Meditation And Yoga Blog

Charlie holding The Dhammapada
Eastern Philosophy

The 5 Spiritual Books That Changed My Life

In deciding what order to put these spiritual books in, I chose to go with the order in which I read them, as it’s difficult to rank them in order of preference.  Each one came to me at a time when I needed it the most, and each has had a profound impact on my life. 

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Corporate meditation seminars female
Mindfulness & Meditation

Corporate Meditation: Reshaping the World of Work

In today’s frantic and fast-paced corporate world, stress has become a ubiquitous presence. It’s a silent enemy that creeps into the lives of employees, affecting their productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. However, many forward-thinking companies are now turning to an ancient practice to combat modern-day stress, signing up for corporate meditation.

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Charlie benefits of smiling
Daily Life

The Disadvantages and Benefits of Smiling

Due to my research on the benefits of smiling, the current wallpaper and screensaver on my phone, is a simple white screen with the text ‘SMILE’ on it.  I created it to remind me to smile, because I realized that I don’t smile enough at other people.  As you’ll discover, the topic of smiling caused arguments between my husband and I, and was something I had reason to actively not do when I was younger.

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yoga mantras and affirmations
Eastern Philosophy

Yoga Mantras And Affirmations In Practice

Yoga mantras and affirmations are being used more and more in meditation and yoga practices, as a powerful tool to enhance the overall practice, offering a myriad of benefits for the mind, body, and spirit.  Both Sanskrit mantras and affirmations have their unique qualities and advantages, contributing to a deeper, more transformative experience. 

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200 hours yoga teacher training group
Teaching Yoga

10 Tips: Which 200 Hours Yoga Teacher Training To Choose

If you’re wondering how to become a yoga teacher then the simple answer is certifying on a Yoga Alliance 200 hours yoga teacher training course.  However, deciding which 200 hours YTT to choose, is a significant decision that will determine the kind of yoga teacher you’re going to be, and the progress of your own yoga practice. 

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gayatri mantra meditation sun
Eastern Philosophy

Complete Guide To The Gayatri Mantra

The Gayatri Mantra is the most revered and ancient mantra from the Rig Veda, considered the oldest text in the world, from the Vedic period of Indian history.  The mantra is dedicated to Savitur, the sun deity, and is composed in the Vedic meter (rhythm) called Gayatri, hence it’s name.

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what yoga style
Yoga & Pranayama

What Yoga Style Is Best For Me? Top 10 Yoga Styles.

Yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India, has evolved over the years, into a multitude of styles, each catering to various needs and objectives, depending on the society around them.  Yoga has evolved with the environment that it’s in, and with emerging scientific and medical research.  Whether you’re seeking physical, mental or spiritual benefits, there’s a yoga style that will suit you.  

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Charlie on a meditation cushion with hand raised for meditating
Mindfulness & Meditation

How To Use Finger Line Counting For Meditation

Let’s say that you don’t have your mala mantra beads with you, or you need a more tactile anchor to bring you back to your point of focus, well using finger line counting for meditation is the technique that’s been used for just this, for thousands of years. 

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why 108 is important
Eastern Philosophy

A Comprehensive Guide To Why The Number 108 Is So Important

In the rich tapestry of Indian culture, there are many reasons why the number 108 holds profound and mystical meanings. So why is the number 108 so important?  From ancient traditions to modern spiritual practices, this number is woven into the fabric of various rituals, philosophies, and symbolic representations, in other cultures as well.

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yoga for kids training
Teaching Yoga

Meditation and Yoga for Kids with Anxiety

For the last 15 years I have been teaching meditation and yoga for kids (specializing in Autism, ADHD and Anxiety), and have seen the positive effects it can have. Through working with children of 4-16 years old and their parents, using different yoga, breathing, meditation and mindfulness techniques, we have been able to reduce their medication, ease their anxiety, and increase their quality of life.  The increase in stimulation, technology, and social media, in modern life, play a big role in these issues. 

