Canggu, Bali
Buddhist Monastery, Banjar, Bali
Yogi at Hindu Monastery, Kauai, Hawaii
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Indulge Your Senses In A Tropical Oasis
Bali Retreat - Painting, Pampering, YogAlign & Wellness
Come join us in Bali for 6 nights in a luxury villa, from the 20th to 26th September 2018.
Indulge your senses in a tropical oasis & let your creativity flourish.
Myself & artist/teacher Paula Knight www.paulaknight.co.nz will be sharing our knowledge & create an amazing experience for those who wish to join us.
More details for this luxury retreat to follow.
YogAlign Creator Michaelle Edwards returns to NZ this November
New Zealand – 10 Day YogAlign Certification – 19th - 30th November 2018
North Island, New Zealand – Mangawhai Surf Club. Beautiful, beachfront location in the North Island.
Learn to teach YogAlign in this 10 day event. Suitable for yogis, bodyworkers, physical therapists and trainers, fitness and wellness educators.
Course includes a download of the YogAlign book, which is required reading for the course, as well as anatomy worksheets which must be completed before the course start date.
Monday to Friday 19 - 23 November and Monday to Friday 26 - 30 November 2018 (weekend of 24 - 25 Nov is free time) $1700 NZD, $250 discount to $1450 NZD if paid by 1st September 2018.
Housing and food not included. Kitchen is located on the club premises and reasonably priced accommodations are nearby.
Book online http://yogalign.com/event/new-zealand-10-day-yogalign-training-nov-2018/
Elevate Your Energy Levels
Natural Ways To Boost Your Energy
Does your energy need a boost? Try these eight tips from human behavioural expert
Dr John Demartini.
It is commonly believed that we lose energy as we grow older, but the level of energy one has in life is not so much connected to age as it is to state of mind. Naturally, when someone is coming to the end of their life and is more susceptible to disease, they may not have the same reservoir of energy and vitality as someone much younger.
The people who are at the most risk of ‘suffering’ a lack of energy are those who do not feel like they are living purposefully; they feel lost, overwhelmed and out of focus. They are scattered and are trying to live other people’s lives. Often their diets and lifestyles are not all that ideal.
The body and mind are inseparable in their interactions and, therefore, we need to be accountable for how our psychology may be affecting our overall health. For instance, distraction and lack of direction in life can be a major contributor to low physical energy. Often people spend their day carrying around a long list of tasks in their mind; things that they think they have to do, should have done, or could do. The mental energy expended just thinking about this never-ending to-do list can leave you feeling drained, lethargic and completely overwhelmed.
In today’s fast-paced world it is essential we learn how to delegate and not try to take responsibility for everything. Try putting this imaginary list on paper, reviewing it and then separating what only you can do from what you know you can delegate to someone else. Once you have done this you will not feel as overwhelmed and immediately more motivated and energized.
There are several other ways we can enhance our energy and vitality, without reaching for the coffee or cola:
- Prioritise your daily actions. When you fill your day with high priority, energizing and inspiring actions your day won’t fill up with low priority, de-energizing and despairing distractions. The former elevates your self-worth and the latter drains and lowers it.
- Prioritise what you eat. Eat the most vital and invigorating foods. Eat them with moderation, rhythm, and consistency. Eat to live. Don’t live to eat. Fuel your body with quality nutrients.
- Drink clean water – the universal solvent – more than sweet or falsely energizing drinks that initiate volatilities in your blood sugar levels that induce rises and falls.
- Do moderate exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga, or dancing.
- Breathe deeply and diaphragmatically until it is your daily standard and habit and you will have a tight abdomen and loose shoulders instead of tight shoulders and a loose abdomen.
- Do not eat heavy and lie down. Eat light at night.
- Read classical and inspiring books written by inspiring originators and masters.
- Document what you are grateful each day. When you are grateful for what experiences you receive you receive more experiences to be grateful for, and you will generate an increase in energy and physical well being.
By making changes to the way you approach your life and by placing greater emphasis on personal fulfilment, purpose and congruence with your highest values, you can enhance your vitality naturally, and without outside stimulants.
Dr John Demartini is a renowned entrepreneur and human behaviour expert, founder of The Demartini Institute and author of 40 books. For more information visit www.drdemartini.com
Thanks MiNDFOOD for the article https://www.mindfood.com/article/natural-energy/
Love is Everywhere
Plant the seed of positivity into your mind,
nourish it daily with love
and happiness will flower,
as fear begins to die.
