INSIDE: OM YOGA SHOW MANCHESTER PREVIEW

APRIL 2019 - £4.99

Real life yoga

Feeling fine online
TRAVEL SPECIAL

Spring is
in the air
5 cleansing
yin yoga poses
30
AMAZING
RETREATS
Like a
river he daily you
go with creating healthy habits
the flow

• OM Meets – Pablo Imani

• Chocolate factory – sweet vegan treats
• Reverse prayer pose – Francesca Magnani
• Hand-balancing – don’t try this at home!
 Est. 2003

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 Welcome
OM Magazine
Issue 95, April 2019
Published by: Prime Impact, Park House,
The Business Centre
Earls Colne Business Park
Earls Colne, Colchester Welcome to our amazing April issue. With the
Essex. CO6 2NS summer approaching and the days lengthening,
Tel: 44 (0) 1787 224040
info@primeimpact.co.uk this month we are highlighting some of the
ommagazine.com many incredible yoga retreats and holidays out
there (not that we’re counting the days till the
Chief Editor: Martin D. Clark
summer hols, of course, we live each and every
martin@ommagazine.com
precious moment fully here at OM HQ!).
Design Manager: Tom Sanderson Take your pick from lazy days at a local
Art Director: Emily Saunders manor house or jet of to an exotic paradise far
away. We’ve got everything from A to Z (that’s
Advertising Manager: Sara Stant 44 (0) 1787 224040
Arundel to Zambia), so you’re spoilt for choice. Thirty fab retreats
sara@ommagazine.com
spanning virtually every continent.
Marketing Jane Lambert If you’re new to yoga and you’ve never been on a retreat before
Photography & Videography: Aaron Northcott there are plenty of reasons why you might want to consider it. As well
as stretching out on the mat each blissful day, you’ll feast on ine,
Recipe developers: Shaun Warner & Chantelle Leach
nourishing food, spend time exploring and chilling and hang out with
Subscriptions & Back Issues: Hannah Allen 44 (0) 1787 224040 beautiful, like-minded souls like yourself. And, typically, it all takes place
hannah.allen@primeimpact.co.uk in an achingly beautiful setting, so great for a few Insta posts too!
Publishing Director: Keith Coomber You’ll return home feeling like a new, upgraded version of yourself.
Which is what this yoga thing is all about: giving yourself the time and
Managing Director: Julie Saunders
space to reconnect and recharge, ready once more to take on the
Licensing: Bruce Sawford 44 (0) 1280 860185 world and shine your light where it is needed.
Bruce@BruceSawfordLicensing.com As well as dreamy yoga retreats, we’ve got lots of other great
Accounts: Yolande Arnold content inside, from yoga sequences, poses and anatomy, to
interviews with some fascinating characters. If it’s inspiration you’re
The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine looking for to carry you through the coming month then OM is
and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not neccessarily represent the
views of the Publisher. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss arising from the later the place to be. We’ve also got a preview of the OM Yoga Show in
appearance or non publication of any advertisement. Information about products and services
featured within the editorial content does not imply an endorsement by OM Magazine. OM Manchester coming up next month (on May 11-12). Everything yoga
Magazine is not intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment
of a doctor, qualiied therapist, nutritionist or dietician. Always consult your doctor before under one roof if you want to get inspired before the summer hols.
undertaking any exercise programme.
Remember, you are worth it: whether you’re heading to Manchester,
Every efort is made to ensure that all advertising is derived from reputable sources. OM Magazine
cannot, however, accept responsibility for transactions between readers and advertisers. booking an exotic retreat, or just trying to make it to your local class
in the church hall this week, yoga will always reward you with its true
gifts. Take the time for yoga, take the time for you.

COVER: Eleonora Zampatti (@eleonorazampatti)

photographed for OM Yoga Issue 94 by Renee Choi facebook.com/ommagazine
Photography (reneechoiphotography.com)
OUTFIT: aloyoga.com Instagram.com/omyogamagazine

3
 OM in 30 seconds
The muscles in your hands are
responsible for providing stability and
support for your handstand. These
muscles respond to load, force and
stimulation. If there isn’t any force or
load, they stop working. They need
constant use, which is why it’s better
to train handstands little and often
rather than once a week.
Don’t Try This At Home, Page 38
Practicing self-love is an ongoing
commitment to nourishing the most
important relationship we have in our
lives: the one with ourselves. It’s an
unconditional acceptance for ourselves;
the understanding that we don’t need
validation from external sources, we’re
already perfect as we are.
A Year Of Self-Love, Page 106
Workout with the brightest and best yoga
teachers in Manchester next month at
the ‘om-azing’ OM Yoga Show. Hang out
with fantastic likeminded people and dive
into one of the countless classes on ofer
from some of our super teachers.
OM Yoga Show Manchester,
Page 108
This month’s subscription offer
Subscription
Subscribe today and save 25%.
Receive 12 issues (1 year) for £45*
See page 28
4
Contributors
Kelly McHugh
Kelly is a yoga teacher and business coach who helps yoga
teachers to learn how to efectively share their message
and build their communities online. She’s a pioneer of yoga
business and marketing education, founding Digital Yoga
Academy, an online platform that enhances the business
and marketing skills of over 10k yoga teachers worldwide.
Find out more at: digitalyogaacademy.com
Jai Uttal
Jai is a kirtan artist, multi-instrumentalist, and ecstatic
vocalist. He has been leading, teaching, and performing
World Music and kirtan – the ancient yoga of chanting or
singing to God – around the world for close to 50 years,
creating a safe environment for people to open their hearts
and voices. He grew up in New York City and lived in a home
illed with music. He has emerged as a leading inluence in
the Bhakti tradition, the core of his musical and spiritual life.
Amanda Houston
Amanda is a dedicated yogi and TV weather presenter.
She is especially interested in how the seasonal weather
afects our emotional wellbeing and explores ways we can
nurture through Yin and Restorative Yoga…to ind stillness
in our own chaotic sky. Amanda teaches regular classes
and workshops around Essex and London and retreats with
satvada-retreats.co.uk
Regular contributors:
Siri Arti, Claudia Brown, Paula Hines,
Meg Jackson, Sarah Jackson, Victoria Jackson, Sabi Kerr,
Eryn Kirkwood, Jill Lawson, Deb Mac,
Stephanie Spence, Julia White
WORDS OF WISDOM
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion
with one’s courage”
Anais Nin
 Host a Yoga Retreat in a beautiful
18th century castle in Southwest France
Located in the heart of the magnificent region of Gascony, surrounded by fields and hills, Château
de Goas is the ideal setting to welcome large groups and host retreats in a tranquil and serene
environment. We are here to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Fully equipped 160sqm Yoga Shala Bring your own group

Tranquil and serene environment 12 large rooms antique style – fits 20
6-acre park incl. a bathing lake Local markets & historical villages nearby
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From 600€ pp/week incl. food and transportation from Toulouse airport.
Open from early May to late October

www.chateaudegoas.com
+33 6 41 83 89 21 info@chateaudegoas.com
 April 2019

Contents
OM Regulars OM FM
3 Editors Letter 51 Man On he Mat: The Supreme Gesture
4 Contributors 52 Men Who Stretch: Kyle Maclachlan
8 My Secret Place
Cover
10 Letters Story Yoga Travel
SPECIAL
12 Yoga Changed My Life Special Report
14 Yoga At he Museum 58 Jef Phenix Retreats
15 What’s Your Airmation 59 Yoga Warrior Holiday
16 Yoga In he NHS 60 Yoga Rocks Retreats
17 Yoga & Aromatherapy: Dill Oil 62 Fierce Grace Yoga Rebels Retreat
18 Amazing Spaces 63 Revitalise Detox Yoga & Pilates
20 OM Loves: Beautiful Things For 64 Akasha Wellness Retreat
Beautiful People
66 Chateau De Goas Yoga Venue
22 Fashion: Inspired By Goddesses
67 Azulit Yoga & Pilates Retreat
26 Planet Yoga
68 Combe Grove Retreats
125 OM Books: Great Yoga Reads
69 he Maverick Surfvillas
126 Yoga Is For Every Body: Your Photos.
Your Community 70 Love Meets Soul At Forstofalm
130 OM Lite: Watch Your Thoughts 72 Suryalila Retreat Centre
73 Consciousness Development
Programme
OM Body 74 Spiritual Trip India
Cover 30 Yoga At Home: Spring Is In The Air
Story
Cover
74 Spirit Of Joy Retreat Catalonia
Story 32 OM Meets: Pablo Imani
76 Santillan Retreat, Spain
36 360º Yoga: Plough Pose
78 Huzur Vadisi Yoga Retreats
Cover
Story 48 Don’t Try his At Home:
Hand Balancing 79 he Yoga Retreat India
42 Ready For Take Of: Airport Stretching 80 Yoga Turkey
Cover
Story 44 Hidden Prayer: Reverse Prayer Pose 80 MFML Winter Wellbeing Retreat
Cover 46 Real Life Yoga: Feeling Fine Online 82 Abbey Studio Yoga Retreat
Story

48 he Body Positivity Blog: 83 Sacred Site WellBEing

Access All Areas Retreat Holiday
84 Udaya Live Yoga & Music Retreat

6
112 48
86 Dru Yoga & Walking Holiday
88 Heal To Shine
89 Farmhouse & Country Yoga Retreat

44 90
92
94
Bearfoot Breaks & Sante Yoga Retreat
Yoga With Simon Low
Soulilment Zambia Retreat
95 RawFitYoga.Life Retreats

OM Mind
Cover
Story 96 Meditation Of he Month: Like A River
Cover
Story 98 he Daily You: Creating Healthy Habits
100 Growth Vs Contentment:
Two Opposing Forces

OM Spirit

52
102 Kirtan: The Calling

104 Hidden Treasures Of he East: Malas

106 A Year Of Self-Love: Gratitude

Cover
Story OM Yoga
SPECIAL
Show Manchester
108 Manchester Preview: The Best Yoga In Town

OM Living
22 Cover
Story
110
112
Eat Drink Yoga:
he Chocolate Factory:
Sweet Vegan Treats
Healthy Eating Goodies

116 Nutrition Zone: Matters Of The Heart

OM Family
118 Conscious Parenting: Space For Tea

OM Teacher Zone
121 My Yoga Biz: Tips From The Experts

32 122

124
From Burnout To Business Pro:
Sustainable Careers

Teachers’ Tales: The Joy Of Corporates

7
 om beginnings

My secret place
Yogi: Laura Daamen
Photographer: Ralph de Vos
Location: Ravensbos Valkenburg,
Limburg, Netherlands
The photo shows yogini Laura Daamen captured for this shot by
photographer Ralph de Vos. It’s a magical place for yoga: Ravensbos
Valkenburg, Limburg in the Netherlands. “A special place, it really
is,” she says. “This location is hidden in the deepest point of the
forest and hidden between two major rural plateaus where no human
activity can been seen or heard because of the unique location.”
The photo was taken in late summer and the light was spectacular
through the tree canopy. “You could feel the quietness and tranquillity
there. A nice place to seek rest and silence and practice yin yoga in
optima forma.”

8
om beginnings

9
 om beginnings

N@maste Love OM magazine and want to tell

the world? Here’s your chance

Keep it real Taking care of No. 1

I loved your Yoga Retreat I just wanted to say how much I appreciated the Self Care For Yoga Teachers
Survival Guide article (March article by Claudia Brown (December 2018). As a yoga teacher and studio owner
2019) by Meg Jackson from all of her words really resonated with me but in particular when she said, “yoga didn’t feel
Real Life Yoga. Her travel tips in the article like work”. When you are lucky enough to do something you love and are passionate about
made me chuckle but sure enough her for a living, forgetting that it is work, and you still need to take a break, is a very easy place
advice is also spot on. This should be made to ind yourself. It’s something I’m always working on – practicing what I preach – and this
compulsory reading for anyone heading out article was a timely reminder to ensure I keep that love and that passion alive by taking
on a yoga retreat for the irst time. A yoga some time for self-care. Thank you!
retreat should be a trip to remember – for Louise T, by email
all the right reasons!
Sarah S, by email Man up
om body
om body
So amazing to see a man on your front cover in the
The March issue. Well done OM! I have long appreciated
Yoga Retreat
guide your OMFM section, so I know that you are keen to champion more
survival guys in the yoga world. Seeing one on the cover is another great
step forward. Men do yoga too, you know, so it’s great to see this
recognised in your magazine.
Joe K, by email

How to survive your irst yoga retreat. Essential tips to make sure your stay
is more
“Aaahhhh” than “Argh!” By Meg Jackson

Y
ou’ve been practicing for a while, maybe with a weekly Yes. Maybe it’s time for your irst yoga retreat.
class at your local studio and a bit of a home practice noticed that yoga classes can attract an eclectic mix of people.
When you think about it, you’re probably getting ideas of days illed It can you maintain a sense of connection to that person despite the
when the mood takes you, and you’re feeling fairly won’t surprise you to know that retreats are no diferent.
with practices which rock your world and soothe your soul; fellow fact that you ind their behaviour challenging? Is there a way that
good about this whole bending-and-breathing thing. When you’re at the studio you can probably tolerate Pushy Pamela
yogis and yoginis who you’re fairly sure you’re bonding with for life; you can see why they’re behaving as they are, and approach them
So what next? who is ridiculously territorial about her space at the front. You might
surroundings so tranquil your mood setting is automatically at ‘zen’. with compassion regardless of their actions?
Perhaps it’s time you and yoga had a little quality time together be able to turn a blind eye to Steve-the-massive-show-of who insists
But here’s the kick in the asana: yoga retreats aren’t always like Alternatively, smile and engage them in polite conversation when
and went somewhere special. You’ve seen all those photographs on doing the most advanced pose possible at all times, even when
that. In fact, they rarely are. So here’s my little guide in how you might absolutely necessary but otherwise do your very best to not be
he’s not been asked to. in

Sleepy Saturday
of people being bendy on beaches; your Instagram feed has been
like to ensure your irst yoga retreat is more “Aaahhhh” than “Argh!” their space for the duration of the whole thing. Also – deep breathing
packed with images of group hugs and #transformation; and whilst Just bear in mind that when you’re on a retreat, there’s probably
and wine both help.
wheatgrass has always made you gag, perhaps having it every day going to be no getting away from those people who make you
Beware of the yogis wonder what they’d be like if they didn’t do yoga.
would help…. Read. Read. hen read again
If you go to a weekly class that’s open to the public you will have
You could think of it as an extension of your yoga practice; how
This may be an obvious one, but make sure you read all the
50

51 mornings with good

cofee and my
Keep in touch favourite magazine.
yoga_with_evelin
OM Letters, Prime Impact Events & Media,
Park House, The Business Centre, Earls Colne
Business Park, Colchester CO6 2NS
editor@ommagazine.com

facebook.com/ommagazine
This has just dropped through
the letterbox in time for my second
twitter.com/OMYogaMagazine brew of the morning. My mum has
always bought me a running magazine
subscription but fancied a change over the last year or so yoga
instagram.com/omyogamagazine
and the yoga lifestyle has really resonated with me
girliebod

10

MEET THE ETHICAL BEAUTY BRAND THAT
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PHB Ethical Beauty is a UK based
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2012. PHB (which stands for Pure, Handmade,
British) is a family-run business founded by
Natural Beauty Enthusiast Rose Brown, along
with her partner John Tierney and his mum
Sally Gibbins. Their company is home to the
world’s largest range of 100% Natural, Vegan &
Cruelty Free beauty products and they give 20%
of profits to charity via their philanthropic arm,
The One Love Foundation.
Four new premium, 100% natural & vegan
skincare ranges are the focus of a major new
launch by this pioneering British beauty brand.
Ofering a unique blend of nature and
science, the ranges ofer optimum results
without hurting animals or the planet. Available
from phbethicalbeauty.co.uk, the new skincare
ranges, which are free from Palm Oil, are
hand-crated using the purest and most potent
organic ingredients around.
“We believe in the power of plants, and
our products are created to connect you to the
high vibrational healing power of nature.” says
co-founder Rose. “Since we launched our range
in 2012, all products have been 100% vegan. We
are super conscious of every ingredient used
and how they’re sourced. In the last few years,
we’ve experienced a huge surge in demand
— as people wake up to the animal-based
ingredients and chemical nasties lurking in their
moisturisers and serums.
“We’ve revamped our entire skincare
portfolio, taking our ultra-ethical and eco-
friendly ethos to the next level, and ensuring
we remain at the very forefront of the ethical
beauty movement in the UK and globally. Our
new ranges use the latest advances in green
Try the range with 20% Off. Use Code PHBOM20 at phbethicalbeauty.co.uk
science to create products that harness the full
powers of Mother Nature for tangible results
that will make you love your skin.”
PHB Ethical Beauty has also completely
revamped its body and hair care range,
introducing a number of 2-in-1 and multi-
tasking formulas, designed to bring simplicity
into your life whilst reducing packaging and
product waste.
Which range is for you?
Superfood — Brightening & Age-defying
results for any age.
Designed to brighten, rejuvenate and nourish
the complexion, this range feeds skin with
nature’s most powerful skin-enhancing
superfoods, including pomegranate, turmeric
and green tea. It utilises Vitamin C which
imbues skin with an inner radiance, and
plant-based Hyaluronic acid which provides a
youthful firmness.
Must Try: Superfood Facial Oil (£36), The
exquisitely-scented, luxurious facial oil is the
hero product. Its unique blend is the secret
to luminescent skin. Providing huge doses of
skin-enhancing nutrients, the botanical oils in
its formula include pomegranate, raspberry,
rosehip, sea buckthorn, avocado, broccoli,
turmeric and carrot seed. The addition of
neroli, grapefruit and immortelle essential oils
enliven both skin and senses. The oil absorbs
quickly and easily into the skin, leaving a
glowing complexion.
Gentle Skin Care — For Sensitive Skin,
Eczema, Rosacea & New Mums.
Designed for the most delicate skins, including
eczema, rosacea, mothers-to-be and even
om beginnings
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those undergoing chemotherapy. This
scent-free, hypoallergenic range has an
ultra-pure formulation, with no essential
oils or artificial fragrances.
Must try: Gentle Rose Water (£17), a soothing
tonic to cleanse and hydrate the skin made
from Pure Rose Petals.
Balance Skin Care — For Oily Skin,
Blemishes & Acne.
This range is packed full of anti-inflammatory,
anti-bacterial and scar-healing botanicals to
restore skins’ equilibrium.
Must Try: The Blemish Gel (£22). Use directly
on spots to rapidly reduce redness & swelling
— or as an all-over preventative treatment
to promote a healthier, smoother and
clearer complexion.
OM Yoga Top Picks:
2-in-1 Cofee Scrub & Mask (£16):
Hand-crated with organic cofee beans and
brightening oils, this multi-tasking wonder
product can be used to wake up dull & tired
skin. It also helps with cellulite, ingrown hairs
and pigmentation.
Skin Perfector Bio-Gel (£25):
Perfect for imperfections such as stretch marks,
scarring and redness including rosacea. This
cooling gel blends soothing aloe vera with pure
rose oil to encourage cell regeneration and
calm redness. Antioxidant-rich Rosehip Oil and
Sea Buckthorn help speed up the skin’s natural
healing process. Sure to get your skin looking
glowing & gorgeous!
 om beginnings

YOGA
CHANGED
MY LIFE

NAME: Melissa Naili

Yoga taught Melissa Naili how to react to AGE: 47
OCCUPATION: Registered Nurse
life and to be soter and kinder to herself
YOGA YEARS: 2

Why did you start yoga Anything else

I had gone through a rotten series of life events: a marriage
breakdown, a son who got involved with drugs, and bringing up three
small children alone. I reached a point whereby support was not
enough. I needed to ind something to not just escape memories but
to heal from what life had thrown at me.
How has yoga changed your life
I am merely a beginner but have developed a daily practice and
attend yoga classes regularly. I have learned to accept things that I
cannot control, how to deal better with adverse events and not be
so self-critical. I wish I had discovered yoga in my twenties or thirties,
then I might have handled life a little softer and kinder. I learned
that whilst I was experiencing compassion for others, I had forgotten
myself in the process. Practicing yoga is a way of being at peace and
I developed compassion for myself. This was a huge revelation.
I thought I was too old and useless especially after experiencing the
menopause. But I have realised through developing a yoga practice, I
still have lots to give. I am worthwhile and it doesn’t matter what age,
sex or religion you are, it’s never too late to be part of something
amazing. Yoga is non-judgemental and it’s your own journey to
develop, nurture, nourish and feel enlightened by what it gives
you. I am a grandmother now to a beautiful granddaughter and
another on the way. This is my tapestry of life and I’m weaving it and
including yoga within me. I’m grateful, blessed and I would encourage
everybody to give it a go. You will never look back.

Favourite yoga haunts

Following Jessica oli and bananablondie on Instagram and feeling
inspired by their practices and talent.

Best yoga moment

Attending a yoga practice and having a stillness and sense of
peacefulness. Experiencing a yoga nidra and feeling so blissfully
calm and at peace with my emotions and body.

12
 om beginnings

Kleem

An inspirational range
of beautiful accessories
to express your yoga lifestyle

+44 20 3196 0108

info@kleem.co.uk
kleem.co.uk

13
 om beginnings

Yoga at the museum

Sign up for one of the special yoga events at the
Natural History Museum in London this summer

M
ake your visit to the Natural History Museum even DATES
more memorable this year with a yoga class, Yoga in Hintze Hall
in collaboration with Walthamstow studio East April 7
of Eden. The museum is lining up a season of Adult £35, Member £31.50
sessions in various locations around this amazing
building, including a morning class (April 7) under Hintze Hall’s Yoga under the Moon, Jerwood Gallery
magniicent blue whale skeleton for an experience weaving breath- June 3 to August 13, 2019
work with movement and sound. Adult from £19 - £26.
Or enjoy one of the regular summer classes taking place
underneath Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon artwork. Led by a Kids’ yoga under the Moon, Jerwood Gallery
qualiied instructor, attendees will be guided through a series of
movements and poses that will connect to the moon hanging above. Visit: nhm.ac.uk/events/yoga-at-the-natural-history-museum
Choose from a variety of classes ranging from dynamic vinyasa
and yin yoga to a gong bath to heighten your senses. There are
even sessions that celebrate the diferent phases of the moon (the
beginning of the lunar cycle or the full moon).
There will also be specially-created kids’ yoga classes. Through
poses inspired by animals, your little monkeys will have a whale of a
time stretching out underneath the moon artwork.
Special events too: Yin yoga & reiki drumming workshop (where
visitors will learn how and where their body holds tension) and
guided meditation with gong bath (visitors enjoy a guided meditation
to help them ind a calm state, followed by a blissful gong bath).
After your class, enjoy exclusive access to an exhibition or gallery
before the museum opens.

14
 om beginnings
YOGATARIAN ARE PROUD TO

WHAT’S ANNOUNCE OUR FIRST INSPIRATIONAL

YOGA CLOTHES COLLECTION

YOUR
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An airmation for conviction, inner
LAUNCHING AT THE OM YOGA SHOW
MANCHESTER STAND G1A
knowing and decisiveness

“I allow myself
to receive with
gratitude, patience
and dignity”

Know there is always something cooking.

The chef is waiting for you to place your order.

You need to know what you desire on the menu.

When we dither, the universe can’t deliver.
Decide and place your order.

You are already full, you are not starving, you can wait for your order
to arrive.
is a unique clothing collection to inspire
No clasping of the hands together looking up waiting for the goodies movement and transformation. Yoga clothes that allow you to
to fall out of the skies. evolve from your yoga class to lunch with friends with ease,
No repetition necessary.
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Let it all just be.
Don’t be ixated on your wants. and never compromise on style.
Your ‘needs’ will always be catered for.
For a 10% discount online or at the show quote YogaOmShow11
It’s all cooking nicely.

Be patient or the order may seems as if it’s taking aeons to leave the
cosmic kitchen.

Everything arrives in divine time.