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Mindful listening for critical thinking and problem-solving
Daily Life

7 Mindful Listening Exercises To Enhance Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

In today’s fast-paced and information-saturated world, critical thinking and problem-solving are more important than ever.  With the rise in technology and visual stimulation, the art and importance of listening has slipped into the background. This often undervalued skill can significantly contribute to critical thinking and problem-solving, and enhance our daily lives. 

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what are mala beads
Eastern Philosophy

What Are Mala Beads, How To Use Them, And Why?

In this comprehensive guide on mala beads, I will explain what they are, how to use them, why they’re beneficial, and what they have to do with poop!  Learn how to choose, use, and integrate mala beads into your meditation practice for enhanced focus, peace, and spiritual connection. 

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meditation mantras
Mindfulness & Meditation

My 7 Mantras for Meditation

My students often ask me what my favourite meditation mantra is.  I don’t have one in particular and tend to rotate between the following seven depending on my mood and situation.  In this article I share with you my seven favourite mantras for meditation that have resonated with me, and help me in my day-to-day, each carrying its own spiritual significance.

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eight limbs of yoga patanjali
Eastern Philosophy

The Eight Limbs Of Yoga: Past and Present

The Eight Limbs of Yoga are sequential stages in an individual’s journey through yoga.  According to Patanjali, each step must be understood and followed in order to attain the ultimate goal of Ashtanga yoga, that of liberation of the self.  However, over the last few centuries, as yoga became available to more people, and evolved with the modern world, the strict adherence to perfecting one step before moving on to the next, disappeared.

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Love without attachment
Eastern Philosophy

Can You Love Without Attachment?

Many students and clients have expressed concern about this topic, so rest assured that Yogic and Buddhist philosophy tell us that we can love without attachment.  However this can be confusing because there is a strong emphasis in Eastern philosophy on the practice of non-attachment.  We are encouraged to not attach ourselves

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3 meditating women animation
Mindfulness & Meditation

7 Common Myths About Meditation Debunked

Many people are put off by the idea of meditation, even though they know it’s good for them. Here I’m going to debunk these common myths about meditation, and convince the haters to give it a go.

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Mindfulness & Meditation

Living Yoga 108 Philosophy Cards

There are 108 cards with quotes from the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras and more, with interpretations, contemplations or meditations on the  other side, to help bring the philosophy of yoga into your daily life. Almost 4000 years of wisdom from Yoga’s major texts, split into 5 colors, and making its philosophy more relatable.

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Teaching Yoga

WARNING on Kids Yoga Training Courses

Looking to take a kids yoga teacher training course?  Then make sure you READ this first! There are yoga schools that will tell you that it is not necessary to do the RCYT course if you want to teach yoga to children.

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jala neti pot
Daily Life

The Dangers Of Using A Neti Pot

This week an article caught my eye on how 3 people have died from using a neti pot incorrectly.  In the UK neti pots are prescribed by the NHS for blocked or runny noses.  In the US however, 3 people have contracted a rare condition called amoebic meningitis. Therefore it is important to use your neti pot correctly and with caution. 

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Teaching Yoga

How To Give A Mummy And Baby Yoga Class

Teaching a Mummy & Baby Yoga class is a joy for a yoga teacher, but more importantly for the mum and baby.  It’s a wonderful activity for them to do together and a lovely opportunity for them to bond in a different environment. 

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Mindfulness & Meditation

The Simple Art of Thinking and Meditating

In meditation you’re told to observe your thoughts, detach from them, and bring your awareness back to your point of focus in the present moment. So let’s break this down and have a look at how to make your thoughts work for you.

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Daily Life

The Downside to Wearing a FitBit

We’re all guilty of this.  It’s 23:47, you’ve brushed your teeth and are getting into bed.  Then you check your FitBit or other wrist exercise tracker.  You’ve set your daily goal to reach 10,000 steps and you’ve only done 9300.  So instead of preparing for sleep, you start frantically jogging on the spot before midnight hits.

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charlie meditating by lake

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