Heart of Yoga

New Website Online!

2010-05-29T22:44:00.000+01:00

I am happy to announce the launch of my new website. Please check www.samyama-yoga.com for updates and class schedules. This blog will no longer be updated. Thank you for following my blog.

Lunchtime yoga in Westminster

2010-04-13T21:58:00.004+01:00

Lunchtime yoga practice. What: Beginner class When: Thursday 11:45am-12:45pm Where: Abbey Centre 34 Great Smith Street Westminster London SW1P 3BU Cost: £70 10-week course Kindly register in advance. Once we have a group of 6 people, we will start a course.

What's with Cold Water?

2010-04-02T15:39:00.011+01:00

Someone forwarded this to me. It seems logical. I stopped drinking cold water years ago since I always felt bloated and sick afterwards. Although I am not a fan of drinking anything during or right after meals, this might explain why. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the

3-Day Detox Plan

2010-04-02T15:19:00.009+01:00

Taken from Yoga Journal A week prior to your detox, observe your dietary habits. You may want to write down what you eat. Then choose three things—caffeine, sugar, and chocolate, for example—that you want to avoid or limit during the days leading up to the detox. It's important, too, to replace the "bad" stuff with more healthful choices; simply removing foods from your diet can leave you

Yoga in Mainstream Schools

2010-03-31T23:21:00.000+01:00

Teaching yoga to primary school children in after-school clubs and nurseries has brought me much joy. The kids are wonderful to watch especially when they are focused and attentive. Imagine 3 year olds slithering like a snake or barking like a dog! Yoga classes are a fun and interactive way to aid children's natural development, building self confidence, flexibility, motor coordination and

Easter Break - Kids Yoga

2010-03-25T21:40:00.000Z

For kids wanting to try yoga, this is your chance to join our nice group during the Easter break. The classes will run from 8th April to 27th May. Working with a lovely Yoga teacher (that's me!), offering fun, creative sessions for children (& any parents who want to join in!), combining exciting adventures with stories, games and relaxing techniques designed to stimulate imagination and

Balancing Our Doshas

2010-03-23T13:58:00.003Z

According to Ayurveda there are three constitutions, each made up of two elements, which are responsible for the functioning of the human organism. When Vata, Pitta and Kapha reside undisturbed in their proper place, the body will be supported and is in balance. When disturbed, they cause disease and deterioration in the body. Each one of us are made up of a combination of the three types of

Yoga of Heart -- The Healing Power of Intimate Connection

2010-03-21T13:28:00.005Z

I would like to share with you a video of Mark Whitwell's workshop. Having followed his classes on Sky TV, they served as a good revision of my teacher training course. We both studied in the Krishnamacharya tradition. He, from the source, Professor Krishnamacharya and I, from Marc Beuvain, a student of TKV and Kausthub Desikachar. TKV is Krishnamacharya's son and Kausthub, his grandson.

Yoga Spring Cleaning Practice

2010-03-16T11:58:00.006Z

Relax and de-stress after work! New drop-in yoga classes starting 12th April. What: Levels 1-2 When: Mondays 6-7pm Where: OneKX http://www.onekx.org.uk/contact.html Price: £5 per session Learn to still the mind through asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing) and meditation. Benefits include clarity of mind, improved strength and flexibility, better sleep patterns and physical/mental

Guidelines for Reflective Walks

2010-02-23T18:44:00.003Z

On Sunday morning, on the last day of our retreat, we have been given a set of guidelines for the early morning walk. As the rain started to pour, however, we were forced to spend that time in the garden instead. In any case, we can always refer to these guidelines for future walks. * Enjoy and take notice of the scenery around you. * Choose one particular object that strikes and resonates

Yoga and Health Workshop

2010-02-22T22:37:00.005Z

Yoga and Health - European Tour July 2010With three specialist teachers Dr N. Chandrasekaran - Saraswathi Vasudevan - Marc BeuvainDeepen your knowledge and experience of yoga and its applications for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.Venues and Dates:Brussels, Belgium: 10-12 JulyLondon, UK: 14-16 JulyTurin, Italy: 19-21 JulyAix-en-Provence, France: 25-28 Julyhttp://

