OMFM
OM FOR MEN
Inside:
Page 52: SAS Mindset
Page 56: Man On he Mat
51
OMFM
FM
Ollie Ollerton (left) and Jason Fox (right)
SAS mindset
Meditation and mindfulness are not things ordinarily associated with the
military…but Ollie Ollerton and Jason Fox, both former Special Forces
soldiers, are no ordinary men
ou may have seen Matthew Since then, Ollerton has gone on to tour Foxy meanwhile has returned to our
‘Ollie’ Ollerton and Jason Fox, the country as a public speaker sharing his screens with another successful show of
or ‘Foxy’, on your TV screens in experiences and insight on topics such as his own, Inside the Real Narcos, now on
recent years. mental toughness, as well as releasing a Netflix, which explores Latin America’s
Y Both former Special Forces best-selling book. shadowy drugs industry. He’s also had
operatives, the pair are best-known as He’s also nurtured his successful Break his own best-selling book, Battle Scars, in
Directing Staff on Channel 4’s popular SAS: Point business, which offers training and which he chronicles his fight with PTSD,
Who Dares Wins show, now in its events to help ordinary people achieve and has just been commissioned for a new
fifth season. extraordinary things using Special Forces Channel 4 show, Return To Afghanistan
The hit show, which subjects civilian skills and life hacks. It’s all underpinned by With Jason Fox.
‘recruits’ to a gruelling series of tasks in the belief that the general public deserve This will see him undertake a deeply
extreme environments, is notorious for to know that they too can be stronger, personal journey back to a country where
testing physical and psychological resilience fitter, healthier and more capable than he once fought on the front line as an
in line with Special Forces selection. they ever thought possible. elite soldier.
52
FM
OMFM
Mental fitness right intention if you’re to achieve your already embedded in some of Ollerton’s
So what’s all this got to do with yoga? goals. “Our subconscious is a goal-driving workout routines.
In their books, Fox and Ollerton, both machine: you will get what you think
good friends, open up about a whole range about. So, if you think about the negative, Mindfulness
of subjects that link into the world of you’ll get the negative; if you think about
wellness, including good mental health. the positive, you’ll get the positive.” Mindfulness is another area that comes up
During his PTSD healing, for instance, He also shares a keen interest in frequently, especially for Foxy. In his book,
Foxy credits mindfulness and simple walks exploring other alternative techniques Battle Scars, he goes into some detail
through the woods and being out in nature and therapies, recently attending an about his recovery journey from PTSD
as key to his recovery. ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica with and how mindfulness played its part. This
Deep breathing is another tool used by veterans suffering from PTSD. “I just feel included regular walks through the forest,
the elite military to still the mind in times that as humans we should really invest in alongside a therapist, to appreciate the
of utter chaos. ourselves; and the people that don’t, I feel natural surroundings and find a greater
Ollerton is a firm believer in meditation sorry for them.” sense of peace and calm.
and visualisation too, things that he now That includes an ongoing interest in Here’s one extract from the book: “As we
practices each and every day. yoga, something that he is keen to explore walked, I definitely felt calmer; I became
The two men are currently working more in the future. Many yoga moves are immersed in a sense of stillness. I heard
together on a new mind-body fitness app,
Battle Ready 360, launched in January,
which aims to provide users with access to
their elite training and military mindset.
As well as workouts and nutrition to
boost overall fitness, it includes a strong
focus on improving the mind to boost
resilience and instil greater self-belief.
All users complete a detailed online
behavioural profile, called Prism, to get a
better insight into who they are and how
they think. Through this understanding,
it’s possible to take steps to think and
perform better and upgrade the mind as
well as the body.
“The stigma of mental health and the
ability to open up and talk about it is slowly
being addressed but there is still work to be
done,” says Foxy. “In the Special Forces we
learned our limits and how to work around
them, and a lot of that comes from the
mind. But it’s not a simple task to face your
weaknesses, which is why Battle Ready
360 is designed to be an all-encompassing
solution programme that caters to the
needs of each individual user. Health and
wellness are, after all, deeply personal.”
Meditation
When OM caught up with Ollerton, he was
more than happy to chat about the power
of meditation. His typical day starts at 5am
each morning for a 20-minute visualisation
that’s designed to keep him focused on his
goals. “It was self-taught from a number of
things that I’d seen people doing,” he says.
About five years ago, in an attempt to
get his life back on track after leaving the
military and fighting alcohol and other
addictions, he used meditation to steer his
way to a better future.
“Meditation for me is more a focused
attention, so basically a way of clearing
everything else in my head to gain some
clarity of thought and to focus on the
things I want in life.”
He believes it’s important to set the
53
OMFM
FM
the rustling leaves and branches above,
the tweeting birds perched in the tree- Battle Ready 360: the new app
tops. A dog barked somewhere along Battle Ready 360 is the new all-encompassing health and wellness fitness
the trail, and every now and then my programme from Ollerton and Fox. Supported by an elite team of experts, who have
thoughts were punctuated by the sound of a passion to live life better and help others do the same, the app gives users access
quickening footsteps somewhere behind to Ollie and Foxy’s elite training and military mindset.
us, a runner panting their apologies for Training plans and videos delivered by the pair are complemented by meal plans,
disturbing our tranquil mood as they recipes, blog content and motivational snippets, tailored to individual users’ goals. The
swept past — but the interruptions didn’t app is available to download on iPhone and Android and offers a free seven-day trial.
matter. It felt good to live in the now. I felt Ollerton says it gives people the tools to be the best version of themselves.
good. A brief sense of peace descended “Whatever the goal — or struggle, battle or fight — it is only by channelling the
upon me for the first time in ages. I felt power of the mind that we’re able to hit our physical peak. This passion to live
connected to myself in the woods.” better lives has fuelled this platform and we are confident that by empowering our
members with the tools that we have learned in our years of service, that we can
Deep breathing help people grow and change their lives for the better, whatever that entails for
the individual.”
Breathing is another topic that crops up,
featuring in Ollerton’s public speaking
tour. It’s a key trick used in the military
also to soothe frayed nerves during times
of high tension.
“Breathing is such an important factor
with everything we do; even in the Special
Forces they teach breathing now,” says
Ollerton. That includes the popular Box
Breathing technique. “So when you’re
in a highly-pressured situation, your
breathing becomes erratic and then
cortisol increases, and that’s why people
become confused. The way to deal with
that — and I’ve actually used this in a
combat situation — is to ensure you’ve got
that regular breathing pattern that lowers
cortisol, that allows clarity of thought to
make the right decisions.”
You can’t rely on emotion during
high-stress events, he adds, which is why
deep breathing can be such a vital tool
to restore a cool head. “Breathing allows
you to recalibrate, to lower those cortisol
levels, that means getting rid of all the
stuff that doesn’t matter, and to focus on
the stuff that does, and then once you’ve
got the clarity of thought, you then deliver
the action.”
Attack the day will also be on the snooze button. So it’s really important for
me to take myself to the day in a positive sense. When we wake
Despite all they’ve been through, not only
up in the morning our brains are flooded with negativity. We don’t
in dealing with combat stress, but also in
want to get out of bed, so negative thoughts start flowing very
facing depression and crippling anxiety,
quickly, and if you choose to align with that you get more of the
both Foxy and Ollerton are positive, self-
same; it sets you up for a crap day. So it’s really important that
motivating individuals as you’d expect
as soon as you get out of bed, as soon as you stand up, you start
from former elite soldiers. They’re now
thinking positively.”
keen to encourage these traits in the
people they work with, people from all
walks of life.
For Ollerton, that means an early start
in the morning, in order to set a positive
direction for the day ahead. After getting BEST-SELLERS
up at 5am, he heads downstairs for a Break Point by Ollie Ollerton
20-minute guided meditation to focus on Blink Publishing, 2019
what he wants, not just for that day, but in
life in general. Battle Scars: A Story Of War
“I take myself to the day,” he says. “If And All That Follows by Jason Fox
you live your life on the snooze button, Bantam Press, 2018
your life and the decisions you make in life
54
MARIO AUSTIN IS THE MAN ON THE MAT
Eight Angle Pose (Astavrakasana)
Benefits n Lifting off the floor can be a roadblock but using blocks
n Allows you to display energising balance under your palms provides a great assist for core
n Develops upper body strength and solid arms engagement to drive the action of lifting.
n Builds flexibility in hip flexors and legs
n Tones your inner thighs and core muscles Awareness
Astavrakasana is one of the many balancing poses of
Common Mistakes the arm balance family. Like other similar asanas, this pose
is a great way to build confidence in your yoga practice.
Hand and elbow positioning are instrumental for building
Astavrakasana’s solid foundation. If practitioners find themselves As you continue to dive deeper into poses like this, you can
misplacing weight into these areas, Chatarunga Dandasana is a eventually build on many unique and energising transitions
valuable prep pose to build upper body strength and alignment. during flows.
Tips Mario Austin is a yoga teacher from Washington, D.C.
n If Astavrakasana is an ongoing challenge for you, begin and teaches at Equinox, VIDA Fitness, and throughout
experimenting with variations of the key preparatory pose the Washington Metropolitan area. Find out more at:
Eka Hasta Bhujasana (Elephant Trunk Pose). mariomyoga.com
Y O G A M A T S
MADE IN THE UK since 2003
EXCELLENT GRIP
PLANT-BASED MATERIALS
100% NATURAL RUBBER & JUTE www.ecoyoga.uk
Photo Credit: Luke Andahazy CONSCIOUS BEAUTIFUL
ENVIRONMENTALLY
PRACTICAL
UNIQUE
BIODEGRADABLE
-
-
a home for asana a place for dhyana
56
oga O oga R
ecoY ecoY
Y O G A M A T S
MADE IN THE UK since 2003
EXCELLENT GRIP
PLANT-BASED MATERIALS
100% NATURAL RUBBER & JUTE
ENVIRONMENTALLY www.ecoyoga.uk
CONSCIOUS
PRACTICAL BEAUTIFUL
BIODEGRADABLE UNIQUE
-
-
a home for asana a place for dhyana
Special report: Yoga & the senses
Sensual healing
Humans have five basic senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.
