Let’s say you have a friend that’s into yoga and you have no idea what to buy them. Or perhaps they’ve got all the right yoga clothes and gear, so you need to think outside the box. After practicing yoga for 26 years and training hundreds of teachers around the world, these are my top … Read more
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.
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.
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.
The title of this blog post may put some people off, but if you’ve clicked on it it’s because you’re hopefully interested in learning how yoga can help you poo easier and more healthily. In order to be sensitive to those who find the ‘p’ word unsavory, I will sometimes refer to it as ‘evacuating … Read more
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.
Many people think Yoga is just about the poses that you see on Instagram. But there are many ethical, mental, and physical practices in this ancient philosophy, that can help us be less anxious and stressed. January is often a difficult month due to the come down of the Christmas holiday, having to anticipate what … Read more
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. Observing Your Thoughts Many people think that their thoughts are what they … Read more
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 … Read more
Some Yogis seem to think that to validate their profession as a yoga teacher or guru, or living the ‘yogic life’, means having to dress and live a particular way, and even take on a new name like Shiva or Lakshmi. But I’m going to explain how Yogis can also wear Gucci, and drive a … Read more
Hay fever can be a nightmare, especially this time of year. Also known as ‘allergic rhinitis’, symptoms include: runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, fatigue, and a stuffy nose due to congestion. If you prefer not to take the conventional medical route of antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays, there are recommended home remedies that include: keeping … Read more
You have probably noticed the increase in Mandala books in newsagents or bookstores the world over in the last couple of years. They’re in the Post Office, cafes, hospitals, general stores, and most homes where there are children. But they’re also great for adults, and many of my clients and yoga teacher trainees love doing … Read more
Not all styles of yoga are ideal for anxiety. Some can even make it worse. Yoga is supposed to be a non-competitive activity that encourages balance and harmony in body and mind. However this is not always the case for everyone. Firstly it’s important to remember that when yoga was established over 5000 years ago, … Read more
If you make 20 in a row post a photo on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtab #indivyoga of all the hearts to WIN a PRIZE!
I’ve often asked the kids I teach yoga to if they think they can go the whole yoga class without eating? ‘Yeah of course I could!’ they all brag. ‘Do you reckon you could manage going the whole yoga class without taking a single sip of water?’. ‘Yes!’. ‘OK well do you think you could do the whole yoga class without taking a breath?’. Silence. Every time.
Do you need more calm, focus and balance in your life? Mindfulness practice is scientifically proven to help bring you all 3, and many more physical and mental health benefits. Today I’m starting the 1 week #mindfulforme Challenge, and I hope you’ll join me in creating more positive daily habits.
Yes us British are known for our toilet humour, but I’m genuinely hoping this post may help those with constipation and general digestion issues.
In India 18 years ago, I was introduced to the practice of Agni Sara by a yoga guru. I was no longer just attending 1 yoga class a week, but had started to develop my own daily personal practice. With regular breathing exercises, twist poses, forward bends and Agni Sara, my previous digestive issues disappeared and since I’ve had a regular, healthy and happy gut!
Organic detox meals, yoga, nature, meditation and more, are on offer these days in abundance around the world. Be it a 1 day retreat, weekend or a full month, thousands of people are paying a fortune for a healthy, wellness getaway. But what if the 1 disadvantage of a healthy retreat outweighs all the benefits? … Read more
This moving meditation is my basic variation of the classical yoga Sun Salutation flow. It is suitable for 5yrs+ and for even the stiffest of practitioners with a few easy modifications (see ‘How To’ and videos below). It heats up the body, strengthens the heart and lungs and all the major muscle groups from head to toe. It is a cardiovascular exercise that will stretch and tone muscle, and burn fat. However there are a few things to remember to make this a moving meditation and not just another exercise
Being a full-time yoga teacher can give you the happiness, peace and fulfillment that you desire, but it doesn’t all come easy or necessarily at a price.
There is still a misconception that meditating has to take time out of your day, or be boring. Meditating is simply returning your concentration to a point of focus, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be sitting still or that your focus has to be your breathing. For instance you can take … Read more
Searching online for some different mindfulness or meditation tools I could use with my clients with ADHD, Autism and special needs, I ended up coming across something that is now one of my own TOP 3 meditation techniques (watch the VIDEO of me using it below, but excuse my rubbish art!)
For €30.00 on Amazon I discovered the Buddha Board, where whatever you paint on it with water, slowly fades away and can be endlessly re-used.
Especially good for those with sinus issues, Jala Neti Kriya is a natural and pure way to clean the nasal passage. An ancient Ayurvedic tradition, the word ‘kriya’ refers to a cleansing process usually practiced in the morning. ‘Jala’ means ‘water’ in Hindi, and ‘neti’ is the pot which is used to perform this kriya.
