Yoga+Journal+Australia+–+April+2014

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Purna Yoga: asana | breath | meditation | philosophy The yoga taught at Byron Yoga Centre is called Purna, meaning integrated or complete. Purna Yoga represents a holistic approach to yoga integrating not just the physical postures but also philosophy, meditation, pranayama breath control and the yogic personal and social code of ethics. The postural instruction is classical. YOGA CLASSES BALI RETREAT BYRON BAY YOGA Explore your practice of yoga and immerse Up to 5 classes daily at our Byron Bay studio yourself in Balinese culture in the peaceful 6 Byron Street, Byron Bay. and lush Monkey Forest area of Ubud. Includes See our website for full Byron Bay class delicious vegetarian meals, accommodation, timetable and information. yoga classes, massage, meditation, philosophy, evening programs, guided rice field walks, a Balinese offering class, temple purification ritual, blessing ceremony and airport transfers. FRESHWATER, SYDNEY Daily classes at Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club Kooloora Avenue, Harbord. BYRON BAY RETREATS See our website for full Sydney class WELLNESS & REJUVENATION timetable and information. 8 day retreats to cleanse the body, mind and spirit with a unique combination of yoga, meditation, pranayama, spa treatments plus teachings on nutrition, wellness and ayurveda. These 8 day retreats are the perfect way to bring back the feeling of total health, happiness and clarity. WELLNESS, MEDITATION & YOGA CONNECT WITH US 3 day retreats where you can immerse yourself in Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter online. the yogic lifestyle. Deepen your yoga practice and It’s filled with yoga info and the latest on our your connection to self with daily programs of yoga, courses, classes, workshops and retreats. meditation and pranayama instruction, philosophy talks plus local activities and spa treatments. www.byronyoga.com +61 (02) 6685 8327 | [email protected] facebook.com/ByronYogaCentre

46 38 love the 79 PLANET PLANET P E C I A S L 66 contents on the cover April 2014 features 50 PHOTOGRAPHY, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: WARI OM; COURTESY OF EDGAR’S MISSION; ©iSTOCK.COM/SNAPPHOTO; MICHAEL WINOKUR; TRINETTE REED & CHRIS GRAMLY. 38 | WAYS TO LOVE THE PLANET Eighteen ideas for a cleaner, healthier and happier Earth. 38 79 46 | KARMA YOGA 24 Be inspired by these big-hearted people living truly purpose-filled lives. 50 46 By Anna Greer 32 50 | DAY & NIGHT 57 Ayurvedic practices to boost your 66 energy, health and overall wellbeing. By Shannon Sexton 57 | THE YOGA REVOLUTION Cover credits model: Kat Conour; stylist: Micah Bishop/Artist Untied; hair/makeup: Yoga has never been more widespread, Cassie Chapman/Artist Untied. and it’s changing the world for the better. PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID MARTINEZ 4 YOGAJOURNAL.COM.AU APRIL 2014

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contents April 2014 98 22 20 32 16 departments practice 28 | wisdom Break the chains of consumerism and embrace 32 | basics PHoToGRAPHY, CLoCKWiSe fRoM ToP LefT: KouKei PHoToGRAPHY; ©iSToCK.CoM/PAfe; ©iSToCK.CoM/TWiNG; ©iSToCK.CoM/DeBReNY; DAViD MARTiNez; CouRTeSY SALAMANDeR ReSoRT & SPA a life in which less is best. by helen hawkes Head-of-the-knee pose: learn to extend your spine while stretching your back body in 90 | News aNd reviews Janu Sirasana. by Nikki costello 57 Books, DVDs, apps, websites and worthy causes: our pick of the best. 66 | joy to the world Let Natarajasana inspire you to stand strong 98 | the ayj iNterview 88 | asK the meNtor while life whirls around you. by alanna Kaivalya Realign for a less-lopsided Viparita Karani. Sacred earth’s Jethro and Prem Williams make beautiful music together. by tamsin angus-leppan 72 | ammaji’s devotioN inspiration An intimate conversation with Yogacharini travel 15 | om Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani. by diana timmins The healing power of yoga; how a little gratitude 82 | ashram life can change the world; yoga takes action against enjoy the benefits of a slower, more 76 | asK the expert Relieve digestive and spinal problems through human trafficking; the benefits of eating peaceful existence at Phool Chatti Ashram, regular yoga practice and breathwork. seasonally; sustainable beauty products. in Rishikesh, india. by samantha glass reader offer 79 | home practice 24 | oN the verge Light up: start your day on the right note with When it comes to gardens, Costa Georgiadis 56 | subscribe energising poses that fill you with a sense of knows his stuff. Meet the man behind the beard Subscribe for two years and we’ll add and become more engaged with your food. two bonus issues to your subscription! wellbeing. by claire missingham 6 yogajournal.com.au april 2014

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editor’s letter “ How wonderful it is ISSUE NO 34. APRIL 2014 that nobody need AUSTRALIAN YOGA JOURNAL wait a single minute ODYSSEUS PUBLISHING PTY LIMITED ABN 39 122 001 665 Suite 15, Level 2/174 Willoughby Road, before starting to Crows Nest NSW 2065 PO Box 81 St Leonards NSW 1590 improve the world.” Tel: (02) 9439 1955 Fax: (02) 9439 1977 www.yogajournal.com.au – Anne Frank Subscription enquiries: (02) 9439 1955 8 issues (1 year) $60.00 There is so much more to yoga than nailing Crane Pose*. The physical 16 issues (2 years) $110.00 aspect is just one “limb” of the yogic octopus. Patanjali’s Yo g a Sutra teaches EDITOR Alison Turner us the eightfold paths of yoga – very basically, guidelines on how to live a [email protected] meaningful and purposeful life. And the Bhagavad Gita outlines the paths ART DIRECTOR Julitta Overdijk for us to follow – karma (action), bhakti (devotion) and jnana (knowledge). Now, I’m not claiming to be an expert in ancient Hindu texts or NATIONAL ADVERTISING MANAGER anything. Far from it, although I do love the fact that they still offer so Cara Boatswain (02) 9439 1955 [email protected] much relevance and inspiration all these centuries later. What I’m saying is ADVERTISING MANAGER that being a modern yogi in 2014 means a lot more than just having trendy Adrian Buckley 0407 464 440 yoga gear and Madonna arms. It means being a good-hearted, ethical [email protected] person – someone who lives with purpose and aims to make this world PUBLISHERS that little bit better for all of us. Ian Brooks [email protected] And so we come to the theme of this issue -– loving the planet. It’s the Todd Cole [email protected] only one we’ve got, but humanity sure has done a lot of damage in the short PRINTER space of time that we’ve been roaming around upright. Action needs to be Printed by Webstar Print taken now, to ensure we can keep on roaming... without dying of thirst or Australian Yoga Journal is published and distributed choking on toxic fumes. eight times a year by Odysseus Publishing Pty Limited, I’m sure most of you are already passionate about the environment. under license from Active Interest Media, 2520 55th Street, Suite 210, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States But the aim of this issue is to offer extra inspiration – new ways to look at of America. Copyright © 2014 Active Interest Media. The environmental activism; new ideas for making this world a better place. trademark YOGA JOURNAL is a registered trademark of My favourite people in this issue are gardening guru Costa Georgiadis (p24) Active Interest Media. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or part without the and founder of animal sanctuary Edgar’s Mission, Pam Ahern (p46). Costa written permission of the publisher. Copyright of all got me all excited about growing my own images and text sent to Australian Yoga Journal (whether vegies, and Pam made me tear up as I read solicited or not) is assigned to Odysseus Publishing upon receipt. Articles express the opinions of the authors about her aim to create a more humane and and are not necessarily those of the Publisher, Editor or fair world for our farm animals. Odysseus Publishing Pty Limited. Distributed by Network Who will inspire you in this issue? Get Services. ISSN 1837 2406. reading, then email me and share your thoughts. Stay beautiful, yogis! odysseus publishing ACTIVE INTEREST MEDIA CHAIRMAN & CEO Efram Zimbalist III *Speaking of Crane Pose, this is PRESIDENT & COO Andrew W. Clurman Alison Turner my darling nephew, Cameron, nailing SNR VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS Patricia B. Fox [email protected] it on his first go. Sheesh – kids today! DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL LICENSING Dayna Macy @ CRUZ BAY PUBLISHING, INC. The exercise instructions and advice in this magazine are designed for people who are in good health and Be our friend on Facebook: Follow us on Twitter: physically fit. They are not intended to substitute facebook.com/australianyogajournal twitter.com/Yoga_Journal_Au for medical counselling. The creators, producers, participants and distributors of Australian Yoga Both the paper manufacturer and our printer meet the international standard ISO AL WEARS LULULEMON Journal disclaim any liability for loss or injury in 14001 for environmental management. The paper comes from sources certified connection with the exercises shown or instruction under the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification scheme (PEFC). Please and advice expressed herein. recycle this magazine – or give it to a friend. 8 YOGAJOURNAL.COM.AU

