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Getting together with family and friends has been a little tricky – to put it mildly – thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, and it’s no secret that many of us are well overdue for warm hugs and close, cosy moments with our loved ones. With many of us still unable to travel to see family for many reasons, it becomes especially important to connect with them and share gifts and presents to let them know you’re thinking of them. If it’s been difficult to plan quality time together this year, or you’re not sure when you’ll next get to see friends face-to-face, a thoughtful gift can help you stay connected even when you’re apart.

In this special blog, we’ve rounded up 10 different types of people many of us have in our lives; the friend who needs to relax more; the yogi; the foodie; the eco warrior, and of course the kids in your life. You’ll find sustainable, eco-friendly and beautiful gifts that show your loved ones you’ve really thought about them this year. No matter who you’re shopping for, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect gifts and inspiring stocking fillers that are sure to make them smile.

Shop our essential edit for meditation and wellness gifts: encourage your friends and family to dive into self-care and embodiment – all thoughtfully selected and developed with our ethical and eco-friendly suppliers to bring thoughtful joy this festive shopping season.

Self Care Christmas gifts

  1. For the friend who needs to de-stress

If the *ahem* ‘friend’ who needs to de-stress is actually yourself, then by all means treat yourself to these relaxing and restoring gifts ASAP (because your friends and family would definitely appreciate seeing you less stressed too!) First up is the Aery Aromatherapy ‘Heavily Meditated’ Candle, with a blend of frankincense, patchouli and thyme, plus hints of eucalyptus, cedar, cinnamon and bay to soothe the senses. The gift tube is recycled, and the candle is natural soy wax, so you can rest in the knowledge you’re being kind to the environment as well as the gift recipient. For something to sip, choose the Pukka Organic Aqua Herbs Chamomile Relax blend – a floral blend of chamomile, ashwagandha and lavender, and benefits including relieving anxiety and stress, boosting digestion and strengthening the nervous system.

  1. For the tea-lover

For the person obsessed with tea and all things soothing, gift them the Pukka Organic Tea Discovery Box, complete with 42 herbal teas in a sustainable bamboo box – 100% vegan, ethically sourced and organically grown. Or if you’re gifting this pre-Christmas, opt for the Organic Christmas Tea Advent Calendar! Help them drink their tea on-the-go with the S’ip By Swell Travel Mug in clean slate, which is importantly BPA free and made from stainless steel.

  1. For the yogi

At Yogamatters, it’s not difficult to find something your yogi friend will love! To gift them something sustainable and different they’ll love, grab the Yogamatters Organic Cotton Meditation Cushion, and the Yogamatters Organic Cotton Yoga Mat to help their practice feel more eco-friendly and certified organic! Hand-woven by Indian craftspeople and naturally absorbent, it’s perfect for both a relaxing and dynamic practice. A Yogamatters gift card is always a safe bet with the yogi friend too.

  1. For the friend who doesn’t sleep well

Do you have a loved one who can’t seem to get a good night’s sleep? The friend who always seems tired and frazzled, or who needs to take more care of their relaxation time? For those who find it challenging to nod off, gift them the Thought Tabbie Printed Eye Mask in navy, which is super-soft, planet friendly, and can help the body move into a more optimal deep sleep by blocking out excess lights at night. Before bed, they’ll love the Olverum Resful Sleep Pillow Mist, designed to not only to improve ease of getting to sleep, but overall sleep quality too. Olverum say: “Scientifically formulated to work in harmony with your natural nightly sleep cycle, the exactingly balanced fragrance development of its key ingredients supports and enhances each of the four key stages of sleep. Just two spritzes applied to linens can ease you into a trouble-free slumber, enhance the health benefits of deep sleep, and boost your daytime energy levels”.

  1. For the friend who wants to start meditating

The benefits of meditation are well known by now; reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus, enhancing self-compassion, and literally re-wiring the brain, so if your friend wants to start a meditation practice, gift them a few essentials to support them. Jack Kornfield’s Meditation For Beginners book and CD is a great way to start a meditation practice and be consistent with it (which is where much of the benefit lies). Jack Kornfield will show you how easy it is to start and stick with a meditation practice with six guided meditations, allowing the benefits of meditation to flow into daily life. To make meditating more comfortable, gift them the Yogamatters Ikat Round Meditation Cushion and the Yogamatters Hemp Zabuton for a little extra comfort for the ankles and a lot of sustainable goodness. If you want to try a yoga kit that gives you all the essentials you need, our Home Meditation Yoga Kit is an easy pick.

  1. For the foodie

For the friend who loves to cook, The Mindful Foodie is written by Heather Thomas – an ‘environmental foodie on a holistic path, committed to creating positive change, nurturing nature connection, and transforming the way we eat’. This beautiful recipe book includes bite-size philosophical notes, meaningful questions, joyful rituals, and a feast of vegetarian recipes, benefitting both mind and body. One Pot, Pan, Planet by Anna Jones is another great option for more conscious cooking, and is an award-winning recipe book with over 200 quick and sustainable recipes with minimal washing up.

Wellness Gifts for Him

  1. For the man in your life

Men can be notoriously difficult to buy gifts for, but thankfully, we’ve got that base covered. For the man who practices yoga, he’ll love the Renegade Moksha Urban Zen tee in urban black, made with soft, certified organic cotton and bamboo, and the sustainable Yogamatters eco drawstring yoga shorts. If he wants to improve his flexibility, gift him the Stiff Guy Yoga guide, complete with a 30 day challenge to encourage more flexibility and less stress in no time at all.

Wellness beauty gifts for sleep

  1. For the eco warrior

For the friend who was wearing hemp and carrying reusable tote bags before it was cool, Yogamatters has plenty of planet-friendly yogawear and equipment to support a greener life. Stock up your friend’s self-care kit with The Natural Deodorant Orange + Bergamot Balm, including a clever combination of antibacterial magnesium and sodium bicarbonate for all-day odour protection, without hormone disrupting chemicals that so many other unnatural deodorants contain. Add to that the Georganics Charcoal Tooth Powder, with a whitening and stain-removing blend that cleans the mouth without toxic chemicals in most supermarket toothpastes. Finally, for more ideas on saving the planet in everyday ways, choose Live Green: 52 Steps For A More Sustainable Life by Jen Chillingsworth, who shows us how we can make eco-friendly cleaning products, buy vintage furniture, make home-made moth repellent, improve a natural beauty regime, and create ethical Christmas decorations.

