2012 Through the Lens of Gratitude

The clock shows 4am as I step onto my yoga mat. I mean to do 108 rounds of Surya Namaskar, mostly to celebrate the divine source of spiritual energy from the last full moon of 2012 (but also the need to work off all that excessive Christmas eating). 

Instead I first sit cross legged, my face bathed in the brightness of the lunar luminescence that streamed through the windows of my practice space. It's just days away from my long awaited beach holiday, and I think of the gravity of the moon as it pulls the oceans back and forth, creating tides that constantly kiss and caress the shoreline. Just as the tides of our lives flow and ebb, I take a moment to reflect on the year that was about to end and how I'd embrace the new year that was about to begin.

Looking back, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for life's roller coaster ride of 2012. To me, gratitude isn't just a 'feeling'... it is a state of being... a way of looking at life through the lens of goodness to see the hidden wonders of what the world has to offer us. Being grateful is also to embrace our imperfections, and to recognise that there is so much love coming from every direction in our lives, and that whenever we are aligned with faith, we will be OK no matter how things turn out. When we are able to focus on the stuff that matters, and let go of the stuff that don't, gratitude beckons.

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out.
It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.
We should be thankful for those people who rekindle our inner spirit"
(Albert Schweitzer)
(photo taken in Old Town Tbilisi, Georgia, Oct 2012)

A sweaty but deeply gratifying 108 Surya Namaskars later, I write the last post for the year, and pause to set a Sankalpa for 2013. A "Sankalpa" means "vow or determination"... it's kinda like setting life's resolution but with a yogic flavour. A Sankalpa is about the "I Am" and not about the "I Want". It aims to bring out the best in us and focuses on the efforts and nobility behind that intention. In order to usher in the positive, we must first recognise and eliminate the negative. And by training the mind to develop trust and faith in ourselves, a Sankalpa can be the creator of our destiny. 

In this new year, may you be free from the shackles of self-imposed boundaries, for you can be truly exceptional if you believe it in your heart of hearts.
May you be happy and surrounded by love and laughter, for there can never be enough of that in the world.
May you find gratitude in the angels who cross your path and reignite your inner fire.
May your Sankalpa enhance your life with contentment and inner peace.

Om Namah Shivaya.
Have a Happy and Blessed New Year.

Not Quite a Cat(astrophic) Practice

The Cat Pose (Bidalasana), is one of my favourite warm-up asanas, as the arch-tilt action initiates movement from the core centre, and coordinates movement with breath, while gently warming up the entire spine, freeing the neck and shoulders. It is also an excellent stimulant to the abdominal organs and the spinal fluids. Practitioners with knee pain can place a blanket under their knees when doing this pose. And just like most asanas whose names take after animals, cats have had a great role to play in this asana.

My lil' stick drawings

My cats accompany me in my daily yoga practice. As creatures of habit, they take great joy in running up the stairs ahead of me, as if to race me to my mat. Being the good boys they are, they don't deface my mat by using it to sharpen their claws. They seem to know that my yoga mat is my sacred practice space (although sometimes, sharing a corner is oh-so irresistible). They don't get in the way of my practice but instead, choose to widen their eyes in horror when I fall heavily to the ground in the many failed attempts of a handstand in the middle of the room.

Each morning they would snuggle into their favourite corners, and choose to keep a watchful (sometimes even disdainful) eye on my alignment (as if to say, "Jeez, woman, you call that a backbend???").

"Oi! Hug those legs into the midline!" 

"There must be something underneath here that's making her stay balanced".

Meditation and Pranayama can be a challenge when you know someone's watching (or purring loudly in accompaniment).

Me : "Ommmm"
Ringo : "Purrrrrrrrr"

I can never be as flexible as them in any Parivrtta (revolved) pose.

"Supta Something Something?
Piece of cake".

In spite of all that, Savasana is always sweet after a great morning practice.

"Group Savasana, our fave pose"

May you find life's little highlights in your daily practice too.

OM, Peace and Purrs from me, Ringo and Toby.

xx

In Gratitude

As I pen the last newsletter for the year to our dear yogis and yoginis, I find myself reflecting on this past year, and am overwhelmed by a deep gratitude to all who have walked with me along this path and towards the light of Yoga. I am indeed blessed with abundance and love, and am grateful to have enough to give back in any small way I can.

"Wake at dawn with a winged heart and
give thanks for another day of loving" - Khahlil Gibran.