contributors Helen Hawkes Helen is one of Australia’s foremost Samantha lifestyle journalists. Her work has Taranto Diana Timmins been published in most magazines In late 2012 Sam Diana is a freelance and newspapers in Australia and embarked on a health and wellbeing syndicated around the world. She’s global adventure journalist and a UNIFAM-qualified counsellor, a that covered 15 certified Hatha yoga Permaculture Institute Graduate countries over instructor based in and author of SOS: A girl’s guide 12 months. She scaled mountains, Wollongong, on the south coast of to Sex, Optimism and Surviving giggled with monks, rode the tides NSW. Diana has experimented with the 21st Century and The Slow of surging rivers, journeyed to many yoga styles, but found her niche Guide to Sydney. When she’s 100 remote islands, surfed reef breaks, BACKGROUND ILLUSTRATION: ©iSTOCK.COM/JANGELTUN by Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, on the NSW was embraced by the yogis of in 2009 when she discovered the whooped with drag queens, dove she hopes to still be practising Gitananda tradition. She has since with sharks, hiked with a gun- yoga and travelling the world. She currently lives followed these teachings continued toting back country guide and even taking a trip a trip to Southern mid-north Rishikesh, India. Sam has long enjoyed the pursuits and benefits coast with her India’s International Centre for Yoga West Highland Education and Research in 2011. of yoga and – despite the assault Terrier, Bruce Diana’s love of yoga and children on every sense, the conundrums carves a clear path for her future – she Lee. and contradictions of the richly has plans to pursue further studies diverse civilization – she highly into Gitananda yoga and midwifery. recommends a journey to its birthplace, India. 02 6161 1462 [email protected] www.dru.com.au www.facebook/druaustralia Want to be a yoga teacher? Make it Dru! YOGA Transform your life with yoga. Be who you want to be!—Dru Yoga Teacher Training A 350 hour course registered with Yoga Australia. AYJ readers will receive a 20% discount off the deposit

talk to us Live for the moment winning Thank you for your to work for the moment and having a No matter what experiences we go letter fabulous magazine. My voracious appetite, our house is filled with through, we are always the student, always daughter and I both have delicious food from recipes I should have learning, lessons always to be embraced. subscriptions and eagerly tried years ago, including those from your Being in the moment is so simple; it anticipate the arrival of our magazines. I magazine. I have become an avid eBay instantly removes past and future. look forward to the ongoing support and seller to get rid of some clutter, finding My little mantra: information you provide. this process strangely empowering. And For this moment I am smiling May 2010 began my “experience” certainly my most life-changing process For this moment I am at peace with ovarian cancer. Since that time is the peace, contentment and security For this moment I am secure I have had surgery, chemo, kept working I receive from yoga. Although some WENDY HOWE-SIMONS and discovered yoga. Each one of these of the even more subtle postures are processes has enabled me to wake up, focus a bit daunting at the moment, just being Ed: Thanks for your inspiring letter, Wendy. and take a good look around at our world. able to quiet my mind and body has We wish you all the best in your recovery. Presently, I am undertaking more an ongoing and profound impact on me Keep up the fantastic work – we send you treatment and have been amazed with and those around me. loving, healing vibes. And a special gift! what life is presenting. Being unable years old. I am sure you would find there are a lot more of ... ... READER’S PICS I would like to add to the letter by Coralie Harris (“I am still here”, Feb/Mar 2014). I also enjoy your magazine and still have every copy since your first edition and I am 62 us “oldies” reading your magazine and doing yoga than you might like to think. Articles relating to our age group would be a good inspiration for your younger readers, showing them, just how “young” yoga keeps us. Your magazine continues to inspire me and remind me to get back to it. I have learnt all about the eight limbs of yoga and the yoga lifestyle from your magazine and that Keep calm and do yoga there is a lot more to yoga than just the asanas. I love all of the various stories relating to many interesting topics. BACKGROUND ILLUSTRATION: ©iSTOCK.COM/MXTAMA; GOOD FOR YOU: PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANN ELLIOTT CUTTING; LEAF ILLUSTRATION BELOW LEFT: ©iSTOCK.COM/CHUWY. I’d like to share photos of my granddaughter Amber (7) The health advice, along with the yoga poses, are fantastic. I’ve had doing yoga and my cat “Missy” in yoga nidra. DONNA PHILLIPS these magazines for over three years now and I find the information Ed: Love your letter, Donna. Thanks for sharing. Tell Amber that very educational and informative. we think she is awesome, and give Missy a big smooch from me! The new evidence from researchers of how yoga affects us mentally and physically, preventing and treating common ailments Want to see yourself, a friend, colleague or family member and diseases (“Good for you!”, Jan 2014) was an outstanding read. or even your pet in a future issue of Australian Yoga It helps me feel committed to my yoga routine. Journal? Send your pics (high resolution jpgs preferred) I practise daily yoga and meditation as outlined in your journals. to [email protected]. There are definite benefits – I feel fitter and calmer, and less anxious and stressed with daily living. MICHELLE COLLINS Ed: Yep, you sure can’t deny the science, Michelle. We’re on to a good thing here – let’s stick to it! It’s a man’s world, too I was disappointed with the article “It’s a Woman’s World” (Jan 2014). It posed the question, “why are more women than men drawn to yoga?” I don’t think it offered adequate answers. 10 YOGAJOURNAL.COM.AU APRIL 2014

... ... Some of the opinions believe I would not have and generalisations about made it out of adolescence NEXT ISSUE men were quite critical and and my twenties the way I judgmental. And I found it have. I am perhaps lucky Australian Yoga Journal May/June 2014 issue baffling that men’s views were that I have had the chance goes on sale Thursday, April 24. Grab your not included. to cross paths with the The article was a stark teachers I have known but copy or subscribe today! contrast to the two honest I believe this relationship inspiring stories by yoga between teacher and student teachers Stan Cortes and had two important elements Damien Lovelock (“Don’t – a willingness to give as a quit your day job”). teacher and as a student PAUL ALCORN and a willingness to learn. Ed: Thanks for your feedback, We all have more than one Paul. We’ve certainly taken teacher in life, there are your comments on board. many in a lifetime and they And yes, Stan and Damien are manifest in different forms, pretty cool. from experienced teachers to our own students. I have Forever learning never stopped learning from Thank you for publishing such my teachers and have never a wonderful information- stopped imparting their filled Yoga Journal for January. past and present for being the wisdom, inspiration and I really enjoyed reading every enthusiasm for yoga. NEXT ISSUE: PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHAEL WINOKUR X 2; ILLUSTRATION: OLAF HAJEK bit of it! I also want to add Thank you to my teachers the extra comment that I’ve really loved it since you’ve light in this journey – Branko, started as editor... There’s James, Krystle and Michele. such an authentic style oozing Wei-Yee Choong from you in your writing and Ed: Awww, thank you so the articles being published much for the lovely words, each issue! Wei-Yee. I really love this mag, We’ve got another inspiring issue planned as I just thought I’d drop an so it makes me happy to hear we head into cooler days, with plenty of ideas email in response to your that my enthusiasm is shining for reinvigorating your practice: call to hear about any yoga through. And thanks for sharing teacher stories we have which your words about our teachers – • Breathe new energy • Find freedom in Heron are special to us. I would not yoga truly is a journey on which into your poses and Pose by beginning be the person and teacher I we are continually learning and transform your life with a strong and am today if it were not for growing. • Revolve with a practice stable foundation. my yoga teachers. If it were that supports digestion. • We celebrate not for their guidance I truly autumn vegies! This month’s winning letter has scored Wendy a strikingly beautiful yoga mat from Kamuka (kamuka.com.au) valued at $110. Email your letter to [email protected] or mail it to PO Box 81, St Leonards, NSW 1590. Include your full name WRITE TO and address. Prizes available to US AND Australian and NZ residents only. WIN! APRIL 2014 YOGAJOURNAL.COM.AU 1 1

talk to us you tell us ... WE ASKED We asked you what your hopes and dreams are for 2014. You certainly are an uplifting ... bunch - bursting with optimism and positivity. We felt so inspired after reading your posts! What did you fi nd “To become more flexible “To regain my health and Krishna didn’t tell Arjuna hardest or most within poses!” have the gift of living a full, to ‘create balance in your confusing when you MARNI BARNETT balanced life with gratitude. life’. He showed him the started practising To practice self-love, awe-inspiring magnificence yoga? “I hope to have more work/ meditation and of course of divine consciousness and life balance – focus more on yoga!” MAGGIE ELLIS sent him off to fight. I’ll be “The fact that everyone is my yoga.” taking a sharp sword into obsessed with getting their CASEY PATTEN “Acceptance above all!” battle against ignorance, legs up around their head... SARAH WATERS complacency and fear this I mean, seriously??” “To find my real true love, year and forever more.” RIS DINHAM to learn very gentle yoga to “Hope: to re-establish a NIKOLA ELLIS increase my flexibility and regular yoga practice. Dream: “Breathing, and now it’s strength in my back after achieve a daily practice and “My themes this year are what 11 back operations, to get more beach in my life.” ‘generosity’ and ‘let go’.” I love most.” continue my naturopathy MELINA HEALEY STELLA CHAMBERS MELINA HEALEY studies with high marks and to have plenty of family time “To give up balance and Be our Facebook “The instruction ‘make with my children and my live wholeheartedly. I have friend! Join us on space in your knees’. Not extended family.” FB at facebook.com/ a theory that striving for a bit of the anatomy that MJ BAKER balance just makes you australianyogajournal generally can breathe in miserable and mediocre. and out.” SATYA HELEN PATRICE get more online! “Soften your back ribs.” Visit our website today at yogajournal.com.au BELINDA HOULT LEARN Use the How has yoga Yoga Journal Pose changed your life? Index to discover the finer points of asanas. “Yoga gives me space and clarity to connect with my FIND Browse inner truth and live from the yoga teacher that place.” directory for a SUSAN BONACI class near you. SHOP Subscribe “Yoga heals my soul and to or buy past inspires me, yoga lifts issues of Australian my energy and mood and Yoga Journal. helps connect me with that peaceful place READ Search the within my soul.” VISIT US database of stories SOULFULYOGA ONLINE to find useful TODAY! resources for your yoga practice PHOTOGRAPHY: ©iSTOCK.COM/RUSTEMGURLER and more. Join our 3750+ Facebook friends! Like us We want to hear from you! Email your thoughts, photos, at facebook.com/australianyogajournal ideas and requests to [email protected] 12 YOGAJOURNAL.COM.AU APRIL 2014

