
INTRODUCTION:
This full version of Vasisthasana requires balance, strength and
stability. Initially you may need to bend your knee in order to catch
hold of the big toe, but work towards entering the pose with a straight
leg. This requires flexibility in your hamstrings and a strong
and stable core. As before, avoid the pose if you have a wrist, elbow,
or shoulder injury.

INSTRUCTIONS:
Enter the posture from our beginners pose. As you inhale lift your left
leg up. Keep your left leg straight as you catch hold of the big toe.
Press down through the right foot, and lift your hips up as you engage
into your core. Take your gaze up towards your big toe and remain
here for five full breaths. To exit, slowly lower your left leg down,
followed by your left hand to the top of your left thigh. You may take
childs pose or come straight into the other side.
Stay for five full breaths before repeating on the other side.

33

om beginnings

Advanced
Visvamitrasana
INTRODUCTION:
Visvamitrasana requires flexibility in the hamstrings, hips, side body
and shoulders. Allow yourself plenty of time to warm up before
attempting this posture. Take some sun salutations followed by a few
hip opening postures such as Parsvakonasana and Malasana;
a few poses to lengthen your hamstrings, such as Supta
Padangushthasana or Hanumanasana, as well as some shoulder
openers. Avoid this posture if you have any shoulder, wrist or
sacroiliac joint injuries.
Visvamitrasana will develop strength through the whole body
as the body unfolds to cohesively create a strong line whilst still
maintaining a soft and steady breath.

Courtesy of StudioLiveTV
Claire Berghorst: studiolivetv.com/justloveyoga

34

INSTRUCTIONS:
From downward facing dog step your right foot forward to the outside
of your right hand. Pivot the back left heel down towards the mat, as
you would for Virabhadrasana 1. Start to edge the right foot forward
beyond your hand. Bend deep into your right knee and start to tuck
your right shoulder underneath your right thigh. Press down strongly
through your right hand. Engage your left thigh and press the sole
of the left foot into the mat. Start to get lighter into your left hand,
possibly coming onto your fingertips. Keep extending your right leg
forward as you lift your right leg up. Catch hold of the outside of your
right foot with your left and extend your right leg fully. Draw your right
shoulder and ribs back as you take your gaze up. Remain here for five
breaths before repeating on the other side. You may also take rest in
childs pose between each side.

om beginnings

Competition
Win an All-Inclusive 6 Day Abundance Yoga Retreat in
Italy Value 1240

Tune into the Abundance of Love, Peace and Harmony that are your
True Nature. Location: San Flaviano 15 Century Monastery, Perugia, Italy
Welcome to San Flaviano, The Land of Light Where the Doves Meet.
Where for 1500 years the weary have arrived to take the inner spiritual
journey of retreat to the peace, unconditional love and serenity of their
human heart.
Gently stretch your body with yoga flow to release old energy and
make space to be filled with revitalising Prana. Rest in love under the
ancient oaks while the birds sing of their joy for you and the mountain
breeze fills your lungs with fresh clean air. Eat of the food of Perugia il
cuore verde dellItalia the green heart of Italy and replenish your body,
mind & spirit.

Closing date: 19th June 2015

Terms and conditions apply.
To be taken any date in September 2015
No travel costs are included

The winning package includes:

l Six
 nights accommodation for one in double room
with private bathroom
l B
reakfast, lunch and dinners included
(veg and non-veg options available)
l All fruit juices, fresh spring water , local organic wine and chocolate.
l 2 yoga classes daily with David Yogasana
l Five-and-a-half actual teacher instructed days
l Complimentary welcome massage
l 2 BioEnergy Healing Sessions
l Optional morning and evening meditation sessions
l 2 Excursions to nearby medieval villages

www.abundanceyogaretreats.com

To enter please go to
ommagazine.com/abundance
35

om body

OM meets...

Meghan
Currie
36

om body

Love your life, love

your yoga. OM chats
to American yoga star
Meghan Currie about the
impact her own practice
has had on her life. Now
shes inspiring others to
live with passion and
vitality both on and off
the mat
How did you first get into yoga
From a very young age I suffered from anxiety
that sprouted from a deep misunderstanding
of myself and my sensitivities and therefore
developed a paralysing fear of life. This
eventually grew into destructive coping
techniques and addictions. When I was 13
I worked at a market, and across from my
stall was a man, Alex Jones, who sold his
meditation cassettes and books. He gave
them to me as well as my first yoga book,
Autobiography of a Yogi. I used his tapes and
book, which helped me to begin to understand
the deeper workings of life. When I was 19
I moved to Costa Rica and met a woman,
Nancy Goodfellow, who taught me my first
asana-based class. The effects were so
extraordinary in easing my anxious gut, that I
soon made it a daily practice.
What inspired you in those early days
I was always inspired by studying massage
and energy healing, magic, plant medicine and
native/tribal traditions as well as philosophy,
reading the writings of Carl Jung, Joseph
Campbell and Alan Watts. Creativity has
always been a natural outlet for me, where I
process so much and seem to develop deeper
understandings about life through drawing,
mixing concoctions, painting, writing songs
and designing clothing.
Tell us about the style you teach
I teach a strong alignment and breath based
vinyasa that refines ones connection to their
body-minds fullest potentials and strengths.
I focus on a multilayered approach that
formulates a clearing of the mind matter, that
which creates density and dysfunction, and
therefore realigns people with their natural
state of humble power, happiness, vitality, and
intuitive intelligence.

37

om body
What do you do other than yoga
I love to study, sauna, surf, snack, ride
motorbikes, make videos, draw and write.
I love spending time with my friends and
companions, talking dirty nonsense and
laughing for hours. I love drinking coffee and
puttering around or doing absolutely nothing.
I love cooking for people and exploring the
corners of this wild world and my psyche. I
love rolling in dirt, floating in salty waters and
wiping food off my face. I love loving.
Any memorable yoga moments
I recall how hard it was to go to yoga in the
beginning. I experienced such resistance and
fear and anxiety being in a hot sweaty room
sardined with dripping strangers. Haha...
its now something I enjoy like a creep. These
fears that come up are all worked through till
there is nothing left to fear. For me, this is the
medicine of yoga.

I experienced such
resistance and fear and
anxiety being in a hot
sweaty room sardined
with dripping strangers
How do you fit yoga and teaching
around your life
I practice where I can when I can and listen
to what comes, rather than a specific daily
sequence or routine. This works best for
my body and mind at the moment with my
schedule of constant travel and teaching.
What are your ambitions going forward
I am so grateful for every moment. I am not
necessarily ambition-less, however, I like
to take life as it comes as I believe it to be
unfolding in a far more genius way than I
could ever imagine with my linear process.
I love life so much and Im so excited to see
what happens, how it unfolds and what levels
of consciousness we will be exposed to.
Who knows?
Whats your personal motto
I have everything I need.
Why do you think others should take
up yoga
To realise ones full potentials and capacities
of our mind/bodies/spirits, to feel truly happy
and to remember how amazing our bodies
are, and how nature is. Life is a miracle.

Find out more about Meghan Currie at:

meghancurrieyoga.com

38

FIND MEGHAN CURRIE IN THE UK THIS SUMMER:

Sacred Mastery Yoga, May 22-25 (sacredmasteryyoga.com)
The Life Centre, June 5-6 (thelifecentre.com)
Yogacampus, June 5 (yogacampus.com)
Yoga Connects Festival, July 3-5 (yogaconnects.co.uk)

Why Online Yoga Teaching ?

OYT empowers you to practice high caliber yoga, on your time, whenever you see fit.
Each class is carefully designed for an optimal learning experience.
From India to your living room. Learn the techniques of mastery.
Experience an authentic immersion in the subtleties of Yoga.

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Whether you are looking to relax for
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We offer a class to fit your schedule

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Practice in the comfort of your space.
Your own schedule.

Techniques as taught in India without

travelling further than your home.
Founded on over two decades of

Your own pace.

practice, teaching and studying.

and needs.

Deepen your knowledge. Inspire your postures. Awaken to Purpose.

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39

om body

Board games
10 paddle board yoga poses anyone can try
If you love yoga, its likely youve heard of, or even done, some
stand up paddle board (SUP) yoga already. It has become a
popular fitness fusion involving practicing a yoga routine on a
paddle board while floating on water. The wind and constant
motion of the water only add to the intensity, while the occasional

passing bird, fish or dolphin really differentiates it from a

traditional land-based yoga practice. It seems like new classes
are popping up everywhere so weve put together a paddle board
sequence anyone can do for a happy and healthy life with some
help from SUP yoga, guru Helen Cloots

Down dog

This is a great pose to start with. It creates length through your

spine, helps you find balance on your board and connect to your
breath and the water. Spread your fingers wide and feel free to
pedal your feet. Let go of your day and get centred.

2
Chair

This pose builds strength in your legs

and core. The closer your feet are the
harder it is, so you can start with your
feet hip distance or wider. Chair pose
creates a sense of grounding, which can be
challenging when youre on a moving board.

40

om body

Modified crescent lunge

Place your feet on either side of the centre

line of the board because balance can
be tricky in crescent lunge. This is a great
pose for opening your hips, psoas, and
quadriceps. Really press your feet into your
board and engage your core.

Warrior 2

Warrior 2 is one of the trickiest poses you

can do on your board. It makes you feel like
a warrior when you finally find your balance,
but requires you to be strong, steady and
calm. Move slowly, and reach fingertips
forward and back.

5
Boat pose

This is a great pose to continue to build core

strength and stability, which is useful for
paddle boarding, yoga and any other sport.
You can challenge this pose by straightening
your legs and reaching your arms to the sky,
or doing boat crunches, lowering halfway
down then lifting back to boat.

41

om body

Garland (Malasana)

Garland pose opens your hips and low back,

and brings your centre of gravity toward
your board. Bring your feet wide, lower your
hips and breathe.

Headstand

One of my favourite poses on the board,

headstand flips your perspective and brings
fresh blood to your head. I love seeing the
water and sky upside-down and feel the
freedom of floating with my legs over my
head.

8
Thread the needle

This is a great pose to continue to build core

strength and stability, which is useful for
paddle boarding, yoga and any other sport.
You can challenge this pose by straightening
your legs and reaching your arms to the sky,
or doing boat crunches, lowering halfway
down then lifting back to boat.

42

om body

9
Full wheel

Backbends lengthen your spine, open your

chest, stretch your abdomen and help lift
your mood. This is an awesome pose to do
when youre feeling a bit down.

10
Savasana

Probably my favourite pose, especially

on a paddle board when its sunny.
Theres no better feeling than floating
along the water. I like to let my hands
and feet dangle into the water.

By Austin Cox with Isle Surf and SUP

(IsleSurfboards.com)

NEW TOESOX SUMMER RANGE

@ WWW.YOGAMAD.COM

NEW 2015
CATALOGUE

Are you a Yoga Teacher? Are you a studio owner? Apply for your Trade Account @
YOGAMAD.COM/WHOLESALE or call 01386 425920
Om Master with Strapline_v2.indd 1

24/04/2015 11:10:58

43

om body

YOGA THERAPY
Indigestion

Practical yoga therapy

The Problem
Indigestion (Dyspepsia) usually occurs
techniques to start you
after eating, and causes symptoms such
as discomfort in your upper abdomen or
on the road to health:
chest. A person can also get indigestion
physically, mentally,
anytime. The feelings of discomfort tend to
a burning feeling in the upper abdomen,
emotionally and spiritually. be
belching, pain/discomfort, and/or
feeling nauseous.
By Sarah Swindlehurst

44

The Solution

Most people have suffered with indigestion

at some time in their life, however if the
symptoms continue over more than three
days then consulting a GP would be advisable.
For the odd times of indigestion, breathing
and yoga will help to relieve the discomfort.
Also being mindful about what you eat and
making sure you chew your food fully before
swallowing will help immensely also.

om body
Yoga
Agni Sara

Start standing. Inhale through the nose and

then exhale and bend forwards pushing the
air out through the mouth. Hold the breath
out as you bring the body up half way. Place
your hands on your thighs with the knees
slightly bent (this structure supports your
spine). Still holding the breath out, hollow
out the abdomen by pulling it up towards the
spine, then push the belly out and in as many
times as you can. When you need to inhale,
do so through the nose with control and
stand up. Repeat three times.
Affirmation: I release and flow
(inhale/exhale)

Yoga
Marichyasana C
(Posture of Marichi)

Start sitting with the legs out in front. Bend

the right knee up and place the sole of the
foot close to the knee. Hold the right shin
with both hands. Inhale and stretch the right
arm up and then exhale as you place the
hand on the floor behind you at about a
hand distance away. Inhale and raise the left
arm up and then exhale place the left elbow
on the outside of the right knee. Inhale
lengthen up through the spine (use the
back arm/hand to lift you up rather than
to lean onto it) and exhale twist round to
look over your right shoulder. Look into the
far corners of the rights of the eyes. Hold
here for up to three to five breaths and then
exhale as you release the pose. Repeat on
the other side.
Affirmation: I breathe fully (inhale) and
I release any stagnant energy (exhale)

Yoga
Lion (Simhasana)

Starting in a kneeling position with the hands

held in fists in front of you. Inhale through the
nose (if you can) and then exhale out through
the mouth making a roar sound (like a lion),
whilst sticking your tongue out and opening
your fingers into a craw shape. Also as you
exhale, look at the tip of your nose (crossing
the eyes). Do this as many times as you like.
Affirmation: I am free (inhale/exhale)

Pranayama: Kapalbhati

Start sitting in crossed legged or lotus.

Inhale through the nose normally, and then
exhale whilst contracting the abdominal
muscles. Focus mainly on each exhalation,
and inhale without too much thought to it.
Exhale for as long as you can each time.
Then inhale. Repeat for about five minutes.
Affirmation: Use any of the affirmations
from above which you feel suit
you here.

Nutrition

Digestion starts in the mouth, so the first

port of call would be to be mindful when you
eat. Stop watching or reading anything whilst
eating and simply focus on your food. Always
eat sitting down and make sure you chew
your food fully (especially proteins) before
swallowing. Be mindful of what foods trigger
your indigestion and perhaps eliminate them
for a while. Drink plenty of water between meals
and avoid drinking anything with foods (wait at
least 30 minutes before or after eating).

What your body is saying?

Indigestion tends to be an indication that

you are struggling to digest something.
Perhaps you are having some kind of
difficulty assimilating experiences and/
or events in your life or in the moment.
Sometimes this can also be an indication
that you are struggling with change, and a
little stuck in some way in your thoughts,
environment, or in relationship. There is
an element of perfectionism in a person
who suffers with indigestion on a regular
basis. Indigestion is a symptom, wanting
you to make some positive changes in
Marichyasana C
(Posture of Marichi)

your lifestyle, in your thinking and in your

emotions. Writing a journal over a few weeks
and reading them later might also show
you some insights as to where something
is stuck.

Sarah Swindlehurst is the founder of The

Yogic Prescription (theyogicprescription.com)

45

om body

Dear right proximal hamstring tendon,

e go back a long way, dont we,
you and me? But I dont feel
as though I really got to know
you until recently. In the past I
just used you and took you for
granted. I can see now how wrong that was. Im only
sorry that I didnt notice the messages you were giving
me sooner, so that you didnt need to do something as
drastic as you did that hurt us both.
And Ive learned from this, really I have. I promise I
wont treat you this way again. Its been a bit of a wakeup call, you backing out on me and not being there
for me whenever I wanted you. Sure, I tried to carry on
asana practice without you, but its just not the same. So
Im glad weve taken a break recently. I think we needed
some space.
Ive done a lot of thinking over these past three
months, and I can see things from your point of view
more clearly. I see now that what I thought was just a
lot of fun actually wasnt much fun at all for you. But
I did honestly think you were enjoying it. We worked
together so amazingly in Virabhadrasana 2 and in
Vrksasana, didnt we, back in the beginning, before it
all went wrong? You were awesome! You made me look
awesome too! I probably never told you enough then
how much I love you.
And you were always there for me in Virabhadrasana
3, quietly supporting me and not complaining. You
were everything to me, and I simply didnt appreciate
it. Instead I just pushed and pushed, even though I

46

could tell you werent really that comfortable in the

end. All those times I tried to get you to go further
in Uttanasana and Paschimottanasana, and the
way I shouted over you in Janu Sirsasana. I was too
demanding, I see that now. I should have been more
patient, I should have known you werent ready, and I
should have realised that you were more important to
me than any of this stuff. Were enough for each other;
we will always be together. And it doesnt matter what
other people think about us.
Sure, fancy asana practice is nice, but its not nearly
as good as having you there with me every day just
doing our regular things jumping out of bed in the
morning, that silly little run you used to do so we didnt
miss the bus, and those times we hopped around
together in the fitting room when I was trying on jeans. I
miss all that. Can we do that again sometime soon?
And then when youre ready we could maybe do
some yoga together too? Only this time Ill listen,
properly listen to you, and you can tell me when youve
had enough. We can just hang out in Balasana as much
as you need to. Well, I guess thats all I have to say
See how you feel: Ill be here waiting.
With all my love to you, dearest right proximal
hamstring tendon. I love you! xxx

babycrow is a beginner yogini living in the UK. She is

alternately entranced and bewildered by the power of
yoga and the changes a regular practice brings to her.
She shares her yoga journey at: babycrowyoga.co.uk

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om body

The Partridge family

How to do

YOGA

Kapinyalasana (Partridge pose) is a deep backbend balancing

pose for intermediate and advanced yogis.
Kapinyalasana combines a deep backbend, the action of the shoulder rotation (required to get in postures
like Dancers pose (Natarajasana) and King Pigeon pose (Rajakapotasana), with the balancing of side plank.
Like most advanced postures, its important to understand the building blocks and key elements that make
up the final pose. Heres how to get into Kapinyalasana in only four stages (Kramas)

One-legged downward dog pose

(Adho Mukha Svanasana Eka Pada)

Starting in downward facing dog pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana),

inhale, extend your right leg back and up. Press the hands firmly
into the mat to create the foundation of the pose, with elbows
straight and shoulders rotating externally away from the ears.
Retract the scapulae (shoulder blades) back and down. Hollow
the lower belly (navel rises in, back and up toward the spine
Uddiyana Bandha) and hips move in towards the midline of the
body, activating Moola Bandha. Square the pelvis and radiate
the right leg to the sky. The right foot is active (Pada Bandha).
This is Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana. Breathe in this
pose until you feel stability and elongation. Then proceed to
the next stage.

48

Sideway two-limbed downward

dog pose
(Parsva Dwi anga Svanasana )

As you inhale, from one-legged downward facing dog (Eka Pada

Adho Mukha Svanasana) begin to externally rotate the right
hip to the sky. Slightly shift your left heel out and toes in. Keep
the bandhas engaged and the right leg active and buoyant to
avoid collapsing on the left shoulder and wrist. As you open the
pelvis off centre, your body weight will shift to the left, hence
you can attempt to lift your right hand off the mat and, slowly
and carefully, draw the right arm alongside your body, thumb
facing down and fingers reaching back, using the drishti /gaze
to stabilise this transition. Breathe here until you can balance
effortlessly. This might take a few attempts. In case you lose
balance and roll out of this position, just let go and playfully enjoy
landing on your right foot and left sitting bone.

om body

Down facing archer pose

in down dog
(Adho Dhanurasana in Adho
Mukha Svanasana)

When you can balance comfortably in side downward

dog, you can proceed to archer pose in downward facing
dog. This is a backbend, balancing pose, preparation for
Kapinyalasana. Here, your bent right leg and right arm
form the shape of a bow. As you inhale bend your right
knee, moving the right foot towards your head. With your
right hand catch your right big toe, looping it with the
thumb and index finger. In order to achieve that your right
shoulder has to perform a 270 degrees anticlockwise
external rotation, moving from thumb facing down to
palm to the sky, thumb and index finger ready to loop the
big toe. Here the right arm is fully extended. Keep your
bandhas engaged and your gaze fixed to avoid falling out
of the pose.

Partridge pose
(Kapilyalasana)

You are now ready to perform the last action to reach

Kapinyalasana. Simply bend the right elbow and begin to
stretch your bow by pulling the foot towards your head.
In order to get the foot to the head, bend the elbow
and rotate it 180 degrees clockwise. That is from arm
extended, flex the elbow and rotate it out and forward in
line with your head. Keep your left arm and left leg straight
and strong and the gaze down. This is Kapinyalasana.

Sequence by Alessandra Pecorella,

SYT Founder of Aditya Yoga School
(adityayogaschool.co.uk alessandrayoga.com )
Photos Eleonora Pecorella (eleonorapecorella.it)

49

om body

RAVE CULTURE
Photos: Toms Udris Photography

Never been to a yoga rave before? Pump up the oxytocin

levels on the mat at one of these clean living yoga house parties

50

om body

here was a time when the word rave conjured up

images of illicit get-togethers and pill-popping teens in
an abandoned Essex warehouse. Not anymore. Yoga is
bringing a whole new clean living meaning to the word.
OM recently checked out Nine Lives Yoga Rave
(ninelivesyoga.co.uk) in Brighton, a pulsating yoga house party that
pulled in some 250 yoga ravers. The brainchild of yoga teacher, Cat
Duval, it combines dance music and yoga with psychedelic visual
effects and UV lighting to create a festival-like atmosphere.
All thats needed, she says, is an open mind, a sense of adventure,
and a love of yoga. Set in a majestic church, the yoga rave combines
dance music, collective yoga practice and a special concoction of
performers, community and soul, she says.
More raves are planned at festivals this summer in the UK and
abroad. Expect stilt walkers and other performers, and plenty of UV
body paint to add that authentic rave touch to your yoga kit.
Things kick off with a humandala partner yoga flow to connect the
room together followed by a dynamic vinyasa flow sequence with
playful dance elements. As the tempo builds, so does the pace of the
yoga, until the crowd kicks loose on the yoga mat dance floor for a
joyful, conscious rave up.
Yoga lovers get to experience the rhythm of the bass and bass
lovers experience the rhythm of the breath, says Duval.
All ages and yoga levels are welcome, but dont expect alcohol
or drugs at these raves. If your energy flags, just order a smoothie,
some raw chocolate or grab a free massage. And, at the end, theres
a blissful meditation. Now thats a party.