I am imperfect but thank you for giving me the chance to bring out the best in all who step onto the mat.

In Gratitude, Love & Light always,
Angeline

When Every Opportunity is An Opportunity for Change

I recently spent 3 weeks leading a Yoga Teacher Training in a far flung place called Tbilisi, Georgia, where Sun Yoga has a second shala. 5 inspired teacher trainees from the USA, Hungary and Kazakhstan spent 8-hour days with me, exploring the techniques and depth of yogasanas, Pranayama and bandhas. Our days would start with a 75 minute Led practice at sunrise, followed by 3 hours of intensive asana work, and finishing the day with the art of sequencing a yoga class and teaching practice right until 5pm (and sometimes beyond).

Summer had stretched into October, of which I was greatly appreciative of (seeing I'm not too fond of the cold) but the Universe had to throw me a curve ball, and I was given a rather 'cold welcome' on the first day vis-a-vis an icy cold shower on an 18°C morning! The water heater wasn't working! Great! Needless to say, it was the fastest shower I had ever taken in my life (and yes, I managed to wash my hair and all essential body parts!). There was even a funny moment of me blowing my toenails with a hairdryer as they had turned bluish-grey from the cold water! 

Teaching trainees in a different environment away from home base, is challenging nonetheless. There's so much diversity at stake here : culture, yoga styles, level of practice, personalities, language and expectations to top the list. Egos clashed all the time (theirs and mine!) and the first few days saw emotional volatility at its peak as we placed vulnerabilities out in the open and went through a 'life conditioning' period. Tears, outbursts, and the occasional swear word were all part of the daily special in the room. We are, after all, human beings with flaws.

I found myself sleeping less and less as I lay in bed, thinking of ways to bring out the best in each individual. I sought solace at the end of each long training day in a late evening practice when the shala was quiet, trying to find a state of balance. The irony about balance is, (and so relatable to everything else in life) you actively seek balance only when your life is in a state of fluctuation. 
More often than not, Yoga tests our ability to stay present, and when we allow ourselves to be swept away by these fluctuations, we lose sight that every opportunity is an opportunity for change... and change itself is a huge part of the practice.

As the days pass, and I watch the trainees slowly blossom in confidence and sound 'less like a Mini Me' and find authenticity in their teaching voices, I am reminded by the saying "To learn, read. To know, write. To master, teach". I cannot teach them everything. I can only help them discover it within themselves.

How apt - message in my Yogitea 

Packing for home, I notice the shift in weather, bringing about rainy afternoons and windy nights. Summer had transitioned into Fall, and just as the leaves fall off the trees and onto the ground, it is time to turn inwards, let go of triumphs and old attachments, and create new spaces to grow.

As we said goodbye, I reminded the trainees, "Your greatness is not what you have. It's what you give".

Me and the Sun Yoga Tbilisi teacher trainees - Oct 2012

When a teacher teaches, two learn. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to learn as much as I have shared these past weeks. It has been a beautiful adventure... and the beginning of many to come.

Love & Light.

Life's a Vinyasa

You say Ashtanga, she calls it Flow, and he swears by Vinyasa.

Same poses, but with huge dramatic differences, in what I'd like to call "choreyogaphy".

Vinyasa Yoga is often termed as a "flowing sequence of asanas that connect breath with movement".  I love Vinyasa. I love the very fact that I can tap into classical Hatha yogasanas and "choreyogaph" them to a seamless flowing practice where the mind, breath and body unite in a meditative state while in motion.  In lieu of the music of my breath, I too sometimes love to Vinyasa to tunes from my playlist where I get swept up by the flow of mantras as I settle into a pose, be it for a breath or five, before another takes its place. I love the 'aaah' moment where the practitioners in my class are led from prep poses to a peak pose, before dissolving the practice into restorative mode.

Vinyasa reminds me that life imitates art (the art in this case, being Yoga). Yoga teaches us to practise non-attachment (vairaghya) because nothing in life is ever permanent. Just like a Vinyasa practice, we flow through life, ride the peak poses, take the occasional tumble (like from a Handstand straight into a Savasana splat!), as one life experience dissolves and a new one takes its place. But as each unfolding moment presents itself, that too shall pass. 

