Hatha: Ha - ‘Sun ‘ Tha – ‘ Moon. ‘

Hatha yoga is the most practiced form of yoga in the west. The aim of the practice is to incorporate posture work ( asana ) with breath control ( pranayama ) leading to the practice of meditation. Originally yoga did not consist of posture work. Postures were later developed as a tool so that the body became more subtle allowing yogis to hold meditation poses for longer periods of time without disturbance or movement.

Ashtanga Vinyasa: ashtanga – ‘ Eight Limbs ‘ ,Vinyasa - ‘Breath Synchronized Movement. ‘

Ashtanga Vinyasa is an ancient system of yoga popularised by K. Pattabhi Jois. It is characterized by a set of dynamic connecting postures with the use of the breath. The Vinyasa flow is a variation of ‘ Surya Namaskara ‘- The Sun Salutation. Unlike other Hatha yoga styles – attention is also placed on the journey between the postures not just the postures themselves.

Karma: ‘ Deed or Act ‘

Karma yoga is based on the teachings of the ‘ Bhagavad Gita ‘ the ancient yogic text. Karma yoga is the science of achieving perfection in action. Karma means action and Yoga means union translating as ‘ union through path .‘ With this particular form of Yoga, concentration lies in the way the individual is acting, thinking and willing themselves towards realization by acting according with ones duty ( Dharma ). This is without consideration of personal self centred desires, likes or dislikes.

Kriya: ‘ To Do. ‘

‘The most important action of the soul is the breath.’

Kriya yoga is a technique of energy control ( pranayama ). A term for various schools of meditative yoga practice emphasizing pranayama, breathing techniques, to accelerate spiritual progress, aggressively breaking awareness free of day-to-day consciousness and arousing the kundalini with the goal of expanded consciousness and self transformation.

Mantra: ‘ Sacred Utterance.’

Mantra yoga is a combination of divine syllables or sounds which when chanted with devotion, faith and emotion gravitate the concerned God, Goddess or Diety and secure their divine blessing.

Shabd Guru: Shabd – ‘ Sound ‘ Guru – ‘ Teacher.’

The simplest meaning of Shabd Guru would be ‘ Special sound that is a teacher. ‘ The Shabd Guru employs the Naad – which is the totally balanced universal sound, to remove constriction and distortions of the ego.

Bhakti: ‘ To Share. ‘

Bhakti yoga is the yoga of devotion. One who practices Bhakti yoga is known as a Bhakta. Bhakti as a spiritual path is referred to as Bhakti Marga or the Bhakti way. Bhakti emphasises devotion and practice over rituals. It is typically represented in terms of human relationships, most often to a beloved - lover, friend – friend, parent – child. It may also refer to devotion to a spiritual teacher, ( Guru ) to a personal form of God or divinity without form.

Jnana: ‘ Divine Wisdom or Knowledge ‘

Jnana yoga is the path of knowledge and wisdom. The second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is known as Jnana yoga. It is said to contain all the important concepts and ideas of the scripture. Jnana consists of the following:

• Developing correct awareness of the mind, body and self.
• Purification of the body and mind through self discipline.
• Acquiring awareness of the world and the supreme knowledge – self beyond.
• Practicing various other techniques as a means to self purification, elevation and elimination.

Tantra: ‘ Weave ‘

1. Tantra measns literally "to weave through",this refers to the weave through life and utilizing all of life’s energies(Prana)for your practice. (Including emotions which are often suppressed in other forms of yoga).

2. Tantra is a spiritual technology using the basic formula ‘mantra + tantra(including asana ,mudra and chakra symbols) = tantra’.

3. Tantra stresses the importance of ritual for example: kriyas and the number of repatitions the length of days practicing a particular kriya and the length of time it is practiced.

4. There are two types of tantra,right handed (orthodox) and left handed (heterodox)

a.Right handed basically follows the same rules as the other forms of yoga utilising the importance of the Yamas and Niyamas.

b.Left handed uses the 5 ‘M’s’ ritually as part of practice:

• madya (wine)
• mamsa (meat)
• matsya (fish)
• mudra (parched grain)
• maithuna (sexual intercourse)

5. Tantra is also divided into 3 colours according to intention:

• Red - often focusing on ritualised sex with personal intention.
• Black - ‘black magic’ used with the intention of protection of the state/country, nationalistic intention.
• White - ‘white magic’ used for the benefit of all sentient beings, altruistic/good intention.