By Deb Mac (debmac.co.uk)

yogatarian.co.uk
Tel: 07463 670 571
 om beginnings
Yoga in the NHS
Yoga’s time is now for inclusion in the NHS, senior healthcare
igures tell London conference
Y
oga has some powerful allies
as it seeks to gain greater
acceptance within the NHS.
That includes HRH Prince
Charles who provided a written
foreword at a recent London conference on
the inclusion of yoga in the health service. A
long-term advocate of alternative therapies
and environmental issues, he said the uptake
of yoga is a positive development for society
as a whole.
“The increasing interest and participation
in yoga in this country, and its positive impact
on improving health and wellness, is being
ever more widely recognised,” he noted.
“By its very nature, yoga builds discipline
and supports self-care, all of which
contribute to improved health. Indeed, when
practiced within a group, it has tremendous
social beneits as well.”
The conference was attended by senior
healthcare and NHS oicials, as well as
hundreds of yoga teachers and therapists.
16
Founder of the Yoga in Healthcare The development of therapeutic, evidence-
Alliance, Heather Mason, who organised based yoga is, I believe, an excellent
the event, said: “Yoga has the potential to example of how yoga can contribute to
reduce pressure on the NHS.” That includes health and healing. This not only beneits the
potential cost savings, a high priority individual, but also conserves precious and
for budget-conscious health managers, expensive health resources for others where
she added. and when they are most needed.”
And there seems to be plenty of goodwill He added: “I will watch the development
from high-proile healthcare executives. of therapeutic yoga in the UK with great
“I think it is your time,” Duncan Selbie, interest.”
chief executive of Public Health England, told
a packed hall full of yoga experts. He also To register your support or ind out more
vowed to do all he could to get yoga more visit: yogainhealthcarealliance.com
“visibility and legitimacy” in the conversation
among healthcare planners, policy makers Heather
Mason
and executives.
With support from senior royals that
visibility is rapidly on the rise.
“For thousands of years, millions of
people have experienced yoga’s ability
to improve their lives,” noted HRH Prince
Charles. “This ancient practice has proven
beneicial efects on both body and mind.
 om beginnings

Yoga & Aromatherapy

Dill Oil
(Amethum Graveolens)

Moving into this month, we start to see more sunshine along with
the usual April showers. The trees are blossoming, bulbs are growing,
the wind starts to pick up and as it does so, seeds are blown about,
spreading life from one place to the next.
To celebrate this beautiful, fresh month, try using some dill oil
(amethum graveolens). This essential oil is not often used, but it is a
lovely oil with a grassy aroma made from the oil-rich seeds of the dill
plant. This makes it an ideal oil to use this month.
The word ‘dill’ comes from the Norse word ‘dylla’ meaning to
soothe or lull and perfectly describes this much underused oil. It’s a
wonderfully healing essential oil and helps calm and soothe nerves
and bring harmony to all those around it. Try placing a couple of
drops in a difuser this month and let the dill oil soothe and calm
both body and mind.
As dill oil is so good at bringing a sense of peace, it makes the
perfect bedtime oil. Mix ive drops of dill oil in some milk and add to
the bath for a relaxing treat before bed and to ensure a restful sleep.
Dill oil also works on a deeper level, enriching meditations: put
a couple of drops in a difuser before meditation and let the dill oil
take you to a place of tranquil serenity.
Use in small doses as can cause skin irritation. Avoid if pregnant
or you have epilepsy.
Julia White is a yoga teacher and aromatherapist
(jwhitelondon.com)
STUDYING YOGA
WITH SIMON LOW AND
THE YOGA ACADEMY IN 2019
Yoga Academy 200-hour Intensive
Teacher Training Course
November 2019 – May 2020: Santillán, Spain
We are excited to present our new intensive teacher training
course based at Santillan in Spain, featuring two 2-week
residential intensives.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Yin Yoga Training & Study Intensive
(with Yoga Alliance US 500-hour upgrade options)
13–20 July: Santillán, Spain
This week-long experience within Santillán’s extraordinary
yoga studio and retreat centre offers in depth training and
practice in the broad spectrum of Yin Yoga theory, practice
and teaching.
For more information about Ongoing Training
and our annual Yin & Yang Yoga Teacher Training
& Study Intensive at Samahita Retreat in Thailand
in February 2020 please see the website.

www.theyogaacademy.org | info@theyogaacademy.org
 theyogaacademy  YogaAcademyUK  yogaacademyuk
NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON
 om beginnings

Amazing spaces
Stylish and inspiring studio
design ideas and interiors
Studio iO, 3 Queens Place, Brighton, BN1 4JY
studio-io.co.uk

Studio iO is an urban sanctuary, an oasis of calm amidst the busy Brighton

city streets; you’ll feel the tranquil atmosphere as soon as you enter. Centrally
located, just minutes’ walk to Brighton seafront, this is a little gem where you
can relax, unwind and explore. It’s ideal for exploring diferent yoga practices
too: a peaceful, intimate environment with daily classes in restorative yoga,
meditation to hatha, vinyasa low, ashtanga, TRX and Tai Chi.
The space was opened by Holly Cooper, who has practiced yoga for 20
years and ofers one-to-one tuition. By seeing her students on a regular
basis, in an intimate class setting, she focuses on individual strengths
and weaknesses and your wellbeing aims and objectives, all in a safe and
relaxed environment. She hopes to create a community and real sense of
belonging at the studio.
“We see Studio iO as a hub for creative energy so why not use our
innovative space to share your talents? It is the perfect creative space to
host your summer weekend workshop, in yoga, Pilates, massage, meditation,
photography or music. Share knowledge and ideas with likeminded
individuals in a space that nurtures collaboration and connection.”
She also runs a sister company, MyEscape with her business partner Ellie
Priest. Together, they ofer Yoga in the Sky on British Airways i360, and yoga
retreats in the UK and abroad.
Studio iO is fully equipped with beautiful mats, bolsters, candles, gong
and singing bowls, difusers and lavender scented eye pillows. The visual
aspect from the skylights allows students to experience the perfect opening
and closing to a day with calm blue skies during the day, or gaze at stars
in savasana during the evening sessions. It’s an intimate environment ideal
for one-on-one or group sessions, helping those who attend achieve true
relaxation and inner contentment.

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loves Y
Beautiful things for beautiful people

Superfood Facial Oil

Studio Travel Yoga Mat (1.8mm)
Thinking ahead to your summer getaway? Look no further
for your mat. Weighing less than 1kg, this Yoga-Mad
foldable yoga mat is ideal for taking with you to your
retreat this year and on your travels.
£19.99
yoga-mad.com
Discover the secret to naturally luminescent skin with PHB
Ethical Beauty’s exquisitely-scented Superfood Facial Oil. It’s
hand-crafted in the UK using botanical superfoods including
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nutrients. The addition of neroli, grapefruit and immortelle
essential oils enliven both skin and senses. Absorbs quickly
and easily into the skin, leaving a glowing complexion.
£36 (20% of proits go to charity)
phbethicalbeauty.co.uk

Tulsi Japa Mala

The Tulsi Japa Mala will enhance concentration to prayer and
intensify protection and focus to the wearer. A beautiful sterling
silver Om trinket is attached to the tassel, acting as a reminder
for self-observation and self-love. Tassel and thread available in
the Seven Chakra colours.
£9.50
kleem.co.uk

Meditation Essential Oil Blend

If you’re not a natural-born meditator,
then creating a more pleasant space to
practice in might just help. Aromatherapy
oils can help. This meditation essential
oil blend will help you into a more
focused and meditative state.
£15
skinz22.com

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 om beginnings

Love Leggings
Focus Range
Limber up and train to your
heart’s desire in the Love
Leggings Focus range,
designed with yogis in mind.
With a no-fuss seamless
design for zero interference, a
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for a perfect bum-shaping
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shades to choose from,
Yoga Studio Cork Yoga Mat - 4mm
Yoga Studio cork yoga mats provide an
Mulberry Plum, Dusty Pink and
amazing non-slip, anti-bacterial, natural and
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the most of your low, from
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beginning ‘til end. Available in
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full or 7/8’s length.
chemicals or nasties…live life free!
£28
£45
loveleggings.com
yogastudio.co.uk

Connect and collaborate

with Studio iO

Host your summer workshop

by the sea at our luxury
wellness studio

Yoga – Pilates – Meditation

– Tai Chi – Massage –
For studio hire or private one to
Photography
one tuition enquiries contact
Private one to one tuition Holly Cooper
available info@studio.io.co.uk

Studio hire www.studio-io.co.uk

£15 per hour

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 om beginnings

The Ink Crop

£55
theheraia.com

INSPIRED BY
GODDESSES Introducing he Heraia: a
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to imbue strength, grace
The Ink Legging
and beauty in all those that
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 om beginnings

The Onyx Catsuit

£145
theheraia.com

The Jet Crop The Jet Legging

£55 £95
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The Dusk
Tunic
£65
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The Obsidian
Crop
£55
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 om beginnings
The Eclipse Hoodie The Eclipse Hoodie
£95 £95
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The Jet Short

£55
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The Onyx Tank

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The Jet Short

£55
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24
Find Us at
Om Yoga
Manchester:
Stand D8

Yoga Mats - Props - Meditation - ToeSox - Tavi Noir - Wholesale

YOGA-MAD.COM
If you’re a yoga teacher you can register for a wholesale account with us, learn more online.

apanaveda

School of Yoga
200-hour yoga teacher training course held every year in Essex
This 9 month comprehensive training course is held from September to June for one weekend a month and is based
on the 8-limbed path of yoga, with diploma level Pranayama and degree content anatomy. Graduates will be IYN
ceriied, registered and insured to teach yoga in their own authenic and heart-felt way. On the course, 4 guest
teachers will teach their specialist subjects alongside Victoria Adamson, course leader and yoga elder.
There are limited places on this course which ill up quickly so for more informaion or to apply for this years course
please call Victoria on 07957 463050 or visit apanaveda.co.uk

25
 om beginnings

Planet yoga
Stories from around the weird
and wonderful world of yoga

USA: Five alive

Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine
posted a note to fans on social
media recently highlighting his love
for all things yoga. “I won’t get too
#Namaste on you. But I will say
that I feel so fortunate to have
found yoga,” he wrote on Facebook.
“It has had such a profoundly
positive impact on my life over the
years. I have never been pretzel-
ish or particularly lexible. And my
practice is riddled with mistakes and
imperfections. Which is precisely
what makes it so powerful. Striving
to do better while simultaneously
remaining satisied with where I am.
It’s much larger than I am. I just tag
along for the ride. Pretty cool. So…
thanks Yoga. You’re awesome. (sic)”

26
 om beginnings
Wellbeing is the new currency
USA: Rage yoga
Remember when yoga was all about achieving a state
of calm and contentment? Rage Yoga is turning that
on its head, by getting people to workout by cursing
and shouting. “It’s more than just a practice, Rage Yoga
is an attitude,” says founder Lindsay Istace. On her
website (RageYoga.com), she says the practice involves
plenty of stretching and positional exercises, as well
as bad humour, “with the goal of attaining good health
and to become zen as f*ck.” But, she says, it works. “It
changed my life,” she adds, helping her to manage stress,
Wonderful World of
overcome addiction and navigate personal challenges. Wellbeing Festival
UK: On the edge
A man was rescued from a 30ft building
London
ledge in Leicester city centre after he was
11th & 12th May 2019
captured on ilm performing what appeared Kempton Park Racecourse
to be a yoga pose — police later said it
appeared to be a “drunken incident”. It was
Sunbury-on-Thames
ilmed by a DJ returning home from work TW16 5AQ
shortly after 3am. One eyewitness told ITV: 10am - 5pm Daily
“I guess you could say he was performing
some kind of yoga pose…It would’ve taken
a lot of core strength to stay on that ledge.”
Wellbeing Therapies - Counselling
A crew from the city’s central ire station
Mindfulness - Spinal Analysis
eventually helped the man to safety using a
ladder. Fortunately, no one was harmed.
Emotional Resilience - CBD - Coaching
Massage - Pain Relief - Natural Beauty
Spirituality - Craft Felting - Classes
Wellness Jewellery - Essential Oils
Afghanistan: Kabul calm Organic Skincare - Yoga - Yoga Supplies
Yoga is helping women in Afghanistan’s
capital to enjoy a better life after years of Holistic Health - Spinal Checks
conlict in the country. The Momtaz Yoga Mindset - Healing Artefacts - Retreats
Center in Kabul is Afghanistan’s only yoga Vitamins - Supplements - Sound
studio. A one-room space with a wooden Therapy & more...
interior and a large window that allows the
4 Kids - Emotional Coaching - Yoga
light in, it has served as a hub for female
yoga students since 2016. It was set up by
Selie Corner - Sound Bath
Fakhria Momtaz, who thinks it plays a valuable role in entrenching peace in the strife- Mindful Sensory Area - Emotion Tree
torn nation. “Everyone in this country wants to ind peace after sufering in years of war Relaxation - Wildlife - Woodland
and conlict,” she told Al Jazeera. “But you cannot establish peace in this society if you Awareness - Unicorn - Music
are not at peace within yourself.” Face Painting - Magnets - Mandalas -
Fairy’s Workshops & more...
We look forward to seeing you there.
China: Hong Kong haven Weekend & day passes online
Airline Cathay Paciic has opened a dedicated U14’s free passes
yoga and meditation space at The Pier
Business Class lounge in Hong Kong. Designed GET YOUR PASSES ONLINE
in partnership with The Pure Group, The www.wonderfulworldofwellbeing.com
Sanctuary by Pure Yoga is a 700 square-
foot area divided into two zones – The Proud Festival Sponsors
Body Sanctuary, which is dedicated to yoga,
and The Mind Sanctuary, where travellers
can meditate to focus and calm the mind.
“Wellness is becoming increasingly important
to our customers and The Sanctuary…it is the
perfect place to relax before a light,” said a
spokesperson for the airline.
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Real life yoga Interviews with inspiring

Feeling fine online yoga professionals
TRAVEL SPECIAL

Spring is
in the air
5 cleansing
yin yoga poses
30
AMAZING
RETREATS
Yoga low sequences and expert
advice from well-known yogis

he latest news, fashion and

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river he daily you
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E £ £ Exclusive vegan recipes

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29
 om body

Spring is in the air

A gentle, cleansing yin practice for the change
YOGA @ HOME of season. By Amanda Houston
will support the body’s natural digestive and detoxiication functions.
Holding asanas such as Shoelace, Sleeping Swan and Banana for
several minutes gives us the opportunity to eliminate unwanted
toxins, helping us to detox, rinse and let go. Our emotions feel more
balanced which helps to ground us, keep us calm and in the moment.
So be empowered by the energy and vibrancy of this time of year.
Stroke the lambs, smell the lowers, snif the air, cleanse and refresh
your life. Breathe in the scents and sounds of the season and take
this as an opportunity to start anew. Remember in the same way we
‘spring clean’ our external environment we should also ‘spring clean’
our internal one.
Enjoy the sunshine but equally relish in those April showers. See
them as nature washing away the stress and a reminder of the
present moment, that we are still only part way through spring.
The following postures will give you the opportunity to pause,
observe and let go. Gently ind your edge then become still and
hold for the suggested number of minutes. During this time, breathe
deeply whilst releasing any tension. Just allow yourself to surrender.

A
pril is known as a transition month between the cold Use props where necessary, especially under the knees if you feel
and blustery weather of winter and the warmer, drier any discomfort. If you feel pain, back of or come out completely.
conditions of summer. The days are longer, the sun Listen to the body.
is stronger…but don’t be fooled, the atmosphere is
very active around this time and it’s well known for 1
producing frequent, ‘April’ showers.
It’s not just the sky that’s changeable: early mornings are
dominated by the sounds of bird song and we see new life and
vibrant bursts of colour all around us. Spring is here and it’s one of
the most inspiring and productive times of year.
In traditional Chinese medicine each season corresponds to
diferent organs and their meridians. The liver (yin) and gallbladder
(yang) are connected to spring and the primary element is wood.
Wood is about rebirth, renewal and awakening. It’s an energetic
force of nature that pushes new grass through the soil, lowers from
the buds and leaves out of the trees.
When the wood element is balanced within us we feel revitalised
and inspired. At home, we may have a sudden urge to clean, de-
clutter and organise; we get rid of things that no longer serve us…we
replace and replenish.
Outside, we experience a new scent, a freshness in the air, we feel
the sunshine on our face and the warmth gives us an early taste of
summer. We know something better is coming… so even our senses
Photos: Charlotte Gaterell

are busy, trying to push us forward.

There is a lot of yang activity all around us – nature needs this
forceful energy but too much of it can leave us feeling unbalanced.
Physically, we may start to experience fatigue, headaches, lower back
pain and tight hips. Emotionally, feelings of anger and frustration may
stir up and we can become unsettled in our environment. 1. Toe Squat (1-3 minutes)
Integrating more yin into our lives can help restore balance. From table try to tuck all 10 toes under, then gently walk the hands
Following a practice that works the liver and gallbladder meridians back toward the knees, sit comfortably and breeeeeeaaaaathe.

30

2 3
2. Sleeping Swan (2-5 minutes)
Place the right knee on the loor so that it’s close to the right edge of
the mat and the heel comes close to your left hip. Centre yourself so
the weight is even, stay here or lower your upper body to the loor.
4. Shoe Lace (2-5 minutes)
Come back to all fours, bring the right foot over the left, spread the
feet, and gently sit between the feet. Your right knee should be on top
of the left, then slowly fold forward.
om body
3. Wide Knee Childs Pose (3-5 minutes)
Bring your feet together, then open your knees to the width of the
mat. Walk the hands forward, then place your forehead down on to
the mat and surrender.
5
5. Banana (3-5 minutes)
Lie down on the mat then begin to walk the right heel to the right
corner of the mat and take the left ankle and cross it over the right.
Making sure the hips stay grounded in the centre begin to walk the
shoulder blades to the right, raise your arms over head and gently
hold the elbows. Once you inish, bring the body back to neutral and
spend a few moments in savasana to end the practice.
31
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OM meets...

Pablo Imani
Pablo Imani, the founder of Afrikan Yoga, as well as author, massage therapist
and holistic health coach, shares his journey with OM
How did you irst get into yoga
I’ve been doing yoga since childhood but only realising this in
adulthood when I was stretching one day preparing for martial arts
training in the backyard of a friend. I was introduced to the system of
hatha yoga at 19. However, it really started when I was about four-
years-old. We had two family cats in our home and I used to watch
them stretch; I would copy their movements, stretch with them,
play with them. I’d watch them intently, to see how they’re hunting,
relaxing, observing their ability to deeply relax, purring in stillness
and calmness, every muscle in a state of de-stress. The cats were
my irst teachers in the yogic arts; I copied them the way our ancient
ancestors studied various animals in order to develop their martial
arts and yogic sciences. They are exceptional teachers and this
experience in childhood became a ritual. In fact, cats are my spirit
animal, and in my teachings, Bast and Sekhmet, the ancient feline
energies of ancient Egypt, are prominent.
As I got older, my older brother’s girlfriend, Iva, who was a hatha
yoga teacher, as taught by Vanda Scaravelli, started showing
me stretches when I was about 19. Prior to that I had an interest
in dance and martial arts, and I trained in Muay Thai. Hatha was
my irst taste of the Indian yogic system. As time went on, I also
practiced other forms of martial arts, African/Caribbean martial arts
including capoeira and Win chung and Tai Chi.
Alongside teachings I had received from my Sui master I started
doing more yoga postures, from a particular system of yoga,
Egyptian Yoga, by Dr Muata Ashby, who later became my mentor.
I did about four postures particularly for my bad back at that time
and I inished doing those for a week, my back problem had gone
completely. I thought this was incredible and decided that I wanted
to ind out more about yoga and also to learn from an ancient
African perspective.
I was a part of a Sui order initiated back in 1996, learning breathing
techniques and chanting. But I was completely ignorant these were
yogic practices until one day my master said this is Egyptian Yoga. I
started getting into diferent yoga styles like ashtanga, kundalini, but
mainly focused on Egyptian Yoga from Muata.
Photos: Moud Imhotep

What does yoga give you personally

Yoga gives me clarity of thought; it opens a portal to the mental
reservoir and allows me to receive inspiration in a kaleidoscopic way.
Physically, yoga maintains my general body function and systems,
it cleanses, refreshes and rejuvenates. As a result, it keeps me
looking younger and feeling more alive and aware. Yoga, particularly
meditation, calms me down. Even though my life may go through

33
 om body
many storms and forms of chaos, yoga is my tranquillity and serenity
that assists in my understanding of how life really works and what
my purpose is as a human being.
Favourite yoga hangouts
So many! Favourite spots for yoga and meditation include (to name
a few): Alchemy Centre in Camden, London (though sadly no longer
there), Sri Aurobindo Centre, London, Regent’s Park and Cleopatra’s
Needle in Hyde Park, Padma Yoga studio Berlin, Shinto temples
in Tokyo, Ugandan Buddhist Temple, Silver Sand beach Trelawny
Jamaica, any beach outside of Stone Town, Zanzibar Tanzania, the
great lakes of western Uganda and the Rift Valley, the Niles New
Wave yoga journeys from Luxor to Aswan.
How did you get into teaching
I do not take my teaching or my practice lightly. I have experienced
near death incidents on a number of occasions since childhood,
from accidents to unprovoked attacks. After a car crash, the
paramedics told me: “Someone up there loves you.” The mechanic
later said: “You are meant to be dead; I’ve seen men dead for
less.” When my two-year-old daughter had to have an emergency
Photo: Karina Piaro/The NIles New Wave
34
Photo: Moud Imhotep
operation on her small intestine, that took my acquaintance with
death to another level. I began to hear the ancestors loud and clear.
Now I got the message. I could no longer walk away from who I am
and why I am here…my purpose. I could no longer live the same way
that I had been living with the same mental approach. I had to die
metaphorically to be reborn. These experiences made me realise
that life is precious and that purpose is essential to this earth plane.
My purpose is to teach. This was my ‘Satori’.
Key inluences in your yoga journey
The teachers are many: some I have been blessed to be in the
presence of, some who taught me from their writings, some who
inspired me from their documented lives, and some who came to
me in dreams. My major inluences are Buddhism, Suism, Rastafari,
Taoism, Hermeticism, Stoicism, music and Love. Among the many
teachers of note are: Yogi Bhajan, BKS Iyengar, Baba Kane, Sri
Aurobindo, Seti I, Ptah Hotep and Yogi Plotinus.
How would you describe your teaching style
My particular teaching style has been described as natural, user
friendly, spiritual and fun. My general focus is to assist practitioners
in body awareness, listening to the body, and breathing into a
psycho-spiritual state to come to a deeper understanding of self
and connect to the source. My yoga concentrates on balancing
emotions, detoxifying and de-stressing the bodily system, and
requires you to go deeper without the strain.
Yoga career highs so far
I have trained many Afrikan Yoga teachers through my Yoga School
and teacher training programme. This has helped spawn various yoga
styles such as Ital Yoga, Nile Valley Yoga, Hapi Valley Yoga, Smai Taui
Yoga and Smai Taui Yoga School, Soul Flow Yoga, Energy Flow Yoga,
Meta Yoga, Melanin Yoga. There’s no doubt that even though my
name is not on these forms and brands, the inluence of the system I
taught over the years is, for me, a highlight because this is the way the
ancestors, and spirit guides deem it to be. The spreading of a system
that uses both masculine and feminine energies, rhythm, movement
and an acknowledgement of their presence.
I have also lectured on yoga and mindfulness, and how yoga
can be used for conlict resolution, at a number of high proile
conferences and events in Africa.
Before becoming a yoga teacher I was also a conceptual artist.
One of my major pieces of artwork ‘Black Angels’ is featured in
Key Stage 3 of the English National Curriculum, meaning students
studying for their art GCSE are recommended to explore my work
based on identity formation.
What are your yoga plans now and going forward
There are no plans as such, only desires. This year my only plan is to go
with the low. In past years I kept on planning and life keeps on changing
them. As I mature I realise that my purpose is to low with life and the
universe itself. I desire that my book is re-published this year and to
tour. I am here to teach so I will teach wherever I am and in whatever
capacity life allows. My other desire is to continue training others to
teach Tama-re Smai Taui Afrikan Yoga in Africa and around the world
and to run my yoga retreats in Morocco and bring more people to
experience the Nile River in Egypt through The Niles New Wave retreats
brand you represent cannot be more important than your humility.
But don’t beat yourself up for making mistakes. I do not have any
regrets: my path is my path, and my destiny is my destiny, I was not
meant to know it then and I am happy I know it now.
What do you do when you’re not doing yoga
This is an interesting question for yogis and the answer to it depends
on their state of mind. In the spiritual sense when are we not doing
yoga? Once you have a deeper understanding of yoga you will
realise that yoga is in everything we do, because yogic approach is
a part of our momentum thought process. Writing, planning, eating,
drinking, washing, playing, having sex: it’s all yoga to us simply
because the way we breathe requires a yogic approach.
Any tips for incorporating yoga into ordinary life
See the humour in all things, breathe life into all things that you
do. Again, be thankful as often as you can. Stop…look and listen…
like a cat.

