Om Yoga Magazine April 2022

✈ Images - EcoVentures Cromarty Where: Cromarty (near Inverness), Scotland When: September 4-11, 2022 Yoga, Chanting & Philosophy Retreat in Scotland A Highlands yoga experience to remember Tell me more: Yoga and meditation teachers, Eva Kristlova and Penelope Coomber, invite you to the first Highlands yoga experience! You’ll be staying in the beautiful historic town of Cromarty which lies at the easternmost tip of the Black Isle, right at the heart of the Moray Firth. Immerse yourself in the practice of yoga, chanting, yogic philosophy and meditation. It will be an extraordinary, transformative week with plenty of free time to explore, learn, connect with yourself, the group and nature…and also have fun! Dive into the teachings of yoga, explore asana (postures), pranayama (breath), meditation, chanting and yogic philosophy. This carefully designed retreat will awaken your curiosity and hopefully inspire you to go deeper into these ancient teachings and practices. There will also be various trips and activities locally and in the surrounding area on offer, including a boat trip to watch dolphins. Enjoy glorious hikes overlooking the sea and Scottish Highlands, take part in sea bird watching and wildlife expeditions, teaming up with Eco Ventures (ecoventures.co.uk), a local company that specialises in boat and wildlife watching trips. Suitable for: The classes are suitable for everyone. Your hosts will create a bespoke retreat to accommodate all abilities. Everyone is welcome, all you need to do is give it a try and say “I’m in!” Accommodation: You’ll have sole use of The Old Brewery house in Cromarty, where the group will eat, sleep, yoga repeat! All classes and sessions will take place there too. The Old Brewery was established in 1776 and operated as a brewery until the end of the 19th century. For almost 80 years, it lay empty and unused until in 1988, it was renovated and is now operating as an arts centre. (Find out more here: cromartyartstrust.org.uk/old-brewery). From Inverness, Cromarty is a short drive away. Your hosts will be organising transfers from and to the airport and train station, or drive directly to the retreat location. How much: £675 per person (triple room); £695 per person (twin room); £695 per person (double room: only one room available); £775 per person (single room: only 4 rooms available). Includes: 7 nights B&B accommodation (breakfast included); daily yoga; chanting classes; philosophy sessions; meditation sessions; sound bath. Book now: yogawitheva.co.uk/yoga-chanting-philosophy-retreat-in-scotland or email [email protected] Get social: @evakristlova @yogalifestudio 51

Special Report: Travel Huzur Vadisi ✈ Yoga Retreats Where: Turkey, Spain, Yoga retreats from the experts with experience Wales, Rome and Iceland Tell me more: It’s time to resume the normal joys of life and experience the pleasures of When: Various dates a restorative yoga retreat in beautiful surroundings, with good company and great food. Huzur Vadisi has been facilitating retreats for 30 years. Its long experience enables you to simply relax and focus on your yoga while it takes the best care of you. It is also renowned for its delicious veggie food (The Huzur Vadisi Cookbook is available from Amazon if you’d like to know more!). As for the yoga itself, you are sure to find a retreat which offers the practice that suits you (you’ll find more details on the Huzur Vadisi Retreat page on the website). The company welcomes independent yoga teachers too if looking for your own venue. Come and experience the sensational food, the beautiful yoga shalas, inviting pools and considerate hosts for yourself! Suitable for: There is something for everyone on Huzur Vadisi retreats. Accommodation: There is a choice of venue and accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, from elegant en-suite rooms to charming rustic yurts. 52

How much: Prices begin from around £675 for seven nights, varying with each venue and teacher. Prices include accommodation, all meals and yoga sessions. Not included, flights, transfers, excursions. Book with confidence: most insurance companies now cover cancellation due to Covid infection or self-isolation, including for the UK. Where to book: huzurvadisi.com Get social: huzurvadisi.yoga.retreats @huzurvadisiyogaretreats [email protected] https://huzurvadisi.com

Special Report: Travel ✈ Where: Stanford Hall, Leicestershire LE17 6DH When: July 15 – 18, 2022 Vegan Camp Out 2022 The UK's biggest vegan event Tell me more: Vegan Camp Out is the UK’s biggest vegan festival. Three days and nights of talks, camping, live music, afterparties, yoga/meditation classes, activism workshops and the best vegan food the UK has to offer. All included as part of your ticket (minus the food). 2021 saw 12,000 people in attendance and this year looks to beat that, expecting 15,000! This year takes place at Stanford Hall, Leicestershire on July 15 – 18 and is being held for a whole day longer than the previous year. Each year, people from roughly 40 countries around the world travel to attend. Suitable for: The event is suitable for all ages. Accommodation: People can choose to bring a tent, a caravan/motorhome, stay in a nearby hotel or go home each day. 54

How much: £70 for adults (16+), £35 for children aged 4 - 15 and free for children aged 0 - 3. This ticket gains you entry for all the talks, live music, afterparties and yoga/meditation classes across the entire weekend plus your camping. There is a separate family camping area which is further away from the noise. In this field there is facepainting, slides/bouncy castles and kids entertainment. All included free as part of your ticket Where to book: vegancampout.co.uk Get social: @vegancampout 55

Special Report: Travel ✈ When: All year round throughout the year Adventure Yogi Adventure and yoga for all Where: Destinations in the UK and abroad, including the Lake District, Peak District, Cornwall, Dartmoor, Brecon Beacons, or kayak and hike along the west coast of Ireland. In Europe, there’s skiing and hiking in the French Alps, multi-activity holidays in Montenegro, hiking in Madeira, and SUP and beach breaks in Sardinia. Further afield, you’ll find surf and beach holidays in Costa Rica, exotic adventures in Bali, culture and relaxation in Marrakech, and hiking in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco…to name a few! Tell me more: AdventureYogi is one of the longest established retreat companies in the UK, created in 2006 from a love of adventure, yoga, healthy eating and the connection between nature and mental wellbeing…it all started with skiing and yoga! Now it is global and offers professional, personalised experiences that awaken the yogi and fun in you. Having navigated through the pandemic by offering online yoga classes and retreats, and focusing on UK retreats for the last two years, it is excited to bring a variety of foreign adventures back for 2022 and beyond. AdventureYogi has also been featured in The Guardian’s January round up of ‘best yoga retreats’ for seven years in a row! Expect a professional, trustworthy and warm service from the moment you enquire to the moment you arrive back home. A fun-loving company that takes yoga, diet and adventure seriously while being playful and fun, and encouraging new friendships and connection. With a strong focus on sustainability, and offsetting its team’s carbon footprints with Ecologi and being an ambassador of ‘Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency’, the company is now working towards B Corp certification in 2022. Suitable for: Retreats are inclusive and welcome total beginners and seasoned practitioners, all ages and everything in-between! Accommodation: AdventureYogi works with venues with a good carbon footprint and those working towards reduced carbon goals. Its venue in Norfolk, for example, is an eco-retreat 56

centre and is run on renewable energy. In the UK, it has a range of converted barns, private houses on the beach, old manor houses, while abroad you’ll stay in stunning beach front villas, modern retreat centres with roof top yoga shalas and ocean views, converted olive mills and traditional Alpine chalets. How much: UK: from £545pp 3 nights or £645 4 nights (Included: morning and evening yoga classes; breakfast, lunch and dinner; activity like hiking or surfing and transport to the activity; accommodation; workshop; AdventureYogi team to help arrange anything else you may need.) Overseas: 7 nights from £1095 Europe 10 nights long haul from £1595pp (Included: transfers; accommodation; some or all activities, depending on destination; morning and evening yoga classes; breakfast, some lunches depending on destination, and evening meal; AdventureYogi team to help arrange anything else you need.) Where to book: adventureyogi.com Get social: @adventureyogi @AdventureYogiYoga

Special Report: Travel ✈ Where: Spain, Portugal, UK When: Monthly options, from May to December 2022 Yoga Retreats with Rachel Lovegrove Iyengar retreats and yoga camps Tell me more: Unpack your bags and feel instantly at home, ready to immerse yourself in Iyengar Yoga on one of these world renowned yoga retreats. Rachel Lovegrove is a senior level Iyengar yoga teacher and trainer, and has been hosting outstanding retreats for 20 years. Many happy yogis come back time and again to experience her excellent teaching, to rest and relax in the high-quality venues. Every element of her retreats is carefully planned. From the booking process through to the yoga programme, each guest receives the personal attention and support they need for a peaceful, relaxing and uplifting experience. The beautiful venues in Spain and Portugal have been specially chosen to provide lovely accommodation, comfortable facilities, delicious food and restorative treatments, the perfect balance for a healthy, relaxing holiday. Each venue is located in a natural environment with access to quiet walks in the hills, or into the local town, or down to the coast. There are swimming pools and areas for private relaxation, with skilled therapists on hand to offer massage and other nurturing treatments. The chefs pride themselves in serving delicious, nourishing meals and make allowances for dietary needs. For those who prefer to stay in the UK, there’s the option to join the highly popular September Yoga Camp for three nights and two days of yoga, music, fantastic food, beautiful surroundings and no distraction. The focus of the yoga camp is to give you an opportunity to really connect with the practice of yoga while being fully immersed in nature. Classes are conducted to suit both beginner and more experienced students. The camp has lovely hot showers, large communal areas, with plenty of space to roam in the woods and fields. As you’d expect from all of Rachel Lovegrove’s retreats, it’s fully catered by an amazing team of chefs and caterers. Suitable for: For Spain and Portugal, it is recommended that you take some yoga classes first to make the most out of your holiday. Two retreats a year are Intermediate Level only for more experienced students of yoga. The Yoga Camp welcomes all levels, even new beginners. 58