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51

om body

Yoga A-Z
K is for Kapotasana. By Carole Moritz

Why am I bending my body to look like a

pigeon? Why do I even need open hips?
In yoga lore, a great master named Kapota
was unmatched in his power, strength, agility
and intuitive wisdom; all elements of the
asana. He was regarded as a bird serving
the Lord Vishnu. When we take the shape of
Kapotasana we are paying respect to Kapota.
In modern day practice, we know Kapotasana
(widely known as Eka pada Rajkapostasana), as
one of those challenging poses that teaches us
to respect our boundaries.
Sometimes I just dont feel a practice is
complete without the juice of a deep hip
opener like pigeon. The hips in yoga are the
warehouse of all our stuff - the good, the
bad and the ugly. Every time we practice a
hip opener, theres a lot going on physically

52

and energetically. The mat is a micro universe

to work on that stuff and figure out what to
keep or throw away.
Kapotasana calls up everything, from
silently inventing new profanities while
stretching the right external rotators (a group
of muscles that run along the outer hips and
buttocks) to imperishable joy when practiced
on the left.
In any one of its forms, it tells the truth of
where we are with our own emotional holding
and what has turned into habitual resistance.
Try surrendering to sleeping pigeon while
grimacing - the experience is anything but
peaceful and serene.
Hip openers blaze a trail for the bodys path
to balance, focus and strength. Its not enough
to be flexible in the hips. The scales need to be

balanced in strength by working the inner legs

and the deep muscles of the lower back and
hip flexors (aaaah, the lonely psoas).
Hip openers, like spring cleaning the house,
give us the chance to clear the clutter. How
do you do that? The breath. Inhale all that
serves the pose. Let the light of that inhale
get in to those parts that are stiff and sticky.
Like a 12 amp torq gas-powered leaf blower,
let every exhale blow out all the outmoded,
outdated, old versions of self taking
up valuable space. You dont need it
anymore. Breathe.
Every pose has its sweet spot between
effortfulness and effortlessness. In my own
practice, Kapotasana has taught me that
if I can breathe through that, I can breathe
through anything.

OM FOR MEN

Inside:

FM

Page 54: Boys on film

Page 56: Stop, thief
Page 57: Man on the mat

53

FM

Boys n film
Ever wondered what its like being a top
yoga photographer? We asked Vince
Starr, a keen yoga fan himself, to find out

f you love yoga, what better way to spend your days then
hanging around top studios and capturing beautiful asana
on camera?
Thats precisely what UK-basedphotographer Vince Starr
does. In fact, you may have spotted some of his work inside OM.
Actually, its not just yoga either. Starr spends his days shooting
all kinds of sports and athletic activity, from football to beach
volleyball and anything in-between.
As a full time sports advertising and lifestyle photographer, hes
been producing all kinds of fresh and exciting imagery that has
graced newspapers, magazines and commercials the world over.
During the last 15 years hes photographed world class
premiership footballers, tennis players, rugby players,
paralympians, pro tour golfers, WBA heavyweight champions
and Olympic gold medalists. And, yes, quite a few amazing yoga
students and teachers along the way too.
Ive always loved photography and also been sporty all my life,
mainly football and tennis when I was younger, he told OM. So,
after I completed my degree in photography, film and digital arts,
I naturally became interested in capturing movement and exciting
images based around sport. Anything with energy really.

54

FM
As he took part in more sports (swimming, running, cycling,
volleyball) and the clubs associated with them, he began to think
about more pictures he could take. Then, about six years ago, I
found a love for yoga and meditation which gave me even more
photoshoot ideas.
During his time as a commercial photographer, Starr has worked
for a whole range of publications, PR companies and advertising
agencies, including famous brands such as Cadbury, Nike and adidas.
As well as OM, hes also appeared in many of the UKs other big
publications, and even the notorious tabloid, The Sun.
Its a great job, but one that can be stressful too. After work,
youll find him stretching out and chilling out at popular studios like
yogahaven, and at lululemon events in London - but always with his
camera, of course.

After I completed my degree in

photography, film and digital arts,
I naturally became interested in
capturing movement and exciting
images based around sport. Anything
with energy really.
Yoga seems to have exploded and continues to be exploding
everywhere now. Its amazing, he says.
This has been an important driver for his work, however.
I think, naturally, with any sport, the more interest, then the more
photography, and then there are more products created which
people need to be photographed and put out there into
the community.
As a yoga student himself, Starr has now been practicing for
about five or six years. And hes got more serious about it along
the way, qualifying to teach. Now, its not just behind the lens that
youll find him, but also in front of the class.
I love all styles. Im also qualified as a yoga teacher now, so Ive
started to teach a Hatha yoga vinyasa style. I really like meditation
and shamanism so elelments of that work are starting to creep in
to what I teach. I do really like Jivamukti too.
Hes also up for more experimental and playful yoga styles as his
interest in all things yoga grows.
I also like acro yoga and practice that as much as possible
too, he says. I think as human beings weve lost that sense of
community and touch between us. Acro yoga seems to re-connect
with those qualities, which is great fun.
On the work side, memorable shoots include filming for the Secret
Yoga Club in an industrial location in Hackney right by the canal, and
also filming for yogahaven last summer in Tuscany, Italy.
He says there have been lots of fun and crazy projects along the
way. Ive learnt a lot from the yoga community and the amazing
teachers I know, especially with the way they work the yoga
philosophy and the movement of the body into their daily lives. Its
been a bit of a re-education really.
In fact, he sees it as a kind of unravelling of the dog eat dog,
survival of the fittest mentality that society seems to want people
to live by.
Yoga presses the pause button, allowing us to take a step back
from it all, realising there is enough of everything for everyone.
It enables us to re-connect with nature and the natural world
instead of letting synthetic objects run our lives, Starr says, taking

the time to stop, breathe and look around.

Not wanting to get too deep but, for me, the yoga community
feels like it could be the new version of human beings that we
all could be; being mindful of everyone around us and our own
actions. Its making the world a better place.

See more of Vince Starrs work at: vincentstarr.com

55

FM

BEGINNERS

BLOG

I do yoga
because...

Name: Jack Risley

Location: Hertfordshire, UK
Occupation: C orporate

Events Manager

My practice brings me the strength to

navigate my way through life mindfully;
making decisions with a focus and
inner equanimity to help make
positivity a priority. Yoga provides me
with a fantastic method for achieving
fitness and discovering a much deeper
meaning within my practice as I have
come to learn on my journey.
As a 24-year-old yogi I cant state
enough how the practice of yoga is
for everybody: young, old, male and
female. So, gentleman, get involved.

56

Stop, thief
Beware: yoga in the park can be bad for your
finances, writes Jonathan Schofield
Light and warmth have returned. Time to ditch the gym membership and get outdoors. Im
determined to soak up every particle of light I can stock up with copious amounts of vitamin D
to get me through the next winter.
From my new office between Euston Station and Regents Park Im spending too much time
gazing out the window, planning all the bike rides and runs Ill complete this summer. No-one
else seems to be gazing out of windows. Im taken back to being a seven-year-old schoolboy,
the daily rebuke from Mrs Saggers: Schofield stop day dreaming! Give me the boy till hes
seven, and Ill give you the man.
The need to be outside includes yoga. Last week, I quit my indoor yoga class and headed
to Regents Park to perform my limited yoga poses on the grass, under the sun. And what a
stunning place to be on a warm summers evening. The vast park, once the hunting ground
of Henry VIII, now filled with throngs of people released from their office confines, running,
exercising, playing softball, Aussie Rules Football and touch rugby.
I arrive, find a spot close to some trees and begin. Nothing too taxing, a few salutes to the
sun, mountain pose, warrior and a very wobbly tree pose it must be said Ive not moved on
much in the last year. I move on to the corpse pose, in an attempt to calm and clear the clutter
of the day.
My eyes are closed and Im in that strange place between yoga and falling asleep when I hear
something land close to me. I open an eye and see a red frisbee nearby. A voice says: Sorry
mate didnt hit you did I? He didnt and I return to corpse, soaking up the sun.
When I finished, I picked up my top and noticed that the wallet Id folded within it was gone.
So this is just a warning really. Look out if youre taking yoga in the great outdoors this
summer. Certainly watch out for anyone with a red frisbee its quite possible hell ruin your
karma and leave you with a long walk home.

FM

Man on the mat with Alexander Filmer-Lorch

Trident (Tri Dandasana)

Benefits

The trident is an ideal posture to experience

and activate both the lower and the upper
part of the spiral line. These so called lines are
myofascial bands (muscle-connective tissue
bands) that form a double helix through the
body, spanning from foot to the base of the
head. Additionally, the trident is a great hipflexor opener, and strengthens all the muscles
we can find along the side of the body (lateral
line), including peroneus longus, iliotibial band,
tensor facia latta, obliques and latissimus.
Tri Dandasana also illuminates the Manipura
Chakra (solar-plexus) and the Anahata Chakra
(heart). This posture feels very liberating,
without causing too much strain on the
body. It vitalises your energy and promotes
overall wellbeing. A great neutraliser of flexion
poses, and a nice prep for more demanding
extension poses.

Common Mistakes

Not being warmed up enough before

attending to this posture can lead to lower
back problems, and overestimating the
strength in your arms can lead to shoulder
impingement. Another common mistake is
to transition into the trident from the wrong
posture, initiating the transition from the
wrong limb and without creating enough
momentum to get into the posture.

Tips

n A
lways implement this asana during the
peak of your practice, to make sure that
your body is warm and hydrated enough.
n D
ont forget to transit into the trident from
plank pose.
n N
ever attempt to get into the posture by
lifting your arm off the ground first to get
into the rotation. It is the leg that initiates
the rotation

n S
tart in plank pose, move the knee of the
respective leg towards your chest with an
inhalation, create momentum whilst you
extend your leg half way back before you
go into the rotation, and allow your arm
to follow.
n G
etting out of the posture bring the
hand towards the ground first, whilst
the leg follows.

Awareness

Be aware that you work with gravity in this

posture. Your weight bearing hand should be
placed below your shoulder blade, so that
your arm alignment is absolutely vertical (see
photo). Engage mula and uddiyana bhanda,
and stay with the flow of your breath.

Alexander Filmer-Lorch is the author of

Inside Meditation (insidemeditation.co.uk)

57

om teacher training

58

om teacher training

OM Yoga Teacher
Training: Special Report
Interested in training to be a yoga
instructor? Start here. Inside, weve got all
you need to know about getting qualified
as a teacher and taking your new yoga
skills out into the big wide world

59

om teacher training

OM Yoga Teacher Training: Special Report

CONTENTS
62 7 Things To Look For In
A Yoga Teacher Training Course
64

Its Been Emotional

66

To Teach Or Not To Teach

68

Be Prepared

70 What Really Happens On

A Yoga Course?
72

Know Yourself

74

Kids Rule, Okay!

76

Role Models

78

Pop The Question

80

Its All In The Detail

82

Take Five

84

The Business Of Yoga

86 Turn Your Yoga Teaching Into

A Yoga Business
88 From Baby Teacher To
Brilliant Teacher

60

90

Lifelong Learning

92

Home Education

94

The Little Things

96

Quality Control

98

Next Steps

100

A Uniquely Personal Journey

102

Inside Knowledge

104

Tales From A Trainee

om teacher training

7 things to look for in a yoga

teacher training course
Key considerations when youre selecting the yoga course for you. By Katy Appleton

When considering a yoga teacher

training course look for a teacher and
faculty that are not only experienced
and have the relevant qualifications,
but resonate with you. It is important to have
teachers that inspire your learning and feed
your soul, so you can mirror that to your
future students.

There are many different structures

to trainings out there, so its vital to
find one that is accessible and works
for your life. A teacher training course
is a huge commitment. Therefore choosing
one that has a timeline and structure that
fits well and realistically in your world will
enable you to stay focused, to retain the
information on offer and enjoy the process.

62

The world of yoga is vast and it is

impossible to learn everything there
is on offer in a lifetime, let alone in
one 200 hour training. Look for a
course that is balanced and well rounded
in what it has to offer. In my opinion a good
teacher training will not only cover the yoga
asana, but will include modules of anatomy
and physiology, philosophy, meditation,
mantra and more, so that you can walk away
with a strong foundational knowledge base
and understanding within the huge spectrum
of the yoga field.

Yoga is very much about community,

and this is a beautiful part of any
teacher training course, as often
the people you train with become

close friends and colleagues for life. In your

search for your perfect training I would
suggest looking into what is offered in the
way of community within that yoga school,
in the form of support, mentoring and
communication both during your course and
afterwards. The number of students taken
onto each course will also play a part in what
level of support and guidance you will receive.
So its worth checking the faculty structure
and looking into the ratio of faculty-tostudent to know what level of assistance and
personal attention you will have to support
you in your personal growth and learning.
Once you have trained it is a real blessing to
stay connected to your teachers and peers,
both for continued support and a sense of
connectedness inside of this journey in yoga.

om teacher training

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your traditional asanas, breath work an

yoga
led
advancement,
AAyoga
advancement,
meditation
etc.led
Taking
your practice an
investigation
andlevel
deepening
investigation
and
deepening
of
teaching
to a new
and different
yourtraditional
traditional
asanas,cultivating
breath work and
your
asanas,
breath
dimension,
meditation
etc.Taking
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WORKSHOPS
WWW.WILDLOTUS.CO.UK/

WORKSHOPS
WORKSHOPS

A 200 hour teacher training course

is only the start of your journey into
becoming a yoga teacher.
I highly recommend continuing your
development even after you have qualified.
There is so much on offer in the yoga world
and a number of directions in which you
may choose to go. Many yoga schools offer
further training after you have completed
your 200 hour, allowing you to continue your
learning, whether it be on a 500 hour or with
Continuous Professional Development (CPD),
which is a great way to further your expertise
within the same community you started in.

It can be easy to get lost in the

amount of academic material on
offer in a teacher training course, so
I recommend looking into the detail
of the course material. Look for a course

that is thorough and clear in what it offers,

from the course materials to the lectures.
Attention to detail is a real bonus in order to
aid your learning and make sure you get the
most from your course.

A good teacher training course, in

my opinion, is one that is current in
what it teaches. There is a constant
uncovering happening in the yoga
world in terms of anatomy, philosophy,
psychology and so much more, and it is our
responsibility as practitioners and teachers
to stay up-to-date with this and what we
offer our students and communities. This
allows graduates to move into this world as
teachers that are knowledgeable, relevant
safe and authentic to its teachings.
Katy Appleton is the founder of appleyoga
(appleyoga.com)

01635 597970
01635
01635597970
597970
info@wildlotus.co.uk
info@wildlotus.co.uk
info@wildlotus.co.uk
Wild
Lotus Studio, Thames Court

Wild
Lotus
Court
20-22
TheStudio,
Broadway,
Newbury,
Wild
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Studio,Thames
Thames
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20-22
The
Newbury,
RG14 1AU.
20-22Berkshire,
TheBroadway,
Broadway,
Newbury,
Berkshire,
RG14
1AU.
Berkshire, RG14 1AU.

om teacher training

Its been emotional

Get ready for all the amazing highs and some lows of a career in yoga teaching

64

om teacher training

raining to be a yoga instructor

can be one incredible and
emotional journey. Think: lots
of fun, oodles of yoga, plenty
of hard work, a few doubts
along the way. Its a truly special thing. For
many people, it can easily turn into one of
the most remarkable periods of their life.
No wonder really. Just as yoga itself can
bring out intensely personal experiences and
emotions, imagine the potency of immersing
yourself into nothing but a strong yoga
practice (with other like-minded souls, and
maybe far from home) for a month or more
as you go about qualifying.
The experience will be different for
everybody (and, of course, be shaped by
what course you eventually sign up to) but
you can pretty much guarantee a few things.
Hard work is one of them. Youll study
lots and learn lots in all areas relating to
yoga. And your practice will be taken to
new heights by expert tutors. Unless youre
ready for that side of things, then expect a
few sore muscles along the way. Either way,
youll certainly be a lot fitter for it at the end.
Make sure you do lots of yoga before you
start. But, hey, thats what you love, its the
main reason youre doing this anyway.
Therell be a lot of emotion crammed in

too, so expect a few tears along the way.

The highs and the lows of yoga teacher
training - there are plenty of both. Whatever
issues come up, youll be surrounded by lots
of new lifelong friends wholl go through the
same experiences and emotions, just like
you. These buddies will be there to support
you, and youre there to support them right
back. Staying connected with the people on
your course is a great source of support
and friendship long after the actual training
has ended.

Know thyself

With lots of yoga teacher trainings now available,

it makes sense to do plenty of research before
you sign on the dotted line. Courses can be
expensive so choose wisely, ask lots of questions
and, if you can, try before you buy.
Understanding your motivations for yoga
teacher training is a good place to start. If
youre just out to deepen your practice, thats
great. Youll be in great company. If youre
dead set on teaching after qualification
though then you probably need to know a few
additional things like will you be able to get
insurance cover, who will you be accredited
with, and where will you be allowed to teach?
These are questions that you can put to
potential course providers. A great place to

find out more all in one place is at a yoga

festival. The OM Yoga Show in London this
November is Europes biggest yoga get
together and attracts all of the top teacher
trainers. Many offer short classes so you can
sample what teaching and style is on offer.
In many cases, your course choice can
be directed by the personality of the lead
teacher. Thats not a bad place to start as
youre going to be spending plenty of time
with each other in the weeks, months or
even years ahead. Trust your instincts, but
still do your research regardless make
sure the school has good credentials and a
track record. Here, its good to talk to former
students that have now graduated to ask
them what they think.
And if it is a career that youre after then its
nice to know that your course provider will help
you along once the formal teaching is over.
That could include yoga business modules
within the course, or better still ongoing
support long after the training has ended.
Whatever your plans, this is a defining
moment in your life. A yoga teacher training
should be a fun and fantastic experience,
where youll make good friends for life. Dont
underestimate the hard work, but choose the
right course for you and youll have the time
of your life.

THE IMMERSION

65

om teacher training

To teach or not to teach

Understand your motivations for
teacher training before you set
out. By Elena Voyce
Why do people take a yoga teacher
training course? From my experience there
are two reasons:
1. Those who want to take a course
for themselves; to deepen their own
knowledge, practice and experience
2. Those who have the desire to teach

66

om teacher training
Those who are doing
it for themselves:

Having trained over 400 yoga teachers, I

can easily say that I have met at least five
students in each course intake who begin
their journey in this frame of mind. These
people normally approach training in a
very calm way without putting pressure
on themselves to achieve too much too
soon. As they develop and learn on the
course, and they experience the therapeutic
potential of yoga from the inside out, this
experience either helps them to grow and
take huge steps forwards in their lives and
existing careers or very often they do
decide to teach after all.

Those who have the

desire to teach:

Students who have a deep desire and

enthusiasm to teach from the start of
the course often discover that there is so
much more to learn. They grow and mature
so much throughout the course and are
encouraged to find their own individuality
and teaching style, so that they can teach
from a place of true experience.

Once you have your

certificate, then what?

Once youve finished your training,

completed your homework assignments, got
your insurance and first aid certificates the
next phase of your journey begins.
Now that there is clarity in your mind
and you know that you want to teach yoga
from a place of sincerity, you need to build
your experience.
You should have had enough teaching
practice on your training course to feel
confident in your abilities, coaching points,
adjustments and having learnt how to
properly plan and sequence your classes but the more experience you gain, the more
experienced and confident you become
as a teacher.
You can gain experience in many ways
such as teaching voluntarily, covering
other yoga teachers classes, taking every
opportunity to share your knowledge and
experience with others while continuing
to learn yourself. With commitment and
patience, your practice, classes and
students will grow.
Of course, you also need to cover the
practical aspects of teaching such as
managing your finances and accounts and
marketing yourself and your classes. You

also need to make sure the way you present

yourself is really true to your intentions and
expresses your individuality and passion
for yoga, so you truly connect with your
potential students.

Where will my
journey take me?

Anywhere and everywhere is the answer to

that question. I have had students who have
gone on to open their own yoga studios,
taught in community centres, or for charities,
started their own yoga retreat business, and
those who have gone on to teach in well
known studios and health clubs. You have
the freedom and opportunity to take your
teaching where you want it to go. As long
as you are sincere and truly committed to
the practice of yoga, you will find and follow
your destiny.
The best advice is to choose your
teachers, and the school you train with, with
your heart because for most people their
journey becomes more far reaching and
transformational than they could have
ever possibly imagined when they first
signed up.

Elena Voyce is the owner of Teach Yoga

Ltd (teachyoga.com)

67

om teacher training

Be prepared
What can you do before you actually embark on a teacher training course?
By Michele Pernetta

teacher training programme is an intense time of

physical and mental growth and requires careful
preparation and commitment. While there are no hard
and fast rules to prepare for this beforehand, there are
some things you can do to make sure you are ready.
Here are come crucial things to think about.