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om PHOTOGRAPHY ON THIS PAGE: JOHN CHO; BACKGROUND ILLUSTRATIONS THROUGHOUT OM SECTION: ©iSTOCK.COM/KATYAKATYA love connection “We came away from a fun partner yoga class with a deeper connection and sense of play. We were trying to infuse this pose with romance, but at the time I was thinking, don’t fall into the pool! We got married a month later.” Stephanie Sta Maria with Thirun Nadason, pictured in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia YOGA STARS Want to see your photo here? Send your pics to [email protected] APRIL 2014 YOGAJOURNAL.COM.AU 1 5

a yoga life Megan Dawes Jones shares her cancer journey and her unique insight into the healing powers of yoga The beauty of yoga is that anyone can do from scratch again I was able to tune into Posture), our creative glands are squeezed it anywhere. I did it in my hospital bed the gradual responses in my body.After to ensure the hormone released into the after a critical bout of surgery for cancer 10 weeks I returned to teaching classes. bloodstream is healthy for strong cells over two years ago. There are hundreds I live with a cancer but through yoga to replace the continually dying cells; in of posture variations to suit everyone. I've learned to manage my mind and live Sirsasana (Headstand), our pineal gland Yoga is more than physical – we well. From a yoga perspective, illnesses at the crown of the head is rebalanced harness the strength of the mind and can be karmic; perhaps it’s in response to make sure our circadian rhythms are send our intentions through the body to to a past experience but has come into a just right for us; and in Sarvangasana bring healing and strength. We all have person’s life now because they have the (Shoulderstand), a squeeze of the thyroid a mind to train and a physical body to resources to deal with it and can learn gland at the throat ensures our blood is maintain – work within your own level. from it. It can be a means by which we oxygenated for energy and clear thinking. During three years of chemotherapy evolve. Illness gives us a chance to bring These are just a few of the changes I maintained my yoga practice and ourselves back into wholeness and create in the body. Science backs up the incorporated all the healing benefits the life we are meant to live. yoga teachings but there is still magic of the Gawler Foundation lifestyle Yoga teaches us that we are more in the process. Once you open the program (gawler.org). So I know than the physical. We have an energetic doors to your yoga life, new vistas keep yoga slowly becomes absorbed into blueprint laid down before we were appearing and life is never the same. Be your consciousness and shapes your born. Kirlian photography can capture your own silent observer. perspective on life. It has seen me this electromagnetic energy, showing through the fragmentation of my home photos of the baby growing in the life and its gradual recreation, through womb. It’s the blueprint for our my sister’s long battle with cancer and physical body, energised by eventual death, through my own path our chakras along the through cancer to good health and spinal column. through turbulent years raising teenagers. When we work My real acknowledgement of yoga’s with our yoga power came two years ago when I had we strengthen two 6cm ovarian tumours removed. My these vortexes cancer history went back beyond that of energy and time, but in this particular instance my we balance surgeon had to open me up and ensure I the endocrine didn’t have cancer cells lurking in other glands in front organs, as well as perform a hysterectomy. of these chakras. There was no trace elsewhere in my body. These glands tip “Your organs look healthy,” he said. the hormones straight into Lying in my hospital bed, I used my the bloodstream so we get the focused full yoga breathing to keep immediate benefit of balanced my core gently massaged, my lungs hormones.In Dhanurasana (Bow expanding to draw in the prana (the Pose), our flight/fright/freeze response lifeforce or chi). I did the healing breath is harmonised by balancing the to send the prana through my body. adrenaline and cortisol I used the power of intention to see in our bloodstream; in myself healing. I visualised my yoga Paschimottanasana, postures as I could hardly move. (Seated Forward I continued my program when I Bend or the returned home and gradually got on the Creative Power PHOTOGRAPHY: ©iSTOCK.COM/DEBRENY floor to do gentle cat stretches. It was a slow process, but because I had to start YOGA DIARY Share your personal stories by emailing us at [email protected] 16 YOGAJOURNAL.COM.AU APRIL 2014

wellness TRY THESE POSTURES TO acid test HELP EASE HEARTBURN in the emerging field of neurogastroenterology — LEFT-SIDE-LYING If you suffer from heartburn, adjusting your yoga practice can bring relief If you’ve ever had butterflies in your stomach before SUPPORTED a big presentation or important test, you know what BOUND ANGLE POSE RELAXATION POSE stress can do to the digestive system. In fact, scientists been shown to aggravate a 45-degree angle. Sit in front of the bolster and recline back. which studies the connections between the brain Use a block to prop a bolster at Lying on the right side has heartburn, while Ayurveda and the gut — call the network of neurons lining the Bring the soles of your feet holds that lying on the left gut the “second brain”. This helps explain why together and open knees out side helps digestion. Lie on restorative yoga postures, which relieve anxiety and to the sides. Support thighs your left side with knees calm body and mind, can be particularly helpful for and knees. Relax arms at your comfortably bent. Place sides. Breathe comfortably support under your head. taming the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux for 5–10 minutes. Breathe for 5–10 minutes. disease, also known as GERD. GERD happens when the sphincter at the bottom of the oesophagus doesn’t work as it should, allowing stomach contents to leak up into the PHOTOGRAPHY: RICHARD SEAGRAVES; ILLUSTRATIONS: DONNA GRETHEN oesophagus, causing irritation. Yoga may help relieve the symptoms, which include the burning sensation in the chest or throat known as heartburn or acid indigestion. SUPPORTED EXTENDED CHILD’S POSE EXHALATIONS If you have heartburn, it’s a good idea to wait at least Stack two or three blankets on Sit tall, relax and turn your two hours after a meal before practising. Vigorous a bolster. Kneel in front of the attention to your breath. exercise and “crunching” actions can sometimes bolster and open your knees Mentally count the length trigger symptoms in susceptible people; let yoga’s about hip-width apart. Ease of your inhalations and focus on balancing relaxation with effort be your the upper body down onto the exhalations, and try to make guide. If inversions aggravate your symptoms, bolster, turning your head to them of equal length. Next, substitute a restorative posture like Viparita Karani one side and relaxing your make the exhalation one or (Legs-up-the-Wall Pose). And if lying flat on the floor arms. Breathe comfortably for two counts longer than the causes discomfort, elevating your head and shoulders 5–10 minutes; then turn your inhalation, or up to twice with folded blankets can help. head the other way. as long. APRIL 2014 YOGAJOURNAL.COM.AU 1 7

positivity the gratitude What are you thankful for? Harness the power project of positive to benefit yourself and others Clare Desira has a big vision credits and vegetarianism. I developed up the to change the world. And it Top Five message beyond my notebook and can all start with you. daily routine and presented it as an opportunity She’s come up with a to contribute to a more sustainable world. The simple idea that can help you speech included what the world would look like to become more positive, if everyone was more grateful and captured their mindful and present – each own daily Top Five. The movement was born.” day, write a list of five Desira is now well on her way to creating things that you're grateful a movement of generosity and happiness for. It’s called the Top Five throughout the world, sharing her vision at Movement – something that a TEDx event (see more at ted.com/tedx), started out as Desira’s own in corporate settings, in emerging young personal exercise in positivity, leadership programs and within training, but has since spread around education curriculum, blogs, magazine articles and other publications. the globe. “It’s an easy, daily habit,” “The message I have to share is a simple, Desira says. “It all started accessible and powerful idea about greater seven years ago and was possibilities for people to be happy, more sparked from an article in a generous and to live in a better world,” she magazine my housemate had says. “And the best Top Fives I hear are always left on my bed to cheer me up. related to the small and simple things in life “This article really that people so often overlook. A moment resonated with me as it said to of connection when someone has learnt simply write down a few good something; an act of generosity. things each day. It sounded “The obvious criticism with this is that it exciting and achievable. I got is all a little naïve and that my life must be started that day.” all sunshine and lollipops. But like everyone, Desira, who manages I have felt the pain and challenges that life can one of the largest corporate throw us. For example, I have taken the time volunteering programs in to write a Top Five on the day when someone Australia, soon started to tell close to me tried to take their life and also on friends about the Top Five. a day earlier last year “Some started their own,” when I was diagnosed she says. “Some would tease with an autoimmune me about it. Others thought disease. In my opinion it sounded like a nice thing it’s at these times that to do. Years passed and my a really simple and collection of Top Fives built practical tool like up. People started to ask what I would do with them all. writing a Top Five and focusing on I wasn’t sure, but knew I was onto something.” the positive can be its most powerful.” Fast forward to 2011, when Desira became a Centre for Sustainability Leadership fellow. “Part of this course was a media training and speech writing Head to TopFiveMovement.com to register for the mailing list to receive a free Top retreat,” she says. “I was required to deliver a speech to 50 Five Tips and Template document to help you start searching peers, all highly successful in their fields and passionate about for the positive and capturing your own daily Top Five. sustainability. There were speeches on biodiversity, carbon 18 YOGAJOURNAL.COM.AU APRIL 2014