Accommodation: Portugal and Spain: single, twin and double rooms are available. Yoga Camp: camping, dormitory, or campervan. The yoga hall itself is also a key component in the choice of venue. The wooden floors, well-equipped props room, the beautiful light and views, each element adds to the depth and quality of your yoga practice. How much: Europe Retreats from £850pp; Yoga Camp from £325 Included: all accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner and the full yoga course. More details about each retreat available on the website. Where to book: orangetreeyoga.com/ spain-retreats Get social: @rachellovegroveorangetreeyoga @rachellovegroveorangetreeyoga https://orangetreeyoga.com [email protected]

Special Report: Travel ✈ Where: Cyclades in Greece When: July 2-9, 2022 Yoga & Sailing in the Greek Islands Join the adventure of a lifetime Tell me more: This retreat is all about the beautiful wild outdoors, yoking with the prana of the turquoise sea, the rocky islands, the hot sun and the moving breeze. All the captains on the boat want you to experience their first love of sailing and they are there to give you as much, or as little, sailing tuition and support as you would like. For some yoga holiday makers lying on deck and experiencing the wind in their hair is enough, for others they are thrilled to take the boat at the helm and personally capture the breeze in the sails - harbouring pure flow of human, boat and elemental energy. This is an ultimate experience of pure connecting meditation, the very essence of yoke. As you sail around the red rock of the Cyclades it is easy to forget cities, towns, cars, and emotionally earth yourself into a much simpler traditional way of living which still exists in the Cyclades. On the trip, you will visit four islands, each similar in their grand steadfastness, but each with a different flavour, unique to themselves. The personality of each, just like the personality of us, exquisitely displays the best in itself. What’s universal for all of them is 60

the small local communities, thriving on small scale tourism https://freedomyogaandretreats.com brought in by boats like these, in a respectful understanding of fair exchange. You can only visit these islands by boat, and these boats support the small local communities, perfectly in balance with fair and peaceful trade. There is twice daily yoga in inspiring locations overlooking the awe-inspiring view and all the food is fresh, local, and seasonal. There will be paddle boarding, snorkelling, hiking, moonlit meditations and plenty of relaxing. Suitable for: Anyone over 18 looking for an inspirational yoga retreat. Styles of yoga: traditional yoga, Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, with a deeply elemental meditative theme. Accommodation: You’ll stay in cabins on 50ft sail boats, with unbeatable views of the Greek Islands. How much: £2200pp for a shared double cabin, £2800 for a single person in a double cabin. Included: yoga, sailing, snorkelling, paddle-boarding, hiking, fresh meals on the boat and in well-chosen restaurants, coffee, teas and water, transfers to and from the airport. Where to book: freedomyogaandretreats.com Get social: @freedomyogaandretreats @freedomyogaandretreats

Special Report: Travel ✈ Where: Rincon de la Victoria, near Malaga, Spain When: Throughout the year Santillan Retreat Luxury retreat centre in southern Spain Tell me more: Santillan hosts retreats all year round with international teachers, while it is also the home base for Simon Low and The Yoga Academy who offer retreats in May, June, July, September and November in 2022. Santillan has 20 en-suite bedrooms with sea-view private balconies, or garden terraces with options for single, double and triple accommodation. Santillan has three yoga shalas (two indoor and one outdoor), a 24-station Great Yoga Wall, a salt-water swimming pool, and many kilometres of walking routes in the surrounding hills. The Santillan chef creates vegan, vegetarian, raw and Mediterranean cuisine with organic local and home-grown ingredients. Ranked one of the ‘Top 20 yoga retreats in the world’ by The Times. Suitable for: Everyone Accommodation: Various accommodation options, see website for details. How much: Various according to retreat and dates. See website for details. Where to book: santillanretreat.com & simonlow.com Get social: @santillanretreat & @yogasimonlow @santillanretreat & @yogawithsimonlow 62

https://santillanretreat.com [email protected]

Special Report: Travel ✈ When: May 18-22, 2022 Where: Boyalik Beach Hotel & Spa, Cesme, Izmir, Turkey Miracle breath retreat Change your breath, change your life Tell me more: Ready to change your life? Then you need Breath Hub’s miracle breath retreat: change your breath, change your life! Let go of old patterns holding you back from the life you desire, transform negative emotions and thoughts, and create space for a new beginning…it’s all possible on this four-day intensive breathwork and yoga retreat! Start each day with breathwork, basic yoga asanas and meditation and continue with different exercises that will transform your body, mind, and soul. During this retreat you will breathe, you will move, and you will dance. Celebrate the power of breath and connect with the life force energy in its purest form. This retreat will help you: • Transform yourself physically, psychologically, and spiritually • Cultivate awareness, inspiration, and satisfaction • Increase your energy, balance, and peace • Improve your immune system, sleep, and health • Relieve stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and chronic pain • Find your centre and connect within Suitable for all: This retreat is suitable for beginner and intermediate levels. How much: £1380 (Includes four nights’ accommodation at Boyalik Beach Hotel & Spa, all meals, a private massage session, four one-on-one coaching sessions and all daily breathwork, meditation, and yoga sessions.) Where to book: https://events.breathhub.app/ Get social: @breathhubapp 64

https://suryalila.com [email protected] https://instagram.com/SuryalilaYoga

Special Report: Travel ✈ Where: Koufonisia, Greece When: August 27 - September 1, 2022 Embodied Island Flow A yoga adventure in the Aegean Sea Tell me more: This yoga retreat is a combination of quality yoga classes, a Cycladic beachfront villa, and the island freedom, designed to offer the perfect amount of activity time and quietness one needs. Alia Retreats is a small firm consciously curating yoga retreats in the Greek islands together with various experienced and qualified yoga teachers and/or wellness experts around the world. The brand focuses on wellness and sustainability, and a percentage of each retreat’s profits is donated for tree planting. The ‘Embodied Island Flow’ retreat will take place in the tiny paradise island of Koufonisia, a place away from mass tourism, where life tends to be slower and more authentic. The raw landscape of the island and the astonishing view of the Aegean Sea blend harmoniously with the retreat’s whitewashed beachfront villa; a villa built with bits of Cycladic tradition, minimalism and in absolute harmony with nature. The large white spaces and patios, the floor- to-ceiling windows and the sun-lit interiors make the perfect zen atmosphere. Scattered between olive trees, orange blossoms and lavender, the semi-covered outdoor yoga shala is a quiet space surrounded by airy white curtains making it the perfect space for you to let go and immerse into your practice. In this retreat, Christina Exarchou will be guiding you through dynamic yet fluid Vinyasa flows, meditations and targeted practices with an emphasis on the importance of using movement as a tool for embodiment and self-expression. Suitable for: All practices are open to all levels from beginners to more advanced yogis. Accommodation: You’ll stay in a beachfront villa in a Koufonisia, a quiet island in the Cyclades, in Greece. 66

https://alia.com.cy How much: Prices start from €1,590pp in twin accommodation. Single accommodation options are also available. There is a €600 booking fee to reserve your spot. Flights and ferry tickets are not included in the retreat prices. A more flexible payment & cancellation policy has been put in place. In case Covid-19 travel restrictions apply at the time of the retreat, prohibiting guests from travelling to Greece, any amounts paid will be fully refundable. Includes: six island days/ five nights accommodation at the beachfront villa; daily morning yoga practice and afternoon targeted yoga classes; a gentle flow under the stars; vegetarian menu with a Greek twist, including brunch and dinner with vegan & gluten-free options available; a visit to the main town of Koufonisi and dinner at a sea-view restaurant (dinner is extra cost); optional Thai-style massages (extra cost); group pickup from Koufonisia port upon arrival & drop off on departure; Greek-style goodie bags. Other retreat activities include island hopping (a boat day spent visiting nearby abandoned islands and secluded beaches, subject to weather conditions); coastal hiking and cliff diving. Where to book: alia.com.cy/koufonisia-yoga-retreat [email protected] Get social: @aliaretreats 67