6. Tantra generates and accumulates life force (Prana) through asana, pranayama, visualisation and mantra. The prana is brought into the central channel (sushumna) in order to purify the chakras and awaken the Kundalini energy which enables the practitioner to reach higher states of consciousness and eventually achieve enlightenment(Samadhi)

7. Tantra is said to be the fastest but most precarious road to enlightenment. The danger is that if done without following the teachers instructions it can lead to illness or at worse egoism or madness. This is why we are taught protection mantras at the beginning of practice and the importance of training for example warming up, relaxation and not altering the kriyas.

It is important to realise the practice is done to generate a ‘wholesome intention’ and to achieve good for ALL creation.

Suffering from an eating disorder is stressful for the individual and for the close family and friends involved.

Eating disorders are often taken more lightly than they should be, and are brushed aside as a fad or an attention seeking issue that the sufferer will eventually grow out of. This may not be the case—and with the pressures on young children today within school, the media and sibling rivalry, boys and girls as young as eight years old can fall victim to such psychological distress.

I was a sufferer from anorexia. From a personal point of view, let me squash the fallacy that eating disorders are about food and anything that may hold calorific value. Food is what becomes the anchor to hold onto, it is something that is used to help control the sufferers everyday existence, until eventually, food becomes the obsession.

Whether the sufferer has anorexia or bulimia, the attachment to food is the same. Starvation or binging becomes the obsession which is brought on by mental anguish, lack of harmony and control within daily life.

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Jala Neti is one on the six 'Shatakarmas' or yogic purification practices

Shat-six Karmas-Action

The idea behind these six yogic cleansing practices is to create harmony and balance between Ida and Pingala the two major pranic flows.

Preparation-Start by finding a Neti pot that is suitable for you. Make sure that it is made of materials that will not contaminate the water. It is important that the nozzle fits snug into the nostril so that the water doesn’t leak out during the practice. Take time to find the pot that is right for you.

The water used should be purified and at room temperature. The salt should be a fine sea salt, 1 tsp per half a litre of water.

Why salt? Salt is used to ensure the osmotic pressure of the water is equal to that of the body fluids which will counter act any irritation to the mucus membrane.If burning sensations occur then there is either to much or to little salt in the water, adjust accordingly.

Washing the nostrils:

• Fill the Neti Lota(pot) with the prepared solution.
• Blow the nose and allow the body to relax and take a few moments to breathe with the eyes closed.You may want to sit in a comfortable position or stand with the legs apart and the body weight distributed between the feet.Lean forward,tilt the head to one side and slightly back.
• Begin breathing through the mouth then gently insert the nozzle into the upper most nostril.Make sure that the nozzle is a comfortable fit to prevent any leakage.You may want to adjust the body position so that the water can pass through and out of the opposite nostril.
• When you have completed one side either using the full amount of water in the pot or half ,remove the nozzle from the nose allow the head to come to the centre and let the water naturally run out through the nose.When the water has stopped running gently blow the nose to remove any mucus.
• Tilt the head to the opposite side and repeat the process.

Drying the nostrils:

• Close the right nostril with the right thumb and breathe in and out quickly through the left nostril approximately 10 times, emphasizing the exhalation.This can be compared to ‘Kapalbhati’breath or a breath of fire but without pumping the navel centre.
• Repeat on the other side then repeat once more through both nostrils.

Draining trapped water from the sinus cavities: Stand or sit straight,close the right nostril and exhale forcefully through the left while bending forwards rapidly from the waist.Inhale normally returning to the upright position.Repeat 5-10 times.

• Repeat this with the right nostril open,then both nostrils open.

Duration

Practice for up to 5 minutes a day

Awareness

Be aware that the body is relaxed and it's positioning is correct making sure no water leaks from the nozzle of the pot.This is something to be aware of especially for beginners.

Spiritual awareness

Ajna chakra-3rd eye

When to practice:

Ideally in the morning before Sadhana,however Neti may be performed anytime accept after a meal.

Precautions

The water should only pass through the nose.If the water is passing out through the mouth then it is important to adjust the head position Dry the nose well after practice to prevent irritated nasal passages and cold symptoms.Be gentle when blowing the nose afterwards.

Contraindications:

Nose bleeds or if there is a structural blockage.