..what struck me was two things as I observed the class. Is this really the way to do arm balances and strength work in yoga, and does this appeal to men? When I went into a couple of fantastic classes last year in the Los Angeles area, I realised that yoga is essentially or has become sexist…
If you’re looking for a grain and dairy free banana muffin with a twist, then these are for you! I make a lot of banana bread and muffins so I wanted to try something a little different. I’ve made these with a cream cheese and honey center but I wanted to try something different for those that don’t do dairy at all. And these were a huge success!
For those who have been waiting for this recipe since my Instagram photo, here it is! You will need a good blender that can handle frozen fruit, but besides that it takes 7 minutes and tastes delicious! Great as a gluten and dairy free dessert or snack
I’m getting fed up of backlash and opinionated people in the yoga community, and of the preconceptions and misconceptions of yoga teachers. I’m not even going to get into the bitchiness within the yoga teacher community,
There are plenty of other veggies or fruit you can add to this recipe, even herbs or spices. But this is my favourite go-to recipe and it only takes 5 minutes to wack up. It’s ridiculously SIMPLE!
I’ve finally perfected the paleo carrot cake! It’s golden and lightly crusty on the outside, and wonderfully moist inside. If like myself, you’re not actually grain or dairy intolerant, I advise eating this cake with a cream cheese frosting. For true Paleo’s, I advise using coconut cream, as in the photo, however I also love … Read more
If you’re finding it hard to put time into your own mindfulness, then why not use the kids as your added incentive? Mindfulness exercises are good for all the family and it’s benefits are even greater when starting from a young age. By participating in these simple mindfulness exercises with your child, you will both … Read more
Kids easily mistake these raw, paleo and vegan date based energy balls for chocolate truffles! They’re made of 5 organic ingredients and take 15 minutes to make! I’ve started doubling up on the recipe as I’m having to make a new batch every few days (thanks to my greedy husband, neighbours, friends and clients)! INGREDIENTS … Read more
There are things you do every day that become part of your weekly routine. Neurologically these everyday tasks become short linked so that you’re not wasting unnecessary time and brain energy. For instance, think back to the first time you were ever taught to brush your teeth or ride a bicycle. If your muscles and brain had to work that hard each time to recall how to perform these actions, you’d only get 4 things done a day! Therefore these daily activities become automatic and we often find that we’re off thinking about other things, or not even paying attention, when driving or washing etc.
Paleo, gluten and dairy free green soup recipe, perfect for when the weather gets chilly! Try to use organic ingredients and remember to wash vegetables and fruits well. Enjoy
Switch off the T.V and put down the electronic devices! These cheap and easy homemade decoration ideas can be quiet mindful exercises for your child to focus on, or bonding time if you want to join in! Have fun making some Christmas decorations this season, but make sure they’re being done with intention and love! Avoid a time with a lot of distractions, except perhaps nice background music, or of course connected conversation between those doing the activities. AND these ideas can also be modified for different celebrations throughout the year!
This is a great mindful/meditative exercise to do peacefully alone or with children! There is a misconception that meditation has to be done sitting in a crossed legged position, in silence, while clearing the mind. The purpose of meditation is to still the mind to a point of focus, and keep returning it to that anchor, each time you get distracted. The points of focus are usually your breath, the repetition of a mantra, candle flame, sensations in the body etc. But whatever your anchor to the present moment is, this can be a lot easier said than done.
A 10 years old that I teach yoga to weekly, has become petrified a bomb is hidden in her bedroom. She’s taken to sleeping in bed with her parents, is having nightmares and is having panic attack symptoms during the day. She lives in one of the safest areas of Switzerland, which is one of … Read more
Nutri Dust takes 10 minutes to make and is PACKED with nutritional goodness! For a healthy shot of plant based vitamins, minerals, omega 3 and fiber, my basic nutri dust recipe consists of the following seeds: Sesame, pumpkin, flax/linseed, sunflower, hemp, poppy & chia * Electric grinder approx €10! * Try to buy organic/bio … Read more
And as a result of the rise of infertility, conventional medicine has made great strides in drugs to induce ovulation, in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination and surgery to correct anatomical problems in men and women. However, studies have now shown that the use of assisted reproductive technology can have very negative effects, on top of the enormous dent it can put in your wallet.
Due to demand I’m sharing my amazing gluten and dairy free, paleo choc chip brownie recipe! All ingredients used were organic but I’m sure it will still work otherwise… They are perfectly gooey in the middle and lightly crusty on the outside, and simply delicious!
Both men and women will benefit from this short bedroom friendly yoga sequence. Follow the poses below taking 5 long breaths in one. Have sex on day 1. Do the sequence DAILY. Have sex on day 10, and I’ll eat my pants if you’re not feeling more flexible in bed!
Reducing the toxic items that surround our daily life became an obsession of mine when I learned of their relationship to infertility and cancerous tumours. These dangerous synthetic substances can build up in your body, eventually giving you a variety of illnesses.