Special Report: Travel Azulfit ✈ Yoga, Pilates, Meditation and Sunshine Where: Fuerteventura, Tell me more: Canary Islands Welcome to paradise island! Surrounded by stunning ocean vistas, nestled within a quiet, When: Year round authentic Canarian village, you’ll find the wellbeing sanctuary of Azulfit, located just minutes from stunning, empty beaches and turquoise lagoons. Sunny days and starry nights await. Be welcomed with a smile that says, ‘You are home’. Feel your worries melt away. Learn to flow, find space within and reconnect with yourself as you practice and progress at your own pace. You will be nurtured, guided and transformed in Azulfit’s renowned week- long retreats. Bursting with flavour and colour, all meals match the vibrant retreat philosophy: nourishing food, prepared with love, that you will be inspired to make when you get back home. Balanced, plant-based, and plentiful, bursting with flavour and variety you'll feel an incredible lightness and energy that will rejuvenate you. Tranquil and thoughtfully decorated rooms with comfort and relaxation at their heart. The attention and love in every detail makes for a truly blissful escape. From deluxe suites to cosy cabins, you’ll find the perfect place to lay down your head. The beautiful retreat, the meals, massages and programmes are all designed to allow you to connect mind to body, person to person, and to discover the joy of laughing with like-minded people. Be guided and supported by warm and highly experienced instructors. Nourish your soul with delicious food and indulge with rejuvenating massages on these award-winning year-round retreats. Sign up for your revitalising and inspiring experience and add your smile! Suitable for: This is the perfect place to come to restore, recharge and feel reenergised. Suitable for solo travellers and those traveling with friends alike. With plenty of space to meet and connect with likeminded souls, there are also many nooks and spaces to find solace and quietude. Enjoy a book in a hammock, or meditate and stroll around the gardens, 68

or sip a tea in the open courtyard. The world-class instructors Your space to relax, will share their knowledge and experience in flowing recharge and restore. Vinyasa, Hatha yoga and meditation. Stretch and strengthen with Pilates and even share walks among the local volcanic Escape & recharge scenery. Pure bliss. Your mat is waiting Accommodation: Award winning retreats The retreat has suites, single rooms and twin rooms available, most of which are en-suite. All rooms are designed with your Join us in the sunshine for rest and comfort in mind. Leave your bags at the door, and the year-round weekly retreats. Azulfit team will take care of the rest. How much: Rated #1 on Trip Advisor. Prices from €770pp to €1365 for a suite, you’ll find the perfect room for your budget. Early booking discounts are available. Quote OM2022 for 10% A weeklong stay includes: accommodation; inspiring daily off weeklong retreats classes of yoga and Pilates (equipment provided); delicious through July 2022. and nutritious daily brunches and lunch; five lovingly- prepared vegan and vegetarian evening meals; an indulgent iinnfof@[email protected] 1hr massage treatment. wwhwttps.:a//azzuulfitl.cfoimt.com Where to book: azulfit.com See it for yourself on social media: @AzulYogaPilates @Azulfit

Special Report: Travel ✈ Where: Greece When: July 11-17 (training starts online three weeks before retreat) Transformation Meditation Retreat 100 hour Transformational Meditation teacher training accredited by Yoga Alliance Professionals Tell me more: Take time to embody the ancient practice of meditation into the whole of your being. To allow your consciousness to take you deep into yourself, past the barriers of thoughts, conditioning and emotions. To sit in your light within and then in turn share your light and potential to humanity and guide others to do the same. On this meditation training retreat, you will learn and embody a variety of techniques including: mindfulness meditation, inner-child healing, Buddhist and integral meditation, loving kindness meditation, the Four Elements guided meditation, Chakra- balancing guided meditation, yoga nidra and shaking and dancing meditation. Plus, learn the depth of understanding of the different layers of meditation, consciousness versus mindfulness, the interlink between the physical, emotional, mental and energetic body, manifesting, meditation for stress, anxiety and depression and meditation for transformation. With a variety of meditations to have in your tool kit and a knowledge of manifesting, healing and the interlink between the emotional, mental, physical and energetic level, you will leave this retreat feeling your best self and ready to serve humanity. Suitable for: This training is for anyone looking to deepen their own meditation practice, have a transformational life changing experience, a thirst to find or deepen their purpose, to teach meditation, hold a space of healing for others and wish to raise the vibration of the whole of humanity. The training starts online three weeks (June 20) before the group meets in Greece in person. 70

[email protected] Accommodation: You will have your own room in a studio five minutes’ walk along the beach from the meditation shala. You’ll practice meditation every day in the meditation shala, but after, spend your afternoons on the beach with the elements, and enjoy a delicious veggie breakfast, lunch and dinner served at a Greek taverna on the beach. How much: £1595 which includes the training, handbooks and workbooks, accommodation and breakfast, lunch and dinner. Where to book: beyourspirit.co.uk Get social: @beyourspirit @beyourspirit https://toesocks.co.uk

Special Report: Travel ✈ Where: Göcek, Turkey When: May 16-23, 2022 Recharge & Renew Yoga Retreat in Gocek Turkish yoga delight with Ebru Evrim Tell me more: The beautiful, unspoilt Huzur Valley in southern Turkey is a dream backdrop for a nourishing week- long wellness retreat. Ebru Evrim guarantees that you will grow stronger, feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and deeply relaxed during your stay as head teacher Sam Hughes oversees a programme of dynamic and restful classes in yoga and Pilates. Set 650m above sea level, the peaceful retreat inspires a deep connection with the natural world that immeasurably enhances the benefits of yoga practice. It features a spacious and fully equipped yoga shala with room for up to 28 people to practice. The natural stone swimming pool is the perfect place to relax, as are the two massage rooms featuring a tranquil, open-air room with bamboo-glazed surrounds and the ‘köşk’ - a traditional Turkish treehouse which is the perfect spot for a sublime siesta. Or you can chill out in a hammock under the olive trees after visiting the library or honesty bar. Delicious and healthy Turkish meals, hiking in the stunning, wild hills, and a visit to a traditional Turkish local market are all on the itinerary. A particular highlight is a yachting day trip at the stunning Mediterranean resort of Göcek. 72

Images: Heidi MarfittSuitable for: Beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. Classes include Hatha and Yin yoga, and Pilates matwork. Accommodation: Stay in luxurious yurts, with wooden floors, comfortable beds, electricity and a view of the stars through the roof wheel ‘eye of heaven’. These traditional Turkic structures adapt to the ambient temperature, so are cool enough to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. There are also four comfortable safari tents available for extra single accommodation. How much: Shared Twin Yurt (pp) £795; Double Yurt (Single Occupancy) £1,299; Shared Double Yurt (for 2 people) £1,690. Where to book: ebruevrim.com/holidays/ Get social: @ebruevrim.studio ebruevrim.studio https://ebruevrim.com [email protected]

OMFM OMFM OM FOR MEN Inside: Page 75: Man on the Mat Page 76: More Men on the Mat 74

OMFM MANMATO N T H E With ravi dixit UTTHITA HASTA PADANGUSTHASANA (EXTENDED HAND-TO-BIG-TOE POSE) Photo: Cecilia Cristolovean (yogaandphoto.com) Benefits Tips There are many physical and spiritual benefits to this pose: • Keep the standing (left) leg straight. Focus your gaze on one point. Once you feel relaxed and stable, bend the knee of the right leg, • It stretches the hamstrings and strengthens the legs and ankles bring the thigh as close as possible to the chest, grab the big toe, and slowly stretch the lower part of the leg out from the knee joint. Do • Lengthens the spine from the base not stretch your leg from the hip as you may collapse in the pose. It’s not important if your raised leg is fully stretched or not. • Improves the flexibility of the hips • It’s advised to not practice this pose if you have sciatica or serious • Opens the chest and the shoulders hip issues. • Improves stability and concentration Awareness Common Mistakes • By focusing your eyes one point, you bring the awareness inside of you. This improves your concentration and balance, both physical • Bending the knee of the standing leg; this leg should straight. The and emotional. Don’t hold your breath, just breathe normally and standing leg is your pillar and the foundation of the pose. By bending calmly. it, you lose your balance. Ravi Dixit is an Indian teacher living in London, passionate about • Moving the eyes, which results in losing your concentration and making traditional yoga understandable for everyone. balance. Your eyes should be focused on one point. Visit: ravi.yoga 75

OMFM MORE MEN ON THE MAT There are so many good reasons why men might want to take up yoga…the most important thing is to start. By Fenella Lindsell As the number of yoga It seems obvious that contemporary excluded from the practice, there practitioners rises to new yoga practice has never excluded male must be another reason for the lack of peaks each year (now or other gendered participation, yet participation, so what is it, and why? estimated at around the figures show that 72% of yoga 300 million worldwide), practitioners are women, even with men’s According to an Australian 2021 study by the question still looms: why is yoga participation increasing by a reported Cagas et al., men typically acknowledge still perceived as a female-dominated 150% in the last decade. the health advantages of yoga but tend engagement? Given that men are not being overtly to see the practice as feminine or female- dominant, and gender-related perceptions 76 are shown to influence men’s decisions to partake in yoga. It is important to remember this study does not speak for all men, nor all cultures, but it does highlight some important points that will be tackled further in this article. Changing the perception A key way to change the perception of any activity is to have good role models and representatives for it. As more male representatives have begun appearing as yoga teachers, the idea that it is possible or normal for men to take this role becomes more feasible and this is a good progression for the time being. One common withholding or stereotype is that men are less flexible, less in touch with their body and often, less sensitive when it comes to managing mental and

