Om Yoga UK-March 2015

MARCH 2015 - £4.25
Ayurvedic clinic - preparing for spring
OM Meets - Maya Fiennes
Yoga A-Z - H is for Hatha
Brit spears - British asparagus
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4
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Eleanor Searle (hummingbirdpilates.co.uk)
photographed for the cover of OM Yoga and Lifestyle
magazine issue 49 by Phil Munson (philmunson.co.uk)
Leggings: Onzie. Earrings: Fancier Feather. With thanks to: Nicola Faulkner (make up);
Megan (hair); Claire Davey (beauty); Jessica (pedicure)
Regular contributors:
Siri Arti; Conscious Parenting
Lesley Dawn; Life and Loves
Corrina Gordon-Barnes; My Yoga Business
Paula Hines; Teacher’s Tales
Adam Hock; Teacher Speak
Jill Lawson; Meditation Of The Month
Denise Leicester; Natural Born Beauty
Deb Mac; What’s Your Affirmation
Jonathan Schofield; Beginners Blog
Sarah Swindlehurst; Yoga Therapy
Lexie Williamson; OM Lite
OM Magazine
Issue 49, March 2015
Published by: Prime Impact Events & Media
Old School, Colchester Road
Wakes Colne, Essex, CO6 2BY
Tel: 44 (0) 1787 224040
Fax: 44 (0) 1787 223535
e: info@primeimpact.co.uk
ommagazine.com
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Keith Coomber
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Subscriptions and
Back Issues:
Contributors
Charlotte Watts
Charlotte Watts is an experienced 500RYT yoga teacher and
also an award-winning nutritional therapist. She specialises in
addressing stress-related issues through yoga and nutrition with
a mindful approach, laidout in her book The De-Stress Effect. She
write the Be Kind To Yourself article on page 82 in this issue. Visit:
charlottewattshealth.com
Eaden Shantay
Eaden Shantay wrote the The Vedanta Way article in our OM Spirit
section in this issue. He owns True Nature Healing Arts in Carbondale,
Colorado, in the USA, alongside his wife and partner Deva, a gifted
intuitive energy worker. True Nature Healing Arts is an invitation to
learn, heal, love, be and serve. Find out more at: truenatureheals.com
Jane Dunford
Jane Dunford is travel editor of The Guardian and a freelance writer
specialising in travel and lifestyle. A long love of yoga led her to study
to teach and she qualified as a Yin and Yang teacher with Simon Low’s
Yoga Academy last year. Jane’s passion for travel to off-the-beaten track
places is matched by an ever-growing interest in wellbeing and holistic
health and the transformative powers of yoga. In the UK, she divides her
time between London and Brighton, combining the buzz of the city and
calm of the sea – life’s all about balance, after all!
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It’s been a weird month. After a trip to the
Houses of Parliament to mark the UN’s stamp
of approval for an International Yoga Day
(now set for June 21 every year), I ended up
in contact with various government officials
and departments, both in India and the UK.
Important stuff all this rubbing shoulders with
MPs. But what’s politics got to do with yoga,
you ask? Probably nothing if you’re thinking about the inanities of
conventional party politics; there’s very little karma to be had there. But
it did get me thinking.
Politics shouldn’t mean ticking a box in an election every four years;
it’s hard to feel any connection with a system like that. It can, however,
be in the things that we do every day, in the choices that we make.
In this sense then, yoga is a highly potent force to get things done.
Indeed, the collective passion of yoga students and teachers around
the world is arguably far more effective and earnest than all of the
politicians in all of the countries put together.
Sometimes there are exceptions. So three cheers for India (yoga’s
birthplace) and its head of state, prime minister Narendra Modi, for
successfully pushing the International Yoga Day idea through the UN.
In OM this month we’re big into independent yoga fashion, typically
produced by yoga lovers that have gone on to create their own ethical
clothing lines, driven by their desire for greater fairness in the world
and to see change. These small, values-driven companies support
local charities and communities in places like India, as well as making
beautiful things for us to wear on the mat.
We all have to buy clothes anyway (unless you’re into that naked
yoga stuff), so why not get it from people that care about the same
things that you do. Let’s be more conscious in our purchasing choices.
After all, you are not just a yoga fan (student, teacher, guru, whatever):
you are a genuine change maker.
5
Welcome
“Make an attitude to be in
gratitude, you will find the
whole universe will come to you”
Yogi Bhajan
WORDS OF WIDSOM
Win a Bespoke Retreats getaway in
Cornwall worth £800
Page 33
This month’s competitions
& giveaways
OM in 30 seconds
Activbod range
Page 95
Sleek Technique DVD
Page 95
“Awareness has definitely shifted.
We always have a choice.”
OM Meets interview with Maya
Fiennes (page 24)
“It’s not an indulgence to pay more for
some high-end yoga kit that delivers
transformational change among those
that help to make it.”
Ethical yoga clothing (page 38)
“Your mat is a little piece of home. When
you arrive in your hotel room, make
unrolling it the first thing you do.”
Yoga on the road (page 62)
facebook.com/ommagazine
twitter.com/omyogamagazine
Plus many more inside…
ebookarchive.net

March 2015
•
OM Regulars
5 Editors Letter
8 My Secret Place
10 Letters
12 Yoga Changed My Life
17 What's YourAffirmation
18 Amazing Spaces
20 Planet Yoga
22 Natural Born Beauty
QffiCoverStory 26 OM Meets... Maya Fiennes
34 Chakra Journey
Ajourney through the seven chakras
Qffi CoverStory 33 Competition
Win a Bespoke Retreats getaway
in Cornwall worth £800
34 YogaAt Home
95 Giveaways
126 LifeAnd Loves OfA Yoga Teacher
130 OM Lite: Plan B
QffiCoverStory OM Special
38 Ethical Yoga Clothing
24 pages of feel good, karma
boosting fashion
OM Body
62 Yoga On The Road
Take your mat wherever you go
QffiCoverStory 60 How To Do Yoga
Activate the core
68 When Yoga Takes Over
Finding balance between work and yoga
70 Teacher Speaks
• Take a Vinyasa
6
•
•
Contents
QffiCovcrStory
omcoverStory
QffiCoverStory
QffiCovcrStory
QffiCoverStory
70 Yoga Therapy: Chronic Kidney Disease
Practical yoga therapy techniques
66 YogaA-Z
H is for Hatha
OMFM
76 Here Come The Boys
Introducing the Boys of Yoga
78 Generation Game
From mother to son, yoga is great for all
79 Man On The Mat:
Four-Limbed StaffPose
OM Mind
80 The Sleep Cure
A meditation for improved sleep
82 Be Kind To Yourself
Simple, everyday ways to release stress
84 Mindful Psychology
Transform every aspect of your life
86 Banish Stress Now
Stress-busting in 7 easy steps
88 How To Do Yoga
Restore & release
OM Spirit
90 The Vedanta Way
Is the wave ever separate from the ocean?
96 Ayurvedic Clinic:
Preparing for Spring
98 Daoism & Yoga
The similarity between Indian and
Chinese yogic tradtions
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7
8
122
64
98 24
92
OM Living
100 Brit Spears
Eat me baby one more time
106 Nutrition Zone: Big Hero Snacks
What’s all this fuss about superfoods?
OM Family
108 Life’s a Breeze
Start the kids young with yoga
110 Conscious Parenting
Reconnect with the natural environment
OM Actions
111 Teacher Tales
Define your own success
112 My Yoga Business: Growing Pains
Escape from freebie territory
114 Your Journey Starts Here
How to be a yoga rockstar, part 1
116 Care in the Community
London care home embraces yoga
118 The Yoga Quota
The charity yoga calss that keeps giving
OM Travel
120 India Calling
Take a trip to SwaSwara yoga resort
120 The Weekend Yoga Place
An insight into Iyengar yoga
Subscription
Subscribe today to OM
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Cover
Story
Cover
Story
28
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My secret
place
Location New York
Yogi Robert Sturman
Photo Mamaste
New York, New York: so good they named it twice.
Pictured here (in an assisted self-portrait) is US
photographer Robert Sturman taking to the streets
– literally. Sturman has spent his entire career
capturing people on camera, with a massive portfolio
throughout these lively streets (they don’t call it the
‘city that never sleeps’ for nothing). Andso he decided
it was time to give something back, with a little urban
yoga of his own. “The power of the photograph is
that it has the potential to reflect back something of
ourselves that we often cannot see,” he says. “And
this photograph reflectedback to me that I was also
one of ‘those’ people worthy of being in a photograph.
Everyone is worthy of being celebrated, and I, like so
many of us, had to be shown that I belonged.”
om beginnings
8

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Wow! Yoga!
Word upLove OM magazine and want to tell the world? Here’s your chance
Having not done any yoga for about 50 years (I
last attempted it at school when I was 15 and didn’t
enjoy it much) I decided to give it a try last September. In the
past, I’ve done Pilates and danced a lot (I owned my own dance
school), but I just felt that yoga was not for me. Now, though, I
love it and (in the words of my instructor) have taken to it like
a duck to water. I’m not very flexible, I can’t do all the poses,
and my balancing leaves a lot to be desired, but each Tuesday
evening I enjoy learning yoga from a wonderful teacher who
is patient, funny and encouraging. Last year, I went to the OM
Yoga Show with my best friend (who’s done yoga for ages) and
we had the best day out. So thank you for introducing me to
yoga; obviously, I am in the right place and at the right time in
my life to enjoy it.
Maureen Thomas, Surrey
Prison break
I do enjoy receiving your magazine on a regular basis, a highlight
of my time here [in prison]. It keeps my yoga practice and
meditation sessions ongoing.
Colin, details withheld
My comfort blanket
I have just finished reading the Jan/Feb issue and have been left
feeling as though I have been wrapped in the arms of a warm and
loving friend. Having started 2015 feeling low and unmotivated,
unable to move forward and grasp the opportunities that a new
year brings, I was definitely in need of some inspiration and words
of wisdom. So thank you to you all: from Martin’s advice to stop
procrastinating and just step on the mat, to the inspirational
article about Cameron Shayne, and ‘Tick Tock’ (which I felt had
been written specifically for me), you have reminded me of what
is important and given me the tools I need to regain my mojo
and move forward into 2015 with a renewed sense of hope and
detemination. So here’s to the future which I suddenly feel is
looking much, much brighter.
G Austin, Colchester
Next issues Letter of
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Box Set
Worth £19.99
Send in your letters to OM Yoga and
Lifestyle for your chance to WIN!WRITE IN AND WIN!
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line What you said about
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@OMYogaMagazine thanks! ” @matthewpogorman