What if there was a way of getting your children to do chores AND get the benefits of mindfulness at the same time?! Well there is, and the younger you start them, the more benefits you will see from an early age. ‘Chores’ isn’t a word I like to use because it makes kids faces … Read more
It has been confirmed by a Swiss doctor that my vision is superhuman! Besides genetics (although every member of my family wears glasses), I’ve attributed my spectacular vision to the practice of Bahiranga Trataka. I was introduced to it at 13 years old and it’s remained one of my top 3 daily meditation methods until … Read more
There were problems at home, even though ‘home’ was either a six floored house in Chelsea, a castle in the English countryside or a seaside villa abroad. By my late teens and early twenties I actually lost friends who ‘didn’t understand what I had to be depressed about when I had so much in my life’.
Indiv Yoga is giving away a high quality, NON-TOXIC yoga mat and mat bag, to the best photo expressing INDIVIDUALITY. There are 10 days left! The competition ends on the 30th October and the winner will be sent…
I love sugared almonds but they’re not an everyday snack, especially if avoiding sugar! So I tried my hand at making my own healthier version so I don’t feel so guilty gobbling a handful down! If you do use almonds in this recipe they come out the oven beautifully glazed and look much prettier than … Read more
*Tone PELVIC FLOOR – Balance HORMONES – Strengthen CORE abs + lower back*
Introducing the NEW class at the Indiv Yoga studio! Mahila means woman in hindi, and this hatha yoga class is designed especially for WOMEN, and includes correct abdominal exercises for those who have previously given birth. A gentle full body workout, stretching all major muscle groups, stimulating our natural detoxing system and working on correct alignment and posture
2-in-1 BODY + MIND WORKOUT! 10 mins-for-10 days easy MOVING MEDITATION CHALLENGE VIDEO, free for members of the global newsletter! For beginners to yoga, or those wanting to add home videos to their regular practice. JUST 10 mins A DAY for better STRETCH, TONE + FOCUS! This 10 mins video takes you through the … Read more
Yoga should be about you, and your own practice, not paying yoga teachers for the rest of your life. The Indiv Yoga philosophy is about connecting with your body and mind and tailoring yoga to your individual body, mind and objectives. Therefore I have started releasing FREE short home practice videos with audio instructions, through … Read more
The buttocks are a mix of large muscles that we’re using a lot less of today than we think. In fact we’re spending much more time sitting and relaxing on them then actually working or toning them. Also against us especially as we age, is that we can perform any daily movement without really having … Read more
If the family is feeling a bit disconnected or you think some members need to come back to basics and prioritize, family mindfulness journals are a good way to go about it. Don’t worry there’s actually not a lot of writing involved and
Mother’s of children on the Autism spectrum have been asking me for this recipe for a few years now, so I’ve decided to post it for other special needs therapists. I’ve worked with enough children on the Autism spectrum to admit that at times you have to use
The word ‘Mindfulness’ has been appearing in the press and social media increasingly in the last few years, even more so since it headlined the cover of Time magazine in February 2014. It’s the buzz word at the moment, which has ruffled some feathers for those who have been practicing ‘mindfulness’ for years. I put … Read more
If you’ve come across this article hoping for a yoga class in which you eat meat, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. No, I’m finally broaching the taboo subject of yogis who are not vegetarian. Gasp! This topic came up on one of the yoga teacher forums I’m a member of a few weeks ago. This … Read more
Most people are rushing about their stressful lives disconnected from themselves, those that matter to them and the present moment. During the time a woman is pregnant, is the best reminder of the love and respect she needs to have for herself, taking in and appreciating the present moment mindfully.
I will admit that I am very behind the times and quite stubborn when it come to certain aspects of technology and modernizing. I did research at the library for my first boss and built a 300 strong VHS library with my ex boyfriend. I begrudgingly handed over my disc-man for an iPod and my … Read more
What child wouldn’t love to imagine a magical secret garden filled with their favourite animals, and then act it out? So why do little boys HATE doing yoga so much?!
How to on Stand Up Paddle and SUP Yoga. Out in the water there is no laptop or mobile device. There is no cooking or cleaning that can be done! It’s just you, your board and the nature.
Welcome to my first blog post! I will be writing about yoga and modern life in general, including Yoga Therapy for pregnancy, kids, injury rehabilitation, special needs, ADHD and autism spectrum.
| 06 - 13August |
Kids Yoga Teacher Training Cyprus – August 2021 |
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| 04 - 18September |
Teacher Training Portugal – September 2021 |
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| 08 - 10October |
Yoga & Mindfulness Weekend Retreat – Oct’21 |
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| 06 - 20November |
Teacher Training Portugal – November 2021 |
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| 08 - 22January |
Teacher Training Portugal – January 2022 |
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| 09 - 23April |
Teacher Training Portugal – April 2022 |
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