Chanting with Nikki Slade

2010-02-21T22:45:00.002Z

Last night after a stressful trek to Triyoga for the chanting session, James and I finally made it albeit 20 minutes late. Northern line execs thought it was a great idea to close the Edgware branch to do their engineering works on a Saturday night. On top of that, we were herded into replacement buses, which came every 5 minutes... yeah super! There were loads of people there, must have been

New Family Yoga Classes!

2010-01-31T21:56:00.004Z

This is an advert in the home education site written by Tammy, mom of my students, who's organizing the family yoga classes. Yoga is going ahead in Central London! We'll be starting on Thursday, 4 February; working with a lovely Yoga teacher, offering fun, creative sessions for children (& any parents who want to join in!), combining exciting adventures with stories, games and relaxing

Happy 10th Birthday Triyoga!

2010-01-29T20:33:00.004Z

Half Price Classes + Juices + a Special Evening Chant + Chai triyoga Primrose Hill opened its doors for our first classes on the 19th February 2000. It was both the culmination + the beginning of the vision to create the highest quality centre for true wellbeing, combining 3 key elements of yoga, Pilates + treatments. Our aim was and continues to be, to have the best teachers, teaching a

Brahma Kumaris Tagaytay Newsletter

2010-01-28T23:54:00.003Z

This is the February issue of their newsletter, giving insight to two of our participants' experience during our retreat. Enjoy reading! Shame, though, that our group picture never made it to the front page. Haha. Please click on the link: BK newsletter 02/10

NEWSFLASH....

2010-01-28T19:54:00.005Z

My Friday class at OneKX will be moved to Wednesday starting 3rd February at the same time slot (6-7pm).

Brahma Kumaris Meditation Retreat

2010-01-23T12:11:00.003Z

On my last weekend in Manila, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Solace for the Soul program at the Brahma Kumaris Centre for Spiritual Learning in Tagaytay with my buddies - Karen, Lei, Gretchen, Kristina - and new friends, who willingly came along without knowing what to expect. It took me almost five months to arrange the retreat. I can vividly remember how I emailed Sister

New Classes in January!

2010-01-07T16:34:00.003Z

A Practice Beyond Asanas This level 2 class will go beyond postures. We will explore more challenging poses as well as other tools of yoga such as meditation, chanting, pranayama (breathing techniques) and basic philosophy. Suitable for people who have yoga experience. Dates: 25 January - 29 March 2010 Time: 7-8pm Cost: £70 (10 weeks) This year we will be moving to One KX, 120 Cromer

New Year - what does it bring?

2010-01-05T16:28:00.005Z

This year I promise to eat less. Practice more. Go to the gym everyday. Does this sound familiar? We all make new year's resolutions only to break or forget about them by the end of January. So this 2010 I won't even make one. These past few weeks have been difficult. I have had to make decisions if I should continue to nurture and sustain one-way relationships. Why do I say one-way? No give and

Class Cover at Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre

2009-11-29T15:03:00.002Z

What a way to spend a rainy Sunday morning! It was cold and wet, the buses took forever to come and I was stressed out, worrying that I might be late for my 10am class. This is my first time to cover for another teacher. Usually it is the other way around. I got a call from Nicole yesterday afternoon if I could do a level 2-3 class. Hmm at first I thought I didn't really want to get out of bed

Yoga for Kids in MANILA!

2009-11-26T23:03:00.004Z

I am really over the moon about the prospect of teaching yoga in Manila. This is such a wonderful opportunity to share my skills to the Filipino children. To think that I emailed so many schools just last week, it is such a miracle to even get a reply so soon. My Christmas holiday will not all be play but will involve a teeny weeny bit of work. Not to worry I will still have fun roaring like a

What is the KHYF?