Karunaliving with compassion
om beginnings
Why did you start yoga
My dad first introduced me to yoga when I was little. He got me into headstands and
handstands. I even used to stand up balancing on his hands. I have travelled a lot and did
yoga along the way but it’s only in recent years that I have begun to practice regularly, set
intentions and practice pranayama (it’s all yoga). You really start to feel the benefits.
How has yoga changed your life
I decided to do a 200hr yoga teacher training course. Although it has been challenging
being a single mum I knew it was the right time for me. I had touched on the yoga path
many times before but I just hadn’t been ready to fully embrace it. Over the last couple of
years, with regular practice andstudy, I have discovereda more confident, focusedme. I’m
fitter andmore flexible. I’m now a vegetarian, very in tune with my body, andI’m sure I’m a
better mummy.
Favourite yoga haunts
There are so many: Yoga Dharma studio (in Southend) is where I did my training, and
anywhere in nature really, weather permitting. I also remember a magical time practicing
on a beach bungalow balcony in Thailand at sunrise.
Best yoga moment
Last summer, on a yoga retreat in Bulgaria, when my youngest son woke up early and came
down to the studio to join in with the class – he’s a future yogi in the making.
What else
Yoga is a journey through self realisation, practice and commitment. It’s not easy but the
benefits for body, mindandspirit are truly amazing. I now run ashtanga vinyasa classes and
one-on-ones in and around Chelmsford (yellamellayoga.co.uk). The process has changed my
life and I’m looking forward to helping others on their own unique yoga journey.
Yoga changed
my life
Newly-qualified instructor, Mandy Carter, says yoga has
brought her confidence, fitness and a new career
Name
Mandy Carter
Age
38
Occupation
newly-qualified yoga
instructor
Yoga Years
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14
om beginnings
New motion sensor kit that
improves your yoga practice
INTO THE
FUTURE

I
t’s all very well taking your yoga practice home
but how do you know if you’re doing the poses
right? Fine if you’re a qualified teacher, but what if
you’re fairly new to this yoga business.
Now there’s a new piece of kit that might be
able to help. Canadian firm Heddoko (heddoko.com)
makes compression clothing with built in sensors to
monitor body position. It means you’re able to correct
body posture to achieve perfect form with instant
computer feedback.
“Heddoko is the first smart sports garment that sees
your movement in 3D and provides live visual feedback
to both your web dashboard and your mobile device to
optimise precision performance and prevent injury,” the
company behind the idea says.
The firm says this helps minimise injuries and improve
performance, making it ideal for any yoga or athletic
movement – professional sports training in the comfort
of your own home.
The Heddoko app – which includes popular yoga
asana like down dog and warrior – can pick up any
incorrect movements via embedded sensors inside the
clothing and offer immediate 3D feedback.
The company says it’s designed for those who want
to excel in sports or master their body without being
limited to the scheduling and financial commitment of
a personal trainer.
Sounds like a great idea. But can it explain what all
those Sanskrit words mean?
Why Online Yoga Teaching ?
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From India to your living room. Learn the techniques of mastery.
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Practice in the comfort of your space.
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CREDIBILITY
Techniques as taught in India without
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Founded on over two decades of
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Deepen your knowledge. Inspire your postures. Awaken to Purpose.
onlineyogateaching.com
OYT_Ad_178x117mm.indd 1 05/12/2014 12:30
15
om beginnings

om beginnings
T
he world’s first International Yoga Day will be
an amazing advert for all things yoga. Save
the date now: June 21, 2015 - the longest day
of the year.
OM Yoga Lifestyle magazine will be
taking part in a big free special solstice event planned for
London’s beautiful Alexandra Palace Park, the location of
the OM Yoga Show later this year.
Enjoy hours of free yoga sessions with a mix of top
teachers throughout the day, or come along for an early
morning meditation for a wonderful wake up call.
The United Nations adopted June 21 as International
Yoga Day back in December, following an initiative
championed by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.
UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said at the time that
the initiative would bring attention to yoga’s holisticbenefits.
“Yoga can contribute to resilience against non-
communicable diseases. Yoga can bring communities
together in an inclusive manner that generates respect.”
He added: “Yoga is a sport that can contribute to
development and peace. Yoga can even help people in
emergency situations to find relief from stress.”
The OM International Yoga Day Celebration takes
place at Alexandra Palace on June 21, dawn to dusk.
Visit: omyogashow.com/iyd
16
Celebrate International Yoga Day in style at
OM’s free London summer solstice event
Come join the party

om beginnings
What’s your
affirmation?
An affirmation for acceptance of ‘what
is’ and for being in the now. By Deb Mac
Happiness really is a choice: it’s a state of being rather than a
destination.
Quite often, we will tell ourselves that we will be happy when
something else happens (when we lose weight, when we have
more money, when we get the promotion, when we can do
Bakasana without nose diving and landing in a heap). The truth
is that if we can’t find our happiness in the now, in the mundane,
in our angst, in our challenges, in amongst the turmoil and in
the everyday simple things that life presents, then happiness is
always going to escape us.
Life doesn’t always give us what we think we want although,
rest assured, it always gives us just what we need. Get your
happy on always and in all ways. Look for the silver linings and
remember that what you focus on really does expand. Happy
days are plentiful.
By Deb Mac (contentedlittlesoles.com)
“I am choosing to get my happy on”
www.theyogaacademy.org
info@theyogaacademy.org
www.facebook.com/theyogaacademy
Yoga Academy faculty includes:
Simon Low (Principal), Gill Lloyd, Gary Carter,
Julie Gudmestad, Sue Delf, Eija Tervonen
2-YEAR TEACHER
TRAINING COURSE
(BWY accreditation,
Yoga Alliance US and
Yoga Alliance UK
200-hour certiﬁcation)
Start date: 24 April 2015
at Commonwork,
near Sevenoaks, Kent, UK
ONGOING
TEACHER TRAINING
(50-hour study
immersions, hours
eligible towards
Yoga Alliance UK/US
500-hour upgrades)
8–18 April 2015
Yin and Yang Yoga Immersion
at Desa Seni, Bali, Indonesia
15–22 June 2015
Yin and Restorative Yoga
at Huzur Vadisi, Gocek, Turkey
ANATOMY ASANA
WITH JULIE GUDMESTAD
13–17 May 2015
Yogacampus, London
Hosted in conjunction with

18
Amazing
spaces
Stylish and inspiring studio
design ideas and interiors
The Yoga Tree, Stirling, Scotland
theyogatreestirling.co.uk
Head to Stirling, the former capital of Scotland,
for some great yoga if you’re north of the
border. The Yoga Tree is a stunning studio
space, upstairs in the Stirling Arcade, with lots
of big windows, making it light and airy inside
as you stretch out on the mat. Classes for all,
from Ashtanga to Vinyasa Flow, mindfulness
meditation (a bargain at just £3.50 for a drop
in), and even Tai Chi. Also workshops and private
lessons. In true yogic-style, The Yoga Tree also
doubles up as a food bank (sort of), collecting
non-perishable food items to pass on to local
charities. It’s a win-win for all. And, underneath
the ‘Tree’, you’ll find the Roots Vegetarian cafe
too, a great place to hangout before or after
class with your pals.
om beginnings

20
om beginnings
Stories from around the weird and
wonderful world of yoga
Planet yoga
Take it higher
Want to take your yoga to the next level? Join Dee Dussault’s weekly Ganja Yoga classes in San
Francisco where students can smoke cannabis before class. “A lot of students are consuming it before
yoga anyway,” Dussault told ABC News. “So a big benefit that I am hearing is the community aspect.
The first thing they want to do after consuming cannabis is lay down and stretch. And, depending upon
the dosage and strain, it really encourages people to relax.” Most students smoke on their own prior to
arrival although those with a medical marijuana card can get high with fellow yogis during a 15-minute
pre-class session at which attendees introduce themselves while sitting in a circle. Chill, man!
High school yogini
Actress and singer Ashley Tisdale - best known for playing
Sharpay in Disney’s High School Musical movie series - is the
latest Hollywood yoga convert, it seems. The 29-year-old was
snapped by paparazzi recently after finishing a yoga session in
Los Angeles. With her rolled up yoga mat under her arm, and
clutching a cold coffee in one hand and a smart phone in the
other, she then jumped into her car and zoomed off. The US
actress, who married the lead singer and founder of alternative
rock band Annie Automatic, Christopher French, in 2014, is the
latest in a long line of A-listers to hit the mat. Other famed
Hollywood yoga ladies include Reese Witherspoon, Demi Moore
and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Tower power
Get your stretch on at Tower Bridge, one of London’s most
iconic landmarks. Yoga fans can now follow their bliss on
the bridge’s eye-catching new glass floor that’s suspended
42 metres above the River Thames thanks to a series of
early morning classes run by London-based instructor Billie
Woodcraft. The sunrise vinyasa-flow yoga sessions are taking
place every Monday through to March 9 (so get in quick!). The
classes are open to all abilities and yoga mats are provided,
although participants are advised to use gripped gloves and
socks on the glass floor itself. If you don’t have a head for
heights, rest assured that the glass flooring is designed to hold
at least the weight of two London taxis.
UKUSA
USA

om beginnings
Compulsory education
Pack your bags, kids, we’re off to India. If you want an education on the mat then the Indian
state of Haryana is the place to be. Haryana’s chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced
at the start of this year that yoga is to be made compulsory in all schools. There are also
plans to train up all school PE teachers in yoga and equip all sports stadiums with a yoga
centre. Haryana officials plan to recruit yoga guru Baba Ramdev to promote the new
initiative. The educational directive follows the adoption of an International Day of Yoga on
June 21 every year by the United Nations, an idea first floated by the Indian prime minister.
State sponsored yoga
How would you like it if the government decided to pay for your yoga classes? Well,
that’s precisely what one government agency in Australia is doing. IP Australia, which
administers intellectual property rights, patents and trade marks in the country, has
reportedly handed a contract worth almost $11,000 to a Canberra-based yoga instructor
to run regular lunch break classes for its staff. The agency is a listed entity within
Australia’s Department of Industry. Sounds good to us: what a great way to recoup some
of those tax dollars. If only every branch of the government was so enlightened.
Australia
India