OMFM physical health, or emotions. These perception of yoga as a female practice is a action has a net positive notions may also be compounded by totally misinformed notion and one that’s for practitioners. Recent intimidation when starting a new form worth reconsidering. statistics have also of exercise. A 2017 study by Ashton et shown that, of those who al. found that men, in particular, have Physical and mental health regularly practice yoga felt intimidated to attend sporting and in the US, 20% of such physical engagements on the basis of people are likely to have a fearing inferiority and embarrassment. more positive self-image Beginning a practice with yoga may come because of this. with the same reluctance, but these are not necessary for such a non-competitive The overlap with field as yoga. physical health also feeds into the mental side of The irony of these points is that yoga things. Since yoga has is arguably one of the most inclusive been shown to improve engagements out there. It works for kids, joint strength, reduce pensioners, pregnant women, people the risk of cardiovascular with disabilities, and of course, it also illness, improve the works for men! The cherry on the cake healthy functioning of is that the practice even originated from the immune system and male yoga gurus in ancient India around also, lower stress levels 5,000 years ago and has relied on leading through vagal stimulation contemporary male figures like BKS (Kalayani et al. 2011) it has Iyengar, responsible for ‘Iyengar Yoga’ to a net positive effect. assist its development. These factors positively Despite ancient and recent influences, combine to show how it is undoubtedly clear that men are participation in yoga may not needed to make yoga a successful be a vehicle for assisting in practice, for it is more successful now the current mental health than ever with women leading the front. crisis faced by a lot of However, it is worth gently reminding men. Thanks to its mindful some nay-saying males out there that the elements, community- based participation and inclusive ethos, it can act as a fantastic gateway to an involved life with others and a more loving, less stressful relationship with oneself. It has come to light, particularly in the The bottom line last decade, that men could do with some help when it comes to looking after their Beyond the problems mentioned with mental health. On top of this, physical regard to physical and mental health, health is also lacking with men’s life it is vital to stress that yoga in itself is expectancy about four years less than that an inclusive, accepting and nourishing of women in the UK and globally less than practice that welcomes all shapes, sizes women in most places. There are plenty and walks of life. The idea that it should of reasons that feed into these problems, appeal to one group more than another but evidence suggests that yoga may be can only come from misunderstanding. a remedy. There are simply so many forms of yoga and so many routes with which Yoga has been shown to be an to approach it that, if adequately invaluable tool for healing, for integrating introduced, anyone is indeed capable. into a community and for starting on a Everyone deserves to experience yoga path of improving mental health. Yoga and with increasing research that proves will never cure this crisis alone, but the its therapeutic potential, we would be following reasons may help enlighten us to wasteful not to use it. its applied potential. Fenella Lindsell is an experienced yoga Yoga is a practice that is inherently instructor and yoga teacher trainer who intertwined with contemplative action — runs the Yoga Forever academy defined as engagement with self-reflection (yoga-forever.com) and introspection to help understand our relationship with ourselves and our relationships with others. A 2018 study by Bruce et al. concluded that contemplative 77

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4 Great Male Yoga Teachers To Discover Let’s hear it for the boys! If you’re looking for a new class to try this year, online or in-person, or even thinking about exploring teacher training, then here are four great male yoga teachers doing amazing things right now. Different styles, different characters…but all equally fab! Inside: Page 80 Tarik Dervish Page 82 Scott Robinson Page 84 Ram Jain Page 86 Gopala Amir Yaffa 79

Special Report: 4 Great Male Yoga Teachers To Discover Tarik Dervish Tarik Dervish, a Turkish Cypriot Londoner, runs two online classes on Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings via his website (see details below). He runs a BWYQ accredited yoga teacher training course and co-runs a 60-hour module on Ayurveda in action for yoga practitioners and teachers. He is also the author of Ayurveda in Yoga Teaching and runs a small clinic in Kings Cross, London and in central Brighton. What’s the one thing OM readers need to know about you? I was introduced to spiritual life at 17 when I got involved with the Prem Rawat Foundation where I was taught how to meditate and practice selfless service. The practice of asana, pranayama and mantra came in my mid-twenties when I embarked on a new adventure with the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre which became a platform for a deeper investigation into what yoga had to offer. What first inspired you to get into yoga? I was young and had a lot of energy, so I found that meditation wasn’t enough to satisfy my needs because I was experiencing a great deal of physical tension. The discovery of asana practice made a big difference to my sense of wellbeing and a powerful tool for helping others. How would you describe your teaching style? an Ayurvedic approach which means I adapt my sequences My style evolves as I do. I have practiced most of the major according to the seasons and the needs of my students. styles of yoga over the years, including Iyengar, Astanga Vinyasa, Sivananda and Scaravelli. I now teach and practice yoga with What does yoga mean to you personally? I have always thought of yoga as a spiritual tool but since I learned about Ayurveda, it has become more of therapeutic tool for maintaining a sense of wellness. I see yoga as an important resource for cultivating inner balance, vitality, and mental clarity. It is an essential part of my day. How have you navigated the challenges of the last two years? I used the time to go deep into myself and draw upon the fountain of my industrious creativity. I managed to complete the book, Ayurveda in Yoga Teaching, as well as a novel I have been working on for several years. I developed a ‘lockdown sequence’ that helped me keep my body and mind in good shape throughout the pandemic. Any good life hacks for the rest of us? Trust your inner cues and don’t fight against yourself. When you need to rest, 80

you will know. When you need to work and engage with QUICK Q&A: the world, your inner fire will awaken, and you will have all the resources to cope with the challenges before you.  Favourite yoga book? It’s not a philosophy that always works because life poses Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, a fantastic set of tantric meditations that unpredictable challenges but it’s reassuring how often it does, can light up your mind and heart in surprising ways. There are especially if you make yoga and meditation the bedrock of many translations, but The Bihar School of Yoga and my teacher your day. You will align yourself better with your own innate Swami Nishchalananda’s versions are the best. wisdom (buddhi) and learn how to dance gracefully with time.  Favourite quote? The Bhagavad Gita is full of good quotes that have perennial Anything else we need to know about you? meaning. Quotes have resonance at different times in one’s life My work will appeal to you if you are willing to look below the but this one appeals to me at the moment: “Knowledge (jnanam) surface of yoga and explore the hidden meaning of practices. certainly is better than mindless practice. And meditation There are much better teachers for simple posture work, (dhyana) is above that knowledge. Even superior to meditation but yoga is more than this. I am not the most flexible person is renouncing attachment to the fruits of your life because peace nor the skinniest. I have never found the bendy approach to (shanti) immediately followed renunciation.(tyagan).” It’s amazing practice particularly meaningful and did not come into yoga what we can get attached to in life, but I find the idea of ‘letting go seeking it. I help people find the best in themselves that is and letting God’ very meaningful and apt at the moment, because possible at any given time. there is so much in life that is out of our control. Sometimes it’s easier to trust and to believe everything will ‘come out in the Men often shun yoga classes because they get caught up wash’; we are not always in the driving seat. in the realm of prowess through flexibility. This is a shame  Go to health drink? because in many ways, men need yoga more. They hold Celery juice. a lot of tension in their bodies but recoil from the softer  If you had to take a yoga class, as a student, with any teacher approach to wellness in favour of muscle building and difficult ever from any time or place, who would it be and why? endurance sports. Yoga can meet those needs too, but it is I have been blessed with the teachings of so many wonderful not the best it can offer. The world is still crying out for a teachers over the years that I really don’t know who I would male liberation where the cultivation of skill, knowledge and choose. Though I was lucky to have seen Ram Dass when he awareness of the mind/body relationship can ultimately serve visited the UK in the nineties. I think I would certainly have them to be better men. enjoyed a bit more time with him because of his insight, humour, and sense of fun. Find out more: yogawell.co.uk @tarikdervish BWYQ Certificate in yoga teaching with Tarik Dervish APRIL 2022-JUNE 2023 This 14-month course will be a blended programme (both live and online) that provides you with a comprehensive foundation of all the key skills needed to become a safe, competent and professional yoga teacher. You will gain all the practical skills and knowledge around lesson and course planning, legal and professional aspects as well as an in-depth exploration of asana practice, the mechanics of breathing and the science behind relaxation with a unique ayurvedic approach. Ten live days will be held in central Brighton just minutes from the station. Visit www.hyttopgs:/a/ywogealwl.ecllo.c.ou.ukk or email ttaarikr@[email protected] for more information and a student pack. 81