2009-11-17T23:31:00.001Z

Yoga in the tradition of T Krishnamacharya Professor T Krishnamacharya was a pioneer in the revival of the ancient teachings of yoga and in preserving their relevance for the modern world. He strongly advocated an intelligent approach to yoga, whereby yoga’s tools and techniques are adapted to respect the needs, abilities and requirements of each individual. The popularity and appeal of his

New Classes in January!

2009-11-16T18:01:00.005Z

Do we have to be a vegetarian to practise yoga?

2009-11-08T18:42:00.001Z

by Jennifer Barrett John, a longtime yoga practitioner, is a strict vegetarian who follows the ancient yogic dietary recommendations to the letter. Jane, a beginning student, likes her steak medium-rare. John feels that animal flesh is a product of violence. Jane contends that eating meat helps sustain her practice. Who's on the right track? With the increased popularity of yoga in America (a

Behavior Rasayanas

2009-11-05T09:03:00.007Z

Rasayana means "recommendation." The following Behavior Rasayanas are for all of the doshas. It is said that following these instructions will help us to avoid contradictions in the mind and therefore prevent physiological strain. They are a reminder of the simple things we can do to help ourselves, and, in turn, to help the world. -Be honest and kind. -Be free from anger. -Abstain from

Yoga Studios in the Metro

2009-11-01T14:43:00.008Z

It's been awhile since I visited Jane's blog and I very surprised to see the list of yoga studios (just in Manila) getting longer! Wow this means more Filipinos are getting into the healthier frame of mind, body and spirit. Six years ago, when I was looking for a yoga class to go to, there were very limited studios offering only Ashtanga and Iyengar classes. Now you can choose from Vinyasa,

Yoga Aid Challenge Pics

2009-11-01T01:06:00.003Z

Yoga Challenge - I did it!

2009-11-01T00:26:00.010Z

108 sun salutations in 3 hours!!! These were led by renowned yoga teachers such as Simon Low (Yin Yang Yoga), Katy Appleton (Apple Yoga), Duncan Wong (Yogic Arts), Neil Patel (Chi Kri Yga), Jo Manuel (Special Yoga Centre) and Dylan Ayaloo (Power Yoga). It was supposed to be only under 2 hours but for some reason it took longer than expected and even outlasted the Arsenal vs Tottenham football

3 Days Solace for the Soul - A Raja Yoga Intensive

2009-10-17T23:38:00.000+01:00

A Meditation RetreatWe all have three eyes. Two for looking out and one for looking in. Why would we want to look in when the whole of the world seems to be "looking out"? When everything seems to be happening "out there"? Because the treasure we seek to discover is inside, not outside.What is real treasure? Beauty, truth, peace, and happiness. You already have what you want. You already are

Yoga Aid Challenge

2009-10-09T00:13:00.000+01:00

Please support me in this wonderful Challenge. The Yoga Aid Challenge is to complete 108 Sun Salutations (2 hour extreme Yoga practice) whilst also supporting great causes. The charity I am supporting is The Special Yoga Centre which supports children with a range of conditions, including cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, autism, epilepsy, ADD and ADHD, and other physical and developmental

Exercise Register Logo

2009-10-08T00:04:00.000+01:00

Fancy fancy! Check out the logo I am allowed to use as a Level 3 instructor!

Banana Dance!

2009-10-06T22:30:00.001+01:00

Good news! After two weeks, the long wait is over. I am officially on the exercise register with a good-looking certificate AND ....... GLL's new yoga instructor!!!!!Things are looking up, thank God! Started class today at a fashion company, next week I will be teaching to a group of teenagers in a state school! On top of that, my Monday evenings will be spent teaching to a group of musically and

Ooouucccchhhhh...

2009-09-23T13:45:00.000+01:00

Had my audition at GLL's Newham Leisure Centre yesterday. I don't know which hurts more - my arms, shoulders or bum! There were 13 teachers in total, 5 each for yoga and aerobics and 1 each for pilates, taichi and aqua aerobics. We all had to come at 1pm and stay until 4pm to do each other's routines. Imagine my sweat and exhaustion by the second aerobics audition, I thought I was going to fall

Cleansing. Fasting. Detoxing the Ayurvedc Way.