Have you practiced yoga for long enough? You may be teaching yoga
practitioners who have been practicing for 10 or 15 years. The longer
you practice before taking a training course the more you will have to
draw on once you start to teach. Nothing makes up for actual practice
experience. At least two years regular yoga practice is advisable. It is
better to wait until you feel prepared, than rush the process.

Practice regularly beforehand. For the six months prior to

attending the course, practice at least four times a week. Many
teacher trainings expect you to practice twice a day. If you are not
used to this, you will be exhausted for the first week or two of the

68

course. Practice twice a day several times a week for two-three

months before attending the course, so your body is used to it, and
you can enjoy being corrected, learning and growing instead of just
trying to make it through the class without sitting down.

You have progressed through the initial stages of your practice.

The basic opening of your spine, hips, and legs has occurred,
and you are strong, have good stamina and are neither very
overweight or underweight. A teacher training shouldnt be used as a
get fit programme, it is to train you to become a teacher. You will be
taught (usually) by very experienced yoga teachers, whose years of
experience will take your practice to new heights. If you are weak and
cant hold a pose while being adjusted, the instructor will be unable
to pass you their knowledge as well as if you were stable. One of the
most frustrating things for an instructor is to want to help you and
show you the next level of your development as a practitioner, but
being unable to as your foundation is not strong enough to take it
on board.

om teacher training
While there are no hard and fast
rules to prepare for this beforehand,
there are some things you can do to
make sure you are ready.

You should be fit, healthy and able to practice twice a day. You
should feel totally prepared, strong and healthy before going,
and have felt that way for a good few months. It is very frustrating to
spend money and take time off for a training course, and then get
injured in the first week because your body was not used to working
hard twice a day. You will need to be doing homework and studying,
so there isnt much spare time for hot baths or massages!

REALISE YOUR
POTENTIAL

Karuna
living with compassion

Diet. If you have bad eating addictions, are using recreational

drugs or alcohol, or have any major issues going on, sort
these out before attending as most courses are intense and may
exacerbate detoxification, or bring out underlying issues.

Although its difficult to say what needs to be in place before one

attends a training, as each person is different and has a different
body and history, and each course has different requirements, its
a pretty safe guideline to say that the following would need to be in
place for an asana-based training:

a) You are stable in balancing postures.

b) F
rom the time you started yoga to now, you have considerably
begun the opening up process of your spine.
c) Y
ou have the strength to really push yourself hard in class while
maintaining correct breathing and alignment.
d) You have total focus. You are not looking around and fidgeting.
e) Y
ou take your teachers corrections and immediately try to
implement them.
f) Y
ou have a solid understanding of the postures and how to work
yourselves in them. Your technique is perfect for your body type.
g) Y
ou can breathe calmly and steadily through the nose throughout
the class and can use the breath during your postures.
h) Y
ou want to teach. Trainings usually are not a self-improvement
holiday, or a yoga intensive. It is for those who want to learn to
teach. Ask yourself the questions, Am I good with people? Do I
have a speaking voice that can be trained to be suitable for being
a teacher? Am I compassionate and can I motivate people? Not
everyone who is good at yoga is cut out to be a teacher.

Its not imperative that you be the most flexible person in the
world, or look the best in your postures. You need a good solid
understanding of the postures, your technique should be correct for
your body type, and you should have the stamina to work yourself
hard. Older people with physical difficulties have gone on to be very
successful teachers. Very often having worked through a difficulty or
an injury makes someone a better and more compassionate teacher.
Becoming a yoga teacher requires dedication, commitment, hard
work and a love of yoga. If you have all these things and want to
take the next step then it will reward you with a lifetime of health,
happiness, healing, fascination, and the ability to share this with
others and enrich their lives.

Michele Pernetta is director and chief instructor at Fierce Grace

(fiercegrace.com)

ACCREDITED YOGA TEACHER

TRAINING COURSES 2015/16
200 Hour Hatha with an extra Hot Yoga Module
February September 2016
13 Weekends over 7 months
YA 500 Hour Advanced Teacher Training
November 2015
One weekend a month
BWY Foundation Course Level 1 & 2
September 2015
10 modules one day per month
YA Yoga Therapy Diploma
January 2016
Inspiring yoga teachers in the North West of England since 2004

WWW.TEACHYOGAUK.COM
YOGAHUBLIVERPOOL.CO.UK
INFO@YOGAHUBLIVERPOOL.CO.UK

om teacher training

What really happens on a yoga course?

Make sure youre truly prepared for what youre getting into

part from all the usual

suspects youd expect on a
yoga teacher training course
(asana, pranayama, anatomy
and physiology, philosophy)
some also offer related practices that
complement these core ingredients.
For example, The Yoga Health Mandala
offers a sweat lodge ceremony (for
cleansing, ice-breaking and team-building)
along with Qi Gong, ecstatic dance, sound
healing and playful interaction games for
enhancing the skills of would-be teachers.
Be aware also that if personal enquiry is
a key principle of the course, its likely that
the participants will complete the training
with a sense of having undergone a profound
transformational journey.
As wonderful and rewarding as this may
be, it may mean experiencing an intense
emotional roller coaster; the release of
emotional and physical tension unwinds
old behavioural, postural and movement
patterning not for the faint-heated or rigid
of mind.
Effective teaching comes from the fruits of

70

a thorough personal investigation, where the

instructor offers their wisdom, authentically
gained through personal experience.
Therefore, get to know your teachers first
by attending workshops and retreats before
committing to a full on teacher training.
A frequently asked question is: whats
best, a months intensive or a part time
course scheduled over a year or two?
This is a personal choice depending on
resources and time available. A months
intensive is a great way to deepen personal
practice and provides a great foundation to
becoming a teacher. If the intensive is held
in a location with a strong spiritual culture
(such as India) this will likely add to the
intensity. On a longer course, assimilation
is slower with more time and opportunity to
practice teaching.
A teacher training course is undoubtedly
hard work, particularly if structured in an
intensive format. Therefore, bear in mind
that learning is made more effective in a
fun and playful environment. If laughter and
camaraderie are important to you while
engaging in the immersion of a physical and

metaphysical education; choose your course

wisely. The personalities of the teachers will
surely shine through but can vary immensely.
A team of facilitators will likely be more
engaging compared with just one main
teacher taking all the airtime. Alchemy,
banter and the shared holding of space not
only increase the chances of deepening
the grasp of subject matter compared
with that of the standard teacher/student
relationship, but also the amount of personal
attention received along the way.
You may be astonished when you
realise what level of commitment signing
up to a course really means. The resulting
awakening of perception and sense of
feeling can liberate the concept of yoga
from an external authority, mat and
manual, into a juicy relevant practice for life.
Consider the yoga adage: how you meet
resistance on the mat is how you meet
resistance in life.

By Helen Noakes, Steve Bracken and

Rupert Johnson of The Yoga Health
Mandala (yogahealthmandala.co.uk)

B EC O M E A YO G A T E AC H E R
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om teacher training

Know yourself

How do you know if you are ready for yoga teacher training? By Claire Weatherley

et us all dedicate our lives for the sake of the

entire humanity. With every minute, every
breath, every atom of our bodies we should
repeat this mantra: dedication, dedication, giving,
giving, loving, loving. Swami Satchidananda
If you are ready to start exploring the above quote then you are
ready for teacher training.
From direct experience (with my own training and the opportunity
to train other yoga guides or sharers) there is an innate yearning to
explore the field of yoga to a much greater degree than you get from
a 90 minute class in a studio.
Please note that I use the word guide or sharer and not teacher.
I personally dont think there is such a thing as a yoga teacher, as
there is only one teacher we all share and that is the Divine. There are
some beautiful and amazing guides and sharers who know so much
about the practice of yoga who we can all learn from.
Ask and see if any, many, or all of the following apply to you. If
many of these things resonate with you, then you are probably ready
to embark on a teacher training programme.

72

You have fallen in love with yoga.

n Y

ou have been attending several classes a week for at least two
years and may even have a daily yoga practice. Or if you dont
yet have a daily yoga practice you want to be immersed in all
things yoga and progress to a daily practice.
n Y

ou want to get to know your true self, the purpose of life, pure
consciousness and the Divine.
n Y

ou want to explore and start to understand the ancient
Indian texts and some of their meaning including the Vedas,
Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Patanjalis Yoga Sutras, that you
may have heard quoted in classes or workshops.
n Y

ou are curious and want to explore the eight limbs of yoga
according to Patanjali: yamas and niyamas, asana, pranayama,
pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi.
n Y

ou want to start meditating or deepening your meditation
practice as you are aware this is how you bring tranquility to the
mind and direct experience of pure consciousness. Or you have
heard about the physiological and psychological benefits of
meditation.

om teacher training
yoga with

simon low
n Y

ou want to learn more about the invocations, prayers, chants,
mantras and deities you have been introduced to in class,
workshops or retreats.
n Y

ou have realised your body is the house/temple of the soul and
you want to make this temple/house stronger and more flexible by
developing and deepening your asana practice.
n Y

ou want to know more about the anatomical and physiological
effect your asana and pranayama practice is having on your body
and mind.
n Y

ou want to start to understand some of the strange terminology
you may hear in class which is normally Sanskrit.
n Y

ou have noticed that your yoga practice has helped you deal with
the challenges and stress life sometimes passes our way.
n Y

ou have become a more loving, kind, compassionate and patient
person and you realise that if you practice yoga more these
qualities will be greater.
n Y

ou want to share the gifts you have received from yoga with
others and be a channel for peace and happiness in the world.
n Y

ou know that the more people who practice yoga the happier and
more peaceful world we will all live in.
n Y

ou have been attending yoga workshops and retreats regularly.
n Y

ou enjoy spending time in good company with other yogis and
want to do this more.
n Y

ou find yourself planning a trip to India as you want to explore the
home of yoga and its traditions.
n Y

ou are buying magazines about yoga regularly and enjoying the
content.
n Y

ou have inspirational yoga guides around you to help you on
your journey.
n Y

ou can dedicate at least 10 hours per week to your yoga practice
and study plus your 200 hours of course time.
n Y

ou can manage and integrate the discipline and study of a yoga
teacher training course within your current lifestyle.
n Y

our family and friends are willing and happy to support you on
your yoga journey.
If some or all of this applies to you, then you are probably ready to
embark on a yoga teacher training course.

So what next?

Speak to your yoga guide and ask if they think you are ready. Are
there any areas you should work on beforehand?
n D
o they recommend any particular teacher training for you?
n D
o you want to attend a course that runs over multiple weekends
or complete an intensive training? Do your due diligence as to
what course will suit your learning style best.
n E
xplore several different teacher trainings as they will all vary with
content and teaching styles.
The main criteria should be that you resonate with the guide you will
be learning from as you will be spending a lot of time together.
If you are excited, passionate, committed and disciplined about yoga,
then you are ready for a life changing experience.

By Claire Weatherley of Claire Weatherley Yoga

(claireweatherleyyoga.com)

SUMMER AND AUTUMN YOGA 2015

CENTRO SANTILLN, SPAIN
411 July
HUZUR VADISI, TURKEY
2229 June
1724 August
2431 August
SULEYMANS GARDEN, TURKEY
714 September
COMMONWORK, KENT, UK
1618 October
46 December

Centro Santilln

www.simonlow.com yoga@simonlow.com
www.facebook.com/simonlowuk
www.facebook.com/yogawithsimonlow
www.facebook.com/theyogaacademy

Yoga Academy faculty includes:

Simon Low (Principal), Gill Lloyd, Gary Carter,
Julie Gudmestad, Sue Delf, Eija Tervonen

YIN AND RESTORATIVE YOGA

50-hour study immersion towards RYT500
also available independently as continuing
professional development
at Huzur Vadisi, Turkey, 1522 June
ONGOING TEACHER TRAINING
20-hour study immersion
towards RYT500
also available independently
at Commonwork, Kent, UK, 2022 November
YIN AND YANG YOGA TEACHER
TRAINING AND STUDY IMMERSION
Yoga Alliance UK and Yoga Alliance
US 200-hour certification
at Samaita Retreat, Koh Samui, Thailand
7 February6 March 2016

www.theyogaacademy.org info@theyogaacademy.org
www.facebook.com/theyogaacademy

Huzur Vadisi
Yoga Studio

73

om teacher training

Kids rule, okay!

What to expect from a childrens yoga teacher training course. By Bryony Duckitt

re you considering sharing

yoga with children but cant
decide which teacher training
course to sign up for? Make
sure you do your homework
before deciding.
The first step is to look for a course
that is thorough, organised and fun. The
training should cover poses, mindfulness,
classroom management, lesson planning,
child development, anatomy, education
and everything in between. Your aim is to
find a course that will leave you feeling
confident to start teaching straight away. As
teachers of children, an essential part of our
preparation is to explore our own inner child,
shedding our adult inhibitions and finding
ways to meet children on their level.
In training to become a childrens yoga
teacher you are preparing to share a lot
more than merely the poses with children,
so try and find a course that covers yoga in
its entirety. Understanding the yamas and
niyamas (ethical guidelines) and other limbs
of yoga is imperative for us as teachers.

74

Without the philosophy yoga becomes

gymnastics. Find a course that includes fun,
creative ways of making this philosophy
accessible to children.
Globally, there is a growing focus on
bringing yoga, mindfulness and meditation
into schools. Its important to understand
the education system and also various
learning styles. Through our yoga classes we
want to explore ways to stimulate all areas
of child development: social, emotional,
intellectual, physical and spiritual. We want
to include partner poses, games, breathing
exercises, relaxation tools, music, maths,
language and knowledge of the world.
Look for courses that offer a hands-on
opportunity of teaching an actual childrens
yoga class during your training this will
give you a good chance to explore ideas
with helpful feedback from your tutor.
Remember also that its one thing to
attend the training, have fun and feel
inspired, but what happens when you leave?
Make sure the training you select gives you
valid tips on setting up classes as well as

offering ongoing support and mentoring

whilst connecting you with a community of
other childrens yoga teachers.
An accredited course generally means the
course and its trainer have been through a
vetting process, guaranteeing a high quality
of material, knowledge and experience. If
you are looking for a long-lasting career
then you may need more than just a few
days of training. Check if there are further
modules or workshops offered.
Whichever course you go for, remember
this is in essence all theory - the real learning
starts when you teach your first class. I cant
stress enough how important it is to start
teaching as soon as you can after your
course. Start with your own children or your
friends children; set up free classes in your
local park and when you feel confident as a
teacher, start making more formal plans to
teach in schools. The children themselves will
be your greatest teachers.

Bryony Duckitt is creator of YogaBeez

Childrens Yoga (yogabeez.com)

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om teacher training

Role models

The role of the gurukula system in todays

society. By Charlotta Martinus

hat is a teacher training course, in truth? Is it

simply learning a set of techniques and tools
to hand on the practice of asana? Or is it, as
for many, a life tool, a self-development course
which one is compelled to share?
The current day yoga course has its roots in a gurukula (teacherstudent) system, which used to allow the student to observe, serve
and study with his teacher over a period of 12 years, often starting in
early adolescence.
The student had the opportunity to study his teacher on a daily
basis. Authenticity was the only option. I imagine this was as much
of a journey for the teacher as it was the student. The result was a
deep transformation towards a more spiritual path, where a deep
attachment was created with the guru. As it says in Patanjalis sutras
(16): heya du kham-an gatam, future suffering can be avoided.
Because, how do we learn? By copying! In pedagogy, it is called
modelling - we model our behaviours, our values and our beliefs on
the people we respect.
Well, how and what are current yoga teachers modelling for
their students?
The model used to be rigorous, selfless saints (Sivananda,
Desikachar, Ramana Maharashi) who dedicated their lives to reducing
others suffering, through self-sacrifice and unending compassion.
How many yoga teacher trainers today embody yoga? It doesnt

76

help that there seems to be many more definitions of yoga today than
ever before.
You would be forgiven for thinking yoga was a sport, another
sybaritic undertaking to model your body and make you more
attractive; you may even think it is a tool for manifestation, or a way
to dive deeper into self love, sometimes at the expense of the people
around you.
In my journey, in the ashram, my teachers embodied compassion,
love, deep humility, surrender, selfless service, non-attachment (which
seems to be deeply misunderstood as another excuse to not care in
the West, but in my experience in India simply felt like a deep, nonclinging love, a kind of liberation). This is what I always thought
yoga was.
Of course, there were conflicts and power struggles between
the Swamis and it was challenging to live in a community, but their
intention was clear to me - that of selfless service.
My deepest hope is that your teacher training will at least, to some
degree, offer you tools for transformation of the self into the self
and purification from an egocentric attitude, to avoid future suffering
for you and for others in the world. For that to happen, your teacher
needs to be someone you would like to emulate and who, in your
mind, embodies yoga, not muscularly, but spiritually.

Charlotta Martinus is the founder of Teen Yoga (teenyoga.co.uk)

om teacher training

Tap the Source!

Swami Sivananda
1887 1963

Swami Vishnudevananda
1927 1993

Four Week Teachers Training Course (TTC)

First TTC ever taught in the West
Over 36,000 graduates since 1969
London, France, Austria, Himalayas-India
London:

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International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres

Founder: Swami Vishnudevananda

www.sivananda.eu

77

om teacher training

Pop the question

What are the key questions to ask a teacher
training provider? By Julie Hanson

he start of your teaching

journey is of vital importance
as the information you receive
will shape how you will become
a teacher in the future.
Make sure you ask the right questions
so you know exactly what it is youre
getting into.

What will I cover on the subject of

anatomy and how is it taught; does it
matter if I dont have prior knowledge?
Anatomy is important. However, if you feel
your course is lacking in this, David Keils
yoga anatomy 10 module online course is
an excellent way of educating yourself and
backing up information given.

Do I need to have a certain

level of practice or fitness ?
Its good to establish the expectations
training providers have. There is so much
scope out there for students from a very
wide range of ages and abilities; it should be
the same for teachers. Ask the question.

Will there be opportunities to have

one-to-one chats with your teacher?
Can you speak to your teacher if you need
help or to discuss any issues or difficulties?

Will I get supervised teaching

practice within my course?
Teaching practice should be a significant
part of the course - under your teachers
guidance you can be corrected if necessary
before you are set loose into the big yoga
world. Teaching practice should be in a
course from the early stages to allow you to
build confidence.
How much homework does the
course contain? In what format
and how many hours will this take?
You need to know the full commitment
required, so you dont get any surprises.

78

Is it possible to speak to
any of last years students?
Speaking to previous students is a great way
of finding out how they rated the course and
its content. Try to ask for someone who has
just finished the course. The training provider
should not be afraid to put you in contact
with previous students; the other option is
asking for a visit to this years course.
Who is going to teach me?
How many people on the teaching staff?
Who will be the main teacher? Can you do
a trial class? You need to meet the teacher
before the course if possible because you
will be spending a fair bit of time with them,
just to check youre on the same wavelength
and you like their style.

Is there any information

back-up available?
Does the course have any additional
ways you can get more information at
home, such as videos, online information,
recorded lectures?
What books are on the reading list?
Do they sound interesting and inspiring to
you and is there any pre-course reading?
Bear in mind there may be cost implications
here so you need to know this.
What happens if you miss a weekend
(or a day, or a lecture through illness)?
You need to hear the plan for how they cover
this. Some need you to attend the full hours.
It will have happened before, so its good to
hear what they normally do.
How many will be on the course?
This helps you work out how much close
attention youll get. Do you like a buzzing
room or a peaceful individual feeling ?
Does the course contain
meditation and pranayama?
A balanced teaching course should
contain both.

By Julie Hanson of Seasonal Yoga Teacher

Training (seasonalyoga.co.uk)

om teacher training
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Birthlight
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Birthlight offers unique continuity of care
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Birthlight offers training in

Pregnancy and Postnatal Yoga,
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Upcoming teacher training courses:

Postnatal Yoga: Birmingham 11-12 July 2015
Fertility Yoga: Matlock 25-26 July 2015
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For more details about the above
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Birthlights overall approach

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From conception to the third
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Birthlight contact details:
Email: enquiries@birthlight.com
Tel: 01223 362288

79

om teacher training

Its all in the detail

The pros and cons of different yoga teacher training
programmes (intensives v longer duration; local v overseas)

o youve deliberated and

meditated on enrolling yourself
on a yoga teacher training course,
the next step is to find the right
course. Thats the simple part,
right? With countless styles, locations,
prices, and time formats, it may prove more
challenging than you first thought. Dont
despair, the journey is just beginning so
breathe and embrace it.

The Where: Home

or Away?

If youve got the luxury of escaping

completely, heading off to an exotic
destination to train as a yoga teacher
may sounds like a no brainer. But before
you reach for your passport and repellent,
remember that earning a qualification
from an accredited training school is no
Savasana in the park.
Living yoga from 5am till late, six days
a week, will not leave you much time to
enjoy the destination, if thats one of the
reasons for going abroad, unless you can
stick around after the course. Several
of my students have headed off to India
or Thailand only to return a month later
exhausted and frustrated, saying there was

80

little free time or energy to experience the

local culture and explore the destination.
Theres always the option once youre
qualified to enjoy overseas courses
without the pressure of coursework
and final exams.
If the additional living costs and
time commitments are not a luxury
you can afford at the moment,
consider a more local yoga school
which offers a six or 12 month
training programme. Nonresidential courses offer you
the opportunity to continue your
family and work obligations while
you train, earn money and take in
the wealth of information at a more
relaxed pace.
If you choose an overseas
residential training school, be
sure to find out the standard of
accommodations, food and whats
required of you. Karma yoga duties,
rustic living and getting up before dawn
for chanting doesnt suit everyones
tastes. You want to enjoy the journey
as well as feel confident to teach at
the end of it, so dont be afraid to
ask questions.

