Air represents freedom and expansion much like the breath itself. As an element, it is invisible, but its reality can be felt in the air that we breathe in every day. As humans we can do without food for a few days, without water for 24 hours but without breath for no longer than a … Read more
Saying Yes to Joy When we have been through really big life challenges, it makes the fun times so much more profound, important and memorable. It gives us perspective to enjoy our loved ones and celebrate how lucky we are to be alive. It shows that to live is a blessing and every day is … Read more
To be honest, in researching and planning for the Water element I found myself getting a bit uncomfortable. The water element focuses on a lot of things that I find challenging. Because my doshas are kapha (earthy) and pita (fiery) I embrace earth and fire quite easily as they feel natural to me – so … Read more
In term 1 we started with the Earth, building a solid foundation of simplicity and stability. This is so that everything else we start to work on in the year will have fertile earth from which to grow. Having this foundation will vastly improve our chance of success. What is success though? Our yoga practice … Read more
Reflecting back on how I felt at the start of the year and how I feel now – I feel like a different person! I feel more like myself that I have in years! By the end of last year I was so worn out, dare I say burnt out, after many years of living … Read more
Our elements program is a journey of self-discovery through the power of embodied yoga practice, nourishing breath work, powerful meditation, working with nature’s rhythm and exploratory self-study. We are about progress not perfection. Starting before we are ready and maintaining momentum even when it’s challenging. Finding time for ourselves every week because we are our … Read more
When I was about 13 I started getting some weird stuff happening in my right hip. I was a very active kid, and was super into my ballet. I just loved it so much. But my hip started clunking in and out, making all sorts of crazy popping noises and I would get a bit … Read more
There are many reasons why we resist our yoga practice and that resistance can be very strong. After fighting my own excuses and listening to others, I’ve come to realise that it all boils down to fear. Fear of not being good enough, fear of what will happen if we go to yoga class instead … Read more
One of my big dreams came true this month. Something I have been hoping would happen ever since I opened Live and Breathe Yoga six years ago. David Keil finally made the very long trip from Miami, Florida to our wee studio in Townsville, North Queensland. David has been the biggest influence over my practice and … Read more
I turn 39 today. I’m a little rattled by it if I’m being honest. I know it’s just a number. I know when I’m 59 I’ll look back and wonder what all the fuss was about. I had a similar kind of freak out at 28 too. I look back at that and think I … Read more
It’s really hard to commit ourselves to an ashtanga yoga practice. Let’s face it – it’s really hard to commit ourselves to anything that will be good for us. Anything worthwhile takes grit, determination and a whole lot of discipline. Saving money, eating well, studying, exercising – all really hard work. But always worth it. … Read more
The jumpback is one of the most asked about elements of the ashtanga yoga practice. Almost every weekend workshop I have attended there has been a session dedicated to this illusive yet awe inspiring movement. It’s the action of lifting yourself up off the ground from cross legged position, tucking your legs underneath you ,swinging … Read more