2009-09-14T12:04:00.000+01:00

Some thoughts from a Yogic / Ayurvedic perspective on cleansing, fasting and detoxing.by Carl HargreavesWe are at a junction between seasons, a time of change. According to Yoga and Ayurveda, this is a good time to cleanse the body. The body will seek to establish a healthy new equilibrium for the coming season. We will be healthier if our new state of equilibrium does not include last season’s

World Vegetarian Day

2009-09-09T13:37:00.000+01:00

VEGETARIAN AWARENESS MONTHEvery year on October 1st, World Vegetarian Day kicks off a month of parties, potluck, presentations, food tasting displays...and lots of friendly discussions!For those new to vegetarianism, it serves as an enticement to give meatless fare a try (even for a day) and learn about its many benefits. And, of course, it's the perfect occasion for vegetarians and those already

The Practice of Svadhyaya

2009-09-05T23:11:00.000+01:00

A few weekends ago, when it was really beautiful outside and all the girls had their best dresses on, I didn't feel too good about myself. I started to wonder why; it dawned on me that I was envious of their nice clothes while I was walking around in my shorts and slippers. Since the time I became more conscious of my spending habits, I stopped buying clothes at high street stores and bought,

NEW AUTUMN CLASSES!!!

2009-09-01T14:02:00.001+01:00

Yoga classes, as taught in the Krishnamacharya tradition. The heart of the teachings is that the yoga is tailored to suit the needs of each individual based on different parameters. The beginner class will introduce students to gentle postures (asanas), breathing (pranayama) and visualization. No experience necessary.For more experienced students, the advanced class will further develop their

Water. Wasser. Eau. Agua. Tubig.

2009-08-23T00:48:00.000+01:00

I am borrowing this article from Ananda Marga Wellness Center for everyone's info. We have to know how important it is to drink looooots of water and how we drink impacts our health.Ever since I got back from the wellness center in 2007, I changed my water drinking habits. I don't drink cold water anymore and try not to drink anything during my meals. I used to be really good in drinking hot

How do we meditate?

2009-08-22T11:05:00.000+01:00

Whenever we hear the word meditation, most people would instinctively say "I can't do that." But meditation is actually not that difficult. Take me for example - I used to walk around like a headless chicken (I still sometimes do), doing a million things at the same time and thinking of my imaginative list of more tasks ahead! The thought of stopping or slowing down was unimaginable. "Breathe" is

Pose of the Month

2009-08-20T23:21:00.000+01:00

Vasisthasana(Side Plank Pose)Vasistha is the name of several well-known sages in the yoga tradition. Start in samasthiti, inhale and raise your arms above your head; exhale and bend forward from the hips. Inhale, lengthening the spine. Hold your breath, jump your feet back to a plank and come down to a staff pose on an exhale.On the next inhalation, curve your upper body forward into

Rise and Shine the Ayurvedic Way

2009-08-03T13:12:00.000+01:00

I found this article, which I find very helpful and true. Enjoy!July 7, 2009Article Headline Good Morning!The morning is the start to our day, and when we get a good start, it's likely that we're going to have a great day! Yet waking up can be a challenge for some. Here are tips for how to wake up the Ayurvedic way:-Wake up before sunrise. This is Vata time, and

Money or principle?

2009-08-01T14:37:00.000+01:00

The last few weeks have been devoted to drafting my teaching schedule ready for next term. Children will go back to school in September. Adults will want to keep fit in time for winter, to prepare for the early dark days ahead. I came across an issue, which has been hounding me for the last year. To take a job simply because it paid the bills. Last year, I didn't have much of a choice. I resigned

Yipee! Got my BWY certificate!