22
om beginningsom beginnings
Walking
in beauty
Natural Born Beauty
May you walk in beauty every day. By Denise Leicester
There is a Navajo blessing, ‘May you walk
in beauty’, that reminds us that beauty
is everywhere: on every path we take; in
everything we do; around us at all times.
The true ‘blessing’ is noticing that it is there.
Rosalyn Dexter, author of ‘Design
is a Mind-Field, Cellular Rejuvenating
Architecture’, shares how beauty is woven
into our DNA: how looking upon that which
is beautiful can resonate deep within,
and affect us at all levels, boosting the
immune system and raising pain tolerance.
She illustrates how external beauty can
trigger its mirror within and awaken our
inner healer.
Walking in beauty is also about elevating
and enhancing our sense of being and
embracing the harmony of life and
consciousness. It’s about clearing that which
litters our mind and surroundings, enabling
us to see the beauty in the simplest of
things that we might otherwise have missed.
And it’s something that we can all easily
work towards making a more fulfilling part of
every day.
While every season is exceptionally
beautiful, spring – with its renewing promise,
budding new life and symbolism of fresh
starts – is a great time to introduce oneself
to (or rejuvenate) a practice of connecting to
the beauty and higher energies of the earth.
It’s the time most naturally associated
with spring-cleaning our minds of ingrained
thinking and conditioned habits; even
simplifying our daily schedules can help
lift the fog. When we free ourselves of
all-consuming excess and everyday
expectations, we are better able to see
and embrace the beauty that surrounds us,
revealed in all its expressions and guises.
Conscious Beauty
Spring-clean your mind, body and soul. Clear
out any clutter in your home, wardrobe or
office; begin a juice cleanse; start tackling
your to do list; open your mind to something
new and exciting; or re-engage with your
meditation. Whatever you choose, recognise
the potential beauty along every step
of the way. Experience spring’s energy –
simple, spontaneous and abundant in new
beginnings – letting it flow daily through you
and with you, nurturing your attention to and
appreciation of all that is within and around
you. By making your actions and mindset
a reflection of the newfound beauty that
you embrace, you’ll soon start to cultivate a
conscious path towards improved happiness
and wellbeing.
Denise Leicester is the founder of ila-spa.com
Antelope Canyon, Arizona:
a sacred Navajo site

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Maya
Fiennes
OM meets...
om beginnings
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om beginnings
Keep it real, says Macedonian-born
Kundalini yoga instructor, Maya Fiennes,
no matter how complex life gets
S
he may be best known as one of
the world’s leading Kundalini yoga
instructors, but there’s so much
more to Maya Fiennes than that.
A trained classical pianist, she’s
also the sister-in-law of famed Hollywood
stars Ralph and Jospeh Fiennes (she’s married
to their composer brother Magnus Fiennes),
whilst on the mat, she incorporates a vast
range of different yogicstyles and influences
into her teaching.
“My style has always been something of a
fusion,” she says. “I teach a bit of everything
that I learn: Kundalini, Tantra, and integrating
Himalayan exercises, the Hoffman Process, Tai
Chi. They all complement Kundalini yoga so
well. And, of course, music is very important
to me always. I understand what the emotions
are behind the yoga, so I always write my own
music, and I create all the mantras as well.”
In musical analogy, she says it feels like
“downloading” all the good stuff from her
yoga adventures, to be able to pass it on in
simple form to her students.
Something for everyone
In yoga, what Fiennes offers is diverse,
sometimes experimental, and yet always
highly practical. The success of her various
DVDs and her best-selling book, Yoga for
Real Life, highlight this accessibility, and an
overarching wish to keep things fresh and,
above all, useful for everyone. It’s this broad
appeal and openness that has won her
admirers the world over.
Her current focus is in developing more of
an internet teaching profile to reach out to
more people. And, in true Fiennes style, her
new online classes come with that personal
touch. Sign up for one of her 90 minute
Sunday sessions and you could be stretching
out on the mat in real time with your instructor
in the comfort of your own home, with a live
QA chat afterwards to pose any questions
or concerns.
Naturally, classes cover practical
themes like improving your sleep or better
relationships.
Going forward, there’s a move to develop
short quick-fix apps for your smartphone, to
make the personal even more portable. “The
internet is a way to reach more people, so let’s
use this technology. We are reaching out to
the world.”
Changing lives
Like the spread of her students, Fiennes is
something of an international citizen herself.
She lived in London for 20 years, she’s now
living in Santa Monica, but she’s originally
from Macedonia.
And she draws inspiration from this
international following. In her online classes,
for example, which she hosts from her
Californian home, students log in from all
over the world, Russia, Scandinavia and the
rest of Europe, as well as the USA.
“Every day I hear from my students, about
how the yoga has changed their lives; they
feel euphoric. It makes me feel so good to
hear it. It’s completely transformative.”
She adds: “Yoga and breath work can
release feel good chemicals in the brain
and foster a better hormonal balance; our
bodies are like a pharmacy with all the
healing that we need, we just need to know
how to access it.”
There are more big plans ahead in 2015.
She’s about to launch her own teaching
training, which comprises the general study
of Kundalini yoga with elements of her own
Maya Fiennes Yoga for Real Life programme.
It also includes Pranayama, meditation,
and a variety of other modules such
anatomy and physiology, yoga history
and philosophy.

26
om beginnings
The first Maya Fiennes teacher
training school runs this April and
October in London.
Always a choice
When she’s not working, she enjoys Qi
Gong for some gentle re-balancing, plus she
loves to swim. “I need to be in water, and
adore the Pacific Ocean; I actually meditate
in water, and also enjoy herbal baths and
spiritual bathing. It helps me release any
fear or anger.”
And then there’s her music, which, she
says, “feels like a part of my life”. She’s even
created music for her own Kundalini dance,
called Inspire your Fire, a 45-minute journey
through the chakras, which she wants to
take to a larger audience.
Naturally, in keeping with the family
tradition, movies are another pastime.
She says the Matrix is one of her personal
favourites and cites the famous scene where
Neo (Keanu Reeves) is offered a blue pill
or a red pill - a key decision point in the
film. One means to remain in the fabricated
reality of the Matrix, continuing to live the
ignorance of illusion; the other is to escape
the Matrix and live the truth of reality in the
real world, even though it may be a harsher,
more difficult life.
Indeed, that choice is arguably now being
played out on a far grander scale. Chatting
to Fiennes, she alludes to a broader cultural
and spiritual shift, in which more movies with
a message (like the Matrix) are being made.
Elsewhere, the internet and people’s cell
phones are rife with positive affirmations;
the environmental message is stronger;
there’s a greater emphasis on whole foods,
ethical farming and organic produce.
And Fiennes is most definitely playing her
part in this global awakening. “Awareness
has definitely shifted,” she adds. “We always
have a choice.”
Find out more about Maya Fiennes at:
mayaspace.com
“Every day I hear from
my students, about how
the yoga has changed
their lives; they feel
euphoric. It makes
me feel so good to
hear it. It’s completely
transformative.”

27
Advance your practice. Find your purpose. Share your voice.
Jason Crandell
power, precision + mindfulness:
a 300 hour advanced teacher training
3 modules: starts april 2015
at triyoga soho
www.triyoga.co.uk/jasoncrandell
Accredited
by
Yoga
Alliance
USA
OM4_JAN15_184X123V1_SO:Layout 1 1/13/15 3:01 PM Page 1 om beginnings