  1. For the kids

Good habits start at an early age, and the sooner we can help children make healthy, conscious decisions, the more they’ll be empowered to carry these positive habits with them for life. Give the boys the Yogamatters eco yoga t-shirt and matching black shorts, and gift girls the eco high-waisted leggings and eco cropped yoga top. The best part is that every part of these kids’ clothing items is made with a blend of organic cotton and TENCEL Modal and Elastane – essentially meaning they’re breathable, stretchy and durable, without any itchy labels or tags! To help them get started on their yoga journey, send them the Go Yogi! Card Set with 50 everyday poses for calm, happy kids, and Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises For Kids by Eline Snel.

  1. For you

As you’ve been so generous with all your gifting, it’s only right you treat yourself too. What would you choose? The new Yogamatters Bespoke Binny Bolster? The organic cotton yoga blanket for cosy evenings? Or perhaps the Goddess Pulse Roller with divine rose geranium, neroli and bay. Perhaps a few stocking stuffers? Try adding a few wellness must-haves to your list this year.

Shop the entire Yogamatters Christmas Gift Guide and get perfect presents that are sure to make them smile this season. Order early to avoid shipping delays!

Esther, founder of EkhartYoga and internationally experienced yoga teacher has been teaching Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin yoga for over 20 years. Her knowledge and practical down-to-earth teaching has inspired thousands of yogis all over the world.

Esther worked for many years as a therapist and has a huge fascination with the human psyche. Through her spiritual studies (including the Clarity Process) and application of this knowledge in her daily life, she found that old conditionings are what hold us back from experiencing the reality of the present moment as it really is. It is this learning that Esther brings into all her teachings. She aims to enable her students to see past their old stories, freeing them up to experience the truth – the moment as it is now.

Esther loves teaching more dynamic styles like Hatha or Vinyasa Flow, focusing on strength, stability and fitness, along with slower practices such as Yin yoga and Meditation that allow you to drop in and get to know yourself better.

Esther is grateful to her early teachers: Clive Sheridan, who taught her not to take anything too seriously and Taetske Kleijn, with whom she studied the Clarity Process, and also her training and work as a therapist.

As an avid student Esther is continually evolving her practice through further training and study. Esther is always open to questioning previous teaching methods (including her own) and challenging herself, integrating new learning and insights into her classes.

“Throughout my life, practising yoga taught me to relax, how to find a way out of worries and stress. Yoga showed me the joys of being fit and strong. Yoga taught me to self-reflect and to accept life as it comes…finally, yoga and my clarity work showed me that there was nothing to ‘find’ and that everything I was looking for is ‘right here, right now.’ And all I could ever do was to let go of the bondage that stopped me from experiencing the truth. I will always be very grateful to the path of yoga, the Clarity process and the miracle that life is.”

We caught up with Esther to find out more.

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I’m Esther, the founder and one of the teachers on EkhartYoga.com and EstherEkhart.com. I’m deeply passionate about sharing the transformative power of yoga and meditation with others. My journey has been one of discovery, healing, and connection, both within myself and with the world around me. Through the online platform EkhartYoga.com, I aim to make yoga accessible to everyone, offering a space for growth, learning, and connection. Additionally, I teach retreats to create a safe space for deepening the inner work.

What does a typical day look like for you? 

My days begin with a personal meditation and yoga practice to ground myself. I spend my time teaching classes, preparing content, and connecting with my students online. I also make space for nature, reading, and reflection to maintain balance.

How did your yoga journey begin and what inspired you to become a yoga teacher

First, I saw yoga heal my mother from a woman who was struggling in life and barely keeping up, to someone with much more strength and presence. This transformation was nothing short of miraculous in my eyes, showing me the profound impact yoga could have.  It was during my own times of deep sorrow—losing my best friend to suicide and my mother in a natural disaster all in the same year, —that I turned to yoga and meditation not just as a practice but as a lifeline.

The profound impact it had on both our lives inspired me to become a teacher, feeling the call to share the same positive transformation with others.

How have you seen yoga benefit your students?

I’ve seen yoga bring incredible changes to my students, from improved physical health and flexibility to deeper emotional resilience and mental clarity. It’s truly rewarding to see them embrace a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilled life.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out on their yoga journey?

Listen to your body, it talks to you. Remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect pose. It doesn’t have to look a certain way. What’s important is that the pose feels right for you. I wish I had understood this sooner; it would have helped me trust my body more and push myself less. There’s a version of every pose that fits your body, regardless of how it compares to others around you or what the teacher’s pose looks like. We’re all unique, and that’s okay. Less is more.

What is your favorite quote or life motto?

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it, and love them into healing.” – Rumi

It speaks to the power of love and the need to move towards our barriers and love our barriers (pain, heartbreak, and grief) into healing and not ignore them. It’s a beautiful reminder that healing begins with acceptance and loving kindness towards our own experiences and emotions.

What’s coming up in 2024?

In 2024, I’m excited to teach all the upcoming retreats, which you can find listed on EstherEkhart.com. Of course, I’m also looking forward to continuing to expand my online teachings for EkhartYoga.com.

 

More and more men are stepping on to the yoga mat. Just getting to the mat in itself can be a tumultuous process and many Men have jumped over some hurdles to do so. These hurdles, real or not, have brought Men to a breaking point. At first it was hard for us and perhaps the most difficult and challenging thing we have ever done.

These are the myths which were in the way of my own personal journey and I am sure for some of you here on yours too. Let’s continue to smash these myths and misconceptions together to gain better health, both physical and mental.

Misconceptions

Yoga is not for men

This is a myth as yoga was predominantly propagated by men. In spite of that, it was embraced mainly by western women as early as the 1920’s in America and more commonly from the 60’s throughout the western hemisphere and blown to ever increasing proportion in today’s time, leaving men to catch up to the benefits to be had for all people. Now is the time for Men.

I am not flexible

A common saying I hear is ‘I am not flexible enough’ which is what is really being said is ‘I am afraid to look ridiculous,  I really need this’.

This is as close to saying ‘I am too dirty to take a bath’. This is one of the best reasons to start. No one is good at anything at the beginning. Men can also feel intimidated in the studio  by ‘Bendy Becky’ who was more than likely trained in ballet from the age of 3. To all intent and purposes Becky is not looking at your inflexibility. She’s more focused on her own body’s needs, like most folks in the yoga studio. Yoga is not competitive nor is it a race; most people in yoga classes are there for different reasons, they all have a need and that’s why they are there. Take care of yours and know that your time is  coming. The practice is for self-mastery and it is a slow and long journey. The results along the way are tremendous and fulfilling.