Vinyasa - even bunnies do it
(image from mindbodygreen)

Finding the balance between joy and curiosity is often the base ingredient for my Vinyasa "choreyogaphy", sometimes even without the initial, rigid dogma of alignment. My Vinyasa practice is when I take fun seriously. My body and mind become my intimate canvas for opportunities, mistakes and growth. To me, healthy alignment is in the body's natural state, and with a full presence in one's practice, the alignment will eventually come (those who practise Ashtanga Vinyasa will attest to that).  

My body, my canvas

We exist in a constant state of adjustment, in order to get the alignment of our lives right. We adhere by schedules, deadlines, society and parental expectations. But have we ever thought of loosening the reins a little, and revisit the state of childlike wonder, to allow every turn to reveal a constant discovery, and every experiment to unearth new beginnings? Would we let ourselves sink into permanent rituals that (may) rob us of being joyful? 

Much has been said about 'enjoying the journey' but do you Vinyasa on the mat, as well as in life?

Blokes and Yoga

He walked behind his girlfriend, dragging his feet along slowly, as if every step was a step closer to his doom... a stoop on his wide, muscled, reluctant shoulders and a doubtful look on his face.  She on the other hand, smiled widely at me, as if half the battle had already been won. 

"I brought my boyfriend", she sang. "It's his first class".
He glared at me and mumbled his name when I introduced myself. 

I asked if he had any prior injuries or health conditions I should know about, and he crossed his arms and said loudly in his most macho tone, "I wrecked my right knee when I was windsurfing, and I have a disc problem in my lower back due to lifting weights at the gym". 

Image from 123RF

So, here we are... in class, with Mr. Macho (let's call him Mr. M), his bendy girlfriend and 3 other regular female practitioners. Being clearly outnumbered in the flexibility department did not peak Mr. M's enthusiasm for yoga.

I assured him this was a Beginner's class, and we're not here to be competitive. "To each his or her own practice" is my mantra, and I promised to offer variations, props and lots of pit stops for rest in-between. (I also told him to only look at my demonstrations and not at the other ladies around him).

We started off with some joint movement exercises, breathing, before proceeding to four half rounds of the Classical Surya Namaskar. By then, Mr. M was already sweating profusely and breathing loudly at each Tadasana, as if to find inner strength from each inhalation to last the hour. 

I sprinkled the class with light-hearted humor, just to make him feel more at ease (and to divert his attention from his super tight shoulders, hamstrings and quads).  The rest of the ladies found it relaxing to slow down and work on their alignment, so the class turned out pretty balanced.

Surprisingly, for someone who's never practised yoga before and is extremely inflexible, Mr. M was very aware of how his body responded to each asana, and his alignment was near perfect. I told him so, and he looked at his girlfriend with a "see...I'm not that bad" grin on his face.

At the end of the class, his towel and t-shirt were soaked (so was the mat), and he said, "Wow... this was hard! Harder than lifting weights! But I feel good". (My heart did a lil' dance of joy).

Well, here's hoping he'll join his girlfriend for more yoga.

In the meantime, here's some eye candy on male celebs who practise yoga.  
Have a great weekend! xx

Adam Levine in Nirlamba Ardha Chandrasana

Matthew McConaughey in Bhujangasana

Sting in Padmasana

Why I Write

It's been a while since I last wrote... a long while, actually (and postings about workshops and events happening at the studios where I teach don't count as writing).

After two back-to-back Teacher Trainings since end June, and a packed August, this long weekend had me finishing up some long-abandoned half-read books, plus some well-deserved me time on my mat with my practice.

A conversation with a monk a few weeks back, in my car, came to mind. "You write", he said. "I do... in an amateurish way", was my sheepish reply. "And why do you write?" he asked, just as we approached our destination. I didn't respond immediately as I was busy maneuvering the car into the parking lot. "Write more", he quietly said, upon hearing my answer.

As I sat by the window, watching the afternoon rain fall from the skies, I pondered on a topic to write on. Nothing came to mind. Instead, I thought about why I write in the first place. I used to write to earn a living. But now...

I write to let go of things and people that do not contribute positively to my life...  

I write to remind myself to practice impermanence... just like the shadow play cast by the setting sun, everything will (eventually) be gone when one day ends and a new one begins tomorrow.

I write to remind myself to

I write to celebrate that true friendship isn't about being inseparable, it's about being separated and nothing changes.

I write about how blessed I am by the beautiful beings who have entered my life, touched my soul and transformed me into a better person.