practice love the for PLANET PLANET S freedom P L E C I A Be Free Yoga shines a light on sex trafficking Gold Coast yoga teacher Naomi Young- well as raising awareness and working Practice for Freedom classes at Fit Girl Pickrell (pictured) has made it her towards ending slavery. Club in Elanora and Burleigh Heads, mission to unite, inspire and mobilise “Ending slavery is something I feel Qld, as well as at other locations on the yoga community to take action very strongly about and believe yoga is a the Gold Coast to raise money for the against human trafficking and slavery great platform for raising awareness and Somaly Mam Foundation (somaly.org) through her organisation, Be Free Yoga. giving a voice to people that are trapped – a Cambodian based NGO which was With an estimated 20-30 in this nightmarish existence,” Young- founded by Somaly Mam, a survivor of million people trapped in slavery – Pickrell says. “The more that this subject sex slavery who has dedicated her life approximately two million of who are is brought into the spotlight, the more to save other victims of slavery and children that have been sold into sex chance we have of shaming the offenders empower survivors. slavery – Young-Pickrell believes this is who fuel the problem, and the an international emergency that must more pressure we can put on “ There are more slaves be addressed urgently. governments to take action.” in the world today than “There are more slaves in the world This crisis is not just confined today then there has ever been before,” to developing countries such there has ever been before” she says. “It’s a humanitarian crisis as Cambodia and of epic proportions and completely Thailand; shockingly unacceptable. It’s also an issue that Australia is also a PHOTOGRAPHY: JENNA AGIUS PHOTOGRAPHY know that it’s happening?” to Australia for For more many people are unaware of. How can destination country. People are trafficked people take action when they don’t exploitation, Be Free Yoga is encouraging yoga including forced teachers across the country to hold labour, slavery, sexual Practice for Freedom charity yoga servitude and debt- classes to raise awareness and funds bondage. for Project Futures (projectfutures. information, visit com), a not-for-profit organisation befreeyoga.com.au Young-Pickrell that supports survivors of sex slavery as APRIL 2014 holds regular weekly YOGAJOURNAL.COM.AU 1 9

food ‘ tis the season Eating seasonally doesn’t just help the environment – you benefit, too When a food is in season, it’s abundant and at its tasty, nutritional best. When it’s out of season, supplying it means using up a load of energy getting it to you. It’s not just the food miles – the refrigeration needed while being transported and then stored also wastes precious resources. And all that energy costs money – a price which is passed on to you, the consumer. love the Food that has to be transported a long way is also PLANET L autumn fruit nashi harvested early – meaning it doesn’t have time to fully PLANET apple develop. This leaves you with tasteless produce with P E C I cumquat passionfruit The alternative – eating local, fresh, seasonal produce S A banana papaya reduced nutritional content. custard peach – is cheaper, healthier and apple pear more delicious. Use our guide summer fruit fig pomegranate to shop seasonally. Cut it out winter fruit persimmon apricot mangosteen grapes plum apple nashi and stick it on your fridge! banana mulberry guava blood orange navel orange blackberry nectarine honeydew cumquat nuts spring fruit quince blueberry passionfruit kiwifruit custard pear banana mango rhubarb apple boysenberry pineapple lemon persimmon blood orange papaya rockmelon grapefruit cherry rambutan lime pineapple cherry pineapple orange kiwifruit currant raspberry mandarin quince cumquat rhubarb lemon gooseberry rhubarb mango rhubarb grapefruit rockmelon lime guava rockmelon tangelo honeydew Seville autumn vegetables mandarin orange honeydew strawberry lemon kiwifruit tamarillo Asian greens lettuce loquat strawberry loganberry Valencia avocado onion winter vegetables lychee tangelo orange Valencia lychee beetroot parsnip Asian greens leek mandarin orange watermelon borlotti peas avocado okra mango beans watermelon potato beetroot olives broccoli summer vegetables pumpkin broccoli onion spring vegetables Brussels asparagus lettuce sprouts silverbeet brussels parsnip artichoke lettuce sprouts avocado peas beans spinach peas asparagus peas cabbage borlotti radish cabbage squash potato avocado potato beans carrot snow peas capsicum swede pumpkin beans silverbeet beans cauliflower squash carrot sweet potato silverbeet broad beans snow peas capsicum celeriac sugar snap cauliflower sweetcorn spinach broccoli spinach celery peas celery celery tomato swede cabbage sugar snap cucumber sweetcorn fennel peas cucumber turnip sweet potato carrot PHOTOGRAPHY: ©iSTOCK.COM/TWING eggplant tomato horseradish sweetcorn eggplant mushrooms turnip cauliflower green beans zucchini Jerusalem tomato fennel artichoke cucumber leek zucchini zucchini flower leek kale leek 20 YOGAJOURNAL.COM.AU APRIL 2014



beauty the secrets of sustainable beauty love the PLANET Options in cosmetics with a PLANET conscience are easy to find, S L P writes Emma Bangay E C I A Finding environmentally- of ingredients and results friendly beauty products – agrees, noting that for that are also effective can her, “sustainability” has be hard. That’s why toxin- just as much to do with the free beauty expert Irene non-toxic ingredients and Falcone has made it her responsibly resourced and mission to bring together recyclable packaging as it the most responsible, does with the marketing. results-driven beauty “I often wonder about packaging is recycled, OPTIONS TO GET YOU products and offer them the sustainability of with tons of plastic and ON THE RIGHT TRACK in a one-click online shop misleading advertising – it cardboard packaging – nourishedlife.com.au. has a detrimental effect ending up in landfill. Falcone, along with other on the emotional and The toxic chemicals in Live Native Exfoliating natural beauty trailblazers, psychological health of many mainstream beauty Cleanser, $39.40. believes that sustainable, consumers,” she muses. products end up going begenkishop.com organic and animal-friendly “My point of view is that down the drains and into cosmetics and skincare sustainable beauty is our oceans, contaminating should be available to that which supports the our water and sea life.” the masses, and that the consumer and the planet In choosing to buy 100% Pure Fruit traditional mindset abouth to thrive and become the right products, you Pigmented Black Tea them must change. more beautiful in totality.” know that the packaging Mascara, $26.95. “The biggest myth The organic and is coming from recycled nourishedlife.com.au about sustainable and sustainable arm of the materials and from organic beauty is that it�s beauty industry is regulated environmentally-sound useless”, Falcone laments. by a number of official production processes. Dr Bronner’s Fair In fact, she says, the most organisations – they certify Sustainable changes can Trade and Organic exciting part about organic the authenticity of the even be made well before Soap, $5.95. beauty is that, “green organic and natural claims. you step into the shop drbronner.com.au science has become so “In the last few years or log on to a website. advanced now we’re seeing we have seen a huge “Reusing glass cosmetic these natural and organic growth in eco-chic, jars is my personal products outperform the sustainable and healthy favourite,” Sargent says. AEOS Enriching Moisturiser, synthetic versions”. beauty products that are And using a product until $98. begenkishop.com Sam Sargent, founder not only animal- and earth- it’s empty – rather than of begenkishop.com – a friendly, but good for the just until you’re bored PHOTOGRAPHY: ©iSTOCK.COM/PAFE hand-selected collection body,” Sargent adds. But with it – will eliminate Dr. Alkaitis Organic of natural, organic and be sure to be savvy about over-consumption and Eye Cream, $66. vegan beauty products sustainability, she warns. spending. Sounds like a nourishedlife.com.au chosen for their purity “Only a small amount of beautiful idea. 22 YOGAJOURNAL.COM.AU APRIL 2014



love the PLANET PLANET L eating wisely P E C S I A on the verge Go on – get your hands dirty. Your planet will love you for it! By Alison Turner You might think the most noticeable thing about Costa Georgiadis is his rather wild and bushy beard, but spend even just a few moments in his company and something else becomes far more apparent – his overwhelming enthusiasm for plants, people and the planet. “It’s all about health,” he says of his gardening philosophy. “The health of the soil creates a healthy plant, which creates a healthy person. We’re responsible for that chain. It’s a garden planet that we live in.” For the past three years Georgiadis has appeared on ABC1’s Gardening Australia program. “It’s a program that’s an opportunity to bring gardening, growing and sustainable 24 yogajournal.com.au APRIL 2014

Main pic: Georgiadis with one of his beloved chickens, below from left: teaching kids about sustainable gardening; Costa cakes! ©iSTOCK.COM/BEASTFROMEAST PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY COSTA GEORGIADIS; ILLUSTRATIONS THROUGHOUT APRIL 2014 yogajournal.com.au  2 5 

eating wisely messages to people across the country – – it will hook you with the growing bug! FACT: each year in Australia we across multiple climates and conditions,” Once you start it’s going to change your throw away $5.2 billion worth of food he says. “It’s a chance to build community approach – when you taste it, there’ll be Source: Australian Conservation Foundation through growing and sharing.” no turning back.” Georgiadis wants people to start As well as growing his own vegies, engaging more with where their food Georgiadis is big on composting. He’s comes from, whether it’s by eating even an ambassador for International seasonally, buying from farmers’ markets Compost Awareness Week (May 5 – 11, or – better yet, growing your own. 2014, compostweek.com.au). “You truly are what you eat – and as “Composting is gaining recognition soon as you start growing your own food rapidly,” he says. “All you need to do is and eating what you grow, the healthier separate your scraps into waste that can be you’ll become,” he says. composted – keep a covered container on Think you’re all brown thumbs? the kitchen bench – then take it out to your It’s a common perception, but compost pile, add some grass clippings, Georgiadis believes that anyone can dead leaves, wood shavings, a little water grow their own food. and give it a stir. It will start to break down, “One of my favourite tasks is creating a rich food for your next crop of encouraging people who don’t see vegies. Suddenly you’re making a difference themselves as gardeners to give it to the waste stream – you’re becoming an a go,” he says. “Start small – a pot environmental activist!” plant, a corner of your courtyard. Another option is a worm Go with things you know will give farm, which you can easily set you a return – parsley, basil, cherry up in a corner of a balcony Georgiadis’ verge garden tomatoes. These will provide a real or yard. Feed your worms a abundance. Use it in your salad regular supply of fruit and 26 YOGAJOURNAL.COM.AU APRIL 2014