All yoga is the same

Another one is it’s all yoga or all yoga is the same. Not so, there is a practice for everyone’s needs. Dynamic practices to build strength and endurance, slow meditative practices, ones that focus on breath. Some even focus on sound, and even fluid dance-like practices that also build strength. I created Afrikan Yoga because I did not see anyone who looked like me or was teaching from my cultural perspective that could provide all the physical benefits that yoga provides aligning with my cultural background. Even if you do not end up doing this practice as a default, learning it can enhance your regular practice or the yoga that becomes your default practice.

Yoga is a religion

Historically yoga is associated with Hinduism and Buddhism but surprisingly it is non-religious. You can be from any religion, be agnostic, or non-religious and practice yoga. Yoga speaks to us all which is why we are taught by the earliest teachers that yoga is universal.  With that being said, Yoga is a word found in Sanskrit and also found in Ge’ez in Ethiopia, Africa yet practiced all over the world from ancient times under different guises and names as a means to connect to the source within. The energy and spirit of yoga is actually tied to devotion and to be devoted nurtures the Love energy. Even atheists are in Love and we all need Love in our lives. Yoga is a connection to source so anyone from any religion can gain the benefits of yoga.

Can’t get a sweat or good workout.

Yoga will test your strength your endurance as well as your flexibility, those who say it’s not a proper workout more than likely never went to a class or just dropped into one without researching it first. Yoga is primarily the best workout you never had. Improving all aspects of your bio-mechanical body function and movement. Calling all fitness enthusiasts and athletes, yoga will improve your performance, prevent injury and will give you that calm edge in competitions. To those who pump weights, yoga will make you stronger and help with muscle recovery, strengthens the joints and help to reduce tension in the ligaments and sinews.

You have to be a vegan to practice yoga

There is the yogic philosophy of non-violence so killing animals for sport or food is not encouraged, however one of the biggest and overlooked philosophy is the dropping of guilt and blame. Yoga teaches us to be responsible for our thoughts and feelings and how we treat each other as well as animals. Do not let eating meat stop you from practicing as you will benefit greatly from the physical aspect of the system of yoga and still honour and enjoy your meals. Learn from your body and listen to what it needs and in time you will modify eating habits as well as all other habits to define your lifestyle.

I don’t have time

Another hurdle is the concept of time. What you make time for is what you value. When we allow stress, hurts, worries and arguments to take over your mind space we are in affect making these valuable to us and losing the value in ourselves.  You can do a practice or series that will take anything from 10 minutes to an hour, this is time well spent on us. Once you have learnt a few postures, begin to apply them daily and develop the discipline to increase the time because now you’re gaining the benefits. Creating jewels for yourself you never thought you could have.

“Yoga challenges all our perceptions of what it is to be manly and what we believe to even be human in today’s modern world. Yet yoga informs us and amplifies our confidence.”

Men have a great deal of pride and want to be seen as strong, reliable and mostly capable. Anxiety and depression are also a plight with more men committing suicide.

Yoga improves your libido, amongst men the rise erectile dysfunction to epidemic proportions is not spoken about cause most men will not admit it unless the back is against the wall and called out by a girlfriend or wife. This is no longer an old man issue but men as early as in their 20’s and 30’s have ED. Every day practice of yoga can balance out the hormones, improve circulation and reverse the issues around ED, improving the libido.

Yoga is a powerful aid to depression and mental health. We can do this!!

This sequence looks like your basic sun salutation. You are not saluting the Sun in the Journey of Ra, you are Ra – on the Hero’s journey. The symbolic story of Ra, in short, is going down into the underworld battling enemies of fear, ignorance and doubt and rising victoriously.

Taui

This is a form of Mountain pose used in Hatha called Har meaning ‘On high’ and Djed Asar which engages the spine and core while palms of the hands are pressed together with the thumbs pushing up into the sternum.

This pressing of the hands together is a gesture that is timeless and universal. Often called a prayer pose. The joining together of the palms brings together the connection  between the right and left hemispheres of the brain and represents Smai unification. It is used as a posture of composure, of assembling to one’s heart and the balancing of masculine and feminine energies, working  with the polarities of the body.

Taui bring us into the power of our hearts centre (stimulating love and compassion) where sacred  transformation can occur.

To Do it

Slowly draw your hands together at the heart centre as if to gather all of your energies into the moment. Rest thumbs against the sternum and fingers reaching upwards. The hands are pressed together firmly and evenly, lengthen your spine upwards like a flower stem and drop the chin slightly in order to bring the spine into alignment. Taui promotes respect for oneself and others.

It is considered a natural remedy for stress and anxiety and is useful for entering into a meditative state.

Target Areas: Chest. Shoulders. Upper Back. Triceps.

AMENTA – Standing back bend

For strengthening the core and spine, enhancing energy and vitality in the morning. Very useful for lifting the spine in the morning after a night of sleep where the spine becomes shortened. Great for spinal health and assist in the alleviation of backache. Activates the core and useful for entry into all forms of workouts.

How to: 

Standing in Har- meaning on high in Hatha this is called mountain posture.

Press the palms together and lift the hands up arms fully extended and create a bowl with the hands.

Lean back into a back bend keeping the arms over the ears. Keep the core engaged and the feet square and firmly on the ground while the hips remain over the ankles.

Bend only as far as you’re comfortable minimise the arch and compression in the lower.

Focus on the fingers that symbolises the petals of the lotus.

Hold the posture 3-9 breaths.

Target Areas: Spine. Core. Shoulders. Intercostal muscles

Travelling the sky

Works the shoulders, tones the triceps and creates concentration and balance.

How to:

This is not a posture but a weeping movement that is done slowly and with precision.

From Amenta sweep the arms forward and create a upward triangle with the hands.

Extend the arms and keep the elbows locked. Engage the trapezius muscles/shoulder blades and feel them open as the arms roll towards the floor and you hinge at the waist bringing your hands down towards the floor, resting beside your feet or on your shins.

Target Areas: Shoulders. Hips. Hamstrings

Standing Sky –  Hatha Uttanasana or forward bend/fold.

Standing Sky also called Standing Nut in Afrikan Yoga is a dynamic stretch awakening the hamstrings and other muscles at the back of the legs.