2009-07-14T17:33:00.000+01:00

Today I received my BWY teacher accreditation certificate in the post. That makes me eligible to teach anywhere in the UK and probably, anywhere in the world. The British Wheel of Yoga is the national governing body in the UK. My training with the Krishnamacharya Healing Yoga Foundation (KHYF) also allows me to be affiliated with the organisation for the next five years.Whew so this is what it

Congratulations to KHYF batch of 2009!

2009-07-02T09:32:00.000+01:00

Last Sunday was the official end of my teacher training course. Whew who would have thought that two and a half years could breeze by just like that? The group had a picnic at Hyde Park, we all brought a dish except for me - I brought the drinks. It was great to celebrate in such a simple and humble style. The weather was perfect, neither too hot nor too cold. Sol told me that it reminded her of

The Elephant, The Tiger, and The Jackal

2009-06-23T11:00:00.000+01:00

In the west, we understand the concept of "You are what you eat." Ancient Indian texts explain Aahara, or diet, by using the example of the elephant, the tiger, and the jackal. The elephant is a vegetarian. This animal represents the sattvic mind. With Sattva, we can think clearly, and act appropriately, according to the laws of nature. The elephant is strong, gentle and intelligent. The tiger is

The Ayurvedic Lifestyle

2009-06-02T09:41:00.000+01:00

The Ayurvedic LifestyleLiving an Ayurvedic lifestyle is all about living life in balance. It is a holistic approach to food, work, sleep and relationships. The Ayurvedic lifestyle is actually very simple, and practical, and helps us to be our healthiest and happiest.-Food: Eat foods that are fresh, whole and organic. Favor foods for your dosha to optimize the

Yoga in the Time of Recession

2009-05-15T00:23:00.000+01:00

Yoga has not been hit by the recession, I think. Looking at all the students at Triyoga, people are still prepared to pay £14 for a class and most of the classes there are packed! Thankfully for me, my students also come back religiously for their regular practice. I do not even charge half of Triyoga's rate; it does help that my community-based classes are really affordable. Where else can you

Has it been a year?

2009-05-07T23:55:00.000+01:00

I started teaching a year ago. After much hesitation, I booked a room at the Yoga Therapy Centre on Pentonville Road and rounded up all my friends at work to be my guinea pigs. I thought my heart was going to burst from embarrassment and stage fright. With every class, I slowly felt at ease yet my main concern was to follow my nicely handwritten practice and give out the instructions (military

Pose of the Month

2009-05-07T23:13:00.000+01:00

Dvipada Pitham(two legs table)Lying down on your back with the legs straight and arms by your side, bend the knees and hold the ankles. The back and feet should be flat on the floor. Tuck the chin in and lengthen the neck.Start with a long and smooth exhale. As you inhale, press the feet down firmly on the floor while slowly lifting the hips off the floor as high as possible. Bring the knees

New Gentle Yoga Classes starting 13th May

2009-04-30T00:08:00.000+01:00

C O R R E C T I O N ! ! !Gentle yoga practice for relaxation and renewalOpen to all levels. Please sign up in advance.Dates: 12 May - 30 June 20098x TuesdayTime: 5:30 - 6:30pm Where: Carole Young Community CentreCranston Estate N1 5EHCost: £40 for 8 week series (Drop-in £7)

Space wanted

2009-04-27T23:25:00.000+01:00

Looking for a hall or big room in the budget range of £10 or below per hour in the City/Islington/Hackney areas. I would like to start more classes next month. In order to offer affordable community-based classes, it would be superb to find a hall, which won't cost an arm and a leg to hire.If you know of anything, please drop me a line and will contact them asap. Thanks for your help!

What makes a day perfect?

2009-04-23T21:05:00.001+01:00

This is probably my lucky day. No monster kids. Perfect weather. High turnout. Had a successful start with the new course! I have been trying to make my practice outline all day and couldn't get myself to put it down on paper. While writing up all my notes, I came across one practice I have done before and decided I was going to use it. Problem solved.Once we started the class, somehow the

Estate kids - pure evil or just bored?