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Chakra JourneyHere are seven yoga poses which represent and embody each chakra,
from the roots to the crown
Root Chakra
The Muladhara Chakra is about
stability and being grounded. Hero’s
pose, Virasana, is stable and close to
the earth. Sit back onto your heels or
on a few blocks. Close your eyes and
settle. Let the breath deepen and feel
a connection to your body and the
ground below.
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Navel Chakra
Here we ignite our fire and core. Our navel centre, Manipura
Chakra, is a place of ego and self awareness. It is also a
place of digestion and transformation. A seated twist such as
Matsyendrasana stimulates and encourages our inner fire
and strength so we can radiate our true self. Sit with your legs
extended. Bend the right knee to your chest and place the foot to
the outside of the left leg. You can choose to bend the left knee
placing the foot outside your right hip with the knee on the earth.
Sit on a block or blanket for support. Practice both sides.
Sacral Chakra
The hips and pelvis are connected to the Swadisthana Chakra. A
place of fluidity and emotions, creativity and sensuality. Reverse
Warrior, a Virabhadrasana 2 variation, opens the hips and is a
creative expression of the Warrior pose. Feet are wide apart. Turn
right foot out and left foot slightly in. Bend the right knee for a
deep external rotation in the hip joint. Left arm can move behind
your back to support that opening as right arms soars to the sky.
Enjoy on both sides.
Heart Chakra
Lifting and exposing our heart is courageous and joyful.
Our Anahata Chakra is about love, compassion and
devotion. In camel pose, Ustrasana, we lift our heart to the
heavens and enjoy a feeling of being open and joyful. From
Hero’s pose, Virasana, get on your knees. Lift your heart
as you bring your hands to your lower back for support.
Create length and a sense of uplifting. If comfortable, place
your hands to your heels.
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3
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Third Eye Chakra
We can balance the Ajna Chakra through poses that
require balance, poise and focus. The double big toe hold,
Ubhaya Padangusthasana, is a pose which embodys
those qualities. Balancing on the sitting bones you hold
your big toes as you move towards straightening the legs
upwards to create a V shape. Keep the heart lifted as you
focus your gaze, dristhi, to your big toes.
Crown Chakra
The Sahasrara Chakra is where we connect to our higher self, the
divine or bliss. The lotus pose, Padmasana, is the classical pose
for meditation. It directs the energy from our Roots to our Crown
representing a flowering Lotus. Sitting with the legs extended bend
one knee to place the foot on the opposite thigh. Then bend the
other knee to place that foot on the top of the opposite thigh. Make
sure there is no knee pain and modify to a comfortable seat any time.
In this pose we sit, contemplate and meditate, allowing awareness of
bliss, yoga and union.
Sequence: Anja Brierley Lange (yogaembodied.com)
Photos: Peter Muller (petemuller.co.uk)
Throat Chakra
Our throat and neck carries our head. Our head is a heavy body part.
In downward facing dog, Adha Mukha Svanasana, we release the neck
and throat. We can shake our head, exhale through the mouth, sigh,
make sounds. Let go of restrictions in our Vishuddhi Chakra, a place
of free expression and creativity.
5
6
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33
CompetitionWin a Bespoke Retreats getaway in Cornwall worth £800
Bespoke Retreats was founded on a love of yoga, surfing, relaxation
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travel with the seasons, ensuring that your Bespoke Retreat combines
these passions in a location that makes the best of every time of
year. Sholto and Jane’s knowledge and experience in yoga, surf,
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Retreat can be carefully designed to welcome everyone from absolute
beginners to those who want to take their practice to the next level.
Our Retreats
Over the summer, take full advantage of Cornwall’s glorious beaches
and long, sunny evenings with a retreat focused on yoga and natural
nutrition, or a getaway that combines yoga and surfing. Whether it’s a
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In October, enjoy the late summer sun in a beautiful Portuguese villa
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In November, try a 5 star urban yoga retreat in the Roman city of
Bath. Relax in a luxury hotel, combine yoga sessions with pampering
spa treatments or take full advantage of Bath to make a start on your
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During the UK winter months we are planning new retreats in Costa
Rica, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka and the French Alps. Whether you love the
beach or the mountains, savasana or surf, Bespoke Retreats can design
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Join us in Cornwall
We are giving Om readers the chance to win a three-night break for two
people on our Surf and Yoga Weekend package for four people in a
private garden apartment in Cornwall this September.
You’ll enjoy five yoga sessions at your shared accommodation,
blending vinyasa, hatha, dynamic and restorative yoga, and tame the
waves with two surfing lessons. A relaxing 30 minute massage for each
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breakfast daily and two delicious evening meals. Whether you want to
learn to surf or improve your technique, this intensive package will help
you progress in the ocean and relax on dry land.
To find out more about us and the retreats on offer: www.
bespokeretreats.com
Packages are also available for yoga teachers and groups.
For further details email us bespokeretreats@hotmail.com
or call us on 07971389257.
Terms and conditions: Please note – does not include travel to/from retreat,
travel insurance, lunch, alcoholic beverages though these are available on
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To enter please go to
ommagazine.com/bespoke
Closing date: 19th March 2015
om beginnings

34
Beginner
Pigeon Pose
INTRODUCTION:
Pigeon pose is an excellent hip opening pose. Many of us tend to
store tension and stress within the hips, making this pose beneficial
both physically and mentally. It provides a deep opening for the hip
flexors (psoas and rectus femoris), groin muscles and hip rotator
muscles (gluteus medius minimus ). It may provide some relief from
sciatic pain. Proceed with caution if you have any knee or sacroiliac
joint injuries.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Come into a downward facing dog position. As you inhale draw
your right knee in towards your chest and externally rotate your hip
placing your right knee just behind your right wrist. Lower your right
foot down towards the mat and work towards placing your right foot
just behind your left wrist so that your shin is parallel to the front
edge of the mat. Depending on your hips you may need to place your
right foot much further back towards your groin. Flex your right foot.
Lower your left knee down towards the mat and walk your left leg
back as you lower your hips down. Work towards squaring your hips
and shoulders towards the front edge of the mat. If your right buttock
is off the mat at this stage your may place a block or folded blanket
underneath it to offer additional support. You may stay here upright
for 5 breaths, or gently lower down as you exhale onto your forearms
or chest with your arms extended for 5 breaths.
If you are comfortable here, you may take a gentle twist towards
your right side, either placing your left hand onto your right knee, and
right hand to the base of your spine as you twist to look over your
right shoulder for 5 breaths, or placing your left shoulder onto your
mat as your draw the hands together in prayer and twist.
To exit the pose, slowly rise back up onto your hands. Curl your
back toes under and push back to downward facing dog.
Repeat on the left hand side.
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Intermediate
Standing Pigeon Pose
INTRODUCTION:
Standing Pigeon pose utilises the opening within the hips achieved
in pigeon pose, and adds an element of balance into the mix. The
pose strengthens the standing leg and continues to provide further
opening within the hip. Proceed with caution if you have tight hips.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Come into Utkatasana (chair pose) and bend your right leg, placing
your right ankle just above your left knee. Flex your right foot
and gently lower your right knee away from you. Draw your hands
together into prayer. Sit a little lower until you feel a deep stretch
into the right hip and gluteus. As you inhale, lengthen your spine and
hinge forward from your hips. Maintain the length in your spine as you
reach your arms forward. Stay here for 5 deep breaths before slowly
rising up and repeating on the other side.

36
Advanced
Dragonfly Pose
Courtesy of StudioLiveTV
Photos: Claire Berghorst for StudioLiveTV
studiolivetv.com/justloveyoga
om beginnings
INTRODUCTION:
Dragonfly pose is a fun arm balancing pose that requires stability and
strength in the shoulder girdle, an engaged core and flexibility within
the hips. Avoid the pose if you have any shoulder, wrist or hip injuries.
Make sure you have warmed up properly before attempting the pose.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Come into standing pigeon pose and draw your hands together
in prayer. Then twist towards your right foot, and hook your right
tricep into the arch of your right foot. Slowly lower both hands down
towards the mat, placing your hands shoulder distance apart. Make
sure you spread your fingers wide and press down through all four
corners of your hands. Then lean your weight forward into your hands
as you press your right foot into your upper right arm. Your left leg
will start to float up off the mat. Stay here for 3 to 5 breaths before
slowly lowering back down and repeating on the other side.

Ethical Yoga Clothing
38
Why pay more for ethical yoga
kit? Simple: you’ll be helping to
save the planet and keep your
karma intact. By Martin D. Clark
Y
oga is an inner journey, a time of self-
exploration, of spirituality, not to mention
a great way to tone up body, mind and
soul. It’s also a lot of fun and a great way to
make new friends. It’s certainly not about
trivial things like fashion. Or is it?
The seemingly universal popularity of yoga pants
these days might suggest otherwise, although the
motives behind some people buying them – to show off
their great butt – might be somewhat questionable. But
there’s a lot more to it than that.
Ask any yoga teacher and they’ll tell you that yoga
isn’t confined to our moments on the mat, but more
in the everyday decisions and moments in our lives. In
other words, it’s about living your yoga, each and every
day. Doing asana on the mat for an hour is one thing;
showing up moment-by-moment, expressing kindness,
gratitude, and other higher emotions through the day,
both to ourselves and to others, is quite another.
And that concept extends to our purchasing decisions.
When it comes to food, that could mean following a
plant-based diet, one that banishes cruelty to animals, in
keeping with the principles of ahimsa (non violence).
Not all yogis are vegans, of course, but there’s a clear
tendency to follow a healthier nutritional path as the
yoga journey unfolds, even if that just means ditching
the Big Macs at the beginning, or opting for more organic
produce from trusted farm sources.
It’s true in other areas of our lives too. In the fashion
stakes, that means supporting businesses aligned with
similar higher ideals, for example, those that support
poor communities, charitable concerns, or source only
the purest of materials.
Flight to quality
Unless you’re one of those naked yoga converts (or just
a born exhibitionist), then we all have to wear something
in our yoga class. So why not make it something that
goes toward helping others, whether that be local
charities, or the planet at large.
It’s not an indulgence to pay more for some high-
end yoga kit that delivers transformational change
among those that help to make it. Often, these are poor
communities in India, yoga’s birthplace.
ETHICAL YOGA

39
Not only that, but you’ll end up with a far higher
quality garment, and one stitched together with love,
rather than cheaply-made mass produced gear from an
anonymous supplier.
Yes, you can nip down the high street and pick up
some cheap sportswear for a snip of the price, but this
may well come from dubious global supply chains. Be
honest, do you really know what went into the making of
your current yoga gear?
Marlene Smits, creator of yoga fashion brand Urban
Goddess, believes that cheaper goods ultimately come
at a higher price. “If a product is too cheap, someone
somewhere along the line has suffered for it,” she says.
Let’s face it, the lack of transparency in our global
supply chains can be disturbing: appalling factory
conditions, industrial-scale farming, widespread use
of pesticides.
It may mean cheap prices for us back home, but at
what cost overall? Sweatshop factory conditions for
impoverished workers, toxic agricultural production, or
worse. It doesn’t really smack of ‘yoga’.
“To produce something that is ethical in a social and
environmental way, made by people who have good
working conditions and love what they do, is the best
way to support a healthy world, economically, politically,
environmentally and humanly,” says Smits.
And, if you do opt for the high street option, you’re
simply lining the pockets of institutional shareholders
- the wealthy investment banks and pension funds, the
people that ultimately own these stores - and further
underpin the current global supply chain.
When you buy your kit from them (or food, or anything
else for that matter) your money simply gets fed back
into the machine, and that demand is sustained.
Independent retailers like London-based family
business, Emma Nissim, do things differently. The
company offers high quality, handprinted and stylish
yoga wear through sustainable production and socially
positive action.
“We are very proactive when it comes to researching
our fabrics; we select ones that have minimum impact
on the planet and on the workers, whilst ensuring
the highest quality for our customers,” says designer
Emma Nissim.
So buck the trend, be a rebel: go invest in some proper
yoga wear, the stuff that’s made by people who care so
passionately about the same things you do.
Your karma will love you for it and so too will the
communities in India and elsewhere that will see genuine
transformation as a result.
“Each organic, fair trade product you buy is a
statement,” says Malaika Kremerman Pilowsky of yoga
fashion label Malaika. “It might cost a bit more but the
price is ultimately lower, since there’s no price tag when
it comes to human beings or caring for our planet. The
change is here, be a part of it.”
CLOTHING
WHY PAY MORE?
We asked a few ethical clothing brands why it’s better to opt for fair trade, sweatshop-free yoga
wear rather than buy it off the high street. Here’s what they said:
“We see a trend of people becoming more aware of how products are being made and
consciously choosing whether that fits their values and standards. This is something that makes
us happy, because it will shape the reality we live in, in all aspects.”
Urban Goddess (urban-goddess.com)
“We are not cheap or mass-produced, and we believe an investment in luxury layered basics
and sculptural styles will make you feel good from the inside out.”
EKO Womenswear (earthkindoriginals.co.uk)
“We care about and understand our customers’ needs, as we do the same activities [yoga] and
address the same concerns. When we design, we consider in detail every aspect of the process.”
Emma Nissim (emmanissim.com)
“It’s simply because we value human beings more than we value money. As simple as that.”
Malaika (malaika-padma.com)