Ask yourself how soon you see yourself

teaching and how long you want your
journey to becoming a yoga teacher to
take. The quickest route in my experience
does not always yield the best teacher. Yoga
studios hire teachers who can teach with
confidence and demonstrate teaching skills.
Consider teacher training as the first step to
building your yoga CV.
Take into account how you best learn, and
play to your strengths. It may have been a
while since you were cramming for an exam
or wrote an assignment. Just because you
can perform well under pressure, doesnt
mean you want it on this particular journey.
Youve waited this long, so why the rush?
Immersions will require you to do yoga all
day long, every day with many tests within a
very condensed time frame.
Six or 12 month extended programme
formats are popular for their digestible
nature and allow more learning time
between modules. This, in my experience,
is particularly true when it comes to the
practical aspects of teaching and applied
anatomy. Learning what function the
postures serve, how to plan classes and
how to teach them is challenging enough,
and can be easier to digest over six or
12 months.
Take into account how you learn, and
how much your job and commitments at
home could also serve as a distraction from
your learning. From there, you will have a
better idea on what length of training will
suit you best.

What Style to Teach /

Whos going to Teach You?

Dont choose a yoga teacher training just

because the dates fit your schedule, or its
affordable. Rather, train in the style that you want
to teach with teachers you want to learn from.
Traditional schools may focus on teaching
one set sequence while other schools teach
you to intelligently create your own sequences.
Ask yourself which classes you enjoy attending
and what style of class you want to teach when
you qualify, and in the future. Yoga is forever
evolving but also honours the traditions of
the past. Consider what style of classes will be
well received in your home town and who your
clientele is likely to be?
Do your homework and if possible attend
at least one class with the teacher(s) who will
be training you. If you dont already know the
director of the programme, ask to talk with
him or her so you can ask questions. Dont
be shy; youre considering a big commitment,
and its part of the decision-making process.
As a course director of Teach Yoga UK
I begin by asking potential applicants why
teacher training appeals to them and why
this one in particular. All are invited to see
the school and experience a class after
which we take time for questions and go
over the details of the programme. Our
duty as teachers is to guide you towards
the right training programme. A good yoga
school produces confident happy teachers
who support their students long after the
certificates are handed out.
As teachers and students we are all here
to enjoy the journey and to inspire. After all,
isnt that the point?

GA
O

Intensive Vs Longer
Duration Courses

DS OF Y
N
E

FRI

om teacher training

Friends of Yoga Society International

Yoga Teacher
Training
Foundation
Course
200 & 500 hour
Qualications

TEACH THE YOGA

YOU LOVE
Tutors throughout the UK

Stu Alexander of Teach Yoga UK

(teachyogauk.com)

www.friendsofyoga.co.uk
friends@friendsofyoga.co.uk
81

om teacher training

Take five
5 things to look for in a good teacher
training course

ith so many training bodies offering teacher

training it can be overwhelming trying to decide
which course is right for you. As we tell all our
teacher trainees, follow your heart when you
come from a place of authentic, heart-centred
intention you are more likely to make the best choices.
Here are a few guidelines to consider
when making your choice:

1. What style of yoga will you teach?

Is a specific style the best option for you, or would you prefer a sound
foundation in the principles, philosophy and practice of Hatha yoga?
Once qualified, you can attend immersions and post grad courses to
broaden your practice and teaching skills further.

2. Course duration

NORTH WEST YOGA TEACHER TRAINING

Course: 200 Hour Accredited Yoga Certificate.

Currently accepting applications for October 2015
intake. Maximum 12 students
Flexible: 10 months study including 2 five-day
intensives and 5 weekends all at Studio One Yoga
Investment: 2150 with various
payment options
Practical Teacher Training in a dedicated yoga
space intended to develop your teaching skills,
allow you to find your own voice and teach to your
strengths. Thorough anatomy training taught by
leading experts in the field. Small group in order
to allow for a personal experience and a strong
support network. Ongoing guidance and contact
after completion.
For more details call 01257 424855
or email info@studiooneyoga.net

82

Two years may seem daunting, and the prospect of retreat-style

training in warmer climes with the ocean on your doorstep is
undoubtedly appealing. Yoga is a way of life and a vast area of study,
however. Two years is the blink of an eye when you consider the
lifelong journey on which you are embarking. The teachings yoga
offers cannot be learned overnight, and two years allow you time to
integrate yoga into your daily life at a steady pace. If you are going to
teach, you need to practice: yoga demands discipline and dedication
and you will need to learn how to incorporate its teachings into your
everyday life when you have the laundry to attend to, childrens
parties to cater, looming deadlines at work or tax returns to submit.
Better to learn on the journey with your tutors and fellow students
to support you than have to face it alone on your return to normal
life. In addition, during a longer course, many schools now offer
temporary student teacher insurance to allow you to gain teaching
experience whilst under the guidance of your tutors.

3. Registration with recognised bodies

In the UK, look for schools registered with key bodies such as the
Independent Yoga Network, Yoga Alliance and British Wheel of Yoga
(there are others), and ensure they offer a course marked as 200
hours as minimum. If you havent heard of a school before, and
cannot find it listed with a registering body, at the very least contact
reputable insurers to ensure the qualification will enable you to
obtain insurance.

om teacher training
4. Logisitics

How many students will be accepted and how many tutors are available to you? How
much are the tuition fees and will there be any other costs involved (consider additional
assessment fees, membership of registering bodies). You will need to factor in time for your
own practice as well as additional study and a well-rounded training will expect that you
complete class observations.

5. Do you know the training body youre signing up with?

Many yoga schools now offer open days. If youre unable to get to an open event, can you
attend class with a teacher trained by the same organisation? Yoga shows also offer an
excellent opportunity to explore your options as many training providers attend: you can often
talk to past and present students and tutors, and they will usually also have open sessions
taught by one of their qualified teachers so that
you can see and feel their approach
for yourself.

By Lucy Barlow, chairperson at

Friends of Yoga (friendsofyoga.co.uk)

Yoga teacher training

Yoga therapy
Yoga & walking holidays
Ayurveda
Meditations retreats
Meditation training
Spiritual retreats
Workshops & tasters
PLUS
Online yoga studio

As seen at the

Yoga Show

druyoga.com
( 0800 043 0046

83

om teacher training

The business of yoga

Investing in a teacher training

course? Make the most of
your investment. By Louise
Palmer-Masterton

84

o youve been thinking about it for

ages, and you finally feel ready to
take the plunge. You have honed
your practice, youve taken classes
with all the right teachers. You
have taken advice and prepared yourself
by reading and studying the texts. You have
saved up not a small amount of money,
selected the perfect course for you. And
here goes career change here I come!
But wait. You have forgotten something
really important. How do I make a
successful living teaching yoga and recoup
my investment? Good question. In my
experience almost everyone underestimates
the importance of some kind of yoga
business or self employment training, and
many people dont even think of asking if this
is included in a yoga teacher training course.
So what on earth do I do once I graduate?
How do I get work, fill my classes and start
to feel the benefits from my investment? It all
comes down to three things.

Vision

The I Ching talks a lot about having a place

to go, the universe supports this and it has
been my experience that this is 100% true.
Impose direction. What is it you want to do?
Be detailed, be grand, be world conquering.

om teacher training
I recently met someone with a great passion
to take yoga to the older age group. When
I asked her about her vision it was to run a
class for older people. Hmmm. We worked
on this. In the end, in turns out her vision was
to have a subsidised class for older people
in every community centre in the country.
Now thats a vision, and the universe
supports that. Even if you dont get all the
way, you will get a lot further than if you limit
yourself to one class.

Work on yourself

Meditate. Practice yoga. Meditate. Take

professional development workshops and
courses, all the time.
n Be true to your passion (dont look for a
niche in the market and teach that. Teach
what you love even if that is what everyone
else is teaching).
n Be kind. Nurture relationships - with other
teachers, venues, absolutely everyone you
do business with or come into contact with.
Sow the seeds of kindness today and you
will reap tomorrow.
n Be open and kind to your students. Give
them time and always put them first. No
such thing as a bad day. These people look
up to you.
n Do not indulge in limiting beliefs. It has

been my experience that usually the

only thing holding people back from
success is their own self limiting beliefs.
You know those buts that you put before
anything. Be positive. Be optimistic. Use
positive affirmations. Meditate. We now
banish the word difficult from my
business workshops.

Marketing

This is the big one folks. We start out on my

marketing workshop asking the question
why do we do marketing? Ten minutes later
everyone has had something to say, but
no-one has come up with the right answer.
The reason we do marketing folks is to make
sales. Marketing is a big subject, but if you
let this one thing underpin everything you do
with your marketing, you wont go far wrong.
Better marketing = more sales = full classes
= successful you.
So look for a course that will not only
teach you how to teach yoga, look for a
course that will teach you to manage your
career that includes some essential yoga
business tips.

Louise Palmer-Masterton is the founder

of Camyoga (camyoga.co.uk) and runs a
yoga business consultancy (louisepm.net)

85

om teacher training

Turn your yoga teaching

into a yoga business
Getting started after training. By Mel Evans

aining a teaching certificate

is just the beginning. Now
its time to get real and ask
yourself a few hard questions.
As a new teacher you are a
self-employed contractor looking for their
first gig. The support given by your training
provider may be excellent to non existent.
Cheerful social media messages and fond
training relationships generally will not find
you the local contacts, spaces, or, more
importantly, financial investment needed to
start teaching. Its up to you to make it happen.
It takes energy, commitment, tenacity,
passion and a good sense of humour. You
may have the most beautiful yoga practice in
existence but having access to the right skill

86

base to sort out your websites meta data

will get you to the top of Google and put you
in touch with students. What is going to pick
you out from the sea of YouTube yogis? To
teach, you need students, physical or virtual.
Ask yourself, why did you train as a yoga
teacher? Motivations are many and varied
but it is important to be honest with yourself.
Did you train as an extra investigation to
your own practice? To take a nice holiday?
To get through a difficult emotional patch?
Or as part of a spiritual quest? Do you
want to teach as a hobby or extra interest?
Or to change career and replace the day
job? If you said yes with your whole heart to
either of the last two questions, welcome to
the jungle.

om teacher training

Business savvy

Research your market - identify potential

customers. Who does your type of yoga
appeal to? Talk to them and find out if your
ideas or class will meet a real need. How
much does a lesson cost and how many
people are already doing it?
Develop and plan: test your class with real
customers, make changes, and test it again.
Keep doing this until youre sure theres a
demand for it.
Find partners and suppliers: think
about who youre going to work with to
develop your classes and build business
relationships. Be realistic about costs, the
time it will take to build classes, and the
effort and commitment required to provide
a consistent professional service to your
clients every week.
Set up your business: work out which
legal structure is right for you, and register
for tax. They will check. No one wants an
expensive surprise.
Get funding: explore different sources
of business finance, from bank or family

loans to government-backed schemes.

Think laterally and creatively about funding
streams and how much it will take to support
your yoga teaching. It can take 18 months
to build a regular class from scratch. Mats,
blocks and straps alone may cost 500 for
a starter kit.
Advertise: using social media, the internet,
paper medial, radio, etc. Dont be afraid to
go out and drum up customers. Create a
brand identity. Allow an appropriate budget
for this and be aware of the time drag
between advertising and results.
Additional training and development:
Keep fresh, keep learning, adding skills and
growing in your own practice to bring the
benefits to your students.
Be focused: Always remember why you
are teaching, and who you are teaching
for. Stay passionate, positive and proactive
to progress.

Mel Evans Wild Lotus Studio

(wildlotus.co.uk)

87

om teacher training

From baby teacher to

brilliant teacher

1
2

3 things to know before starting out on a yoga career

The first is if you are young you could be too young.

Experience in life will make you a better teacher and
businessperson so consider your timing, your reasons and
your feelings as to why you want to start a business now.
Teaching is a vocation not a job so reconciling these two
things takes some knowledge of your role in the future. So be totally
honest with yourself and if it feels right then it most probably is.
If its something that sounds good then think carefully. And
anyway, you can never be too old to start a business.
Secondly, consider if its going to be the only
work you want to do. Will it fit in with your
long terms plans, your family or your
current situation? I was 22 when yoga
knocked on my door but I had really
lived and discovered the bad as well as the beauty
in life. Yoga saved me, a great place to start.

88

Thirdly, is your business for life or for Christmas? In

other words, consider starting with a local class at a
hall or community centre where you can start to be part
of that community by offering free classes. Get some
interest going and see what it feels like to make a weekly
commitment to one thing even when its raining or you feel ill.
Discipline has to be what makes the difference. Once you
feel at home in your role you will have built up a
following and this can steer you into a good life
teaching yoga.

Anne-Marie Newland is the founder of the Sun

Power Yoga (sun-power-yoga.co.uk) and the
Teacher Training School

om teacher training

Lifelong learning

How important is the need for

continuing professional development?

re you a yoga teacher or a yoga student? If you have

completed your yoga teacher training but answered
both, then you are undoubtedly on the right lines,
for the day that you stop being a student is the day
that you should stop being a teacher. Teaching yoga
in itself is a constant learning process: how often are we told that our
students are our best teachers?

90

om teacher training
But there is much more to continuing
professional development (CPD) than that.
For one thing, we all know that the yoga
tradition is vast in scope, and that no teacher
training can possibly cover its whole range.
Wherever our particular interests lie, there will
always be more to discover. Not only that, but
yoga continues to grow and change, and new
knowledge is constantly being developed,
whether that is about safe anatomical
approaches to asana, the scientific effects of
different yoga practices, or the translation of
hitherto untranslated yoga texts.
CPD for yoga teachers is not just
about ticking boxes to satisfy a training
organisation or to ensure that you maintain
your teaching certification. It is about both
expanding your knowledge and skills as a
teacher and staying true to yourself as a
yogi. Top American teacher Rod Stryker
has it right when he says: Teachers: ...dont
stop studying. Do not stop studying. The
moment the seeker in you is no longer
being honoured, you start dying as a yoga
teacher. The moment you start dying as
a yoga teacher, all of lifes conflicts start
to show up...injuries, sadness, depression,
anxiety, burn out, ojas depletion, etc...you
must maintain the very thing that got you
into yoga in the first place...your hunger...to

know yourself, to embody the highest truth.

You must stay true to the seeker in you.
In the UK, we are fortunate in having
not only an ever-increasing number of
experienced local yoga teachers developing
their own CPD areas of focus, whether
that is in specialist topics such as yoga for
pregnancy or children, or in deeper and
more subtle approaches to anatomy, asana
practice and class sequencing, but also in
being a favoured port of call for many of
the worlds top teachers. Names such as
Judith Lasater, Richard Freeman and Shiva
Rea are known throughout the yoga world,
and, through the efforts of yoga training
organisations such as Yogacampus, these
teachers, and many others, have become
regular and much-loved visitors to the UK,
offering teachers here unique opportunities
to continue their studies, deepen their
knowledge, and enhance their skills. Indeed,
in Yogacampus, the UK has one of the
worlds only not-for-profit organisations
dedicated solely to yoga training and
continuing education.
And, if you are more academically
inclined, why not consider going back to
school? The University of Londons School
of Oriental and African Studies, or SOAS,
now offers a Masters Degree in Traditions

of Yoga and Meditation, which can be taken

part time over two or three years and is
one of only a tiny handful of yoga oriented
degree courses in the west. Academics
at SOAS are also at the forefront of the
expansion of our knowledge of ancient yoga
texts, through a new project to translate and
publish texts not before available other than
in Sanskrit.
All of these developments make CPD for
yoga teachers readily accessible and bode
well for the growth of yoga in the UK not
just in terms of student numbers, but in terms
of the quality of teaching. But, ultimately, the
responsibility lies with us as teachers are
we letting ourselves die as yoga teachers
through no longer being yoga students and
neglecting our CPD, or are we maintaining our
hunger to increase our knowledge, develop
new skills, stay on top of new developments,
and lead our students further on the path to
self-knowledge? The options are there for us,
perhaps more so than ever before. Why not
consider how you might develop your yoga
knowledge this year? Your students will thank
you for choosing to be a living, thriving, yoga
teacher.

By Graham Burns, Yogacampus tutor

(yogacampus.com)

91

om teacher training

Home education
Training the mind, body and spirit in India, yogas birthplace. By Eveanna de Barra

here is no doubt that yoga is

one of Indias greatest exports
but thankfully people can now
access yoga almost anywhere.
So why do so many yogis travel
to India for teacher training? For many it
is the appeal of an undiluted, pure stream
of knowledge to tap into; when it comes to
any cultural practice, art form, or body of
knowledge there is great value in accessing
this information directly from its indigenous
gatekeepers this certainly also applies to
the study of yoga.
Personal growth and transformation can
happen anywhere in the world but being
in India supports this transformation in a
unique way. Spirituality permeates every
moment and aspect of daily life. Being in
an environment where yoga is life and life
is yoga (not just an hour on our mat every
day) makes immersion into the depths of our
practice much more tangible.
Although most students prepare for
the physical challenges and rewards from
training in India it is important for training
aspirants to also consider what to expect on
a mental and spiritual level.

92

Mind

Arrive with an empty mind because you

will definitely need the space. Studying
yoga in India is a truly academic pursuit.
There are countless institutes, ashrams
and universities dedicated to the study of
this science. Accessing knowledge that has
been carved out of centuries of study at the
source is invaluable. It also means cultivating
serious mental discipline. Studying subjects
such as the Sutras, Sanskrit, anatomy,
philosophy, ayurveda, ethics, yoga lifestyle,
yoga alignment & adjustments (and then
actually learning how to teach and deliver
a class) can push even the most scholarly
of students to the brink of overload. This
robust and academic immersion in the study
of this yoga will however truly develop your
integrity as a practitioner and teacher.

Spirituality permeates
every moment and
aspect of daily life....
yoga is life and life
is yoga.

Body

Your hips hurt from sitting on the floor cross

legged for 12 hours a day, your roommate
was snoring all night and you got no
sleep, your malaria tablets are making you
hallucinate Sorry there will be little room
for complaints or excuses when it comes to
your practice. Your teacher will share their
knowledge with you and in return you are
expected to approach your practice with
discipline and integrity. Yes, it is physically
demanding to practice yoga in the heat,
without the creature comforts of home,
often with a stomach bug (or as one of our
trainees recently discovered an actual bug,
in her ear, during savasana) but there is
something special about sweating it out in a
bamboo shala, as a stray cow tries to get in
through the mosquito net while the temple
down the road blares our the bhajans that
you can only find in India. Many people are
intimidated at the thought of bringing their
practice to India. Remember its a yoga
practice not a yoga perfect. Traditionally
nobody is ever left behind when it comes
to yoga. Authentic means accessible to
everybody, a good teacher trainer will be

om teacher training

Connecting students with their true nature

The seasonal teacher training program
offers 2 options for training:
200 hour teacher programme,
12 modules over 1 year
300 hour advanced teacher assistantship
programme over 12 modules
This course is for everyone, whether you wish to teach yoga or
simply go deeper on your yoga journey.

A year of Self discovery

The teachers:

Julie Hanson, Sue Woodd, Marit Akintewe

200 hours, over 1 year

able to bring out the best in you and thus

you will be able to do the same with your
students when you go on to teach.

Spirit

This is where we find the most jewels on the

path to becoming a teacher in a traditional
setting. It is also where we can meet the
most roadblocks. Many students can
perform any asana required of them yet
they struggle to sit with their eyes closed for
more than 30 seconds or be in silence for
a single day. Yoga is to unite and hopefully
it is here in unity with body and mind where
we meet our true selves. Practices such as
chanting, meditation, pranayama, silence,
kriyas and kirtans reflect who we are and
often mirror the past that shaped us into
that person. A high degree of emotional
and spiritual cleansing can take place within
these practices but essentially this prepares
us to emerge with a clean spiritual slate,
ready to pass on our knowledge as teachers
with true spiritual integrity.
Teacher training in the birthplace of
yoga can be a profoundly life changing

experience. As a member of the teacher

training team at Himalaya Yoga Valley, I
have seen thousands of students come to
our centre and without exception take two
journeys the journey towards becoming
a yoga teacher and the journey towards
the self. After nearly a decade of being a
privileged observer of these journeys, with
all their highs and lows, I believe it is only
by meeting the true self that trainees can
become authentic teachers and teach
others how to live better lives through
yoga.

Eveanna de Barra is a global traveller and

writer, passionate about all things India.
She divides her working year between
Himalaya Yoga Valley (yogagoaindia.com)
and Ireland (yogacorkireland.com) with
plenty of adventures in between.

LONDON
Cobham - Starts January 2016
GLASGOW
Chi & Co - Starts May 2015 & January 2016
LIVERPOOL (NEW)
Spring 2016
FINLAND, HELSINKI
Wellness & Balance - Spring 2016
PALMA MALLORCA, SPAIN
Zunray - Spring 2016

300 hours to make up to 500 teacher

GLASGOW
January 2016
Testimonial: The Seasonal Teacher Training Course has completely
transformed me from someone who had no clue or confidence about
teaching into feeling confident and able. The tutors were amazing
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Affiliate studios?
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or phone 07966 875208
93

om teacher training

The little things

Have you got what it takes to teach yoga to children? By Veronica Greene

oga is your passion and you

really love children so it seems
obvious to combine the two but do you have what it takes?
Absolutely! Youre a qualified
yoga teacher and you were a kid once so
how hard can it be?
You head off for your first childrens class
armed with an adapted adult class plan (by
adapted you mean youve changed posture
names from the Sanskrit to their translated
names and added extra animal poses and
lots of animal noises) to get them eating out
of your hand.
You walk into the room to meet your 10
students, aged from 5-12 years. The 12-yearold is not amused to be in the same room
as a couple of 5-year-olds and three of the
children are running around the room. You
ring your little bell to get their attention and
ask them to sit cross-legged on their mats.
Everyone does as theyre asked and you
silently congratulate yourself. You start the
class with some seated forward bends to
help focus their attention. Then Johnny puts

94

his hand up, Can I go to the bathroom?