I write about the storms in my life before the calm. And how I learnt to dance in the rain instead of waiting for the storm to pass.

I write about not skipping straight to the breakthrough. Instead, I am openly honest that I too, am a work-in-progress and that happy endings don't come without hard work.

I write to heal... to be free of my demons... and to have the courage to love again.

Write more, I was told.
Write more I shall.

xx

Arm Balance & Backbending Workshops with Jani Jaatinen

Sun Yoga is happy to be hosting Jani Jaatinen from Finland for the third consecutive year. On 25 and 26 August, Jani will be teaching 2 workshops at Sun Yoga.

Jani is a dedicated yogi, with over 10 years of teaching experience. He has led Hatha and Asthanga Vinyasa classes and workshops internationally, and continues to deepen his yoga studies with spiritual teachers in India and Europe. Jani exudes passion and commitment to his yoga practice, and it is our privilege to have him here at Sun Yoga for these special weekend workshops.

Don't miss out on our Early Bird rates which end 5 August. Register early as mat space is limited (no kidding, Sun Yoga is a small, cosy shala!)

For more information, please click :
https://www.facebook.com/events/422122807827233/

www.janijaatinen.org

The Power of Union

"The purpose of a union is to create something greater than we can create alone. Together, we increase efforts and talents to create something more meaningful and impactful. Life is a collaborative effort. Share the light. Be the light" - from The Power of Union, April blog post.

We're finally ready to put the word out.  Sun Yoga is growing organically, from a small shala to a global family. There will be positive changes come August (more new classes in KL, a new global website, exciting workshops and events) but the same values of traditional, honest teaching of yoga from the heart remain.

We welcome you to join the Sun Yoga family, and look forward to deepening your journey into self-realisation and inner peace.

Sat Nam.

Finding Your Inner Teacher

According to Krishnamacharya (also known as the Father of Modern Yoga), one of the most important qualifications of a yoga teacher, is to keep a daily self practice. A dedicated, disciplined self practice guides you to become your inner teacher, where you treat your body, mind and breath like a blank canvas, and explore, investigate and experiment each asana on an individual level. This in turn, translates to how you approach your teaching and how flexible you are in modifying the practice to suit the practitioners' needs and present state instead of going on and on with a pre-planned sequence, totally clueless to the practitioners who may be struggling to keep up with your class.


Attending classes taught by other teachers doesn't count towards self practice - that would simply put you in what I'd call a "monkey see, monkey do" situation.


When I step onto my mat and begin with simple, foundation asanas, I am reminded that I was a beginner, and always will be practising with a beginner's mind, on this eternal journey of yoga. 

Setu Bandhasana with a prop

The more complex and challenging asanas never let me rest on my achievements, nor do they let the ego take flight. As a student and teacher of yoga, I am but a work-in-progress.

A work-in-progress Eka Pada Bakasana

No classes tomorrow morning for me, means a luxurious morning of indulgent self-practice. There's a Zen saying, "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear".


May you find your inner teacher on this joyous path of yoga.
Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

Pranayama Workshop by Amaranatho

As yogis, we spend a lot of time perfecting our asanas, but how are we breathing? 


Sun Yoga KL, my shala and spiritual home will be hosting Pranayama and Relaxation workshops by Venerable Amaranatho, a Buddhist monk. 


Source Process and Breathwork is a system for healing any life limiting decisions we made when we took our first breath, and are at the core of all human conflict. During this one day session, Amaranatho will explore in a practical way what it means to be safe at cellular level. The session will involve meditation, working in pairs and circular breathing.


This workshop is suitable for yoga practitioners of all levels (including those fasting or pregnant).


For registration or enquiries, please email: hello@sunyoga.com or ring us at 012-9764866.

I Think.... Therefore, I Am

Having a positive affirmation in mind when you wake up in the morning, or just before you start your yoga practice helps to enhance your physical, mental and emotional health. It is similar to Japa practice (the practice of constantly repeating a mantra). A yogic affirmation need not be a spiritual one, and it can help you create a noble and purposeful approach to your day and to your life.


Here's one of my favourite, go-to yogic affirmations.

What's yours?
xx

Learning to Dance In The Rain

It's the merry month of May, and with it, came a mixed bag of sorts.


While my open soul feels rejuvenated and re-energised from being reunited with my Guru whom I hold the highest of respect for, I somehow lack the words to articulate those beautiful, yogic experiences on and off the mat. The inspirational chats we had [and this from a man of few but deeply insightful words], straightened out my perspectives, cast aside my storm clouds and brought my passion for teaching yoga to renewed heights. My Dharma could not be any clearer. 