Special Report: 5 Great Male Yoga Teachers To Discover Scott Robinson S cott Robinson is a finance professional, as well as a qualified mindfulness meditation and yoga teacher. He specialises in offering yoga and mindfulness services to finance professionals. Originally from Sydney, his background is in the financial sector; he currently helps to run the employee-led mindfulness and yoga classes at Deutsche Bank in the UK. He teaches privately, at Deutsche Bank and for Ten Health & Fitness, one of London’s leading health and fitness providers. What’s the one thing OM readers need to know about you? As much as I come from a ‘City background’, my mission is to bring more yoga to the financial industry – in a way that not only helps finance professionals experience stress reduction and perform better in their work, but also to introduce the philosophy of yoga into the culture, conduct and integrity of the industry. I’m also interested in ideas relating to sustainability and yoga and mindfulness. What first inspired you to get into yoga? I was about to start my first job at Deutsche Bank, and my partner at the time suggested I take up yoga in order to help manage the stress of working in the new role. She was totally right. Yoga totally ‘saved’ me during the first 12 months of what proved to be a very challenging period indeed. How would you describe your teaching style? What does yoga mean to you personally? I teach a range of styles, from vinyasa to yin. I also offer Yoga is a vehicle for change. Although this aspect is not well movements that work somatically inspired by the work of understood to most people in the west (since the west is largely Tias Little at Prajna Yoga (i.e., SATYA). In terms of my vinyasa concerned with practicing posture), yoga is an art, a science and classes, my classes are generally strong and dynamic, yet a philosophy. deeply grounding and meditative. I like to emphasise both the physical body and precise alignment as well as the more subtle Within it, lies an almost complete system that one can base aspects of the energetic body. My yin practice blends functional their life around – whether it be the way we relate to ourselves anatomy and inspiration from traditional Chinese medicine and others, to physical exercise, stress reduction to the ultimate infused with approaches to mindfulness that focus on gift of self-realisation. If everyone practiced yoga, I truly believe stress-reduction. the world would be a more harmonious place and we would have a good chance of solving the world’s issues, especially when it comes to climate change. How have you navigated the challenges of the last two years? I have to be honest that I had a pretty ‘good’ pandemic. I was fortunate to be able to transfer my teaching to online, both personally and at the bank. This proved to be rather successful, as I ran a number of yoga for beginners courses for fellow workers, who were all still working from home. 82

QUICK Q&A: Images: Cecilia Cristolovean (yogaandphoto.com)  Favourite yoga book? Your Body, Your Yoga, by Bernie Clark  Favourite quote? Yoga is 99% practice, 1% theory (Pattabi Jois)  Go to health drink? Warm almond milk infused with a tablespoon of spirulina.  If you had to take a yoga class, as a student, with any teacher ever from any time or place, who would it be and why? BKS Iyengar. A lot of the teachers I admire have either been taught by him or base their philosophies to yoga on his teachings. He has offered so much to the yoga world – through his approach to yoga as well as his books (for example, Light on Life). I also understand his style of teaching was quite infamous! It would’ve been great to experience this first hand. Any good life hacks for the rest of us? Do one thing at a time and pay attention to that. This is the ‘secret’ to practicing mindfulness. You’ll find more meaning in everyday life and you’ll become more efficient (and you’ll remember where you put things around the house as you ‘touch into each moment’!). Anything else we need to know about you? I’m passionate about, dedicated and committed to my yoga practice. All are welcome to my classes, no matter whether or not you work in finance or your level of experience. Find out more at: yogibanker.com @yogibanker https://yogibanker.com 83

Special Report: 5 Great Male Yoga Teachers To Discover Ram Jain F ounder director of the Arhanta Yoga ashrams, Ram each individual student. Jain was born into a Jain family in India and went to I don’t believe in one a vedic school for formal education, where he was alignment for every taught yoga and scriptures from traditional priest student. I believe each caste teachers. Even though he was raised with student is unique in their physical capabilities, traditional values and rules, he is open and curious about new motivation and purpose. So the best ‘alignment’ for each ideas. He now teaches at his yoga ashrams in India and The student is also different. Netherlands and, since 2017, is also teaching online through his online academy. What does yoga mean to you personally? Yoga is not the physical shapes or poses. For me, yoga is the What’s the one thing OM readers need to know deep spiritual connection with our self and the ultimate reality. about you? I see ‘yoga asana’ as a way to keep the body fit to follow the The most important thing that I have learned and that I try to actual path of yoga. pass on to my students is that if you take responsibility of your situation and don’t give up on your dreams you will finally make How have you navigated the challenges of the last it regardless of the difficulties. two years? I used the time to learn and grow my skills. I developed new What first inspired you to get into yoga? courses and updated existing ones. We had already started an My first yoga teacher ‘guru ji’ was at my primary school in India. online academy in 2017 so that was a big help in connecting us with new students. How would you best describe your teaching style? I teach philosophy with the help of stories. Stories make the Any good life hacks for the rest of us? concepts easier to understand. I teach asanas according to Find clarity! Clarity is more powerful than resources. Strive 84

QUICK Q&A:  Favourite yoga book? Bhagavad Gita.  Favourite quote? Yoga happens inside, not outside.  Go to health drink? Spinach kiwi smoothie.  If you had to take a yoga class, as a student, with any teacher ever from any time or place, who would it be and why? Sri Krishnamacharya. I have heard so many stories about his teaching style that I am fascinated by him. for balance! Balance is more important than abundance. Seek peace! Peace is longer lasting than sensory happiness. Anything else we need to know about you? I like to help people become better and more efficient in their life by understanding themselves. Find out more at: arhantayoga.org @arhanta.yoga @ramjain.official https://arhantayoga.org [email protected] 85

Special Report: 5 Great Male Yoga Teachers To Discover Gopala Amir Yaffa F rom monkhood to fatherhood: Gopala Amir Yaffa, co- What first inspired founder and wizard at Rainbow Kids Yoga first started you to get into yoga? practicing yoga and meditation when he was just 14 and I was really into music went on to become a Hindu monk at 16. He has been as a child and a youth, wholeheartedly devoted to the yoga path for many years, and playing music for and has created a revolution with his new style of social, interactive long hours was my first and fun yoga called Rainbow Yoga. He and his wife, Angel, have been meditation even when I was 10. After building a successful international teacher training business for nearly exploring many styles and even performing on weekends with a two decades now focusing on both social yoga for adults and on kids, heavy metal band in nightclubs, I got into composition and into youth and family yoga. oriental music in my early teens and went to listen to an Indian music concert at the local yoga studio. But the musician was unexpectedly What’s the one thing OM readers need to know about you? ill and the concert was cancelled last I’m here to make the world a better place — moment so I stayed for a yoga class. I was and so are you. For me, this is what yoga is all hooked. Two years later I ran away to India about; it is a tool for human evolution. When and joined the ashram. Being a monk I first joined as a monk at the yoga ashram in was easy for me. I only needed to focus 1994, an inspiring lady from the USA came to on one thing at a time, had a lot of time stay for a few days on her way to Jordan. We to introspect and figure out where I stand had a few deep and meaningful conversations in this world, and with all of the intensity and I found out that she had just become of the practice I did not have to carry with the private yoga teacher of King Hussein and me worries about anything. Well, I’m not the Royal Family. A few months later, King a monk anymore. Now I am married to Hussein’s attitude toward the Middle East a beautiful and passionate woman and conflicts changed and, in a surprising move, run an animal sanctuary with her (check he made peace with Israel. Yoga is a powerful out @kindredspiritsanctuary), have four tool, even a tool for world peace. That’s why I children, bought a house, and have a very practice and teach yoga. Why do you do yoga? fast-growing yoga business. How would you describe your teaching style? After leaving the ashram in 2004, I started developing a unique style of yoga called Rainbow Yoga. The idea behind Rainbow Yoga was to bring people together through yoga. I found the more ‘traditional’ yoga to be isolating with its focus on the individual and its philosophy of negating the world. So my new yoga was a rebellion against what I found constricting within that old yoga world. I was taught in the ashram where I lived that happiness is within, but I discovered that it is not just within; it is also all around us ready to be experienced and tapped into through all of our senses and through all of our interactions with friends and our fellow beings. Our new paradigm of yoga is to come out of our individual yoga square and join the yoga circle. Our meditation grew to be an expansion to include everyone in the room and even all beings in the universe rather than contracting into oneself. Doing poses in groups and pairs, interacting and playing together, dancing and massaging, all became tools to feel more connected to oneself and one another in body and heart. What does yoga mean to you personally? To me, it is about being authentic. It has to be authentic. Let me tell you a true story: About 10 years ago I took a two-week Thai Yoga Massage certification 86