40
Zen Dress £64
Spa Wrap £48
Loula Cimi £32
Shortie Leggings £34
Simple Tee £35
Long Vest £32
Shortie Leggings £34
Suzie Swing Dress £72
www.earthkindoriginals.co.uk

41
Capri €56
Top €52
One Piece
Heaven-Long €80
One Piece Heaven-Short €69
Short €42
One Piece Heaven-Short €69
www.lalucci.es

42
Printed £120 Matching yoga
mat bags £15
when purchased
with Poncho
(£25 on own)
Plain £80Plain £80

43
prAna Cassidy Capri in
vivid viola RRP £65
Yogamatters.com
prAna Dream Catcher top
in vivid viola RRP £55
Yogamatters.com

44
TEEKI PANTS ARE ALL £47.50
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Buffalo Princess in sienna, Electric Night
www.teeki.co.uk

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Savannah Stripes
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Pink Foil Butterfly
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Mint Elephant
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Mint Leaves
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Namaste Glam Top £29.50
Pranafied Pants £42.50
Wrap Me Up
Wrap £46
Statement Tank
OM £25.50
Hand-dyed
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in Shunya £45
www.urban-goddess.com
47

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www.fit-clothing.com
Racer Back Diamante OM
Tank £24.99
Harem Pants -
plain £14.99
Rainbow Galaxy workout
Legging £18.99
Harem Pants -
printed £17.99
Love Yoga Customised
Tops £19.99

49
Knee High
£12.99
Low Rise
£10 .49
Ankle £9.99
www.yogamad.com
Bella £12.99

50
Guacho poncho £128
Pared tank top £46
Rio top £50
Jhossue legging £50
Tabla mens T-shirt £41
Corto mens short £50

51
Niñita short £37
www.chocloproject.com

52
Open back tank £35
Women’s capris £32.50
Women’s
capris £32.50
Seamless vest £31
Women’s sports
bra £28
Open back tank £35
www.tribesports.co.uk

53
www.noballs.co.uk
Bamboo Seamless
Hooded Jacket
£65 Bamboo
Harem Pants £59
Bamboo Soft
Tank £35
Pure Bamboo Flow Top £35
Seamless Bamboo Capri £37

54
Shop at www.yogaessential.it
‘YOUNG’ YOGA TANK €45
available in white, black blue
YOGA PANTS €45
‘MULADHARA’ YOGA TANK €55
YOGA LONG LEGGING €35
YOGA MAN TANK €55
YOGA MAN PANTS €55
‘WOMAN’ YOGA TANK €45
YOGA PANTS €45

55
The Ascent Racer
Vest £43
Vintage Homeland
Pants £65
Maze Racer
Tank £53
Inner Alchemy
Leggings £65
Vintage Flashdance
Top £55
Vintage Homeland
Pants £65
The Ascent
Racer Vest £43
Cascade I Bra
Top £40
www.fivefeathersclothing.com

56
Malaika Padma Puna Chic©
Yoga Shorts from 100% organic
cotton (available in men and
women sizes, shown in Beaches
Feather and available from
April 2015) is $40-$45USD
Other colours are: $25-$45USD.
I OM YOGA T-shirt made
of 100% organic cotton
(available in men and
women sizes) is $36USD
www.malaika-padma.com

57
Shining Shakti leggings £60
www.yogagoodies.co.uk

58
Tops : KARANI €59
DHYANA €65
Bottom: ASANA €79
Accessory: AUM €59
Tops: PRANA €119
PADMA €65
Bottom: FLORA €89
Top: BENE €79
Bottom: BABA €119
Tops: CHAKRA €99
NADIA €65
Bottom: Mauna €89

59
Dragonfly Naomi Cropped Leggings in
Black/Azure - £34 *Exclusive to the UK
Dragonfly Sporty Bra Top in Black/Azure -
£29.50 *Exclusive to the UK
YOGA EMPORIUMYoga Products of Excellence
Dharmabums Full Length Leggings in
Hyacinth - £49 *Exclusive to the UK
www.yogaemporium.co.uk
Dharmabums Rainbow
Stripe High Waister
Leggings - £49

60
BUDDHA PANTS
See page 45
Buddha Pants is a clothing company
dedicated to creating multifunctional
travel ready apparel, focusing on
comfort encouraging an active
lifestyle. The harem pant that packs
into its pocket was inspired by the
Eno Hammock, re-designed
and manufactured by Buddha Pants.
www.buddhapants.com
CHOCLO PROJECT
See page 50
Not only are we focused on creating
a sense of freedom for the children
as they tap into their imagination
and create art but we also want our
customers to feel a sense of freedom
when they wear our garments, so they
too can express themselves without
restriction.
www.chocloproject.com
EKO WOMENSWEAR
See page 40
Philosophy: ‘Feel good about what you
wear.’ We start with you, to create feel
good clothing, which is ageless and
flatters all shapes and sizes. Thinking
differently about design and innovating
with soft eco fabrics is at the core of
what we do.
www.earthkindoriginals.co.uk
EMMA NISSIM
See page 46
Emma Nissim is a fashion designer and
textile artist inspired by active lifestyles
and nature, designed sustainably and
ethically for comfort. In her design
process these are the key elements
that are fused together to create her
hand silk-screen printed clothing range
from her vibrant studio at Cockpit Arts.
www.emmanissim.com
FIT LONDON
See page 48
Style meets performance while bringing
you the latest trends in yoga and
leisure wear. Unquestionably one of the
most versatile and fashionable clothing
labels without breaking the bank. Free
Shipping to the UK.
www.fit-clothing.com
ETHICAL CLOTHING
FIVE FEATHERS
See page 55
Five Feathers is a new London-based
yoga wear brand with a rock and
roll edge and a big heart. Blending
timeless performance-led basics and
statement prints, the collection is
designed to layer effortlessly both
on and off the mat. Five Feathers’
signature fabric is made from recycled
plasticbottles and every garment sold
helps support educational projects in
the developing world.
www.fivefeathersclothing.com
LA LUCCI
See page 41
We cherish the super woman of our
times, juggling family life/work and
social demands. LaLucci celebrates
and supports this super hero in each
of us adding style, innovation, joy, fun
to your fitness lifestyle. “Get Jazzy
with LaLucci”
www.lalucci.es
MALAIKA PADMA
See page 56
Malaika Padma was dreamed by
Malaika, a dedicated Iyengar Yoga
practitioner, wishing to create Puna
Chic Yoga shorts in fun, mood
complimenting colours. Created with
love, passion, attention to detail,
and made of organic cotton and
manufactured using fair labour, our
clothing aspires to be as spiritually
clean as our practice.
www.malaika-padma.com
NO BALLS
See page 53
Noballs create yoga clothing in
natural, breathable, anti-bacterial
eco-friendly bamboo. From soft and
flowing yoga tops and harem pants
to slimline, seamless silouettes and
sumptous cover-ups all designed to
take you from the yoga studio to the
street in style.
www.noballs.co.uk

61
TEEKI
See page 44
Teeki is an eco-conscious activewear line.
We take water bottles and turn them into
clothes, giving them purpose again through
an eco-friendly process. We encourage
and step forward with the fashion world,
empowering it to become one with
mother earth. Teeki supports you with
your active lifestyle and adventures: yoga,
gym, workout, surf, sports, dance, flow –
constantly moving forward with your body,
mind, and spirit.
www.teeki.co.uk
TRIBE SPORTS
See page 52
Tribesports is a UK-based performance
sportswear brand that treats every athlete
like a pro. We believe that all sports
people deserve access to premium quality
sportswear at exceptional value. Our yoga
range is made with premium quality fabric
and has technical features that promote
comfort and a full range of motion.
www.tribesports.co.uk
URBAN GODDESS
See page 47
Urban Goddess is an ethical yoga label
with an edge. Our clothes are comfortable,
made of high quality fabrics and with love.
Urban Goddess is faithful to the meaning
of yoga, but in a super modern way. We
are the rock chick of yoga wear, for all
Urban Goddesses out there.
www.urbangoddess.nl
WEAR ESSENTIALS
See page 54
YogaEssentials by WearEssentials is an
Italian brand of yoga and Pilates clothing
inspired by practice, with a sober, simple
and timeless design. Our versatile outfits
are all made in Italy with soft natural jerseys
(cotton, viscose, bamboo) and original
AUM drawings: yoga tops, short and long
leggings, yoga pants, cache-coeurs. Ideal
for all types of yoga and Pilates practice,
fitness activities and dance. Perfect fit.
www.yogaessential.it
THE YOGA CLOTHES CO
See page 42
The poncho blanket for people who
practice yoga. A unique garment that
doubles up as a great poncho for outdoor
wear and opens out flat as a blanket for
use during relaxation. Great for covering
up and staying warm if practicing outside
or just in a chilly room. Available in plain or
our unique nature inspired prints. Fleece
lined with a waterproof outer layer.
www.theyogaclothescompany.co.uk
YOGA EMPORIUMYoga Products of Excellence
YOGA EMPORIUM
See page 59
Yoga Emporium is committed to
bringing the highest quality, unique
yoga wear to the UK. We discover the
latest fashions, source the highest
performing materials and ensure
our manufacturers are committed to
sustainable and ethical production.
We offer free next day delivery on all
orders over £50.
www.yogaemporium.co.uk
YOGA GOODIES
See page 57
A leading online boutique for unique
yoga, leisure wear and accessories.
Bright colourful clothing that allows
your yoga practice to shine. Beyond
the ordinary: we have all you need
to start, develop and enhance your
practice. 10% discount until 31 March,
use code OMWEB. UK stockists of
Shining Shakti, Be Present and Love
This Life.
www.yogagoodies.co.uk
YOGAMAD/TOE SOX
See page 49
ToeSox are the original toe sock with a
patented non-slip grip that is great for
us as yoga socks, Pilates socks, dance
socks, martial arts socks, or socks for
any other barefoot activity. ToeSox
come in a variety of colours and come
with either Toes or No Toes, which is
down to personal preference.
www.yogamad.com
YOGAMATTERS/PRANA
See page 43
Yogamatters is the UK’s premier
prAna dealer. The new prAna Spring/
Summer 2015 collection combines
unexpected twists on heritage
classics, bold colour and new
signature prints and it’s their most
exciting range yet.
www.yogamatters.com
YOGA SEARCHER
See page 58
Yoga Searcher was born from the
meeting of several French talents
united by the same passion: yoga and
the lifestyle that it cultivates. Yoga
Searcher produces its collection in
Europe (Portugal), all workshops are
certified ECO-TEX and materials
are tested without harmful
environmental substances.
www.yogasearcher.com
www.yogasearcher.com
Imaginé par des Yogis pour des Yogis
impression coloris ébene : 191015TP
DIRECTORY 2015