Benefits:

• Removes mucus and pollution from the nasal passages and sinuses.
• Helps prevent and manage asthma,pneumonia,bronchitis,pulmonary tuberculosis it helps to relieve allergies and hayfever including allergic rhinitis,colds and sinusitis .All disorders of the ears eyes and throat,glue ear and tonsillitis.Inflammation of the adenoids and mucus membranes.
• Children who mouth breath can also benefit from Jala Neti practice.
• Because Jala Neti reduces tension in the face it also helps to maintain a youthful appearance.
• Jala Neti also has a cooling effect on the brain which helps treat epilepsy, migraines and alleviates anxiety and depression.
• It removes drowsiness and makes the head feel light and fresh.
• Brain activity is increased through the stimulation of the nerve endings in the nose.
• It induces a state of harmony and balance and awakens Ajna chakra the intuitive centre.

Photographs by Simon.

We often think of children as carefree with few worries and forget that they go through stresses and strains in life just like any adult. In today's society of peer pressure, consumerism and sibling rivalry, children need time and space to find a safe place to release their worries and concerns.

As a yoga teacher and mother, I began to make it a priority to teach my own children yoga on a daily basis and to reinforce the importance of experiencing "sadhana" or personal daily practice. As with most things the younger you begin the easier it becomes. Within every one of us we have the tools to access our true identity which can often become lost during daily life and our routine living. Yoga helps access these tools so that our true nature can shine through in everything we do. When experiencing yoga from a young age, it is about children as individuals gaining a positive relationship with themselves. As they learn they absorb information with pleasure, enthusiasm, and at the same time, have a great deal of fun.

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Read the article at naturalparenting.com.au

As a yoga teacher and mother, I teach my own children yoga on a daily basis. I reinforce the importance of experiencing “sadhana” – personal daily practice to maximize health. "Yoga" means to unite and, as a practice, incorporates many different aspects of life: physically through movement; mentally through meditation and specific breathing techniques known as "pranayama;" and spiritually through meditation, relaxation and chanting.

Children of all ages experience so much stimulation that it becomes difficult for them to enjoy the simpler things in life. Experiencing yoga from a young age allows children to be with themselves. And, as with most things, the younger you begin the easier yoga becomes. As children learn, they absorb information with pleasure and enthusiasm and, at the same time, have a great deal of fun.

In this article, I will expand on the basics of yoga for children that I presented in Natural Life Magazine’s May/June 2009 issue. To help encourage a daily practice for children, I have, with the help of my daughter Kali, included some of the key yoga asanas (poses) and breathing techniques to help beginners from as young as five years of age.

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Gone are the days when females played the single role of mother. Today we are often pressured into taking on numerous roles in life that can take their toll on our health and our natural cycles.

I have written this article because I am one of those women who has taken on the challenge of super mum, householder and bread winner and have suffered through regular episodes of post menstrual syndrome while trying to achieve my daily goals.

I feel enormous empathy for any woman who suffers from this monthly dis-ease, so have explained the routes that I have taken to gain a better understanding and awareness of the syndrome itself. It is important to know how to care for the body, mentally and physically, by nurturing yourself with good foods, exercise and daily amounts of relaxation. I have included foods that can help and foods that can hinder recovery. I truly believe that finding balance is the key which can help you live a healthy, happy and productive life which benefits you and the whole family.

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"Do we have to be related to be part of a family unit"?

Many people find their family unit within their groups of friends or with people with whom they share a common interest. But whether we are related or not, the majority of us share our home or work space with at least one other person. It is natural for humans to disagree and have communication breakdowns.

Making a commitment as a group to participate in regular Yoga sessions can enhance the bond between each individual and open the door to healthy, happy and harmonious relationships.

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Breath of fire-to help you through the winter months

A great paractice before jumping out of bed in the morning :-)

Breath of fire is a strong abdominal breath or what is known as ‘pranayama’ in the yoga world. It has a variety of benefits a few are as follows:

• Regulates the digestive system and metabolism
• Keeps the mind focused
• Encourages breath awareness
• Helps release ‘Agni’ digestives fire there fore helping to warm the whole body during these cold wintery months.
• Helps to burn access fat within the body
• Cleanses the digestive tract and internal organs

How to practice

Sit in a comfortable position with the spine straight either resting in easy pose or on the knees.

Place the right hand on the abdomen and take your awareness to your breath. Allow yourself time to relax the breath inhaling deeply expanding the ribcage and abdomen and exhaling allow it to gently contract. Give yourself 5 minutes to find your centre keeping the focus on the 3rd eye point.