QUICK Q&A:  Favourite yoga book? The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson  Favourite quote? ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’  Go to health drink? Cloud juice (water)  If you had to take a yoga class, as a student, with any teacher ever from any time or place, who would it be and why? Mahatma Gandhi or Martin Luther King because yoga is a lot more than yoga and I would love to hear from them how any one person can make such a big difference in the world. course in California. I really enjoyed the training, but after a few actually take a moment to stop and assess my inner situation. days, I started to doubt some of the elements in it. All of the trainers And why is this so important? It is so important because when I at the course and most of the students were wearing Indian Curtas really know how I’m feeling I get to take full responsibility for my (especially long Indian shirts) and Japa Malas (Indian prayer beads), feelings and over my reactions to everything that comes at me from were greeting each other with Hindu blessings like ‘Om Namaha other people and from the world around me. Wow! This changes Sivaya’, ‘Hari Om’ and ‘Om Shanti’, and every day started and ended everything. Instead of blaming other people for my reactions, I know with communal Kirtan (singing of Hindu mantras and prayers to the that most of those reactions are actually coming from my own inner Hindu gods). state of mind/heart. And this also gives me the ability to be conscious enough to choose to react in a different or in a more kind way. So At first, I thought that this was normal, but then I realised the much self-awareness and mindfulness here…mind blowing! So, absurdity of it all: Thai Massage is not from India, it is from freaking again, from inner peace, all the way to world peace. Thailand! So why do we all want to be Indian? What do we get by having this Indian façade? Is it just fashionable and cool? I am finding Anything else we need to know about you? more and more depth and comfort in my original roots. I was born It is too small of a space here to write about all the things my basket in Israel, and Judaism is about family, about keeping it all close and is full with — a bit of Buddhism, some Native American traditions, connected and all of this is now reflected in my practice and my a little of Sufism, lots of hedonism…so how would you say it? I’m a teaching. The work I need to do here is about a bigger unit than the Hinjewbu! Take the best from everything, leave the rest behind. individual one that is the focus of yoga from India, it is about the family and the world. As a family, we need to be strong and work Find out more at: rainbowyogatraining.com together to make the next bigger unit — our community — strong @rainbowkidsyoga and healthy. From here, the path to fixing the world and making it a better place seems very achievable to me. How can you be more true to yourself? What’s authentic to you? How have you navigated the challenges of the last two years? The last two years have been challenging for me too. That’s when we needed to hone in and focus on our core values and the people we love the most. Now it’s time to expand again, to open and bloom and connect again to people and the world. This is where joy and ecstasy are; in connecting and touching and tasting and feeling everything and everyone that is around us. Through the years I have opened and closed quite a few yoga studios all around the world. Now I mainly deliver classes and train teachers online and, slowly, slowly, as covid changes the world around us, I’m starting to teach in-person again. I’m looking forward to it! Any good life hacks for the rest of us? One of the best new tools I acquired last year is to ask myself every day this simple question: Hey Gopala, how are you today? It seems like just an ordinary question that people ask each other all the time…and you are right, people do ask it all the time and people also don’t really listen to the answer and people also mostly just give the same answer and not necessarily the truthful answer and definitely not a thoughtful answer. When I ask myself this same question, I actually take the time to contemplate and think and feel how am I really doing today. I 87

om mind Embodied Living: Mindfulness & Yoga for Life’s Everyday Challenges Embodying flow: saying ‘yes’ to life in all its complexity Allowing life’s challenges and unexpected turns to move to us and through us is the practice of living in flow. By Lauren Bloxham O ur yoga practice offers ‘arrived’, that we are accomplished even… Whilst we can plan and structure our lives us the time, space, and and perhaps, within the safety of the class, to feel as though we are in control, life has structure in which to find, with the boundaries of the mat, and of the a way of teaching us that there are greater explore and experience a hour ahead, this is true. But how does this forces at work which have the power to sense of flow. To flow from practice translate to real life, and to daily knock us off course. The practice of building asana to asana, or to connect with the more living off the mat? a strong body in order to feel ‘in control’ or subtle flow within the pose, to observe meditating to ‘clear the mind’ meanwhile the ebb and flow of breath. In meditation, Remembering that our yoga practice, forcing holds, pushing beyond our limits, or we observe the comings and goings of the whether it’s self-practice, or led practice, is attempting to deny or diminish thoughts is mind; the fluctuations, the peace, and the just that – practice. Building strong bodies really the practice of resistance and force. It thoughts that upset the peace. We become and spacious compassionate minds is the is the practice of power over the situation. curious about the emotions that arise, and practice of creating and maintaining the The practice of building a strong body in practice presence, however challenging, structure and conditions in which our life which to allow flow, however, becomes for the experience of being human. We force, our prana, can flow freely and without more embracing of life’s deep channels may even become skilled and strong in the resistance of a tense body or mind. We’re and grooves. It becomes the practice of meditation and asana, finding comfort and practicing for living. We practice in order acceptance at where we are or what has grace, coming to the still point of balance to embrace the flow of life as it moves to come our way, of saying ‘yes’ to life within in physically challenging poses, and us and through us without resistance. We us and outside of us, exactly as it is, however throughout our meditation. It’s very natural practice in order to navigate the day-to-day complex or challenging that might be. Our when we’re skilled to believe we have challenges we face, curveballs thrown our strength then becomes more yielding, taking way, shocks, traumas, losses, and gains. 88

om mind https://yogabliss.co.uk on unknown forms and new directions as life moves us. At times though, life’s challenges can feel like being caught in a strong current, or like we’re struggling to come up for air, which can trigger the urge to fight against, or resist what’s happening. With our minds fixed, we can exhaust ourselves trying to stay on course, when in fact what’s required is for us to relax and let go. Those of us who’ve spent any time around natural bodies of water will have learned the life-saving advice to avoid swimming against strong currents. To relax and float to conserve energy and to assess as we do. Some currents will literally return us to shore, and some require us to divert our path; neither are the direction we thought we were going in. Embracing the flow of life can be terrifying; it can feel counter intuitive to our survival at times. But if we can take lessons from the natural world, and from our practices, we understand that resistance can be futile. Whether we’re trying to resist the flow of thoughts, or the flow of emotions, all we’re really doing is stifling the flow of life within us. However much practice we’ve done, all we’ve really done is better equip ourselves to ride the currents of life. So, say ‘yes’ to life’s ebbs and flows, to its deep currents and trenches, take a deep breath and say yes to the life that is flowing to us and through us; it may not be what we hoped for or expected, but it is living and this life, whatever it appears to be, is precious. Our breath can teach us so much about our state of being and coming to the breath as practice can be a valuable guide. As we say yes to our breath, we allow ourselves to be breathed, our minds becoming curious passengers to the innate wisdom and life-force of the body. Sitting or laying comfortably invite your awareness to connect to the moving breath. Breathing in, say ‘yes to breathing in’, breathing out, say ‘yes to breathing out’. Give yourself permission to breathe. Repeat for a few rounds then notice where this sense of allowing leads. Maybe the shoulders drop. Maybe the breath moves more deeply into the belly. Maybe the jaw unclenches, and the feet settle more firmly on the earth. Maybe a yawn, maybe watering eyes, all just ways the body lets go of held tension and life finds a way of living through us more efficiently. Give yourself permission to allow the challenges, and to allow the unexpected without trying to control or change anything. This is the practice of embodying flow. Find Lauren Bloxham at: blackdogliving.com or on Instagram @blackdogliving https://SpiritualSingles.co.uk 89

om mind THE MEDITATION SOLUTION How meditation may be the tool you need to rebound from the challenges and stress of the past couple of years. By Kadeem One Ithink everyone would agree that hundreds of responses in which people pain, hurt and fear but what are you doing the last couple of years have been agreed and commented that they have had to help people change the narrative? How quite, umm…a challenge to put it a rough time sleeping and their anxiety has can people heal and move forward? nicely. The pandemic shook things intensified greatly and they are just feeling up quite a bit. overwhelmed by life. Now that we are into 2022, I believe that Even the singer Lizzo with over one if we do not take the time to deal with our million followers on Twitter posted at the Although grateful that Lizzo got a stress and upheaval now, it can be to our top of 2022, “Anybody else too stressed conversation started and other people are detriment later on in the year as other and afraid to do anything these days?” feeling similar, there was no offering of help difficulties in the world pop up. So I am here That post received over 30,000 likes and or resolution to assist people during their to offer solutions to help you stay grounded difficult time. It’s one thing to acknowledge through it all. According to science, the mind doesn’t know the difference between what is real and what is imaginary. So the glands that salivate when you eat an apple still salivate when you think about eating an apple. What does this mean regarding your emotional state? Going through a stressful situation or just thinking about going through a stressful situation have the same negative effect on the mind, body and soul. However, what would happen if you thought about a positive or happy event? The reaction would be the same but on a positive level! So when you are feeling down or stressed, one way to stop those negative feelings is to think about something or watch something or listen to something or do something that makes you feel good. That can be anything from journaling to reading your favourite book to listening to your favourite song to watching that comedy special to even watching cat videos! 90