And guess what? Yoga can enhance every single one of them
xxx
58
Special report: Yoga & the senses
oga makes you feel good! so much information and elevate our environment for your mood, with an
One reason is because it total experience of life… if only we allow uplifting or a deeply relaxing fragrance.
gets you in touch with your it. That’s where yoga comes in. Ever felt
delicious senses, those that post-yoga buzz or euphoria after TASTE:
Y innate human abilities a class? That’s more than just a warm, Anyone who’s ever completed the
to experience the world in all its glory, fuzzy workout glow. It’s allowing yourself famed raisin meditation (where you
beauty and colour. From the uptempo the time and space to decompress, mindfully contemplate, then eat, a
sound of music to the deeply relaxing to unwind; to allow yourself the raisin for 10 minutes — yes, it can be
touch of massage, yoga and other related opportunity to indulge your senses for done!) probably knows how much
wellbeing therapies cater to our senses in a brief period away from the worries of we’ve disconnected from our sense of
each and every single way. work. Namaste to that! taste. But once you’ve rediscovered it,
There are many people who believe we raisins will never taste so fine again!
are so much more than the five senses Feast for the senses
(sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch). SEE: TOUCH:
As well as the well-known sixth sense, a This is the sense that many of us over- When we’re in the flow, a reassuring
kind of extra-sensory awareness, there indulge in, staring blankly at our screens hands-on assist in class can bring
are dozens of others chronicled through and phones. But how much are we us instantly back into the room,
the years by sages and scientists alike. really seeing or missing? Our brains are connecting with the teacher. Outside
Some of these might already be familiar programmed to filter out non-essential the class, massage and other hands-
to seasoned yogis. Such as the notion of information, so it’s important to take on therapies can provide a powerful
a muscle stretch sense; quite literally, we a step back. Yoga and mindfulness can healing experience that do wonders for
can feel in our body the stretching of deep help us realise what’s important, to our soul in conjunction with a
muscle tissue inside, as we reach out on pay attention to the things that really yoga practice.
the mat. matter. Here, a nice, clean studio space
It’s a fascinating topic. What we do can be just the answer to all the visual HEAR:
know is that our senses collectively data overload. This can be another great way to set
provide instant, moment-by-moment the vibe for a class, whether you’re
feedback and awareness of our current SMELL: after a dynamic workout (get those
environment. And yet so many of us This is a big one too, with certain Ibiza beats on the decks!) or a super-
today are guilty of zoning out, losing this smells instantly whisking us far away chilled sesh (mantra music or even
incredible power to the hustle and bustle into bygone memories. For yogis, it is classical will do). Hearing is another
of modern, everyday life. an equally powerful sense. Setting the of our senses that may have been
To keep it simple, we’re focusing here right atmosphere for a class, whether at overused since you got those Beats
on the five senses we all know about. With home or in a studio, is easy with incense headphones but it’s a great way to get
these five amazing tools we can capture sticks or candles. Create the perfect more out of your yoga experience.
Turn over for more
59
Special report: Yoga & the senses
The art of
Tantric massage
The power of touch is a wonderful thing:
Ben Carver outlines the healing efects of Tantric massage
othing can compare to the Senses increasingly able to give it our
blissful and healing experience One of the easiest ways to stay in the full attention.
of Tantric massage, both present moment is to focus upon the
as giver and a receiver. The senses. In massage the main medium is of Spiritual Practice
Nmassage leaves both in a course touch and throughout the massage Tantric massage is a wonderful
profound state of happiness, fulfilment and the receiver is encouraged to focus their opportunity to train awareness during a
sensuality, and it is also an amazingly effective attention on the pleasurable physical richly sensorial experience. This implies
method for regeneration, rejuvenation, sensations as the skin over their whole that we simultaneously have a state of
healing and spiritual awakening. body is awakened with sensual and flowing deep relaxation together with an alert
Here are some of the beautiful benefits of touches. The beauty of this conscious lucidity — an essential attitude of the
Tantric massage: touch deepens the anchoring in the present Tantric path. Training relaxed awareness
greatly enhances yoga and meditation
moment, and it can be felt how this beauty
Present Moment is actually nourishing the soul. practice, allowing us to access the
All our limitations and problems exist solely deeper layers of our being. Even more
in the mind and are entirely based upon past Soul than this, it gradually helps us to be
events or future concerns. If, however, we The senses are more than just navigation able to effortlessly interact with every
have an overwhelmingly intense experience tools, they are channels for nourishing the moment of life, so that we are able to
of the present moment, the mind is lulled soul, which is awakened by beauty in all become truly free, spontaneous and
into silence and this becomes increasingly forms. The more we become aware of the happy in all life situations.
ecstatic as we are freed from everything that soul through such experiences, the more
ever held us back. Moments of great beauty we are freed from the tyranny of the mind
in nature, intense love for a dear one, or struggling to maintain its dominance over
overwhelming pleasure can each have this us. As we awaken the soul, the more alive Ben Carver is a Tantra and Tantric
effect and Tantric massage will eventually and vivid all the senses become, making Massage teacher at Tara Yoga Centre
awaken all of them. all life more beautiful because we are (tarayogacentre.co.uk)
“Every touch brought me into an ecstatic contemplation of the
present moment and led me deep into my soul. I never felt so
nourished, cared for and sensual.”
60
Special report: Yoga & the senses
61
Special report: Yoga & the senses
Temple of Incense
Bring the temple to your home or studio space with beautful incense. By Simi Aydee
ncient civilisations including you burn incense during your practice, it 3. Light your incense stick in the space that
India, Egypt and China, have opens up a world of deeper meditations. It you’re about to use in advance but put it out
used incense for thousands heightens our senses spiritually and makes before you start. Good incense will linger
of years, not only for health us more aware of ourselves during our delicately afterwards. This way your focus will
A reasons, but also for spiritual practice which can certainly help when our be with your practice, the scent of incense
enhancement. For many people, yoga and minds begin to wander towards the deepening your attention spiritually,
meditation are about inner exploration, usual chatter. not distracting.
finding connection to oneself or to a Divine, Incense like White Sage, Dragon’s Blood 4. Pick a scent you love. Experiment until
higher being. or Palo Santo is traditionally known to something powerfully resonates with you.
Incense was originally created as an dispel negative energy around you and It’s out there!
offering to please the Divine. So it is widely draw in the positive, allowing a protected
considered that burning incense in times of safe space to meditate in. 4 GREAT INCENSE STICKS
prayer or meditation pleases the gods and FOR MEDITATION:
helps us attain ‘mukti’. That’s why it’s often 4 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR USING Sandalwood: the scent that’s known to fill
used in places considered holy like temples INCENSE DURING YOGA AND the heavens.
and churches. MEDITATION Oudh: grounding, euphoric and opens the
We don’t all have access to beautiful temples 1. Use good quality incense. There is no third eye.
or perfect meditation rooms and yoga studios, benefit to be had from cheap, unloved, Lotus Flower: be ready for transformation.
so filling your home with sacred scent can chemical-filled incense. Frankincense: uplifting, helps dispel feelings
transport us into a beautiful space, ready to 2. Respect the ritual. Notice how lighting of anxiety.
step into a journey with clarity, even if it is just your incense feels like the beginning of
for a simple 15 minutes of mindfulness. something? It is, so set your intention Written by Simi Aydee of Temple of Incense
The sense of smell is a powerful thing. When when lighting your incense. (templeofincense.com)
62
62
Special report: Yoga & the senses
63
63
Special report: Yoga & the senses
Aroma Therapy zesty, refreshing and uplifting and helpful for
increasing energy states; it relieves stress and
exhaustion. Rosemary is stimulating, cleansing
and has been proven to help people focus.
Lemongrass and rosemary blend well together.
Something smells sweet: Elizabeth Burchill describes Note: rosemary must be avoided during
the healing powers of aromatherapy for your yoga and pregnancy and for people with epilepsy.
Pulse point oils are also very handy to whip
meditation practice out whenever you feel the need. You could also
use a pulse point oil just before you begin your
romatherapy, yoga and breathing so it helps one to still the mind practice. Choose a blend that resonates with
meditation are ancient and focus. It works well with the crown you. Set your intentions, apply the rollerball to
healing traditions that go chakra. Both oils complement citrus, other your wrists, temples and inhale.
hand in hand beautifully. woods and florals and both tame the
A All practices focus on mind, monkey mind. Elizabeth Burchill is a Clinical Aromatherapist
body and spirit. Movement or stillness and Mandarin is a calming, joyful oil which who offers aromatherapy treatments, runs
aroma combined can stimulate the senses brings a bit of playfulness to your practice. workshops with yogis and meditation teachers
and balance chakras. Essential oils can benefit Bergamot, neroli and ylang ylang are and has a brand of natural, cruelty free
both yoga and meditation as they purify the calming, uplifting and relaxing and perfect aromatherapy products.
room or studio and can attune the energies for stress and anxiety. A combination of blovedcandles.com
in groups. some of the woody, earthy oils with a floral
Aromatherapy candles are wonderful to use or citrus would create a very peaceful
in your yoga and meditation practice at home blend. This could be used during a Yin or
or you can diffuse oils to create the correct Restorative class.
ambience for your intentions. Oils such as If you are looking for more invigorating
vetiver and patchouli are particularly good oils to complement a morning class or
for grounding energy. Patchouli is uplifting a power class, then lemongrass or
without being stimulating. Vetiver is extremely rosemary would work. Lemongrass is
calming and with the oil coming from the
rootlets of the plant, it is centring. Both oils
blend well with florals and citrus oils.
