Mel : Lessons from the Shala

Patanjali’s yoga sutras state that postures should be practised with sthira (steadiness) and sukha (ease). Generally, I feel like my practice is anything but, and instead reflects my (always) active and (sometimes) agitated state of mind. I fidget in downward dog, shimmy forward in every sitting posture, adjust my clothes and inspect my toenail polish. … Read more

Gabi : Shala registration and first practice

I’ve settled into Mysore pretty well. It is a very easy going sort of place. Its not too busy in Gokulam, near KPJAYI, Sharath’s Shala, and is only slightly busier in Jayalakshmipuram where I am now staying.  Gokulam itself it full of yogi’s and goras, or foreigners. Consequently there are lots of healthy living, vegetarian, vegan westernized cafes. … Read more

Gabi : About to fly out to Mysore

Before I begin… My name is Gabi and I am currently in my final year of my PhD. I started practicing yoga years ago, when I was 17. It was offered as an alternative sport at school for those of us who weren’t competitive. Except I was competitive, and quickly switched sports when I realized … Read more

Mel : Going back to Mysore

I have practised at Live and Breathe Yoga for four years, and am in the process of completing my Level 1 Yoga Teacher Training. I first started practising ashtanga yoga with Allison and Harry in 2010, and have been hooked ever since! I have returned to Gokulam, Mysore in India after studying at KPJAYI in … Read more

Biannka : India’s funny way

I am now two weeks into my time in Goa. I hired a scooter to make it easy to get around and explore.  Plus, there seems to be a hierarchical system on the roads with cows, trucks, buses, cars, scooters, pushbikes all coming much higher on the pecking order than pedestrians.  Wednesday is the Flea … Read more

Biannka : Heading to Goa

Helllloooo from Anjuna, Goa! Some of you may know me and many won’t.  In any case, I thought I’d kick off with a bit of a story about my Ashtanga journey so far, how I know Allison and Harry and why I’m in India! I have also attached a selfie for those who don’t know … Read more

March 15th – Sweet practice!

Sweet like these chocolates from the Chocolate Man It doesn’t happen often but when it does it blows you away!Always when you least expect it too. Today everything just flowed. My breath was deep.My attention was focussed.I felt strong and steady.There is absolutely no pain in my body. Can you imagine?  No stiffness and no … Read more

March 4th Made it….just!

I heard Kino MacGregor once say “If you ever get the chance to do a Led Second series class with Guruji, DON’T!”  This is what kept me awake…. I arrived about half an hour before the class and there was already about 10 people sitting on the stairs waiting.  I grabbed a spot on the … Read more

March 3rd Beginners mind

So I’m writing this post as I am having a bit of trouble sleeping. If you know me you know that this is very uncommon as I can pretty much sleep anywhere and be out cold within about 3 minutes of closing my eyes. Tomorrow I am going to my first ever Intermediate Series Led … Read more

February 18th My Indian birthday!

It’s my birthday and I’ve had a lovely day. Saturday is a rest day from the shala so a few of us met for breakfast and then headed to the Golden Landmark hotel for a swim in the pool and then a leisurely lunch. It was very relaxed and I was home in time to … Read more