62
Take your
practice
with you,
wherever
you are,
says rock
roll yogi
Becky Pell
M
y lifestyle doesn’t lend itself to regular
anything. I’ve spent the last 20 years
– my entire working life – touring with
bands as a sound engineer. It’s a way
of life I love, and I’m so grateful to have
seen a lot of the world in this way. But it’s also a lot of
hard work (the backstage side of the music business is not
glamorous, believe me!) and it’s a lot of time away from
home and loved ones. It’s hard to stay grounded, and it was
something that was missing for me until I discovered yoga.
When I fell in love-at-first-downdog with yoga, I knew I
had to make this wonderful practice a part of my everyday
life. But how to do that when I’m never home? How would I
grow my practice without frequent contact with a teacher?
Where would I find the space, the time and the confidence
to maintain a regular practice in an irregular lifestyle?
In time, I discovered ways to do it, and gradually yoga
and meditation became part of who I am rather than an
addition to the rest of my life. I came to see practice as my
anchor point when everything around me is changing – the
calm at the eye of the storm. Years later I took myself off
to teacher training, and now I combine working as a sound
engineer with teaching the artists and musicians I tour with
– I have the privilege and joy of helping other people find
ways to weave yoga into their everyday lives.
Here’s what I’ve learnt about maintaining a
regular yoga practice in an irregular lifestyle:
l Your mat is a little piece of home. If your regular
mat is too chunky for your suitcase, you could invest
in a lightweight travel mat, or a carry-strap for your
regular mat rather than a bag. I carry mine as hand
luggage in addition to my rucksack and it’s never been a
problem on flights. When you arrive in your hotel room,
make unrolling it the first thing you do. Rearrange the
furniture if need be (put it back when you leave – good
karma towards the housekeeping staff!) and create your
sacred space. If your mat is sitting there ready, you’ll
be more inspired to sit on it, take Savasana, breathe,
stretch and see what unfolds. The hardest part of an
asana or meditation practice is often stepping onto
the mat in the first place, so make it easy for yourself.
l Now that you have your piece of home right there
when you wake up in the morning, sit on it before you
do anything else and take 10 deep, full breaths to start
the day. Maybe download a meditation timer app and
start the day with a few minutes just observing the flow
of your breath. I carry a candle in my luggage, and the
first thing I do is light it, put it on my mat in front of
me and meditate whilst the kettle boils for tea. It’s a
gorgeous way to start the day.
l At night, lie back on the mat, take your legs up the wall
to soothe tired feet, and follow a guided meditation.
There are lots of podcasts and Youtube guided
relaxations available, and it’s a wonderful way to aid
restful sleep.
l When you are at home, look for a teacher who is
sympathetic to your lifestyle, and understands that
you will sometimes be around and sometimes not.
Knowing that you can drop in to a class with a familiar
YOGA
ON THE
ROAD
om body

63
teacher, however infrequently, takes away that ‘I’m only
home for two days so it’s not worth going’ mindset.
l Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to do a full
hour of practice or it’s not worth it. It’s better to do 10
minutes every other day than a two hour mega-session
infrequently. Of course it’s great to do longer if you
can, but anything is better than nothing, and frequency
is key. Once I realised this, my practice blossomed.
l Find the most appropriate time to practice and then
put the phone on silent and close the laptop. If you’re
mid-communication with someone, let them know
that you’ll be offline for the next however-long so that
you’re not stressing about it. The world will not stop
spinning because you took half an hour out, I promise.
l Download some classes or sign up to a streaming
website such as Yogaglo. If you’re relatively new to
yoga, practicing alone can be daunting; and even if you
have a confident self-practice, it’s fun to mix it up and
get re-inspired by different teachers.
l Live your yoga. Being on the mat is only one part of
a yoga practice – can you look for ways to honour
the yamas such as ahimsa (non-violence) and
brahmacharya (moderation), and niyamas such as
santosha (contentment) and tapas (discipline), in
your everyday life?
l Experiment with different pranayama techniques and
feel the effects they have on you. I find Ujaayi breath
very calming, so when I feel my blood pressure rising I
drop into that for a few minutes. No-one knows, and it
works wonders.
l Bring dharana, or concentration, into everyday tasks
like brushing your teeth. Give your full attention to the
task – what do you smell, taste, feel, see, hear? Use
this mindfulness technique to anchor yourself in the
present moment.
l Some days you’re just not going to be feeling it,
and that’s okay. Lie on your mat and simply take
a few minutes blissful Savasana. But then maybe
you’ll breathe deeply, hug your knees into your chest
and have a little roll around to massage your back.
Take a gentle twist, dropping your knees to each
side. Ooh, feels pretty good actually. Maybe just a
few minutes…
Becky Pell is a touring sound engineer and yoga teacher
based in Surrey, who combines life on the road with her
passion for sharing the incredible beneﬁts of yoga. Visit:
rocknrollyogi.com
om body
“I came to see practice as my anchor point when everything
around me is changing – the calm at the eye of the storm”

om body
Activate the core
Your core is vital to any strong yoga practice
64
Start lying on your back. Relax. Inhale and exhale. Draw up the core
and inhale, draw the knees to the chest. Bring both hands behind the
head and exhale, send the right leg away to hover off the floor whilst
the right elbow moves towards the left knee. Inhale draw the knees
together and bring the upper body to neutral. Exhale, send the left
leg away to hover off the floor, and bring the left elbow to right knee.
Inhale draw both knees to the chest, level out the head and shoulders
and then continue like this for five times on each side, (building to 10
per side as you get stronger). The lower you hover the stretched out
leg, the harder it gets.
How to do
YOGA
1
Start by warming up with a couple of rounds of surya
namaskar (sun salutations) to prepare the body. Then,
start lying on your back, and start by activating the core.
Do this with legs bent, feet hip width apart and tilting the
pelvis forwards and backwards until you find the neutral
spine (somewhere in the middle). Then draw up your
perineum and feel the sit bones coming together. You can
feel for the activation by placing your fingers on your hip
bones and then slide them off onto the lower abdomen
and feel the muscles engaging slightly; it is very subtle.
Draw your belly button down towards the spine as if you
are zipping up jeans and then draw your lower ribs down so
they are not sticking out. Then take a deep breath in, draw
it down to the depths of the lungs and then exhale. Take
a few more deep breaths like this keeping the connection
with the core. Remember not to be too forceful, a gentle
contraction is enough.

om body
65
2a
2b
2b
Boat pose (Navasana) to
Extended boat pose
BOAT POSE (NAVASANA): start in half
boat pose until your core gets stronger and
then start to extend the legs. Come into
sitting, spine tall, equal weight on each sit
bone, draw up the perineum after the exhale.
Find your focus point as you’re balancing.
Take a deep inhale and exhale lift the legs
to either bent or straight if your core is
stronger. If you find yourself leaning too far
back and your spine is rounding to help you
lift the legs straight, then bend them again
and lengthen through the spine, draw the
lower ribs in; don’t arch your back. Stay here
for five breaths.
EXTENDED BOAT POSE: a more
challenging strengthener from boat pose.
Inhale, exhale and start to lower and
straighten the legs as you lower. Lower
the upper body at the same time. Keep the
perineum lifting, the lower ribs tucked in
and don’t arch your back. Bring arms out
wider as you lower down for support. Try
and maintain control as you move over your
pelvis (this ‘bump’ makes it a little tricky).
Then take a few deep breaths, inhale and
rise up to boat pose, then rest. Bring feet to
floor, knees up to chest, and hug the knees
in, lowering the head to knees and relax the
legs. Make this as challenging as you like.
Repeat five times.