Sandalwood and frankincense are both
very spiritual oils with a long history of use in
rituals. Sandalwood has a strong association
with meditation and is said to link the base
and the crown chakras. Frankincense is a
wondrous oil for many reasons and can
alleviate anxiety and stress-related issues.
It is a useful respiratory oil and it deepens
64
Special report: Yoga & the senses
Herbal hugs
How herbal medicine can enhance your time on the yoga mat.
By Lucie Bradley
hen smell is detected down, pulling our noses into the bloom.
the olfactory neurones Our eyes close at the same time as we
generate an impulse draw our breath deeply inwards, seeking
that’s passed to to soak in all that the rose offers. Our chest
W the brain via the expands, the brain receives the message
olfactory nerve. Information is processed by through the olfactory nerve and the limbic
the olfactory bulb in the brain. Additional system is flooded with information. As we
information is then passed to what’s stand upright, with breath full, we notice a
collectively known as the limbic system. change in how our body feels. The breath
This plays a major role in mood, memory, moves outwards, tension is released.
behaviour and emotion. It is regarded as A warm smile moves across our face, the
an ancient part of the brain, unchanged brain thinks ‘happy’ thoughts, our heart
since primitive times. The limbic system opens; we feel a great sense of warmth
was present in the brains of the very first and security. A literal herbal hug. This is
mammals, helping us understand why smell the healing power of herbs through all
plays such an important part in survival. the senses.
Memory is significantly linked with smell,
more than any other sense. We’ve all had that Healing herbs
experience when we’ve smelt something, Incorporating medicinal plants and herbs
and it triggered a deep, forgotten childhood into our daily life magnifies our capacity
memory. It’s because of the connection to heal present issues and past traumas.
between the sense of smell and its links to Next time you practice yoga or meditation,
the limbic system. stop a moment. Close your eyes, feel into
your body and notice every smell coming
Sensory experience into your nostrils. Pay attention. Maybe
Using herbal medicine is a sensory next time you can consider just how
experience. In fact, becoming a herbalist much medicinal plants may improve your
incorporated smelling, tasting, touching practice, and your capacity to heal.
and feeling (via my body) what hundreds of
different plants were like. The knowledge Lucie Bradley is a professionally trained,
became embodied. I learnt through my registered medical herbalist and
senses. This style of teaching, learning, clinical practitioner based in Glasgow
practicing and prescribing herbal medicines (luciebradley.co.uk)
honours the fact that our ancestral brain,
the limbic system, retains and stores
information going back to the time humans
were co-evolving with plants. Within
our senses, information about plants
and healing is retained, and thus can be
released. We all store information about
medicinal plants in our senses, notably
smell. All medicinal plants have an aroma
when prepared as an infusion, and even
as a tincture (liquid alcohol medicine).
Engaging in the smell of plants enhances
their healing capacity.
The rose
Take for example smelling a rose. Our
eyes see the beauty of the rose. Our
nervous system begins responding. We
spontaneously want connection and reach
out to feel its velvety petals, then lean
66
66
Special report: Yoga & the senses
Weekly Tantra Course
Mon, Weds, Fri at 6.30pm or Tues at 5.30pm
Transform your existence, bring harmony
to your life, enliven your relationships
Only £30 for the first month
with promo code OM30
tarayogacentre.co.uk
London Old Street, Oxford & Cambridge
Charity No. 1145380
Therapeutic grade, loose,
organic, pre-blended herbal
teas made by professional
Medical Herbalist Lucie
Bradley Msc.
Caffeine free, vegan, kosher
and gluten free.
IMMUNITY TEA
-
LUCIE’S GOLDEN MILK
-
DIGESTION TEA
67
67
Special report: Yoga & the senses
Love at first spike
A revolution in pain relief and sleep induction
cupressure is an ancient hormone. Benefits of adequate growth “The little spikes stimulate your body’s
method of massage, hormone in adults are both physiologically pressure points, releasing endorphins and
practiced throughout Asia and psychologically essential for creating a reducing stress.”— Dr. Oz in episode ‘The
and now across the world. vibrant energy level and strength. Best Advice Ever’ 2012
A When pressure is applied “Using an acupressure mat helps to
to the muscles, endorphins, neuro- increase your parasympathetic nervous Enhance your yoga and
chemicals that act as the body’s natural system and get you into deep relaxation
pain inhibitors, are released while the stress before sleep.” — New York Times best- meditation practice
hormone, cortisol, is reduced. The effect of selling author MD Mark Hyman ‘Eat Fat, Get An acupressure mat is an amazing tool
an increase in circulation results in muscle Thin’, published February 2016. for your yoga practice. Laying on the
relaxation, thus reducing pain and stiffness mat for 5-10 minutes before the start of
in the body. Natural pain relief your practice can reset your attention to
Today 1.5 billion people suffer from chronic mindfulness mode increasing concentration
Induction of deep sleep pain. Acupressure massage mats are on the and a balanced state of mind. Ending with
Relaxing just before sleep is key to achieve rise among practitioners of integrative and Savasana or Corpse pose on the acupressure
deeper sleep. Deeper sleep is also essential functional medicine as an effective solution massage mat deepens relaxation and the
for the release of the beneficial growth to this epidemic. flow of energy throughout the body.
68
69
Special report: Yoga & the senses
I feel fine
Bringing sound, music, chanting and yoga together at the OM & Bass Festival
Jason Jones photography
he healing power of music, where unpretentious fun meets
sound and chanting have authentic spirituality.
been integral to yoga Om & Bass is a chakra yoga flow which
practices for centuries. is accompanied by chakra dance, using
TEverything is vibration: music, carefully selected music to enhance
the body, our thoughts, our feelings, the each chakra practice, igniting the soul,
universe and so on. lifting the spirits and offering a deep
The chakras are energy wheels or yet accessible practice for all ages and
vortexes which align beautifully with the abilities. The practitioner is lovingly
nerve plexus and glands (i.e. they have guided through chakra focused asana,
a physical home as well as a powerful visualisation, breath and meditation
‘subtle’ existence). They also have a unique practices to suit all levels: beginner to
frequency, which can be used as a tool in experienced teacher.
practices to heal, cleanse and balance the Typically, the practice is by candlelight,
energies, each of which relates to various 90-120 minutes long and has an epic live
aspects of our physical, mental, emotional DJ and afterparty. Lighting, smell, taste
and spiritual wellbeing. and music are delicately used to enhance
So, how does modern music fit into this the experience, taking participants deep
ancient practice? into each chakra practice. A better sober
Om & Bass thinks it has an answer: one night out cannot be found, they say.
70
70
Special report: Yoga & the senses
B Loved is a natural, cruelty free, vegan
friendly brand of aromatherapy products
made in the UK.
B Loved candles are made with soy wax,
pure essential oils and a cotton wick. They
have many beautiful blends designed to
uplift, calm, ground, balance and sharpen
your senses.
B Loved also has a gorgeous bath & body
range. The body lotion and body scrub are
called ‘Shattered’ and will perk you up
during your morning routine. The
‘Hormonal’ bath and body oil will soothe
your senses and soften your skin. It’s a lovely
blend for an evening ritual.
www.blovedcandles.com
Jason Jones photography
The bass music, the soulful climax through dub, reggae, world
music and jungle rhythms, takes you on an ecstatic experiential
journey through the chakras. Om chanting is an important part of
opening and sealing the practice since it is the primordial sound
of the universe and acts on all of the chakras. Sometimes sound
healing is also offered at the end of the event.
Om & Bass call it the most down-to-earth musical yoga experience
on offer — and the workshops are all over the UK and worldwide.
Get the vibe
Om & Bass Festival, Oxfordshire takes place: July 10-12, 2020 (early
bird tickets £120; late bird tickets £220; kids go free). Event includes 150
workshops in dance, yoga, meditation, sound healing, martial arts,
crafts and kids stuff. Use discount code OMYOGA to get £15 off. Also,
online teacher trainings worldwide: join the OM & Bass international
family. Check out events, workshops, retreats, festivals and online
teacher training at: omandbass.co.uk
71
71
: meditation now
72
72
meditation now:
The buterfly
effect
A meditation for accepting and embracing change.
By Jill Lawson
hange can be terrifying. so, it retreats from the world inside a safe
It is fear that keeps most cocoon. This is where many of us get stuck;
people stuck in situations we prefer the comfort of our safe haven
that no longer serve them. over the fear of the unknown.
CWhen what is familiar Inside the cocoon, the caterpillar begins
becomes uninspiring, we know it’s time to transform its cellular organisation
to make a change, but many won’t by eating itself from the inside out and
do it. Life transformations give us a becoming a gooey mess of cells called
chance to spread our wings and see the imaginal cells. These cells have the
world from a renewed perspective, but capacity to change into anything. After
transformation takes courage, patience, some time in a cocoon, the goo births
and faith in the unknown. wings that allow it to break out of its cozy
If you have a calling that requires you home. Now, it no longer crawls, but flutters
to unbundle yourself from your safety net freely across a big blue sky, gaining a lofty
and make a change in life, the following perspective. That’s amazing!
meditation is for you. If we wish to make a change, we
certainly don’t need to eat ourselves alive.
