Yoga Arts and Crafts

Chakrasana, the Wheel.  We rarely bend backwards in normal life so our spines can miss out on the benefits of performing this pose. Safety in yoga is key and when practiced in the correct way this pose can have many benefits.  Stemming from every yoga pose are a variety of gentle variations to explore whilst still reaping the many benefits the pose has to offer and at the same time gaining more self knowledge and awareness.  There are variations such as Salabhasana (Locust), Setu Bandhasana (Bridge), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Upward Facing Dog) - pictured above, and Bhujangasana (Cobra).  Backbends help to rejuvenate the spine, develop physical strength and vitality, and relax the nervous system. They keep the body supple, the mind active and alert. Doing relaxing variations can benefit us if we are feeling sensitive and emotional. The opening of the chest energises the lungs and breathing becomes deeper so that oxygenated blood is able to circulate all over the body m...

One of the ways the Seva Sadan Society raise money for underpriviledged girls in Mumbai is by running a cafe called "By the Way". I happened to come across this place, on one of my trips, and was happy to do so as the food was delicious. The experience was amazing too - if you take a look through the back door, you'll see a courtyard and a school. I happened to go back there when the children were playing and spent some time with their them as well as the teachers there. Hearing the girls sing and talk of their activities was so much fun I took my friends and family back there to meet them. One of the paths to yoga is karma yoga - the yoga of selfless service. The people who run this organisation put so much positive energy into it, that I felt inspired to help. See http://www.sevasadan.org/ for further information on the Seva Sadan Society, Mumbai. A few lines from the Isha Upanishad: "Those who see all creatures in themselves And themselves in all creatures know...