66
om body
From downward dog, lift the right leg in the air into 3-legged dog,
keeping the hips neutral, (image 3a and 3b). As you inhale, come
up to tip toes on the right foot and then exhale and, drawing up
the perineum, draw the right leg towards the forehead and round
the back and drop the head as you bring the forehead to the knee.
Exhale, extend the right leg away and repeat five times. Repeat on the
other side. Great for upper body flexibility and strength.
From here you can then add more challenging options: right knee to
right elbow, and right knee to left elbow. Raise right leg, forehead to
right knee, raise right leg, right knee to right elbow, raise right leg,
right leg to left elbow. Repeat on the other side. Build up to repeating
as you build strength. This also builds upper body strength too.
SIDE PLANK (VASISTHASANA): start
sitting on your right side. Right arm on the
floor, fingers spread, right shoulder away
from right ear. Extend the legs out to the
side and stack either one foot on top of
the other or by the side if you need more
stability. Inhale and as you exhale lift the hips
as high as you can; reach up to the ceiling,
extending the left arm to the sky and look
up to the left hand. If that’s challenging on
the neck turn the gaze down to the floor.
To lessen: bend the knees, so when you lift
up your weight is on the lower legs. Stretch
the hips and waist as high as you can. Come
down and hover just off the floor with the
hips.
3a
4a
3b
4b
5

67
Looking for your next step? Looking for CPD opportunities?
Would you like to take your yoga knowledge and experience into business?
The multiperspective embodiment training
for teachers, trainers coaches starts in:
London April 2015 Moscow May 2015
For more info go to http://tinyurl.com/EFC-OMYOGA
or call Elizabeth +447711122778
EFC is a natural extension of what I was already doing.
It has strengthened me personally professionally, with
simple effective tools that integrate the body-breath-mind.
I now have an offering for people who want the benefits of
yoga but who are turned off by the word “yoga”. It has also
allowed me to present my yoga skills in a more corporate
friendly way, which in turn increases my income.
Annabel Broom, yoga teacher since 2003
om body
From high side plank, to make it a bit harder, and starting on your
right side, in side plank, lower your hips towards the floor until they
are hovering off the floor. Then inhale and lift them up to the sky.
Repeat this 10 times.
Start small and build up. Just do a few on each side and as you
gain more strength, increase the repetitions. Make sure you always
maintain the connection between the breath and the core. Finish by
releasing any tension in Savasana, time for your body to realign.
Michelle King is the founder of AdventureYogi (adventureyogi.com)
Photos: Jo Thorne (jothorne-photography.co.uk)
6

Y
oga, as we know, brings about a feeling of bliss.
Whenever I left my yoga classes I’d need to a look a
few times before crossing the road in case my deeply
relaxed state got me into trouble. But when a hobby
becomes work do you lose these magical benefits?
Well, in my experience, yes: it’s a delicate balancing act and a very
steep learning curve.
For 16 years, yoga has been a huge part of my life. My day job is
as a TV weather presenter and features producer. I was working all
hours, was stressed, tired, burning the candle at both ends, driving
all over the country, lacking in sleep and by my early 20’s utterly
exhausted. I discovered yoga and was instantly hooked. It quickly
became part of my daily routine and transformed my life forever. So
when the opportunity came up five years ago to train as a teacher I
grabbed it fiercely with both hands.
As soon as I qualified I set up a class in my home village in
Derbyshire which became really popular very quickly much to my
surprise. I loved it. I’d put hours into planning and researching my
classes to make sure my people were getting the best experience
possible. I’d go on endless yoga workshops and teacher training to
learn as much as I could. The problem was I was also juggling this with
a full time, demanding TV career. All of a sudden I was working two
jobs when I barely had time to squeeze in the one. The result of this
yoga and career collision was that I was beginning to lose my passion
for my beloved practice. Everything was an effort, finding time to plan
my classes was impossible and I was so exhausted after a crazy week
that by the time it came to teaching my class I was failing to practice
what I preached as I was simply juggling too many balls.
I considered giving up teaching yoga; after all, TV paid the bills.
However, I just couldn’t; it’s in me, this natural passion to spread the
word about our magical practice. My only other option was to reduce
the hours in my career. So I took a bold move and did just that. I
now split my time equally between the two and now, when I juggle,
I actually keep the balls in the air. I found the all important balance
between my two jobs and can give both the energy and passion they
deserve.
Furthermore, my experience of struggling to find the right balance
has really helped my teaching. I understand when my students talk
about stress and being time poor and now I can truly help them by
having been there and come out the other side. Backing off always
brings better results, on and off the mat .
Lucy Kite is a journalist, TV presenter and yoga teacher
(lucykiteyoga.co.uk)
How to find balance when yoga becomes your job. By Lucy Kite
Whenyoga
takesover
om body
“I discovered yoga and was instantly hooked. It quickly became
part of my daily routine and transformed my life forever”
69

Ever wondered what your teacher’s going on about?
Adam Hocke demystifies popular yoga terminology
A
s postural yoga teachers and
students we employ a variety
of words and phrases that
wouldn’t make much sense in
polite society. We overload their
meaning and use so heavily that we create
a hugely subjective muddle. Let’s reclaim
an understanding of these words, use them
consciously, and deepen their effect.
TAKE A VINYASA
Posturally speaking
As a frequently used shorthand instruction
in flow classes, ‘take a vinyasa’ commonly
means to come forward from downward-
facing dog pose into chaturanga dandasana
through upward-facing dog pose and then
back again to downward-facing dog pose.
The instruction is usually interspersed
between standing poses. However, vinyasa
is a much more expansive and meaningful
concept than this brief sequence of postures.
Traditionally referred to as vinyasa krama,
it is the act and process of moving the body
and breath in a systematic, intentional, and
meaningful way for physical and spiritual aims.
Your entire asana practice could be ‘taking
a vinyasa.’ But back to this specific postural
flow instruction, which is usually offered in
conjunction with a powerful ‘or’ take a vinyasa
or downward-facing dog or child’s pose.
The teacher’s intention here is to give the
student an opportunity to regulate intensity
up or down. Frequently, this translates into
desperate rest in child’s pose, choice paralysis
in dog, or rushed belly-flop forward through
chaturanga to get it over with or prove
some sort of a point. There is a tremendous
misunderstanding and missed opportunity in
this moment and in this instruction.
Spiritually speaking
In a challenging flow class, progressions of
postures can be physically and intellectually
demanding. Practitioners may work
themselves to the edge of their capability, lose
connection to their breath, and have serious
demands placed on their mental focus. This,
although not ideal, is a reality of practice and
life itself. Between these progressions is the
point where ‘take a vinyasa (or)’ is usually
offered. A more comprehensive instruction
would be to use rest in child’s pose, stillness in
downward-facing dog, or movement through
chaturanga/up-dog/dog to recalibrate a
rhythm of breath, restore mental focus, and
reconnect to one’s intention for practice. It is
in the fact that these postures are repetitive
and simple in understanding (if not always
execution), that it allows the practitioner
to restore the fractured strands of practice
into focused and united intention. In this
narrow moment are placed the seeds that
eventually grow into an expansive practice of
vinyasa krama, bringing together body, mind,
and spirit through movement. Shorthand
instructions like ‘take a vinyasa’ are often
supremely helpful in flow classes to reduce
the noise pollution of teacher blather.
However, it can easily become laziness for
both teacher and student when the deeper
intention underneath the instruction is lost.
Be deliberate, skillful, and clear to reassert its
power and efficacy.
70
om body
Teacher
Speak

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om body
YOGA THERAPY
Practical yoga therapy
techniques to start you
on the road to health:
physically, mentally,
emotionally and spiritually.
By Sarah Swindlehurst
The Problem
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long term
problem where the kidneys do not work as
effectively as they could. Swollen ankles,
tiredness, nausea, blood in the urine, and
shortness of breath are just some of the
symptoms. Symptoms usually only present
themselves in advanced stages, however,
CKD can be detected earlier through
diagnostic blood and urine testing.
Chronic kidney disease
The Solution
The role of the kidneys is to filter waste
products from the blood before converting
them into urine. Other roles include
maintaining blood pressure and helping to
keep a good balance of chemicals in the body
to help other organs. Although there is said to
be no ‘cure’, yoga techniques and a healthy
diet and lifestyle can actually help to halt or
slow the progression of the disease.

Yoga
Crow Pose (Bakasana)
From squatting, bend your knees and
place your hands on the floor shoulder
distance apart. Move your feet up towards
your hands and then place the knees into
your armpits, or rest them into the upper
arm. Push down firmly with your hands
and tilt your body forwards, bottom and
hips moving upwards. The weight will push
into your hands and arms so you need to
strengthen them up, and also across your
upper back. Inhale and lift one foot off the
floor at a time. Practice with just one foot
off the floor until you get the balance of
the posture. Engage your core muscles and
lift both feet off the ground when you are
ready. Keep strong through the body and
breathe deeply as you hold the pose. Exhale
as you lower the feet back down.
Affirmation: I am focused and strong
(inhale/exhale).
Yoga
Side Plank Pose
(Vasisthasana)
Start with lying on your right side and with
your upper body propped up with the right
forearm. Place you left foot so that it lies on
top of your right foot. Here you can lift your
hips off the ground by pushing into your
forearm, or you can place your right hand
on the floor in line with your shoulder and
lift your whole body up off the floor. With
your right arm/hand in the position you
choose and your hips/body off the floor,
stretch your left arm upwards towards the
ceiling. Strengthen through your body and
breathe deeply here for up to five breaths.
Exhale as you lower down and then repeat
on the other side.
Affirmation: I trust (inhale/exhale)
Yoga
Reclining Side Twist
(Supta Matsyendrasana)
Lie on your back with the legs out straight.
Inhale and raise the right leg up and hold it
with the left hand. Now, as you exhale, gently
guide the knee down toward the left side.
Bring your right arm up to shoulder height
along the floor and turn your head to the
right. Hold the right leg to the left for three
breaths. Then inhale and bring the leg up to
centre, then exhale lower it straight down to
the floor. Repeat on the left. Do this twice on
each side.
Affirmation: I rest (exhale) and I am full
of healing energy (inhale).
Pranayama
Alternate Nostril Breathing
(Nadi Shonana)
Begin sitting with your back straight. Close
your eyes and focus on your breath. Now,
position your hand over your nose, have
the thumb over the right nostril, the first
two fingers over the third eye (centre of
forehead) and the last two fingers over the
left nostril. Start by closing the right nostril
and breathing in through the left. Then close
the left nostril and breathe out through the
right nostril. After the exhalation, breathe
in through the same nostril (right) and then
close that nostril and breathe out through
the left. Repeat as above. Breathe like this for
up to nine rounds – starting and finishing on
the left.
Affirmation: I flow freely with energy
inside myselfand around myself, I flow
with life (inhale/exhale)
Nutrition
The kidneys help to produce a type of vitamin
D in order to keep the bones healthy so
perhaps introducing some vitamin D drops
om body
to your supplements would be ideal and
enjoying the sunshine when it shines for the
most natural source. Following a low protein
diet can help and eating more alive foods
such as green vegetables, fruits and seeds
will benefit you immensely. Supplement with
multi-vitamins and super greens such as
chlorella, spirulina and wheat grass, either
powdered form or tablet.
What your body is saying?
Our kidneys are said to hold our chi, our
vital life force and energy so we do need
to look after them. Quite often, those with
kidney disease have a low self-esteem,
and possibly have a tendency to give their
energy away, and also take things others
do or say personally. There could be some
long-standing feeling of loss from the past
which is unconsciously wearing you down.
Instead of looking outside to blame others
or situations for wrongs, or following anyone
else’s point of view, perhaps it’s time for you
to bring the power back into yourself and
start trusting that you have the answers
already. Yoga will help you listen to your
higher/inner self, and you will be able to
empower yourself through it.
Sarah Swindlehurst is the founder of The
Yogic Prescription (theyogicprescription.com)