Then Marcy asks to go and then Charlie.
Three bathroom trips later youve restored
calm and returned to forward bends. Then
you become distracted by a sniffing sound Jane wants the purple mat but Tracys on it.
This can be the reality of teaching a
childrens yoga class.
If youre not put off and still want to share
the incredible gift of yoga to children then
the required skills of class management can
be taught. If youre a qualified adult yoga
teacher then you dont need a separate
qualification for children but did your
training course prepare you for the challenge
of teaching children?
There are many courses out there so
choose one with a proven track record
of running successful childrens classes.
Does the training company actually teach
childrens classes or have they developed
a course simply to add to their training
programme? Are they certified and are their
graduates actually out there teaching?
Given the statistics that more than 50%

of individuals who complete a kids yoga

training programme never go on to teach
then some support after training would
be an asset.
Age appropriate training should also be
considered. Training techniques used to
engage a five-year-old will not motivate a
10-year-old, leading to the child becoming
bored and quickly disinterested.
Teaching yoga to a classroom of
children can be incredibly daunting so
choose a course that actually gives you
experience of teaching real children as
part of the syllabus.
Most importantly, speak to the trainer
to get a fuller understanding of what the
course entails and if it meets your needs
before making up your mind. There is a
course out there for everyone.

Veronica Greene is the founder of Little

Greene Yoga and offers a certified
childrens teacher training package
(littlegreeneyoga.com)

om teacher training
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95

om teacher training

Quality Control

Make sure your yoga factory delivers high quality

produce at the end, writes Paul Fox

hat are the similarities between a sausage

machine and yoga teacher training?
You put sausage meat (or a veggie substitute,
naturally!) in one end and sausages come
out the other end. In yoga, you put students
in one end of a training course and out come yoga teachers at the
other end.
At least thats the theory.
But everyone knows that when you bite into a sausage (vegetarian,
obviously!) some taste good and some not so good.
So how do we ensure the quality of teacher training, to make sure
that the teachers of the future are not just good, but exceptional?
Just as any sausage factory (oh no, the sausages are back!) would
have quality control, every educational establishment needs quality
assurance. This is simply a mechanism to ensure the standard of
teaching and training provided on a course is high and of a similar

96

standard to a comparable course, and that the whole syllabus is

taught and all assessments completed by students.
Every school, college and university has this process. It is
unthinkable in traditional education terms to operate without
some checks on how courses are being delivered and the student
experience.
And that should be the case with yoga teacher training. Sadly, it
isnt always the case.
So do choose your path wisely. Yoga teacher training is an
expensive outlay that students should only have to pay once.
My advice to anyone thinking about teacher training is to
choose carefully.
Gourmet sausage anyone?

Paul Fox is Chair of British Wheel of Yoga Qualifications (BWYQ)

(bwyq.org.uk)

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Go to the most accredited, established and largest

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om teacher training

Next steps
So, youve got your yoga teaching certificate. What next? By Jean Danford

any newly trained

teachers are happy to
set up a weekly local
class. This is invaluable
for honing skills and
helping real people with all their different
abilities and sometimes restrictions to
practice yoga, and for you to build up
experience as a teacher. This might be in
addition to your main career.
But you may also be considering that this
is actually an opportunity for career change
and be looking to this being the first step in
building a new life path in yoga.
There are plenty of opportunities to widen
the scope of what you can offer that should
be well within your knowledge and skills as
a new teacher with a good training behind
you. It just takes a little imagination and
some courage.
For instance, alongside your weekly
classes, you might offer a short run of say
4-6 weeks of themed classes or weekend
workshops. There are so many different ways
that yoga can be packaged.

98

Here are some examples:

n A
nti-stress yoga, with an emphasis on
gentle restorative practices, breathing,
relaxation, meditation.
n Y

oga for the over 60s (70s, or 80s even),
with modified practices for the particular
age group, strengthening and joint
mobilising asanas can be planned, with
care being taken to work in ahimsa.
n Y

oga through the menopause
n S
leep better through yoga
n Y

oga and your weight loss plan
n Y

oga for men
Or you might offer a specialist workshop of
a couple of hours, connected to the season,
for instance. This may draw interest as we
move through the year, and daylight and
temperature changes affect our energy levels.
All of these widen our knowledge and
experience and may bring interest from a
wider public. Experiment, be imaginative and
your yoga business will grow.
There are many courses that you can dip
into to widen your knowledge, practice and
experience. A Yoga Nidra course perhaps,

or a back care course, to name a few that

you can add to your CV. These will count as
professional development, which is essential
in keeping up-to-date and fresh.
You may also consider doing further
training. Maybe adding a yoga therapy
qualification to your skill set, if you are
drawn to the therapeutic side.
This will add another realm of
possibilities, as specialist training will enable
you to work with health conditions such
as post cancer care, multiple sclerosis,
Parkinsons disease, as well as depression,
and many other health conditions needing
a special individual yoga approach.
As all of this unfolds, it is essential that
we remember the roots of yoga, our own
practice, with Patanjalis guidance to keep us
on track. Work from a place of compassion
and generosity rather than being motivated
by gain, aparigraha in action. And as the
saying goes: what you give out will return to
you seven-fold.

Jean Danford - Real Yoga (realyoga.co.uk)

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99

om teacher training

A uniquely
personal journey

wami Vishnudevananda was the

first yoga master in the West to
develop a training programme for
yoga teachers. In 1969, he taught
the first Sivananda Yoga Teachers
Training Course (TTC) in the West, continuing
the training programmes offered by the Yoga
Vedanta Forest Academy of the Sivananda
ashram in Rishikesh, India. The course was
developed as part of a universal vision of
peace: the more people experience inner
peace, the more this can be transferred
into their actions. Thus the world will be
enveloped in a breath of peace.
The aim of this teaching programme is
to train inspiring and knowledgeable yoga

100

To live and teach the yogic way of life:

the Sivananda way
teachers, who can pass on the practice
and self-discipline of yoga from their own
experience. To date, over 35,000 certified
teachers have been trained in Sivananda
ashrams around the world and every year
another 1,000 graduates are added.
Swami Vishnudevananda retained Indias
traditional Gurukula teaching system in
which students and teachers live together
in an ashram. Through direct contact with
experienced teachers, the students dayto-day life during the course is transformed
into a learning experience. Students advance
both physically and mentally and enjoy a
comprehensive yoga experience, which they
can later transmit to their own students.

In efforts to create the most favourable

conditions possible, this training is offered as
an intensive course in an ashram. Kaivalya is
a dedicated teacher of the Sivananda Yoga
Vedanta Centre in Paris and translator of
the TTCs in North India. Here, she shares
her uniquely personal experience of the
course experience.

In tune with my real self

My TTC in 2002 brought not only an

enormous change to my life but also relief at
finally finding a way of living that was in tune
with my real self. All the different aspects
we were exposed to and taught during the
course met all the different aspects of my

om teacher training
very full satsangs with Indian musicians
every day and reconnecting with the joy of
singing through Kirtan.
But most of all, I had always been a
counter-cultural activist, deeply aware that
our Western culture was disconnected from
our true needs and heading perilously in the
wrong direction faster and faster. I wanted
to be involved in social change but had not
found the way, having been disappointed
with both strictly political activism on
the community level, and conventional
psychotherapeutic methods on the personal
level. And having grown up in a small village
in Switzerland, spending hours and hours
in the hills, fields and woods, I had a deep

The more people

experience inner
peace, the more this
can be transferred into
their actions.

personality that I couldnt seem to combine

before. I was a dancer for years and the
yoga asanas combined with breathing and
relaxation fullfilled my need to be in touch
with my soul through my body. I studied
psychology and philosophy at university
and the study of Vedanta answered my
questions even more satisfactorily. The
practice of daily meditation gave me real,
pragmatic tools for personal growth by
helping me to understand my mind and
control my thoughts.
I had sung in a chorus for many years
and missed singing with others. Since I was
in India (Neyyar Dam) for my TTC with 250
students, I had the pleasure of experiencing

sense of being one with nature and all living

things, an awareness that was sometimes
difficult to keep in the busy urban world I
was living in.
So the chance the TTC offered to dig
deeper inside to create a solid well of inner
peace from which I could draw at will,
and to spread this knowledge to others
by becoming a yoga teacher was an
absolute blessing.
I have since had the opportunity to teach
regularly at the Sivananda Centre in Paris,
where I receive as much as I give, if not more,
and which has made me understand fully
how much selfless service is a true source
of joy.
In addition, I have had the priviledge of
being the French translator at the TTCs in
Vrindavan and Rudraprayag, India for the
last few years, an experience that I cherish
for the renewed opportunity of reliving the
TTC adventure of people coming from all
over the world to learn and grow together,
and of witnessing the perpetual miracle of
all of us struggling through our differences
and personal challenges to arrive at a final
shared sense of true oneness during the
graduation ceremony.
I am so grateful that the TTC exists and
continues to draw so many students. As time
passes my commitment to it grows deeper
and deeper. It has given me and continues
to give me hope for a future dedicated to a
more peaceful and loving world.

From the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre

(sivananda.co.uk)

101

om teacher training

Inside knowledge
Anne-Marie Newland, founder of Sun Power Yoga Teacher Training,
offers key business insights
What advice would you give to yogis keen to make a living
doing what they love?
The best advice is to do it if you want it. Theres nothing you need but
passion and an incredible amount of stamina to keep going. When
its you thats going through a crisis remember to use your yoga
business, self-practice and friends to help you through it. Work can be
a focus but yoga will be your saviour.
What would you do differently now if you were starting
over again?
Nothing much. I train, practice, run my life and my business with a
connection to my intuition. I listen. If I go off the rails then its not long
before a good slap around the back of the knees soon sorts it out.
Those slaps show themselves in interesting ways; such as a student
gives me hell, I lose money, the flights are changed or the venue goes
bankrupt. Real yoga is about real people and real lives.
How do you reconcile yoga principles with the idea of
making a profit?
If you work hard, are honest, and keep your integrity, why shouldnt
you earn a living from it? Even a priest and a doctor get paid, so
why not you? I was reading Eknath Easwarens translation of the
Upanishads and he talks about this. In the West, we dont respect
money and if we dont respect it, it wont respect us. He was saying
that we use such words as filthy rich deriding a big wage as evil.

102

The Jewish have a saying that if God gave you a talent then its a sin
not to use it. Be good when you do what you are good at is
my personal idiom.
What are your business plans for the future?
In 10 years time I hope I am able to get down to my practice and let
someone else run the office. I also hope to see some of my senior
teachers join me in spreading our work further afield. We have been
invited to China, Russia, India and the US. My vision for the school
is that we continue to inspire people to want to teach, not just for a
better wage but for their own survival. I think if we can continue to
train teachers who believe in authenticity then I will be delighted.
Anything else?
Whatever the business do it because you wake up in the morning and
thats all you think about doing not because you think it may make
you money. It certainly may make you money, lots, but will it make
you happy? You can have both. I do. I support my four children,
and my extended family through my yoga business but all of them
will tell you that its a life not a job and if it did not give me joy I would
give it up.

Anne-Marie Newland is the founder of the Sun Power Yoga

(sun-power-yoga.co.uk) and the Teacher Training School

om teacher training

National &
Internationally
recognised
We run courses in
London
Leicester
Manchester
Turkey
Spain
Greece
Italy
Om the Ball &
Aqua Yoga for
Yoga & Aqua
teachers, Personal
Trainers & fitness
Teachers

Established
in 2003

103

om teacher training

Tales from a trainee

Poppy Pickles describes the beginning
of her journey from Iyengar student to
trainee teacher

Poppy being put

through her paces

104

y first experience of yoga was before the birth of

both of my children. It was a way of connecting to
my body and the body growing within it.
I returned to it when my youngest started at
nursery and I had a few hours spare. Instead of
rushing about like a headless chicken trying to get everything done,
I wanted to do something for me. The nearest class happened to be
run by an Iyengar teacher and I rocked up and gave it a go. That was
four years ago.
After three years of practice, my teacher sowed the seed of doing a
teacher training course. It was not something Id considered an option
and I felt totally unqualified, but slowly, the idea began to take root.
A year ago, my teacher asked me to join a small guinea pig class
she was running on an informal basis to prepare her for her next
assessment. The poses were from the intermediate syllabus and
challenged me in different ways - the Introductory poses had never
stopped (and I suspect, never will) being challenging, but these poses
had an element of fun and danger too. We were folding our bodies
into origami-like shapes and realising that the limits we set were only
in our minds.
I realised that twice a week was a good place to start, but it was a
beginning.
In order to deepen my practice, to give me a different relationship
with it, it felt like the natural next step would be to enrol on a teacher
training course.
But first I had to be accepted onto the course. I went along to join
in a teacher training session nearby my poses to be assessed. This
put my practice in a new light. Not just a personal journey, recognised
only by myself and my teacher, but a practice to be put alongside
other peoples. Of course I was nervous.
As part of my preparation I had been to one class at the centre
before my assessment day, which helped a great deal. At least I knew
the basics like where coats and belongings went, where the equipment
was kept and what my teacher would look like. She takes no prisoners.
With nothing to lose, I joined in wholeheartedly. I caught glimpses
of other peoples poses, but most of the time was too busy doing
them myself. There was one awkward moment where my parvritta
parshvokanasana was used as an example of how not to do the
pose, but I decided not to take it too personally.
By the end of the three hours I was worn out. It was the longest Id
ever done yoga in one stretch. She called me over. Do you think youll
enjoy the course? she asked, Yes. I replied. Well, I think youll be fine
then. And with that I became a yoga teacher trainee.

OM5_APR15_184X123V1_LDN:Layout 1

4/27/15

10:47 AM

Page 1

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Train with Sianna Sherman, Jason Crandell, Kino MacGregor, Sally Kempton, David Swenson + more...

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Yoga Scotland has been training yoga teachers for more than 40 years.
Join our comprehensive and respected 500 hour teacher training course.
Superb Hatha tutors, specialist tutors for philosophy and anatomy & physiology.
Includes 2 residential weekends, external assessments, first aid and yoga for
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Next course: Glasgow 2015-17

Apply by 1st May 2015
To find out more about our courses (including Foundation Course and
Living Yoga Study Group) visit www.yogascotland.org.uk
or email admin@yogascotland.org.uk

105

om mind
Meditation of the month

Ego friendly
A meditation to
maintain a healthy
ego. By Jill lawson

106

om mind

healthy ego is one of those attributes that we

need to have in order to survive in this world.
However, if we become a slave to our ego, rather
than remain its master, we wont thrive in this
world at all.
Our ego is both a blessing and a curse. Because of this, it
is worth addressing properly, and with the right attention. If
we are slave to our ego, it will always lead us astray. A bossy
and demanding ego turns us into proud monsters. At the same
time, if we kowtow to a fearful and coward-like ego, well be
absolutely powerless when life throws a punch in our direction.
To be a master over our ego is to drop all fear of judgement,
give up the need for validation, and surrender our simple
selves to a higher power.
The following meditation is a practice in redefining your
relationship with your ego. It is okay to have an ego, but it is
advantageous to not be the slave to an ego that does not
bring you peace.
Lord Shiva, the Hindu God of all yogis, is said to bestow
upon his devotees the ability to destroy the soul-squelching
identification with physical form and ego consciousness. To be
a yogi is to yield the ego in favour of something more powerful
within us.
But, unlike those faithful followers of ancient times,
transcending the ego doesnt require giving up all material
gains and possessions. With a little practice, we can call
upon the name of Shiva, and all that the Lord of destruction
represents, and begin to eradicate the grip our ego has on our
state of being.

To be a yogi is to yield the ego

in favour of something more
powerful within us.
Do it now

To begin, sit in a comfortable position free from external

distractions. Close your eyes and let your breath become full and
deep. Inhale to expand your mind, exhale to free your mind. Repeat
this intentional breathing pattern for several deep breaths.
Silently repeat the mantra Om Namah Shivaya. Follow this
Sankrit mantra with the English mantra, I surrender my ego to
a higher power. Practice this mantra repetition in three-minute
intervals, for as long as you are comfortable doing so.
When we are the masters of our ego, our suffering will vanish and
we will feel much better about ourselves. And, just like Lord Shiva,
those who grace our mystical presence will benefit greatly because
they will bask in the glow of our inner peace and happiness.

Jill Lawson is a writer and yoga teacher living in

south-west Colorado (jilllawsonyoga.com)

107

om mind

ONE MINUTE
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness exercises
you can do anywhere.
By Simon Parke

indfulness is simple: its

to arrive consciously
in the present. Or
to put it another
way, mindfulness is
awareness of this present moment with
acceptance. So its simple, but as we know,
simple is sometimes hard.
Perhaps our past remains a rather
tangled forest of trees a long list of
unprocessed feelings and experiences
which cast a long and obscuring shadow
over this present moment. Or perhaps we

108

seek meaning and consolation in the future.

Our psyche is geared to look further
down the path, to see what we might do,
how we might achieve, how we might make
things better, sort things out.
We all have compulsive behaviours,
learned long ago, which isolate us from
ourselves and the present. Theyre what we
know, our default setting, but they arent
healthy for us.
On offer here are three simple
mindfulness exercises to loosen us from
our compulsive patterns and to help us
back toward the sanity of the present
neither swamped by the past nor hooked
by the future. Instead, we are alive to the
fresh possibilities of this unique moment.
Well all have different difficulties with

arriving in the present, so be kind to

yourself; but these are exercises you can
do wherever you are. Perhaps one or two
of them will help you towards inner shift
when you need it.
BREATHING: the great thing about our
breathing is that its always present, it cant
be anywhere else. Its quietly keeping us
alive now. Yesterdays breathing cannot
help us today; tomorrows breathing would
be too late. Simply stopping and noticing
our breathing is a simple way to arrive in
the now. With the in-breath count one,
with the out-breath count one, with the
in-breath count two, with the out-breath
count two and so on, until you get to
ten. And if thoughts drag you away, simply

om mind
the doctors surgery, on a bus or sitting
at home we focus on just one thing. It
might be a table, a luggage rack, a piece
of skirting board, some peeling paint, an
old door it doesnt really matter. What
does matter is that we ponder it, ask
questions of it: whats it made of? Where
did the materials come from? Did rain help
it grow? Did it come from a mine in the
ground? Is it well made? What purpose
does it serve? Is it valued? How do I
feel about it? Mindful attention is about
noticing, focus, stillness and awareness.
Its about noticing things we take for
granted or dont usually see; its about
focusing and stilling our distracted mind
for a momentand its about awareness
of authentic feelings that are arising in us,
which is important if we wish to be present.
Sometimes mindful attention becomes a
story you are part of and a self-revelation.
VISUALISATION: this sort of exercise is
usually helped by us being able to close
our eyes, and there are plenty of places
where we can. (Just not when driving.) The
visualisation I offer here is popular for
helping us both notice and let go of anxieties
and thoughts which arise in us - and can,
on occasion, kidnap us. Sometimes I realise
Ive been kidnapped by a thought for ten
minutes or an hour. Unwittingly, Ive allowed
it to become who I am when its not who I am
its just a thought.

Well all have

different difficulties
with arriving in the
present, so be kind to
yourself; but these are
exercises you can do
wherever you are.
acknowledge them and return to your
breathing. Can you get to ten?
MINDFUL ATTENTION: this to help
us with our distracted attention, our
monkey minds, which swing from one
entertainment to another in search
of stimulation. So whether were in

So now imagine youre standing by a river

and upstream is a tree. Can you see it? Its
branches hang over the river and it drops
its leaves into the water which then float
past you. And as they float by, you write on
them any thought or anxiety that arises
and let them drift away downstream. They
are not who you are, so you let them go.
Of course, you may get kidnapped by a
thought while doing this exercise and taken
away from the stream. If this happens, dont
worry just return to the stream when you
notice, place the thought on a passing leaf
and let it float away; its good to become
aware of how thoughts and anxieties
can kidnap us. And if we were to practice
this exercise daily, we would become
increasingly adept at noticing
when this happensand therefore
more mindful, more conscious,
more present.

Simon Parke is CEO of The Mind

Clinic and the author of One Minute
Mindfulness, out June 1, 2015,
published by Hay House. 8.99.

Yoga holidays and retreats

designed to be as active or
as relaxed as you want so
you can enjoy every minute
of your precious time off.

Coming soon
Summer retreats:
Santorini (Greece), 18 July
Alpine Adventures, 815 August

Or in the UK:
Glamping in Surrey | Hiking in Wales
Wellbeing in Sussex | Surf in Cornwall

With 45 retreats and holidays to

choose from in 2015 check our
website for more info.
www.adventureyogi.com
or call 01273 782734

om mind

Its all in the

MIND

At what stage do we transition from normal people to super yogis?