Do it now But we must have the courage to retreat
First, set your intention to follow through and let the magic of transformation take
with the desired changes you’d like to have place, then be brave enough to step
happen for yourself. Visualise taking your outside of our comfort zone.
journey to completion; crawling through Like the caterpillar, let your old self
the challenges you face today, spending melt. Spend some time in quiet reflection
some necessary time in retreat, and then as you rebuild yourself inside the safe
taking your flight into the unknown. harbour of your mental cocoon. Allow
Breathe deeply, get comfortable, and let the cells of your imagination to transform
this imaginary practice guide you through your thoughts, attitudes, and outlook on
a successful transformation. life. Go from a crawl to a flutter and enjoy
Now, take a few moments to ponder the flight!
the life of a butterfly. We know it starts its
life as a caterpillar. To be able to go from Jill Lawson is a writer and yoga teacher
a crawl to flight and become the beautiful enjoying life on the island of Maui in Hawaii
butterfly it is, it has to reinvent itself. To do (jilllawson.net)
Yoga for beginners
om yoga show manchester preview
Get the Manchester vibe
th
th
th
When: 24 , 25 & 26 April 2020
Friday: 11am - 6pm Saturday: 10am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 5pm
EventCity, Manchester M17 8AS (sat nav)
omyogashow.com
Home to all the cool bands and music,
Manchester is also the place to be for
yoga this April — and you’re invited!
The OM Yoga Show is now a regular fixture on the
Manchester yoga scene. It’s the place where the whole
community gathers, not just from the city itself, but
from across much of the north and the rest of the
country. Expect lots of amazing yoga: free classes,
workshops, talks, meditations, and plenty of fun along
the way too. There’s also a large exhibition area for
you to stock up on all your yoga goodies, if you’re on
the lookout for a new mat or a trendy pair of leggings,
and healthy food available for when you get hungry.
This extravaganza takes place at EventCity, just Myga Yoga Balance Board Class
minutes from Manchester city centre, and next to one with Claudia Sauer
of the UK’s largest shopping centres, intu Trafford A fun challenging way to find a new level of strength, balance and
Centre. The venue is well served by all forms of public coordination in your yoga routine while practising yoga on a wobbly
transport. Here’s just a taste of what to expect. surfboard-shaped wooden plank.
Intermediates and Advanced
FREE
Our 2020 Sponsors
74
om yoga show manchester preview
Silent Disco
Strala Yoga
with NOJAM
Yoga — James
and Nozomi
So you’ve heard of Silent Disco
right? Well, this is Silent Disco Yoga!
Be guided through a Strala Yoga
class using wireless headphones,
using energetic music matches with
Strala flow waves. Strala is a way
of being, moving and healing, that
helps people connect with how
they feel.
All Levels
FREE
Workshops Singing Bowl Meditation to
Balance Your Seven Chakras
Here are just some of the workshops that will with Dipesh Munakarmi
be running over this epic yoga weekend: Have you ever experienced the power of singing bowls? After
an introduction on what is a singing bowl, find which chakras
you need to work on and learn how singing bowls are used for
PSOAS RELEASE FOR ANXIETY RELIEF
meditation and therapy.
Connect and deepen your relationship with the psoas to
All Levels
alleviate anxiety. Learn how easy it is to release the psoas
FREE
muscle and how this major muscle has such a strong
relationship to anxiety. With Janie Larmour. All Levels. £8
YOGA & INJURY WORKSHOP
A brief look at the most common yoga injuries and how to
practice and teach to avoid them. Come with your questions
and experiences! For yogis and teachers who thrive on
questioning and doing it better! With Sarah Ramsden.
All Levels. £7
OM & BASS CHAKRA YOGA RAVE
The most fun workshop you will ever do! Combining work on
the chakras with dance and moving meditation, culminating in
a soulful drum and bass rave. From the creators of the popular
Om & Bass Yoga Festival in Oxford. Rachel Cox.
All Levels. £9
SPACIOUS BACKBENDS
Does your lower back pinch during back bends? If so, this is
the class for you! Join Ann Marie Mainprize to deepen your
backbends by connecting to your core and releasing deep- Danielle Collins’ Face Yoga
rooted postural tension. Through intelligent sequencing and Join Danielle Collins, world-leading Face Yoga expert, to learn
switching on functional muscles, you’ll be surprised how firming facial exercises, soothing face massage and calming
much more space you can create within your body to bend face relaxation for glowing skin. A signed copy of Danielle’s
backwards safely to alleviate any feelings of compression new book will be available to purchase at the class.
within the lower back. All Levels
Ann Marie Mainprize All Levels £8 FREE
To book your tickets, a FREE showguide and to see all of MANCHESTER
our incredible workshops and free open classes visit
omyogashow.com
24 th , 25 th & 26 th April 2020
EventCity, Manchester
M17 8AS (sat nav)
1 omyogashow.com
75
Yoga for beginners
om spirit
Enhance your creativity
through the sacral chakra
Jenny Baker leads an exploration of the chakras, the body’s subtle spinning energy wheels.
Part two of a seven-part series
76
76
om spirit
magine that you’re standing in front of a blank
canvas with a paint brush. You have a colour pallet
in one hand and a paint brush in the other. Let your
imagination flow freely through every bristle. Each
Istroke of the brush and every colour that you choose,
work together simultaneously to form a unique image. As
you let your brush run to the outer reaches of the canvas, you
are diving into one of the greatest components of the human
experience: creativity.
The sacral chakra
The sacral chakra, represented by the element water,
manifests itself through your sense of creativity. Think about
how water ebbs and flows through rivers and streams in
nature. Creativity moves fluidly through our human bodies
in the same way waiting to be expressed.
Reveal your creativity
Whether you enjoy music, the arts or another type of creative
platform, you can easily express yourself and enhance your
sacral chakra on a daily basis.
Just dance: Turn up the music, move your feet and let
your body flow in the way you want. The sacral chakra loves
movement, especially when it comes to moving your hips.
Treat yourself to a warm bath: Did you know that baths can
balance your sacral chakra? There’s something so relaxing
and comforting about a bath after a long day. Add sea or
Himalayan salts to your bath for added detoxifying benefits
and rejuvenate your sacral chakra.
yogabliss.co.uk
How yoga can help you enhance yogabliss.co.uk
the sacral chakra
Learn how to open your sacral chakra with these few yoga poses:
Get into Butterfly Pose, or Baddha Konasana by sitting
up straight on your mat. With an exhalation of breath, bend
your knees and bring the soles of your feet together to touch.
Bring your heels as close to your pelvis as you can without
feeling discomfort. Wrap your hands around your feet or
ankles while keeping your spine lengthened. You’ll feel a nice
stretch in the inner thighs and knees.
Balance your sacral chakra in One-Legged King Pigeon
Pose. You can practice this pose by beginning on all fours
with your knees positioned directly below your hips and your
hands slightly above your shoulders. Start to slide your right
knee forward towards the back of your right wrist. Angle your
right shin under your torso and move your right foot to the
front of your left knee. At this point, your right shin should
rest on the floor. Slide your left leg back, straighten your knee
and compress the front of your thigh to the floor. Lower the
outside of your right hip to the floor and let your right heel
rest just in front of the left hip.
These two simple poses will help you unlock your sacral
chakra to embrace your creative genius and live your life with
more passion and joy than you ever imagined!
Jenny Baker is the content marketing specialist for Asheville
Yoga Centre (youryoga.com) in the USA and found her passion
for health and wellness early on in life. Aside from writing, she
enjoys travelling the world, working on her yoga practice and
being physically active.
77
om spirit
Feel the wonder
Looking within to uncover the wonder that’s inside us all. By Leo Babauta
know it’s fashionable to say that it’s wonderful to intensity of it, and does it change? Be curious about it. I’ve found
be cool with being alone, but for many people, it’s that it isn’t as bad as I think, once I allow myself to look at it.
a depressing thing. We can run to junk food and Turn inward and see what else is there: a sense of curiosity, a
mindless distractions and sometimes even destructive sense of wanting intimacy, a desire to be a good person, a better
Ibehaviours, just to comfort ourselves and hide from the person, a sense of being flawed. See everything that’s there,
fear of being alone. really look.
We run from the feeling of loneliness and try to fill the And what you see is the divine. You are filled with wonder.
emptiness with comfort, and that’s a very human thing to This cannot be seen when we are with others and our lives are
do. We want comfort, and we don’t want to confront the filled with busy-ness and noise and distraction. This can only be
distressing feelings we might have. seen when we are alone, and there is space to notice, and we
But it can be something worth exploring. Try turning toward allow ourselves to look.
these bad feelings. There’s a lot to be learned there. Opening Once you learn to appreciate the wonder inside of you, and
yourself up to the feeling of loneliness, allowing yourself to find that you are enough (as you are), and that there is happiness
really feel it and see it, this is where growth can happen. This right where you are, then you can be okay with being alone. And
is where you can learn about yourself, and what it’s like to feel be much more content alone, or with others.
pain, and how to cope with it. Once you find this, then find people in a yoga class or a
Turn inward and feel the pain. Where is it in your body? What meditation group, and be interested in them. Because this
kind of sensation is it? What is the quality of this sensation, the wonder is inside of them too, if you allow yourself to look.
78
How easy is it?
At Organ(y)c we have been dedicated to developing our Our unique 100% certiied organic cotton sanitary products
range of sanitary products using the most sustainable raw are now available on subscription through our new website.
materials since 1992. We use only 100% certiied organic www.organyc.uk
cotton, bioplastics, sugar plastics and FSC paper.
Because we do not use SAP’s, synthetics, polypropylene, Subscribe to any of our award-winning product range
rayon, added aromas nor bleach, like most conventional or build your own completely customisable period box
menstrual products, you can relax with the knowledge to get the products that suit your body.
that your period is completely natural.