74
om body
We all know what Hatha means, right? Or
do we? Well, Hatha yoga is a path to create
balance and unite opposites with the practice
of physical exercises (known as asanas or
postures). Broken down, bit-by-bit, Ha means
‘sun’ and tha means ‘moon’. Basically, it’s
the physical side of yoga. For a lot of folks,
this is yoga. Are you flexible or fit enough
to do yoga? Of course you are. You don’t
need to adapt yourself to the asanas; let
the asanas adapt to you. Yoga meets you
wherever you are. It offers something for
everybody. Not interested in learning how
to stand on your tippy toes with your arms
flying behind with chin to floor? Okay, cool.
Take a big deep breath instead. Feel the
refreshing coolness in your sinuses of the
inhale, the soothing warmth of the exhale.
Our bodies are different every day. The body
I had three weeks ago is different from the
body I had three years ago and surely will be
different from the body I’ll have three years
from now (which, according to Newton’s Law
will mean I’ll need a bra with some major
technology). Seeing photos on Instagram of
yoga grannies gives me hope and inspiration
that you’re never too tight, too old or too
unfit to improve flexibility, build strength and
increase your overall sense of wellbeing. Like
an old friend you don’t have to make sure the
house is all cleaned up before they come to
visit, yoga encourages you to come as you
are. Well, hallelujiah, what a relief! Because
there are some days I look and feel ragged
and raw.
And all yoga wants you to do, in its Hatha
way, is inhale the sun of your soul, exhale the
moon of your spirit, and embrace the truth
that heals. They say opposites attract.
Yoga A-ZH is for Hatha. By Carole Moritz

FM
Inside:
Page 76: Here come the Boys
Page 78 Generation Game
Page 79 Man on the mat
OM FOR MEN
75

“Some might think that
yoga makes you less of
a man, the truth is it
makes you a better one.”
76
FM
Here come the boys
Introducing the Boys of Yoga, a new movement to
celebrate all those downward facing dudes
Y
oga’s for girls, right? No
way! Meet Boys of Yoga,
a new cultural movement
that aims to challenge the
common stereotypes and
misconceptions of yoga for guys.
It’s the idea of London-based yoga
teacher, Michael James Wong.
A native of Los Angeles, he wants to bust
open the myth that yoga’s just a ‘girl’s sport’,
and get more men enjoying yoga in all its
many and various forms.
“To most guys, yoga is pink lycra and
vegan chicks. It’s breathing deeply while
doing poses named after animals and
feelings. It’s done in dimly lit rooms with
candles and incense, followed by gluten free
cupcakes and kale smoothies. And if that’s
your mentality then you’re not alone, but it
doesn’t mean it’s right.”
Wong says not all yoga is fluffy and
gentle. It can make you sweat and push you
to your edge and, though the practice, the
body will get stronger and flexible, the mind
calmer and life a little less chaotic.
For guys that have never tried it before, he
says that “just making shapes on the mat” is
a whole lot more difficult than it sounds.
“Yoga can give you the physical workout
you may want, but go deeper and you’ll
realise it’s so much more.”
The Boys of Yoga initiative launched in
February with an online presence that includes
a documentary short and other resources.
To help out, Wong has brought together
a crew of everyday, yet exceptional guys,

“Wong calls his Boys of
Yoga the “uncelebrated
minority”, a crew that
believes in the strength
and flexibility that yoga
offers both on and off
the mat.”
77
FM
who just also happen to be some of the most
influential yoga teachers and personalities in
the UK yoga scene.
Uncelebrated minority
Wong calls his Boys of Yoga the
“uncelebrated minority”, a crew that
believes in the strength and flexibility that
yoga offers both on and off the mat.
“Yo us, yoga is a culture and a lifestyle,
not just a practice. And similarly to skate,
surf and snow sport cultures, yoga creates
a community of the like minded. The deeper
you go, the more it pulls you in.”
It’s all about breaking free of those
outdated stereotypes. “Once you move past
the stereotype, it’s pretty simple: yoga is good
for everyone, the benefits are undeniable.”
And with more men seemingly taking up
yoga, to improve fitness or to seek some
respite from our chaotic modern day lives,
it’s hard to disagree. There’s still plenty of
Let’s hear it for the boys
So, let’s hear it for the boys. Yoga’s for
everyone – male, female, whatever.
“What started as a casual conversation
about how guys are seen as the secondary
citizens in the yoga scene, has turned
into a movement to challenge the way
we view yoga in the western world today.
Some might think that yoga makes you
less of a man, the truth is it makes you
a better one.” (Visit: boysofyoga.com)
scope to get more men involved in this non
exclusive pursuit though.
“Whether you see it or not, yoga has
shifted, it’s hit the mainstream,” he says,
although the perception of it is still rather
one dimensional. That means pretty little
bendy girls slapped across the pages
of the magazines and flooding our
instagram feeds.
But the truth is there is a whole other
breed of yogis out there too.

78
I started my yoga journey in a Swedish farmhouse surrounded by the glorious wilderness of the
country’s Svartadalen region. I’d thoroughly recommend this to anyone: experienced yogis, or
stiff, unyielding beginners like me.
Before I began the process of unravelling my knotted body on a mat each week, yoga
had always been a bit of a mystery to me. As a young boy in the 1970s (it’s okay, I survived
unscathed) yoga was a place my mum went to on a Tuesday night and was mocked and treated
with disdain by my dad. “There’s no dinner tonight, your mother’s gone to yoga with her hippy
friends.” He wasn’t known for being in touch with his feminine side and this yoga place was
clearly somewhere to be sneered at.
For a long time I had no real concept of what yoga was. Then I discovered the small yoga
book in our house. There was a lady from the 1970s in a brown leotard on the front cover.
Occasionally, and then with increasing regularity, I would flick through the pages filled with more
curvaceous women from the 1970s in brown, yellow and orange leotards. There was no internet
back then.
Looking back I see why my mother, a head mistress at a tough school, disappeared for some
solace every Tuesday night and would attend a retreat once a year, with hippy friends of course.
I can’t prove that yoga was the fundamental difference, but my mother seemed to float through
life in a state of continual calm, and still does today, while my father raged at life, the world,
those around him, and died long ago.
As I rapidly close in on my father’s final age I feel an ever-greater need to continue practicing
yoga. I now attempt to get to a class somewhere every week. At some point every day I try to fit
in a few salutes to the sun as a minimum. My back begins to fill with quick-drying cement and my
head with increasingly black clouds if I don’t.
I had no time for it during my 20s and 30s. How could exercise that didn’t make you sweat, or
involve lifting heavy bits of metal be doing you any good? I’m over that now. I only regret that it
took a bad back, knackered knees and a darkening mind to get me started.
FM BEGINNER’S
BLOG
Generation game
I do yoga
because
Name: Dirish Shaktidas
Location: London, UK
Occupation: Yoga dance
teacher
“It makes me feel alive, balanced
and gets me feeling on top. Yoga
is a constant reminder that we are
all spiritual beings having a human
experience and not to take this
body too seriously.”
From mother to son, yoga’s great for all.
By Jonathan Schofield

79
FM
Four-Limbed Staff Pose
(Chaturanga Dandasana)
Man on the mat with
Bobby Buoncristiano
Benefits
In Chataranga, it all comes down to the
three ‘C’s’: core activation, correct posture,
and challenge. This is a total body pose
that promotes postural alignment and core
activation, and it does so by challenging
more muscles than you even realise you’ve
got. It strengthens arms, shoulders, legs, core
muscles, and promotes balance and overall
stability. The most important ‘C’ is challenge.
Challenge yourself to remain actively aware
each time you Chataranga. Turn that active
awareness into Chataranga awesomeness.
Common Mistakes
Take the time to master the basic pose before
trying any advancements. Because it engages
so many muscles, you have to be very
attentive to avoid some common mistakes.
Don’t allow your head, shoulders, and/or hips
to dip and pull you out of alignment. Keeping
all three of these aligned will set the stage
for Chataranga strength and success. Other
things to think about: don’t allow the elbows
to flare out and away from your body; this
puts excess pressure on the wrists and
shoulders; keep your butt down: (sticking it
in the air disrupts alignment); press back into
your heels (pressing forward will cause you to
Photo: Natiya Guin
shift forward and put excess pressure on
the shoulders).
Tips
n Maintain patience and concentration
throughout. Really think about and sense
how it feels to do this right. Specifically,
there are three key joins you must
be patient with and concentrate on
while practicing:
n Arm positioning: bring your elbows
in closer to your body to decrease the
distance from the shoulder. Decreasing
the lever length from your shoulder will
allow your to utilise more of your upper
body muscle.
n Hand positioning: turn your hands
slightly out to keep the elbows closer to
the body.
n Elbow positioning: changing the focus
to a triceps-dominated exercise does not
depend on how close together your hands
are; rather, it relies on how far back they
dip behind your wrists. A standard pose
would require the elbow to stay directly
above the wrist. In the pose illustrated
(which is pretty advanced), it is very
triceps heavy.
n Also, you may not expect your elbows to
actually strengthen your back muscles,
but they do. Your rhomboids and traps,
which are commonly weaker, get a
solid workout when you position your
elbows correctly.
Awareness
Active awareness is key here in forming a
strong mind-body connection, which is crucial
for keeping postural alignment and stability/
balance throughout the pose. Being actively
aware means consciously taking action
during the pose: to maintain your breathing
and maintain your alignment. Pay attention
to all the details that make it work for you.
This includes a focus on weight distribution.
Be sure to distribute your body weight evenly
over the upper and lower body, to prevent
injury and help you get the most out of
the pose. When you utilise the drawing-in
Manoeuvre of pulling your navel back toward
your spine, pretend you’re sucking in for a
picture: this relieves the pressure from your
back. There should be zero excess pressure on
your spine at any time.

80
om mind
Sleep CureA meditation for improved sleep. By Jill lawson
Meditation of the month
The

Om Yoga UK-March 2015

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