vegetable scraps, and they’ll reward you with a rich fertiliser – which in turn will help you grow more food. “This is one of the most powerful initiatives you can take,” Georgiadis says of composting and worm farming. “It stops scraps from going into the waste stream, and you’re building another tool to help you grow your own.” Another Georgiadis initiative is the verge garden – the practice of planting edible, ornamental and native plants on the green verge along footpaths. “Any space in the city or suburbs offers an opportunity,” he says. “You can either grow concrete or a strip of grass full of dog poo, or you can grow a garden. A garden that will absorb water and cool your street.” Apart from growing food, you can also grow native flowering plants that will attract and feed bees, insects and birds. “This brings about a more balanced ecosystem,” Georgiadis explains. “You need these birds and insects to pollinate your plants. So you’re growing food for yourself and for other parts of the chain that help us by default.” Once again, you can start small. Check with your council first, and then get started on building your own living streetscape. Your council can advise on which plants are indigenous to the local area. Rally your neighbours to get involved and you’re encouraging the growth of community as well as food. Making the effort to learn where your building your practice,” he says. “Just start food comes from, using food scraps for with one ingredient at a time, and add it composting and growing your own fruit, to your routine. vegetables and herbs is helping to build a “It can all start with something as healthier, richer and more fertile planet simple as a pot plant, but it will for yourself and those that come after you. soon become so much more. “Every time you put something in your I just want people to have mouth you’re making a decision about a go. The more effort we our environment,” Georgiadis says. “It’s make, the better it will be connect with Costa a new layer of personal responsibility.” for the planet.” costasworld.org Georgiadis even believes there are instagram.com/costasworld similarities between the practice of yoga Watch Costa on Gardening facebook.com/costa.georgiadis.1 and the practice of gardening sustainably. Australia on Saturdays “Each ingredient is like a yoga pose at 6:30pm on ABC1. – you need to work on perfecting it, abc.net.au/gardening APRIL 2014 yogajournal.com.au  2 7 

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wisdom love the PLANET PLANET S L P E C I A consume less, live more Embrace a life in which less is best and contentment is within your grasp By Helen Hawkes As a yoga student and a permaculturist, I often wonder how I can have a more gentle impact on the Earth. How can I use less, want less and waste less? Part of this desire is born out of selfish reasons – a longing to step off the endless cycle of consumerism that sees us tied to nine-to-five jobs, overmortgaged, pushing our credit card limit and generally caught in illustration: ©istock.com/GElatoPlus book How to Be Free: “Today we are imprisoned by the seductive traps of a Western lifestyle. As author Tom Hodgkinson says in his bestselling our desires and shackled by shopping. Our natural desire to live well and enjoy life is co-opted by the consumer system and turned into something materially based and enslaving.” Freedom, says Hodgkinson, exists in a sort of APRIL 2014 spiritual self-sufficiency. Yogajournal.com.au  2 9 

wisdom build strength and focus ✤ Stand on the floor with all your weight ✤ Twist your spine to the right side. on your left foot, your left knee bent ✤ Lengthen your fingers and make and your right toe tip forward. sure you can breathe easily with ✤ Take your left arm and shoulder your diaphragm from your abdomen. forward and your right arm and ✤ Hold for 30 seconds to one minute shoulder backwards. and then alternate sides. ✤ Push your right sitting bone forwards ✤ Do three or four times each side and upwards and your left sitting to increase blood flow, strength bone forwards and downwards. and core stability. credit: simon Borg oliver Says NSW psychotherapist Shirley with pranayama and asanas, are the things Hughes: “When we are caught up in fads that will allow you to live simply.” and fashions we don’t have clear thinking; we are being driven by a different force. start as you mean to go on “Consumerism is about the outer We are the target of clever marketing self, not the inner self. And that not every time we pass a billboard, turn on only gives us less physical space, because the radio or television or enter a shop, of our accumulation of things, but less says Hughes. “It’s monkey see, monkey emotional and mental space too.” do, monkey buy.” What we need now, more than ever, is a Set a different intention for the day life and a lifestyle based on spiritual values by doing some early morning exercise rather than the greed of global capitalism. and connecting with the Earth, suggests Part of the antidote, believes Simon Borg Borg Oliver. And follow through with a Oliver of Synergy Yoga, is simply trying yoga attitude that focuses on the niyama to live with as little as possible. (observance) of Santosa, or contentment. “When you wake up in the morning, With a greater appreciation of what we make do with sunlight and air and a already have, perhaps by contemplating it barefoot walk on the grass for as long as in meditation, we may be able to resist the possible,” he says. “These things, along consumption that is prompted by the idea that more “things” will bring us happiness. Santosa suggests being at peace “ We’re the target of within and content with our lifestyle; being happy with what we have rather clever marketing – it’s than being unhappy about what we don’t monkey see, monkey have. And, when you think about what most of us don’t have – a yacht, a multi- do, monkey buy” million dollar home on the Italian coast, awardrobe filled with Prada and Versace, a Ferrari – it’s ludicrous to think we are just one thing away from satisfaction. break the chains of consumerism aPPreciate simPle luxuries  Of course, in this life, we are only human and we all hunger after a little luxury, ✤ Death to supermarkets ✤ Make music ✤ Love thy neighbour especially at times when we feel tested ✤ Bake bread ✤ Start producing ✤ Be creative illustration: ©istock.com/GElatoPlus ✤ Open up the ✤ Embrace beauty ✤ Free your spirit by the demands of our existence. After community hall ✤ Embrace poverty ✤ Dig the earth a long working week, a battle to pay ✤ Quit moaning ✤ Hail the spade bills or any other kind of human crisis, consumption of fast food, mass products credit: How to Be Free by tom Hodgkinson, Penguin Books, 2006 or other feel-good-fast promises can 30 yogajournal.com.au APRIL 2014

“ our lives are already good – an appreciation of that can help us to restore peace” easily seduce us. How difficult then to “All of these things cause distress,” he practise Aparigraha – neutralising the says. To combat our Western tendency to desire to acquire and hoard wealth. be out of balance, we need to unblock the But don’t think it’s all about sackcloth blockages, make energy move inside us and miserly living. While the yogi feels and sit back and enjoy paradise. Practising that the collection of or hoarding of things yoga on a daily basis is one easy way to implies a lack of faith in the universe and help loosen attachments and relax the themselves to provide for the future, this body and mind. is not to say that we can’t enjoy luxuries, Says Hughes about the force live more lightly says Hodgkinson. behind her creation of The Calm Zone “It’s just that we shouldn’t take them (thecalmzone.com.au, a wellbeing and on the earth seriously as a kind of goal into life,” he relaxation CD): “Relaxation helps us be Grow some vegies, save water, points out. Hodgkinson also believes clearer inside. It creates balance between compost your scraps and, without it’s important to distinguish between doing and having and being.” knowing it, you are contributing to the actual physical pleasures produced In your yoga practice, don’t hold off a better world. by simple everyday luxuries like food until Savasana to relax. Instead, try to and drink and the promise of pleasure relax all the way through each posture, Permaculture is a system by which produced by the marketing of mass- advises Borg Oliver. we can exist on the earth by using energy that is naturally in flow and produced goods. Meditation can also bring you by using food and natural resources “Our lives are already good,” Hughes to an empty mind place and give you that are abundant in such a way reminds us. “An appreciation of that can the possibility of focusing, not on the that we don’t continually destroy help us to restore peace.” many things we believe we must acquire, life on earth, says the “father of but on one thing – our essence, which will permaculture”, Bill Mollison. relax to let go of desire  always be enough. “Wherever we live we should start Besides the way the world is geared for to do something,” he says. “We can us to consume, Borg Oliver believes Helen Hawkes is a freelance journalist and start first by decreasing our energy that other common factors may be author who lives on the NSW mid-north coast consumption. We can cut our vehicle behind our desire for more, more, with her West highland Terrier, Bruce Lee. use by using public transport and more. He says they are overtension, sharing with friends. We can save water off our roofs into tanks, or overstretching, overbreathing, overeating To find out more about Yoga Synergy, head to recycle greywater to the toilet and overthinking. yogasynergy.com. system or garden. We can also begin to take some part in food production. This doesn’t mean that we all need to grow our own potatoes, but it may mean that we will buy them directly from the person who is growing potatoes responsibly.” Sitting at our back doorsteps all we need to live a good life lies about us, says Mollison. “Sun, wind, people, buildings, stones, sea, birds and plants surround you. Cooperation with all these things brings harmony. “ APRIL 2014 yogajournal.com.au  3 1 

basics forward thinking Release tension and soothe your nervous system with this bend for all levels by Nikki Costello ( head-of-the-knee pose ) janu sirsasana janu = knee; sirsa = head; asana = posture explain that you don’t have to be flexible when you a deeper stretch “I’m so inflexible I can barely touch my toes.” As a yoga teacher, I hear this again and again. I’ve After practising Janu Sirsasana, a one-legged forward bend, you’ll even seen people spontaneously bend over to reach be better prepared for a full, two- for their feet to demonstrate their tightness. I try to legged stretch. Practise the pose several times on each side, and start practising yoga: the act of doing yoga helps you then stretch both legs out and join build the flexibility and strength you need. Even if them in Dandasana (Staff Pose). you can easily get your hands to your toes in forward- Reach for both feet and see if bending poses, that’s not necessarily a good measure you're able to bend forward more of your overall flexibility. What really matters are the easily in Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend). actions you take to get them there. If you focus on going deeply into a forward bend, such as the seated forward bend Janu Sirsasana (Head- of-the-Knee Pose) and your hamstrings and glutes are tight, you’ll bend from the spine: the tailbone will tuck under, the upper back will round and the backs of the knees will pop off the floor. In this case, even though you might still be able to reach your toes, you’d be missing the true benefit of the pose. The goal of a forward bend is not, in fact, to “bend” but instead to fully extend and lengthen your spine 32 yogajournal.com.au APRIL 2014

