Women have always been an integral part of yoga, and led ritual, and devotional practices.

The life force energy is considered the creative force in yoga ( called Shakti ), the energy that brings all things into physical form.

This energy is radiant and powerful, it is not passive but active and creative.

Yoga helps us to appreciate the body we have, and who we are in our essence.

Yoga peels away the layers of who we think we should be. 

Yoga has the power to help you to recognise the Shakti ( which means both goddess and power) within you… 

I learnt my own way of what felt right in the yoga space and what didn't when I began to practice, over two decades ago many participants were women but there were many times when it just didn't feel right to practice in the way I was being guided to, so instead I decided to listen to what felt right for me.

Through this experimentation and observation,...

POV - you don't fit the 'industry standard' image for yoga - 

Have you ever heard yourself say that you are too big, stiff or old to do yoga? Or maybe heard others say this, as I have heard 100's of times in my 23 years of teaching.

It's a fear that many people carry, and I too am not immune to the fears of being judged - in fact  many teachers carry shame - for not 'measuring up' to the 'standard' image of a yoga teacher. 

....And then comes the fear of being 'too old', so much so that many yoga teachers and students opt out of yoga - at precisely the time they are a well spring of knowledge, when they have the most to offer, or as a student, can benefit from it the most!

We all fear being judged, and with social media it has become a minefield, although this depends on what you look at and allow into your 'feed'.

Thankfully, there is also a growing movement happening now - a much healthier one that is embracing...

 - You are ready to start your home practice journey...

but you don't know exactly what to do?... you are not alone, this is something I hear often at workshops and classes, so this post aims to give you a simple way to look at what to do, with 5 essential things to include.

With a little home practice you create more space for true transformation, rather than just coming to a class once a week to catch up on your wellbeing, which is still an awesome thing to do!

Is your time in class like therapy? For many years I have often asked students what they would like in the session, and almost every time it turns into a list of body parts and muscle groups that need attention! This is understandable, but total focus on only the physical can be a block to going deeper in yoga. 

Is yoga physical therapy?

Yes it can be with a knowledge teacher, and it can be more too, because yoga is about the elimination of suffering.

However, remember that a 'general' yoga class is...

With many of us now taking yoga classes and courses online I  wanted to share with you a few tips to enhance your online yoga journey.

You may already be familiar with these but a wee reminder now and again is often helpful.

For live classes on Zoom download the Zoom app before classes start and have a play with it, ask a friend to have a meeting with you to test everything is working and then when we have classes you are ready to go!

• Devote yourself to this time as you would going to the studio - turn off your notifications or leave your phone in another room (unless using it for joining the class!) This is your time for you and you are worth disconnecting from the outside world for a while.

• Inform your whānau/ family, or flatmates that you will be practicing yoga for your self-aroha, a gentle 'please do not disturb' reminder can be helpful! They would not have access to you if you were in a studio so please remind them and set your boundaries.

• ...

There is a saying - listen to your body whisper so you won't have to listen to it scream...

Intentionally resting - like taking time out for mindful movement, meditation or guided deep relaxation, is a gift to give yourself in order to keep your cup full, and inner light shining brightly.

'Intentional rest' is not the same as relaxing on the couch in front of the tv, having a glass of wine, or going out with a friend. The benefits are different.

It is a practice of self care that takes you into a certain state, brain waves are at a certain frequency, and the body - mind is better able to heal, let go, release tension, improve interoception and process life. 

By practicing mindful yoga and guided deep relaxation you are taking that time to focus on intentional rest, your well-being, and refilling your cup. 

Adopting a balanced approach and incorporating nurturing practices into your lifestyle you can counter the effects of...

"Hā ki Roto - Hā ki Waho"  -" Breathe in - Breathe out"

Sometimes this simple instruction is all we can do in life and yoga!

"Don't forget to breathe", as a great teacher once told me many years ago.

Sounds simple, but it is the simplest things that can sometimes be the most profound, both in practice, and in practice off the mat- also known as - life!

A simple way to tell how you are doing in yoga is- to be aware of your breath.

āroa hā = breath awareness ( see how close this is to aro-ha )

In our classes the awareness of the breath, the Hā in Māori ( also sometimes known as hau, ngā , manawa and tā to name a few of the words to describe the breath ) is all important, as important as what you do with your body, if not more.

Hā also means your essence.

The breath is the bridge between our bodies and our mind in yoga. It contains the life force, and links us to our divine nature.

The...