And then right out of those two precious Sadhana-like weeks, there came a lot of emotional turbulence in the country's political front, and although I refused to participate actively in anything that wouldn't contribute positively to my tapas, I couldn't help but be deeply saddened by what my country has become.


The past couple of days brought about some events that threatened to uproot and spin me in any crazy direction known to mankind, but I fought tooth and nail to remain as unfazed and grounded as a work-in-progress-yogi can.


I cling onto the energy from my precious two week Sadhana, refusing to be swept up by the tempest brewing around me. Instead, I navigate through it, trying to hop, skip and jump through all the puddles because life isn't about waiting for that storm to pass... it's about learning to dance in the rain.

And as it starts to rain heavily in the lil' corner of my world this evening, I step onto my mat... my refuge... 

Me and Shadow Play

But between you and me, I'd really rather be doing this...

I'd rather Live, Love, Laugh and Be Free

May Your Rain Dance Be Joyful.

xx

The Power of Union

"When the right intention is set, the Universe answers and everything will come together. And if it doesn't happen at that particular moment, it's simply because that moment isn't yet right.... but it WILL happen eventually, when that intention comes from a place of honesty" - R's Facebook status.


Something that we set about talking two years ago, in the living room of a small, semi-dilapidated cottage during the torrential downpour of the Indian monsoon, is slowly coming to light. And just as "Yoga" is defined as "Union", this collaboration of minds, bodies and hearts will create something greater and stronger as we harness the Power of Union. 


The purpose of a union is to create something greater than we can create alone. Not because there is any deficiency or incompleteness in us, but because each of us is unique, with our own talents and abilities, and in union, we increase the efforts and talents available for creating something more meaningful and impactful together. All unions, whether romantic, creative, or based on professional grounds, can be powerful relationships for personal growth.

Being in a union is like looking into a mirror, reflecting back the parts we love and dislike about ourselves. If we have the courage to recognize our reflections in each other, the union will then offer us the acceptance of who we are, and an opportunity for personal transformation. A union that works requires effort, patience, nurturing and the willingness to adapt, adjust and accommodate. Life is a collaborative effort. Together we are stronger because our personal power is multiplied by two.

We expect lots of exciting days ahead, as this union takes shape, and we look forward to making positive changes in the world, one yoga mat at a time.

The Power of Union

Here's wishing you a beautiful life.


Love, Peace and Light (multiplied by two).

Labour of Love

It doesn't really count as work, when you LOVE what you DO, and DO what you LOVE.


I'll be teaching a special class this Labour Day (1 May) at Journey Within Studio. So, snuggle a little longer in bed, and then come Vinyasa with me from 10.00am to 11.30am. This is an ALL level class that will balance strength with flexibility, and inner peace with outer calm. 


Beginners attending need to have at least 6 months of regular yoga practice. Kindly RSVP to book your mat space. More details in the flyer below.


See you soon, sunshine!
xx

Yoga In The Park

When was the last time you practised yoga in the divine outdoors, breathing in the crisp morning air, and actually Surya Namaskar'ing as the morning sun rises?


My friend's studio, Inner Living Yoga, in the quaint, historical town of Melaka (a mere 2 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur) will be celebrating its 3rd Anniversary this May. To celebrate this special event and to build the yoga community spirit, we are all invited to join them for yoga in the park, and a potluck breakfast. The venue is at the beautiful Hutan Rekreasi Ayer Keroh, Melaka.


Why not bring your family and friends, and make it a fun weekend road trip?


Details in the flyer below, but if you need directions or more info, please contact Brandon Tan at 017-3524884 or email him at body.sol@gmail.com.

Going on a Spleen Break

A couple of days away, and it'll be the last week of March. Every year, around this time, I go on a 7-Day Detox, to give my overworked spleen, liver and what-nots in this factory called "my body", an overhaul.


So for 7-days straight, my body will be in deep cleansing mode. No pills, powders or potions - just loads of organic fruit, greens and nuts. Juice it, munch or crunch on it, it'll be purely wholesome, raw foods.... anything that isn't processed, sweetened or with a barcode on it. And add in lots of yoga, pranayama and meditation (but hey, that's already a given, for yours truly).