lengthen     your spine Bend your  elBows flex   your   foot APRIL 2014 yogajournal.com.au  3 3 

basics step 1 while stretching the back of your body – your hamstrings, gluteal muscles and spinal muscles – to the extent that’s appropriate for you. Although you don’t want to bend your spine in Janu Sirsasana, there are three joints you do want to bend in the pose: the hips, the knee of the bent leg and the Reach your elbows. Learning to bend in all the right places allows you to create length and arms tall and extension in the spine. press down Bending at the hip joints is crucial in through your any forward bend. It allows the torso to sitting bones. extend forward while the spinal muscles stay relaxed. If your hamstrings and glutes are tight and you feel your tailbone tucking under, sit up on a folded blanket or two. Feel as though you are sitting directly on top of your sitting bones and that your pelvis is tilting forward. Having one knee bent in Janu Sirsasana makes it different from other seated forward bends. The action of bending one leg helps alleviate the pull of tight hamstrings and gluteal muscles on that stretch the sides and lift the spine side of your body, while the added mobility allows you to extend the abdomen further forward. set It Up The final bend in the pose is at the ✣ Resting your hips on a blanket, sit and distribute your weight evenly on elbows. When you clasp your foot (or a upright and extend both legs forward. both sitting bones. strap) and bend your elbows, the pull of the ✣ Bend the right knee, pressing the heel into the inner right thigh with the toes FINIsH Lift the bent-leg side of the torso arms helps lift the chest upwards, which touching the inner left thigh. with a little more effort and attention to lengthens the upper spine. And gently ✣ Keep the left leg straight, resting on the ensure that the torso lengthens evenly pulling the shoulders back helps maintain centre of the calf with the toes pointing up. and that your spine is lifted. Create space this extension. in the abdomen by pressing the thighs Practising the variations taught here ReFINe As you inhale, extend the arms up. down as you stretch the arms up. Move will help you find extension in your spine. Bring the arms toward the back of the ears your shoulder blades in towards the spine and then take a deeper, fuller breath to and your abdomen back and up under the In the first variation (see Step 1), focus PhotograPhy: david martinez; model: jennifer lane; stylist: lyn heineken; hair/makeuP: racine christensen. extend the arms completely and lift the ribs. Maintain this position for a few on balancing your weight evenly on both torso. Keep both sides of the pelvis in line breaths to energise your spine. sitting bones and on stretching your arms upwards. Lengthen the sides of the waist equally to lift the spine and tone the further expand and frees the upper spine at the joints with skill and attention and abdomen. In the second variation (see to move inwards toward the heart. lengthening the spine before folding Step 2), focus on bending at the hips as Extending the spine and stretching the forward. When you practise Janu you lean forward and hold your foot. Firm back body in a seated forward bend can Sirsasana this way, not only will touching your arms to lift your chest and extend it have a calming effect. Practising these your toes become easier, but you’ll be forward as you press the back of your legs poses can improve digestion and soothe getting the benefits of fully extending to the floor. In the final variation (see Final the nervous system. You experience your spine and expanding your chest. Pose), lengthen your spine completely these benefits by practising a progressive from the bottom to the top. Bending your series of actions: stretching and releasing Nikki Costello is a certified Iyengar Yoga elbows out to the sides allows the chest to tension in the back of the body, bending teacher living in New York City, US. 34 yogajournal.com.au ApRIL 2014

BE THE BEST YOGA TEACHER YOU CAN BE STEP 2 Keep lengthening, not rounding, the spine. world class yoga teacher training Is Teaching Right for You? Start Teaching Yoga Teacher Training Course - 350 hrs •14 month course • on-line or Sydney based • øexible training and modules • includes öve-day residential upper thigh to the back of Post Grad YBC- 100 hrs extend forward to reach the foot Teach Back Care Courses • faculty includes physiotherapist SET IT UP extend both your arms. Press • safety, pain, functional anatomy ✣ Resting your hips on a the entire back of your left • two x four day modules blanket, sit upright and extend leg to the floor, from the both legs forward. ✣ Bend the right knee, pressing the heel, while also pressing the heel into the inner right the right leg downward. Become an Expert thigh and letting the toes touch Post Grad TTC - 150 hrs the inner left thigh. FINISH Lift from the waist • take your classes to the next level ✣ Keep the left leg straight, to the armpits to create • advanced yoga energy systems, resting on the centre of the calf equal length on the sides of philosophy, pranayama, medita tion with the toes pointing up. your body. Move the back ribs • gain recognised accreditation ✣ Inhale and extend the arms in towards the chest and lift upward. Exhale and reach the chest even higher. Continue Help Mothers To Be forward to hold the pressing the outer right thigh Post Grad Pre & Post Natal - 130 hrs left foot with both hands, or and knee down and turn from • faculty includes midwives, advice loop a strap around the foot. the right side of the waist until from obstetrician & physiotherapist your entire torso is facing • vocal toning, optimal foetal REFINE Pull strongly on the forward. Hold this variation position, pregnancy trimesters, safety, birth & post natal foot as you press it into your for several breaths to lengthen hands or the strap to lift your the front of the spine and • four modules - øexible delivery torso up. Straighten and fully make the back more concave. About IYTA elements of practice In Hatha yoga asanas, the back of the body is referred to as the west (paschim in Sanskrit) and the front of the body as the east (purva). Both sides are given equal importance and reflect Our Courses balance and harmony in the body. The sun rises in the east, energising our bodies for the activity of the day, and sets in the west to prepare our bodies for rest and sleep. When you practise forward-bending poses and stretch the back of your body, you will discover that they can help you relax, become quiet and International Yoga Teachers Association even sleep better. [email protected] www.iyta.org.au APRIL 2014

basics FINAL POSe janu sirsasana Set It UP while you spread and lift the ✣ Sit upright and extend both chest. Maintain the steady legs forward. effort of the legs and arms ✣ Bend the right knee, pressing as you exhale and stay in the the heel into the inner right pose. Inhale again and extend thigh and letting the toes touch the front of your body forward the inner left thigh. until the hips fold more deeply. ✣ Keep the left leg straight, On your exhalation, bend your resting it on the centre of the elbows directly to the sides and calf with the toes pointing up. broaden the collarbones and ✣ Inhale and extend the arms up. chest. Keep the elbows lifted and ✣ exhale and reach forward to wide apart. hold the left foot with both hands or loop a strap around FINISH With each breath the foot. lengthen the front of the spine and move the back ReFINe Press both legs down muscles into the body. Now as you lift the waist towards the the knee, hips, shoulders, elbows armpit. Use your inhalation to and wrists are all bending to draw the abdomen back and up support your spine to extend. Fully extend your spine as you fold forward. explore these modifications of Janu Sirsasana optimise your pose to open your hips to relieve knee pain to lengthen your spine to quiet the mind Move the thigh and Place a rolled-up sock If you can reach your Place a blanket or knee of your bent leg or a strap behind the toes with your hands, bolster across your shin further out to the side, back of your bent knee reach beyond the foot and rest your head on it. while still keeping the to make more space and clasp one wrist Relax here with even outer knee down. for the joint. with the opposite hand. breathing for 2 minutes. 36 yogajournal.com.au APRIL 2014

yoga retreats Amidst lush tropical rainforest overlooking the Coral Sea . . . . . With secluded beaches meeting the Great Barrier Reef, unique accommodation, yoga, massage & delicious food, Sanctuary Retreat at Mission Beach is the paradise you've been waiting to discover for your next relaxing More than 90% of eco-holiday or retreat in a tropical paradise. 6 - 8 June Sanctuary is dedicated to cassowary habitat & rainforest conservation. freecall 1800 777 012 9 - 14 August upcoming retreats Vinyasa Flow with Marita Dortins see our website for more info Balance strength with mobility, effort about our 2014 retreats with grace, and dynamic movement Knoff Yoga Retreat with inner stillness. Take a break from the demands of 17 - 23 August every day life and join us for this A week with Peter Scott tropical yoga retreat with renowned Explore & transform your yoga under Master Teachers Nicky Knoff and guidance from the renowned James Bryan Australian Senior Iyengar Teacher. 5- 12 July 31 August - 9 September Ashtanga Yoga Retreat with Yoga and Self Knowledge Mark Robberds with Rachel Zinman and John Flow through daily Mysore style Weddepohl. Vinyasa yoga, classes. Deepen your understanding of pranayama, self knowledge- the yoga through technique, timeless teachings of the Upanishads The dedicated yoga meditation, pranayama and chanting. the chakras and ayurveda. space is high-set 21 - 28 September amongst the trees, 12 - 20 July SunYoga Holiday Retreat with Profound, Mysterious Claire Heywood perfectly placed in a Join Swami Shantananda and senior Enjoy delicious food, good company haven of tranquillity Classical Yoga teachers exploring and rejuvenating Hatha Yoga with away from the rest Yoga in all its profound and plenty of free time to do exactly as mysterious dimensions. you choose. Bliss! of the retreat. 2 - 9 August 28 September - 4 October Rejuvenate the Heart and Mind Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga with Greg with Janet Lowndes and Gina and Tracy Cooper Macauley. Explore and deepen your Founders of Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Yoga practice to connect to your true Melbourne. Led and mysore style self through authentic Yoga practices. classes. www.sanctuaryogaretreats.com.au UNIQUE ECO-HOLIDAYS & RETREATS

save energy, 1save money PhotograPhy: ©iStock.com/SnaPPhoto; tag: ©iStock.com/alexrathS According to the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, here’s how much you could save each year if you: D Wash clothes in cold rather than hot water – $124 D Use a clothesline instead of an electric dryer once D Get rid of that second fridge – $155 a week – $69 38 yogajournal.com.au D Switch off the kids’ gaming consoles after use – $169 APRIL 2014