Vanessa Dale feels the pressure of living up to high yogic expectations

s there a social expectation on how yogis should be? Think:

skipping through daisies; peace loving; calm; doesnt touch a
drop of alcohol; vegetarian/vegan; sandal wearing; oh, and of
course, hippie (although I prefer the term bohemian myself).
If you recognise yourself in that list, theres certainly
nothing wrong with you (I actually aspire to be more like you!).
Its true that some of these things may be a natural progression
as your yoga practice deepens. But theres also an air of pressure to
change in that direction too.
I know thats true for me, at least it was when I became a teacher.
Maybe it was pressure that I put on myself, but judging by a
few comments from some of my students, it was also a bit of an
expectation I felt from them. For instance, in class, a student actually
expressed surprise when she saw me out drinking a glass of wine
(what can I say, I like to live life on the edge!). I was confused. I didnt
want to let my students down so I pondered whether I should now

110

be teetotal and rise at the crack of dawn to meditate; oh, and whats
the rule on armpit hair, to shave or not to shave, that was a big
question? If I chose to keep shaving, did that mean I wasnt a serious
yogini? Surely not.
And what about when I argued with my children or partner?
Surely, its not very yogic to get angry and let my frustrations out?
Should I now just smile enigmatically like the Mona Lisa and nod
empathically, even when Im fuming inside?
I really tried to change, but my confusion at these expectations
and the pressure I put myself under to be a perfect yogi was
spoiling my relationship with yoga, and myself, as I like to be real.
I still enjoyed a glass of wine, and I had failed on numerous
occasions trying to be a veggie, and sometimes I just didnt damn
well feel like being calm. It wasnt a natural feeling for me; I had to
force myself to stop my fiery temper emerging.
So was I being fake, or not being true to myself, or was I just

om mind

om mind

someone trying to evolve? I needed clarification and direction; I

wanted a list of rights and wrongs.
But no help was at hand (my teachers lived in New York). And so
the deeper into yoga and yoga philosophy I went, the more I wished I
had studied Pilates instead.
By comparison, there just arent the same expectations of how a
Pilates teacher should live their private life.
I was going through a traumatic divorce, but still conscious of not
letting my students down in their expectations. What if they caught
me in a moment of reality, would it affect their belief in what yoga
was all about? I didnt want to give the wrong impression of the
yogic life, so when I was down I stayed in to avoid crossing paths
with students - again the pressure of being true to myself, against
causing disappointment, raised its ugly head.
Ironically, yoga was actually keeping me sane through a very
challenging period, and I was very grateful to have it in my life. Yet
the more pressure, I put myself under the more I pulled away from
yoga. I was starting to lose touch with who I was. It got so bad that
I even stopped teaching for a while out of fear of being considered
a hypocrite.
But then, one blissful day, the whole ethos of yoga kicked in. In an
ah ha moment I realised the only person who was really putting me
under this pressure, was (you guessed it) me. Yes, yoga philosophy
is a way of life, but it will only reveal itself to you, and make sense,
when the time is right.
Now I love a good analogy so here it is: just like the flower you
will only bloom in perfect timing, but before that can happen, every
flower needs go through a whole heap of dirt and muck to find the
light to grow towards. And it is through this process that it is growing
stronger, getting ready to bloom. If we were to try and force the
petals to open before they were ready, then its beauty would be lost.
So be patient with yoga and even more importantly be patient
with yourself.
For those on the journey, I promise that it will all make perfect
sense in good time. Until that happens, dont let anyone force you to
be who you are not yet ready to be.
I learnt long ago that when someone makes a judgement it isnt
actually anything to do with the one being judged, its really about
the one making the judgement. They are projecting areas that
they dont like about themselves onto another to try and make
themselves feel better.
So dont let others put pressure on you. Just live your truth, go on
your yoga journey wherever that may take you, and be present in
this perfect moment because its all we have. And if, along the way,
you need a glass of wine or two then who am I to judge?

Vanessa Dale is a yoga teacher and aspiring writer (yogajunky.co.uk)

111

om spirit

Letting Go

101

Classic yoga teachings can help

us dissolve those day-to-day
attachments. By Larry McClain

112

om spirit

he central message of the

Bhagavad Gita one of yogas
most important texts first
appears in chapter two when
Krishna tells Arjuna: You have
a right to your actions, but never to the fruit
of your actions. In the following chapter,
Krishna elaborates by saying: If you want to
be truly free, perform all actions as worship.
At various points in my life, Ive been guilty
of clinging to actions fruit like it was the
last banana on earth. Yet Ive known people
who are quite good at letting go, and Ive
benefited greatly from watching them do it,
even in difficult circumstances.
I live in Nashville, Tennessee Music City
USA. There are thousands of songwriters
here, yet only a few get their songs recorded
by Taylor Swift or Miranda Lambert. The
fruit theyre expecting is in the form of
fame and wealth, because a single song can
easily generate half a million dollars through
airplay and TV commercials alone.
For every lucky songwriter, however,
there are hundreds of journeymen who do
it solely for the love of the craft. The action
itself is what they savour: getting together
with friends to co-write songs, playing new
compositions onstage (usually for free). Im
sure that a few of them are eaten up with

bitterness over The Hit That Got Away, but

most of them are surprisingly oblivious to
the fruit of their artistry. They seem quite
happy because theyre doing what they love,
not working on PowerPoint presentations in
some dreary corporate cubicle.
Ive learned a great deal from these
songwriters, but I still have many Arjuna-like
moments, when letting go seems impossible.
Here are some examples:
CAREER RESULTS: If youve worked hard
to get a university degree or to climb some
corporate ladder, who wants to let go of
results? In the US, there are millions of
young college graduates who find that
their zoology and philosophy degrees dont
instantly produce cushy jobs. Theyve spent
a small fortune on their education, and
the fruit theyre getting is a barista job at
Starbucks. For many, theres more ire than
acceptance about all this. But I imagine that
a few of these grads are finding that
a zoology degree can set the stage for
writing a zoology app for the iPhone, which
can lead to fruit that far surpasses the
original objective.
RETURNED FAVOURS: If I could truly let
go, Id be glad to load up a truck and help

my neighbour move and not expect

any favours to boomerang back my way.
But thats not how I roll. I usually expect
repayment in full and only scratch
another persons back if he or she is
willing to scratch mine.
ANTICIPATION OF PRAISE: For most of my
life, Ive expected lavish praise for every good
deed, especially if its a really good deed. For
example, if I were to do volunteer work at a
leper colony, Id expect to get media praise
worldwide. If its something modest (like
putting in some unpaid overtime at work),
Id still expect to be commended at the next
department meeting.
So, the next time you get tangled up in
results, or fruit seeking just think of the
typical Nashville songwriter whos onstage
with eyes closed, sharing a song that may
touch your heart but never make a dime. Its
work-as-worship and we can do it, tooas
long as we get lost in the giving and forget
about what comes next.

Larry McClain lives in Nashville, Tennessee

and has written spiritual essays, songs... and
a few running shoe ads. You can reach him
at: (larry@larrymcclain.com)

113

om spirit
Ayurvedic clinic:

Mouth hygiene
Finding perfect balance and health through ayerveda,
yogas sister science, By Thomas Mueller
Tongue scraping

Today we are only too aware that the

surface of the tongue is a breeding ground
for bacteria, leading to not only bad breath
but possible infection in teeth and gums.
Its a good idea then to become familiar
with your tongue, just like your skin, since
looking at it can tell you much about your
health. The daily practice of cleaning your
tongue and analysing what comes off it
can put you in direct contact with a viable
assessment tool for free. As a general
marker, if the coating of the tongue is more
whitish and thick, this indicates toxins due
to accumulated kapha. If the coating is
more yellowish or greenish, this is linked to
pitta; sometimes the coating can be light
brown, which indicates impaired vata. Less
well known is the correlation in ayurveda
between the different areas of the tongue
and the connection to our internal organs.
In ayurveda, tongue scraping is a
common practice known to reduce bacteria
and bad breath by up to 75%. When
incorporated into your daily routine it can
be more effective than a mouthwash or
even tooth brushing.

114

Regular tongue scraping not only removes

accumulated visual waste but stimulates
the reflex zones of your internal organs,
which then has a beneficial effect on their
functions. Also, by removing the coating on
your tongue you clean and enhance your
taste, because without proper removal of
mucus, taste buds can become blocked.

BENEFITS

n Helps reduce bad breath

n Removes bacteria
n Improves taste
n Increases self-awareness
n Cleanses and stimulates organs
n Boosts immunity
n P
revents toxins being reabsorbed back
into the body
n I
mproves digestion by activating saliva
and kindling agni (digestive fire)

HOW TO DO IT

Take the two ends of the tongue scraper

and reach the arch of it to the back of

This can inhibit your sense of taste leading

to possible eating without your body
understanding what it needs to digest.
Tongue scraping first thing in the morning
is like a wake up call to the organs, asking
them to get active. It is also something
that can be easily incorporated into your
daily routine.
your tongue. Scrape firmly forward
several times. Rinse the tongue scraper
between each scrape. Make sure you
wash off all the bacteria and saliva thats
collected on the scraper. You should
scrape your tongue at least two to three
times per cleaning. Wash your tongue
scraper thoroughly in hot water, dry and
put away. I believe tongue scrapers are
best made of pure silver. During use,
micro particles of silver are released into
the bloodstream, which is an excellent
way to improve immunity and to support
overall health and wellbeing.These are
available from: ayuwave.com

om spirit

Ayu
Oil pulling with sesame oil

Did you know that there are more bacteria in

your mouth than people living on this planet?
The pockets around your teeth provide a
breeding ground for many bacteria, viruses,
fungus and parasites and their respective
toxins, which could easily be tested through a
saliva test. These unwanted micro organisms
have the potential to thrive and multiply and
they can easily migrate throughout the rest of
your body. Just think about how many times
a day you swallow your saliva and how easy it
could be for these micro organisms to spread
throughout your body. These harmful micro
organisms produce further toxins as a simple
by-product of their very existence that cannot
be destroyed by stomach acids or easily
neutralised by your bodys immunity.
Many of these dont even pass through the
intestinal tract but get absorbed sublingually
through the capillaries of your mouth, directly
into your bloodstream. Imagine you are
hooked up to an IV that is directly feeding

BENEFITS

n D
etoxifies
n B
rightens the teeth
n H
elpful in healing bleeding and/or
receding gums
n P
revention and treatment of halitosis
(bad breath)
n U
seful in treating oral infections
n H
elps to normalise PH levels
n P
revents tooth decay/gum diseases
n R
educes inflammation and
increases immunity
n H
elpful in treating many systemic
conditions throughout the body

HOW TO DO IT

For maintenance purposes, oil pulling is best

done in the morning on an empty stomach.
However, if you have any particular health
issues it can be done up to three times daily
three to four hours after a meal.
Take one tablespoon of cold pressed,
organic sesame oil into your mouth.
Move the oil slowly in the mouth; then
begin rinsing, swishing, and pulling the oil
through the teeth without swallowing it.
Practice this for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Youll find the oil will start to get watery as
your saliva mixes with it. Keep swishing.
If your jaw muscles get sore while
swishing, youre putting too much into
it. Relax your jaw muscles and use your

low levels of poison into your system 24/7,

affecting your immunity. This perhaps can
be seen as the bigger problem since your
immune system constantly needs to fight
these troublemakers. If your system
becomes overloaded or burdened by
excessive stress, poor diet, environmental
toxins, these organisms can spread easily
throughout the body causing further
problems that may lead to inflammation,
infections or other health risks.
In ayurveda, oil pulling is a remarkable
method of detoxification and healing. It is
a very simple, harmless and cost effective
but powerful therapeutic technique, which
activates certain enzymes that help draw
out the toxins in your mouth. Oil is used
as a medium to cleanse and detox; it pulls
out bacteria and other debris. When you
eliminate these harmful toxins from your
system, you remove the cause for many
systemic diseases and therefore improve
general health and wellbeing.
tongue to help move the liquid around
the inside of your mouth. When you do
this correctly, youll feel comfortable.
If you have the unbearable urge to
swallow and if it becomes too unpleasant
spit out and try again. It can be a bit
unpleasant at first when youre not
used to it, but soon becomes second
nature, like brushing your teeth. About
20 minutes is enough time for the oil
to become more watery and whitish in
colour, which is an indication the process
is completed.
At the end, spit the oil out, then rinse
the mouth with warm salt water. (Salt
water rinsing isnt absolutely necessary,
but is very helpful as an antimicrobial
and to soothe any inflammation. It is
also proven to be effective in rinsing
out toxins, which may be left out in
the mouth.) Never swallow the oil
because it is loaded with bacteria and
unwanted toxins. Although many oils are
recommended today, sesame oil is ideal
as it is considered the queen of oil seed
crops because of its beneficial health
effects. Spit the oil into the trash (not
the sink) as it can solidify in the drain.
Brush your teeth using toothpaste
free of fluoride and harmful chemicals
such as propylene glycol and sodium
laureth sulfate.

Thomas Mueller is a London-based ayurvedic practitioner and a member of the

Association of Ayurvedic Practitioners (apa.uk.com)

Sanskrit
(from Ayush meaning lifespan)

DEFINITION:

HealthLife

Veda Sanskrit

(from vid meaning to know)

DEFINITION:

KnowledgeScience

Ayurveda Sanskrit
Science and art of improving
quality of life and longevity
ageless knowledge of health
through life
the oldest complete
health system

DEFINITION:

THE SCIENCE OF LIFE

www.apa.uk.com

Qualified Trained Insured

Ayurvedic Professionals

For your health needs

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116

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om living

Posh Picnics
Healthy, delicious and
nutritious: impress your
pals with these picnic treats

Spicy Bean Mini-Wraps

Preparation Time: 20 mins
Cooling time: 4 hours
Makes 12-14 mini-wraps

Ingredients

75g / 1/3 cup cream cheese

or vegan cream cheese
3 tsp dried chives
2 x 25cm tortilla wraps
400g tin / 14oz of kidney beans,
drained
1 small clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp tomato pure

Method
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

7.

Using a fork, mix the cream cheese and chives together in the small bowl.
Place the two tortilla wraps side by side on a flat surface.
Spread the cream cheese and chive mixture on the two tortillas,
dividing the mixture evenly.
Pour the kidney beans into the sieve and rinse well. Transfer the beans to the
medium mixing bowl and slightly mash them with the remaining five ingredients.
Again dividing evenly, spread this mixture on top of the cream cheese and chives,
leaving a gap of approximately 2cm at the top end of each wrap.
Roll the tortilla in a sausage shape, starting from the bottom and rolling toward
the gap at the top. Wrap each tortilla in cling film, twisting the ends of the film
tightly. Refrigerate for 4 hours.
Remove the cling film and slice into 6 or 7 even rounds.

Image and recipe: The Vegetarian Society 2009 (recipe taken from the booklet Veggie Kids Kitchen,
available for free from the Vegetarian Society) vegsoc.org

117

om living

Falafel in Pitta Pockets

Method

Preparation Time: 20 mins

Cooking time: 20 mins
Serves: 4

1.

Ingredients

225g/8oz dried chickpeas,

soaked overnight in water
1 tbsp tahini
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 garlic clove, crushed
100g bag / 3.5 oz
watercress, roughly
chopped

Image and recipe: watercress.co.uk

118

juice half a lemon

2 tbsp vegetable oil,
for frying
To finish:
100g bag /3.5 oz
watercress
150g / 5oz Greek style
yogurt
1 small clove garlic,
crushed
4 wholemeal pitta bread

2.

3.

4.

Drain the chickpeas and place in a food processor with the

tahini, salt, baking powder, cumin, coriander, cayenne, garlic,
watercress and lemon juice. Whizz until very finely chopped but
not pured. (If you have time, set the mixture aside for a couple
of hours, so the flavours can mingle, but its not imperative).
Preheat the oven to 220C/Fan 200C/Gas Mark 6. Place a large
roasting tin in the oven to heat up. Using a wet hand shape the
mixture into 16 balls, then flatten slightly into patties.
Add the oil to the roasting tin, return to the oven for 2 mins, then
carefully add the falafel, tossing to coat in hot oil. Bake for 20
mins, turning once until crisp and golden.
Whilst they cook, roughly chop half the remaining watercress
and stir it into the yogurt with the garlic and seasoning to taste.
Lightly toast the pittas on each side, cut each in half and open
up each half to make a pocket. Fill the pitta pockets with falafel,
remaining watercress and the yogurt sauce. Serve whilst warm.

om living

Radish
Coleslaw
Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: None
Serves: 6

Ingredients

20 radishes
1 large carrot
6 shallots
4 sticks celery
2 tsp white wine vinegar
100ml / cup
mayonnaise
3 tbsp natural yoghurt

Method
1.

2.

3.

4.

Coarsely grate the

radishes and carrot, then
finely slice the shallots
and celery.
Mix together the white
wine vinegar, mayonnaise
and yoghurt and season.
Then add to the
vegetables and combine
well until everything is
coated.
If made ahead give a
good stir to re-combine
all of the ingredients
before serving.

Image and recipe: loveradish.co.uk

119

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Viva Strawberry & Almond traybake

Preparation Time: 50 mins
Cooking time: 35-40 mins
Makes: 16

Ingredients

120

200g / 7oz butter, very soft, plus a

little extra for the tin
200g / 7oz golden caster sugar
100g / 3.5oz ground almonds
100g / 3.5oz self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
4 eggs, beaten
150g / 5oz Viva Strawberries, cut into
chunks
20g / 3.5tbsp flaked almonds

Method
1.
2.
3.

4.

Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4

Grease a 18cm x 32cm baking tin and line with
greaseproof paper.
Put all the ingredients, apart from the strawberries
and flaked almonds, into a large bowl and beat
with an electric whisk until soft and very well mixed.
Spoon into the baking tray and smooth out into
the corners.
Scatter over the strawberry pieces then sprinkle
the flaked almonds on top and bake for 35-40
minutes until golden and firm. Allow the cake to
cool in the tin then cut into squares. Eat within a
couple of days of cooking.

Image and recipe: vivastrawberry.co.uk

om living
Nutrition Zone:

Summer nutrition
Love your body with the right foods this summer season.
By Elizabeth Montgomery

he early summer season

corresponds with the fire
element in Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TMC). The long hot
summer days are associated
with yang, or masculine energy, which has
bright, expansive and warming qualities. In
mother nature, yang is always balanced out
by yin, or feminine energy, which is provided
by the abundance of foods that grow above
the ground at this time. These watery and
cooling vegetables and fruits are often a
distinctive bright red colour which belongs
to the fire element (think strawberries,

122

tomatoes and radishes).

TMC acknowledges that this early
summer time of year activates the heart
centre of the body. The emotional states
associated with this centre are joy and
happiness. Care must be taken to nourish
and rejuvenate the body, as it can easily
go out of balance at this time. The good
news is there are many things we can do
to ensure a healthy and happy summer
season, as long as we incorporate foods
and practices that will help bring our
hearts, and bodies, into harmony with
this glorious time of the year.

Get leafy greens

Leafy green vegetables are a great

summertime addition to salads and juices.
Not only are they high in chlorophyll, which
is both blood building and healing to the
body, but they also contain vital nutrients,
including: iron, amino acids and alkaline
trace minerals calcium and magnesium
critical for healthy heart function. A good
source of cellulose fibre, they act like
a brush throughout the digestive tract,
increasing the food transit time. They also
assist in cooling down and cleansing the
system. While there are many green leaves

om living
available for salads, the ideal ones to
include into the diet, especially during
summer, are of a dark green variety. The
darker the leaf, the greater the amount
of key nutrients, which lead to greatly
improved health. There are a multitude
of dark leafy greens available to enjoy.
Experiment with kale, watercress, spinach,
parsley or dark endive with a tinge of red
around the edge, characterised by the fire
element time of year.

SUMMER SMOOTHIE

Go nuts

Try this joy-full summer smoothie idea:

Place into a blender three handfuls
of each: blueberries, raspberries,
strawberries, add coconut water, ice cubes
and blend. Serve with a sprig of mint and
enjoy the sunshine (serves two).

New research has discovered that almonds

may help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
When taken regularly, they increase the
amount of antioxidants in the bloodstream,
help reduce blood pressure and improve
blood flow. They are also alkalising and
contain healthy fats, magnesium and vitamin
E. Walnuts are another heart healthy nut.
They contain the amino acid l-arginine
which offers multiple vascular benefits. They
are a good source of omega 3 essential
fats which is anti inflammatory, and help
to prevent the formation of blood clots.
Regular consumption also supports healthful
cholesterol levels.

affirmation: I bring joy to the centre of

my heart (place both hands on the heart
centre and repeat three times).

Flower power

Cleansing foods

Flowers are plentiful during summer and

many are known to assist in soothing and
healing the heart. In ancient cultures, roses
were commonly associated with love and
were thought to assist in healing heart
break. Try planting roses in the garden,
or use calming rose essential oil in the
bath. Alternatively experiment with using
delicious rose petals in desserts. Another
lesser known flower traditionally used for
heart health is the carnation. Its energy is
known to resonate with the heart centre
and can be soothing in times of grief, or
heartache. Simply bring carnations into
your home, or plant in the garden for a
heart enhancing splash of fragrance and
colour. And heres a simple heart centre

Care must be taken to nourish and rejuvenate

this area of the body, as it can easily go out of
balance at this time.

The body requires foods with diuretic

properties especially in the early summer
heat. One such early summer vegetable
is asparagus. It contains the amino acid
asparagine that helps the kidneys to excrete
toxic waste and oxalic acid. It also helps to
breakdown fat and thereby assists in weight
loss. Another popular vegetable with diuretic
properties is celery. Its high water content
and bio available calcium helps to breakup
accumulated fat and cleanse the system.
Other vegetables in this category include:
cabbage, beets, cucumbers and fennel.