These muscles get particular tight through sitting at a desk for long periods of time, driving for hours, playing football, boxing, running and cycling. They will need your attention on a daily basis as this will ease back pain, reduce sciatica type symptoms and improve your overall spinal health.

Standing Sky/Nut. Prevents injuries in the hips and Improves legs flexibility and therefore mobility, relieves tension in the spine and neck. Calms the mind and nervous system and is actually nurturing.

Most worry about being able to touch the floor with their hands however the focus is engaging the correct muscles such as the ones at the back and front of the legs and the front of the body such as the abdominals.

Focus on lengthening through the spine and aim to actually make the spine flat while lengthening in the glutes making the buttocks tall lifting towards the sky.

Great as a pre-warm up for meditation or any sporting activity and after a workout or meditation.

Find this stretch too strenuous or unable to bring the hands towards the floor bend your knees slightly, you can also use a standing block or book to lean forward on.

How to: 

From Amenta or Har lean forward.

Deep breath in hinging at the hips, fold or bend the entire torso over the thighs, lean slightly forward on to the toes yet keep the feet flight and squarely on the ground. Bring the hips over the ankles, bring the head towards the knees or let the head hang, while lengthening through the back of the legs. Activate the quadriceps thigh muscles slightly pull the knees up yet relaxed and aim to pin them backwards.

Utilise your core to contract into the legs, aim to make the spine long. Bend the knees only when absolutely necessary.

Target Areas: Upper back. Lower back. Hamstrings

Khonsu Crescent Moon – Deep low lunge – Hatha Anjeneyasana

The idea is to make a crescent moon shape with the body, the posture improves hip mobility and strength while relieving the tightness in hips and thighs. Strengthens both the front and back of the legs. Do this posture regularly and daily of you sit at a desk or drive for long periods. This is also great for the cyclists and runners.

How to:

Go into a forward bend slightly bend the knees and lift the left leg and bring the foot back and onto the floor. Push the heel back to the horizon while lengthening the leg backwards. In Hatha the foot rests while the sole ii upwards. Allow the left hip to drop. Stack the right shin over the ankle and keep the right leg to a 90 degrees angle. This will reduce of knee injury. Press the right heel into the floor engaging the muscles at the back of the legs. Lift the torso lengthening through the arms and bend slightly backwards raising the chin. Activate the core while drawing the navel towards the spine.

Target Areas: Legs. Hips. Core. Wrists

Nut The Sky- Hatha Adho Mukha Svanasana – Downward Facing Dog.

One of the most commonly recognised and used posture in yoga is a full body stretch and strengthening posture.

Stretching the hamstrings and calves and spine while opening the chest and shoulders. It actually a favourite for men. As many male athletes learn and enjoy doing this posture for its numerous benefits.

Increasing shoulder strength, hamstring mobility, works the ankles and relieves tension.

Stimulates the cardiovascular and lymphatic system.

How to: 

Start from your hands and knees and then raise the knees of the ground. Place your feet back and behind the hands. Lift the hip up and back while aiming to press the heels down to the ground at first due to your level of flexibility you may find this difficult, okay to bend the knees as long as you press the heels into the floor while aiming to straighten the legs. Roll the shoulder blades towards each other and rotate the biceps inwards while dipping the chest towards the floor. Drop the head to take tension away from the neck or you can curl the head and gaze at your navel. Create a pyramid shape with the body and make sure your back is not rounded.

Target Areas: Shoulders. Upper back . Hamstrings. Hips. Wrist. Forearms

Wadjet Cobra

There’s a slight difference to Afrikan cobra where the thighs are lower and even resting on the floor.

It is not an upward facing dog.

This powerful posture strengthens the back activating all the muscles and improves spinal health.

Improves posture opens the chest and stretches the abdominals and hip flexors.

A stand-alone pose that will greatly improve the back flexibility.

How to: 

Start lying on your stomach (Prone position)

Place the hands close to the chest and have your shoulders over the wrists. Bring your shoulders blades back and roll them downwards as you open your chest. You want to have your neck extended and not tuck into the shoulders. Squeeze the glutes slightly and roll the elbows inward and closer to the body. Lift the chin and focus in between the eyebrows.

3-9 deep breaths

Target Areas: Back. Shoulders. Wrists. Forearms. Core

Heru Rising – plank Hatha Kumbhakasana

A quintessential posture for providing core power and strength.

Enhances and increases testosterone levels, heat and energy. Aids in building stamina and endurance both physically and mentally. Develops the correct posture and improves the prostate.

Heru Rising is the path to arm balancing exercises and more challenging  postures the requires core strength. This one is for all the warriors to develop their focus concentration and presence. It is also celebration of victory rising out of sadness, fear and doubt.

How to;

Start on all fours and lift the knees of the mat. Allow your shoulders to be evenly stacked over your wrists. Straighten the arms. Lift the pelvis slightly and engage the core while the navel pulls back towards the spine. Push the knees up and heels back towards the horizon, while lifting the head slightly keeping the neck neutral while gazing at the horizon. Keep pushing the floor away from you. Spread the fingers to stabilize the body. Avoid the pelvis sagging and maintain the thighs and core  muscles engaged.

3-9 deep breaths

Target Areas: Arms. Core. Chest. Shoulders. Legs.

Please view the youtube video –

Afrikan Yoga – What is the difference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq2BLNZCFYQ

The Journey of Ra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0F6bVlfVmw

Nikki Slade is a leading pioneer in the field of chanting, core voice and sound work in the UK. For over 30 years Nikki has inspired thousands of individuals to chant and has led chanting and voice workshops for corporations such as M&C Saatchi, Deutsche Bank and Cisco.

Tell us a bit about yourself… 

My two favourite things in life are sound vibration and cats. I am in my happy place when chanting/singing and cuddling a cat! I have been like this since I was a young child. In childhood I would sing songs from musicals  out in the woods and imagine that the orchestra was about to burst out from the trees!

I realised in my late twenties that what I was truly looking for was unity and harmony which was when I discovered kirtan/chanting from the heart. At this time I had a massive heart opening in the kirtan practice and an awakening which changed my life forever! I have never looked back. Over the past 32 years I have had the joy of sharing this practice with people all over the world, all with diverse backgrounds and stories. As you can probably tell I adore chanting!

What does a typical day look like for you? 

Arising each morning with a private meditation group online.

The prayers and personal meditation.

Then Yoga practice an walk.

Breakfast.

Cuddling the cats!

1-1 private clients face to face or online.

When at home lunch with my partner.

Rest 

On Thursdays and Saturdays I lead a kirtan in the evening.