We give you peace of mind, build your unique box
In 2018 we conducted a study amongst women who kno Org pr cer org
suffered from using conventional sanitary products. w cer org
Over three months we found that 90% of participants and even our ‘plastic’ moisture barrier is made from
experienced reduced skin irritation from switching to Mater-Bi, a sustainable vegetable-based material which
organic cotton. is completely biodegradable.
As easy as..
1 2 3
Select your ..make it a ..and
products.. date.. relax.
Pads or tampons? We’ve got you Make sure they arrive when you Enjoy the comfort of 100%
covered with our range of feminine need them by choosing the certiied organic cotton, hassle free
care products to suit all needs. frequency that suits your cycle. and delivered straight to your door.
Order now at www.organyc.uk
Organ(y)c is available from health stores, independent pharmacies
and online for our subscription service at www.organyc.uk
@organycuk
om lifestyle
eat drink yoga
Healthy eating goodies
hydration+ from Rejuvenation Water
Introducing hydration+ from Rejuvenation Water: an all-
natural, low calorie sparkling water with plant-based
protein/amino acids and electrolytes for extra hydration and
functional health benefits. Three flavours to pick from: Cherry
& Cranberry; Tropical; Lime & Lemon — all available in fully
recyclable 250ml slimline cans. The drinks are all natural,
low calorie (50 kcal or less), low sugar and vegan.
£1.39
RejuvenationWater.co.uk
Mountain Blood
The superfood you’ve never heard of! Mountain Blood*
shilajit is a natural, vegan and highly bioavailable source of
fulvic acid, minerals and other key nutrients. This ayurvedic
superfood is shown in studies to improve energy and
stamina, regenerate skeletal muscles and holds hormone
balancing properties. A great all-round supplement
to support you on and off the mat. (*Don’t worry, it’s
completely Vegan-friendly!)
£43
natureprovides.com
Wholesums Veg Popped Chips
The Green One Kimchi Wholesums whole veg popped chips,
Immune-boosting, detoxifying made from carrots, peas and potatoes,
and rich in gut-friendly enzymes plus a little seasoning. They use every
and probiotics to feed the gut’s last bit of the vegetable so there’s no
microbiome, The Green One is the food waste at all! Super delicious and
latest kimchi to join Bottlebrush available in four great flavours: Salt of
Ferments’ range of raw fermented the Earth, Whole Lot of Smokey BBQ,
foods. Invigorating, refreshing and Softly Sweet Chilli and Splash of Salt
versatile, it can improve the health & Vinegar. Available from selected
profile of any dish at any time of Sainsbury’s Local stores.
day. Available from Whole Foods 95p
Market, Planet Organic and online. wholesums.co.uk
£6-£6.50 (250g)
bottlebrushferments.com
80
MOTHER NATURE.
WEAR IT. SHARE IT. BREATHE IT.
81
om lifestyle
Give A Little
LOVE
Enjoy these delicious meal ideas with your
loved one this Valentine’s day
82
om lifestyle
Beetroot,
Walnut and
Sunflower Pâté
with Apple
Chutney
SERVES 2
The perfect dish to kick-start your
Valentine’s dinner; the pâté and chutney Caramelised Onion Tarte Tatin
can be made in advance, meaning less
time in the kitchen and more with your
loved one. Serve with slices of toasted with Mediterranean Potato Salad
sourdough, for a truly sublime starter.
SERVES 2
For the chutney
• ½ onion, diced This savoury twist on the French classic gives the perfect balance of sweet and
• 2 apples, peeled and diced savoury, and pairs well alongside the fresh flavours of the Mediterranean potato
• 2tbsp sultanas salad. This dish is great served with salad or vegetables.
• 3 tsp mixed spice
• 50g (¼ cup) caster sugar For the tarte tatin
• 80ml (⅓ cup) cider vinegar
• 1 large red onion
•
• 1 tbsp dairy-free butter
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
For the pâté • 2 tsp thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp dairy-free butter • 1 sheet vegan ready-rolled puff pastry
• 2 cloves garlic, puréed
• 1 onion, finely diced For the Mediterranean potato salad
• 200g (7oz) cooked beetroot, diced • 150g (5oz) new potatoes
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme • 2 tbsp olive oil
• 60ml (¼ cup) red wine • 1 red onion, finely sliced
• 50g (⅓ cup) sunflower seeds • 2 tbsp olives, sliced
• 50g (½ cup) walnuts
• 1 tbsp capers
•
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1. To make the chutney, put the • ½ tbsp maple syrup
onions, apples, sultanas, mixed • 6 cherry tomatoes, diced
spice, sugar and vinegar in a • Handful chopped parsley
pan and simmer for 1 hour until
ingredients have cooked down, 1. For the potato salad, place the potatoes in a pan of water, bring to the boil and
then leave to cool. leave to cook for 15-20 minutes. Then strain the potatoes and leave them to cool.
2. For the pâté, heat the oil and butter Once cool, slice the potatoes.
in a frying pan over a medium heat. 2. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6. For the tarte tatin, cut off the top and tail
Add the garlic, onion, beetroot and of the onion and then slice in half, so the rings stay intact.
thyme and sauté for 3-4 minutes 3. To a frying pan (suitable for the oven), over a medium heat, add the butter, sugar,
until onions start to soften. Then thyme and cider vinegar. Once butter has melted, add the 2 onion halves and
add the red wine and leave to cook cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until onions start to soften and caramelise.
until all the wine is absorbed. 4. Using a round pastry cutter, slightly larger than the onion, cut two circles of
3. Add the contents of the pan to a pastry and place them over the onions, pinch them tightly around the onions and
food processor, transfer the pan to the oven, to cook for 20 minutes.
along with the sunflower seeds and 5. Whilst the tarte tatins are cooking, finish the potato salad by placing a large pan
walnuts, and blend until smooth. over a medium heat. Add to this the oil, red onion, potatoes, olives and capers,
Season with salt and pepper to and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then add the tomato purée, balsamic vinegar, maple
taste, and place in a ramekin in the syrup and tomatoes and cook for a further 2-3 minutes.
fridge until ready to serve.
6. Remove the pan from the heat and finish with the chopped parsley.
Take the tarte tatins out of the oven and carefully turn them over to serve.
83
om lifestyle
Chocolate Caramel Fondue with
Honeycomb and Marshmallows
SERVES 2
1. To make the honeycomb, in a large pan over a
The perfect ending to a Valentines meal – this dish is great medium heat add the sugar and golden syrup
for sharing and is super indulgent! The honeycomb has and mix until the sugar has dissolved. Then turn
a delicious crunch, while the marshmallows are soft and up the heat and boil the mixture until caramelised
creamy, offering a contrast of textures. Fresh fruits, such as and golden.
strawberries, would make a great addition to this dish. 2. Add the bicarbonate of soda to the pan and stir until
mixture becomes foamy; quickly and carefully scrape
For the honeycomb: the mixture onto a lined tray. Allow the honeycomb
• 100g (scant ½ cup) sugar to cool and set for 1 hour. Once set break into pieces.
• 2 tbsp golden syrup 3. For the marshmallows, to a pan over a medium heat,
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda add the water, sugar, agar, agave syrup and vanilla
extract; bring to the boil and cook until the liquid
For the marshmallows: is syrupy.
• 100ml (scant ½ cup) water 4. Using an electric whisk, mix together the aquafaba
• 125g (generous ½ cup) granulated sugar and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Then,
• 1 tsp agar powder whilst still whisking, slowly pour in the sugar syrup.
• 1½ tbsp agave syrup Once the mixture is fully incorporated, transfer to a
• 1 tsp vanilla extract lined baking tray and place in the fridge to set.
• 3 tbsp aquafaba 5. In a tray, mix together the icing sugar and cornflour.
• ⅛ tsp cream of tartar Remove the marshmallow from the fridge and cut
• 2 tbsp cornflour into cubes, then roll in the cornflour mixture.
• 2 tbsp icing sugar 6. Finally, to make the fondue, to a large saucepan
over a medium-high heat, add the sugar, water and
For the chocolate caramel fondue: butter and bring to the boil. Once the mixture starts
• 120g (½ cup) granulated sugar to caramelise and turn a golden brown, add the
• 2 tbsp water coconut milk and whisk (careful as mixture will spit).
• 3 tbsp dairy-free butter Once fully incorporated, add the dark chocolate and
• ½ x 400ml (13.5 fl oz) tin coconut milk mix until melted. Serve all three elements together,
• 50g (½ cup) dark chocolate along with your favourite fruit.
84
84
om lifestyle:nutrition zone
Healthy people,
healthy planet
Our food choices are starting to reflect an interest not only in our
own health and wellbeing, but that of the planet too
of the most anticipated trends that will
onsideration for both bags, bottles, utensils, straws, and food
bring interest in our own health and
people and planet are likely packaging are used briefly, but live on
wellbeing into alignment with the rest of
to dictate our food choices in the environment for generations. The
the planet.
in the decade ahead. US good news? The demand for plastic-
Cnutrition education experts, free alternatives is higher than ever and
Natural Grocers (naturalgrocers.com), Begin to address our because of this growing consumer focus,
recently outlined various trends that the industry is responding. The more we
we can expect to see in the coming year single-use plastic problem reduce the demand for single-use plastics
that reflect this vital switch. Here, Shelby Single-use plastics require vast quantities and instead purchase reusable bottles,
Miller, manager of scientific affairs and of fossil fuels and water, which contribute bags, straws and utensils, the better it is
nutrition education, highlights some to climate change and pollution. Plastic for our health and the environment.