The first day will be a bit of challenge because, like in the past, there will likely be a struggle with withdrawal symptoms, BUT I'll be keeping this mantra in mind... 

Image from Google

... and I'll emerge with renewed vim and vigour... just in time to co-teach the 200 Hours Teacher Training in early April.


Love, Peace and Carrot Sticks.
xx

What is Yoga?

Definitely not just a sweaty workout on a mat.

How the Yoga Sutras Unleashed my Inner Warrior

Life is funny (though, not always the funny of the ha-ha kind).


As March comes to (almost) a close, I spend a moment to ponder on how 2012 has been so far. 


Not one to believe in predictions (Chinese Astrology predicts that the Year of the Black Water Dragon will not be favourable to many), I cannot help but reflect on the turbulence that had been inflicted upon me these past few months... in health, relationships, trust and yoga. I noticed that as I begin to experience shifts in my consciousness and manifest a longing to live a life with more meaning, I inevitably created turbulence within myself, my yoga practice and my life. It became exceptionally hard to abide to the Yamas and Niyamas, when everyone and everything seemed to be pushing my buttons (including the cat!). 


Overbooking myself into 3 months of non-stop 7-days-a-week of teaching plus the intense stoking of the Rajasic fire, resulted in me losing my voice and coughing incessantly in February and March. I felt depleted, energy wise.


I began to retreat into my introverted doppelganger self, as people with selfish, devious intentions loomed before me, colouring my thoughts with doubts on why such people practise (and teach yoga) in the first place. Is the world so swept up with this new hot phenomenon of "doing yoga" that people have forgotten what it's like to "practise yoga"?


Does the "turbulence of awakening" need to be a struggle? Can't we just sit tight, with seat belts, helmets, elbow and knee pads on, and face each lesson and road bump as an opportunity to uncover the clue that will lead us to the next stage of life's journey? Can we write off the nasties in our life, and move on to life inspirations instead?


Carrying this storm cloud over my head, I popped back into the Tuesday night Yoga Sutra class. After reading verses from Patanjali's Chapter 1* (Samadhi Pada), the clouds slowly dispersed, as I found my "inner rainbow" that would turn all the current turbulent confusion into inspiring clarity. The lightness that I experienced in my drive home that night was astounding as I felt a huge burden lift from my shoulders. I was finally ready to cast aside the nasties and move past the uncertainties.


When we practise connecting our body, mind and spirit toward the quest of developing courage to let go of fear and fight adversity, we will somehow realize that we (actually) have the knowledge and power to unleash our inner warriors, and accomplish anything that our minds and hearts say we can do, without sacrificing tenderness. We have that ability to find stillness amongst the chaos, in order to live a purposeful and abundant life.
It's just that sometimes, we need a wake-up call and a push in the right direction.


Surround yourself with beacons of light and you will be illuminated.
Thank you for being my beacon.
Hari Om, Tat Sat.

*Vritti Sarupyam Itaratra (1.4) is translated to "At other times, when one is not in self-realization, the Seer appears to take on the form of the modifications of the mind field, taking on the identity of those thought patterns". 

Yoga India TTC : Open Practice and Master Class

You're invited to join the daily morning Open Classes and a weekend Master Class, with Master Bharath Shetty (Mysore), in conjunction with the Yoga India 200 Hour Teacher Training in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.


Come practise with our teacher trainees during their Module 1 TTC, and learn from one of South India's best Hatha teachers.  Details in the poster below. Please pre-register by calling or texting Calvin at 012-3393810 (no walk-ins, please).


See you on the mat soon.
Namaste.

Get Smoothie-licious

As a teacher who leaves home before sunrise, to get to her first class 5 mornings a week, needless to say, I have absolutely no time for breakfast as my tummy would still be in Savasana mode.


Coming home at 10am'ish means my tummy is still fired up from all that mula and uddyana work after teaching 2 sweaty classes, and I'm usually famished, but it also falls into that in-between time zone, where it's a tad too late for a hearty breakfast and too early for a proper lunch.


To balance my hunger pangs til lunch beckons, and to power me up with the right vitamins, I raided my veggie and fruit rack in the fridge and got creative with my blender.