Sundays sometimes events workshops /festivals.

Other evenings sometimes sharing time with spiritual communities.

Or watching my favourite series on Netflix which currently is MANIFEST.

How did your Kirtan journey begin and what inspired it

My journey began in 1987 when I was in a dark night of the soul period of my life where nothing made sense and I was lured into the path of addiction between the ages of 14-27yrs. When I was 27 I was introduced by a colleague/friend to the path of kirtan. She took me to my first satsang ( company of the truth).After attending a few times I bought a cassette tape (shows my age!) and began chanting along with it daily. At the time I was an actor in between jobs. One day the mantra of the chant lifted my spirits so high and entered my soul so deeply that I had a spiritual awakening which took me to the depths and the heights of consciousness. The dark road of addiction left me and I experienced visions and revelations that transformed my whole outlook on life forever. Gradually over time I left the world of performing and instead became a facilitator of natural voice work and  a leader of kirtan.I n my book The Healing Power of Chanting I candidly share my journey into  chanting and share downloadable chants so that you too can commence your own kirtan journey.

How have you seen your practice benefit your students?

Every week over 30 plus yrs I have students feeding back to me how much chanting has touched their lives. My 1-1 clients have reported life changing transformation as we have worked together incorporating this practice into all areas of their lives.

What is your favorite quote or life motto?

‘Life entered the human body by the help of music. But the truth is that life itself is music’ Hafiz

I love this quote because it echoes my early childhood memory of singing  in the woods and expecting the great orchestra to ring out through the trees. Life for me is the magic of sound and all that connects us as as One pulsation/ One Love.

What’s coming up for you in 2024?

I am running a Learn to Lead kirtan course from April 28-June 9 on Sundays in Canada Water at The Lodge Space.

I will be at The Mind Body Spirit Festival on Monday May 27 offering a workshop The Music  of Life  and kirtan on the main stage.

July 13 Oh Shala Festival

Chanting on the main stage Midday

August 4 World Yoga Festival

Chanting on the Mina Stage Midday.

August 17-18 Tribal Earth Festival

Chanting every morning.

And I will finger crossed with sharing a premiere workshop performance of my brand new musical!

 

Find out more about Nikki:

Website: https://nikkislade.com/

Instagram: @nikkisladeuk

Discover her book: The Healing Power of Chanting

Dirish Shaktidas takes us through five poses to boost our mood and make us feel more radiant.

Read on to discover the poses and how to bring this routine into your daily routine…

Seated Shoulder Twist

Buckle up for some vibrant vibes! As you flow through these moves, don’t forget to take those breaths that practically shimmer with energy. Picture each inhale as a burst of vibrant light flooding your body, and each exhale as a release of any stagnant energy that’s been cramping your style.

With each repetition, feel those breaths working their magic, like a gentle reset button for your organs. It’s like giving your body a mini spa day, allowing all that pent-up energy to flow freely once again.

So go ahead, inhale that vibrancy, exhale that stagnation, and let your energy dance and flow like never before!

Stretch Pose

Let’s talk Stretch Pose! This iconic stretch is all about activating your third chakra, the navel point. It’s like hitting the reset button for your entire nervous system while giving your abs a serious workout.

Here’s the drill: Lie on your back and lift your noggin and heels about 6 inches off the ground. Your arms can chill above your thighs with palms facing down (no touching those legs!) or hang out alongside your legs with palms facing your bod (again, no touching).

Now, here’s the fun part: Lock eyes with those toes of yours and stretch them away from your body like you mean it. We’re talking serious toe-pointing action here!

But wait, there’s more! Get ready to fire it up with some Breath of Fire for a solid minute. Keep those lips sealed and pump that naval with short, sharp exhalations. It’s like stoking the flames of your inner fire!

After your fiery breath session, lay back and soak in the vibes from this activated Stretch Pose. Trust me, you’ll feel rejuvenated.

Archer Pose

Alright, let’s get into the Archer Pose! It might push you a bit, but trust me, it’s a simple yet powerful way to ignite the Radiance within and amp up that Navel Center.

Start by stepping your right foot forward, giving yourself a good 2-3 feet of space between your feet. Make sure those right toes are pointing straight ahead, while the left foot angles at about 45 degrees, with the heel firmly planted and the toes facing forward. Keep that left leg strong and straight, while you gracefully bend your right knee until it’s almost level with the ground (just make sure it doesn’t creep past those toes).

Now, let’s get those hands in on the action! Curl your fingers into your palms, thumbs pulling back like you mean it. Imagine you’re pulling back a mighty bow and arrow: raise that right arm up and stretch it forward, parallel to the ground over your right knee. At the same time, bend that left arm at the elbow, drawing it back until your fist lands right at your left shoulder. And hey, don’t forget to lock eyes with your thumb for some extra focus!

Hold the pose for a solid 2 minutes on each side, and feel that radiant energy coursing through you. You’re basically in yoga superhero in training!

Standing Torso Twist

Alright, let’s get into it! Start by standing tall with your feet firmly planted and your arms relaxed at your sides.

Inhale deeply, imagine your spine growing taller, and feel your chest lift with each breath.

As you exhale, get ready to twist! Rotate your torso to the right, keeping those hips facing forward. Plant your left hand on your right hip and place your right hand on the small of your back for support.

Now, take a deep breath and sink into that twist. Feel the stretch along your spine and through your torso as you continue to breathe deeply.

When you’re ready, inhale again and smoothly transition to the left side. Go at your own pace, feeling each movement as you twist.

After you’ve completed both sides, stand tall, take a moment to appreciate your body, and breathe deeply before moving on to your next adventure.

Alternate Nostril Breathing

Get comfy, find your Zen spot, and let’s dive in: close that pesky right nostril with your right thumb, take a deep breath in through the left nostril, then switch it up, sealing off the left nostril with your ring finger or pinky, and exhale through the right nostril. Keep this going for a cool two minutes. After 2-5 minutes be still in tranquil. 

