One of the translations for the word ‘yoga’ is ‘union’. If we took it a step further, we could extend that to the total balance of mind, body and spirit. Be brave and take another step forward and maybe you can add your own personal interpretation of what that might mean for you and your current journey in life.

If you were to think back to what may have brought balance to your life 5 maybe even 10 years ago and then fast forward to today, chances are you may have slowed down the pace a bit, but not necessarily…

According to yogic teachings we should ‘be happy for those who are happy, sad for those who are sad and indifferent to the wicked’. This teaching comes from a text written over 2000 years ago by the great saint and sage, Patanjali.

At first thought this may seem like a fairly easy teaching to absorb and even a reasonably accessible ethical code by which to live. But upon closer examination we might begin to realise the challenges that lie ahead …

For example think back to the last time you were in a situation of conflict, perhaps in your family…

Is yoga a sport, an exercise class, a religion, a lifestyle choice, a state of being, or a ritual?

Some say yoga is diminished if not practiced strictly and daily, and should include all of the recommended yogic practices, the correct pronunciation of Sanskrit, the correct diet, and an intimate knowledge of the inner self. Others teach yoga as a 1 or 1.5 hour class involving stretching and breathing, then return to daily life until next week. Some say it requires flexibility, others say the poses are nothing compared to the awareness and presence required. I have spent some time…