love the PLANET PLANET S P E C I A L 18 ways to love the planet get your warm (green) fuzzies with these ideas for a cleaner, healthier and happier earth APRIL 2014 yogajournal.com.au  3 9 

when life gives From 2you lemons... Samudra’s latest range ... clean the house! Forget chemical cleaners – all you need is this multi-tasking citrus fruit. here are some ways lemons can be used around the house: KItcHen _ Clean and deodorise chopping boards by rubbing them with lemon juice. _ Beat odours – store half a lemon style in the fridge. 3yourself green _ Clean your microwave – heat some Buy your clothes second hand, or shop lemon slices in a bowl of water for 30 sustainably. Some of our favourites: seconds, then wipe down the inside. _ Soak plastic food storage containers in Avila Activewear fibre and designed for a solution of lemon juice and water (about All garments are designed real women’s bodies. half/half) overnight. In the morning, add a with environmentally bodypeacebamboo.com little bicarb soda and scrub, rinse and dry. sustainable consideration, Little Birdii from natural fabrics to Australian-made eco design and production BatHroom yoga, Pilates and dance methods. avilaactive.com clothing made from organic _ Remove stains from your bathtub – Bamboo Body and sustainable fabrics. dip half a lemon in salt and rub. Founded by two sisters, littlebirdyoga.com.au _ Mix half a cup of borax and one cup Bamboo Body embraces Samudra of lemon juice to use as a toilet cleaner. the many benefits of using Located in the heart of bamboo fabric. Super _ Clean tile grout – dip an old toothbrush Dunsborough, 2.5 hours sustainable. into lemon juice and give the grout south of Perth, Samudra bamboobody.com.au a good scrub. has two yoga studios, a Bodha vegetarian cafe and an eco A collection of pure natural clothing store. yogawear and modern samudra.com.au wellness accessories, Yogathe Bodha offers clothing made Yogathe offers a luxurious in natural fabrics that bamboo-cotton blend PhotograPhy: lemon: ©iStock.com/JameSmcQ24 won’t irritate your skin. range of yoga clothing and bodhaclothing.com sleepwear. BodyPeace thegreenshop.com/yogathe Yoga clothes made from sustainable bamboo 40 yogajournal.com.au APRIL 2014

waste 4not… make use of food waste – start a compost pile or a worm farm to dispose of scraps that would otherwise end up in landfill. the by-products will provide chemical- free fertiliser for your garden. even though food waste is organic and will generally decompose, when it mixes with other waste in landfill it can contribute to the production and release of dangerous gases, like methane, which is harmful to the environment. you can also recycle food waste by turning it Food waste can also easily be recycled into compost. composted mulch applied to your garden helps capture carbon in the soil, which means you improve the health of your soil and assist water retention. into rich fertiliser through a worm farm. you can have a worm farm even if you live in an apartment and don’t have much space. Worm liquid and castings (the organic material that has been digested by the worms) are excellent for pot plants or can be given to neighbours with gardens in exchange for fresh vegetables. you can buy worm farm kits that fit under your sink or on your verandah which make it easy if you have limited space. grow 5your own illuStration: ©iStock.com/Si-gal; tag: ©iStock.com/alexrathS Want to grow your own organic record and plan activities in foods, but not sure where your garden. to start? Get yourself The The Vegie Box ($59.95, Vegie Box – your complete Busybird Publishing), by guide to growing your own certified biodynamic farmer organic vegetables, beautifully Jackie Dargaville, is a great presented in a pine box with starting point for a gardener laminated growing cards of wanting to know more about the most popular vegetables; the organic approach. It shows a comprehensive handbook you how to produce your containing over 100 pages of own nutrient-dense, healthy organic growing advice on a and flavourful food without diverse range of topics; and a any chemicals. Get it from Gardener’s diary to help you boxbooks.com.au. APRIL 2014 yogajournal.com.au  4 1 

go with 7the flow many women don’t realise the and again. the lunette menstrual impact that disposable sanitary cup is another eco-friendly, products have on the planet – reusable option (lunette.com/ every year in australia and au). using a lunette is similar new zealand, well over 700 to using a tampon but requires million tampons and one billion less changing. made of medical- pads are thrown away. an average grade silicone, a non-friendly woman uses 10,000 to 15,000 environment for bacteria, tampons, pads and applicators menstrual cups are simply retire in her lifetime. the great majority washed and reused. zero waste. 6 ethically of these end up in landfill, or pass through sewage treatment Australians currently have more than $3 trillion invested plants and end up in the oceans, in superannuation. A large proportion of this is invested choking precious marine life in companies involved in coal mining, CSG, tobacco, old and polluting beaches. growth forest logging and exploitation of workers. you might not be aware that Australian Ethical Super avoids investments that cause unnecessary harm to people, animals, society there are eco-friendly menstrual and the environment. Instead, they seek out positive products available on the market. investments that support people, quality and rad-Pads (rad-pads.com) are cloth menstrual pads that can be sustainability. washed, stored and used again Head to australianethical.com.au/super to find out how you can roll over to Australian Ethical. work from 8 home Ask your boss if you can telecommute on days you don’t have to be at the office: The Live Earth Global Warming Survival Handbook says that if one million people worked from home instead of commuting to work, it would eliminate three million tons of carbon dioxide a year. PhotograPhy: toP leFt: ©iStock.com/Serezniy; Work From home: ©iStock.com/nyul 42 yogajournal.com.au APRIL 2014

discover the birds 11 and the bees Invite pollinators to your garden – plant brightly flowering natives to encourage birds and bees to visit. Those rewards include increased garden yield, better fruit set and the beauty of pollinators in the garden. Pollinators eat pests and also help maintain the life cycle of native plants. These plants, in turn, prevent soil erosion and stave off invasive species. Win all round. recycle your 9 yoga mat LovEarth is an initiative to clean up the yogic footprint created by all the PVC mats on the market. Here’s how it works: Step 1: trade in your old mat by emailing lovearth@yogapass. com.au with your location. They’ll tell you the nearest drop-off spot or where to send it, and will send you a YogaPass redeemable at over 400 yoga studios around Australia. Step 2: LovEarth will send your old mat to a disadvantaged group that needs it. Step 3: buy a LovEarth mat at lovearth.com.au. Their mats are made from natural tree rubber and jute, do not include PVC, PER or TPE and are fully biodegradable. PhotograPhy: bird: ©iStock.com/celSodiniz 10shut up Before you leave the house, close up all doors, windows and curtains. This will keep the house cooler in summer and warmer in winter, saving you from using air con and heaters. APRIL 2014 a gouldian Finch yogajournal.com.au  4 3 

make your own 12 preserves Throwing out is wasteful. Preserving, pickling and jam-making are all great ways to use over-ripe fruits and vegies PhotograPhy: ©iStock.com/marcomayer instead of throwing them out. Head to freshpreserving.com.au for everything you’ve ever needed to know about making your own preserves, from what you need to get started through to delicious recipes that will last up to one year. 44 yogajournal.com.au APRIL 2014

weed 13 ‘em out Got weeds? Mix undiluted vinegar with a squirt of dishwashing detergent and spray weeds until they disappear. cook clean PhotograPhy: SPray bottle: ©iStock.com/tedeStudio; tag: ©iStock.com/alexrathS; illuStration: tV: ©iStock.com/oh_deSign 14 to create the slick surface of non-stick cookware, 17get mindful this May manufacturers apply chemicals called fluoropolymers, The Australian Psychological Society struggling in developing countries as down into compounds such as brain-child of Dr Elise Bialylew, aims a result of limited clean water. Stress and Wellbeing Survey 2013 has which are released into the revealed that 73 per cent of Australians The month-long campaign, the air when you cook at high find stress is impacting their wellbeing. to encourage people to enhance their temperatures, according to the Seventeen per cent claim that stress is wellbeing through meditation, while having a “very significant” impact on environmental Working group. their physical health. simultaneously bringing fresh water to Worse, the chemicals break Here’s another, even scarier fact Whether you’re a beginner or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFoa), for you: over one billion people in this those in need. a seasoned meditator, sign up at world live without clean water, and a a likely human carcinogen child dies every 20 seconds from the mindfulinmay.org and ask friends lack of safe drinking water. and family to sponsor you on your that’s also been linked to heart But there’s no need to stress out – month-long journey. You’ll receive a disease, and can get into your get mindful instead! Mindful in May daily motivational email, plus access food. Pre-seasoned cast-iron is a global, Australian-based initiative to interviews with world mindfulness skillets are naturally non-stick. that aims to reduce the effects of experts and guided meditation stress through the proven benefits of downloads. Just 10 minutes of meditation, and help bring fresh water meditation a day will have a positive cool operator to those who need it most. Now in its ripple effect on the lives of thousands 15 Keep your fridge running more third year, Mindful in May is aiming living in poverty. efficiently: regularly clean the coils, vacuum to raise $250,000 to benefit those out the dust and wipe with a damp cloth. Also, keep your freezer well stocked. Not only will it save you money to buy in bulk, your freezer will use less energy when it’s full. set your set 18 Select the “normal” or “standard”picture setting on your TV. Many flat screens are shipped Dish it up from the manufacturer with a picture setting that makes it stand out in retail displays, but are brighter 16a dishwasher uses half the energy, than you need at home and consume 10 to 20 per one-sixth of the water and less soap than cent more energy (and cash) at this setting, reports hand-washing dishes. Just make sure it’s the Natural Resources Defense Council. full before you run it: doing so can save over 45 kilos of carbon dioxide, according to the environmental Protection authority. APRIL 2014 yogajournal.com.au  4 5 