Photo: Moud Imhotep

and wherever I am required to go and simply be a joyful better human
being. I’ve always prided myself on being real and diferent, I guess this
will continue.

“My particular teaching style has been

described as natural, user friendly,
spiritual and fun. My general focus is to
assists practitioners in body awareness,
listening to the body, and breathing
into a psycho-spiritual state to come
to a deeper understanding of self and
connect to the source.”
Any yoga tips for new teachers
I wish I’d kept my day job while I built a larger and loyal student
base before I went ‘all in’ teaching Afrikan Yoga as a mission 100%
and simply became a ‘poor, righteous teacher’. I didn’t realise
teaching yoga can be seasonal, in the sense that summer and
winter are the most bleak times for teachers especially for a person
who is pioneering a completely unique and diferent system to
the household names already out there. If a new teacher does not
have a solid marketing plan and creating other forms of income
for themselves, then it’s quite challenging to maintain and your
conviction has to be strong.

What do you know now that you wish you’d known at the start
I built a team but sadly they saw me as a visionary guru and father
igure, so when I lost my brother, father, aunty and uncle within six
months and my marriage was breaking down I became a boy that
needed comfort and support and that was a burst to the bubble that
was created or projected onto me and around me.
Also, cultivate compassion for all people. Calling yourself a yoga
teacher because you have completed 200hrs or 500hrs of training
doesn’t make you a non-judgemental compassionate one, nor does
it make you spiritual. Instead, it’s your willingness to remain open,
to be vulnerable and look at your mistakes and admit them; your
willingness to be a vessel of love no matter who you teach and
retain your respect and loyalty to your teachers who brought you up
along the way regardless of their failings. The style of yoga and what
AFRIKAN YOGA
Afrikan Yoga is a form of yoga known for its use of
rhythmic movements to the beat of drums, which aids in
heating up the body. There is an emphasis on elemental
body awareness and breath and the development of
lexibility, mobility strength, and endurance through dance
and postures. It is a fun and luid form of yoga to bring you
back to your core and reconnect you: with the source.
Find out more about Pablo Imani at pabloimani.com

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A 360º overview of...

Plough Pose (Halasana)
With Dr Kiki Morriss

Plough is traditionally practiced towards the end of a yoga session, as it calms the
mind and serves as a prelude to deep relaxation and meditation.

T
he classic posture, with the feet touching the ground
and the knees extended, is an intermediate pose that
requires good spinal and hip lexibility. If you are not
able to bring your feet all the way down, you can still
practice with the support of a chair or the wall.
It is important to protect your neck from hyperlexion and
compression, by taking most of the weight of your body on your
shoulders and arms. Using a blanket, as explained below, will help to
keep your neck safe.
SET UP THE POSE
l Start in Shoulderstand.
l Breathe out and slowly lower your legs over your head.
Keep your legs straight and rest the tips of your toes on the
ground.
l Avoid collapsing your torso and allowing your body weight
to pull you into the pose. Use your hip lexors, particularly
your psoas muscles, to gradually bend your hips rather than
letting gravity do all the work.

he beneits of this pose:

l Increases the lexibility of your hips and spine
l Stretches your shoulders, back and legs
l Develops conidence
l Relieves anxiety and tension
l Prepares the mind for relaxation and meditation
l Increases activation of the parasympathetic nervous system

Contraindications:
l Avoid Plough if you have a neck or back injury, have high blood
pressure or if you are menstruating.
l Take care practicing Plough during pregnancy. Consult an
experienced prenatal yoga teacher for advice, particularly if
you are new to yoga.

Variations:
Here are some variations of Plough pose:

l Supported Half Plough. Place two or three blankets on a chair. Start

in Shoulderstand. Breathe out and lower your legs onto the chair.
Allow the chair to support the tops of your thighs. Rest your arms
on either side of your head. Alternatively you can bring your feet
onto a wall for support.
l Revolving Plough. Start in Plough. Slowly walk your feet to the
right and press your left elbow irmly on your mat. Keep your legs
straight and your feet together. Bend your knees and lower them
to the ground on the right side of your head. Straighten your legs,
return to Plough and repeat on the other side.
l One-Legged Shoulderstand. Start in Shoulderstand. Breathe out
and lower your right leg towards the ground behind your head.
Breathe in and raise your leg. Repeat with the left leg.
l Ear Pressure pose. Start in Plough. Breathe out, bend your legs and
lower your knees on either side of your ears. Rest the backs of your
feet on the ground and gently press your knees towards your ears
to reduce external noises and distractions. Take your arms around
the backs of your legs.
FOCUS ON YOUR LEGS
l To avoid straining your neck and back, try going down into
the pose with bent legs.
l If your feet comfortably reach the loor, keep your legs fully
extended and your feet and knees together.
l Curl your toes under and stretch your heels away from your body.
l Place the soles of your feet in a vertical position.
l Lift your thighs, shins and ankles.
l Lengthen and open the backs of your legs.
FOCUS ON YOUR ARMS
l Press your hands into your back and lean into your hands to open
your chest. Spread the weight across the palms of your hands.
l Externally rotate your shoulders to help expand your chest.
l Press the backs of your upper arms onto the ground.
l Alternatively bring your arms on either side of your head
with your palms facing up or extend your arms behind your
back, either with your palms facing down or with your hands
clasped and your arms pressing down.

36
 om body

FOCUS YOUR GAZE

l Your focal point (dristi) is
the tip of your nose. If this
is uncomfortable, gaze
softly straight ahead or
close your eyes.

PROTECT YOUR NECK

l To avoid hyperlexion and
compression of your neck,
place a blanket under your
shoulders and allow your head
to hang comfortably over
the edge. Remember that the
higher the support, the more
unstable the pose, so practice
with care and attention.
l Pressing your hands into your
back will protect your neck
further, by taking the centre
of gravity away from your
cervical spine.
l Keep your head and neck still
to avoid injury.
l If your neck is uncomfortable,
move gently out of the pose
and rest. Always respect your
body’s limits.
l Bringing weight onto your
lower back and keeping
your mid back close to the
ground will demand less neck
lexion than when your back
is perpendicular to the loor
or when you step your feet
maximally overhead.
FOCUS ON HIP AND
SPINAL FLEXIBILITY
l There are three variations of
the classic Plough pose that
you can try, each requiring
diferent degrees of spinal
and hip lexibility. These are
demonstrated in a video on our
app this month.
l Hold your back perpendicular
to the loor with your hips
moderately lexed. This is the
most common variation and is
illustrated here.
l Place more weight on your upper
back and less on your shoulders,
to limit the lexion of your neck.
Your hips are lexed maximally
and your mid back is close to
the loor. The greater your hip
lexibility, the closer your thighs
will come to your face and chest.
l Walk your feet maximally
overhead so your hips are
minimally lexed and your back is
lexed in order to bring your feet
to the loor. Rest the tops of your
feet on the ground.

Our digital app version
includes a video tutorial and
extra content not included in
this print version. Get it today
Doctor Kiki Morriss is a medical doctor, yoga
teacher, yoga therapist and founder of
Primrose Hill Yoga, where she teaches adults,
children and families. Visit: primrosehillyoga.com
or instagram.com/kikimorriss

app is
available on... ommagazine.com

37
 om body

38
 om body

Just when you thought you’d nailed a handstand,

along comes professional handbalancer Sammy Dinneen.
Here, he shares some tips for mastering a handstand as a circus artist*

M
any of you may be
wondering what it means
to be a professional
handbalancer. Or even
what is a handbalancer? A
handbalancer is a circus artist who performs
incredible feats on their hands, sometimes
performing for long periods, contorting
the body into many diferent positions.
Handbalancers aim to stand on one hand
and move gracefully as if standing on
one foot.
A lot of people come to me to learn how
to do a handstand and begin saying that
their core isn’t strong enough. But it’s not
all about your core. You need to be able
to engage and control your core but doing
sit ups won’t help achieve the necessary
balance. If you’re standing on your feet,
how much are you using your core to help
you balance? Not a lot. Maybe you need to
strengthen the muscles in your feet, your
glutes, or just practice, to get used to how
the foot needs to move to balance. This is
the same in a handstand, but we balance
with our hands.
Magic hands
The hand is crucial as it gathers
proprioceptive feedback from the loor. When
I do a handstand you will see my wrist, ingers
and forearms working to make extremely fast
corrections for tiny adjustments.
Your ingers (like your toes) can grip the
loor if you are falling; you can use your
wrist (like your ankle), and if your wrist and
ingers can’t help you use your shoulder (like
you would your hips if standing). Stand on
one foot and close your eyes; feel how your
toes, ankles and hips help you balance. Feel
how you engage your core just enough to
help but don’t contract it as hard as you can
or you become a solid inanimate object.
In circus, it’s important to strengthen the
ingers, wrists and forearms. A good place to
start is on your hands and knees; make sure
your shoulders are on top of your hands
and your pelvis is tucked under. From here,
keeping your shoulders in the same place,
push your knuckles and ingers through so
you are on top of your ingertips. This is very
similar to a ballerina working on their calf
raises and lifting to point. This will begin to
strengthen those muscles and joints that are
required for balance.
Intrinsic muscles
The intrinsic muscles in your hands are
responsible for providing stability and
support for your handstand. These muscles
respond to load, force and stimulation. If
there isn’t any force or load, then they stop
working. They need constant use, which is
why it’s better to train handstands little and
often rather than once a week.
Each ingertip has more than 3,000

* For advanced practitioners only

39
 om body

nerve receptors many of which respond to

pressure. These are constantly signalling the
brain telling it what to do, how to balance. It
should be an in-built mechanism for us but,
like learning to walk and stand as a child,
you had to try repeatedly until it became
second nature. Following this, one day,
balancing on your hands will feel as natural
as balancing on your feet.

Changing position
A circus handbalancer wants to change
position in the easiest way, with the least
amount of movement, obtaining longevity.
We try to achieve the straightest line that
we can. Most circus artists begin training at
a young age when it’s easier to mould and
manipulate their bodies. As an adult, your
body can change a lot but we can’t always
change everything. This means everyone’s
straight line will be diferent. To achieve
this, you have your pelvis tucked under
(posterior pelvic tilt) and your ribs down/
in. If you were lying on the loor on your
back, your lower back would be touching
the loor and your ribcage would be pulled
down. For some people this may be diicult
and takes time. When we pull the ribs down,
the common fault is for the shoulders to
close so, while lying down, place your hands

“he hand is crucial as

it gathers proprioceptive
feedback from the loor.”
over your head, try to touch the loor with
straight arms, pull the ribcage down and
simultaneously keep your arms pressed
to the loor. If this is diicult then your
shoulders and thoracic are tight.
Flexibility and mobility are very important.
If you can’t lift your arms overhead while
keeping your ribcage down, you are going to
struggle to achieve the shape which is the
most eicient and healthiest.
Fundamentally, to balance on your hands,
the key thing to remember is that your hips
(centre of mass) need to be on top of your
hands (base of support). Handstand training
should be invigorating and energising so
remember to have fun, play and ind what
works for your body.

Sammy Dinneen teaches handstands in

London and has performed all over the
world with the likes of Les 7 doigts de la
main and appeared in shows including
Batman Live - World Arena Tour and Pippin
the Musical – US Tour. Find out more about
this amazing man at: sammydinneen.com

40
 om body

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41
 om body
Ready for
take off
Stansted Airport stands still for yoga
P
assengers and staf at Stansted
Airport in Essex were greeted to
some pre-light yoga recently,
courtesy of London studio FRAME.
A mini studio space, complete
with yoga mats, was set up right beneath the
busy departures board. To coincide with our
travel report in this issue (starting on page
56) and to get you in the mood for summer,
we’ve got some expert yoga itness tips for
when you’re embarking on your holidays
this year from Joan Murphy, co-founder of
FRAME (moveyourframe.com).
“We all know how important movement is
to keep the body and mind healthy; it’s even
more important to make sure we are doing this
when we are lying. Our bodies are under more
pressure and blood low can be restricted if we
are stuck in the one position for too long. Your
blood absorbs less oxygen due to air pressure
in the cabin which can cause headaches,
sleepiness and can play havoc with our
emotions leaving us feeling anxious.”
She says there are some simple yet really
efective things you can do pre, during and
post light to minimise the nasty side efects
of lying and help you get to your inal
destination feeling less stressed.
42
Terminal Laps: once you’ve checked in
your bags, try to walk around as much as
possible to keep the blood lowing through
the body, taking the stairs where possible.
If you are keen to go straight to the bar, try
standing while you drink instead of sitting.
Stretching: stretching before a light will
improve in-light circulation and reduce the
risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). There
are lots of ways to stretch but, let’s be
honest, most of us will be too embarrassed
to drop into downward dog in front of
hundreds of fellow travellers – and that’s
totally ine. Here are some other more
subtle and efective ways to stretch.
Seated Hip Openers
1. Take a seat, place your feet lat on the
ground in front of you, hip width apart.
2. Make sure you are sitting up straight with
your shoulders down and away from your ears.
3. Lift your right leg and place your right ankle
on your left knee with your right foot lexed.
4. Keeping your back straight hinge from the
hips, bring your chest slowly towards your lap.
5. Hold and feel the hip releasing, stay here
for 5 long breaths.
6. Repeat all on the left leg. Feel free to do
a couple of sets of this and if you’re lucky
enough to have extra leg room you can do it
in-light also.
Seated Twist
1. Take a seat, place your feet lat on the
ground in front of you, hip width apart.
2. Keeping your chest proud and your
shoulders away from your ears start to twist
to the right and bring your gaze over your
right shoulder.
3. Take your left hand and hold on to the
side of your right thigh, use it to leverage
you deeper into the twist.
4. Make sure to keep both hips looking
forward and your glutes planted into the seat.

5. Take 5 deep breaths here and release.
6. Repeat on both sides and feel free to do
more than one set.
7. This move is great for cleansing and
rinsing out your organs, which can get
clogged when you’re sitting for hours.
Seated Savasana
This is a simple but very beneicial pose
especially if you’re feeling stressed or fatigued.
It gives you a moment to breathe, get back
into the body and go with the travel low.
1. Sit comfortably in a chair (as comfortable
as possible at an airport or on a plane!)
2. Close your eyes and let go of all muscle
tension in the body.
3. Keeping your eyes closed: notice the
sensations in the body and let them pass
yogawarrior.co.uk
om body
without judgement.
4. Stay here for as long as you can
(minimum 3 minutes) and take deep breaths
in and out of the body.
5. Start to bring awareness back into the
body and open your eyes slowly.
Stay hydrated! This might seem like a very
obvious one but unfortunately lots of people
are not getting enough luids when travelling.
We spend time in a climate controlled
environment where the relative humidity
can be as low as 10-15%. To put this in
perspective this is three times dryer than the
Sahara Desert. If you know that you sufer
from anxiety try to steer away from cafeine
and alcohol as this will make the problem a
lot worse!
New video platform
launching at
Om Yoga Show,
Manchester, Stand V2a
l Forrest Yoga
l Hatha Yoga
l Aerial Yoga
l Relaxation
l Meditation & International
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3 day free trial, £11.99 per month
yogawarrior.online @yogawarrioruk
43
 om body
Hidden prayer
Reverse prayer pose in the ‘windy city’ of Coney Island
C
hicago may be better known as America’s Windy
City, but this photo was taken on Coney Island,
New York. It shows photographer, Francesca Magnani
(francescamagnani.com) – who has supplied many
yoga images for OM through the years – on a
blustery day on the Atlantic coast making a rare appearance in
front of the camera.
The photograph was taken by her friend, Alberto Garavello
(albertogaravello.it), and shows Magnani in reverse prayer pose
(pashchimanamaskarasana) with the big city in the background. She
says when the temperature drops and the wind is blowing, the light in
New York City can be magniicent, ideal for some great photography.
44
Photo: Alberto Garavello (albertogaravello.it)
“We stopped on the pier, in front of the parachute jump,” she says,
“and a white cloud created a Magritte-like efect. It was only natural
then to give my camera to Alberto and let him work his magic. He
was visiting Brooklyn for the irst time, so for once I allowed myself
to be in front of the lens.”
Magnani herself has lived in the Big Apple for more than two
decades and is a dedicated student of yoga, as well as the visual
arts. This month (April 11) she celebrates her birthday too.
And reverse prayer is a special pose for her, one that opens
the abdomen allowing for deeper breath, stretching the pectoral
muscles, shoulder joints and deltoids. “This asana is deeply
symbolic,” she adds, “a bit like a hidden prayer.”
 Reverse the
CYCLE
Eco-friendly and good for your body, menstrual cups are the
ideal choice for today’s wellness warrior.

T
he recent news reports menstrual cups, for example, will last for
surrounding the war on 10 years, saving you trips down the
plastic is changing the sanitary aisle at the supermarket.
way we consume The medical grade silicone is free
and dispose of from chemical substances and
products. Images shown on keeps your body’s pH in perfect
wildlife programs have also harmony. This is at odds
highlighted the devastating with traditional menstrual
efects plastic is having on products, the absorbency of
sea life. tampons, for example, can
upset the natural balance of
Plastic the vagina, which can lead
to discomfort, itching, rashes
Consumption and infections. Tampons can
Every year, more than 45bn also leave microscopic fibres
feminine hygiene products in the vaginal tissue, causing
are disposed of globally tiny cuts and creating a breeding
and in just one day, Ocean ground for the bacteria that can
Conservancy volunteers collected cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
nearly 30,000 used tampons and Not only this, but many tampons,
applicators on the world’s beaches pads and liners are bleached white
(International Coastal Cleanup, 2013). by manufacturers, a process that creates
This is especially worrying as this waste is a chemical called dioxin, which is a known
now finding its way into the food chain as marine life carcinogen and been linked to health problems, such as
are being found containing plastic bags, tampons, pads and immune system suppression, and reproductive issues.
panty-liners. In recent years, menstrual cups have revolutionised
the way women use sanitary products and are not only good
for your body, but also the planet. If you’ve not already heard Parent power
of them, they’re essentially bell-shaped cups that are inserted Each year, up to 300,000 young women start menstruation and
internally in the vaginal canal and collect, rather than absorb, this is a perfect opportunity for parents to ofer their daughters
menstrual flow. If you’ve never used a menstrual cup before, an alternative to conventional sanitary protection.
the Enna Cycle is ideal; it comes in a twin pack, complete with a
storage device, which allows you to sterilise the cup and store it Enna Cycle packs are sold at health food stores across the UK.
hygienically, and it is also available with an applicator to make
insertion easier.

Sea change
Enna Cycle can totally remove the need to dump used sanitary
products in landfill sites as they are reusable – all you need to do
is simply wash them with warm soapy water and they’re ready to
use again. For this reason, they’re also cost efective; Enna Cycle

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45
 om body
Feeling fine online
Nothing beats attending a real live class, but online yoga can be a great
addition to your practice too, writes Meg Jackson
I
have some bad news for you. Every
time you have a mobile phone or
similar technological wonder clasped
in your hand, every excuse you’ve ever
had about why you can’t do your yoga
practice today evaporates into the ether.
Favourite leggings in the wash? Poof, there
it goes!
Can’t go out and leave the cat
unattended? Poof, that’s another one gone!
Worried that you’ll snore in front of
strangers during savasana? Poof, another
one bites the dust!
There are more opportunities to ind
genuinely good guided practices online than
46
there ever have been. World-class teachers
are sharing materials (some free; some paid
for) that you’d normally have to travel across
continents to hear in person. Experts from
all yogic walks of life are now available to
you whether you’re on the train, in the bath,
walking the dog, or rolling around on your
living room loor.
And I have chosen my words carefully
here, dear reader. I’ve purposely called it
a ‘guided practice’ because, in all honesty,
it’s not a class. In a class you have the
immediate guidance and attention of a
teacher, the energy of your fellow yogis, and
opportunities to ask questions to develop
your learning and development.
However good Bendy Wendy is on your
laptop screen, she can’t tell you if your
downward dog is looking more like a wonky
donkey, or if you could be inding a whole
new stretch for mind, body and spirit by
moving your right little inger one more inch
to the right in cobbler’s pose.
So, of course, there are advantages and
disadvantages in iring up your laptop to get
your daily dose of asana or mindfulness,
compared to trekking across town to your
favourite studio. But, the next opportunity
you have to binge on a boxset, consider
searching instead for something that will