Luscious berries

When berries begin to appear the summer

season is well and truly here. There are

JOYFUL LIVING

NOURISH YOUR HEART CENTRE THIS SUMMER SEASON

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

F
ollow your heart: listen to your inner guidance
C
 rystal clear: rose quartz activates the heart chakra
Laughter: medicine for the heart
Singing: opens the heart and lifts the spirits
Love: opens and heals the heart
M
 usic: universal language of the heart and soul
Dance: joy-full self expression
Poetry: the language of the heart

myriad delicious berries to choose from

such as raspberries, cherries, blueberries,
and cranberries. Luscious strawberries
are a classic early summer favourite with
numerous health properties. The high
flavonoid content benefits heart health
by counteracting the effect of LDL (bad
cholesterol) in the blood. The presence of
elegiac acid means they also contain anticancer properties. And they are one of the
richest fruit sources of vitamin C the great
immune system booster.

Hydrate

Adequate hydration is paramount during

the warmer summer months. Bear in mind
that during summer, the requirements for
water tend to increase due to the amount
of perspiration lost during the higher
temperatures.
Another important aspect to hydration
is the type of water consumed since all
water is not the same. Sadly, tap water is
increasingly contaminated with chlorine,
heavy metals, synthetic estrogens, and
other toxins which wreak havoc on the body.
Fortunately, pure water can now be achieved
through the filtration process of reverse
osmosis, or distillation. If investment in a
water filtration system is not possible, then
purchasing pure low mineral content mineral
water is the next best option.

Elizabeth Montgomery is a
nutritional therapist based in London
(holisticnutrition.co.uk)

123

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10 things to do for your children

When we look beyond
the mat, there is a deep
educational message to
be explored in yoga.
By Siri Arti
Siri Arti is the creator of Starchild
Yoga, an education for peace. She runs
regular teacher training courses both in
the UK and overseas (starchildyoga.org)

124

ducation in school systems dates

back to the Industrial Revolution.
However, what may have been
important then, may no longer be
relevant now. Times are changing
so rapidly and what is left behind, amongst
other things, are rich life skills to help
children navigate through this fast
changing world.
Yoga for children, teens and families is the
perfect tool to address this. Whether you
are a yoga teacher or a parent who enjoys
the benefits of yoga, be mindful that these
benefits fit perfectly into a family construct,

a business model, or more simply, a way

to be.
In the world of yoga for children, you
have an adult, awakened to a brighter way
of living, delivering precious moments to
children. The children are open to receive;
the adult is kind, mindful and ready to share
and elevate. What is shared is an education
an education for peace.
The inspiring educator, Maria Montessori,
was a true ambassador for strong teachings
on how to educate for peace. In a lecture on
this subject, she said: An education capable
of saving humanity is no small undertaking;

om family
it involves the spiritual development of
man, the enhancement of his value as an
individual, and the preparation of young
people to understand the times in which
they live.
Yoga is a modality that contains a rich
tapestry of life lessons, seeped in beauty,
mysticism and practical tips on both doing
and managing life. Woven into every yoga
class are golden threads of how to be a
good human, live a respectful life and classic
lessons on the collective consciousness.
Simplifying these teachings, and sharing
them with children and teenagers, makes the
world a better place.
The following 10 guidelines offer a
yogic view on how to be with children.
Adopt them into the school systems,
a yoga space or a family unit, and
together we will create a better world.

ONE LOVE THEM

When children feel loved and appreciated, they shine. Feeling loved gives us the
capacity to pay it forward, and this lends itself to a more peaceful world. Never expect
children to simply feel loved, make it clear in your actions too.

TWO BUILD THEIR SELF-ESTEEM

Love and accept your children for who they are. Treat them as valuable and worthy
people in your life, so they may have a strong sense of self.

THREE CHALLENGE THEM

Dont make everything easy for children. Give them ample opportunity to fight for
something, space to figure things out for themselves and courage to face adversity.
This will build stronger and wiser children, ready to face the world.

FOUR LISTEN TO THEM

There is high value in being heard. Take time to really listen to children, hear what they
have to say so they feel valued. Children need to have a voice as they have valuable
contributions to make.

FIVE EXPECT RESPECT

Do not allow children to walk all over you. You are their teacher, and elder, and must
be respected. Mutual respect builds healthy relationships. Teach them to respect you,
themselves, others and objects.

SIX CREATE BOUNDARIES

Boundaries offer a clear structure. With clear boundaries, there can be freedom to
explore within that space. Without boundaries, there is no shape to bump up against,
which creates a difficult place to operate from.

SEVEN MAKE MINDFULNESS A PART OF THEIR LIVES

Dont presume that children dont need to learn lessons on how to be in the world.
When opportunities arise, take the time to broaden the story to teach awareness. This
will raise their emotional maturity and offer them a richer experience of life.

EIGHT DEVELOP A LOVE OF LEARNING

Be curious and observe your children. When they show interest in something, help
them to explore it further. If you force a child to learn something they have no interest
in, there will be no flow or passion in the process. Incite them to love life.

NINE HELP THEM TO BE COMMUNITY-MINDED

Show them the world through a wider lens and get involved in projects that will open
them to compassion, sharing, caring and taking action.

TEN LET THEM GO

This is the hardest one of all. A whole village, not just their parents, should raise a
child but this is not the norm in western society. Give them freedom to explore without
holding on too tightly. Broaden their horizons and set them free to be.
So, make the choice. Let us be the group of yogic people who are transferred
from one generation to the next through storytelling, discussion, teaching,
training, and research. Let it be through a unified belief in an education for
peace that we share this beautiful dance of life.

125

om family

Conscious Parenting
Amazing things happen when you
press the pause button. By Siri Arti

As a parent, you spend most of your time in a state of giving. When

you are constantly in this state, you often forget how to receive, and
things close down. A minority of parents have mastered the art of
giving and receiving, and the result of this balance, allows all to be
well in their worlds. I perceive these parents as magicians and long
to achieve their mastery. They have learned to give, pause, and
receive, keeping themselves in harmonious balance. The rest of us
fall prey to losing ourselves in the wildness of parenting, forgetting
to raise our heads and catch our breath.

Missing mojo

Dont misunderstand. I love being a parent more than anything in the

world. It is, without fail, the most fulfilling, creative and exhausting
role I have ever played, and I play it with authenticity, passion and
commitment. But recently I recognised that navigating the intense
road through my childrens teenage years has eroded something
deep inside of me, so I decided to address it immediately. How
many of you feel that you have lost touch with yourself a little?
Perhaps you recognise that your mojo left the building a while ago,
so stealthy in its disappearance that you hadnt even noticed. To
notice a dip in vitality, you have to be one of those consciously
awake parents who notice subtle invisible things. In my case, I have
friends who were honest enough to deliver the home truths that
woke me up from my slumber.

126

DONT
n Forget who you are
n Get lost in your children
n Forget to breathe

DO
n Take breaks from the family
n Get out into nature a lot
n Follow your dreams
n Laugh and play

Remember who you are

Life is too short to disconnect through parenting. Yes, it can be

challenging, life consuming, and crazy beautiful, but your family will
only achieve harmony when the leaders of the pack are strong and
full of vitality. Wake up and remember that you are a strong and vital
human who can raise saints, run a household, hold down a dream
job and keep your mojo in check. All you have to do is hit the pause
button, learn to both give and receive, and dare to dream.

Siri Arti is the founder of Starchild Yoga (starchildyoga.org)

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Yoga & Aromatherapy:

presents
Orange Oil
(Citrus sinensis)
June sees us celebrating Summer Solstice or Midsummer Day; the
longest day and shortest night of the year, the day when the sun
reaches its zenith.
The best essential oil to celebrate this is orange oil (Citrus
sinensis) as it corresponds to the element of fire, the direction of the
south, the season of summer, the energy of action and heat.
Orange oil is a sunny, radiant oil, bringing happiness and warmth
to the body and mind with the sensuous aroma of sunshine and
summer. It is refreshing, strengthening, stimulating, uplifting for the
emotions and helpful in maintaining a healthy circulatory system and
encouraging healthy digestion. It also provides relief for bronchitis
and other respiratory problems.
Orange essential oil promotes relaxation and eases stress, so
perfect to use in an oil burner at the end of a yoga class.
Before your morning practice, place a small drop of orange
essential oil (mixed with a drop of carrier oil) onto your wrists and
the bottom of your feet and tap into the solar energy as you do your
sun salutations.
Orange oil can be used to cleanse and purify your yoga space,
yoga mat, chairs and clothes. Put a few drops in a water spray bottle
and spray liberally around to cleanse and refresh your space.
It is a non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising oil, but it
can have a phototoxic effect, so do not apply before going
out into the sun.

21st June 2015

Alexandra Palace, London N22 7AY

By Julia White (beautifulmindbeautifulbody.co.uk)

Come and take part in the BIGGEST FREE

outdoor yoga event
For full details and to register please visit

www.iyd.yoga
Organising Partners

127

om actions
My yoga business

DEAL OR
NO DEAL

128

om actions

Five simple tips to boost your negotiating powers. By Eldonna Lewis-Fernandez

hile even the word negotiation can evoke fear,

stress and anxiety for many, the intent is quite
simple: to discuss and ultimately agree on a
deal. Whether its a multimillion dollar contract
or just deciding where to meet for lunch, life
is rife with negotiations. And, the negotiation process is a lot like
a chess game where strategy reigns supreme - one thoughtfully
considered move at a time. Make a careless, short-sighted, illconceived move and suffer the perilous consequences.
Whether you are a seasoned negotiator or avoid wheeling
and dealing with people altogether, you will vastly improve
your results and be motivated to get in the game by knowing
how to avoid a few common pitfalls. Whatever your goals, in
your work or personal life, the art of thinking
like a negotiator will profoundly impact your
ability to achieve your desired outcome. Here
are five simple strategies to help.

1. Project confidence
through preparedness

Many people think they need to show a

certain kind of confidence, like being loud,
bold or brazen, to successfully negotiate a
deal. Others think that a lot of experience
is required to be a good negotiator. Most
of the time it merely takes tenacity and
good old preparation to ensure you
are aptly equipped to assert mutually
desirable terms, anticipate objections,
and discern what motivators or hot
buttons will resonate. Projecting
confidence also means having heart,
which is endearing to others whether
or not you have years of negotiation
experience. This can also result in the other side
having a less defensive stance, making them more
amenable to your ideas. Project a notable level of
confidence, and back that up with solid, well-researched
information

2. Understand that everything

is negotiable

Everything is negotiable. Its a mindset you have to

operate from in order to become not just a good
negotiator, but a great one. When you decide that the
terms for anything can be changed in your favour,
a world of opportunity presents. Of course, as with
most things in life, there will be rules to adhere
to with each deal on the table, which are needed
to evade chaos and keep discussions on track.
However, even rules are negotiable. They can be
modified if you simply propose an ethical, viable and
mutually beneficial alternative solution. Powerful
negotiators are rule breakers.

3. Create a strong foundation by building

relationships first

This is probably one of the most important things an individual can

do in regards to negotiation and in business in general. Perhaps you
have attended the standard networking event where you give dozens
of cards out without having a real conversation with anyone. Its
time to slow down and start making real connections with
people, particularly those you might be involved with later
on. Find out something about them and their lives. Get
personal. Much useful information can be gleaned during
casual conversation, including what they value in life,
what motivates them, what annoys them, their ethics.
Find out something about them, personally, and not just
their business. You might be surprised how well you can
leverage what you learn through a genuine conversation
with someone.

4. Ask for what you want

You must ask for what you want. Sounds simple

enough, but in practice it can often be daunting.
People naturally fear rejection or were taught
not to be greedy as children, so we instinctually
refrain from asking for things in life. However,
at work, rejection is never personalits merely
a reflection that you did not present a viable
argument substantiating why you should get what
you want. If you hear no, its the offer that is being
rejected, not you, so keep emotions in check and
re-calibrate your approach. No often just reflects a
need for more information, and take heart in knowing
that people say no an average of three times before
they say yes. Its important to understand that if
you dont ask you dont get and the only way to
master the art of rejection is to get rejected and
keep asking. When negotiating, make it a priority to
ask for exactly what you want. Most of the time you
will either receive what you want or an acceptable
alternative.

5. Use the power of silence

Talking too much is a sure-fire way to kill a deal. Have

you ever been offered a product or service, and the
salesperson kept talking until he or she talked you right
out of the purchase? If they would have simply asked for
the sale and stopped talking, their chance for success would
have increased significantly. Never underestimate the power
of silence. Theres an old adage that says he or she who speaks
next loses. When discussing a deal, if you simply stop talking and
get comfortable with the awkwardness of silence, your ability
to win an argument, sell a product, or a get a concession
increases significantly.

Eldonna Lewis-Fernandez is the author of Think Like a

Negotiator (ThinkLikeANegotiator.com)

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My yoga business: Teacher tales

Know more learning

The more I know, the less I know. By Paula Hines
Do you find that in your capacity of teaching yoga you are regularly
asked questions about the best pose to help with x or y? Often
we want textbook answers to questions like this. But there are times
when the best and most honest answers are it depends or indeed, I
dont know.
Heres an example:
Q: Whats a good pose for sciatica?
A: It depends
Taking the sciatica example, I do have experience of sciatic pain
because of my own spinal condition. There are certain poses I use to
alleviate it and there are other poses that I know will trigger it. Yet, Ive
read literature, been to classes and seen videos online where some of
those very poses I would find aggravating are recommended for easing
sciatica. Ive found so far that different approaches work for different
people even if, on paper, they may have the same condition or injury.
When students ask us these questions or sometimes a stranger
who happens to find out that you are a yoga teacher asks, we can
feel as though we are supposed to know all the answers. But we are

130

not doctors; we are yoga teachers (and there are even doctors out
there who will admit they dont have all the answers either).
Using the sciatica example again, if asked, I will suggest those
things I have found from my own personal experience and the
experience of people Ive worked with that have been helpful.
However, I try to think about the language I am using in doing this,
explaining that some of these things might help rather than claiming
pose X will cure Y. And if the person asking the question knows
they have a chronic condition or does not yet have a diagnosis but
has been in ongoing pain, then I suggest that they do seek specialist
advice. For my own practice, speaking to a surgeon and having a few
private sessions with a very experienced yoga therapist made a world
of difference.
The more I teach, the more I learn. The more I learn the less I know
for sure and, as a consequence, the more I err on the side of avoiding
being prescriptive. It is ever apparent that every body is different.
Also, I feel there is something liberating in knowing that it is okay to
not always know.

Paula Hines is a London-based yoga teacher (ucanyoga.co.uk)

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Teachekr
Spea

Ever wondered what your teachers going on about?

Adam Hocke demystifies popular yoga terminology

s postural yoga teachers and

students we employ a variety
of words and phrases that
wouldnt make much sense in
polite society. We overload their
meaning and use so heavily that we create
a hugely subjective muddle. Lets reclaim
an understanding of these words, use them
consciously, and deepen their effect.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

Anatomically Speaking

Listen to your body is often teacher code

for: I dont know how to help you. Teachers
really mean that you yourself should learn
to distinguish between healthy sensations of
practice like moderate muscular stretch and
contraction and injurious pain from villains
like joint compression and dysfunctional
movement. If you have suffered a recent

injury, it is likely you would remember the

associated symptoms enough to modify or
stop as necessary to prevent re-injury. Without
this history you may be confusing pain with
discomfort as the body adapts to new modes
of movement that in the long run may be very
good for you. As a general but not failsafe rule
of injury prevention, avoid intense isolated
sensation and work to spread force more
equally throughout the body.

Spiritually speaking

If your body made enough noise to be

audible in a yoga class, it wouldnt typically
be a cause for celebration. Furthermore,
when you listen figuratively, you tend to
listen to habit. The body can be a big liar,
desperately afraid of change, and can
prevent you from going deeper or correcting
dysfunction by sending false or misleading
signals that may feel as equally true as

those signalling impending disaster. With

this understanding, you should not only
listen, but dialogue with the body. Explore the
edges of your practice within the parameters
described above. Question the body and
solicit feedback as to whether or not your
practice is providing positive effect on your
health and wellbeing. Greater observation
of the experience of embodiment grounds
the physical practice in meditative reflection
and trains you for later dialogues with the
infinitely more complex landscapes of the
mind and spirit. Listen to your body is
an essential instruction for a mindful and
sustainable asana practice. It ensures you
take responsibility for your health and
ownership of your experience. Be deliberate,
skillful, and clear with this instruction to
reassert its power and efficacy.

By Adam Hocke (adamhocke.com)

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om actions

How To Be A Yoga Rockstar:

Part 4 of 9

Starting out
Getting qualified to teach is just the start of
your amazing yoga career. By Martin D. Clark

ood things come to those who

hustle, said writer Anais Nin.
That might not sound very
yogic, but youre going to need
all of your savvy negotiating
and commercial skills if you really want to
build a long-term yoga career.
Dont expect the world to come racing
to you just because youre now qualified
to teach; you need to let the world know
youre out there and available for work.
Whatever your plans are, theres typically
no shortcut to long-term success.
With a little luck, your teacher training
provider will have prepared you for this
phase and even hold your hand as you
take those first baby steps. Any expert

132

help in areas such as marketing, websites

or bookkeeping can be invaluable when
starting out.
And its tricky thinking about all these
other things when all you really want to
do is concentrate on what you do best teaching yoga. Thats why you got into this
in the first place. Getting class confident
is part of this process, learning the ropes,
preparing for classes and developing your
own unique voice.
But when bills need to be paid its
essential that all of these other things are
factored in. Getting to know local studio
owners, printing flyers, building websites,
it all takes time. Without marketing whos
going to even know about your first

classes? It can be easy to get disheartened

if things dont happen quickly enough.
And then when things do take off its
all too easy to get overwhelmed. Young
teachers making their way across town
from class to class can suffer burn out after
a while.
Use your mat as your anchor to stay on
top of it all. Yes, theres much to learn, but
these are exciting times too. Youre a new
yoga teacher just starting out and life looks
awesome.

Next time: Marketing

How To Be A Yoga Rockstar: The Ultimate
Guide To Making A Living Teaching Yoga is
out now. Visit: ommagazine.com/shop

OUT NOW
A new book by OM editor, Martin D Clark
What people are saying about it:
I wish this book had existed when I did my yoga training course
I will add it to the recommended reading list for my yoga trainings

Order: ommagazine.com/shop

om actions

heart
Follow your

Fill your bike ride with joy with a heart-shaped cycling route
Positive energy
veryone knows that cycling is good the freedom that cycling brings, believes that

for you. Now it can be even better

for you.
With a little thought and planing
before you set out, you can create
a route - a heart-shaped route to be exact that will open your heart to even more magical
things (think health, healing and happiness).
Sarah Bayaidah, a keen yogini who loves

134

following a heart-shaped cycling route can

bring wonderful things into your life.
Cycling a heart route has many benefits
for the rider and yogi, she says. I truly believe
that the positive energy created while cycling
a heart shaped bicycle route is a powerful, fun
and active way to express your passions and
follow your heart.
Bayaidahs own innovative enterprise Cycle
Your Heart Out (cycleyourheartout.com) is
designed to help others map out their own
cycling routes. Shes been creating heart
shaped bicycle routes since 2011 with a goal
to inspire and empower people all around
the world to create their own heart shaped
route, and follow their hearts. Shes currently
in the process of making a step-by-step video
series on just how to do it. I love inspiring and
empowering people into creating their own
heart shaped routes, she adds.

So whats it all about really? And why the heart

shape? Bayaidah says the positive energy
created whilst cycling a heart shaped route is
a wonderful and fun way to get fit and follow
your heart.
My heart routes are not perfect, neither
do they always go along the most scenic
paths, but then neither does life - its full of
unpredictable surprises. However, if you pursue
your passion with all the love in your heart,
you will stumble across many delights along
the way, allowing you to create your own
masterpiece in life.
And, of course, the idea is completely
portable. Routes can vary in length, which
means theres something for all abilities, and
can take place virtually anywhere in the world.
Bayaidahs website shows previous heartshaped routes including an easy 5.42 km trail
around Londons Hyde Park, perfect for anyone

om actions
I truly believe that the positive energy created
while cycling a heart shaped bicycle route is a
powerful, fun and active way to express your
passions and follow your heart.
looking for a nice gentle traffic-free ride in the
capital. The only thing you need to look out for
is the squirrels, she says. Dont have a bike?
No problem. Simply pick up one of the rental
bikes in the park and simply drop it off when
youre done.
There are also a couple of routes to pick
from in sunny Spain, in the stunning city
locations of Barcelona and Seville, as well as in
the eternal city, Rome.
Bayaidah came up with this route during
a weekend trip with a friend. It was a nice
surprise to discover that the Villa Borghese
park is also shaped like a heart. I whipped out
my sketchbook and got busy in the beautiful
Piazza del Popolo.

Yoga journey

The whole idea has been inspired by Bayaidahs

own yoga along the way. She claims that it was
a regular yoga and meditation practice that
motivated and encouraged her to pursue her
own dreams.
I really feel that doing yoga for many years
has helped me so much in remaining focused
on following my heart and living a balanced
life, she says. I love practicing yoga when I
wake and meditating at least 10 minutes in the
morning and 10 minutes before I sleep.
She also credits OM magazine for inspiring
her along the way

After studying psychology at university I

didnt have a clue what I wanted to do in my
life. I remember reading many articles in OM
Magazine which helped to give me inspiration
and confidence to follow my heart. After
deciding to go travelling around Asia and
Australia I made a commitment to discover my
passions and calling in life. While I was away I
rediscovered the magical feeling of being back
on a bicycle and how much I loved painting,
photography, travelling and inspiring others.
When she returned to the UK she went on a
solo yoga trip with Azul Fit in Fuertaventura in
Spain to gain more insight and clarity on her
passions. After one incredible yoga session I
followed what my heart was telling me to do,
so I created Cycle Your Heart Out. I had no
idea how to build a website, blog, edit videos or
plan a ride, but I managed to teach myself how
through my huge determination to follow my
calling in life.
Her goal now is to create heart shaped
bicycle routes around the world and spread the
love. Bayaidah also hopes to share the dream
on her site via her photography, paintings
and videos
I am so thankful that I decided to take a
yoga retreat with Azul Fit in 2011 as it helped
recharge my batteries, regain focus and give
me the creative energy that I needed to pursue
my dreams.