Leon Brown
The Practice of Yoga
The One Practice That Taught Me To Shed Labels — And Embrace Freedom
Katina Mountanos - mbg
From the time we are young children, we place labels on ourselves to make sense of the world. We are either skinny or big-boned; cool or unpopular; a musician or an athlete.
And while these labels at times can be helpful to create some form of an identity, they are often extremely limiting. They place us into boxes—or out of them—and continue to follow us well into adulthood.
For a long time, I labeled myself as inflexible. I was a strong runner with an athletic build—not like the tall, lanky women we see gracing the covers of magazines. I completely took myself out of the "yoga" box because I assumed that in order to do it, you needed to have a certain body type.
It also didn’t help that by social media standards, yogis seemed like they could pop into an oddly formed shape anywhere—whether they were on a yoga mat or in an airport. It was intimidating to think that I could barely touch my toes while sitting down, let alone put my foot behind my head on the beach.
But I soon realized that the purpose of yoga was quite the opposite. Because yoga is really a practice of shedding labels, of removing the layers to get to your true self.
I realized that yoga as a practice only really begins on the mat.
As I began going to yoga class regularly, I realized that practice only really begins on the mat.
Asana, or the physical practice that we typically think of when we imagine yoga (beautiful studios and class memberships aside), is really just the first step on our yoga journey. It’s considered preparation for all the deeper aspects of our practice such as pranayama (breath work) or pratyahara (meditation).
Really, though, all of these parts of yoga are meant to prepare us for those tough moments in life—like when we get frustrated with our boss at work or our train is running late.
Because at the end of the day, the majority of us humans don’t have the flexibility—in terms of both our time availability and physical limits—to pop into a yoga pose in the middle of the day when things get rough. We need to be able to access that mindset wherever we are in the world—and it begins by being kind to yourself on the mat, whether you're flexible or not.
I was forced to confront my deeper feelings and emotional roadblocks.
After a couple of years of regular yoga practice, I decided to take the next big step and complete my 200-hour training. I realized that I was seeking to learn more about yoga than a 60-minute class in between work and dinner could give me.
Of course, I thought that at that point I had come to face all of my fears (don’t we all?). I thought that I had resolved my issue with inflexibility. I was growing more flexible by the day, and heck, it didn’t even matter to me anymore—or so I thought.
But oddly enough, before I even entered my teacher training, I spent hours practicing the perfect handstand. I wanted to walk into that room confident that I was a true yogi, that I was capable, that maybe I was even the best.
But yoga has this funny ability to shine a mirror on our deepest issues and make us confront them head-on. And my experience was about continuing to shed those self-induced labels.
During my training, I quickly learned that yoga practice is different for every body—and sometimes even varies by the day. That on some days, you may be strong enough to hold crow pose, and on others, child’s pose is the most you can do.
I had to learn to stop comparing myself to my neighbor and even to myself the day before.
I had to really sit with the labels that kept coming up and negative self-chatter that we all know so well: You’re not good enough, strong enough, flexible enough for this. Maybe you should just quit.
I had to stop defining myself by my outward "successes" and really get in touch with my true self, which if you've tried, is not an easy thing to do.
I released self-limiting beliefs and embraced kinder thoughts.
It is the first experience I’ve had that you can’t just "achieve" and complete. Almost everything in life that I’ve done had an end point. As a runner, you could only complete so many marathons. But with yoga, your teacher training is really just the start of an entirely new world and mindset.
For me, setting an intention to be kind to myself before each practice has helped me continue to shed those labels. Whenever I find myself looking over to my neighbor’s mat or beating myself up for falling out of a pose, I take a breath and come back to my intention. It’s a difficult, continuous practice that we all must work at—but one that overflows into the rest of our lives.
Over time, I’ve also come up with daily rituals that help me reset and continue to dig deeper toward the truest version of myself. While a daily yoga practice is on that list—it’s not the only thing. Taking time to meditate, journal, and even take a 10-minute solo walk (without music blasting into my ears) have all helped me quiet the noise and continue to shed those labels.
Of course, it’s a process. But with each step comes the beauty of finding your most raw, beautiful self—without labels.
Natural Ways To Manage Period Pain
Natural Ways To Manage Period Pain
Feeling queasy? Sick of cramps? Try these six tips for relieving pain associated with menstruation, naturally.