As we move from the deep ‘yin’ of Winter into lighter, brighter days of Spring, there’s a definite feeling of change in the air. You may have already noticed Spring herbs like nettle, dandelion and cleavers emerging from the earth, blossom appearing on branches, or morning birdsong arriving a little earlier each day. All of these signs point to the beginning of a new season, which holds a brand new type of energy we can lean into and use to support our wellbeing. The Spring season is nature’s ‘new year’, when new life and fresh growth appears, and is a much more supportive time to make resolutions and intentions than is 1st of January in the middle of Winter. On March 20th, we reach the Spring equinox, and a powerful time to set those Spring intentions into motion. The Equinox is a time when day and night are of equal length, and also marks the first official day of Spring. As the mornings become lighter and brighter, Spring helps us feel naturally more motivated to make positive changes and step into a new mindset. Other than the change in season however, the Spring equinox has been celebrated for centuries as a time of rebirth, fertility and new beginnings. We’ve gathered three practices for you to try this Spring equinox to help align your body and mind with the new season and brand new energy, so read on and choose your favourites!

Set Your Intention 

You may have been invited to set an intention in a yoga or meditation class, or perhaps you often start the day by setting a mindful intention for yourself. The thing is, if we just think about an intention and don’t do anything about it, nothing much changes. In order to make an intention really work, it’s useful to dig a little deeper and become clearer on what you really want emotionally, spiritually and physically. It also helps to think about how you want to feel emotionally. When you wake up this equinox, pull out your journal (we recommend Gailson’s handmade paisley journal for this) and try this powerful intention setting practice to help you shift away from old feelings that aren’t serving you, and towards a state of being you want to manifest this year:

Six Step Intention Setting Ritual

  1. On your journal page, draw a line vertically down the middle
  2. On the left hand side, write down all the words that represent how you’ve been feeling this past year
  3. On the right hand side, write down all the words that represent how you want to feel this year 
  4. Choose a word from the left column that represents a negative state, then write three ways you can move away from or change this feeling. For example; if you’ve felt lonely, you could choose to join a public yoga class to meet other people, or schedule a weekly meet up with a close friend. You could also promise to yourself that you’ll say ‘yes’ to opportunities to meet with friends and family more often. 
  5. Then, choose a word from the right column that most clearly represents how you want to feel this year. This word is your intention. Write down three ways you can move towards this feeling. For example; if your word is ‘calm’, one of the ways you could move towards this is with a regular meditation practice – the Meditation For Beginners book and CD is a great way to get started if you’ve never tried meditation before. 

To take this practice a step further and really notice a difference, schedule several things on your calendar that will actually help you move towards your intention. And make them a priority! Most of us have such busy lives that unless something is written into the weekly planner, it’s unlikely to happen, so make a date with yourself and your intention several times over the next few weeks and it’ll make a big difference to how you feel.

Sowing Seeds

Nothing says ‘Spring’ like the sight of new shoots emerging from the ground. Spending time in your garden or caring for houseplants is a great way to care for your mental health, and studies show that a little gardening can reduce stress and improve mood levels, notably reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Whether you own a sprawling green garden or one room in a flat, all you’ll need to sow seeds is a pot, some compost, and your seeds. As long as you have access to sunlight and water, you can grow a plant! Caring for plants helps us become more mindful and compassionate, and as you sow your seeds, you’ll be taking part in a ritual cultures have been doing on the equinox for centuries. Check Plant Therapy by Dr Katie Cooper for the best houseplants to suit your space, or if you’re sowing vegetable seeds in your garden, opt for beetroot, carrot, peas, cabbages, leeks and spinach, which are all suitable to plant outside in March. 

Spend Time In Nature

Each season holds plenty of reasons to spend time in Nature, but after a long, cold Winter, Spring feels extra inviting to step outside into. Choose an area you feel safe to walk in, and head out for anything from 10 minutes to a couple of hours. Whilst out walking, try the practice of ‘earthing’, involving standing barefoot on the earth, which is said to reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation and calm the nervous system. If barefoot walking is a step too far, consider taking your Yogamatters Eco Cork mat outside for a few sun salutations at sun rise or sun set instead. You may come across Spring herbs like nettle, which can be made into a mineral-rich nettle soup, or wild garlic, which tastes wonderful whizzed into a pesto or mixed into stir fries. Whilst out walking, this is also a great time to let your eyes wander. When we spend lots of time looking at a screen, our gaze narrows and we often breathe in a very shallow way. Both of these things can increase stress levels, so when we spend time walking in nature, it’s a great opportunity to let your eyes wander across the various shapes and colours, something known as ‘soft fascination’. Read Rewild Your Life by Sarah Stirling for 52 more ways to reconnect to nature this year. In the UK, the time of the equinox on the 20th March this year will be about 3:30pm, so schedule your Sunday afternoon walk to immerse yourself in nature and the changing of the seasons at this moment.

 

Petra Coveney is the founder of Menopause Yoga™ (launched 2013) and is an internationally acclaimed teacher, trainer, yoga therapist, author and guest speaker, specialising in supporting people through the stages of perimenopause to post menopause which she positively reframes as your Second Spring.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My typical day involves waking at 7am for green tea in bed and listening to BBC radio 4 news. As a former BBC journalist (many years ago) I still like to stay connected with current affairs and also listening in to trends in social change. Then I either get up and shower, yoga stretch, seated short meditation and set an intention for the day. But if I’m teaching clients or training teachers at 8am, I only have 15 minutes – time for 2-3 asana, pranayama and a positive affirmation. These are essential for staying grounded and connected to what I need in terms of self care.

I’m a morning person, so my energy is high and I really need to move my body. If I’m teaching later in the day, I’ll walk my dog on the sea front, or meet friends for an 8am sea swim, or go to the outdoor 50 meter swimming pool, or a short jog (very slowly). If there weather is stormy (which it is in winter), I may just lifts some weights in my living room (we need to maintain our heart health, bone density and muscle strength in post menopause). 

Mid morning, if I’m not teaching, I often have work meetings, record podcast interviews, write blogs or newsletters, and update social media. In the afternoon, I’ll do research, or write or study, then walk my dog again. I enjoy eating a large lunch rather than a big evening meal because my metabolism is slower these days. In the evening I usually meet friends, watch a movie, or give myself some headspace to just chill out. I can’t emphasise how important it is at this stage of life to allow yourself to dream, imagine and simply BE.

How did your yoga journey begin and what inspired you to become a yoga teacher?

