Asana of the week - Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

The Sanskrit word dhanur means bow-shaped, curved or bent. This asana is so named because the body  mimics the shape of a bow with its string stretched back ready to shoot an arrow.

Dhanurasana expands the chest, mobilizes the entire spinal column, and can be a welcome change to the usual movement for your body. Improves posture and strengthen the back muscles.

Seychelles Swimmers Association's Selfless act. . .

Hi fellow yogis:)

I had the wonderful privilege of taking part in a two week swimming camp offered to a group of vibrant youngsters.

A two week intensive swimming training camp organised by the Seychelles Swimming Association for local swimmers who have been training regularly with the SSA during the year. This year it is at its third edition. Training, morning breakfast, juices, fruit, cereals, milk, water, lunch and afternoon snacks are all included. 

The focus is on intensive training. Swimmers do two hours of swimming in the morning and two in the afternoon, attend to several talks that cover nutrition, psychology, first aid notions, Olympism etc. Their age is approximately 11 years onwards, but I think the majority are among 12 and 14. After swimming they are engaged in other activities such as table tennis, volley, jogging, basketball, and YOGA! 

Asana of the week - Child's Pose (Balasana)

(bah-LAHS-anna) bala = child

The Child's Pose stretches your lower back and arms and relaxes your entire body.


Step-by-step Instructions:

• Kneel on the floor, touch your big toes together and sit on your heels. Exhale and lay your torso down onto your thighs. 
• Broaden your scrum across the back of your pelvis and narrow your hip points toward your navel, so that they nestle down onto the inner thighs.
• Lay your arms and hands flat on the mat stretched out above the head or alongside your torso, palms up, and release the fronts of you shoulders toward the floor - feel the weight of the front shoulders pull the shoulder blades wide across your back.

Balasana is a resting pose. Stay anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes. 

Pranayama - The Importance of Breathing (Taken from an article written by Jenni Bagus)

One of the Five Principles of Yoga is Pranayama or Breathing Exercise which promotes proper breathing. The importance of an adequate oxygen supply is why these perfected various Breathing Techniques have been developed that will help revitalized the mind and body.

Pranayama - the science of breath control, consist of a series of exercises intended to meet these needs and to keep the body in vibrant health. Proper breathing is to bring more oxygen to the blood and to the brain, and to control prana or the vital life of energy. These techniques have also proved to help the prevention of major diseases and cure minor illnesses.

Asana of the week - Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana)

Bound angle pose or baddha konasana stretches your groin and inner thighs. This is a very useful pose for developing flexibility of the hips, knees, ankles and feet. It opens and increases circulation to the pelvic region.

You can use the wall for supporting the back if you have back problems or find it difficult to hold the pose. 

How to clean your yoga mat

If your mat is lightly soiled, use a spray bottle, damp sponge, or terry cloth rag to apply a solution of two cups of water and four drops of dish soap. Rub the soiled areas. Wipe the mat with clean water; then rub with a dry terry cloth towel. Hang to air dry.

If your mat is heavily soiled, submerge it in a solution of warm water and mild detergent; use very little soap as any residue may cause the mat to become slippery during future use. 

Thoroughly hand wash the mat and rinse in clean water. After squeezing out the excess water, lay the mat on a dry towel and roll the mat and towel together. Stepping on the rolled up mat will squeeze more moisture out of the mat and into the towel. Then unroll and hang to air dry.

For maintenance, carry with a small spray bottle of water mixed with a couple of essential oil drops, tea tree and eucalyptus oil works great and has a lovely aroma. Spray this over your mat after your practice and you will have a fresh and sterilized mat for your next session.

Always try and go as natural and organic with your cleaning products as possible. This includes vinegar and baking soda as great replacements for detergents.

Yoga

Yoga isn't about executing the poses perfectly, or having the best balance. Yoga is connecting with yourself. Yoga is like learning to breathe again. Or that moment when you jump out of bed in the morning, rush outside to do the sun salutation and you're blinded by how utterly brilliant the world can be. Taking a moment from your stressful, up-beat life and remembering you have a soul and that is the beauty of it all.

Asana of the week - Boat Pose (Navasana)

Boat Pose - (par-ee-POOR-nah nah-VAHS-anna) paripurna = full, entire, complete nava = boat.

"Both the Full Boat Pose and Half Boat Pose are wonderful choices to incorporate into your daily yoga practice. Do them carefully and with concentration; you'll be rewarded with a stronger, more muscular core." - Andrew Weil, M.D.

Description & History

The yoga pose Paripurna Navasana, commonly referred to as Full Boat Pose in English, comes from the Sanskrit words paripurna meaning full or entire, nava meaning boat. The Full Boat Pose is a popular pose used to engage the core muscles by strengthening the abdominal and muscles of the pelvis and lower back. While the Full Boat Pose is a difficult yoga pose to perform for many, the benefits of the pose are long lasting.

There is something beautiful. . .

There is something beautiful about coming out of a class and students smiling out of the experience you just offered. I am forever grateful for being given the gift of teaching...for I am a student myself, with the tools to share what I have been taught.

There is something beyond that, something more spiritual, somewhat beyond the limitations of oneself do you discover it. I believe in the Being of Love, a LIFE that is beyond our full understanding, one that no asana, no meditation or pranayama can reach. Only through a life of pure dedication and LOVE may we find that connection and peace ~ May your journey continue on this road, and may the tools of yoga guide you to that path. And may every step you take be sincere, in mindfulness and joy!