Exploring volcanoes in Auckland – A year of climbing mountains
There are 53 volcanoes in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland. Here, exploring twelve of the crater mountains in the volcanic field.
Discipline: A motivating force for long-term progress
Why wait for motivation to get moving? How much time will pass and how many opportunities will be lost while waiting for inspiration to strike? The solution is already available – it just requires a
Chest stretch for slouched posture
Do you get tight shoulders and a stiff neck from slouching over your desk for long periods? This simple 5-minute exercise is a great chest stretch to help counteract poor posture.
100 days since lockdown
It's been 100 days since New Zealand went into level 4 lockdown. I've been keeping track. It's been a major shakeup for some, in particular for those who are still facing uncertainty. One day —
Build your community with these 8 types of people
The key to a healthy and fulfilled life is a sense of community. Having a strong network of people is an important factor in adult development. Here are eight types of people to look for in your
Anxiety and fear when transitioning out of lockdown
After a seven-week isolation period, we can’t expect to be unchanged by these unusual circumstances, for better or worse. Some people may be experiencing anxiety and fear when transitioning out of
How to overcome envy when the grass looks greener
Though we know envy to be one of the seven deadly sins, we are programmed to compare ourselves to others — whether by nature or conditioning. So how do we begin to overcome envy?
5 quick tips for mental health during the pandemic
Here are five fast tips that have really helped my mental health and wellbeing in this crazy lockdown and isolation period during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Mental wellness in isolation
You may have found that during this global pandemic there have been a few ups and downs in terms of your emotional well-being. These five tips can help you get through this isolation period.
Yoga for overwhelm and more
You may have a rollercoaster of emotions during this global pandemic. Here are some videos of yoga for overwhelm, restlessness, loneliness and lethargy.
Bored in isolation? Here are 10 things to do next
If you are feeling bored in isolation or disconnected from the outside world, here are some ways to relieve your cabin fever. And you're not expected to write King Lear or help discover Calculus.
Self care in isolation – For the good of the community
How can we practice self-care in isolation? How do we ensure our community is cared for in a time of uncertainty? Anxiety and fear need to be channelled into compassion and care.
The Pursuit of Discomfort – Theme of the year 2020
Can happiness truly be sought in our “positive vibes only” culture? Or is it better achieved by acknowledging and embracing uncomfortable feelings?
Mindfulness for good health and wellness – Article
For many, mindfulness is about being still and quiet, and certainly, this is a valuable way of approaching it. However, mindfulness is also something that can be added to a range of everyday tasks
Improve balance with yoga
When balance is challenged, muscles must engage quickly to counteract external forces.
Yoga for busy people
In our busy, busy lives, when do we get time to quietly reflect? And if we do, it probably feels really uncomfortable. With a distracted mind and an active body, sitting still can be torturous.
Autonomic Nervous System 2: Restore balance with yoga
This follow-up to understanding the function of the autonomic nervous system offers ways to restore balance to a stressed-out mind and body.
Autonomic Nervous System 1: Parasympathetic vs sympathetic
The Sympathetic Nervous System, or “fight-or-flight” state, describes your body’s response to a dangerous or stressful situation. So how does your brain differentiate between perceived risks — life
A.J. Jacobs on The Moth podcast – Double Exposure
Listen to A.J. Jacobs on the Moth podcast, describing his experience with sexual objectification. Beneath the layers of humour, he explains what he learnt about societal expectations for women.
How to fall asleep with a monkey mind
Resisting the monkey mind just leads to frustration and agitation. Simply willing yourself to get to sleep can be a fruitless effort. Here are some simple ways we can improve our much-needed slumber.
SONDER: Everyone has a story
Sonder: The realisation that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own. Everyone has a story.
Yoga flow sequence sample
This is the peak yoga flow sequence in this month’s classes. It’s preceded by a slow warm-up, to exploring postures that support these movements, and followed by seated stretches and twists.
Live in Wonder: A manifesto
What's behind the name Wonder Yoga? The phrase "Live in Wonder" has become a kind of mantra to me, to be explored not only in my yoga teaching and practice, but all areas of life.
Theme of the year: ATTENTION
With a flip of the calendar, I set a new theme of the year. One that helps to ensure I am aligning with my intentions and ambitions.
This is what I’m asking myself in 2019: Where is my attention
Christmas yoga sequence
Here's a fun Christmas yoga sequence... Meet the happy elf and the lazy elf, stack Christmas gifts, then take a sleigh ride with downward-facing reindeer! This festive yoga flow sequence can be
The appeal of seated cat-cow
The other day I was teaching this seated cat-cow in a yoga class at the gym. There was a woman walking down the corridor past the studio. She stopped to watch us for a bit, then joined in. I love
Do we HAVE time or can we MAKE time?
We’ve all said it: “I don’t have time”. Yet when the unexpected happens – disaster strikes or an advantageous opportunity comes along – the schedule instantly opens up, and our time and attention is
Eco-conscious behavioural changes
Here are nine small eco-conscious behavioural changes I’ve made in my world over the last few years, as a minor contribution to the health of the greater world. These aren’t revolutionary new ideas,
Empathy for your future self
How do you visualise your future self? The same iteration of your current self, transported six hours/days/years into the future? Or a wiser, much-improved version of the today-you? Consider being
My yoga teacher training experiences
In 2016, I decided to pursue one of my greatest passions with yoga teacher training. Initially, my yoga practice was results-driven, building physical strength and flexibility. Over time, this
What if you’re not wrong?
What is it that we fear about being wrong? Momentary embarrassment? Inadequacy? Perceived lack of competency? Distrust in our abilities? Vulnerability and receptivity are the seeds of opportunity to
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Recently I've been exploring the cause and effects of Sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and postural instability causing pain/discomfort in the long term. Since teaching yoga I've seen many
Moving through 2018 with EASE
Instead of setting goals at the start of each year, I prefer to choose a word (or three) to be my theme for the year. I can then revisit at regular intervals throughout the year to ensure my actions
Social yoga session: Matakana
Another magical morning of yoga and breakfast with Yoga & Social. This was such a beautiful setting amongst the trees at Brick & Vines cafe, Morris &James Matakana. What a way to kick
The power of voice – Charlie Chaplin, The Great Dictator
Charlie Chaplin's speech at the end of The Great Dictator is as meaningful now as it was in 1940. Chaplin is commonly recognised for his humorous silent performances – silly walks and hat tricks –
Waipu Cove: Yoga & Social event
Sun shining, waves crashing, gorgeous view and wonderful company. Moving, stretching, strengthening and balancing... connecting with breath... blissful. Nothing quite compares to being at one with
Being present and productive – Interview
I was honoured to be a guest on The Productive Woman podcast with Laura McClellan, discussing how I harmonise between my freelance graphic design work and my yoga teaching. The main theme was about
100 Days of Defying Gravity
In 2014 I explored yoga poses in ordinary and extraordinary places. 2016 was about "creatively defy gravity". Here is 'Imagination Levitation' – 100 photos of dedication, exploration, joy,
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