love the PLANET PLANET L P E C S I A Karma yoga Find your path towards leading a purpose-filled life By Anna Greer Carl Jung once said, “Man cannot stand comfort and safety to live a purpose-filled a meaningless life”. That seems to be the case life. A decade ago, Pam plunged herself into for Pam Ahern, who gave up the security of creating a sanctuary for farm animals after a successful equestrian career to start a farm taking in and falling in love with a pig named sanctuary in the rolling pastoral foothills of Edgar. Pam’s goal is to use the sanctuary to the Great Dividing Range, Victoria. spark the kindness and compassion she As my companion and I pull up to the believes is in everyone’s nature. gate of Edgar’s Mission, an hour out of “I believe in the goodness of the human Melbourne, five curious sheep and an heart. I really believe people don’t want exceedingly friendly kelpie named Ruby run to cause violence in this world,” she tells over to greet us. As soon as Ruby scampers me at Edgar’s Mission HQ, a small office contributing to the collective good karma over and jumps up on my arm offering her with papers strewn over desks and a few of the planet. “Our empathy would expand. head for a scratch, I fall in love. Ruby was a computers where volunteers work. The If you can get people to care about what is sheep dog who didn’t really want to chase sanctuary’s newest resident, Cisco the kid considered a lowly chicken, they’re going sheep. Her frustrated owner used to beat goat, is curled up under a blanket in a cot to care about so many other things as well.” her and eventually sent her to his friend to next to us as we talk. Outside there are be put down. The man who was tasked with paddocks full of sheep, cows, goats and pigs. What is karma yoga? shooting her was won over by her sweetness There are deer, turkeys, chickens, ducks – The Sanskrit word karma means action. photoGrAphy: courtesy oF edGAr’s Mission and instead of ending her life he brought her even a couple of peacocks. All these animals In the Bhagavad Gita, the deity Krishna here. Ruby is one of over 200 animals who will now live out their natural lives in the sun, instructs the wavering warrior Arjuna in now call Edgar’s Mission home. mud and pasture of this peaceable kingdom. a number of yogic paths, including karma I’ve come to meet Pam because I want If humans can begin to open their hearts yoga, the path of selfless service. According to find what drives people to leave stability, to farm animals, Pam says, we would be to the Bhagavad Gita, we can use our actions 46 yogajournal.com.au APRIL 2014

“if you can get people to care about a lowly chicken, they’re going to care about so many other things as well” Polly the pig, Pam Ahern and Ruby the kelpie to become liberated. Karma yogis offer their running on environmental, health and social sustained by rain; rain emanates from nature, actions up – not acting for personal reward issues locally and globally and has raised over freely given.” ~ Bhagavad Gita III.15 but for the benefit of others. $4 million dollars for charitable works. Modern yogis are increasingly taking Seane says service for her was a natural Back at Edgar’s Mission, Pam tells me of the their practice “off the mat”. Seane Corn, extension of her practice as she had a sacrifices she’s made to bring this sanctuary Los Angeles-based yoga teacher and background in activism and advocacy. “It to life. She was at the top of her game with founder of Off the Mat, Into the World just made sense,” she says. “I realised I had her equestrian career when she started (offthematintotheworld.org), says she’s seen to be of service.” the mission and her partner gave her an the yoga community begin to participate in ultimatum – him or Edgar. She chose Edgar social activism in unprecedented ways. Off the sacred in the sacrifice and took a brave leap into the unknown. the Mat, Into the World trains community “ The very cycle of life emanates from “People ask, how can you give all this leaders in how to be effective agents for sacrifice. All living creatures are nourished up? Because every night when I go to bed, change. The organisation has campaigns and sustained by food; food is nourished and and no-one else is around, it’s me and my APRIL 2014 yogajournal.com.au 4 7

conscience,” she says. “Now I go to bed and the same time. Fortunately Jules was also my conscience is clear.” exposed to yoga from a young age. Jules In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna tells Arjuna is the nephew of Sharon Gannon and in their conversation on the battlefield that David Life, founders of the Jivamukti yoga all of life springs from yajña, sacrifice. The method. Jules asked David if he could go sun gives its energy and light to the plants to India with him to escape the malaise and animals, the sky doesn’t hoard the water of his life in New York. After the trip to it pulls from the earth but rains it back down India, where he studied Ashtanga yoga with across the planet so that the plants can grow. Pattabhi Jois and met many yogis, gurus and The plants give of their food, and those who devotees, he realised he “hated yoga” and cut eat the food ensure the plants continue to off contact with Sharon and David. spread over the earth. This spirit of sacrifice When he was 16, Jules committed an is the very underpinning of life on Earth. armed robbery in broad daylight. He faced Jules Febre (pictured right), a Jivamukti three to six years for three felonies. As he yoga teacher from New York City, US, was sitting in the holding cell contemplating says at its simplest, karma yoga is using his fate, a prayer Sharon taught him began the resources you have to benefit others. to run through his mind. “It’s really simple,” he says. “When I take the resources I have and use them for the “Make me an instrument for Thy will upliftment and betterment of somebody Not mine but Thine be done else, that is a selfless act.” Free me from anger jealousy and fear Key to the practice of karma yoga, Fill my heart with joy and compassion” however, is renouncing the fruits of our actions. Jules says it isn’t about going out It was as this prayer was cycling over in there and doing something “good” to his mind that Jules’ life began to shift in a become a good person, but doing what needs different direction. Fortunately he was given to be done while not becoming caught up in five years probation instead of jail time and the results of those actions. Attachment to he came back to yoga. outcomes can hold a number of pitfalls in Jules now teaches yoga to disadvantaged the path of action. It can cripple our will youth. During his teacher training he when problems seem too big for our actions had a realisation – his actions were just to have an impact, or we can end up with as important in creating his world as the an inflated ego if our projects are a success. circumstances he was born into. “The hard part is that people try to make “Yoga has given me the space to see that karma yoga an intellectual endeavour or I was a co-creator of the environment I was they do it out of pity for the other person,” experiencing,” he says. “During teacher Jules says. “The latter sets up a hierarchy training I decided I wanted to go back and and within a hierarchy there are always the teach yoga to the people who live in the people who need help and the people who same places, go to the same schools, the can provide or withhold.” same probation program, homeless shelters Jules grew up in New York’s Lower and drug programs that I had to go to.” East Side in the ’80s amid poverty and His goal is to provide the same space violence. When Jules was 13, one he was given, to see that our actions of his friends killed himself determine our fate just as much playing Russian Roulette as the circumstances we and another was were born into. stabbed around 48 yogajournal.com.au APRIL 2014

in ourselves. The introspective practices of yoga can be a good friend on the path of service so that we can more effectively be the change we wish to see in the world. In Seane’s youth, she was an activist who struggled with rage. Her activism became an outlet for her to shed pent-up anger. After seeing a photograph of herself at a rally, screaming through a megaphone at the Off the Mat leaders, from group of people in front of her, she realised left: Suzanne Sterling, Hala Khouri and Seane Corn she was “the worst example of an activist”. “I was an example of what you should What needs to be done “I get such wonderful messages from never do,” she admits. “I was not doing “Karma yoga is, to me, fulfilling a need, people,” he says. “I love it. Every couple of any processing work. I was not taking something that needs to be done,” Jules says. days I get an email from someone and they responsibility for my rage. Many people project the responsibility for say such wonderful things. That’s better “All the conflict that exists is a taking action onto someone else. However, than earning anything.” manifestation of our collective thoughts karma yogis realise they are perfectly placed That’s the thing about service. We as a global society. If we want to heal to contribute to a more harmonious world. might go into it with a selfless intent, the planet we first have to look within Those searching for their higher calling but the nourishment we receive back is ourselves to see where we’re enacting fear should start close to home, Jules says. priceless. For Seane, service has been an or oppression in our own personal lives. Everyone has a specific set of skills they can incredible ride. She sees abundance as a It is a process and it’s deep and personal, offer to benefit others. An accountant could flow – if it comes in you have to express it intimate and challenging, but I believe do administrative work for a non-profit, out or it stagnates. that’s the only way to be really effective.” someone who likes to go for a walk of an “My experience is it hasn’t been selfless afternoon could walk dogs from the local for me,” she says. “It’s changed my life, my Anna Greer is a Jivamukti Yoga Teacher, shelter or someone who lives near the beach perspective, my relationships. I get fed in writer and Sea Shepherd activist. could do regular rubbish clean-ups. deep spiritual and emotional ways.” Or business owners can direct part of their profit to charity. David Laity decided being the change what can to do that after losing all of his belongings To be an effective agent of change, the you do? in the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009. process must happen from the inside He started an online wine business called out. According to Seane, we will be most To begin on the path of karma yoga it’s Goodwill Wine (goodwillwine.com.au), and effective if we come from a grounded, useful to identify what you feel strongly about, what you can do personally and passes on 50 per cent of profit from each healed and centred place rather than what you’re willing to sacrifice. case sold to a charity of the buyer’s choice. looking to fix something externally because After the fires roared through his town we don’t want to fix what is disconnected • What issue do you care most about? of Chum Creek, Victoria, and his world was • What can you contribute? shaken, he received $15,000 in assistance from the Red Cross. He poured that money • What are you willing to sacrifice for this issue? into his new venture and has since raised $70,000 across 130 different charities. • What is your intention? photoGrAphy: top iMAGe: courtesy oF AMir MAGAl fundamentally shifted after being on the messages from people. I meet David at his warehouse in Daylesford. He pulls out a number of wines for us to taste. David says his perspective receiving end of good will after the fires. “This was the first time I ever needed help,” David says as we sip on an amazing Mornington Peninsula viognier. “It was David Laity: “I get humbling.” The warm fuzzies he gets from such wonderful paying it forward are enough for David, and That’s better than he has grand plans of making $1 million for earning anything.” charity over the course of his life. APRIL 2014 yogajournal.com.au 4 9

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