To begin breath of fire take 3 long slow deep breathes, feel the abdomen pushing against the hand on the inhale,then as you exhale begin by forcing the breath out through the nostrils and as you do this ‘snap’ the abdomen in towards the spine, this is a quick active motion. The inhale will be very brief, the exaggeration and focus is on the exhale and the movement of the abdomen as if moves in and out.

Active-exhalation

Passive-inhalation

Start slowly and in time begin to quicken up the breath(but not too fast that you hyperventilate). When you feel confident that the breath is moving in the correct direction release the hand from the abdomen and rest in 'gyan mudra' on the knees. Continue the practice.

Take 10 breathes with breath of fire to begin allowing yourself 5 full yoga breathes in between to encourage relaxation and release tension.keep the focus on the 3rd eye. Again the timing can be increased as you become more confident.

Contraindications

Seek medical approval before practising breath of fire if you suffer from any of the issues below

• breathing problems such as asthma
• dizzy spells
• epilepsy
• heart conditions
• digestive problems such as ulcers or colitis
• regular headaches

Quite often it is thought that when we relax we need to divert the mind with distracting activities such as the television and computer games. These activities only act as added stimulation to what is already active inside the body and mind.

To experience true relaxation it is important to stay consciously aware, this can be achieved through the practice of Yoga Nidra or deep relaxation.

Yoga is to unite and Nidra is to sleep.

Yoga Nidra and relaxation are achieved by the ability to look inwards and not to be distracted by outside influences, although to do this there is no need for concentration. It is not about allowing yourself to fall asleep but about being on the edge of sleep and wakefulness. By achieving this it is possible to feel complete mental, physical and emotional relaxation.

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Click here to read the full article as published in Yoga and Health

The numerous roles and responsibilities that we women have can take their toll on our health and our natural cycles. I am one of those women – supermom, householder and bread winner – and I have suffered through regular episodes of pre/post menstrual syndrome while trying to achieve my daily goals. I have found that the solution lies in knowing how to care for my body mentally and physically from the inside out, nurturing myself with good foods, exercise and daily amounts of relaxation. Finding balance is the key and can help you live a healthy, happy and productive life…and that benefits you and your whole family.

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The Yamas and Niyamas are the back bone of yoga philosophy and a guide to conscious living. If we can have awareness of these teachings then we are on the way to understanding our true selves with total awareness.

It is important to instil these lessons from a young age. Children are receptive, the younger they understand the more productive life will be.

The Yamas and Niyamas are a guideline to a healthy, happy, holy life. They take deep contemplation even though they are ten rules of common sense.

Using a rational mind they can be seen from all angles and are strong topics for true and meaningful conversation. In these teachings there are no specific right or wrong, good or bad answers. Yoga is not about accepting externally imposed rules and it is important to find the truth for yourself.

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"If you are not aware of someone else then in reality you are not aware of yourself"... Yogi Bhajan.

Take a moment to recognise what the family unit means to you.

The Oxford Dictionary describes the family as: members of a household, children and parents.

In today's society the complete family unit is becoming rare. Parents divorce and re-marry and families separate. Extended families begin to form and quite often pressures can build establishing relationships with people who have been forced together due to circumstances.

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"Is yoga a religion? It is and it is not. In religion you have to believe something and in yoga you have to experience what you want to believe"... Yogi Bhajan

If yoga could be recognised for what it is without the mystic, schools and education authorities would realise how valuable it could be for the younger generation in today’s society.

As a yoga teacher and mother who encourages the practice of yoga for youngsters, I have come across a number of barriers within society which are based on ignorance. I feel it is important to educate authorities about what yoga has to offer, cancelling out any fears and judgements.

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"When you have a lot of sun energy you do not get cold, you are energetic, expressive, extroverted and enthusiastic"... Yogi Bhajan

Stretching in the morning helps us to reconnect with our body and loosen up after a long night of sleep.

Children have hectic lives and need to be alert so that they have the optimum chance to learn and participate in their daily activities.

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We often think of children as being carefree and forget that they go through stress just like any adult. In today's world, with the complexities of peer pressure, consumerism and sibling rivalry, children need time for themselves and to be able to find a safe place to release their worries and concerns.

As a yoga teacher and single mum with two very strong-minded girls I felt the necessity to begin teaching classes to children – as with most things, the younger you start the easier it is. I spend a great deal of my time around children between the ages of four and fourteen and I notice how conditioned by society they can be. There is so much stimulation in their lives that it is hard for them to enjoy the simpler things.

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Click here to read the full article as published in Natural Life Magazine