86
om lifestyle: nutrition zone
Responsible Regenerative agriculture
plant-based choices to fight climate change
Climate change is the single most There is nothing more important than our
important challenge facing us today. food choices when it comes to our own
The plant-based diet is a popular health and to the health of the planet.
habit many are adopting with hopes Climate change is a daunting challenge
of reducing their carbon footprint and that is facing all of us and we can all make
protecting Mother Earth. However, a difference by choosing food grown using
some of the mainstream, plant- regenerative agriculture. Organic produce,
based products on offer aren’t as biodynamic olive oil and wines are foods
earth-friendly as we might think. that not only support our overall health
Plant-based meat substitutions and wellbeing but have the potential,
that rely on conventionally-grown when done right, to help reverse climate
primary ingredients are the opposite change. Regenerative agriculture is
of good for the environment. If GMOs, defined as farming and grazing practices
fertilisers, pesticides, and other that, among other things, reverse climate
industrial farming practices were change by rebuilding soil organic matter
utilised to make your soy burger, it’s and restoring degraded nutrients,
more detrimental to the environment. resulting in soil that can sequester CO2
If plant-based is the route for you, try from the atmosphere and improve the
to shift to truly sustainable plant- water cycle. At Natural Grocers, we
based food choices. Support organic strongly believe that our food choices
farming methods that foster soil health can affect real change and one of the
and can reverse climate change by most measurable ways to support the
essentially sucking the carbon out of health of the planet is to support farmers
the atmosphere and depositing it into and ranchers practicing regenerative
the ground, where it belongs. land management.
om family
Sleeping beauties
Sleep is one of the most important building blocks to good health,
so make sure your youngsters are getting enough
A nyone with experience of a during the holiday season) and onto the 6 caffeine such as coffee-based drinks,
Encourage your child to have a
new-born baby might scoff at
new bedtime and wake time. Calculate
healthy lifestyle. Eliminate all
how far off your child is from their
an article on children and sleep.
All parents will remember those
it by 15 minutes earlier every day for
debilitating sleepless nights! designated school bedtime and adjust energy drinks, and dark chocolate. Get
them to exercise regularly, which will also
But, believe it or not, it doesn’t take long both their bedtime and wake time. So, if help them sleep better.
before the little cherubs start to enjoy their your child is going to bed at 10pm in the
nighttime sleep (at least some of them!). holiday season and the school bedtime is Ideally, all technology should be kept
But good sleep routines are essential for 8pm, it will take you eight days to make 7 out of the bedroom, but with the
all ages, not just the tiny ones. The darker the adjustment. The idea is to get your modern teenager’s use of social media,
nights offer a great opportunity to create an child adjusted to their new routine the this is increasingly more difficult to enforce.
improved sleep routine for your child. The day before school starts, this will give Equally, schoolchildren tend to prefer
key is to plan ahead and to encourage and them the right amount of sleep for their studying on computers in their bedroom.
support good sleep hygiene for the whole age group and personal needs. In all cases, technology that emits blue
family, not just children on their own. light should be stopped at least 60 minutes
Sleep expert Dave Gibson of Warren Make sure that this new bedtime before bed. Ideally, nighttime modes
Evans bed makers (whose online magazine, 3 works. If your child finds it hard and screen dimmers should be used
Sleep Tips is full of practical advice and o wake up in the morning and is throughout the evening.
t
helpful tips), and founder of thesleepsite. groggy rather than alert during breakfast,
co.uk, shares his top tips on creating good you will need to adjust their bedtime to Keep phones out of the bedroom
sleep routines below. an earlier time. 8 rule rather than just for your children,
overnight. This should be a family
1 Work out how much sleep your child 4 Re-establish good sleep hygiene. as it makes the boundary easier to enforce
needs, especially during the school
This generally means having a
and accept. Use a traditional alarm to wake
t
erm: on average, 3 to 5-year-olds need wind-down routine, which starts up or preferably, a dawn simulator.
between 10 to 13 hours sleep, 6 to 13-year- about an hour before bed. Computer
olds need 9 to 11 hours, and teenagers 8 games, homework, and social media are 9 Get your child interested in sleep and
to 10 hours. These are general guidelines all stopped an hour before bedtime. A bath the bedroom. Educate them about
and will vary from child to child so base or bedtime story could be used for younger why sleep is important in terms of
the total hours on your experience and school kids and reading for older. Packing brain development and how consistent
parental insight — you know your child books, laying out clothes for the next day, and regular routines work. Encourage
best. Theoretically, as your child gets older, brushing teeth (without a bright bathroom them to make their bedroom a perfect
they would expect to go to bed later. For light on) and putting on pyjamas, all form place to sleep; cool, dark, and quiet. If their
example, a 6-year-old who went bed at part of a good sleep habit. For younger mattress or pillow is uncomfortable or old,
7.30pm would expect to go to bed a lot children, Lumie’s Bedbug with sleep- get a new one and allow older children
later by the time they left primary school. optimised lighting is ideal for encouraging to have a budget to buy it. Get them to
Typically, if your child had 10 hours and 45 calm bedtimes. If you do the same thing try it in-store so it becomes their special
minutes of sleep as a 6-year-old, you would each night before bed, the routine will mattress or pillow.
expect to reduce this by 15 minutes a year. start becoming a cue to the brain that it’s
This means that by the time they get to 13 almost time for sleep. Set a good example. One
they will be having 9 hours sleep a night. Keep to the routine even at weekends. 10 place to start. Make sure you
rule for all the family is a good
2 Discuss and mutually agree an 5 and a consistent sleep routine seven keep the same seven-day schedules too,
Our brains and body clocks like habits
acceptable bedtime — especially
no coffee and a similar sleep routine
with teenagers! Then start to wean days a week makes it easier for your child to with a one-hour break from technology
your child off any late nights (for example, get to sleep in the week. before bed.
88
om family
89
om family
The peaceful parent
10 tips for finding zen in the mayhem. By Leo Babauta
T here is no such thing as stress-free teeth, bathe themselves, clean up their you’ll teach your child not to take things
so seriously, and that life is to be enjoyed.
rooms, put away clothes, wash their dishes,
parenting. Parents will always
have stress: we not only have to
Breathe, walk away if you’ve lost your
make lunch, wash their own clothes, sweep
deal with tantrums and scraped
knees and children refusing to and clean, etc. temper, and come back when you
can smile.
eat anything we cook, but we worry about Older children can help younger
potential accidents, whether we are ruining 3 children: it’s good for them to learn Parents need alone time. Set
our kids, whether they will find happiness as responsibility, it helps the youngsters 8 certain traditions so that you’ll
adults and be able to provide for themselves learn from the older ones, and it takes some have time to work on your own,
and find love. That said, I’ve learned that we of the stress off you. or have mummy and daddy time in the
can find peace. Peace isn’t a place with no evening, when your child can do things
stress, but a place where you take the stress When your child asks for your on their own.
as it comes, in stride, and don’t let it rule you. 4 attention, grant it. Unconditionally.
You let it flow through you, and then smile, Kiss your child goodnight. And give
and breathe, and give your child a hug. This Model the behaviour you want your 9 thanks for another amazing day with
y
the way of the peaceful parent. Here’s how to 5 child to learn. Be calm, smile, be kind, our beautiful, unique, crazy child.
get started: go outdoors and be active. Remember that your child is a
1 Greet your child each morning with a 6 Know that when you screw up as a parent, 10 gift. He or she won’t be a child
for long, and so your time with
everything will be fine. Forgive yourself.
smile, a hug, a loving Good Morning!
This is how we would all like to be Apologise. Learn from that screw up. In them is fleeting. Every moment you can
greeted each day. other words, model the behaviour you’d like spend together is a miracle. Enjoy it to the
your child to learn whenever he/she screws up. fullest, and be grateful for that moment.
2 Teach your child to make his/her When a stressful time arises (and it
own breakfast. This starts for most
children at around the age of 3 or 4. 7 will!), learn to deal with it with a smile. Leo Babauta is the founder of Zen Habits
Teach them progressively to brush their Make a joke, turn it into a game, laugh: (zenhabits.net)
90
BALANCE & FREEDOM FOR THE
MIND, BODY & SOUL
Wild & Free Adventures was born from Cornwall Luxury Yurts - Re-vitalise
two people’s passion for surfi ng, yoga at our long weekend surf and
and travelling…and the balance and yoga retreat on the wild, North
freedom each one offers mind, body Coast of Cornwall!
and soul.
Women & Water Retreats - Re-wild
Our aim is simple, to create a relaxed yourself on our all girls surf and
and fun environment in some of the yoga retreat on the North Coast
best surf and yoga destinations in the of Cornwall!
world. Our retreats focus on small
groups in unique locations to create Sri Lanka Adventure - Find your
the perfect luxury escape to switch Wild amongst the palm trees,
off and unwind…and explore your sense wildlife and the beautiful Indian
of adventure! Ocean. Let go, set your soul free
and soak up the positive vibes in
tropical Sri Lanka!
Wild Devon Yoga - Go Wild in North
wildandfreeadventures.co.uk Devon, foraging and connecting
to nature. Enjoy sunrise & sunset
@wildandfreeadventures
yoga to unwind and revitalise the
/wildandfreeadventures.co.uk mind, body and soul!
om actions
Ashram reunion
Friends celebrate the life-long journey of self-discovery and union
By Andy Vantrease
Sai Baba Reunion, Feathered Pipe Ranch, Montana, USA
“Sai Baba infused us with love and gave us a place to realise the
goodness in ourselves, so we can bring that out into the world”
he guests trickle in, an eclectic group of doctors, They were the hippies of their time, leaving home after high
psychologists, painters, designers, travellers and school — or halfway through college - with a few backpacking
business owners in their 60s and 70s, many with short essentials and a dream of finding a peaceful existence,
white-grey hair, glasses and smiles ear-to-ear as they enlightenment and adventure.