take you of the sofa, onto a sticky mat, and
into an altogether more satisfying space.
here’s a yoga bufet, and you can
eat all you want!
If you have the joy of living in a big city,
chances are the cost of your average yoga
class makes quite a dent in your wallet. Even
if you’re somewhere less frenetic, forking out
for a weekly session at your favourite studio
probably isn’t cheap. So if you’re planning on
trying something new, you want to make sure
that you’re going to like it.
As it gets easier for folks to post content
online, so the opportunities to take your pick
of yogic delights grows. Put almost any type
of yoga into your favourite search engine
and you’ll probably ind a video about it.
And even if you don’t feel like jumping in
at the deep end and giving it a go, at least
you can get a feel of the pace, themes, and
approach that a ‘Hot Slow Hamstring Hell’
teacher takes.
heory or practice: You’ll
ind plenty of both.
If you’ve been going to an asana class
regularly for a while, there usually comes
a point when you can’t help but feel a
bit curious about where all this bending
and breathing stuf came from. How has
it evolved? When did it start? Why does
it make you feel awesome, even if you’re
not sure you’re ever going to touch
your toes? (And weirdly, why are you
becoming less bothered about the fact
that you can’t?)
With the best will in the world, signing up
for a series of lectures on yoga philosophy
and theory may not sound like the most
fun thing to do. When you consider buying
a book to start your studies, the deluge of
suggested titles can be totally overwhelming.
Online, you’ll ind some fascinating short
(and long) talks, documentaries, ilms,
interviews and presentations about (literally)
all aspects of yoga philosophy, tradition
and theory. And you can watch them whilst
having a cheeky glass of wine.
Brilliant, right?
For when your mind needs more.
We all know (or at least our teacher keeps
annoyingly reminding us) that yoga is
about way more than getting your body
bendy. Through the time we spend on our
mat, we’re trying to work out the ways that
we can get our body and mind to work
together, and in doing so remove all the
layers we’ve got in place which stop us fully
experiencing the wonder it is to be living
this life, here and now.
It is highly debatable whether or not the
fact you can get your leg around the back of
your head (or into any other odd position,
for that matter) makes you any closer to
enlightenment. But what isn’t debatable is
that we need to be working with the stuf in
our heads as well as the stuf on our bones.
Surprise surprise, there are some
totally excellent ways of beginning (or
developing) your journey into mindfulness
and meditation online. As well as plenty of
scientiic talks, presentations and articles
about why we should all be doing this stuf,
there are great practical ways of getting
into it – whether it’s an app on your phone
that helps you mindfully drift of to sleep,
or one that helps you make a meditative
walk to the oice every day – there are
plenty to explore.
Get some quality time for
you and your yoga.
Whilst sharing your yoga practice in a room
full of your fellow students, all breathing
and moving in synergy, can be brilliantly
energising, sometimes it’s good to get a little
more intimate. No – not like that. I mean with
your yoga. No – not like that either.
Following a guided practice online, in a
cosy environment when it’s just you, your
breath and your body, is a very diferent
experience. There’s no one around to
compare yourself to, so maybe the inner
critic gets a little quieter. You have no
teacher to try and impress, so perhaps
the ego is able to take a seat for a while.
Without the over-stimulating multi-sensory
experience of a studio, you can really focus
on what’s important: you.
om body
No dress code, no time limit,
and no excuses!
Perhaps the biggest (and most obvious) beneit
of online yoga is that it’s online! You have
absolutely no need to leave your home, or
even get dressed if you can’t be bothered. (But
at least make sure the curtains are drawn.)
I am a irm believer that anything is
better than nothing; I always advocate to
my students that 15 minutes of breathing
and stretching every morning, with maybe
a couple of sun salutations thrown in for
good measure, is much more achievable
than inding 90 minutes every week, so take
the easy option! We get so wrapped up in a
belief that an asana practice has to be long
and hard, and if it isn’t we might as well not
bother. Rubbish! Whether you’ve got ten
minutes after the kids have gone to bed, or
60 minutes on a quiet Saturday morning,
you’ll ind a practice to it your needs online.
Learning yoga practices in person from a
skilled, experienced and generous teacher is
always the ideal. But guess what? We’re living
in a real world where ideal isn’t always going
to happen. So practice responsibly, never
do anything on your own that you wouldn’t
do with your teacher, take care of your own
body, but be brave and take a step into the
virtual yoga world. Enlightenment could be
at your ingertips! (It isn’t – just before you
get excited. But longer hamstrings might
be….)
Guess what? You can join Meg on her 28
day online course ‘Zero to Yoga Hero’ which
starts later this month. Visit reallifeyoga.
net/zero-to-yoga-hero to sign up and ind
out more.
47
 om body
The Body Positivi+y Blog
Access all areas
he Accessible Yoga Foundation and its pioneering work with disabled yoga students.
By Jane Lambert
T
he challenge for diversity,
across all industries, has
become a deining theme of
recent times. While some may
consider it to be a millennial
bugbear, the push to see a diverse range of
faces, bodies, and viewpoints represented
more widely can only be a good thing. The
world of yoga is no diferent. Though the
traditions of the practice can be found in
48
India, a very speciic image of a slim, white,
able-bodied woman has become prevalent,
in the Western world at least, across both
traditional media and the social networks
with which we are obsessed.
With barely a month going by without the
media proclaiming another health beneit
of yoga, it’s not surprising that people with
all diferent body types want to reap those
beneits. But is it an accessible practice
for all…especially when you look at who is
representing the practice online or in the
media – and don’t see yourself there? For
many with physical disabilities, yoga is a
great way to relieve pain, or to connect with
the body. Nichola Selby-Allen is the co-
founder of the Accessible Yoga Foundation,
along with her friend, Caelia Butcher. As
a child, she was drawn to anything that
involved moving her body. “I danced, I sang
and as I got older and the call of the theatre
died down, my love for yoga was found,” she
tells OM. “No one I knew really partook, and
it was very much an exercise-related concept
back then in my part of the UK. But I loved it
and couldn’t wait to see how far I could take
my body.”
As she got older, she found herself living
with chronic illness. “As I got older, and my
health deteriorated, I found it extremely hard
to ind any yoga teachers, DVDs, or books
that I could use to help me continue on my
personal journey with yoga in a physically
and mentally manageable way. As such, for
many years, yoga became a distant memory
that was always there in the back of mind as
something else I longed to be able to do. As
more time elapsed it became more apparent
to me that increasing my knowledge was the
only way that I could ind what I was looking
for. So I read and read and read. Any yoga-
related book I could ind from the library,
or online shops. Anything to help me see a
way to continue with as many yoga-related
disciplines as I could, especially asana for
disabled bodies. It wasn’t until a decade
later, and when I met Caelia, that I felt I
had the conidence and knowledge levels
I needed to be able to truly announce and
accept that I had an asana practice suitable
for any bodied student as well as myself.”
As a teacher working with a disability,
Nichola Selby-Allen has faced unfairness.
“At times, I have unfortunately experienced
terrible discrimination for being disabled, let
along a yoga teacher. My teacher training
nearly broke me, both physically and mentally
due to the unfortunate discrimination I
experienced from one of my teachers.
One even failed my main assessment as
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49
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 OMFM
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Inside:
Page 51: Man On he Mat
Page 52: Men Who Stretch

50
 OCTAVIO SALVADO IS THE
Maha Mudra
(The Supreme Gesture)
Beneits
Maha Mudra takes us right to the heart of Hatha Yoga, requiring
unlinching physical stability and a capacity to surrender into
witness-consciousness while cultivating a potent and transformative
heat within. According to Krishnamacharya, the ultimate
achievement for a yogi is to hold Maha Mudra for 32 minutes on
each side.
Common Mistakes
n Bending the elbows and rounding the spine.
n Fidgeting.
Photo Credit: Emma Salvado
n Underestimating its potency.
n Overestimating our own capacity to manage intensity.
Tips
n Slowly build the length of time holding the pose. Be humble.
n Use Sama Vritti breathing (balanced inhale and exhale).
n Add breath retentions to increase the arc of challenge.
n Add the three major bandhas (Jalandhara, Uddiyana and Mula)
to move towards mastery of the pose.
MAN ON THE MAT
Awareness
n Focus on Muladhara Chakra and apply Mulabandha throughout
the practice to activate the dormant energy at the base of the
spine (Kundalini).
n Focus on Manipura Chakra and apply Uddiyana Bandha on
exhale retensions to build will power and self-reliance.
n Use upper chest breathing and inhale retentions to mobilise
prana around the heart to prepare for heart-based meditations.
n Focus between the eyebrows and remember the mantra OM to
build concentration power and single-pointedness of mind.
Octavio Salvado is the co-founder and owner of The Practice,
a Hatha Yoga school in Bali dedicated to keeping tradition
alive, where he runs ongoing trainings, workshops and retreats
(thepracticebali.com)
51
 FM

Men who
stretch
Kyle Maclachlan turned his life around
through yoga and found new purpose.
Now he’s inspired to help others do the
same. By Katy Joy Whitelaw

I
t is zero degrees and the air feels bitterly cold.
Kyle Maclachlan stands in warrior one yoga pose on the
top of the hills above the historic city of Stirling and the River
Forth, nestled in the heart of Scotland.
Whilst in pose for the photo shoot for this article some male
walkers shout jibes and abuse at him making reference to the YMCA.
In his former life, the 31-year-old would have responded angrily
to these young men’s taunts, however today he ignores them and
remains as strong as the hills he stands upon.
“They were trying to wind me up. I didn’t let it get to me,” he
explains. “In my wilder days I probably would have got angry or have
been the one shouting the abuse! Now I look at these people and
just want to help them.”
Kyle Maclachlan of Shambhala Yoga Scotland is well placed to
know the needs of these young people and what is required to
change their mind-sets. He has lived a life of contrast.
He is using his own life experiences and challenges to attempt to
turn a Scottish cultural tide in a passionate drive to encourage more
people – especially young men – to take up yoga, and challenge
attitudes about masculinity.

Changing attitudes
In Scotland, yoga is generally still viewed by many men as a ‘soft’
female-only exercise which they would not consider a ‘workout’. Visit
classes across the country and you will usually only ind one or two
men (usually aged over 40) to be found peppered in among classes
predominantly illed with women, taught by women.
To counter this, Kyle has set up a men-only ‘Men Who Stretch’
class in his newly opened studio in Stirling, to help change male
attitudes to yoga.
He adds: “We live in a masculine culture where ‘boys don’t cry’ but
it is really destructive. Guys beneit hugely from yoga. When they
come to my classes they usually return time and time again because
they realise the beneits. I think they also appreciate my openness

52
 Images courtesy of Karina Piaro/The NIles New Wave
FM

53
 FM
and honesty about my background and life experiences.
“I want to inspire young people and mentor them to use yoga as
a tool to help them in wider life. I understand how they feel - I made
bad choices in life when I was young and had those feelings of chaos
and anxiety. I want to help ease those feelings inside their minds.
“My Men Who Stretch class is about bringing men together in an
environment where they can experience the transformational itness
and health beneits of yoga and show them the calming efects of
‘long breath, long life’.”
Covered in tattoos, Maclachlan, by his own admission, does not
look or sound like a stereotypical yoga instructor. He has turned his
life around thanks to the power of yoga and is a positive role model
for any young person who has experienced a troubled life.
Bullying from older children throughout his youth left teenage
Kyle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anger and a lack
of conidence. He began hanging around with an older crowd and
started using recreational drugs and alcohol as a way to escape his
thoughts and feelings.
He explains: “I was badly bullied and just wanted to be liked and
by doing this I thought I was. I skipped school and stayed out all
weekend partying. It felt normal, but I was still young. I didn’t have a
great relationship with my family at that time and I looked up to the
guys I hung around with.”
Life changing
Maclachlan left home aged 20 and became interested in health and
itness, doing boxing, the self-defence practice Krav Maga and going
to the gym regularly.
He adds: “The training made me feel I could protect myself. I felt
good and was in great shape, but they were both very tough and
aggressive environments that put a heavy stress on my body. I saw a
yoga class advert and went along hoping it would calm my anger.”
With his life in need of focus, Maclachlan and his new partner
decided to go travelling.
In Africa, he saw how happy people were despite living
in basic conditions without material belongings. For the irst
time, he realised “there was so much more to life – that
54
money isn’t everything. I felt humbled.”
The couple then travelled to Nepal where Maclachlan underwent a
yogi cleanse.
He adds: “I didn’t realise what was going to happen. After
treatment was inished, I looked at the mountains and lake and
meditated and began having visions about yoga and teaching. My
life now, I visualised in Nepal. It was an incredible experience.”
The couple went to Purna Yoga Retreat where Maclachlan received
daily yoga sessions with teacher Kushvendra Singh. He began to
understand the passion and spiritual awareness the yoga teachers
around him had, which up to that point he had believed to just be
about the physical.
A year later he returned to Pokhara in Nepal for a month, where
Kushvendra introduced him to Yogacharya Anil Kumar from Rishikesh
– widely regarded as the birthplace of yoga in India.
He adds: “Anil shared his knowledge of yoga with me, we practiced
almost every day. I learned a huge amount from him. Kush and Anil
have had a massive impact on my life.”
He later continued his journey to Swami Sivananda Yoga Ashram
in Kerala, south India, where he did his intermediate yoga course,
which he found a “shock to the system”.
“I had come from a material lifestyle with designer clothing and
top cars. Here I was sharing a dorm with 50 other guys – no air
conditioning, no windows, in the jungle, sitting on the loor eating
with my hands from a banana leaf or Thali tray. It was really out
of my comfort zone. Sufocating heat, bugs and insects crawling
everywhere. I didn’t think I could do it.
“I had to clean the bathrooms as part of karma yoga. I didn’t enjoy it
at irst and then I met an inspirational guy called Dom Ananda, he told
me to turn the chore into something beautiful – to change my mind-set.
When I started to think about it less negatively it became easier.”
By the third day, he had acclimatised and was on a strict yogi
diet, rising at 5am for yoga practice. He started to feel the positive
efects. “I began to discover what yoga really is and the beneits
from it. I felt like I was loating, like I was as light as a feather.”
He then travelled to the Himalayan Iyengar Yoga, where he took
part in further training and a transformational breathing workshop
where he experienced “incredible clarity”.
Maclachlan then travelled to Rishikesh next to the river
Ganges, where he carried out his 200 hour yoga teacher training
and philosophy.
Coming home
After seven weeks in Rishikesh he travelled to Dharamshala,
surrounded by the Himalayas, where he had an “inspirational”
chance to sit in the presence of the Dalai Lama. He returned to
Scotland a changed man with a clear vision.
In 2018, he established Shambhala Yoga Scotland with his life
partner, also a qualiied yoga instructor, and they opened their own
dedicated studio in Stirling city centre in February 2019.
“Yoga has changed me massively. I am on the happiest but
loneliest path I have ever been on and now have purpose. Before, I
was constantly looking for things from the external world to make
me happy, now I know true happiness comes from within.
“One guy in my class said he wants to bring his football team back
to try yoga as he loved it so much. Another tried my classes and
now plans to go to Nepal to train as an instructor. It feels good to
know I have inspired someone and they want to go on and inspire
others – to be part of that ripple efect.”
Shambhala Yoga Scotland Studio opened in February 2019. For
information and classes, visit: facebook.com/Shambhalayoga13
 LONDON 2019
July 11th Kirtan Concert | July 13th Kirtan Workshop

JAI UTTAL, Grammy Nominee, Kirtan artist, and world music

THE KIRTAN LOVE pioneer has been a leading influencer in the Bhakti tradition for the

EXPERIENCE TOUR past 50 years. Jai considers devotion to be the core of his musical
and spiritual life, and he shares his passionate heart through his voice
and songs. He creates a safe environment for people to open their
hearts and voices.

Join us in either of these wonderful events and experience

the invocation, prayer, and heartfelt expression of Jai Uttal.

Kirtan Concert Bhakti Workshop

Thursday 11 July, 19:30 Saturday 13 July, 14:00
£40 early bird, £48 full price £50 early bird, £55 full price
“ Kirtan is the calling, the crying, At Cecil Sharp House At the Life Centre Islington

the reaching across infinite space-

digging into the heart's deepest
well to touch and be touched
by the Divine...
” The Life Centre
JAIUTTAL.COM yogacampus.com | 0207 042 9900 | info@yogacampus.com

JOIN US - CHANGE LIVES!

TeenYoga Online - 100 hrs - 10 week course - May 1st 2019
- Regular, live contact with tutors including webinars with TeenYoga pioneer Charlotta Martinus.
- With new material written by experts in the ield of Medicine, Education and Psychology including
a lecture with Dr Dan Siegel, author of Brainstorm.
- Immediate certiication to teach yoga to teens.
Early Bird £510 - until 31st March - then £590.

“ I feel inspired in my mind,

grateful in my heart and
encouraged in my guts.”
Helen Appleby, Teaching Yoga
and Mindfulness to Young People
Nov ‘16

READ MORE AND BOOK: yogacampus.com/online/teen-yoga-online

55
56
Yogi: Melanie Maness IG: @traveling_yogigirl
Photo: Miguel Sanchez Iznaola IG: @miguelfar21
Welcome to our 2019 yoga travel guide. Showcasing
some 30 amazing retreats, across 40 pages.
This is the place to plan and book your dream yoga summer holiday.
Think gorgeous sunny days and balmy evenings relaxing in wonderful
locations at home and abroad, nourishing food, good friends and
plenty of yoga. It’s time to live your best yoga life.

57
 Jef Phenix Yoga Retreats
Italy, Greece, Goa & UK
17-24 August, 2019 (Italy); 22 – 29 September, 2019
(Greece); April & October 2019 - UK Weekends; February
2020, Goa, India
Various locations

Yoga retreats led by highly-regarded teacher Jef Phenix. Nourish

your soul and join him on one of these stunning UK yoga weekends
or inspiring international yoga retreats in gorgeous locations
around the world this year. All venues are hand-picked and each
one is special. In a warm and compassionate environment you
can explore this amazing and transformative practice and deepen
your understanding and experience of yoga. Taking time out from
your everyday life to immerse yourself in yoga and meditation,
eat delicious, healthy food, make new friends and to rest and relax
will feel so good. Gain greater peace and clarity and return home
feeling restored and energised. Jef Phenix has been inluenced by
many diferent styles of yoga so his approach and teaching style is
unique. Classes will be creative and varied, with a seriously playful
and mindful blend of moving and stillness, and a focus on skilful,
safe alignment. He ofers a variety of options so students of all
levels can explore and play with their edge and ind their own yoga.
A yoga teacher since 2002, Jef Phenix is a senior teacher at Triyoga
in London and has trained teachers for many years.

Information
International one week retreats from £640 and UK weekends from
£395 depending on venue and choice of accommodation. Yoga
styles: Dynamic Hatha Flow, Restorative, Yin and meditation. Suitable
for all levels except complete beginners. Ideal for those looking
to deepen their understanding of yoga with an experienced and
knowledgeable teacher.
Find out more at: jefphenixyoga.com

58
 RETREATS 01225 834644 www.combegrove.com

Yoga Warrior Holiday he perfect place to retreat to

Spain Combe Grove is a haven. Our estate lies hidden in woodland
5-10 October, 2019 and Somerset countryside. We overlook the rolling hills
The Hacienda Retreat, Granada, Spain of the Limpley Stoke Valley, part of the Cotswold Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty.
For the third year running, Yoga Warrior will be returning to The
Hacienda Retreat, Granada, Spain. The Yoga Warrior Holiday will Our comfortable rooms, tranquil setting and outstanding views
be jam-packed with yoga, meditation, relaxation, excursions, sun are perfect for restoring balance to mind and body.
bathing, swimming in the huge pool and walking in the ive acres of
Hacienda’s private grounds. Excellent facilities
After landing in Malaga, kick of your holiday straight away by he Garden Lodge with it’s 31 bedrooms
stopping of for lunch in Montefrio before heading to the Hacienda incorporates he Oak Room, our
Retreat. Expect Hatha Yoga, Forrest Yoga, Restorative Yoga and purpose-built yoga hall - 18m x 8m
Meditation. Suitable for beginners and experienced yogis.
with a warming log burner and heated
No two days will be the same on the holiday but here’s a guide of
looring made from locally sourced oak,
what to expect:
cosy and comfortable all year round.
1. Start your day with an awakening yoga and meditation practice
2. A nourishing, freshly prepared vegetarian brunch made from
Together with treatment rooms and
locally-sourced ingredients our team of fully qualiied therapists
3. Sunbathing followed by a yoga class or workshop with treatments including indian head
4. Freshly made cake massage, relexology, and hot stone
5. Chill time massage. hese can either be booked
6. A nourishing, freshly-prepared vegetarian dinner made from before you arrive or during your stay.
locally-sourced ingredients with the option of adding a bottle of wine Guests also have use of our indoor
or beer and outdoor pools, sauna, and fully-
7. Restorative evening yoga equipped gym.
One day of your trip will also include a visit to the palaces and
Alhambras in Granada. Now that’s a menu for amazingness! Good food
Using produce from the wonderful
variety of food producers in Somerset.
Information All dietary needs can be catered for
Prices start at £820 to £1100
with menus speciically created for your
Single en-suite room £1100; Twin en-suite room £980; Single room
event by our kitchen team.
with shared bathroom £890; Shared room with shared bathroom
£840; Triple room with shared bathroom £820. 20% non-refundable We look forward to welcoming you to
deposit required to book your place. Includes: accommodation, food Combe Grove and hosting your retreat.
at Hacienda, yoga classes, transfer to Granada for day trip and
airport transfers if arrive at speciied time. Excludes lights, alcohol
COMBE GROVE, Brassknocker Hill, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HU
or lunch at Montefrio or Granada. Email: isabel.scottevans@combegrove.com
Find out more at: yogawarrior.co.uk

59
 Yoga Rocks
Greece
May & June 2019; September & October 2019
Agios Pavlos on the south coast of Crete

Crete’s spectacularly rugged, unspoilt south coast is the perfect

location for Yoga Rocks 2019 retreats - happily nestled in a bay
overlowing with the raw energy of nature. Only footsteps away,
the seemingly everlasting, pristine ocean meets rocky clifs, hidden
coves and picture postcard beaches. World renowned, experienced
teachers take guests on a one week yoga journey to delve within
or simply lift the spirits. We have active styles from Mysore and led
Ashtanga, to gentle Hatha and so much in between. Pranayama,
meditation and chanting play their part on many retreats. It’s a light-
hearted and funky retreat, yet sincere without ever being austere.
The highly committed and fun team provide a supportive, non-
judgemental atmosphere, allowing your holiday to evolve perfectly,
the way things do when every detail is covered. Kick back and enjoy
total relaxation in a hammock overlooking the bay or go explore
and snorkel. Crystal waters and the nearest beautiful beach are just
two minutes’ walk away. Beach time is anytime – unplanned and
spontaneous. The internationally recognised retreat cuisine based
on local, seasonal ingredients is one of the undoubted highlights
of any stay. Enliven your taste buds while illing yourself with
delicious, healthy and well-balanced nutrition. When you combine
the incredible food with the fresh sea air, the fantastic yoga and
the genuine, welcoming, friendly atmosphere you uncover new
perspectives. Feel the diference good living makes to you physically
and emotionally. Give it a try and be amazed at the results.

Information
Cost: £715 for shared room; £175 single room supplement
Various retreats include Ashtanga yoga, both Mysore and led,
Vinyasa low, Prana low, Hatha yoga, pranayama and meditation.
Retreats are for beginners through to advanced practitioners
and teachers.
For further details visit: yogaholidaysgreece.com

60
All inclusive mountain retreat in the heart of Transylvania national
Park with nutritionally balanced organic vegan food, spa, yoga for
beginners & abundance of unspoiled nature.

"20 best yoga holidays

worldwide" The Guardian

From €698 all inclusive per

person for 5 nights.

20% OFF on www.akasharetreat.com. Quote "OMYOGA" for an extra €50 off your stay.
Direct daily flights from the UK to Bucharest, Romania. Insta @akasharetreats

61
 Fierce Grace Yoga Rebels Retreat with Michele Pernetta
Italy
9-16 July and 18-25 July, 2019
La Chimera, Tuscany, Italy

A Fierce Grace yoga retreat is not about retreating, it is about

expanding. Not using your valuable time of for more discipline and
early starts, but less. Not about eating joyless food or abstaining. It
is about embracing life, letting go, softening your city edges.
Uncover the real you, the cheeky, vibrant you that got hidden by
your responsibilities and obligations. Cocktails or Chamomile. No
limits. No kaftans. No tofu. No judgement. Intensity meets softness.
Expansive yoga that will kick those calories of your asana. Get wild
in nature. Fierce Grace yoga rebels dance to a diferent tune. Yes,
not no. Nature, yoga, water, wine. Uncover your sparkle. Return
expanded, having not had to retreat on your retreat. Return with
more space in your body mind and soul.
The FG Italy retreat takes place in a stunning valley at La Chimera
in Tuscany, a 600-year-old village fortress, lovingly restored.
Relax by the pool and enjoy the breath-taking views from one of
the terraces. Stay in beautiful bedrooms with antiques and enjoy
yoga on the outside wooden shala or evening meditations on the
ininity deck looking out across the valley. Spend evenings in the
bustling markets, at movie nights in the home cinema or out at
local restaurants. Enjoy incredible food made from the freshest local
ingredients, local wine, cheeses, trules and outing to see the local
walled towns and shops.

Information
£1,095 (based on 2 sharing) or £975 (2 sharing without ensuite);
£315 supplement for private room
For further details visit: iercegrace.com/retreats

62
Revitalise Detox Yoga & Pilates Retreat
England
26-28 April; 7-9 June; 26-28 July; 4-6 October; 15-17
November, 2019
Brooklands Barn, Arundel, West Sussex, UK

Our retreats have been established for 15 years and are held at
the beautiful luxury venue Brooklands Barn in stunning Arundel.
Throughout the weekend there are six classes to choose from
including Hatha Yoga Flow and Pilates Matwork. Classes are open to
all levels including beginners. In-between classes you can enjoy our
heated pool and sauna plus every guest receives a complimentary
massage from one our expert massage therapists. All guests are
catered for and you will be ofered breakfast, lunch and dinner
plus fresh detox juices, all of which are vegetarian/vegan and are
homemade on site by @good_life_catering. Feel free to call us on
07983 508018 for more information or follow us @sallyparkesyoga

Information
Cost: from £397pp
For further details visit: sallyparkesyoga.com

63
 Akasha Wellness Retreat
Romania
Dates: all-year round

Located in a secluded place in the heart of Transylvania, Romania, a

mere 15 minutes away from Dracula’s Castle. But don’t worry, you’ll
be in experienced hands here – Akasha Retreats have hosted over
90 retreats, in Transylvania and Goa, India, headed by more than 30
facilitators. And people from all over the world travel for the retreats
and yoga teacher training courses. The company’s main purpose
is to connect guests with nature, providing a sense of comfort and
relaxation that cannot be artiicially created, and you’ll certainly get
that from the wonderful natural setting. Yoga holidays suitable for
beginners and intermediates. Yoga styles on ofer include Hatha,
Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin and Restorative.

