There are some teachings in yoga that we understand intellectually, and others that somehow begin to live with us. For me, Sthira Sukham Asanam was one of those teachings. It was one of the first Sanskrit phrases I remember beginning to understand rather than simply memorise or repeat. As I became more familiar with Sanskrit, … Read more

Before the studio becomes busy, I often travel there in the early hours for my personal practice. This includes meditation, pūjā and āratī dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. After meditation, I chant the Gayatri Mantra six times. This ancient prayer helps me move from inner stillness into devotion and then into the activity of the day. … Read more

You do not need a room full of equipment to begin yoga. A good mat, two stable blocks, a strap and a blanket will support most beginner practices. More important than owning every prop is knowing why—and when to use one. Why Yoga Props Are a Game-Changer for Beginners One of the biggest misconceptions I … Read more

There is a beautiful saying in yoga: “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.”Recently I travelled to Byron Bay for a week of rest, practice and learning. Rather than taking a holiday from yoga, I became a student again. I attended classes, explored new ideas, found inspiration, purchased my first professional harmonium and began … Read more

Part Two of the Cultivate Sthira Series If the previous article explored the six habits that weaken a yoga practice, this one offers the antidote. The Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, one of the foundational texts of Haṭha Yoga, doesn’t simply tell us what to avoid — it also describes six qualities that allow yoga to flourish. … Read more

Part One of the Cultivate Sthira Series Why This Conversation Matters One of the things I speak about often in class is that yoga is so much more than physical poses linked together for an hour. Yoga is not simply learning Sanskrit names, touching your toes, improving flexibility, or creating an impressive shape with the … Read more

Reflections on Yoga, Discernment, and Staying Awake Recently I read a reflection by another teacher about the closure of a yoga organisation that I once trained with. There was one line in particular that stopped me: When submission is mistaken for surrender. I sat with that sentence for a long time. Not because I believe … Read more

Yoga has taught me many things over the years, but one of the biggest is this: Practice isn’t only about effort. Practice is also about rhythm. Knowing when to build momentum and knowing when to pause.Knowing when to step onto the mat and knowing when to step back so you can return with steadiness, energy … Read more

What Is Quick Restorative Yin? Quick Restorative Yin is a short, calming sequence designed to help the body soften and the nervous system settle before sleep. Using long-held, supported floor and bed-based postures, the practice encourages the body to shift into a more restful “rest and digest” state. This sequence is intentionally simple. You can … Read more