Queasiness and stomach cramps often go hand in hand with menstruation, and while painkillers may temporarily provide relief there are natural ways you can ease discomfort. Susan Johns, clinical dietician and distributor of Lunette in New Zealand shares her top tips for managing period pain naturally.
Why whole grains?
Whole grains are complex carbohydrates that stimulate the brain in order to release serotonin, a hormone which makes you feel good. Ever notice that your body feels like it took a thrashing from the inside-out about a week before your period is due? Studies have shown that whole grains can reduce that tension and fight depression because they are loaded with vitamin E and magnesium.
Put it on your plate – almonds, spinach, quinoa, cashews
Your best spud
Vitamin A plays a huge role in saying goodbye to our PMS symptoms. An increase in Vitamin A will fight PMS symptoms, like acne and heavy bleeding, as well as problems that occur like fatigue when vitamin A levels plummet. One sweet potato provides 120% of our daily recommended intake of Vitamin A.
Put it on your plate – kumara, carrots, kale
The good kind of fat
Good fats make good hormones; bad fat makes bad hormones. Simple, right? Keep your saturated fat intake low and boost your intake of unsaturated fats, especially in the week leading up to your period. This’ll help keep your hormones happy.
Put it on your plate – avocado, coconut and olive oil, whole eggs, salmon
Cereal killer
B vitamin deficiency, particularly B6, is known to play a role in increasing PMS symptoms such as forgetfulness, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and moodiness. Add period pain to the mix and your day just got a whole lot worse.
Put it on your plate – fortified breakfast cereals, chickpeas, chicken, tuna, banana
Nuts about nuts
While your uterus is busy cramping your style, the muscle lining can get fatigued and develop a lactic acid build up, just like your legs after an intense session at the gym. Magnesium, found in high concentration in nuts, is key here to give relief to cramping pains.
Put it on your plate – nuts, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, spinach, fish
Zinc overdose
Upping your intake of zinc-rich foods a few days before you are due has been shown to have a positive effect on cramps, bloating and inflammation. Zinc needs vitamin B6 to be absorbed, so be sure to pair your zinc-filled foods with foods rich in B vitamin.
Put it on your plate – peas, asparagus, spinach, red meat, seafood.
The Importance Of Sleep - Part 4
"If every 8 year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation." - Dali Lama
EVENING DINACHARYA, PART 4: PRACTICES FOR BETTER SLEEP
By Shyam Kumar for Yogibeings
In Part 1, we looked at how a consistent sleep routine enhances the quality of rest and rejuvenation. In Part 2, we focused on synchronising our sleep routine with nature’s doshic rhythm and in Part 3, we looked at practices that help you relax in the evening. Now we look at some more evening routines for better sleep.
Avoid backlit screens
Turn of all electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime. Backlit screens interfere with your biological clock and fool your body into thinking its daytime, straining your eyes and stimulating your mind. Spend this time with yourself. Indulge in soothing meditation or self-reflection, listen to relaxing music, or read an uplifting book (although not in bed!).
Avoid reading in bed
Reading in the bed can confuse the body by signalling for sleep and alertness at the same time. Designate a place to sit down and read. Avoid reading excessively emotional or distressing content. If you struggle with sleeping, try giving up bedtime reading.
Keep a journal
Spend a few minutes writing about your day to clear your mind and remove any residual emotions associated with the day’s events.
A soothing glass of milk
If your system allows it, drink a glass of warm milk, with a pinch of cardamom and honey, to promote deep sleep.
Relax your body
Once in bed, consciously relax your entire body. Bring your awareness to each part of the body and will it to relax itself. Then focus on your breathing and gently drift into sleep.
Sleep according to your dosha
Vata types may suffer from irregular sleep routines and have to take extra effort to establish a daily sleep routine. Go to bed at the same time every day, even if you don’t feel sleepy. Sleep on your left side to encourage breathing through your right nostril, to promote heat.
Pitta types tend to easily get disturbed from their sleep. Keep your bedroom quiet and fragrant. Sleep on your right side to encourage breathing through your left nostril, for cooling.
Kapha types have a tendency to oversleep and this causes imbalance. Ensure you wake up before 6 am. Sleep on your left side to promote heating.
Incorporating all these practices into your daily life may sound daunting. Choose a few of these that appeal to you most and commit to doing them every day. As you become comfortable, you can gradually add more practices into your routine. Observe how your body feels and celebrate the small improvements—these are your body’s way of thanking you.