T squeal in excitement at the sight of old friends. They Now, they were meeting again, visiting from all over the world
embrace in long hugs, inhaling and exhaling several times in each — Germany, Tasmania, the UK and the USA — for a long overdue
other’s arms, then lean back to make close eye contact and squeeze reunion at the Feathered Pipe Ranch in Helena, Montana. Their
their companions’ shoulder bones, as if to confirm that the human shared connection? A deep and lasting love for their teacher and
flesh in front of them isn’t a figment of imagination. guru, Sathya Sai Baba of Puttaparthi, India.
These people are no strangers to arduous journeys, each one Sathya Sai Baba was — and is — God to millions of people,
having made the pilgrimage to India over land and sea decades believed by many to be a reincarnation of the beloved Indian Saint
earlier, in search of community and a place to belong when their Sai Baba. His powerful teachings focused on loving and serving
home countries became too harsh for their young, idealist souls. all, and he was known for materialising necklaces, rings, watches,
92
om actions
Friends reunited Travel tales
India Supera, who passed in late 2019, Gene Massey, a Los Angeles-based
grew up in Orange County, California and videographer and devotee sets up his
embarked on her spiritual journey at a young camera to record shared memories, each
age. “I had trouble relating to my peers person recounting how they heard of Sathya
because I was just so serious about finding Sai Baba — through pictures, books, records
enlightenment,” she says. “I wanted to be or friends — followed by their journeys to
around intelligent people who had visions meet him for the first time. They name exact
and questioned the world the way I did. dates and days of the week that they entered
I couldn’t bear sock hops and shopping, so the ashram, what they were wearing, who
I went looking for more.” they were with and where they had travelled
At 20, Supera and her sister set off to from. They cry as they remember, and the
Europe and travelled overland through others hold the sacred space, their feet
France, Greece, Turkey, eventually reaching swirling silently in circles underneath chairs
Pakistan on the trail to India. Along the as they listened.
way, she met Howard Levin, a Jewish boy After all, it’s not every day that you get to
from New York with long dark hair and a tell people how you met God.
matching moustache, and he joined the generation, a collection of souls all born at the
“Perhaps the seeking stemmed from the
Gene Massey Baba’s ashram in Whitefield, India. same time to change the world,” says Michele
entourage, which eventually landed at Sai
Kaplowitz, as she whispers song lyrics from
“I had been travelling for years, escaping
the harassment of America in those days,
the popular Beatles tune, Revolution: “We all
Sisters India and VJ in Puttaparthi, India and I really liked India because the people want to change the world…”
“I was curious about the mystical at a very
were so kind and welcoming,” Levin admits.
“I wasn’t particularly searching for a guru like young age in New York, and in my twenties,
vibhuti (holy ash) and other small gifts the others were, but a string of serendipitous I got into meditation because I wanted to find a
for his devotees. In the early days — 1965 events led me to Swami’s ashram. The way to reach revelations without doing LSD or
to 1975 — his darshans attracted 300-400 moment I walked in, I had this overwhelming marijuana,” she says. “When a girlfriend of mine
people (growing to millions near the end feeling that I had arrived home.” returned from two years in India and told me
of his life), mostly locals from Puttaparthi Levin’s story is mirrored by similar tales of she had met God there, I knew I had to go find
and surrounding villages, with a handful of longing for guidance and a sense of safety out for myself.”
westerners mixed in. Among the westerners — a collective consciousness of the times Kaplowitz, now 75, was married at the
were the late founder of Feathered Pipe that seemed to culminate in India. Famous ashram and lived there for over 13 years, raising
Ranch India Supera, her sister VJ, Michele actors, artists, musicians and politicians her two daughters in India before returning to
Kaplowitz, Heidi King, Howard Levin and were flocking to the country in the the States. “It was tough, living at the ashram
Gael Malloy, all of whom were present for counterculture era, and it quickly became while my girls were in boarding school,”
the reunion. known as a hot spot for those looking to Kaplowitz says. “But I believed that this is how
Shortly after the group arrived — as with reach a deeper understanding of the world, I was meant to be spending my time, devoted
any proper reunion - the stories began. humanity and themselves. to the greater good.”
Gene Massey
Zane Wiliams Photography
Feathered Pipe Ranch, Montana, USA Sai Baba and Heidi King
93
om actions
Zane Williams Photography
Sai Baba Park at Feathered Pipe Ranch
Brothers Michael and Brian Steely travelled have a tube up his sleeve. Then he came over, and humour, looking down at the wooden
from Oregon to India to meet Sai Baba after rolled up his sleeve and materialised vibhuti floor as they individually float off into their
feeling inspired by George Harrison and the for the person sitting right next to me - all the own memories.
Beatles. “I was curious enough to accompany while looking at me, as if to say, “Believe me
Michael on the trip, but I had plans to take the now?” Of course, I stayed after that and got Life lessons
train to Kashmir soon after because I had a to know his teachings. He’s been my teacher Later in the week, six guests sit in a circle
healthy dose of skepticism about it all,” says ever since.” on the clover-covered lawn, a few in chairs
Brian. “When I first saw Swami materialise The others laugh and nod their heads and others perched on the edge of the deck,
something during darshan, I thought he must knowingly at the story of Sai Baba’s intuition cupping their hands over their foreheads to
block the blazing sun. They tell stories of Sai
Baba’s “tests,” a teaching tactic that each
devotee remembers and appears equally
entertained by.
“Swami always pointed us back to
ourselves as the teacher, showing us
that we held all of the answers inside
— and yet, I couldn’t get enough of him,”
says Michael Steely, tossing his hands in
the air in light-hearted bewilderment.
“Maybe that’s the human condition,
always wanting more than we’re given...
questioning the answers, seeking more
understanding. Maybe we can’t help but
go back to the external well, even when
we’re being told we have our own wells to
drink from.”
Kaplowitz chimes in: “The journey
Gene Massey back to the self is ongoing — and it’s
the longest journey you’ll ever take,”
she says. “I am God; You are God: Swami
Hundreds gather to see Sai Baba during darshan was there to remind us of that, over and
over again.”
94
om actions
Gene Massey Sai Baba on the ashram terrace
Zane Williams Photography Zane Williams Photography
Feathered Pipe Native Statue
Feathered Pipe Ranch Peace
Acceptance
For these 25 devotees, their reunion flew by, as they
spent their days chanting, singing, praying, laughing,
eating and telling stories, closing out each night
with a slide show of old pictures from Whitefield and
Puttaparthi. They listened to cassette tapes of recorded
bhajans and left with full hearts, Sai Baba’s teachings
confirmed after all these years: “There’s only one caste:
The caste of humanity. One language: The language of
the heart. One religion: The religion of love. And one God,
who is omnipresent.”
“Sai Baba infused us with love and gave us a place
to realise the goodness in ourselves, so we can bring
that out into the world,” says Levin, who has travelled
to Russia and Australia to give talks about his personal
experience with Sai Baba. “Living at the ashram was
blissful, but he would tell us to go home, get jobs and
live our lives in service to others. Looking back, it wasn’t
so different than what my parents were telling me, but
he accepted me in a whole-hearted way and gave me
time to figure out how I wanted that to play out in
my life.”
Andy Vantrease is a freelance writer based in the USA Prasanthi Nilayam, Sai Baba ashram
(andyvantrease.com)
95
om spirit
Teacher zone A deeper
understanding of
yoga... for teachers,
by teachers
Inside:
Page 97: My Yoga Biz
Page 98: 4 Yoga Career Hacks
Page 101: Sensory Integration
Page 102: Sharing he Wisdom
96
96
Teacher zone
MyYogaBiz
Tips from the experts to help you grow the yoga business of your dreams
This month’s mentor: Lucy Holtom, 41 of Living
Your Yoga, Kenilworth & Stratford-Upon-Avon,
Warwickshire (livingyouryoga.co.uk)
TEACHER TRAINING
I believe teacher training is designed to assist in deepening a
yoga practice, and guides methods to share knowledge and
wisdom from one’s own experiences of yoga, and how best to
support others in theirs. Running a yoga ‘business’ requires a
completely different set of skills. I have support from friends that
are filmmakers, photographers and social media gurus; a brilliant
administrator and accountant. There’s a lot behind the scenes
in running a yoga business. Teaching, research and practice are
my favourite parts, but I love collaborating with others that are
passionate about these other essential roles too.
BUSINESS PLAN
I haven’t made a business plan as such. I have a creative free-
thinking style, rather than a constructive and organised one.
I research courses that can assist in my teachings to further my
knowledge. I stay open to opportunities that always lead to
inspiring experiences and people. From this, I scribble ideas of
where I’d like to take my yoga next, be it to a festival, on a retreat, or
writing a column or book. I put my ideas out there and tend to meet
people and collaborate. I share ideas rather than fixate on a plan.
However, I always plan when there’s a definite agreement in place.
YOUR INSPIRATION WHAT’S YOUR SECRET
I’ve trained with David Sye numerous times. He brings his life Keep it simple. Originally my business began in a friend’s kitchen,
experience to a session. He’s raw, kind and funny. Along with an then became popular so I hired a community space. Word
upbeat practice that’s playful and vibrant (with great music), he spread so I added another class, then another venue. It’s grown
balances this with amazingly deep and profound meditation and organically. Along with teaching and building relationships with my
pranayama practices. I once emailed him asking for information on clients, I keep up to date with training which I feel is vital, as in any
a practice I was sharing with my students. To my surprise we had a line of work, by listening to my clients’ needs. My business connects
phone call the following morning. He shared with me everything he with others in the community, whether they are doctors, or holistic
knew and had experienced about this particular practice himself. practitioners; we all have a shared interest in health and healing,
He’s a brilliant example of an honest and authentic yoga teacher. recommending one another should a client have a particular need.
