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Nurture your Thoughts, Emotions, Actions

Puff out those chest feathers for greater confidence!

27/6/2015

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Did you know that our posture can have an affect on our confidence levels? 

Ancient yogis were great scientists. Through careful observation of nature, they realised that different postures (asana) affected the mind, and have known for centuries that certain chest opening postures help to improve confidence levels. 

Modern science is now confirming this with a recent study inviting participants to attend a session where they were asked to think and write down their best and worst qualities. The participants were split into one of two conditions: the first sitting erect in a chair with chest puffed out (indicating a confident pose) and the other asked to curve their back in a slouched pose (our typical ‘office posture’). The results showed that those in the confident pose reported more positive thoughts than the those slouching.

Don't take our word for it. Become your own scientist and observe how your posture affects your mood. 
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Forward Bends

26/6/2015

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This info-graphic nicely illustrates the reason why we always instruct you to 'bend your legs' during most forward bends in yoga. Bending your legs reduces the risk of lower back strain, hamstring pull and shear stress on the sacrum:
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Advanced Yoga

30/4/2015

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Stillness in movement 

18/4/2015

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This image reminds me that there is both stillness and movement in yoga asana practise. In movement we seek stillness and calm. In rest we stay mindful and attentive.
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patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga: A Brief Introduction

27/2/2015

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It helps to think of these 8 limbs as the tree of yoga:
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The Tree of Yoga

1. Yamas tell us how to interact with the World, they are the roots of the tree because they connect us to others and everything outside ourselves. Without strong roots, a tree, no matter how strong in other respects, will fall.

2. Niyamas tell us how to interact with ourselves, they are the trunk of the tree, providing stability.

3. Asana are postures. Loosely translated asana means comfortable and stable seat. Feeling comfortable within the physical body. The main purpose of asana is to prepare the physical body for long periods of meditation. Thus asana represents the branches of our tree, the baby steps toward transformation, which happens through meditation.

4. Pranayama refers to breathing techniques and expansion of life-force energy; these form the bridge between our minds and our bodies. Pranayama are the leaves of our tree absorbing energy to nourish us.

5. Pratyahara is often translated as sense withdrawal. In a world of constant stimulation, distraction, and mental chatter, pratyahara represents an intentional withdrawing from the outside world, and with enough practice, our own racing thoughts. Pratyahara is the bark of our tree, protecting us from external distractions and diversions.

6. Dharana loosely translated as concentration or focus, is the life giving sap of our tree because where our attention goes, our energy flows, and for good health, energy must flow freely to where it is needed.

7. Dhyana or meditation, not the attempt to meditate but the state of meditation, forms the flower of the tree. It is the culmination of the preceding limbs.

8. Samadhi, or the state of true bliss, forms the fruit of our tree, the seeds from which transformation and new life ultimately flourish.
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Yoga: More Than Asana

10/2/2015

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These days when someone says the word “yoga”, most people think of asanas (yoga postures). They think of exercise classes that stretch the body and maybe incorporate some specific breathing practices. But there is SO MUCH MORE than this “asana thing". Asanas are but one of the eight limbs of the 'tree of yoga' as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. A tiny part of a comprehensive philosophy and science of life.



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Asana: Exploring the Edge

19/12/2014

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There is so much wisdom wrapped up in this two minutes. The speaker neatly merges the concepts of ahimsa (non-violence) and tapas (determination) as practiced on the yoga mat and in daily life. The aim is to seek the middle path that neither calls us to withdraw into ourselves nor fight with ourselves or the world around us.
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“I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship.
I see your beauty. I hear your need. 
I feel your feelings. 
My wisdom flows from the Highest Source. I salute that Source in you. 
Let us work together for unity and love.” 
​
– Mahatma Gandhi –

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