om mind As a meditation and spiritual teacher, No matter what happens this year or how to live in your highest, most authentic self there is one method I always offer people you may feel, I always tell people this: If you daily. You may be shocked by what you can that can help improve mood, decrease are here, you have purpose. God, science, accomplish. pain, solve sleeping issues and keep the the angels, the universe, whatever your memory sharp. And what method is that, belief is, found it suitable for you to be here Kadeem One is a meditation teacher, holistic may you ask? Meditation! Yes, meditation at this time, in this moment, in this way. wellness coach, energy healing practitioner, has all of these benefits and much more. So believe and know that your life, your aromatherapist, hypnotherapist and Science has shown this to be true time and entire being matters. Keep finding ways inspirational speaker. Visit: kadeemone.com time again. Now, we need to realise that meditation is a practice. Although you may feel some of the above benefits after just doing one meditation, you must practice it and do it consistently to feel the benefits fully. It’s like saying after going to the gym one time you will be your ideal weight or after taking just one shower you will be clean forever. And we all know that is not true! Meditation is the same way. It must be practiced and done over time to see consistent results. Now sometimes there are just things we cannot do alone. There are times when we need help. So my last suggestion to help you stay balanced and at peace is to seek out help when needed. Maybe you’ve thought about it but haven’t actually done it. Well, now is the time to do it! This help can be from family and friends for support or even seeing a professional like a therapist or your friendly yoga teacher or another wellness and spiritual practitioner. 91

om spirit Rediscovering yoga’s������ ������ sparkling truth������������ ������ ������ ������������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ ������ How yoga, our closest of friends, can help us rediscover what’s really important in our lives. By Greg Ormson ������ ������ O n the life journey, it’s We were college roommates, and though I’ve An inventor’s name is frequently certain that we’ll endure not kept up with him, I cherish the memories connected to their product and the impact failures and make and recall his dormitory room experiments it makes. It’s hard to think of the atom mistakes. A friend of even in his 20’s. After college, our lives sent bomb without invoking the name Robert mine, an inventor with us scurrying toward a lot of things that Oppenheimer, and his reported musing eight devices in use and registered by the ended up secondary; but like many of our at the bomb’s detonation, quoting Vishnu Office of U.S. Patents, is a good example of peers, we were not fully prepared when speaking from the Bhagavad Gita. “Now I am reinventing after mistakes or failures. thrust into adulthood’s responsibilities. Our become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” Before any success he experienced vocations were the focus, and that meant I’ve registered some things too: vehicles, my numerous failures. It’s as if he, along with all working through the stages of life centred writing, my fingerprints, credit cards, post the other creatives of dogged determination, on careers and fatherhood. In the world of office boxes, drivers’ licenses’, telephone have memorised - and then forgotten - work, we laboured under authorities that numbers, passports, addresses, and more. Samuel Beckett’s oft-quoted statement were not always kind or fair, and our jobs And while some registrations are a simple on success: ������ ������ kept us bound to responsibilities. formality, others are more complicated. The process of inventing and registering Together they mark the official unfolding of ������ ������������ Ever tried ������ my life housed all over the world in bits and Eve���r���f���ailed for patents is unclear to me, but I think documents. ������ ������������ ������Nomatter registering new inventions confirms that the Try again stumbles leading up to it were ultimately Yoga brings each of us to private changes Fail better productive and each failure produced a that have no official registration. When ������ ������ ������ ������ better failure leading to a patent-worthy practiced with others, yoga can still be a invention. personal experiment leading to individual 92

om spirit reinvention. And now, due to the worldwide something “far more deeply interfused,” in experience which had me thinking about pandemic, most of us are more familiar Wordsworth’s words. with private yoga than we were before. reinventing my future. Yoga offers an Many of us have greater clarity and know Before yoga, and much like my college that our experiments and private failures roommate, I forged ahead to meet goals but alternative to aggression and competition, can discourage us, or provide us with a was not very mindful of people around me. springboard to reinvention. And while it I was focused on achieving my and its mindset accepts failure as a step to goals, my ambition and single-mindedness Before the pandemic, I’d go to class and was costly. I now believe that I bought into something better. walk away after handling the small detail of group think and accepted my obligations writing my name down on a sign-up sheet too uncritically. I put too much effort into my Yoga practice reveals to us that failure when I entered the studio – or signing in on secondary roles and not the primary role. I a computer screen. Sometimes, I’d fill out did so because I believed that advancement is a natural part of life and that we are other forms too. My registration was official in career was good, but I’ve heard other and public but also my inner experience of people also come to this awareness when wise to accept it. This brings a perspective yoga was unofficial and private. listening to them. that can lead to a deeper sense of peace All of us register for moments in yoga Interviewing a retired woman in Hawaii but more importantly, yoga registers on us. for a newspaper story on yoga and senior and wellbeing. That’s how yoga helps us It blooms inside – accruing over time – to citizens she said: the construction of what I would call, a reinvent. re-invented person. Through reinvention “Most of us had big old careers and we and imagination, I’m not just a lion exhaling burned ourselves out. I wish I would have Failures and new discoveries take place with force, I’m an avatar for Simasana. known about yoga before this. It would have I’m not a lion, but my body doesn’t know helped me…and I think it should be in all when yogis register upon their hearts and that; and Simasana’s lionhearted, barbaric schools.” yawp, registered deep in my body speaks to minds what the body and breath is saying… It’s easy to become focused on career advancement, but hers was the voice of namely, get more true to yourself. This is not on any business mission statement; neither did anyone from my past teach this deeper truth. Such good advice ought to come with a warning though; it may detour the avenues you thought you were supposed to be following. It’s because yoga is a process of awareness that starts – but doesn’t end - with going inward, and often leads to a reinventing, or at the least, a reframing of life. The poet Tazima Davis captures the personal invention and dynamism present in yoga with her poem, ‘Sadhana Reveals’. . . .���T���his journ���ey���with a���pa���th endle���ss���ly ������ ������������ inward, constantly deeper beckons with fiercely eager yearning, ������ ������ ������yet profoundly tranquil calm ������ mroemwern���itte���ssomf���ysp���liafrek,���ulin���nfgotl���rdui���ntgha.s. . Reinventing lives has become a big dollar industry in America; life-coaches and plastic surgeons are busy. But a reinvention doesn’t really take money, it takes a friend, and that friend is oneself. My flesh and blood inventor friend lives far away from me now, but my new friend… yoga, is close. Engaging in conversation with my new friend leads to lively threads that registers my presence and reinvents me before, during, and after each session. Through trial and error, and more trial and error, and even more, every drop of my being responds to yoga’s unfolding effects, and I become deeply aware that something has changed, and I accept that beyond the trials and failures, something new is happening. In those crucial moments, away from the solitary crush of a worldwide pandemic, and demanding noise from the outside, I realise that my life is being slowly reinvented, and I’ve learned to trust this reinvention. As Tazima Davis wrote, it’s a “rewriting of sparkling truth”, and it happens just the way it needs to happen. 93

om spirit The yoga & music connection How LeAnn Phelan inspires songwriters around the world. By Larry McClain L eAnn Phelan is an songwriters and artists credit Phelan to Carly Pearce, winner of last year’s entrepreneur in Nashville, with helping them find the resilience to Country Music Association award for best Tennessee – America’s persevere in an emotionally challenging female vocalist. Music City – who has strong profession. family and creative ties to Phelan’s introduction to yoga and the UK. Her ancestry can be traced back She began her musical journey as a meditation came at the Deepak Chopra to Ireland and her surname means ‘little backup vocalist for British superstar Centre in San Diego, California in 2006. wolf’ in Gaelic. She’s also a longtime yoga Steve Winwood, founder of the influential “It was a week-long retreat that included practitioner and meditator. rock band Traffic and a bandmate of Eric yoga, receiving a mantra and much more,” Phelan’s LP Creative Therapy Clapton in Blind Faith. “Our 1989 tour (LPCreativeTherapy.com) nurtures aspiring culminated with several sold-out shows at artists and songwriters worldwide, the Royal Albert Hall in London,” Phelan both creatively and spiritually. As the recalls. “When I was growing up in the former co-head of the American Society tiny town of Trenton, Tennessee, I never of Composers, Authors and Publishers dreamed I’d ever play that iconic concert (ASCAP), she’s an expert at helping hall.” great songwriters meet equally talented producers. But her workshops and private Phelan was always fascinated by the sessions also focus on the spiritual songwriting craft, so she followed her dimension of creativity. Many well-known heart to the music publishing world. Over the years, she’s helped guide songwriters and artists ranging from Kings of Leon 94