Information
Mini Retreats: from €524pp (shared twin room) to €824pp (private
double room)
Yoga Immersion & Detox in Transylvania/Restorative Yoga &
Meditation: from €873pp (shared twin room) and €1373pp (private
double room)
Transylvanian Wine Tasting & Yoga Retreat: from €738pp
(shared twin room) and €1138pp (private double room)
Transylvania Hiking the ‘OM’ Peak & Yoga Retreat: from €948pp
(shared twin room) and €1448pp (private double room)

For further details visit: akasharetreat.com

64
 A Yoga Retreat
Like No Other

"B“Breathwork
travel guide 7th-13th July 2019
re and all the
delightful activities helped
2018
2019 Val d'Isere, French Alps
m me see my true nature
faand face my inner conflicts
and dilemmas”
Reconnection with Self through:
• Yoga (all levels) • Health and wellness
• Meditation coaching
• Breathwork Circles • Self-expression
activities
• Hiking
• Luxurious chalet
• Vegetarian food

Visit ommagazine.com
to see the whole guide

Contact
Contact Ariane:
Ariane: info@healtoshine.com
info@healtoshine.com
50 incredible yoga retreats from around the world www.healtoshine.com

YOGA TURKEY
Far����se & Co�n��y���e Yog� • Liberating yoga retreats in
Göltürkbükü, Bodrum - the

Ret���� Turkish riviera

• May-June, Sept-Oct
• Famous vegetarian and living
Dorset | UK | Sept 2-5 2019 foods
www.yogaturkey.co.uk
info@yogaturkey.co.uk
020 8699 1900 (London)
0090 542 681 8009

STANDARD PRICE: £550 - PER PERSON -TWIN OR DOUBLE ROOM.

EARLY BIRD PRICE: £990 TWIN OR DOUBLE FOR TWO TILL APRIL 21ST

Enjoy a rejuvenating and inspiring week (Mon-Thurs) of nourishing

activities in stunning UK countryside scenery.
A diverse and transformational daily yoga practice.
Trek through the stunning villages, vistas and valleys of Dorset.
Exquisite nutritious vegetarian food.
3 nights, beautiful farmhouse, all rooms en suite.

www.asrama.co.uk
asramaonline@gmail.com
+447792143296

65
 Chateau de Goas
France
Venue for hire from early May to late October
Lamothe-Goas, Gascony, south west France

Chateau de Goas is a yoga venue for hire that’s ideal for anyone
wishing to organise a retreat with 8 to 20 participants in a beautiful
castle in South West France. It is located in Gascony, which is
often referred to as the Tuscany of France. One of the country’s
best kept secrets, famous for its gastronomy, hours-long meals
and ‘douceur de vivre’, the region is close to the Pyrenees
mountains and stretches between Toulouse and Bordeaux. It ofers
peaceful, magniicent landscapes including rolling hills, wooded
valleys, vineyards, sunlowers and a plethora of charming arcade
village squares.
Chateau de Goas can host all types of yoga retreats. The studio
space (160 sqm) has a wooden loor and lots of natural light. It
is fully equipped for yoga with mats, blocks, straps, blankets, eye Information
pillows, bolsters, plus ive aerial yoga hammocks, a Lyra and silks, All-inclusive package: include three meals a day prepared by a
as well as crash mats. local chef, drinks, airport transportation from/to Toulouse. Costs:
Its every bit a unique venue. With its pigeon house, towers, 8 to 12 participants (excl. group leader): €725pp/week; 12 to 16
windmills, ancient wine cellar, Chateau de Goas is an authentic participants: €650pp/week; 16 to 20 participants: €600pp/week.
leftover from French history and a relection of the unique rural Free for group leader.
traditions of the region. With over 12 bedrooms decorated in a Accommodation only: guests are entitled to use the kitchen.
warm, rural and antique style, two living rooms equipped with Diferent options available to purchase food on site (supermarket,
TV and wii, dining rooms, French pool room with board games, farmer’s local markets, home-grown vegetables). Costs: 8 to 12
historical library, a brand new 13m heated swimming pool, a participants (excl. group leader): €525pp/week; 12 to 16 participants:
six-acre park featuring ancient oaks and a splendid bathing lake €450pp/week; 16 to 20 participants: €400pp/week.
located a few minutes away, it’s is an ideal retreat setting in a Free for group leader.
tranquil and serene environment. For further details visit: chateaudegoas.com

66
Azulit Yoga & Pilates Retreat
Spain
Retreats run year-round, Saturday to
Saturday
Various locations: Fuerteventura,
Canary Islands (Spain) and location
retreats in Santorini (Greee), California
(USA) and Bali (Indonesia)
The moment you step into the Azulit
retreat grounds, feel your worries melt
away. Nurtured and guided by world-
class instructors, nourish your soul with
sumptuous food and rejuvenating massage,
on these award-winning year-round retreats.
Ocean vistas, stunning white sand
beaches, breath-taking scenery: welcome to
paradise island. Nestled amongst volcanoes,
rolling hills and blue sky you’ll ind the
wellbeing paradise of Azulit. Just minutes
from charming seaside villages, empty
beaches, and turquoise lagoons. Sunny days
and starry nights await.
Learn to low, ind space within and
reconnect with yourself. Practice and
progress at your own pace to reignite your
spark within. Feel nurtured, guided and
transformed in this renowned week-long
retreat experience.
Bursting with lavour and colour, the
delicious food is plentiful and prepared and
presented with love. Carefully crafted to
be nourishing and balanced, the delightful
dishes are designed to provide you with
vibrant energy. You’ll feel lighter and
healthier than ever and inspired to try the
recipes back home.
Tranquil and elegantly decorated rooms
with comfort and relaxation at their heart. The
attention to detail makes for a truly blissful
escape. From deluxe suites to cosy cabins,
you’ll ind your perfect home from home to
rest completely, regardless of budget.
The facilities, meals, massages and
programmes are designed to allow you to
connect mind to body. Rediscover the joy of
laughing with like-minded people. The inest
revitalising and inspiring retreat experiences.
Come and add your smile.
Information
Cost: from €700 for 7 nights (shared
accommodation) or €840 for 7 nights
(private accommodation)
Yoga styles include: Vinyasa low, hatha,
ashtanga, jivamukti, Yin, restorative. Retreats
suitable for everybody and every body!
For further details visit: azulit.com
‘My favourite yoga
holiday destination’
Simon Low
huzvad@gmail.com
www.huzurvadisi.com
67
 Combe Grove
England
Retreats all year-round
Combe Grove, Brassknocker Hill, Bath, England

The perfect place to run your retreat, Combe Grove

is a haven, with a dedicated, lexible studio that can
accommodate most yoga practices. Tucked away at
the end of a winding driveway, the estate lies hidden in
woodland and overlooks the rolling hills of the Limpley
Stoke Valley, part of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty. It’s just three miles from the centre of
historic Bath, but you’ll ind the background noise of
modern day life is happily absent.
The yoga takes place in The Oak Room, a purpose
built yoga studio, 18m x 8m. A warming log burner and
heated looring made from locally-sourced oak ensure
you will be cosy all year round.
A holistic experience: there are four treatment rooms
and therapists ofer a range of treatments that can be
booked before you arrive or during your stay. Guests
also have the use of indoor and outdoor pools, steam
room, hydrospa beds, indoor and outdoor tennis courts
and gym. Visitors are also encouraged to explore
woodland walks.
Expect good food with ingredients sourced from the
wonderful variety of food producers in Somerset. The
kitchen team can create menus speciically for your
event to meet the dietary needs of your guests.
And the rooms are very comfortable. There are 31
spacious bedrooms, most of which can be booked as
twin rooms or for single occupancy.

Information
Cost: Diferent packages available to suit your retreat so
prices vary.
For more details visit: combegrove.com/retreats

68
 SURFVILLAS PORTUGAL

Yoga And Surf in Portugal

When: April - November “The Maverick offers
Where: The Maverick Surfvillas, Portugal
Travel: Best airport to ly to is Lisbon. Transfer services available. external yoga teachers
How much: From €210 for 7 nights a place to hold their
Yoga styles: Vinyasa, Hatha, Aerial, Yin
Suitable for: Suitable for all levels own retreats.“
Info: the-maverick.com. Photos by opitzphoto

he Maverick Villas are nestled in the quiet countryside with short distances

T to the most beautiful beaches in the north of Lisbon. Between the biggest
wave in the world and Portugal’s most inluential city, a cosy family resort
has been created that invites you to relax and engage in various sports activities,
primarily yoga. Five modern and lovingly furnished villas and a garden of several
1000sqm invite you to let go.

As yoga is a matter of the heart, much has been invested to build one of Portugal’s
most beautiful shalas on the site of the resort. In the season from April to Novem-
ber, daily yoga is offered and regular yoga retreats are organized. They also offer
external yoga teachers a place to hold their own retreats. Energetic Vinyasa, Ha-
tha and deep-relaxing Yin are practiced, and guests can defy gravity during Aerial
Yoga. Let the energy low and relax! The Shala above the grounds invites you for
Meditation and Yoga Nidra, as the sun slowly sets over the countryside and colors
turn into iery shades of red.

For the perfect day to occur physical wellbeing is crucial and good food helps to
get you there. The chef is especially passionate about vegetarian and vegan cui-
sine, drawing inspiration from his travels in creating new dishes. While the morning
starts with a wholesome breakfast, lovingly prepared dinners are served in the
evening. Everything has been well planned and structured so all you have to do
is relax and soak up the good vibes. The Maverick team is looking forward to wel-
coming you in the coming season.

69
 Love Meets Soul
at Forsthofalm
Austria
16 – 19 May and 13 – 16 June, 2019
Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang, Austria

Love Meets Soul is a three-night yoga programme

ofered by alpine wellness hotel Forsthofalm.
From a stunning location high in the Austrian
Alps, enjoy expert-led yoga classes including
Singing Bowl and Moving Meditation classes.
Mixed yoga styles suitable for everyone inluding
beginners through to intermediates.
The programme includes a 50-minute treatment,
as well as unlimited access to the spa and heated
outdoor rooftop pool. Love Meets Soul is the
perfect retreat for socialising. Gather round their
roaring irepit at one of the hotel’s lively Fire &
Wine nights, or enjoy a cocktail in Forsthofalm’s
buzzing KUKKA bar after your practice.

Information
Cost: from €600 per person
For further details visit: forsthofalm.com/en

70
71
 Suryalila Retreat Centre
Spain
Retreats year-round
Suryalila Retreat Centre, Andalusia, Spain

Large and beautiful yoga retreat centre in a renovated olive farm,

available to host yoga retreats and trainings, or individual visits.
Located in southern Spain, Andalusia, one hour from Seville, Cadiz
and a couple of hours from Malaga.
Join one of the many world-class yoga retreats on ofer with top
teachers, or experience one of the custom-designed retreats, like
Adventure and Yoga, Horse Riding, AcroYoga and Spanish and Yoga.
Or visit as a free autonomous guest, and join the daily morning
Vinyasa Flow practice.
Outstanding vegetarian food. Meals are delicious, diverse, and
beautifully presented, using all organic and local ingredients. Much
of the fresh fruits, vegetables and eggs served come from the
centre’s own organic farm and garden.
Designer decorated throughout, with a unique and colourful
Asian lair. Accommodation packages are all inclusive, so enjoy
three gourmet vegetarian bufet-style meals per day plus use of all
facilities: saltwater swimming pool and eco sauna.
On site activities include deep tissue massage, Thai massage,
horse-riding, lamenco classes and use of the sauna and saltwater
pool. Also excursions to Ronda, Seville, Cadiz, hiking trips in the
Sierra de Grazalema and beach trips to the stunning Costa del Luz.

Information
All inclusive packages: three organic gourmet veggie meals a day,
yoga classes and the use of retreat centre facilities. Superior Double
(shared bathroom): €110 / for two people €170. Deluxe Double
(private bathroom): €210 / for two people €125pp. Twin: €90.
Dormitory: €70. Yurt: €75. Family Yurt: €80. Eco Casa twin: €78. Eco
casa Single: €105.
For further details visit: suryalila.com

72

Consciousness Development Programme
Portugal
30 June to 6 July, 2019
International Academy of
Consciousness Campus, Alentejo
Region, Portugal
Experiencing life while living free from
the restrictions of matter leads to self-
discovery and wellbeing. The International
Academy of Consciousness (IAC) is proud
to ofer its award-winning Consciousness
Development Programme (CDP) as a retreat
at the IAC Campus in Portugal (about 1.5
hours from Lisbon). The retreat is designed
to help you understand the mechanisms
involved in the interaction between the
physical and spiritual worlds. Experienced
instructors will empower you to achieve
personal spiritual growth, by using a well-
planned and highly tested blend of studies
and practical components to help you
achieve an out-of-body experience, reach
higher levels of consciousness and contact
your spirit guides or mentors. The facilities
Yoga & Pilates Retreats
for Detox, Revitalisation
& Relaxation
with @sallyparkesyoga
Weekend retreats in
Sussex from £387pp
around the IAC Campus are immersed in
beautiful countryside nature, allowing you
to practice meditation, yoga or any other
activity you wish to do at your own pace
in between classes, or simply walk around
the most natural regions in Portugal. The
IAC Campus has unique Consciousness
Labs, connecting the spiritual world with the “Thank you so much for a fabulous
physical world in very special ways. You can weekend, I really enjoyed my first
try to achieve the vibrational state by using retreat and feel thoroughly chilled!
cutting-edge technology or connect with
the energy of plants by spending time in the
Great venue and balance of classes
Phytolab at the top of a tree. and relaxation, delicious food.”
- Louise
Information (Brooklands Barn Yoga Retreat Guest)
Cost: £1,395 inclusive of the 40+ hours of
tuition with two instructors, one assistant,
accommodation (shared double bedroom,
Our venues include:
option for an single-occupancy room for an Brooklands Barn and Tilton House
additional £150), breakfast, lunch, dinner,
snacks, cofee, tea.
For further details visit:
iacworld.org/retreat
Retreats | Teacher Training | Workshops
www.sallyparkesyoga.com
info@sallyparkesyoga.com
+44 (0)7983 508018 73
 Spiritual Trip In India
India
23 October to 4 November, 2019
North India: Delhi, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Agra,Jaipur

Join a small group for a life-changing spiritual tour of

North India to experience diferent locations, religions,
habits and ceremonies, all in the birthplace of yoga. There
will be plenty of time to journey inwards for regular yoga,
prayer and meditation. The Hatha yoga on ofer will be
suitable for everybody.
Switch of from your daily life and enjoy a journey that
touches diferent aspects of Indian traditions; a complex
medley of colours, religions, people, sounds and tastes.
Rediscover yourself: India is a country of religion and
spiritual tradition, one that will give you a chance to learn
more about yourself.

Information
Costs: €899pp sharing / €350 single supplement (lights
excluded)
For further details visit:
ohmretreats.com/spiritual-trip

Spirit of Joy Retreat Catalonia

Spain
7-12 June, 2019
Sant Nicolau, Ordis, Near Figueres, Catalonia,
Spain

Stay in a truly magical, rural sunny haven nestling

between the mountains and the sea in self-catering
cottages. Only 15 places on the popular seventh annual
retreat holiday ofered by Kath and Paul Reade. Early
morning yoga and Qi Gong in the warm sun, silent
meditation walks in the woods full of butterlies and
birdsong. Blissful. Experience Yin & Yang yoga, gong
sound baths, meditation, Qi Gong, suitable for all levels.
There’ll also be plenty of free time to explore, relax by
the pool, go to the sea, or visit the nearby Salvador Dali
museum. Here’s what one previous retreat attendee
had to say: “Time spent with you and the group at Sant
Nicolau was simply amazing. I feel so nurtured and
inspired, so full of energy and possibilities.” The retreat
is underpinned by an attitude of loving kindness and
acceptance throughout, says retreat co-leader Kath
Reade: “Rest, relax and reach for your dreams!”

Information
Cost: £360, excluding lights
For further details visit: deepsong.org

74
 Voted one of the
‘Top 10 yoga retreats in
the world’ by
The Times

Year round yoga

retreats hosted by some
of the world’s best
teachers in one
of the world’s finest
yoga studios.

40 minutes from Malaga

airport with 20 en-suite sea
& garden view bedrooms,
salt water pool, and
tropical gardens.

santillanretreat.com
 +34 952 40 09 49  info@centrosantillan.com  santillanretreat  santillanretreat

RawFitYoga.Life
A NEW PATH TO INNER AND OUTER FITNESS
SPAIN: May 4–11, May 11–18, September 14–21 | TURKEY: June 17–24
 RAWFITYOGA.LIFE  rawfityoga.life

75
 Santillán Retreat
Spain
18-25, May, 6-13 July, 7-14 September, 2019
Santillán Retreat, near Malaga, Andalucia, Spain

Simon Low has been leading retreats around the world for
over 25 years, and his teaching relects a deep knowledge and
experience of the full spectrum of yoga’s wisdom and potential.
Simon’s primary retreat destination is now Santillán where he was
instrumental in the design of what is considered one the inest
retreat yoga studios in the world. The expansive sea facing state-
of-the-art studio is fully equipped with every conceivable yoga
prop, including 24 stations of the Great Yoga Wall.
Enjoy Yin and Yang yoga, restorative yoga, pranayama, Qi Gong
and meditation. Suitable for all levels.

Information
Cost: £1165
For further details visit: simonlow.com

76
 DON’T RETREAT.

EXPAND
YOGA
REBELS
YOGA
RETREATS
fiercegrace.com/retreats 77
 Huzur Vadisi Yoga Retreats
Turkey
May to October 2019

Huzur Vadisi is one of Europe’s longest established and best-known

yoga retreat venues. Established over 25 years ago on Turkey’s
Turquoise Coast, it nestles in a secluded mountain valley, surrounded
by virgin pine forest, and yet is only a short drive from the small
yachting resort of Gocek, with its shops, chic seafront bars and
restaurants. The yurt accommodation nestles amid olive and ig
groves; an oasis of peace in natural surroundings, simple and rustic
with shared bathroom facilities, yet comfortable and beautifully
maintained with all conveniences.
Huzur Vadisi’s setting brings a deep connection with the natural
world that immeasurably enhances the beneits of yoga practice. At
night, the valley is without any light pollution, revealing all the beauty
of the night sky. At full moon, it is truly magical to see the valley
bathed in moonlight. The yoga shala is spacious and well equipped,
the natural stone swimming pool an oasis of relaxation. Then enjoy
the delicious food, which is also featured in the well-known Huzur
Vadisi Cookbook (available on Amazon). Another highlight is the
boat trip excursion around the islands of the beautiful Bay of Gocek,
described as one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, aboard a
luxury gulet, with freshly-prepared lunch on board.
The combination of great yoga, stunning location, welcoming staf
and wonderful food creates an experience for which teachers and
guests have been returning year after year.

Information
Cost: from £650 including all meals and yoga
Yoga style on ofer include: Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Astanga, Yin Yang,
Iyengar, Raw Fit Retreat. Suitable for all.
Huzur Vadisi also ofers retreats in Spain, Wales, Rome, France
and Iceland
For further details visit: huzurvadisi.com

78
 YOGA
WITH SIMON LOW
he Yoga Retreat India
India RETREATS 2019
6-16 December, 2019
Cherai, Kerela, India Santillán, Spain
18–25 May, 6–13 July and 7–14 September
Awaken your senses, expand your awareness, rebalance your body
and mind – take time for yourself to immerse in an incredible
Huzur Vadisi, Turkey
journey, with The Yoga Retreat India. A professional and dedicated 24 June – 1 July
team will ensure you are well looked after. All of the team have
extensive experience of travel throughout this remarkable nation to WEEKEND RETREATS 2019
ensure your journey is exciting and well organised. Rest and relax,
knowing that you will feel fully cared for throughout your whole trip. Kamalaya, Koh Samui, Thailand
Retreats are in the area of Cherai in Kerala. Enjoy a peaceful and 18–22 April, 8–12 August
private venue with a dedicated yoga space and ayurveda treatment
rooms. This area is famed for its stunning coastline and white sandy
Bore Place, Kent
beaches, as well as for the Kerala ‘backwaters’ with miles of beautiful 29 November – 1 December
waterways and lush green vegetation. The atmosphere is relaxed and
easy going. For further information about Simon’s
workshops and retreats please
Information visit the website
Cost: £1350pp based on sharing with one other.
All retreats include accommodation, three yoga and meditation
sessions daily, plus daily Ayurvedic treatments, freshly prepared
delicious healthy vegetarian food and trips to local places of
interest. Small, bespoke retreats arranged for individuals and private
groups. Panchakarma and other ayurvedic treatments can be
included.
For further details visit: theyogaretreatindia.com

www.simonlow.com | yoga@simonlow.com
 simonlowuk  yogawithsimonlow  yogasimonlow  yogasimonlow
NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON
 Yoga Turkey
Turkey
Gölköy Yoga Studio, Göltürkbükü, Bodrum, Turkey
One-week retreats through May, Jun, Sep, Oct 2019

Teachers here come from many diferent disciplines, so there’s plenty

of variety in terms of styles including Iyengar, Shanta Vira, Okido and
dynamic low yoga. Classes are usually for mixed abilities.
Retreats are for anyone who wants to feel leaping energy, plus
a calm mind, or those who wants to broaden the spectrum of their
yoga or just make a start and establish a natural lifestyle.
Feel tingling fresh from seawater, laughter, good food, good
company and reined teaching. Dine outside in the gentle breeze
from the pine forest and sea after a stimulating day of practice and
languid sunning. Totally mellow!
This is a perfect environment to recover a natural lifestyle and
cleanse your whole system with yoga and meditation, ultra-fresh and
living foods, swimming, walking and sharing with new and old friends.

Information
Costs from £545 to £775 including 6 days of yoga tuition, 7 nights in
a village hotel on the sea with breakfast. Also lunches from Tuesday to
Sunday and 4 evening meals at the yoga centre. To reserve your place,
print the booking form from the website and return with £150 deposit.
Travel: Flights to Bodrum/Milas airport from many UK airports.
From the airport it is 45 minutes by road to Gölköy (about £23 by
taxi). Taxi share coordinated for guests wherever possible.
For further details visit: yogaturkey.co.uk

MFML Winter Wellbeing Yoga Retreat

Spain
7-11 November, 2019
Suryalila retreat Centre, Andalucia, Spain

Movement for Modern Life’s Annual Winter Warmer retreat is a chance

to explore diferent movement and breathing techniques, from low to
restorative, from mudra to pranayama incorporating down-to-earth
yoga philosophy. This retreat brings a sense of nourishment and
support to you in the winter months within the supportive community
of MFML. Being an online community, the shared community
experiences are all the more powerful. Enjoy evening chats with
MFML founder Kat Farrants and senior MFML teacher, Lucy McCarthy.
Suryalila provides a homely, supportive environment with nutritious
and delicious food, to create a sense of rejuvenation, restoration and
release for the winter ahead as you soak up the last of the autumnal
sun. Within the small group, there will be time to laugh, talk and enjoy
the beautiful countryside. Poolside relaxation, evening saunas pool
plunges are always a fun way to round of the hard work of yoga
transformation. You’ll come home after four days of immersion in
community feeling inspired, nourished, having explored your yoga
practice and taken it to the next level, and connected with other
beautiful souls in the amazing Suryalila setting. Suitable for all levels
of mobility; everybody is welcome.

Information
Costs: From £799 for deluxe double room with private bathroom
to £599 for twin room shared bathroom.

For further details visit: movementformodernlife.com/

blog/2019-yoga-retreat/

80
 The Yoga Retreat India
- A Life Changing Destination -

Join us on an incredible journey!

Awaken your senses and expand your awareness
Rebalance your body and mind with Yoga & Ayurveda
Take time to immerse yourself in this experience

www.theyogaretreatindia.com

India’s Spiritual Trips –

Adventure – Ayurveda

OhmRetreats.com
81
 Abbey Studio June Yoga Retreat
England
7-9 June, 2019
Abbey Studio, Higher Mill, Buckfast, Devon, England
Additional dates in September & October

Abbey Studio is situated on the beautiful site of Buckfast

Abbey, South Devon (the local train station is either
Newton Abbot or Totnes). It’s a friendly, warm and
welcoming studio where you will be well looked after.
Here, your instructor (Sarah) leads a Kundalini-
style yoga that’s super transformative as it rebalances
the nervous system and glandular systems bringing
harmony to the entire body. Kundalini combines breath,
movement, mantra and meditation. It is said to be ‘the
mother of all yoga’.
The location is special too. Buckfast Abbey is home
to Benedictine Monks, and you’ll have time during
the retreat to explore the gardens and Abbey. The
accommodation is all onsite, either staying in a self-
catering shared house or at the hotel. There are plenty
of other wonderful places to explore nearby such as
Dartington Estate, with its wonderful gardens and river
walks. Expect lots of yoga, a gong meditation, walking
meditation and plenty of time for relaxation and deep
rest. Sarah is also a healer and holistic therapist so will
take the time to chat with everyone individually too.