My first experience of yoga was being a teenager taught at school by a wonderful Indian woman who came in every week. I remember the exact moment when she led us through a relaxation savasana and breathing at the end of her class – I felt relaxed, transformed. Burt yoga in the 1970’s-80’s wasn’t as available as it is today so I stopped until much later when I was pregnant, and also after my daughter was born. I found yoga was a way to regulate my energy and nervous system as a working parent. It was the late 90’s and Madonna was showing off her biceps and promoting Ashtanga yoga. I attended classes with some wonderful, kind teachers for 8 years. But when I hit my perimenopause, I needed a softer style of yoga, so I was drawn to vinyasa flow and qigong with my teacher Jean Halls and Mimi Quo-deemer. These amazing women trained me as a teacher and helped me through many emotional rollercoasters such a family bereavement and a divorce. Their philosophical, somatic, softer approach was life-saving. I later trained in  Inner Axis with Max Strom, Restorative yoga with Judith Hanson Lasater and Anna Ashby, hot yoga with Kristen Stewart, Yin yoga with Sarah Powers, Yoga Therapy with Colin Dinsmuir from True Yoga plus a myriad of other teachers along the way. Nowadays, I love to slip into the back of another teacher’s class (often much younger than me), and let them lead me. Sometimes I practice with my eyes closed and just enjoy the energy and sense of community.  

What inspired you to specialize in your practice?

I went into perimenopause earlier than my friends and my older sister. My mother had passed away, and I now understand that the grief and other stress factors triggered my slightly earlier change in hormones.

When I went to my doctor, she said there was nothing they could offer, and refused to give me HRT, so I was left on my own.  It was the ‘dark ages’ before the growth of social media and the new wave of menopause awareness. As a former journalist, I knew how to research issues, so I applied myself, drew on sources of information from all over the world, and created the first Menopause Yoga practice and wellbeing programme to include nutrition, herbal and natural remedies, specialised yoga practices tailored to menopause symptoms, and included a community aspect (sangha) so that women could talk to each other and not feel lost, alone or mad! Underlying this holistic approach was my research into ancient traditional chinese medicine where I found old texts describing menopause positively as your Second Spring. I loved that because it made me feel excited about this change in life. 

I felt angry that other women didn’t have these resources to support them through what can be a destabilising transition. So I channeled that outrage into creating Menopause Yoga and the rest is history. 

How have you seen yoga benefit your students?

I haven’t conducted scientific research, but I ask people to give anonymous feedback after my workshops, training courses and retreats. Without exception,95-99% of the women attending say they loved the experience. Apart from the yoga, they always say they enjoyed meeting other women and the positive concept of Second Spring. My classes are tailored to therapeutically help women manage their own symptoms such as cooling hot flushes, channeling menorage, calming anxiety and overwhelm, clearing brain fog and fatigue, easing joint and muscle pain, soothing insomnia. These techniques include vinyasa flow, somatic, yin and restorative yoga with specific breathing and meditation techniques. These symptoms are most likely to start in perimenopause to menopause. But when we reach past menopause, we change up the pace to lift a low mood (anhedonia) and  lethargy (often accompanied by social withdrawal). And women my age need to re-energise as they step into their Second Spring. We have classes that are strengthening and empowering, build emotional resilience and guide women to embrace their new sense of self, find their voice and step into their own power.  So the outcomes for women are different.

What is your favorite quote or life motto?

There are so many that inspire me, and Menopause Yoga includes uplifting and inspiring poetry, quotes and lyrics. Language is so important – it can change your self perception which can transform how you feel physically, emotionally. For example, two of the song that I play in my classes are “Everything Must Change” sung by George Benson, and “Feeling Good”  sung by Nina Simone. I first heard these songs when I was a teenager and they made an impression-  and now I am a queenager they resonate with me even more. These lyrics encourage us to see that everything in our lives is always changing, nothing stays the same, which taps into yoga and Buddhist philosophy. Nina’s song is uplifting inspiring us to step into a new dawn, a new day, a new life.

What’s coming up for you in 2024?

This is another BIG year! I will finally complete a yoga diploma course, launch a new Menopause Yoga teacher training course for Australia with Yoga Australia and may even teach there….tbc. I’m writing my second book on Menopause: The Daily Practice Guide on. Tight deadline with my publisher. Launching a new website with more content for women, for teachers, for employers and healthcare professionals. And I have two retreats and many in person and online training courses. There are currently 700 qualified yoga teachers in over 40 countries so I’m always updating and adding new guest speakers content and ensuring they feel supported.

I also have a Restorative Menopause Yoga CPD course in April that is open to everyone but especially teachers, and a Menopause Yoga & Wellbeing teachers training course in July that is timed at 8am in UK for teachers in Australasia who are 10-12 hours ahead.

They say that the secret to happiness is good health, a sense of community or belonging and a sense of  purpose. I’m fortunate to enjoy al of these plus the warmth of my family and friends, and Alfie!

Find out more about Petra:

Website: www.menopause-yoga.com

Instagram: menopause_yoga

Facebook: menopauseyoga

Plus, join Petra for 2 Menopause yoga classes, details below:

Topic: Menopause Monday’s – APRIL ONLINE
Time: Apr 15, 2024 07:00 PM London

Link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87839368665

Meeting ID: 878 3936 8665

Topic: Menopause Monday’s – APRIL ONLINE
Time: Apr 22, 2024 07:00 PM London
Meeting ID: 858 5924 9050

 

Do you notice you feel different throughout the month? Perhaps you exude confidence and can’t wait to socialise at certain times, and at others, you can’t wait to curl up for some much-needed alone time. Much of this is down to hormones, and the way they shift throughout the menstrual cycle.

Hormones are chemical messengers, and they significantly impact the way we feel and function on a day-today basis. Hormones are produced by endocrine glands such as the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, adrenals and gonads, and they’re also highly influenced by our actions and the world outside of us. When it comes to finding balance, hormones can make it seem tricky; throughout a typical 28 day menstrual cycle, women are likely to transition through a multitude of physical changes and emotional feelings, which means we’re simply not the same person from week-to-week, and we need to listen to our bodies and adapt to our needs.

The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda has long known how much of a powerful influence hormones have upon us, and can provide us with knowledge of how to feel balanced throughout hormonal changes. Through using the principles of Ayurveda and the three ‘doshas’ (three types of energy), let’s look at how we can find balance throughout the changes in the menstrual cycle, as well as in menopause when hormones shift once again.