om spirit she says. “And on that same trip, I read the more than 500 hours of yoga teacher with songwriter Isabella (Isi) MaK from book The Untethered Soul by Michael Alan training. “I love Gilbert’s energy and the Austria under the name Two Ways Home. Singer, which inspired me to dive even way he weaves music into his classes,” (And here’s an interesting twist: Lewis deeper into meditation.” she says. “From the very beginning, yoga Fowler grew up not far from the 300-year- has made me feel taller, calmer and more old manor house where Steve Winwood Back in Nashville, she began taking peaceful.” now resides.) classes from yoga teacher Hilary Lindsay, who was a yoga instructor for the “Her workshops and Through Two Ways Home, LeAnn was Tennessee Titans NFL football team. She’s private sessions also focus introduced to her namesake Carmen also been a longtime student of Gilbert on the spiritual dimension Phelan from the band Misty River. Carmen Valenzuela, an instructor at Nashville’s Phelan is an Irish-born singer/songwriter/ Fahrenheit yoga studio who has received of creativity. Many well- musician who now resides in England known songwriters and – and she’s the one who explained the artists credit Phelan with origin of their last name. helping them find the resilience to persevere “When I was singing at the Royal Albert Hall, I couldn’t have imagined that I would in an emotionally one day be nurturing songwriters and challenging profession.” artists around the globe,” says Phelan. “But there’s no question that this is Phelan launched LP Creative Therapy my calling. I regularly do two 21-day just as Covid-19 began to spiral out of meditations: one on self-empowerment control in both the US and the UK. The and another called ‘Desire and Destiny.’ Zoom-based workshops and one-on- They help me recharge so I can share what one sessions soon became a lifeline for I’ve learned with the songwriters and songwriters and musicians across the US, artists I work with. To quote Hall of Fame Europe, Australia and New Zealand. songwriter Kye Fleming: I keep doing what I love and following the path that lights up She has had a number of UK clients before me.” over the years, including songwriter Lewis Fowler from the Cotswolds. He performs Larry McClain is a journalist in Nashville, Tennessee who would have loved to meet Ramana Maharshi, India’s most revered sage of the 20th century. 95

om lsipfeisrtityle T he art of letting go eat drink yogaHealt5h‘yleetattiinnggggoo’opdriaecstices to help dissolve any attachments. By Leo Babauta Vegan Dragon Fruit Snacks Oat M!lk Chocolate Bunny Lollies Enter the dragon…Soul Fruit has launched Targeting a younger audience, HAPPi has launched these its delicious vegan Dragon Fruit snacks into new super cute Oat M!lk Chocolate Bunny Lollies. With plain Selfridges this year. Dragon Fruit is full of oat mi!k chocolate bodies and white chocolate tails, these healthy omega 3 and 6, as well as immune- tasty little treats will keep the kids happy this Easter and are a great addition for any Easter egg hunt. All of HAPPi’s boosting vitamins, and chocolate is made from single origin 47% Colombian cacao these Soul Fruit snacks and oat milk, and has 35% less sugar than other leading make it even easier to chocolate brands. The vegan choc brand has also launched get your fix. These 100% a new range of Easter eggs too for the grown ups. natural, no added sugar, fibre-packed £2 snacks even count to one of your five happifreefrom.com a day. Vegan and gluten free, comes in chipped and soft dried formats to suit all tastes. £1.79 soulfruit.co.uk Good Vibe Gummies La Boulangère Vegan Pains au Chocolat Kaya is a new CBD brand that offers sweet-like gummy Indulge in La Boulangère Vegan Pains au Chocolat, light bears, chewing gums and sleep bundles. Its products are and flaky filled with a layer of rich, luscious chocolate – you combined with adaptogenic plants and are all-natural and wouldn’t believe they are vegan. Delicious straight from organic — and their vegan gummy bears actually look like the pack or popped in the oven until crispy and golden. Let gummy bears! In each gummy, you'll find: 10mg of CBD the irresistible aromas transform your kitchen into a French to help you unwind (300mg of CBD per box); 5HTP to put bakery. Available from Sainsbury’s, Ocado, The Vegan Kind you in a good mood (from the Griffonia plant); 10 vitamins Supermarket and La Boulangère online store. and two minerals to give you an added boost. Orange and £2.50 for 6 pains au chocolat strawberry flavoured. 100% natural, non-addictive. laboulangere-uk.com £25 kaya.co.uk 96

om lifestyle Rainbow bowls Eat the rainbow with these wonderful and colourful vegan recipes from Niki Webster Herby Rice and Black • Sea salt and black pepper Bean Salsa Burrito Bowl For the black bean salsa: • 240g (8.4 oz) canned black beans, drained and rinsed SERVES 2 • 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato paste • 100g (3.5 oz) cherry tomatoes, chopped Both fresh and substantial, this burrito bowl is packed with fresh • Juice of ½ lime herbs which elevate the rice to something special. The black • 4 tbsp fresh mint, shredded bean salsa just needs to be mixed and it also makes a great jacket • ½ tsp sea salt flakes potato topper. Feel free to serve the sugar snaps raw if you like, but • Pinch of chilli flakes charring them adds extra flavour. 1. To make the rice, add 1 tablespoon of the oil to a frying pan • Splash of olive oil with the cooked rice, lime juice and maple syrup. Fry for 1-2 • 100g (3.5 oz) sugar snap peas minutes on a medium heat, then add the fresh herbs. Add the • 1 avocado, flesh sliced remaining tablespoon of oil and season with salt and pepper. Set For the rice: aside and keep warm. • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2. Set a small frying pan or griddle pan on a medium heat. Add a • 250g (8.8 oz) cooked basmati rice splash of olive oil and the sugar snaps and fry for 2-3 minutes until • Juice of ½ lime a little charred. • 1 tsp maple syrup 3. To make the black bean salsa, add all the ingredients to a bowl • 40g (1.4 oz) fresh herbs, such as coriander, flat-leaf parsley, and stir to combine. 4. To serve, load two bowls with the rice mixture, black beans mint and/or dill, chopped salsa, sugar snaps and sliced avocado. 9837

om lifestyle Griddled Aubergine and For the peanut dressing: Peanut Salad • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 1 tbsp sriracha SERVES 2 • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil • 5 tbsp coconut milk This dish has so many delicious flavours – smoky griddled • 2 tsp maple syrup aubergine, fresh and juicy cucumber, salted peanuts and lashings of • 1 tsp brown rice miso paste gorgeously nutty sauce. Don’t skimp on the dressing! And if you do • 2 tbsp chunky peanut butter have any left over, use it to drizzle on roast veg to make them even • 1 tsp garlic granules more delicious. • Juice of ½ lime • 2 small aubergines, sliced lengthways 1. Add the sliced aubergines, toasted sesame oil and soy sauce to • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil a bowl and toss to combine. • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce 2. Heat a griddle pan on a medium heat and place a few slices • 250g (8.8 oz) cooked basmati rice of the aubergine in the pan. Turn a few times until charred and • 4 mini cucumbers or ½ cucumber, crushed and roughly cooked through. Remove to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining slices. chopped 3. To make the peanut dressing, add all the ingredients to a jar • 2 spring onions, sliced and stir to combine. • Handful of fresh coriander 4. Serve the cooked rice topped with the charred aubergine slices, • Handful of salted peanuts crushed cucumbers, spring onions, coriander, salted peanuts and lots of the dressing. 98

om lifestyle Apple and Date Pot Pies • 4 Medjool dates, pitted and finely chopped • ½ tsp ground cloves MAKES 3-4 PIES • 1 tsp vanilla extract Warming, comforting apple and sticky date pot pies. Delicious, and 1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F/Gas 7. they can be whipped up in 35 minutes! The bottom layer of gooey, 2. Add all the filling ingredients to a saucepan and stir to combine. warm, spiced apples is topped with a little cheat – shop-bought Cover and simmer on a medium heat for 7-8 minutes or until the vegan puff pastry which puffs up in the oven in just 12–14 minutes. apples are tender, stirring occasionally. Pure comfort! 3. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut out 3-4 circles the same size as your individual pot tops. • 1 sheet vegan puff pastry 4. Divide the filling between the ovenproof pots. Place the pastry • Sunflower oil, for greasing lids on top and pinch in the sides to close. Rub a little oil on top • Sprinkle of caster sugar and sprinkle with caster sugar. Pierce the lids a couple of times and • Vegan ice cream or plantbased Greek-style yoghurt, to serve bake for 12-14 minutes until the pastry has puffed up and is golden on top. For the filling 5. Delicious served with vegan ice cream • 2 tbsp unsalted vegan butter or plant-based Greek-style yoghurt. • 4 apples, peeled, cored and cut into 2cm cubes • 4 tbsp light soft brown sugar All recipes extracted from Rainbow Bowls • 2 tbsp plain flour, plus extra for dusting by Niki Webster (Pop Press, £12.99). • ½ tsp ground cinnamon Photography by Niki Webster. • 200ml (6.7 fl oz) water 99

nutrition zone Beat food guilt How food guilt can impact your mental health. By Graeme Tomlinson 100