Here are 3 of my favourite Yogi-On-The-Go smoothies :

Enter The Dragon Smoothie

Enter The Dragon Smoothie 
1 cup of red dragon fruit (peeled and cut into small pieces)
1 small banana (peeled and sliced)
1/4 cup of water
Blend until well-mixed

Berrylicious Smoothie

Berrylicious Smoothie
4 big strawberries, or berries of your choice (washed and sliced)
1 small banana (peel and sliced)
1/4 cup plain yoghurt
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp organic honey
Blend until well-mixed

Mango Mania Smoothie

If mangoes are in season, have a go at this yummy treat.


Mango Mania Smoothie
1 small, ripe mango (peel and sliced)
1/4 cup plain yoghurt
1/4 water
Blend until well-mixed


Rock icon, Mick Jagger turned 68 a few weeks ago, and attributed yoga and smoothies as part of his wellness regime.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-2959/Mick-Jagger-at-68-Yoga-Smoothies-Avocados.html

So if you're always on the go, maybe it's time to get smooth like Jagger, eh?
Happy blending.

Workshop : "Turn Your World Upside Down"

Change your perspective, and face your fear of going upside down in this 2.5 Hour Series 1 workshop on Inversions.


Whether it’s the basics of Shoulderstand, Sirsasana (Headstand), or a progression into more advanced Headstand Variations and Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Balance), I will be sharing with you, detailed alignment and techniques to build strength, balance and confidence in your inversion practice.


Details in the flyer below, or visit www.journeywithin.com.my


See you on 17 March, as we look at the world the other way up.

No Birthday Presents This Year... Just Your Presence

I can't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday this year.


If you have nothing else planned, do join me for a donation-based class at Journey Within Studio on Saturday, 25 February, 8am. I will be leading a Bhakti Flow class, a heart-opening practice that infuses devotion and gratitude to body, mind and breath. Dedicated to the less fortunate, this class is part of the "Yoga and Meditation for Others" Project, where all proceeds will be channeled to Yayasan Sin Chew and selected charities.


More information in the flyer below.  
See you on the mat soon. 
Namaste, Love and Light.

New Class : Gentle Flow Yoga

Rise and shine with me, as I take you through a Gentle Flow class on Wednesdays at Journey Within Studio.  Details below or at www.journeywithin.com.my.  See you on the mat real soon!

Challenge Pose : Eka Pada Bakasana

Eka Pada Bakasana (One Legged Crow or Crane Pose) is one of the challenge poses on my wish list. After about 6 months of consistent attempts to achieve some sort of stability in this posture, (and falling flat on my face and bruising my cheekbones numerous times), I was convinced this should probably be on my suicide wish list instead!

However, the fiery discipline of tapas (the third of the Niyamas) brought about inner awareness, patience and transformation to my practice of this asana, and one day, I found myself comfortably taking flight.

My advice for those attempting Eka Pada Bakasana, is to basically forget about venturing into this single legged flight plan, if you can't even hold Bakasana with stability and ease.  Remember, the purpose of yoga is sthira sukham asanam (the yoga posture should be steady and at ease).

Step 1 : Establish Your Flight Plan

Come to a squat, with the heels off the mat. Wiggle your inner knees high up onto your arms. The higher up your knees are, the better.  Look forward and lean your weight slowly into your arms, while pulling in your core strongly. Start to hug your arms and thighs big time towards the midline, as if you're trying to crush a coconut between your thighs.

Step 2 : Find Your Perch

Keeping the gaze forward, round your upper back, contract yourself into a tiny, little package, and come into Bakasana. It's important to contract the calf muscles, and pull the heels up and toward the buttocks.  Balance here for a few slow, steady breaths, without collapsing your weight onto your arms.

Step 3 : Test the Water

From Bakasana, draw the inner thighs and ankles toward the midline even more, and without leaning to one side, take a big inhale and slide the left knee off the left arm. Let the knee hover between your arms, but keep the thigh close to the chest with strong contraction still going on in the legs. Maintain a strong core and the rounding action of the upper back.

Step 4 : Take Off

When you've achieved stability in Step 3, exhale, and extend the left leg up and back into the full posture.  Rotate that left thigh in, to keep the hips leveled.  Feel the energetic expansion of your posture, as you send prana all the way to your extended leg.  Try to maintain the right knee as high up the arm as possible (as you can see, I'm still a work-in-progress). Keep the gaze forward and after a few steady breaths, set the leg down. Rest and attempt the second side when you're ready.

In your daily practice, trust that you can, and give it your all. Respect that your practice may not be the same from day to day.  

May your practice be a joyful one.

Love and light always.