Information
Cost: £250
Kundalini yoga style suitable for everyone from
beginners to experienced.
The retreat begins on Friday evening and concludes
at midday on Sunday. Saturday lunch and dinner are
included in the price.
For further details visit: abbeystudio.co.uk

82

Sacred Site WellBEing Retreat Holiday
Greece
13-23 July, 2019
Santorini, Greece
Additional yoga retreats in the UK,
Estonia and Costa Rica
Join Natalie Sophia and Charli Sparks
in Santorini, Greece this summer for the
ultimate 'Divine Soul-full' WellBEing Holiday.
Santorini is known as the 'Miracle Island'
and the energy of this place alone is set
to activate your energy body into new
dimensions. Both teachers have created
eight delicious, mindful and blissful days
designed to honour the beauty, wonder and
relevance this sacred land brings. Allowing
you the space, freedom and guidance
for your entire being to be brought into
alignment. To seal the intention, enjoy
optional Sacred Site Land Excursion, Red
2019 SNOWDONIA
RETREATS
Beach by Horseback, Caldera Sailing
25% off
Trip and Hot Springs. Expect to enjoy Yin
use code: om25
Yoga, Vinyasa, Restorative, Yoga Rhythm,
meditation, Yoga Nidra, breath work, sound
energy medicine (Nada Yoga), kirtan, circles,
Yoga & Walking
dance, creativity, art, clay modelling, writing,
Introduction to Ayurveda
poetry, song. Absorb the magniicence
Santorini brings to your soul - a reminder Yoga, Nutrition & Detox
to self that you are a perfect, balanced
magniicent being. Suitable for all and Youth Retreat
designed with your deepest healing in mind.
Yoga Dance
Information
Cost: £1500-£1800 depending on
accommodation. Deposit deadline
April 1, 2019.
For further details visit:
sacredspacecommunity.com/
sacred-site-wellbeing-holidays
druyoga.com
83
 UDAYA LIVE Yoga & Music Retreat Power, Hatha, Jivamutki, Kundalini, Qi-Gong, Bhakti, Acro, Yin,
Bulgaria Restorative, meditation, Nidra, sound healing, itness, workshops,
14-19 August, 2019 and dancing. All in one blissful sunny location. Suitable for all
RIU Pravets Resort, Bulgaria yoga levels and child-friendly. It’s time to book that yoga
summer holiday!
UDAYA LIVE is an all-inclusive international retreat in Bulgaria in
south-eastern Europe. Information
You’ll ind a whole variety of yoga, itness and health classes on Cost: Single room (all-inclusive): €1250
ofer from high energy to more peaceful, chill-inducing sessions, Double room (all-inclusive): €950
plus educational workshops, lectures and talks. Discover Vinyasa, For further details visit: udayalive.com

84
 AN EXHILARATING JOURNEY THROUGH THE CHAKRAS
Intense – movement – sound – music – meditation – yoga – fitness – breath – nature

BEARFOOT
BREAKS &
SANTÉYOGA
RETREAT #bearfootbreaks

June 28 – July 5
Sept 7 – Sept 14

NR. LIMOGES
FRANCE
www.bearfootbreaks.com
Come with an open mind, an open heart and ready to be challenged!
We’re keeping the numbers small and intimate. To secure your special spot, contact us at info@bearfootbreaks.com

Yoga Holiday
Granada, Spain
5th to 10th October 2019
l 3 yoga classes per day:

l Forrest, hatha, restorative

& meditation

l Set in 5 acres of private ground

l Excursion to Granada

l Freshly prepared locally

sourced food

l Transfers included (must arrive at

speciied time at airport)

l Flights not included

yogawarrior.co.uk @yogawarrioruk

85
 Yoga & Walking
Wales
9-12 August, 2019
Bethesda, Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Stop. Press pause... and reconnect with the real you. If you’re in need
of a rejuvenating break, then take a few days away to walk through
some of the world’s most beautiful scenery: the landscape of North
Wales. This three-day retreat will include mornings of yoga and
meditation to help you feel more relaxed and rejuvenated. And the
delicious, plant-based catering gets rave reviews too!
Afternoon guided walks will be in the beautiful Snowdonia
National Park or along the coastal paths of Anglesey. The walks
will be around four hours long, including breaks, and will take you
86
to hills, forests, waterfalls or lakes.
You’ll enjoy de-stressing relaxation sessions and optional
therapies to help you to relax and recharge. This retreat is from
Friday evening till Monday lunchtime and requires reasonable itness
levels. Here’s one what previous attendee had to say: “I felt like I got
my life back in perspective. Beautiful Welsh mountains and Dru are a
truly beneicial balm for the soul.”
Information
Cost: £515 shared accommodation, or £619 single accommodation
Dru Yoga is an evidence-based therapeutic style for both beginners
and experienced yogis.
Find out more at: druyoga.com
om mind

87
 A Yoga Retreat Like No Other
France
7-13 July, 2019
Val d’Isere, French Alps

This is a yoga retreat like no other: set in the spectacular setting of

the Alps, with breathtaking scenery all around, and in a gorgeous
newly-refurbished chalet, allow your body and mind to relax and
regenerate.
Not only will you do yoga and meditation daily, you will also get to
experience the magical power of conscious connected breathwork.
This allows you to fully reconnect mind, body and spirit, release
emotional blockages and possibly trauma that may be holding you
back and stopping you from fully moving forward in life.
This process can also boost self-esteem and self-love, help you
gain focus and clarity, ind serenity, and transform the dynamic of
your relationships. The programme also includes health and wellness
talks, scrumptious vegetarian food freshly prepared each day,
exploration of this beautiful part of the world with excursions, and
evening activities that encourage self expression and creativity.
The retreat is limited to 10 participants, so each individual
receives personal attention. If you are sufering from stress, anxiety,
possibly burn out, have never time for yourself, or you are constantly
putting others irst, or struggling with weight issues and mindset, this
is for you!
Leave feeling rejuvenated, lighter in body and mind, with a whole
new perspective on life.

Information
Cost: £970
Expect a mix of yoga styles with lows and postures that develop
balance, strength and lexibility, as well as mind-body connection
and expansion. Suitable for all levels.
For further details visit: healtoshine.com

88

Farmhouse & Countryside Yoga Retreat
England
2-5 September, 2019
Farmhouse & Countryside Yoga Retreat,
Dorset, UK
This sumptuous yoga retreat will complete
your summer with three nights of R&R in
the heart of the British countryside. The
farmhouse has six beautifully-appointed
en-suite bedrooms and extensive walled
gardens and orchards. Delicious and
fragrant healthy vegetarian food lovingly
prepared with local ingredients. There are
two yoga classes a day (taught by the two
instructors, Akhil and Sara) and a swimming
pool and sauna for your use whenever
you choose. The yoga sessions provide a
range of styles and a variety of exercise
and mind-body techniques. The hosts value
the deeper psychological and spiritual
elements of yogic philosophy and they have
included breathing techniques (pranayama),
relaxation techniques (yoga nidra and
meditation) as well as talks about other
elements of yoga. This retreat is perfect for
singles or couples, yoga novices or those
ENJOY A WEEKEND OF
TRANSFORMATIVE YOGA
AT ABBEY STUDIO
KUNDALINI STYLE YOGA
ON THE BEAUTIFUL SITE OF
BUCKFAST ABBEY
more experienced, of any age or itness level.
The surrounding area of Dorset is well-
known as an Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty, with spectacular countryside walks
punctuated by the occasional Iron Fort. One
key walking route here winds through quiet
villages, passing rural churches, and ofering
extensive views over the rolling downs and LOCAL PRODUCE
secret valleys that make Dorset so special.
& VEGETARIAN FOOD
Not to mention the cream tea you’ll enjoy
at the end of the walk! There’s also optional
horse riding and cycling or spend your free GONG/SOUND MEDITATION
afternoon being pampered at the nearby
holistic therapy centre which ofers the
HOLISTIC TREATMENTS
complete range of body treatments and
massage techniques from Swedish to Thai, ALSO AVAILABLE
Tui Na and Deep Tissue, all in the setting of
a beautiful farmhouse estate.
Information
Costs: Standard price: £550pp (twin or
double room)
Early Bird Price: £990 twin or double for two
For further details:
asrama.co.uk/farmhouse-countryside
ABBEY STUDIO, HIGHER MILL,
BUCKFAST, DEVON, TQ11 0EE
HELLO@ABBEYSTUDIO.CO.UK,
01364 645680 | 07975511128
 Bearfoot Breaks & Santé Yoga Retreat
France
28 June - 5 July and 7-14 September, 2019
Bearfoot Lodge, Neuvic Entier, near Limoges, France

Have you ever been torn choosing between a yoga retreat and a
itness bootcamp? Wondered how far you could push yourself if you
had the time and expertise to support you? Well, this could be the
perfect retreat for you, combining both elements into a week jam-
packed with activity and fun. All you need is an open mind, an open
heart and a whole lot of energy.
You’ll be taken on a daily journey through the chakras, matching
the yoga style, itness challenges and excursions to each chakra.
Combining movement therapy, breathwork, sound and music
alongside invigorating yoga and daily workouts. There’s even a mini-
marathon eight-hour session, incorporating yoga, dance, meditation,
HIIT, sound baths, ire ceremony, star gazing and forest walking.
Based in the heart of rural France, it’s the perfect setting to switch
of, relax, unwind and ground yourself back with nature. You’ll enjoy
the many lakes and countryside hikes on ofer and get nourished
daily with delicious, healthy food, juices, smoothies and sweet treats.

Information
Prices start from €1,000
Yoga styles on ofer include Hatha, Kundalini, Yin, Vinyasa, Techno
Flow. Suitable for everyone with a reasonable level of itness and an
open mind.
For further details visit: bearfootbreaks.com

90
 Give us your body for a week
and we’ll give you back your mind.

To learn more, visit www.thebodyholiday.com/om-yoga

Or call 0203 096 1676
91
 Yoga with Simon Low
24 June – 1 July, 2019
Huzur Vadisi on the turquoise coast of south-west Turkey

Huzur Vadisi is one of the world’s longest established and most

popular yoga retreat destinations, established over 25 years ago. It
is renowned for its glorious outdoor covered sala amidst the ancient
olive grove, delicious vegetarian food, wonderful mountain and
valley walking and the unique luxury yurt accommodation. Popular
yoga teacher Simon Low has been leading retreats at Huzur Vadisi
for 22 years, although this will be his irst return visit for three years.
Expect yin and yang yoga suitable for all levels.

Information
Cost: from £895
For further details visit: simonlow.com

92
 Spirit of Joy
Catalonian Retreat Holiday
7th—12th June, 2019
Join us on our seventh retreat at the magical
sunny rural haven of Sant Nicolau in Catalonia,
Spain with Sound Healer Kath Reade as we relax
and nourish our bodies, minds and hearts.
• Yin & Yang Yoga in the sun • Sacred Sound Journeys
using gongs, drum, singing bowls • Meditation among
butterflies and birdsong • Qi Gong to cultivate life force
energy • Chakra balancing for inner harmony • Plenty of
free time to explore & relax by the pool

The price is just £360pp including self-catering

#EAT
accommodation in a rustic Catalonian cottage. A
£100 deposit secures your place. (NB: Flights at extra cost) #LOVE
“The retreat at Sant Nicolau was simply amazing. I feel so
nurtured and inspired, so full of energy and possibilities!” #LIVE
To find out more & book your place, visit
www.deepsong.org FORSTHOFALM.COM

Senior UK teacher, teaching at

Triyoga, London since 2003
WWW.JEFFPHENIXYOGA.COM

Transformative
Yoga Retreats "I have been on many yoga
in Stunning retreats but yours was
locations definately one of the best"
Susannah, Italy 2018

Italy 17 - 24 Aug
Mummy & Baby Yoga
Greece 22 - 29 Sep
Immerse in Yoga and meditation
Deepen your understanding UK 11 - 13 Oct
Eat delicious, healthy food
Return home recharged
All levels except complete beginners Goa Feb 2020
Not suitable for complete beginners

93
 Soulilment
Zambia
Two 7-night dates in October
South Luangwa & Victoria Falls, Zambia

Zambian-born Londoners and international yoga teachers, Sasha and

Caroline, are passionate about empowering people through yoga and
meditation. Together they are excited to share with you their beautiful
country. Well known for the amazing Victoria Falls, traditionally known
as Musi-O-Tunya and its densely populated safari wildlife, venture into
an all-inclusive luxury yoga holiday in premium award-winning locations.
Experience ive-star accommodation every night. A boutique hotel in
the capital Lusaka, with its vibrant décor, progressive architecture, and
artistic vibe. Then stay at a lavish intimate lodge, for only you and 13
other retreat attendees, on two private islands in the middle of the
mighty Zambezi River, should you choose to visit the ‘Seventh Wonder
of the Natural World’, the magniicent Victoria falls. Or immerse yourself
into the alluring luxury bush camp life of South Luangwa, situated
around the banks of two lagoons where an endless stream of wildlife
will keep you enthralled as you lounge, practice yoga or meditate on
the open deck. Daily transformational yoga and meditation, combined
with art, culture, music, safari and activities of the adrenaline and
non- adrenaline fuelled kind. No matter your level of yoga, you will
leave having a deeper connection with yourself whilst appreciating
the wonderful Zambian hospitality, delicious food and unforgettable
experiences. Gain pure ‘Souliment’ by embracing this once-in-a-lifetime
experience under the African sun.

Information
Cost: Seven nights from £2200 (super early birds only), up to £3500
Suitable for solo travellers, adventurers, and anyone needing a holistic
recharge. Zen hen-dos, corporate getaways and eight-plus groups can
arrange separate dates directly all year round.
For further details visit: soulilment.com

94

RawFitYoga.Life
Spain & Turkey
4-11 May, 11-18 May, 14-21 September,
2019 at Santillán, Spain
17-24 June, 2019 at Huzur Vadisi, Turkey
RawFitYoga.Life is the latest total health
retreat programme, developed and
presented by wellness industry leaders
Simon Low and Kirstin Arnesen. It ofers
a full spectrum of activities over a seven-
night intensive retreat; with morning hikes,
dynamic and restorative yoga, cutting-
edge itness, breathing practices, Qi Gong,
meditation and stillness, all fuelled by cold-
pressed juices and the power and healing of
nutritionally-based plant food, with raw food
preparation and supporting lectures. The
ultimate in nutritional education
and enjoyment.
Each seven-night retreat is designed
to promote physical and mental itness,
detoxiication, weight-loss, relaxation,
wellbeing skills and nutrition knowledge,
all followed-up with recipes, practices and
inspiration right into your Inbox for you to
continue your desired practices at home.
Raw food preparation and lectures will teach
you how to beneit from plant-based raw
food in your daily life.
The team of RawFitYoga.Life experts have
designed the retreats with a commitment to
sharing their knowledge and skill gathered
through decades of experience, research,
private and group teaching, and the leading
of international retreats. Each activity will
be perfectly threaded within the tapestry of
the balanced programme, gradually building
over the week toward the achievement of
attainable and informed intentions. Previous
participants have described RawFitYoga
retreats as ‘life-changing’.
Information
Cost: from €1295
Yoga styles: yin and yang yoga, and restorative
yoga. Suitable for all people interested in yoga,
itness, nutrition and walking
For further details visit: rawityoga.life
 om mind
Meditation of the month

Like
a
River

96
 om mind
YOGA &
SOMATICS
E D U C AT I O N
ENRICHMENT
OUTREACH

TEACHER TRAINING
200h Sep 19 – Jul 20
300h Jan – Jun 2020
A guided meditation to help you go with (core modules)
the low. By Jill Lawson

W
e have all heard the phrase: ‘Go with the low’. YOGA NIDRA FACILITATOR
While this is intended to give us permission Mar 2019, Sep 2019
to let life happen and accept the things we
cannot change, the quote carries a bit of
EMBODIED YOGA
controversy. Some believe going with the low
is a cop out that wastes vital energy.
BIRTH & BEYOND
Sean Covey, motivational author, and son of Steven Covey Apr/May/Jun 2019
(author of the book, 7 Habits of Successful People), believes going
with the low goes against the grain of human potential. He said: EMBODIED SANSKRIT
“If you decide to just go with the low, you’ll end up where the low & PHILOSOPHY
goes, which is usually downhill, often leading to a big pile of sludge
May 2019
and a life of unhappiness. You’ll end up doing what everyone else
is doing.”
Whatever you believe to be true, embodying the lowing qualities RESTORATIVE YOGA
of water has its advantages. The following meditation is designed Jun/Jul 2019
to awaken you to the empowering nature of going with the low.
Practice and experience droplets of wisdom soaking your spirit
TRAUMA INFORMED YOGA
with inner peace and inspiration.
FACILITATOR
Do it now October 2019
Begin in a comfortable position free from distractions. Take several
deep breaths to clear your mind and relax your body. Now, imagine GUESTS
a river. See this image clearly in your mind’s eye. Take a moment Sophia Ansari Feb 2019
to equate your river with the forces in your life. Your river doesn’t
Matthew Remski Apr 2019
represent speciic events in your life, it is only the energy around
the events.
Next, see a boat in the river. This boat represents your mind. Be
a witness, and watch your boat travel down stream. Perhaps your
mind is bouncing through rapids, getting caught in an eddy, or
being turned upside-down by the current. Have no fear. While the
water may carry your boat to places you’d rather not be, you have
all the power you need to steer your mind in the direction you wish
to go, using the low to your advantage.
Understand that while going with the low may seem like you are
giving up your authority to the forces at hand, this is not the case.
You must learn to harness life’s energy for forward momentum.
Where the current takes you is entirely up to you. Trust yourself,
and be guided by the energetic life-force to move in your desired
direction.
May this river meditation teach you to low with ease, erode
away that which no longer serves you, and carry your mind to life’s
calm waters.

Jill Lawson is a writer and yoga teacher enjoying life on the island of
Maui in Hawaii (jilllawson.net)

www.barefootbody.com
 om mind
The
Daily
You
he power of getting conscious about your daily habits. By Susie Pearl
T
he way we structure each day
in our calendar adds up to
how we run and organise life. If
you want to make real changes
to your lifestyle, begin by
thinking about your daily habits and what
you may like to adjust, change completely,
add in or drop. Our routines are powerful,
and we adapt quickly to them, often not
questioning which are healthy and which
are wasting our valuable time.
Humans are creatures of habit and getting
in a good rhythm with daily routines can really
help to change your life for the better. When
I begin coaching new clients, the wish list
people give me is often the same and I hear
repeating themes: I want to improve my diet,
exercise more regularly, improve my nutrition,
get happier, get into better relationships
with those close to me, spend money more
carefully, eat consciously and so on.
It’s actually quite simple to make some
powerful lifestyle changes to your average
day that will make a big diference in your life.
Easy life habits check list:
1. Make a list of all the new things you want
to bring into your life.
2. Do a list of your current habits that you
want to drop from your life.
3. Make a weekly plan and mark on it the
days you choose to do your chosen activities
(e.g. do a healthy food shop, yoga practice
daily, walk in nature, social time, meditation.)
98
4. Record your progress for one complete
week and see how well you are doing and
write yourself a feedback report noting what
you did well and which areas were a struggle
and why.
5. Come up with some motivators to make it
easier for you to succeed with your list and
good ways to overcome whatever obstacles
you imagine are in front of you.
Research says that when we do anything
repeatedly for 21 days or more, it starts to
become a habit and we are more likely to
continue doing it automatically without too
much efort or thinking.
Switching of
Make sure you take at least one day a week
to allow your brain to re-charge and switch
of. It’s too easy to get blurred lines around
work and down time especially if you work
from home. It’s essential for good mental
health to get at least one day a week which
we can claim for ourselves and do whatever
we want. Save the chores and admin to
another day. Treat yourself and make it part
of your self-care routine to give yourself
enough down time and permission from you
to ‘do’ nothing.
Doing nothing is actually doing something
quite big and is extremely beneicial to
the brain. It’s at the times when we have
switched of from a busy life that the ideas
tend to come in, inspirations act like spark
plugs for new thoughts; it’s in this down
time that the magic of the unconscious can
do its work. Many people report that their
best ideas come in the shower or on a walk
when they are not really thinking too much.
It’s a very powerful time and we should all
allow ourselves more time to dream, loat
of and have some time where we are not
consciously planning anything.
Plan ahead
“A good morning starts the night before,”
as my friend Jasmine Hemsley, a food
writer, always reminds me. When we plan
our day ahead the night before, we can
get clear and speciic about our goals and
things we want to get done. When we wake,
after planning the night before, we are
already primed to know what we are up
to and where we are headed. This means
we are far more likely to get where we
want to go.
Think about what your best daily habits
might be. What is non-negotiable in your
daily schedule? What would you like to do
more of or less of? You are in charge of your
time and only you get to decide how you
spend every hour of the day ahead. Make
good choices around your daily habits and
watch your life shift fast.
Being mindful of daily habits creates a
more conscious approach to planning the
life you want and will help you get the best
out of your life.
Susie Pearl is a writer and coach.
Find her at: susiepearl.co.uk
99
 om mind

Growth
Vs
Contentment
Understanding the opposing forces of growth and contentment. By Stephanie Spence

W
hen we practice yoga, we are striving to
improve, which is a subtle aggression against
who we really are. We are in a state of
constantly striving for something more, in an
ongoing quest for something other or outside
of ourselves. Most are taught to ask more and more of themselves,
and society celebrates when we better ourselves. We’re called
winners. So, are you a loser if you practice yoga without goals?
Confused? You’re not alone. The physical demands of western
“he physical demands of western
yoga send mixed messages to our
already busy mind. So much so
that it begs the question: how can
growth and contentment not be
two opposing forces?
yoga send mixed messages to our already busy mind. So much so
that it begs the question: how can growth and contentment not be
two opposing forces?
Using improv
During a life-transition I became painfully aware of my insecurities
and was unconsciously hiding behind a mask of bravado. My mask
shielded me from a continuous onslaught of negative messages.
Messages that I received daily from the media and society. I was in
conlict with coming to like myself and yet, at the same time, igure
out how I could be the most extraordinary me.
So how do you use your yoga practice to unlearn the biological
yearning to strive to get to another plateau, a deeper posture,
another you, somewhere else besides the present moment?
I chose Improvisational theatre or ‘Improv’. It’s a form of theatre,
often comedy, in which most or all of what is performed is unplanned
or unscripted. What does Improv have to do with yoga? Like yoga,
Improv confronts you with all of your personal ethos.
In Improv, I was taught to work with “yes, and…” instead of

100
 om mind
the traditional storytelling conlict tool of “no, but...” as a way to
move a story forward. Just like being on my mat, I saw Improv as a
conversation with another person, as well as a conversation with May 31st - June 2nd, 2019
myself. It’s similar to taking what we learn on our mat and applying it
to the rest of our life.
EarthSpirit Centre in Somerset
Acceptance
With this as a backdrop, is your yoga practice a place of “no, but…”
or a space of “yes, and...?” Compared to no, yes is a much more
loving, organic and holistic positive empowering word. Our yoga
practice is meant to enhance our overall health. No simply doesn’t
have to be a part of that world. That’s because yoga isn’t about
trying to get rid of aspects of ourselves we don’t like and getting
something better. It’s about the acceptance of and liking who we
already are.
Talks from experts in Ayurveda and Yoga:
When we take ourselves out of the moment, out of the space of
yes, we place ourselves in the world of “no, but…” Understandably,
everything isn’t as black and white as this statement professes.
Clearly, what I’m focusing on is the subtleties of the mind and body,
at a deeper molecular level. The unconscious level.