I admire these qualities. Serving the community is the purpose of running a yoga business,
taking an interest in people and supporting them.
BUSINESS COACH
I am lucky enough to have an amazing yoga teacher that I see at
least once a week. I’ve known him for 15 years. He’s been teaching
for over 30 and practicing for over 40. We talk regularly about
everything yoga, from asana and psychology to chants and great
teachers. He reminds me that I need to be aware of what I’m taking
on: to remember to take care of myself. He’s a kind and humble
teacher and also my yoga mentor. I really appreciate his guidance,
I find it grounding and nurturing and it’s founded from his own
vast experience.
Written and compiled by Claudia Brown (yogabyclaudia.com)
97
Teacher zone
4 yoga career hacks...
from the fab four
How do you become a successful yoga instructor?
Kim Sin asked four of her yoga idols how they did it. The answers may surprise you
s an instructor myself, there are so many people to truths about finding your dharma, being of service, and finding
look up to in the yoga community. your own path. I’ve been fortunate to be able to call some of my
I’ve always wondered how different teachers got favourite teachers my friends, but even with this close relationship,
to where they are in their career now. Last month, I still gained valuable perspective by taking the time to do an
A I finally got the nerve to ask some of my idols out for intentional interview.
a little ‘interview date’ to learn more about their story. Here’s just some of what I learned from these amazing teachers
These conversations opened my eyes and my heart to fundamental with thriving careers.
98
Teacher zone
Jason Crandell
Work hard and contextualise your expectations
Jason Crandell is internationally recognised
for his articulate, down-to-earth approach to
Vinyasa Yoga that educates and empowers.
He has been an in-demand teacher at events
around the world for more than a decade.
He got his start with yoga accidentally. As he
was nearing college graduation, he needed
one more credit. The only department to
offer one credit was kinesiology, so he signed
up for yoga. He went to class begrudgingly,
but always felt better afterwards.
He continued his practice after college,
taking Ashtanga classes regularly. One
day his teacher asked him to cover an
intro to Ashtanga class. This led him to the
realisation that you can’t just practice yoga
and be a good teacher, you really need to
hone your teaching skills.
When I asked him about whether he
struggled financially when he became a
full-time teacher he shared that throughout
much of his career he had a secondary
job to help cover the bills. Whether it was
managing the business side of yoga studios
or working various catering gigs, he was
Kathryn Budig
knee deep in the yoga hustle for many years.
“Everyone needs contextualisation around
what it takes to be successful as a yoga
Kathryn Budig studio classes. Her advice to other teachers teacher. Twenty years ago there wasn’t
Utilise your skills and background to pursue looking to grow in their career comes from nearly the amount of teaching opportunities,
but we also didn’t have to deal with any
your passion for yoga something her teacher used to share.
“You have to ask yourself: do you want internalised pressure people can create for
to be a good teacher or a popular one? I do themselves due to social media.”
Kathryn Budig is a world renowned yoga He spoke about how social media can
teacher known for her amazing arm believe you can achieve both, but I want to warp teachers’ expectations: it can make
balancing and playful yet powerful teaching make sure I am a good and happy teacher.”
style. She’s authored two books about
wellness: Aim True and The Women’s
Health Big Book of Yoga. Her own yoga
journey began in college when she fell in
love with Ashtanga classes and continued
in LA where she studied at Yoga Works.
She began her teaching career while also
working as an actress, which qualifies for
what I like to call the ‘yoga hustle’ (teaching
dozens of public classes, private sessions,
and small group classes a week, all the
while working another job).
She married her passion for writing,
yoga expertise, and an English degree by
contributing to a variety of publications,
including working a five-year stint as an
editor at Women’s Health magazine. To
help supplement her teaching income, she
found that hosting workshops allowed her
to share her knowledge and passion about
yoga to a larger group of people in the same
amount of time.
With her in-depth knowledge of health,
along with the ability to convey this
knowledge across different mediums, Jason Crandell
she was able to reach a more substantial
income level than from solely teaching
99
Teacher zone
Crandell, she never had an expectation
of teaching yoga, she simply did what
she loved.
For her, teaching was successful if she
could help one person each day. After class,
someone would tell her something she said
resonated with them, or that a pain they had
been having felt relieved. This was all she
needed to hear.
She reminded me that our primary job
as yoga teachers is to mirror the inner
goodness and inherent wisdom in each
student. Today other teachers will come up
to her and ask: “How do I become a famous
yoga teacher?”
This is what she told me: “I think
something is missing here. This is the path
of deep internal intimacy with yourself.
Integration and service. I never thought I’d
become well-known, I just wanted enough
students to live reasonably well. I just
wanted to do my teaching.”
After a long, beautiful conversation,
I ended by asking her: Is there anything
you wish you’d known back then that you
know now?
Tiffany Cruikshank “I have no regrets, everything happens for a
reason. I believe if I tried to change anything,
I wouldn’t be here now talking to you.”
success as a yoga teacher look easy and with business backgrounds who wanted to These conversations were inspiring,
glamorous, not at all like the hustle it is in deepen their connection to yoga and helping precious moments and I want to thank each
reality. This definitely hit home with me. others through their work. of the teachers for taking the time to speak
He attributes some of his success to “My career has really been about Dharma: with me as I embark on the next stage of
having set very little expectations on what sticking to what I love, doing it out of service, my own teaching journey. Do any of these
he could earn and, instead, to focus on sharing my expertise freely and honing in lessons resonate with you? I’d love to hear
deepening his learning and serving, not on what the world needs from me. If you’re your perspective.
Instagramming. patient and persistent, things usually work
out well for all involved.“ Kim Sin is a San Francisco-based yoga
Tiffany Cruikshank instructor (kimsinyoga.com)
Find where your passion meets the Judith Hanson Lasater
needs of your community This path is about service and deep
intimacy with yourself
Tiffany Cruikshank is an internationally-
known yoga teacher, author, and health and Judith Hanson Lasater has a Ph.d. in East-
wellness expert celebrated for her ability West Psychology and is a certified physical
to fuse the worlds of Eastern and Western therapist. She’s been teaching yoga around
medicine while applying it to the practice of the world since 1971. She’s also a founder of
yoga. She is known as a ‘teacher’s teacher’ the Iyengar Yoga Institute in San Francisco.
and has written for and graced the cover of She started teaching yoga in 1971, when
many prominent publications. yoga was still a part of the counterculture.
She began practicing yoga when she was This was the time of The Beatles, the
a self-described lost and confused teenager. Maharishi, the anti-war and Black Panther
Although the athletic aspect of yoga initially movements. She was attending graduate
drew her in, it has been everything else that school in Austin and working at the YMCA
kept her practicing for the past 24 years. part-time.
Her career path has always been about Ten months after she took her first yoga
finding the place where her passions meet class, the YMCA asked her to take over the
the intersecting needs of her community. programme. At that time, there were no
She stresses the importance of finding great teacher trainings available, and she found
help and not trying to do everything yourself. herself teaching 200 students a week
As her business initially started to grow, without any formal training.
she hired other teachers to help her out. Eventually she completed a teacher
When these teachers wanted to pursue their training in the Bahamas. There was no
own teaching careers, she switched gears. model of being a yoga teacher at that time; Judith Hanson Lasater
She began to collaborate with individuals teachers taught in ashrams. Like Jason
100
The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.
Designed to inspire and to energise, OM magazine wants to help you enjoy a more active and rewarding life,
drawing on the physical and mental disciplines of yoga, an ancient practice just as popular today as it was
thousands of years ago.
We take our exercise seriously but this is more than a health and fitness magazine. At OM, our goal is to both entertain and to enrich, to nurture your soul at a time when the world around you may be pre-occupied with more material concerns. Each issue contains easy to follow yoga sequences plus instructions for achieving individual poses.
A wealth of meditation, nutrition and wellbeing articles to help guide you in your lifestyle choices.
In every issue we aim to nourish body, mind and soul, to galvanise you into action, and to challenge how you
feel about the world around you and the people and things in it. OM magazine is not just about doing yoga –
it’s about living yoga.
In This Issue
Welcome to the February issue of Britain’s best-selling yoga monthly, OM Yoga & Lifestyle magazine. We’ve got everything you need inside to keep your practice fresh and fabulous this month, no matter what level you’re at. And for all you beginners out there, we hope that we can inspire you as you start out on your amazing yoga journey.
Inside, you’ll find lots of practical yoga tips, meditations, healthy recipes and simple life hacks to help you live your best life. It’s all about keeping it real and getting the most out of every day: staying active, living mindfully, prioritising self-love and kindness along the way.
Remember, 2020 is a leap year, so this month we have a whole extra day (29th February) to do whatever we want. It falls on a Saturday too (hurrah!), so let’s make the most of it!
Your yoga teacher would tell you to live with purpose and hit the mat each and every day. That’s what we aim to do in a perfect world but sometimes we forget or get distracted, so let’s use the 29th to get our lives
pointing in the right direction once more.
Think of what you could do with a whole, free, extra day: book up a yoga class (especially if it’s your first
one!), scribble your hopes and dreams into a journal, take a long hike through the countryside, or eat only
fresh, wholesome food that’s doing good things to your body on the inside.
Be kind to yourself and be kind to others. There’s so much you can fit into 24 hours. Let’s do it everybody!
Have a brilliant month and hope to see you on the mat real soon.
Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search