Broken Brain - Weekly showing of a Ground Breaking 8-part Docuseries
Here at the YogAlign Yoga Studio in Mount Maunganui, I will be showing the Broken Brain 8-Part Docuseries, Heal Your Body, Heal Your Brain.
Host Dr Mark Hyman has brought together the world's top experts on brain health to bring you the most cutting edge information & research on brain health.
Broken Brain is an 8-Part Docuseries that addresses the root causes of our biggest brain challenges, how to really go about healing them, & how to optimise your brain function. We refer to our "Broken Brain" by many names - Alzheimer's, depression, anxiety, memory loss, brain fog, attention deficit disorder or ADD, autism & dementia - just to name a few.
If you (or your family & friends) are looking to achieve more mental clarity & become sharper, more focused & more joyful, you won't want to miss this documentary. Everyone Welcome!
You don't have to suffer with a Broken Brain anymore!
I will be playing the 8-Part docuseries hosted by Dr Mark Hyman, over 8 evenings.
Episode 1 The Broken Brain Epidemic / My Story - Thursday 12 April
Episode 2 Gut Brain Connection: Getting to The Root of a Broken Brain - Thursday 19 April
Episode 3 Losing Our Minds - Alzheimer's, Dementia & MS - Thursday 26 April
Episode 4 ADHD & Autism - Thursday 3 May
Episode 5 Depression & Anxiety - Thursday 10 May
Episode 6 Traumatic Brain Injury - Accidents, Sports & More - Thursday 17 May
Episode 7 7 Steps to An UltraMind (Part 1) - Thursday 24 May
Episode 8 7 Steps to An UltraMind (Part 2) - Thursday 31 May
Venue: YogAlign Studio, 125 Oceanbeach Road, Mount Maunganui
Time: 7pm start - bring a pillow or bolster for your comfort (we have some available :) and pen & paper
Cost: $5 per single session or $20 for the full 8-part docuseries
Dates: Thursday evenings starting Thursday 12 April to Thursday 31 May 2018
The Importance Of Sleep - Part 3
EVENING DINACHARYA, PART 3: RELAXING ROUTINES
By Shyam Kumar for Yogibeings
In Part 1, we looked at how Ayurveda considers sleep to be essential for good health and how establishing a consistent sleep routine goes a long way in enhancing the quality of rest and rejuvenation. Part 2 explained how the night is governed by different doshas at different times and how to synchronise your sleep routine with nature’s rhythm. Now, let’s look at establishing a soothing evening routine to help you wind down and prepare for a night of restful sleep.
Following a regular routine reassures your body that everything is well, providing a tremendous sense of comfort. Establishing a daily evening routine ensures that, with time, the body learns that these are signals that the day is ending and to prepare for a good night’s rest. It’s important to be consistent with the routine. Here are some things that you can incorporate into your evening routine:
Avoid that evening cup of coffee
Drinking coffee or any other stimulant prevents your brain from responding to fatigue, instead making you feel fresh and energetic. This causes problems in trying to sleep early. If you are suffering from sleep-related problems, cutting down on caffeine may go a long way in helping you sleep better.
Turn down the lights
Our biological clocks are highly sensitive to light. For most living beings, sunset is a signal that the day is winding down and it’s time to rest. In today’s modern life, there is so much artificial lighting that it severely interferes with the natural biological response to sleep. One of the best things you can do is to dim the lights at home as the sun goes down. This sends the signal to your body that the day is ending.
Reduce exertion
It’s best to reduce strenuous physical and mental activity at least two hours before bedtime.
Have an early dinner
Have an early dinner to ensure that the food is completely digested before you sleep. This prevents the accumulation of toxic waste (ama) in your body, which could make you feel dull and lethargic. It’s ideal to leave a gap of three hours between dinner and sleep time. To get used to eating early, you can begin by eating a lighter dinner than usual.
Wash your face
Wash your face with lukewarm water, preferably using an Ayurvedic cleanser. This cleanses the dirt accumulated through the day, removes oil from the pores and helps your skin breathe at night.
Massage your feet and scalp
Take a few drops of oil and do a slow, relaxing massage of your scalp. Wash and dry your feet and apply a few drops of oil slowly from heel to toe in slow, circular movements of your palm. This removes excess heat and relaxes the entire body.
In Part 4, we shall look at a few more things you can do before bedtime and how to incorporate these into our daily lives.
Contact Leonie Main
m: +64 (0) 274 96 96 33
19B Golf Road, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Facebook: Gypset Life