Yoga boost
A review article published in Frontiers in Immunology, June 2018,
explored what we know so far about how yoga, mindfulness, and
Dr Ram Manohar Dr Akil Palanisamy Jasmine Hemsley
meditation can afect our genetic makeup. The results of 18 studies
showed that there was “… the reversal of the molecular signature
of the efects of chronic stress.” What researchers looked at is
how “mind body interventions” (like yoga) afected people’s stress
response at a molecular level. What they found was that practices
like meditation and yoga tend to counter the efects of stress,
meaning that they may help ight against the development of
disease and ageing.
This gives me great peace in knowing that by showing up on my
mat and learning to detach from the urge to strive for anything
other than being in the moment, I am changing my cellular makeup. Dr Diana Lurie Maria Garre Sascha Kriese
This mind shift isn’t acquired from a vigorous, powerful and sweaty
practice, per se. It’s the by-product of it. Meaning, you can love the
physical part of yoga for the outward, but the real, deep beneits
come through something else. They come by learning how to be
present, being aware of your breath connected to the movements
and absorbing the practice by doing nothing in Savasana.
Discarding the need to improve anything can take your practice to
a whole new level. This acceptance that you’re already perfect as you
are is more beneicial than striving to change yourself in any way.
When you disconnect, you are entering a space where you are
Tarik Dervish Dr Ramkumar Nikki Slade
in touch with your pure mind, your divine essence, and your best
self. You showed up with that, but through the process of bringing
yourself closer to your inner self, you stop receiving and internalising
negative information. Your heart beat, blood pressure, and basically
every part of your body starts to calm down, to dwell in a place
of total acceptance of what is. Because of this, there will be less
imbalance in your mind, body, and breath, which will result in better
health overall. And how beautiful it is to like who we already are?
This divine being who shows up for yourself. Your best self. Your
perfect self. As is.
Dr Vijay Murthy Dr Ghanashyam Marda Andrew Mason
Link to synopsis of review cited in article: https://www.frontiersin.
org/articles/10.3389/immu.2017.00670/full

Stephanie Spence is a US-based yoga teacher and published author.

apa.uk.com
Her book, Yoga Wisdom: Warrior Tales Inspiring You On And Of
Your Mat is out now and available on Amazon.com
Connect I Inspire I Grow
 om spirit
Kirtan: The calling
he great power, grace and beauty of kirtan. By Jai Uttal
K
irtan is the calling, the crying,
the reaching across ininite
space - digging into the heart’s
deepest well to touch and be
touched by the divine presence.
102
Kirtan is singing, over and over, the many
names of god and goddess, the multi-
coloured rainbow manifestations of the
beloved. It is said that there is no diference
between the name and that which is being
named, and as the words roll of our lips in
song, the ininite is invoked, invited, made
manifest in our hearts.
Kirtan is part of an ancient form of yoga
known as Bhakti, or the yoga of devotion.
But in Bhakti we redeine ‘devotion’, we
expand the meaning to include every shade
of colour in the palette of human emotion,
turned towards god through song, dance,
and worship. These chants have been sung
for millennium by saints, sinners, devotees,
and the great primordial yogi alchemists of
old. And, as we sing, we touch the spirits of
the millions of people across the centuries
who have sung the same songs and cried
the same tears. As we sing, we immerse
ourselves in an endless river of prayer that
has been lowing since the birth of the irst
human beings, longing to know their creator.
World of mystery
Bhakti yoga brings us into the world of
mystery, a realm where the dissecting,
discerning qualities of the intellect are
powerless next to the vast ocean of feelings.
For many meditators and yoga practitioners,
the goal is union, oneness with the supreme.
But in Bhakti yoga we don’t think about
any goal, we weep, laugh, cry, sing and
dance with our beloved, and ask only for
more devotion. Bhakti is relationship; our
stormy love afair with god. And Bhakti is
surrender; surrendering our personal heart
into the great heart, ofering our self will
and all our eforts and actions to that vast

consciousness, to god. “Not my will, but thy
will be done.”
In the holy places of India, towns and
villages permeated with devotion, magic
is a daily occurrence. Perception shifts
like clouds moving across the sun. When
the aroma of God’s name wafts down
a village street we can suddenly ind
ourselves walking in the ancient footsteps
of Ram and Sita, or Hanuman, or Radha
and Krishna. Throughout the day, we hear
bells ringing, mantras being uttered from
every doorway, kirtans bursting from the
primitive loudspeakers. We smell incense
and lower oferings. We catch glimpses of
gods and goddesses around every corner.
Doing pilgrimage to the sacred shrines is an
invitation to the mystical breath of Bhakti.
Place of worship
The ancient village of Vrindavan, the town
that was home to the young Lord Krishna
and his beloved Radha, is one of these
great sanctuaries, imbued with worship. The
lines between the past and the present, the
astral and the concrete, are very thin, and
pilgrims come from all over India to partake
of the nectar of Rasa, or divine emotion,
that colours the town. When I irst visited
Vrindavan in 1971, I was absolutely stunned
by the sheer quantity of living temples. It
seemed that literally every other building
was a holy shrine, and the sound of god’s
names reverberated from wall to wall, street
to street, crumbling alley to archaic temple.
One day I was walking along Parikrama
Road, a path that circumambulates the
village. Devotees walk this dusty path
(approximately ive miles) as an act of
worship, feeling that they are ‘Gopis’, circling
the body of their lover, Krishna. Walking
around Parikrama you see ancient India,
priests chanting the Vedas, pilgrims weeping,
sadhus gathered around their ‘dhunis’
swaying to the driving rhythms of a kirtan
chant, peacocks, cows, on and on. I used to
take this walk every morning before dawn,
timing it so I could have my irst chai of the
day watching the blood red sun rise over
the Yamuna river. As the sun climbed into
the sky my heart never failed to melt at the
passionate cries of ‘Radhe’ or ‘Hare Krishna’
that echoed through the misty morning air.
top of his lungs. Instantly my ‘shanti’ was
shattered. The cymbals seemed louder
than the rock concerts I’d left back home
in the States. And his raspy voice was like
sandpaper to the inside of my brain. Where
was the blissful India that I loved?
I hurried my steps and tried to get past
him without being noticed. But just then, an
old old man in orange robes, bent with age,
sporting long dreadlocks, stepped out of the
little hut adjacent to the path. The young
sadhu became stunningly silent as his ancient
guru ofered me tea and cookies. We sat
and sipped the steaming chai, watching the
brilliant emerald parrots ly from tree to tree,
sinking into a deep, heavenly meditation,
listening to the distant strains of kirtan
loating on the gentle wind. What peace.
Grace & beauty
But, as all things must pass, the chai was
inished, the cookies were gone, and the
old man dismissed me with a soft smile.
I touched his ancient, cracked feet and
continued my walk. At that moment the
racket began anew. Clang! Clang! Clang! The
horrible cymbals! The hoarse, screaming
voice! But as I turned around for a last
pained look, the magic descended. This old
“Kirtan is part of an ancient form of yoga known
as Bhakti, or the yoga of devotion. But in Bhakti
we redeine ‘devotion’, we expand the meaning
to include every shade of colour in the palette of
human emotion, turned towards god through song,
dance, and worship.”
om spirit
man, who seemed barely able to walk, was
dancing in the doorway of his hut. Suddenly
his crooked body was illed with the grace
and beauty of a young maiden. His delicate
swaying hips, his beatiic smile, his long
lowing hair; the old sadhu had transformed
into Radha, the goddess of love! And
to complete the mysterious change in
awareness, the young sadhu’s kirtan was
now the sound of angels singing. His terrible
cymbals had transformed into a divine
orchestra of tinkling bells and chimes. My
heart stopped beating, tears sprung from my
eyes. Here was Radha Rani, dancing her love
for Krishna, amidst the gardens of Vrindavan.
When it seemed the world would end in an
ecstasy of love, the old man simply stepped
inside, leaving me to the heat and dust, and
the sadhu’s cacophonous song. But my mind
was quiet and my heart was full as I continued
down the path. I had been given yet another
reminder to see beyond the surface reality
into what is hidden; to trust the perceptions
of the heart before those of the judging mind.
I had been given a few drops of grace from
the vast ocean of Bhakti.
Jai Uttal is a kirtan artist, multi-
instrumentalist, and ecstatic vocalist.

What peace
On this particular day, as I was walking
away from the river I heard a horriic racket.
A young sadhu, covered with white paste,
and wearing a simple cloth around his waist
was sitting on a small stone wall, banging
cymbals together and screaming ‘Radhe
Shyam Radhe Shyam Radhe Shyam’ at the

103
 om spirit
A
‘Mala’ means ‘garland’
in Sanskrit (the ancient
language of India), a set of
beads traditionally used
by Buddhists, Hindus and
ancient yogis for thousands of years during
meditation. Mala beads are used to keep
count whilst chanting or mentally repeating
a mantra. The use of these beads is called
‘Japa’ in Sanskrit, which means ‘to recite’,
creating awareness, bliss and peace.
Strung with 108 beads plus one extra bead
known as the ‘Guru Bead’, a Mala is built in
an intentional way, with each part having its
own spiritual and signiicant representation.
Typically made from sacred woods and
gemstones, a Mala is also often worn as a
piece of jewellery when in fact it ofers a
much deeper meaning; a wearable relection
of something of our own journey, infused with
our prayers, intentions, hopes and dreams
with each recitation.
Understanding the role that each part
of the Mala plays can add meaning to our
personal meditation practice.
Why 108 beads?
In yogic traditions, there are 108 Upanishads
(the sacred texts) and 108 Marma points
(sacred energy lines in the body according to
ayurveda). Mathematicians of Vedic culture
view 108 as the wholeness of existence,
representing the universe. 108 connects the
Sun, Moon, and Earth: the average distance
“Prayer is the key of the
morning and the bolt of
the evening”
Mahatma Gandhi
104
Exploring the true meaning
of yoga’s gits to the West.
By Sonal hakrar
of Sun and the Moon to Earth is 108 times beads: over time, it absorbs the energy of our
their respective diameters. These beads are focus and attention, a beautiful reminder of
arranged on a never-ending circle, creating a our devotions.
circuit of positive energy driving life forward.
Written by Sonal Thakrar (kleem.co.uk)
he Guru Bead
‘Guru’ means ‘teacher’ in Sanskrit. This 109th
bead is connected to the Tassel signalling
the end of one full Japa meditation cycle;
believed to represent state of consciousness, The Bead
the central goal of meditation practice.
Through this awareness, we are led to
ind our ultimate teacher and climb that
intimidating peak of awareness one step, one
bead, at a time. It is also known to represent
the summer and winter solstices – using
and wearing a Mala is a symbolic way of
connecting ourselves to the elements and
natural cycles of the universe.
The Knot
he Knots
A Mala is typically strung with cotton or silk
thread for strength and support. The thread is
then knotted to maintain a consistent space
between each bead. The knot represents the
Divine link between all beings, reminding us
that all aspects of life are connected and
supported in the universal sutra of life.
he Tassel
The Tassel is the cluster of strings, each
strand an extension of the string that binds The Guru Bead 
the Mala together. The strands continually
move and low, reminding us that we are not
separate but connected to the Divine and to
each other – oneness and unity, travelling
together on this journey called life. The The Tassel
Tassel also symbolises the thousand petals of
Sahasrara, the Crown Chakra, transcending
the energy created from meditation.
A Mala is much more than a collection of
105
 om spirit

P
racticing self-love is an ongoing commitment to n Smile more often, for no reason at all
nourishing the most important relationship we have in n Notice the beauty in nature every day
our lives: the one with ourselves. It’s an unconditional n When public transport is running late, rather than complaining,
acceptance for ourselves; the understanding that we stop and think of one thing you’re grateful for in that moment
don’t need validation from external sources, but we’re
already perfect just as we are. Until we ind this space of peace It’s easy to practice gratitude when life is going well, just like it’s
and acceptance within, we’ll always be looking elsewhere. easy to love ourselves when we’ve achieved something, when
Each month we’ve been exploring a diferent self-love practice, we think we look good, or when we have something speciic to
and this month we’re uncovering why gratitude is a fundamental celebrate ourselves for. The real work is to practice gratitude and
aspect of learning to love ourselves. We hear a lot about gratitude self-love even when things don’t feel like they’re going well. To
as a way to live more mindful, conscious, happy lives, and this realise that wherever we are, right this moment, is worth celebrating
goes hand in hand with self-love. Gratitude is about appreciating and being grateful for.
everything we are blessed with now, no matter how small or
seemingly insigniicant these may be. Gratitude is about celebrating Sabi Kerr is a yoga teacher and life coach. It’s her passion to
where we’re at and what we have right now, rather than focusing on support people in developing deep levels of self-love, so that they
what’s wrong, or what we don’t have. Self-love asks the same of us: can move forwards and create their fullest lives (sabikerr.com)
it asks us to appreciate and celebrate ourselves
as we are now, rather than focusing on what we
need to change.
A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.
Once you start to live life from a place of
gratitude for all you have rather than from a
place of scarcity, your attitude towards life,
yourself, and ultimately, how you love yourself,
totally changes. When you practice gratitude
daily, you begin to see all the blessings around
you, and that includes the blessing that is you.
As you begin to be truly grateful for yourself
and how you are now, you treat yourself with
the love you truly deserve. So practicing
gratitude leads us to deeper levels of self-love,
and practicing self-love reinforces all we have to
be grateful for. They go hand in hand.
Practicing gratitude doesn’t have to be
complicated and doesn’t have to take much
time at all. Small, consistent ways to remind
ourselves of the things we are grateful for
work best.
Here are a few suggestions for how you can
start a gratitude practice today:

n When you wake up, remind yourself of three

things you’re grateful for
n Every day, tell someone you love how much
you appreciate them
n Keep a gratitude journal, and each evening
write down something from your day that
you’re grateful for

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11th & 12th May 2019
EventCity, Manchester M17 8AS (sat nav)
omyogashow.com
Tickets now available l Register for your FREE show guide
107
 Get ready for Manchester

11 th & 12 th May 2019

EventCity, Manchester M17 8AS (sat nav)
Workout with the brightest and best yoga teachers in Manchester
next month at the ‘om-azing’ OM Yoga Show
Expert talks

G
et ready folks: the OM Yoga Show Manchester rolls
into town next month. Hang out with fantastic,
likeminded people and dive into one of the countless
classes on ofer from some of our super teachers.
We’ve invited the best of the best from the UK and
overseas so you’re in safe hands, whatever style of yoga appeals
to you. Here are a few reasons why you need to be in Manchester’s
EventCity venue on May 11-12:
Free classes
There are oodles of free yoga classes on ofer, with some simply
brilliant and gifted teachers. Take your pick from the likes of Dylan
Ayaloo, Jonathan Ferryman and Rebecca Shepherd, to name a few.
Get inspired
There will be inspiration seeping through the very walls of EventCity
throughout the weekend, but some of it will come from big
personalities and teachers. That deinitely includes the legendary
David Sye of Yogabeats fame. Don’t miss him!
Back to school
You’ll ind lots of the UK’s top yoga schools in Manchester, either with
stands, presenting talks or delivering classes and workshops. Find out
more about Dru Yoga, Sun Power Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and others, and
what it takes to train as a teacher.
Learn from the experts: Lynsey Hanratty will give you three key ways
to build a proitable yoga business. There are plenty of other yoga
talks and presentations too.
Kids classes
Bring the kids…everyone is welcome at the OM Yoga Show!
All weekend there are classes for youngsters at the Relax Kids
Yoga Studio.
Chill out
A dedicated meditation area means you’re never far from bliss. Visit
the Raja Yoga Meditation Space, run by the Brahma Kumaris World
Spiritual University, for 20-minute guided taster sessions to de-stress
and unwind the mind.
Shop til you drop
There is simply no better venue in the country to pick up new yoga
kit than at the OM Yoga Show. Whatever you’re looking for — new
yoga kit, props and accessories, retreats, yummy food, even teacher
training courses — you’ll ind it here.

Locally sourced
There are plenty of local yoga teachers too from in and around the
Manchester area, including Andrea Everingham, who’s become a
regular feature of the OM Yoga Show.

Feel the heat

Don’t worry all you hot yoga heads, there’s something for you too!
HotPod Yoga will be inside the EventCity venue with one of their
fabulous pop up hot yoga studios for you to get your sweat on.

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  Amazing teachers #1
Laura Burkhart: you’ll get to read more about Laura in next month’s
issue but you can enjoy workshops with her directly at the Manchester
show. That includes a Heart Hip and Core Flow class on the opening
day. Expect to feel open and strong, from head-to-toe afterwards.

Amazing teachers #2
Sarah Ramsden: she pioneered yoga for sport (working
with Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs, among others), now
Sarah is here to help you. Find her at the show where
she’ll be leading a workshop on yoga and injury.

 Amazing teachers #3
Rose Shaw: yoga anatomy nerd alert! Find out how our
feet afect our hip stability, back stifness, knees, balance
and more with Rose, who’s also an occasional OM writer.
Expect fascinating fascia and body brain teasers in a
workshop that’s suitable for all.

Tickets onsale NOW! Visit omyogashow.com

Thank you to our sponsors

M A G A Z I N E

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 om living

Willy’s Apple Cider Vinegar

Willy’s is the latest venture from
Tyrrells and Chase Distillery founder,

eatdrinkyoga William Chase. Willy’s Apple Cider

Vinegar is made from 48 varieties
of apple grown in the pristine
300-year-old orchards surrounding
the Herefordshire farm. The best of
Healthy eating goodies the best.
£6.95 (500ml)
willysacv.com

HealthLabs Protein & Energy Balls

Great balls of goodness from Health Labs. A range
of nutritious and delicious protein and energy
balls to fuel your yoga day. The yummy range also
includes the ‘Gutsy’ Mixed Berry Health Ball to
boost your belly and the ‘Skin Hero’ Choc Cherry
Collagen Ball for a tasty and all-natural facelift.
From £1.72 (at Planet Organic)
healthlab.com.au
Lucy Bee Starseed Omega Oil
Just half a tablespoon provides you
with 3.36g of omega 3 ALA, fulilling
your daily requirement as per the
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
A natural balance of omegas 3 (48%),
6 (33%) and 9 (9%), contributes to
the maintenance of normal blood
cholesterol levels. Available online or
at Whole Foods Market and, from July,
Asda. Suitable for vegans.
£9.95
lucybee.com

Willy’s Natural Energy Drink

The latest launch from Willy’s is a Natural Energy Drink made from
ive clean ingredients including Green Tea Kombucha and Apple Cider
Vinegar. Free of cafeine and added sugar, it has been created with
hydration, rejuvenation and gentle energy in mind. Available to buy
online.
£54 (for 24 tins)
willysacv.com

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The
CHOCOLATE
Factory
Make your own magic in the
kitchen with these sweet vegan treats

NUTRITION CODES:

SF Soya Free OF Oil Free GF Gluten Free

NF Nut Free Freezable Raw

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 om living

Chocolate tarts Method

Makes: 4 1. To make the pastry, sift the lour, icing sugar and cacao into
a mixing bowl. Add the oil and rub it into the dry ingredients,
GF NF
using your hands to make a breadcrumb texture. Then
These chocolate tarts are deliciously decadent gradually add the water – the amount of water you will need
and rich – perfect to serve after dinner, to impress depends on what sort of lour you choose (if you are using
your friends and family. regular lour then you will need less).
2. Gently combine all the ingredients into a dough, but do not
Ingredients knead. Wrap it in a piece of cling ilm and chill in the fridge for
30 minutes.
For the pastry: 3. Remove the dough from the fridge and divide into four portions.
• 120g (1 cup) gluten-free plain lour (we used Doves) Gently press each piece of pastry into a tart tin, making sure it
• 6 level tsp icing sugar covers the base and sides and leaving a little sticking over the
• 6 level tsp raw cacao powder edges. Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork and put it back
• 2½ tbsp oil in the fridge for 1 hour.
• 5-6 tbsp tepid water 4. Once your pastry has been chilling for about 45 minutes,
preheat the oven to 175°C/350°F/Gas 4. Line each pastry case
For the caramel sauce: with a small piece of baking paper, ill with baking beads and
• 100g (⅔ cup) white sugar blind bake for 15 minutes, then remove the beads and bake for
• 120ml (½ cup) full-fat coconut milk another 5 minutes. Allow the pastry cases to cool completely.
• Pinch salt 5. To make the caramel, spread an even layer of sugar at the
bottom of a dry pan or pot. Heat the sugar on a medium heat.
Try and refrain from stirring it, but if you do, use a spatula or a
For the ganache:
wooden spoon and just move the sugar round gently. It should
• 100g (generous ¾ cup) dark (70% cocoa) chocolate
start to go golden brown, but don’t let it burn.
• 60ml (¼ cup) full-fat coconut milk
6. Meanwhile, warm the coconut milk for the caramel in a
• 2 tsp maple syrup (optional)
separate pan.
7. Once the sugar has melted and caramelised slightly, take the
You will also need: pan of the heat and slowly stir in the warm coconut milk; then
• 4 small tart tins add salt. Whisk vigorously to combine, and if it starts to harden,
return to a low heat. Then set aside.
8. To make the ganache, melt the chocolate over a water bath.
om tip Once melted, turn of the heat. Slowly add the coconut milk,
whisking continuously. Once you have added all the milk, pour
You can use plain regular lour, if you wish, as it will in the maple syrup and stir in to combine. Set aside.
make the pastry slightly softer and easier to work with, 9. To assemble the tarts, spoon about a tablespoon of the
but the gluten-free lour works well too. cooled caramel sauce into each pastry case. Then drizzle
a little chocolate mixture over the caramel illing and swirl
around to disperse.
10. Let the tarts set for a few hours in the fridge, before serving.

Chocolate pots
Makes: 4
GF NF
These decadent chocolate pots are easy to make and are
perfect when you need a last-minute dessert.

Ingredients
• 240ml (1 cup) coconut cream
• 75g (½ cup) cashew nuts, soaked in boiling water for a few hours
• 240ml (1 cup) plant-based milk of choice Method
• 85g (scant ¼ cup) sugar or sweetener of choice (adjust quantity
according to preference) 1. Drain the soaked cashew nuts and add to a high-speed blender,
• 1 tsp vanilla extract along with the other ingredients. Blend until a smooth liquid forms.
• 50g (1 cup) cocoa powder 2. Leave to set in the fridge for a few hours, then garnish and
• Strawberries and or coconut, for garnish serve chilled.

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 om living

Superfood
Rocky Road
Makes 28 cubes

GF
This rocky road is an indulgent treat
packed with superfoods, making it the
ultimate ‘naughty-but-nice’ snack.

Ingredients
• 3 tbsp agave syrup
• 70g coconut oil
• 100g (¾ cup) dark chocolate
• 2 tbsp sunlower seeds
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 50g (generous ½ cup)
almonds, chopped
• 3 tbsp goji berries
• 3 tbsp pufed quinoa
• 2 tbsp dried cranberries
• 50g (½ cup) dried apricots, chopped
• 3 tbsp cacao nibs

Method
1. In a large pan, over a low heat, add
the agave syrup, coconut oil and dark
chocolate and allow to melt whilst
constantly stirring. Once the mixture
has melted, add the sunlower seeds,
chia seeds, almonds, goji berries,
pufed quinoa, dried cranberries,
dried apricots and cacao nibs, then
mix thoroughly.
2. Transfer the mix to a tray lined with
parchment paper and place in the
fridge to set for a few hours. Once
Coconut macaroons
set, remove and cut into 28 pieces. Makes: 16

SF GF (if using GF lour) NF

Ingredients
These moreish treats sit somewhere • 4 tbsp aquafaba
between a biscuit and a cake. They • 1
tsp cream of tartar
embrace the sweet nuttiness of • 100g (11 cups) desiccated coconut
coconut and balance it with rich, • 100g (scant ½ cup) caster sugar
dark chocolate. • 1 tbsp plain lour
• Pinch salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 75g (scant ½ cup) dark chocolate
Method
1. Preheat the oven 165°C/325°F/Gas 3. Whip together the aquafaba and cream of
tartar until soft peaks form.
2. Add the desiccated coconut, sugar, lour, salt and vanilla extract to the whipped
aquafaba and stir to combine. Spoon tablespoons of the mixture onto a tray lined
with baking parchment and bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown.
3. Once cooled, melt the chocolate in a bowl over boiling water and drizzle this over
the macaroons to inish.