2009-04-16T20:47:00.000+01:00

For the second time, I have been harassed by these monster kids on the estate. We're talking 6 and 7 year olds running amok and making people's lives hell! Tonight while teaching my class, 3 of these kids tried to lock us in the community hall by pulling the shutters down. Can you believe?! Luckily I was able to maintain my composure and finish the class with ease. I was forced to call the

Pose of the Week

2009-04-16T17:12:00.000+01:00

Adhomukha Svanasana(downward-facing dog)Start in Samasthiti with the legs together, spine straight, arms on the side and head relaxed.On inhale, bring hands by the front and place above the head. Exhale, bend forward from the hips while keeping the spine straight. Place palms on either side of the feet, creating one line with the toes. Bend the knees if necessary.Inhale, bring one leg back into a

Yoga Philosophy

2009-04-14T18:46:00.000+01:00

Sutra 1.1 atha yogânusâsanamnow, here begins the teachings of yoga.It is very important to create a good atmosphere before giving a class to gain confidence and faith of the student. However, this goes both ways. The student needs to take the vow to practise with a good attitude and be ready to receive the teaching.

NEW CLASSES!!

2009-04-14T17:02:00.000+01:00

Yoga is a powerful tool on the journey of physical and spiritual growth. We will learn to connect with the body, the breath and mind while using a few tools of yoga with the aim of improving our overall well-being.Gentle dynamic yoga practice with emphasis on the breath. Classes are designed to accommodate the students' needs and capabilities. Some benefits of a regular practice include:Increased

The Science of Yoga and Breath

2009-04-14T16:38:00.000+01:00

Why do Yoga and Pranayama (Breath Control)? A short answer is that Yoga and Pranayama (Breath Control) makes you feel better. Practicing the postures, breathing exercises and meditation heals the body, mind and spirit. Yoga and Pranayama (Breath Control) lets you tune in, chill out, and shape up, all at the same time. For many people, that's enough

Heart of Yoga

New Website Online!

Lunchtime yoga in Westminster

What's with Cold Water?

3-Day Detox Plan

Yoga in Mainstream Schools

** Easter Break - Kids Yoga **

Balancing Our Doshas

Yoga of Heart -- The Healing Power of Intimate Connection

Yoga Spring Cleaning Practice

Guidelines for Reflective Walks

Yoga and Health Workshop

Chanting with Nikki Slade

New Family Yoga Classes!

Happy 10th Birthday Triyoga!

Brahma Kumaris Tagaytay Newsletter

NEWSFLASH....

Brahma Kumaris Meditation Retreat

New Classes in January!

New Year - what does it bring?

Class Cover at Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre

Yoga for Kids in MANILA!

What is the KHYF?

New Classes in January!

Do we have to be a vegetarian to practise yoga?

Behavior Rasayanas

Yoga Studios in the Metro

Yoga Aid Challenge Pics

Yoga Challenge - I did it!

3 Days Solace for the Soul - A Raja Yoga Intensive

Yoga Aid Challenge

Exercise Register Logo

Banana Dance!

Ooouucccchhhhh...

Cleansing. Fasting. Detoxing the Ayurvedc Way.

World Vegetarian Day

The Practice of Svadhyaya

NEW AUTUMN CLASSES!!!

Water. Wasser. Eau. Agua. Tubig.

How do we meditate?

Pose of the Month

Rise and Shine the Ayurvedic Way

Money or principle?

Yipee! Got my BWY certificate!

Congratulations to KHYF batch of 2009!

The Elephant, The Tiger, and The Jackal

The Ayurvedic Lifestyle

Yoga in the Time of Recession

Has it been a year?

Pose of the Month

New Gentle Yoga Classes starting 13th May

Space wanted

What makes a day perfect?

Estate kids - pure evil or just bored?

Pose of the Week

Yoga Philosophy

NEW CLASSES!!

The Science of Yoga and Breath

Easter Break - Kids Yoga