Posture Analysis

Shoulders: appears neutral from this view, however, upper torso sways to the subjects left causing a misalignment in several areas. Lower ribs: aligned ASIS/PSIS: misalignment between both the anterior and posterior points of reference (top of hip and top point of pelvis). Anterior View Shoulders: this view better illustrates the pull to the left and [...]

Padmasana: A Personal Tribute

Padmasana, why do you torture me so? Being the foundation of so many asanas, you are one I cannot forego, Pindasana, Kukkutasana, Utpluthih, just to name a few, I must continue this battle and make the breakthrough! I do not have excuses, like sciatica, weak or injured knees, It will just take persistence and I [...]

Light on Life – B.K.S. Iyengar: A Book Review

The following is a brief synopsis and personal interpretation of the above-mentioned book written by Yoga Guru and legend B.K.S. Iyengar. This book illustrates the personal journey and story of B.K.S Iyengar.  Light on Life is an emotional, spiritual and personal journey of an individual to aspire to, for those who are taking the yoga [...]

Tapas: Embracing Pain to Grow

Tapas translates to “burning desire”, how you wish to interpret this is subjective.  However, the underlying principle of this Niyama or Observance is that the goal needs to be there to inspire you to take the journey in the first place and then you must have the “burning desire” to achieve that goal, it will [...]

Ujjayi Breathing

The definition of Ujjayi is “victorious breath”, which refers to the expansion and uprising of the prana through the pranic channel between the ida and pingala which goes up from the bottom of the spine.  It is also recognised by the sound made in the back of the throat which is made by engaging the [...]

Up and Running With Yoga?

I believed being a runner before I began practicing Yoga would give me a distinct advantage in terms of health, fitness and flexibility.  In some respects perhaps it did help with my endurance, the ability to hold the asana for that much longer.  However, I also experienced a huge disadvantage in that my knees and [...]

Aubergine Parmigiana – A tasty, filling vegetarian recipe

Facts about Aubergine (Eggplant): Studies have shown it to be effective in the treatment of high cholesterol. Low in saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol High in Dietary Fiber, Folate, Potassium, Manganese, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Pantothenic Acid, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Copper The nutritional value and health benefits of eggplant makes it [...]

Vegetarian vs Meat Eater – The Debate: A Personal Reflection

Steaks, sausages, schnitzel, burgers…..the list is endless, particularly if you are born and raised on a dairy farm in rural New Zealand. Often the focus of many debates in our household between my father and his sister-in-law when visiting, who has been a staunch vegetarian for the past 20 odd years following her conversion to [...]