Relaxing in Halasana (Plow Pose)

Halasana is so named because the basic shape of the pose literally resembles a traditional plow, a farming tool found in Indian cultures. Halasana frequently follows the practice of saravangasana (shoulder stand) and forms part of the ‘finishing sequence’ in the Ashtanga series. There are many benefits to practicing Halasana that may not be immediately apparent. [...]

Calming the Rajasic Mind with Ujjayi Breath

One of the reasons I started practicing yoga regularly is the effect that I noticed yoga has on me in terms of helping me relieve stress. No matter what stress burdens I carry into the yoga practice, I always come back from svasana feeling more centered and calm. Always. When we experience high levels of [...]

Personalizing Pratyahara

Pratyahara is the fifth limb in Patanjali’s 8-limbed ashtanga yoga system and is literally translated as “the conscious withdrawal of energy from the senses”. To be honest, it is one of the “limbs” that I least understood. The basic tenets of saucha (wisdom), santosha (contentment), asana (stead and effortless pose) and pranayama (breathing) can be [...]

Hip Opening Asanas

For those of us who are not full-time yoga teachers and have a day job in the office, we spend ALOT of time sitting down in front of the computer which inevitably causes our hip flexors to contract excessively. Over time, it loses its flexibility and length which may lead to problems with our posture [...]

Embracing Salamba Sirsasana (Headstand)

I still remember the first time I tried a headstand. It was at a yoga class at the gym and nearing the end of the session, my yoga instructor demonstrated a headstand and without much fanfare asked that we give it a shot. I remember thinking he must have lost his mind. Either that or [...]

Bean Burger

Here’s another recipe that I frequently use. My friends in the yoga teacher training class would find this familiar because I often bring a bean burger/sandwich for lunch after our morning practice. I find it nutritious, full of protein and therefore ideal for a post-workout meal, and it’s also easy to make. This recipe makes [...]

Lentil soup with Lime and Garlic

While I am on the topic of vegetarianism, here’s a recipe for lentil soup that I’ve been using regularly because I like it so much! It reminds me of wholesome chicken soup even though it’s completely vegetarian. It’s not too difficult to make once you get used to the process and I sometimes freeze portions [...]

Vegetarianism Journey

My journey towards vegetarianism started some 10 years ago shortly after I moved to Indonesia for a year or so. I think in Singapore we’re used to things being rather sanitised. If we go to the supermarket we often find chickens duly cleaned out, deboned, fillet and packed in neat packages and the same goes for [...]