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om actions

KUNDALINI

AND THE CITY

OM asks Mariya Gancheva, founder of online studio Kundalini Lounge, how she
balances a high stress City job with her passion for yoga teaching
Yoga turned my life around
Like many people these days, I found my
life was becoming increasingly demanding.
Feeling pressure to perform and achieve, lead
a certain lifestyle and look a certain way, I
was starting to push away my inner child,
my spirit and human creative potential. Even
though I was being defined as a success
graduating Valedictorian with two degrees,
speaking six languages and becoming one
of the youngest executives in the city I
felt lost and empty. My health was spiralling
down, my personal life was non-existent, I
was feeling ill more than I felt healthy, and I
started to get depressed. Having practiced
many different types of yoga throughout my
life, when I stumbled across Kundalini I found
the tools to get back to a happy, fulfilled life.
I experienced profound change and
feel blessed to have found this powerful
quantum technology.

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I now teach Kundalini yoga

Kundalini means awareness. When the
Kundalini energy is dormant within us, we
have limited capacity and perspective.
Kundalini yoga is a technology of human
consciousness. It teaches us how to be
healthy by strengthening our immune and
nervous systems. It also calms the mind
and develops intuition. Its a yoga that
blends movement, breathing, awakening and
meditation. Its the fastest way to establish
an alignment between mind, body and soul.
Historically given only to lines of kings, it has
a long lineage for many thousand of years.
Its a royal yoga, one that is intended to suit
everyday life and does not require us to
withdraw from the world.
Its a powerful tool for transformation
This yoga will change your life so profoundly
that its hard to single out any individual
benefits. It can shift your entire perception of
the world around and within you as well as
rebalance your body, giving you the serene
glow of vitality. For me, it gives energy,
perspective and balance. My job and teaching
schedule are very hectic. Practicing this yoga
even when I can only manage short bursts
throughout the day keeps me calm, gives
me perspective and centres me as a person.
It transformed me. I believe the bottom line
is that if you want to change your life and
experience your true self, then this is a good
journey to go on. Helping people make this

connection for themselves is why I started

the Kundalini Lounge.
Yoga helps me manage a very busy
professional life
Life can get very crowded with schedules,
events, social and family affairs and mine is
no different. Its easy to get so stressed out
that you hardly find time for yourself. Yoga
gives me tools to find balance and peace of
mind, to take life easy and not take things
too deep to my heart. Investment banking
can get very aggressive and challenging.
Yoga sets my whole body in line, balances my
system and boosts my immunity so the day
flows naturally peacefully. I feel full of energy.
It has also taught me how to remain healthy
and vibrant despite frequent travel and
numerous meetings and other demands. It is
yoga of awareness of your own wellbeing and
soul. Yoga has also helped me tremendously
with my career, opening up my intuition and
creativity, which has manifested in many
ways in my life. Success, prosperity and
recognition soon follow once your being is
aligned with the universe.
Yoga is common in the financial sector
More and more organisations are promoting
wellbeing and stress management with yoga
and meditation, be it at their own gyms or
inviting teachers into the workplace. Busy
professionals are actively seeking ways to
balance and let off steam. My class is 100%

om actions
financial professionals who sit all day and have
lower back pain and who are stressed with busy
schedules or heightened anxiety. Nutrition
disorders are also common so there is also a
push for more healthy foods and lifestyles.
I wanted to share my experiences
As someone who travels almost every week,
works stressful hours in an office, and has
a busy work-related social life after work, I
found it hard to maintain my practice and
stay centred and balanced. Yoga is not about
going to a class once a week, bending a
few times and job done. It is a continuous
journey. I could never make it to a studio,
or when I could I was so tired that I would
seek the solace of my home. I was dreaming
of transcending physics and transporting
the yoga studio to my living room. While
meditating one winter evening six years ago,
the idea of a virtual yoga studio came to me.
I didnt know where to begin or how to create
it, but the desire to share the teachings
was so intense that I soon attracted people
who helped me build it. Now it is a platform
for more than 22,000 people who practice
regularly. The website is designed to fit
anyones schedule, no matter how busy you
are, with videos ranging from two minutes to
two hours. You can also design the pace and
focus of your practice, whether you want to
get energised or relax, conquer depression
or attract prosperity. The majority of the
platform is available for free so anyone who
has a desire to learn and practice can do so.

I want the site to grow into a complete

virtual chill out lounge
We have recently launched a nutrition and
lifestyle section on the site to assist those
who want to live a happy, healthy life. Its a
vibrant community and I am proud to have
seen it grow and change the lives of so many.
My hope is that the Kundalini Lounge grows
into a virtual chill out lounge for anyone who
wants to relax and let a busy day go. We
continue to attract the best teachers and
therapists, and I am hoping this will become
an all-encompassing Kundalini experience,
taking people from yoga to a whole new
lifestyle. It will soon include a music room
with a variety of playlists to boost your
mood, along with our picks for products to
enhance your practice, from good books to
yoga mats.
My favourite mantra is: travel light, eat light,
live light, spread the light, be the light.
I tend to get very intense and overburdened
with worries and desire for perfection. This
lifetime challenge of mine is learning to let
go; to let life flow without controlling it. This
mantra reminds me to simply sit back, let go
and enjoy the journey. The universe has a
plan for every one of us, and we should trust
it and be open to receive its message without
questioning every single obstacle that is in
our way.

Discover the Kundalini Lounge at:

kunjdalinilounge.com

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om actions

Life & loves

of a yoga teacher

OM writer Lesley Dawn quizzes yoga

teachers up and down the country to
reveal their life and loves
Name:
Julie Chase
Age:
54
Location:
Norwich, Norfolk
Training: British Wheel of Yoga
Specialism: Hatha Yoga

Describe yourself as a colour

Green: it reminds me of nature which I love to be close to. I often
wear clothes in shades of green, particularly lime green as its very
uplifting and zesty.

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Morning or night person

Definitely morning.

Favourite meal
I prefer vegetarian meals and like beans, pulses and spices mixed
with fresh vegetables simple, tasty food, some of which comes
from my garden (its hard to beat, both in fragrance and taste,
when veggies are freshly picked). My husband also has a sweet
tooth so I enjoy making any sort of cake, particularly chocolate
his favourite.
Most memorable holiday
A two-and-a-half month travelling holiday around Europe in our
old VW campervan. We took our bicycles for day trips, saw many
wonderful sights and covered many miles through France, Italy,
Austria, Germany and Belgium.
Favourite book
The One Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out Of The Window
And Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson. Its wacky and completely far
fetched but shows what can happen when you embrace everything
that comes your way and keep an open mind. I would liken it to a
Forrest Gump-type story. Another favourite is Awakening your Spine
by Vanda Scaravelli, not only as inspiration but as a reference book.
Best light-bulb moment
I cant think of anything that particularly stands out as an example,
but I have had many significant moments that have influenced and

138

changed me. I like to think I am probably fairly steady and on an

even keel most of the time, and any hiccups or bumps in life I try to
embrace and work through.
Happiest moment to date
Spending time with loved ones, and sharing time with friends. One
of the simplest things is sitting in my garden on a sunny afternoon
having a cup of tea and watching my bantams scratching about and
playing havoc with the plants.
Wish for anything what would it be
Good health - not just for myself and my family, but for everyone,
for as long as we can.
Naughty but nice
I like to just sit and read. It may not seem naughty to many people,
but in a busy world its an indulgent feeling to be just lounging about
and getting completely lost in the words for a while.

om travel

Republic of Ireland
your

To view films from our 2012 and 2013 CPD Training Events and to
see details of our 2015 event, please visit www.balens.co.uk/cpd

Balens Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

139

om travel

Welcome
to the
jungle
From tree houses in the jungle to pizza on a beach,
Indira Das-Gupta enjoys a magical yoga adventure in India

ndia: where better to practice yoga than

the place it all began thousands of years
ago? Being half Indian myself (my very
first class was in India), maybe thats why
theres always been something incredibly
magical about returning there.
When I recently took my children there for
the first time I was keen to try and squeeze
in a class or two so headed for a few days at
Lotus Yoga retreat, located in an eco village
called Kaama Kethna close to Indias highest
ranking beach, Agonda. What appealed
to me is that it is built in harmony with its
natural surroundings. I thought it would be an
adventure for all of us - and it didnt disappoint.

Into the forest

Lotus Yoga Retreat is a 90-minute drive from

Goa airport down to the southern part of
the state. After following the signs for Kaama
Kethna, we found ourselves driving on a dirt
track through the forest. Id known it was off
the beaten track but hadnt realised quite how
much. Finally, after driving ever deeper into the
heart of the forest, we arrived. We were greeted
at reception with enormous smiles, which set

140

the tone for the remainder of our stay.

Our tree house accommodation looked
like something right out of the Famous Five.
Downstairs, there was a single bedroom with
an adjoining bathroom which was exposed to
the elements. When we showered, we could
see the moon and stars above us which was
amazing, although a bit on the chilly side. There
were some rickety stairs leading up to the
second bedroom which had a double bed and a
spectacular view over the tree tops. The whole
thing was lovely and rustic, in keeping with its
surroundings, but definitely more basicthan

Id expected (no flushing toilet, which of course

makes perfect sense in an eco resort). Well,
wed wanted an adventure and thats exactly
what we got.
The retreat is spread out so every tree
house feels secluded, with chairs outside so
you can just sit and admire where you are.
Everythings built using natural materials and
most of the structures come down during the
monsoon and are rebuilt again afterwards. The
two Yoga Shalas are set well away from the
accommodation which means you can practice
completely undisturbed. If you like peace and
quiet, Lotus is perfect for you.

Being in an eco village

Fushion food
in the Indian jungle it
The evening meal was presented as a help
wasnt as if I could just
yourself buffet. It was all very healthy
vegetarian and vegan food prepared using
pop out to the local
produce grown on site and described
corner shop or takeaway. organic
as fusion. Having previously just spent a week
The next nearest eating
in Kerala where Id eaten curries every day
that would have blown my socks off (had I
place was a good 15
been wearing any), the food was certainly less
minutes walk away
fiery, so my digestive system was grateful for
thats in the pitch black. the break.

om travel
Predictably, the children gave the food the
thumbs down. Being in an eco village in the
Indian jungle, however, it wasnt as if I could just
pop out to the local corner shop or takeaway.
The next nearest eating place was a good 15
minutes walk away thats in the pitch black
with just a couple of dim torches to light
the way (tip: definitely take a decent torch,
youll need it find the loo in the night). When
the sun goes down it really does go dark,
seriously dark.
Once you are at the resort, make sure you
have everything you need before you settle in
for the evening.
The on site restaurant does delicious juices,
teas and smoothies to order but closes at
8pm. It also gets chilly at night so its worth
packing some warmer clothes. The tree house
is not completely enclosed; the windows are
just holes between the wood.
We woke to see the sun rising above the
trees, a glorious sight to greet you first thing in
the morning. Brunch is served at 10am to give
people a chance to attend a morning yoga
class. Then theres a free taxi service to
nearby Agonda beach, about a 10 minute drive
away. It is up to you to make your own way
back, however.

Best of both worlds

We had a glorious day on the beautiful beach

where there was plenty going on, and lots of
restaurants to choose. One of the great things
about Lotus is you can have the best of both
worlds. If you just want to get away from it
all and switch off and be at one with nature,
you can chill out at the retreat, enjoy the
beautiful surroundings and focus completely
on developing your practice. But if you fancy
a night off from being virtuous then you can
just head to the beach and indulge in a glass of
wine or pizza.
The Lotus staff are incredibly
accommodating. They very kindly offered to
mind my children so I could actually do a class.

Practicing in the magnificent Pyramid Shala,

surrounded by trees and the sounds of the
birds and insects, sure beats doing yoga in
a gym with weights banging on the ceiling. It
enabled me to really focus and stay present.

Yoga retreats

Lotus host retreats where a teacher brings

a group for a set period of time. Or you can
visit for a yoga holiday for as many days as
you like and just dip in and out as you feel
like it. Theres usually morning tea at 7.30am
followed by a class from 8-9.30am. Then
theres brunch with a free taxi service to the
beach if you wish, and you are free to do what

you like until 4.30pm when theres another

evening class either back at the retreat, or
occasionally theres meditation on the beach.
The resort can also help if you fancy going
a bit further afield on an organised tour. Had I
had more time a trip to see the elephants and
the spice market would have definitely been on
the cards.
If you like luxury then Lotus possibly isnt
for you, although sometimes we can surprise
ourselves. At first I thought I might have bitten
off more than I could chew by going there
alone with two young children. But then I grew
to love it in just a very short space of time. Its
a unique location and the perfect antidote to
all the stresses and distractions of normal life.
After spending a week there, you couldnt fail to
be totally chilled out. In fact, I was so taken with
it that as soon as I got home I started planning
my return visit.

Indira Das-Gupta and Jackie Lee, the

founders of North London Yoga Studio, are
holding a retreat at Lotus from March 22
2016. Book before July 31 for an early bird
discount and pay just 699 for the full eight
days (otherwise 789), based on two people
sharing a hut (superior accommodation
and single huts more). Prices do not
include flights, transfers or visas. Visit:
northlondonyogastudio.co.uk/retreats/

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CHALLENGE YOURSELF

HAVE FUN IN THE SUN

m pages

FIND YOUR BALANCE

STAND UP PADDLE BOARD YOGA RETREAT

Miami Beach FL.

October 18th 24th 2015

USA YOGA AND WELLBEING HOLIDAYS WITH A DIFFERENCE

Stunning locations Relaxed environment All levels welcome Dates throughout 2016

info@miamibeach-yoga.com

www.zayogaretreats.com

Boot camp for the soul

Rated 5 star on TripAdvisor

yogatone.co.uk Tel: 07906 052542
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om pages

Directory - Holidays & Retreats

PORTUGAL

Yoga Evolution Retreats, Portugal Ashtanga & yin

yoga retreat with mindfulness meditation practices.
With delicious raw & ayurdedic macrobiotic food set in
a traditional six hectare Portuguese estate.
Phone: 00351 272 634 004 Email: info@yogaevolutionretreats.com
Web: www.yogaevolutionretreats.com

GREECE & CRETE

SKYROS, the first and still the best Try something

new, enjoy delicious food and meet a wonderful variety
of interesting people on the beautiful island of Skyros,
Greece. Activities include yoga, windsurfing, abseiling,
art, comedy, music dance and much more.
Phone: 01983 86 55 66 Email: office@skyros.com
Web: www.skyros.com
Yoga Rocks - Retreat to Triopetra, Crete Revitalise
with internationally renowned teachers. Yoga &
delicious food complements the incredible atmosphere
at our unspoilt location. Spacious en-suite rooms with
balconies overlook the pool and Mediterranean
Phone: 020 32862586 Email: info@yogaholidaysgreece.com
Web: www.yogaholidaysgreece.com

WORLDWIDE
ONEWORLD retreats Weekly since 2003,
ONEWORLD retreats provides travel experiences
through a combination of yoga, meditation, spa and
discoveries. Our distinctive retreats are offered in
Ubud, Bali and abroad. Phone: +62.361.289752
Email: info@oneworldretreats.com Web: www.oneworldretreats.com

Connect body and mind.

Inspiring health tours
& detox weeks in Hua Hin, Thailand.

Thai
Healthy
Me

Prime beachfront
Pure Thai food
Therapy every day
Monk meditation
Cooking classes
Yoga, Tai Chi & Meditation course 14-20 June

See us at www.thaihealthy.me
and facebook.com/ThaiHealthyMe
Enquiries tel. 0333 0144 056
ABTA No.Y6204

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20%

discount
until the end
of June 2015

WORLDWIDE

Radiance Yoga Wellness Retreats Bali Australia

Spain France - Italy
Radiance Retreats are an inspiring blend of quality yoga
practice, guided beach & nature walks, hiking, massages
& healing spa treatments, core strength classes, guided
meditations, nutrition & healthy lifestyle discussions, evening yoga
nidra, soulful cultural tours, healthy cooking classes, yogadance and
a range of other inspiring classes with organic meals & juices set in
beautiful locations.
Phone: +61 0402 772 388 Email: info@radianceretreats.com
Web: www.radianceretreats.com

UK
Yoga as Medicine! Mediyoga
Overworked, stressed, headaches, neck/
back pains? Having problems coping? Treat
yourself to a 2 day yoga course. Learn how to deep breathe,
meditate and perform gentle yoga movements. Comfortable ensuite rooms, healthy food, relaxing atmosphere.
Phone: 01202 555522 Email: goc.thompson@gmail.com
Web: www.mediyoga.com
Inner Guidance Retreat Centre The UKs new
leading holistic venue offers different retreats weekly,
and can also be hired to bring your own group. Set
in stunning Suffolk countryside, just outside the
charming village of Lavenham.
Phone: 01787 249798 Email: info@innerguidance.co.uk
Web: www.innerguidance.co.uk

To advertise here please contact Sara on

01787 224040 or email sara@ommagazine.com

om pages

Directory - Courses & Classes

DEVON

UK VARIOUS LOCATIONS

The Devon School of Yoga The Devon School of Yoga.

Established 1989. Two year Teacher Training Course
(500hr). Five month Foundation course (100hr). Two
year Postgraduate Yoga Therapy Course (250hr). Day
Workshops, Weekend Residentials UK, North India Retreats.
Experienced team. Twenty-six years of inspiration.
Phone: 01392 420573 Email: info@devonyoga.com
Web: www.devonyoga.com

Seasonal Yoga teacher Training Connecting students

with their true nature. Our training is for those who wish
to teach yoga or go on a journey of self development.
200 hour Yoga Alliance approved RYT, Glasgow, Cobham,
Surrey, Palma Mallorca, Helsinki Finland. Phone: 07966 875208
Email: seasonalteachers@gmail.com Web: www.seasonalyoga.co.uk

ESSEX
Iyengar Yoga Centre for Essex (IYCE)
Established 1995 to improve Iyengar Yoga in Essex.
Provides: class information; workshops & yoga days; IYCE
News; & teacher training. Teachers are registered to use
the Iyengar Certification Mark.
Email: info@iyce.com
Web: www.iyce.com

UK VARIOUS LOCATIONS
British Wheel Of Yoga Foundation
Course 2015-2016
A BWY certified course to deepen your understanding of
the many varied aspects of yoga. The course is suitable
for people who have an established practice, and is
recommended by the BWY as a first step for those interested in
teacher training.
Email: clare.harmonyoga@gmail.com Web: www.yogasp8ce.com

Seasonal Yoga Online For professionals, Seasonal

conversion course, at home study online course. in
season, 5 seasons, over 1 year. Over 50 videos and 30
hours of info in each season. 149 per season.
Phone: 07966 875208 Web: www.seasonalyogaonline.com

To advertise here please

contact Sara on
01787 224040 or email
sara@ommagazine.com

5TH ANNUAL

1st August 2015

YOGA
GARDEN
PARTY
yogamatters

Commonwork,
nr Sevenoaks, Kent
Teachers include:
Simon Low
John Scott
Gary Carter
Philip Xerri
Mimi Kuo-Deemer
Francoise Freedman
Bridget Woods-Kramer
plus many more
teachers, therapists
and activities

In aid of the
abandoned
street and
slum children
in India

www.charityyogaday.org.uk

145

om lite

Mission:
Meditation
Theres hope for everyone when it comes
to meditation, says Lexie Williamson

egular readers of this column will know that Ive been

on a mission to meditate for six months now, under the
guidance of my local Buddhist monk (what? you dont
have one?).
Its been a roller coaster ride, if you can have one
of those sitting still. My monk favours the real deal meditation with
no incense, music or candles so its been tough for a yogi used to
such distractions.

Id like to share what Ive learnt so far:

No one has ever died of pins and needles (as far as I know). The
plan is not to get involved emotionally in the fact that your left
foot is numb. Be reassured that it is still on the end of your leg and
will function correctly once the blood is again flowing.

Staring at a flowery carpet for 20 minutes is a better trip than

LSD. If meditating with the eyes open (as is advised to prevent
point 2 from occurring,) choose a room with plain flooring. Dumbotype elephants cavorting across the floor are distracting.

The harder you try to conquer meditation, the harder it is.

This may come as a shock to Type As but meditation is not
something you can just nail by grit and determination. It cannot be
ticked off a to do list. Ever.

It is possible to fall asleep sitting upright. I remember watching

my dad sleeping in his armchair and marveling at his ability to
drop off vertically but now find myself doing precisely the same
thing in meditation. This may, however, just be an age thing.

You may not like the present moment. The here and now is
more likely to comprise of staring at a crumb on the carpet than
lotus blossoms unfurling before your eyes. Go with it. Accept the
crumb and do not judge it.

146

Your ear will never be as itchy as it is right now. It wasnt itchy

before the teacher said lets meditate so why does it feel like
theres a small army of ants marching across it now? Strange.

The human mind is impressively inventive in offering up good

reasons not to meditate. Watching Come Dine with Me should
not be one of them.

My Buddhist monk suffers with none of the above. He describes

meditation as akin to diving into a cool swimming pool on a hot
summers day or in other words pure bliss. So the pins can needle
if they want; Im not giving up.

Lexie Williamson is a yoga teacher and health and fitness writer

(pulseyoga.co.uk)

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