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 om living
Nutrition Zone:

Matters of the heart

A healthy gut microbiome, watching your waist size and getting enough sleep
– just a few of the factors that could help you stave of heart disease,
says the British Nutrition Foundation

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 om living

E
ating a diet that encourages a healthy gut microbiome,
avoiding central obesity (fat in the stomach region) and
getting enough sleep are among the many dietary and
lifestyle factors that may help to protect against heart
disease and stroke. That’s according to indings of a
new Task Force report from the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF),
entitled Cardiovascular Disease: Diet, Nutrition and Emerging Rask
Factors: 2nd Edition. The evidence for other emerging risk factors
that may increase risk – such as being sedentary for long periods,
and poor diet in pregnancy – were presented at a conference for
academics and health professionals to launch the Task Force report
in London recently.
In the UK, the death rate from cardiovascular disease (CVD), which
includes heart disease and stroke has been falling but it is still one
of the leading causes of death. There are a number of treatments
available, which have contributed to reducing mortality, but ill health
associated with CVD (morbidity) remains high and could even be
rising in older age groups.
“Conventional lifestyle-related risk factors for cardiovascular
disease include smoking, raised cholesterol and blood pressure, lack
of physical activity, obesity and diabetes,” said Professor Keith Frayn
Emeritus, Professor of Human Metabolism, University of Oxford
and Chair of the Task Force. “However, these ‘classical’ risk factors
cannot fully explain diferences in cardiovascular disease risk and
emerging evidence suggests that other novel risk factors may play
an important role.”
The Task Force report explores some of the emerging and novel risk
factors and how they can afect our risk of heart disease and stroke.

Gut health
Scientiic research shows that eating plenty of wholegrains and other
ibre rich foods is important for a healthy gut, but the Task Force
report highlights that the fermentation of ibre by our gut bacteria
may also inluence our risk of heart disease.
Sara Stanner, Science Director at the BNF and editor of the Task
Force report said: “As a nation we’re consuming well below the
recommended intake for ibre. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables,
choosing high-ibre or wholegrain varieties of starchy carbohydrates,
and eating plenty of pulses, like beans, peas and lentils, will
contribute to ibre intakes and can help to keep your gut healthy and
decrease your risk of heart disease.”
Central fat
It’s known that being overweight increases your risk of heart disease
and stroke, but where you carry any excess fat is also important
in determining the risk of heart disease and stroke. The new Task
Force report explains that people who have excess fat around the
stomach are at increased risk because the cells secrete a number of
substances that can contribute to risk.
Stanner said: “Regardless of height or BMI, people should try to lose
weight if their waist measures more than 94cm (37ins) for men and
80cm (31.5ins) for women.”
Minerals
There is a well-established link between sodium in salt and risk of
high blood pressure but other minerals like calcium, magnesium and
potassium may play a role in preventing high blood pressure and have
positive efects on other risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
“Eating a varied diet will help to ensure you get all the essential
minerals you need; potassium is found in foods like bananas,
potatoes and ish, magnesium in lentils and wholegrains and calcium
in dairy foods and some green leafy vegetables,” noted Stanner.
Sleep
Evidence in the Task Force report suggests that it is not just a lack
of sleep but also poor quality and interrupted sleep that may be
linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes,
obesity, and hypertension.
“There is emerging evidence that inadequate sleep is linked
to increased risk of cardiovascular disease,” said Stanner. “For
general health, adults should aim for between seven and nine
hours sleep a night.”
Workplace stress
Many scientiic studies have linked stress with ill-health but the link
between job-related stress and increased risk of heart disease and
stroke is becoming more widely recognised. The report suggests that
exposure to stress activates speciic regions of the brain, leading to
an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can afect blood
vessel walls and damage the functioning of the blood vessel lining.
“If you’re exposed to stress in the workplace it’s a good idea to ind
relaxation techniques that suit you, and actively work at managing
your stress levels,” Stanner added.
Other risk factors
Other signiicant risk factors identiied by the Task Force report
include birthweight (both high and low birthweights are associated
with increased risk of heart disease in later life), excessive
consumption of alcohol and sedentary behaviour, even if
interspersed with physical activity.

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 om family
Concious Parenting

Space for tea

he joy of creating headspace...and a nice cup of tea. By Siri Arti

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 om family

I
’m writing this column from Taiwan while traveling for work.
Ten days into my trip, I become aware of empty space in my
head, and although an oddity, it’s also a revelation. It took me
a while to reach this place, and now that I have, I notice how
rare it is. I begin plotting on how to protect it.
As soon as I arrived in Taiwan, I worried that my children would
struggle without me. I also regretted taking an extra week beyond
my work commitment just to travel the island. It seemed selish, and
I also missed all that ofers me comfort: my home, my children, my
pup and my routine. Then I recalled why I took the extra week, and
encouraged myself to accept the adventure. The truth is I have been
feeling stuck for a while. I felt frustrated by domestic chores and the
lack of spontaneity showing up in my days.
I was bored but too scared to admit it. An opportunity to travel
appeared and although nervous to leave my teenagers on their own,
I grabbed the chance to escape and booked time out from my family,
my chores... shopping, cooking, cleaning and being mumma-uber. It
sounded good in theory, but there is always a process, and it has
taken me 10 days to arrive at the current space in my head.

Calm & spacious

So here I am, sipping oolong tea in a quaint café in the Beitou
District of Taiwan, feeling calm and spacious, when I notice a song
playing softly in the background. As sneaky as sabotage can be, the
song catapults me back a few years to a time when my daughter
played the song repeatedly on her guitar. She was having a hard
time and this song kind of told her story. I’m far away from home and
still the song takes me back to this sad story as if it were happening
right now. As I recall that time, the space in my head is replaced by
memories of a darker period. Tendrils of thought threaten to run
amok. I run the risk of taking the bait and travelling back in time to
re-live the experience, but in my newfound protector of space role, I
choose instead to let the memory go and gently bring myself back to
my tea and the present moment. yogabliss.co.uk
Finding elusive balance
As parents, there is a lot to occupy both our time and our minds.
This becomes habitual behaviour and is relentless. From the moment
our babes are born, we worry. The more children we have, the more
we have to organise or worry about. Of course we celebrate life too,
and experience joy and bliss and all that good stuf, but the worry
takes residence in our parental selves and forever after, our task is
to hunt down an elusive balance.
So here I am in a café, sipping tea and being mindful, without
a chore in sight. I have inally managed to let go of all that binds
me, and I notice that delicious sweet spaciousness again. A gift so
valuable I wrap myself up in it, and treasure the moment. I notice the
soft music playing, the fragrance of the tea, and the calmness in my
body and I silently give thanks for space and tea.
I’m thankful that I listened to my frustration and had the courage
to create time for myself, and that my teenagers are surviving
the small
without me. To protect this space, I vow to create moments during
ordinary day-to-day life as a parent; and to enjoy space and tea yoga
whenever I want to. And as my days in Taiwan are nearing an end,
I’m of to enjoy the hot springs for the afternoon to celebrate my
breakthrough. I wish you all moments of peace too, so we can
shop
collectively create enough space necessary to feel grateful for all
that we have. May we always remember to make space for tea. with the
Siri Arti is the founder of Starchild Yoga which runs yoga teacher 'hygge' blanket
training courses in the UK and overseas. Find out more at: big heart
starchildyoga.com

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 Teacher zone
Inside:
A deeper
understanding of
yoga... for teachers,
by teachers

Page 121: My Yoga Biz

Page 122: From Burnout To Business Pro
Page 124: Teachers’ Tales
Page 125: Books

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 Teacher zone

MyYogaBiz
Tips from the experts to help you grow the yoga business of your dreams.

his month’s mentor: Hannah Stewart, 35,

of Finding Yoga (indingyoga.co.uk)

SOCIAL MEDIA
I tried to use social media for posting pretty pictures with unrelated
inspirational quotes. I realised how cliché and unlike ‘me’ that was.
Then I started using a personality-based approach, such as posting
my yoga fails and ‘bad side’ photos. This connected me to a new
world of like-minded individuals, some of whom I’ve collaborated
with to create retreats and training programmes. I’ve found using
Instagram and Facebook can be a powerful way to advertise an
event. Recently, I joined forces with my friend and strength coach
Sam Hall. Our Mobility for Weight Lifters workshop sold out through
an Instagram post. If you connect with the right people, it can be an
efective business tool. Plus, I made some great friends too.

YOUR NICHE
I trained as a Functional Range conditioning mobility specialist to
better understand how to incorporate functional movement into my
classes. My body never enjoyed passive stretching, and I have always
disagreed with common yoga assists that force more range out of
people as they do more harm than good. Creating strength and
control in the range you have and safely increasing the joint range
is the basis of my classes. People are used to seeing more unusual
props, like tennis balls, Jenga blocks and weights. We frequently
ditch the mat and wear lufy socks to have more loor-based,
explorative movement play.
WHO DO YOU ADMIRE
Cecily Milne of Yoga Detour and Jenni Rawlings are huge inluences
and heroes of mine. They use science-based methods and other
non-yoga movement inluences and I believe these are pivotal in
changing how yoga is being taught: respecting yoga traditions but
making asana more suitable for the modern human, by illing in the
gaps from more traditional yoga trainings.
SECRET TO MAKING A LIVING
Don’t panic! Know when to drop the stuf that isn’t working (low class
numbers etc.) and learn from it. Building a reputation takes time and
not everyone will like you. Find your community.
YOGA RETREATS
I know many new teachers who want to jump right into running
retreats and workshops. Give yourself time to learn and grow. Find
your niche (this might take years) and your own voice. Collaboration
is fantastic, working with people you admire and creating products
with them. I start the year with a loose plan of workshops, retreat
dates etc. but I also try to be adaptable and take opportunities as
they come up. But sometimes it’s the baseline stuf like the gym
classes that keep you going! Full-time teaching doesn’t work out for
everyone. It took me ive years teaching part time before I had the
guts to ditch my day job.

HARDEST LESSON
Don’t say yes to everything, unless you are looking for a guaranteed
way to burn out and become very grumpy. It’s tempting to want to
take every opportunity when you irst go self-employed, as earning
enough money can be a concern. I took on every class I was ofered
and didn’t give myself a day of. It’s also unwise, when you lose
your retreat caterer just weeks before, to attempt to cook food for
24 people as well as teach the yoga yourself! I also once booked
a retreat venue verbally and lost all my money as they refused to
receipt it. I am not allowed to be in charge of venue booking!

Written and compiled by Claudia Brown (yogabyclaudia.com)

121
 Teacher zone

FROM
BURNOUT

TO

BUSINESS
PRO
Reducing yoga
teacher burnout by
building a sustainable
teaching career.
By Kelly McHugh

122

Y
oga teacher trainings give you the tools and knowledge
to conidently teach yoga but building a sustainable
career and a proitable yoga business becomes a
challenge if you don’t have the essential business and
marketing skills.
In most instances, teaching yoga requires setting yourself up as
a small business owner. Many excellent teachers don’t have the
essential business skills to really succeed in making a good living
teaching yoga.
Being a yoga teacher and being a business owner
simply requires diferent skill sets.
Knowing how to build an engaged community and how to extend
your ofering to bring multiple income streams into your yoga
business is essential if you really want to sustain teaching yoga full
time and not get burnt out in the process.
Many yoga teachers are struggling inancially. They’re teaching
15-20 classes a week, with no days of and are still struggling to pay
the bills.
They’re being paid for their teaching time in the studio but they’re
also spending time travelling between studios and planning their
classes. Time that’s not ‘paid’.
his simply is not a sustainable way to make a living
from teaching yoga.
It leads to burn out and can also result in many full-time
yoga teachers having to take on part-time jobs to support
themselves inancially.
It’s a story that’s echoed time and time again in my Facebook
group where one of the teachers recently posted:
“Being a yoga teacher in London is tough: the constant travelling,
with some studios not paying you enough, the competition that is
out there, and cost of living and studio hire being expensive…I’ve
learnt to hustle but I’m getting tired of it. I feel that the yoga teacher
‘struggle’ or ‘burnout’ should be a thing of the past”
What’s the solution?
The solution is to focus on building a proitable and sustainable
yoga business and to do this you need to learn essential skills that
allow you to generate other income streams.
Being a yoga teacher doesn’t start and end with getting your yoga
teacher training certiicate and all the best yoga teachers never stop
improving on their craft.
Just as you’ll continue to improve your teaching, you also have to
understand business and marketing or work with people that do.
Studio classes don’t pay the bills, but they can help you to gain
exposure and grow your community. Community is key and it’s
important to stay connected with your students through email
newsletters, your website and social media.
It’s therefore essential to learn how to use these channels to
connect with your students online and to ind out what they really
want from you and to build an engaged and loyal community.
When you know what your ideal students want, you can create
higher-priced oferings speciically for them, whether that’s
workshops, retreats, or online courses.
To transition from the studio teaching model to creating
successful higher priced oferings, you need to have the four
foundational elements of your yoga marketing strategy in place.
1. Build your online hub
Your website is the foundation to everything you do, it’s the online
hub for your community.
Teacher zone
Having a website gives you the opportunity to create content such
as a blog to attract potential students and to capture their email
addresses through opt in forms placed across your site.
Your website opens up opportunities to generate extra income and
more freedom - particularly if you use your website as a tool to start
teaching online.
Lots of yoga teachers all over the world are creating online
courses and classes with the aim to reach more people and generate
more income in their business – a solid and efective online yoga
business strategy.
Understanding how to take your classes online can help you to
reach bigger audiences and can have a huge positive impact on your
yoga business.
2. Ofer free, valuable content
If you don’t already have an efective content marketing strategy
in place, you are likely missing out on a lot and losing a lot of ideal
students in the process.
As well as positioning you as an expert through the content that
you share, you’ll increase awareness of your yoga brand, attract
new eyes online, boost traic to your website, get people on to your
list, convert them into students and retain them – all through the
content that you create and share online.
3. Growing your email list
Email over social media any day!
If you want to build a sustainable, long lasting yoga business, you
must prioritise growing your email list over your social media following.
Social media is rented land with every changing algorithm and if
Facebook or Instagram closed their doors tomorrow, how would you
contact your followers?
Spending time and efort on email marketing is one of the best
things you can do to grow your yoga business.
Once you’ve got a potential student on your email list, you have
the opportunity to show up week after week in their inbox to deliver
value and to build a relationship – and this is how you build a loyal
and engaged community who go on to invest in your higher priced
online oferings.
So get on board with email marketing now, don’t put it of, and
a year down the line when people are booking your yoga retreats
as a result of your email, you’ll be smiling inside that you made the
decision to start growing your list.
4. Be visible online
You need to be there in the places where your audience is
hanging out online. This means doing Facebook Live, getting on
Instagram Stories, showing up in their feeds and generally sharing
and extending your teachings from the studio and into the digital
landscape.
There are ways to make this easier such as creating one piece of
content every week and sharing it across multiple places.
Learning how to navigate the world of yoga business and
marketing can be overwhelming enough so it’s good to know that
there are online resources and courses to get you started.
Head to digitalyogaacademy.com to get access to a free business
resource library and start learning how to build a sustainable and
proitable yoga business.
Kelly McHugh is a yoga teacher and business coach who helps yoga
teachers to learn how to efectively share their message and build
their communities.
123
 Teacher zone
Teachers’ Tales:
The joy of corporates
Bringing yoga into the oice environment. By Paula Hines
I
n my old job, most of my time was spent sitting. Whether
it was behind a desk at a computer, hunched over piles of
scripts, perched in a TV gallery or sitting in meetings, there
was very little of my work that did not involve being attached
to an oice chair. No wonder I had back pain, tight shoulders,
tight hamstrings…. the lot! Memories of my childhood and teenage
enthusiasm for dance and feeling at ease in my body were distant.
Instead, I had more in common with the Tin Man.
Luckily for me, I discovered a great weekly yoga class at my
local gym that I was soon attending after work. (It was long before
the proliferation of yoga studios across my home city, London.)
This eventually expanded to include a burgeoning home practice.
However, if there had been the opportunity, for instance, of
lunchtime yoga at my oices at the time, I would have leapt at the
chance to roll out my yoga mat during the workday to re-energise.
It is now quite a number of years since I have worked in an oice
and it seems things have changed. It has become increasingly
more common for companies to ofer packages to their employees
including yoga classes, meditation, Pilates and all sorts of other
124
activities. As more employers come to understand and see the
beneits of looking after the wellbeing of their employees, I say: long
may it continue!
Every week for the past several years I have taught private
corporate yoga classes. While some do take place in a studio
space, the setting is more likely to be a boardroom with the tables
and chairs pushed to one side. And these classes are among my
favourite to teach. Why? Because they remind me of my corporate
days and what I wished I’d had access to at the time. Even though
it has been a while since I worked day-to-day in this kind of
environment I do remember how good it felt to be able to take some
time to focus on my breathing, move, stretch, meditate… to press
‘pause’. I love that I get the opportunity to give oice workers an
hour away from their projects, tasks and email inbox. And I love to
share tips that can be taken away and utilised whenever they are
needed. Who knew corporate yoga could be such a joy? .
Paula Hines is a London-based yoga teacher and writer
(ucanyoga.co.uk)
 Teacher zone

books
Anatomy & Yoga - Muscles In Action
Meyer & Meyer Sport
£19.95

A complete work that introduces the yoga tradition from a practical and scientiic point
of view. This book is aimed at students, teachers and all people who practice yoga or
want to ind out more. Explains the history of yoga, the classical texts and their traditions,
illustrates 50 classical yoga postures (asanas) as well as variations and adaptations for
safe practice, breathing and pranayama techniques and introduces aspects of inner
development. With information on relaxation practice, mudras and meditation, this book
allows you to penetrate a little deeper into yoga and, starting with the physical discipline,
helps you experience yoga as a spiritual discipline.

Further reading:

Twin Flame Meditations
- To Help You Understand,
Heal & Grow
Theodora F. Izzard
The Choir Press
£8.99
The Twin Flame Movement is happening now
on the Internet - but how do you achieve
union with your own Twin Flame, your
ultimate soul mate? This book explores the
social media trending phenomenon of Twin
Flames and will help you examine it within
the context of your own relationships. Great
reading if you are a long-term Twin Flame or
brand new to the idea. Inside, the author’s
beautiful meditations and photographs –
rooted in her own Twin Flame experiences
— evoke love and the deepest possible
connection between two human beings. Your
Twin Flame is out there, somewhere…get
ready to think and feel, connect and love, cry
and smile!
Whirlpools, Yoga and the
Balance of Life
Lindsey Porter
Leschenault Press
£12.95
Sucked into a whirlpool, discovering pre-Inca
tribal remains, breaking an ankle 5,000 metres
up the side of a volcano…these are just a few
of the unexpected circumstances that Lindsey
Porter found herself in as she travelled to some
of the world’s most incredible locations. For
the irst time these tales have been brought
together in a collection that shapes the
unforeseen and often humorous outcomes,
whilst revealing an insight into places that are
a little of the tourist trail. They also track the
amazing life journey of the author from being
a senior project manager working in inancial
services to travelling to India to train as a
yoga teacher.
Hotlifestyle - Essential Basics
Paul McQueen
Graystone
£17.99
This unique self-help book uses elements of
yoga in addition to the latest research helping
people lead healthier, happier, richer lives.
This 288-page book provides science-based
tools to help anyone make a sustainable
positive change. Written in a concise, easy
to understand format the reader is taken on
a journey of self-discovery inspiring them to
live a Hotlifestyle. For anyone determined to
power up their lives, considering changing
their job or simply wanting more out of life.
The book also ofers 50 exclusive links to
tests, videos and further reading on the
Hotlifestyle website for you to deepen your
understanding.

125
 Yoga is for every body
Your pictures. Your community

Bridget Pooley at Mehrangarh Laura-Lee at Elvaston

Fort in Jodhpur, India Castle in Derby

Ruby Cleverley Lisa Wynne Julia Chilcott-Coombes hiking in

Champagny-en-Vanoise, French Alps

Debbie Howdle

126
 Ian Davies in
the Pyrenees

Claire Robinson Denise Brims

in Venice

Galina Ivanova
hanging around

We want your photos!

Send us happy shots, fun pics, great asana (or bad asana!), big smiley faces, anything at all – and see them in OM Magazine.
It doesn’t have to be you doing a yoga pose either. We want to see your yoga life: a pre-class group hug, a cup of tea after
class, what you got up to at the weekend, send them all via email to: tom@primeimpact.co.uk

127
 RETREATS
pages

Welcome to our retreat!

Here in south Sweden we ofer you:
l Unique retreats with

meditation and yoga

l Yoga teacher training

l Ashram experience

Hire The Venue For

Your Next Retreat
Lavenham, Suffolk
+44 (0)1787 249798
info@InnerGuidance.co.uk

128
 �o��
OUR INSPIRATION

Develop, expand and evolve your yoga

Sacred Mala Beads.
Handcrafted With Loving Intentions
Visit us at Stand E2
OM Yoga Show,
Manchester.
blissmalajewels.com
practice with the Devon School of Yoga.
Enjoy our full range of courses, retreats
and residentials in beautiful locations
including Devon, Europe and India.
• Foundation Courses
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and Holidays
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tutors provide treasured
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FOR FULL LISTINGS OF COURSES, EVENTS & RETREATS:
www.devonyoga.com • info@devonyoga.com The Devon
Telephone: 01392 420573 School
ofYoga

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129
 om lite
Watch your thoughts
Beware the whirling luctuations of the mind…even ater booking
a lush summer yoga retreat! By Victoria Jackson
I
’ve started dreaming of the summer. The approach of
springtime always puts me in a looking-forward frame of
mind. I start planning. I feel full of optimism and see exciting
possibilities everywhere. In January I ight with myself not to
make a series of strict new year’s resolutions that I know will
simply oppress me by their dull worthiness. But by March the turn of
the seasons and the lighter days magically frees me from any such
self-improvement obsessions and instead I ind I’m naturally focusing
on what I really want to do — not what I think I should do. What a
relief, this is so much more fun!
So I’ve just booked myself onto a yoga retreat in late summer.
It’s perfectly timed so that just when back to school gloom settles
over the UK, I’ll be lying of somewhere warmer and sunnier and
immersing myself in yoga practice for 10 days or so. I’m already
looking forward to like-minded company, good food and beautiful
surroundings. In fact, I’m wearing out the retreat centre’s website
studying the photos and picturing myself there. What luxury to be
able to devote myself to my asana practice each day without any
worries about how to juggle yoga into my day (or try to juggle my
day around the yoga!). And when practice time is over I’ll have the
leisure of each evening just to sit and watch the sun set over the
ocean. I can’t wait, it all looks wonderful.
But my mind has slightly diferent ideas. It likes to play tricks
130
on me. No sooner have I completed the forms and sent of my
deposit, instead of basking in the joyful anticipation of this little
yoga adventure, all sorts of nagging anxieties start queuing up for
attention. What if I don’t get on with the teacher or I don’t like the
food? What if I injure myself, miss my light, or randomly decide I
hate yoga and quit my practice in the interim...?
I know that this is just some crazy safety mechanism my brain has,
thinking it’ll keep me out of danger by pointing out every conceivable
diiculty I could ever encounter. So it’s not so much back to the
drawing board to revise my plans, rather it’s back to the yoga mat
where I practice slow mindful movements, all the while watching the
thoughts that arise as a steady stream of distractions. Yoga teaches
me that I don’t have to heed all these ‘helpful’ messages, they
are just the whirling luctuations of the mind, the citta vritti-s that
Patanjali talks about.
And clearly, if Patanjali was aware of them more than a millennium
ago, they’re nothing new or unique to me. That in itself is strangely
reassuring. So alongside my suitcase, my ‘emotional baggage’ and
all those whirling thoughts will no doubt also be coming on retreat
with me. You can’t retreat from yourself, after all.
Victoria Jackson lives and teaches in Oxford. She is registered with
Yoga Alliance Professionals as a vinyasa yoga teacher
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