Menstrual Phase: The Vata Phase

During menstruation, the uterine lining sheds, and the body is generally getting rid of what it no longer needs. We may feel more introverted, fatigued, vulnerable and sensitive during this time, and it’s vital to honour these sensations. Hormone levels drop during menstruation, as can iron levels, leading to those feelings of typical and mental tiredness. From an Ayurvedic perspective, menstruation is governed by Vata energy, which holds the qualities of coldness, lightness, dryness, anxiety and a scattered mind. In order to find balance during this phase, it’s essential to listen to your body and give it plenty of rest and rejuvenation. Focus on warmth in the form of soups, stews, Wunder Workshop’s Golden Mylk Turmeric Latte, and load up on iron-rich foods like lentils, spinach, molasses, dried fruits, and meat and seafood if you eat them. As sensitivity and intuition can also be heightened during this phase, it’s the perfect time for journaling with the Self-Love Journal, planning, and creativity. When it comes to movement, choose gentle forms such as walking or restful yoga.

Follicular Phase: The Kapha Phase

As menstruation finishes, hormone levels rise again, especially oestrogen, which helps rebuild the uterine lining. This phase is governed by the Kapha dosha, which means we may feel stronger, and emotionally quite balanced. During this part of the menstrual cycle, we’re generally able to take on a little more stress both mentally and physically, so this is a great time to choose more challenging forms of yoga or strengthening exercise, as well as getting stuck into work projects. Kapha energy can often make us feel heavy and stagnant, so if you want to practice a brief detox, this is the most appropriate time in the menstrual cycle to do it. Opt for light and cleansing foods like leafy greens, broths, and The Cosmic Dealer Ayurvedic Herbal Detox Tea, with special ingredients to encourage de-bloating and detoxification. This is also a great time to use the Hydrea Combination Detox Massage Brush to invigorate your body and stimulate the lymphatic system with a little body brushing.

Ovulation: The Pitta Phase

Around day 14, you may feel a little hot and flustered as body temperature rises and luteinising hormone and follicle stimulating hormones surge. This is a time of transformation, as levels of oestrogen drop and progesterone rises. There’s a huge amount happening at this time, because your body thinks there’s a chance you could be about to fertilise an egg and become pregnant. If you do become pregnant, progesterone levels continue to rise; if you don’t, progesterone will still remain high, before it drops prior to menstruation. This stage is governed by the Pitta dosha, which can encourage us to feel more fiery, sociable and open to communicating well with others. It’s a great time to host an event, attend meetings and parties, as well as meeting new people. Due to the hormonal dance happening within you however, you could feel extra irritable and argumentative, so be mindful when entering into potentially heated conversations. Find balance by cooling and soothing your systems; fill the air with Made By Zen’s Super Relax, with calming bergamot, Ho wood, lavender, clary sage, ylang ylang and cardamom, set up your Restorative Yoga Kit, and pop on an eye pillow for some much needed relaxation.

Luteal Phase: The Pitta Phase – with other changes likely

During the luteal phase, high levels of progesterone can cause those common pre-menstrual symptoms of sore and swollen breasts, bloating, anxiety, agitation or low mood. Right after ovulation, this is when we may be feeling extra ‘hormonal’, and it’s so important to adapt to your needs. The luteal phase is relatively long compared to other phases of the menstrual cycle, lasting roughly two weeks. During this time, we may be accustomed to pushing through tiredness, holding back tears and wondering why we just don’t feel the same as we did only a few days ago, but what your body and mind really needs is a shift in how you approach life right now. The Pitta dosha does still govern a lot of the luteal phase, potentially causing mood swings and cravings (which most of the time are totally valid), however lots of anxiety and fatigue could indicate an excess of Vata energy, whilst sluggishness and lethargy may signal you’re holding on to a lot of Kapha right now. We’re generally a little more susceptible to stress at this time, so consider not taking on too much and being firm with your boundaries in the luteal phase. Energy levels and strength can drop too, so be compassionate and kind to yourself if you’re not quite performing the same on your morning run, in the gym or at your yoga class. This is a great time to focus on self-care and what needs attending to closer to home; use the Palm of Feronia Amethyst & Magnesium Bath Soak to soothe aching muscles, and the ede Post Shower Nirvana Body Oil to practice the Ayurvedic art of Abhyanga or ‘self massage’. Wunder Workshop’s Goddess Tea also contains an invigorating and womb-tonic of nettle, oat straw, yarrow, linden, chamomile, rose, raspberry leaf and mugwort to settle sweet cravings and bring balance.

Menopause: The Vata Phase

After all those years of hormonal ups and downs (as well as the transition through perimenopause), the body enters the menopause – literally a ‘pause’ from menstruation. During this stage of life, the Vata dosha governs body and mind, perhaps leading to dry skin and hair, tiredness, digestive issues, anxiety, brain fog and a potentially declining bone density. It’s not all bad however, as this is the stage of life when we’ve accumulated an abundance of wisdom; we may care a lot less about what others think of us; and we have a new sense of freedom as we transition into a different era of womanhood. To stay balanced during the menopause, focus on those qualities that balance the Vata dosha, such as nourishing foods, warmth, and embracing what brings you joy. To learn more about how Ayurveda can help us stay balanced through the menopause, read our blog HERE, and delve into books like Menopause Yoga and Second Spring.

Tara Lee is a yoga teacher and trainer specialising in pregnancy health yoga. We caught up with Tara to learn more about her background and practices…

Join Tara for a special class on Yoga for Women’s Health, sign up through the link here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/yoga-for-womens-health-with-tara-lee-tickets-838464629277?aff=oddtdtcreator

What does a typical day look like for you? 

I wake up around 7am and walk my dog in the park. I then do my yoga practice and/or some breathwork/meditation. Sometimes I will practice yoga in the evening and I regularly do Yoga Nidra.

I teach yoga classes and do one to one nutritional therapy consultations during the day. I also run Pregnancy Yoga Teacher training courses and am often travelling teaching yoga or practicing nutrition on retreats. I have 2 teenage children.

How did your yoga journey begin and what inspired you to become a yoga teacher

I discovered yoga while at Bristol University 30 years ago while studying Psychology. 

I studied yoga because I loved how it made me feel and found the philosophy fascinating. I felt inspired to become a yoga teacher over time as I wanted to help others feel better and share my knowledge. I also studied Shiatsu and Chinese medicine before I completed my yoga teacher training course in 2001.

What inspired you to specialize in your practice?

I specialized in pregnancy yoga after about 10 years of teaching. I was always fascinated by this area and after experiencing the benefits first hand wanted to share my love of yoga with other pregnant women and help them feel their best during their pregnancy and prepare for birth.

How have you seen yoga benefit your students?

All the time! I particularly like to see people fall in love with yoga on retreats when they are more immersed in the practice. I see how much it helps my pregnant students avoid aches and pains and prepare them for birth and motherhood. 

What is your favorite quote or life motto?

Our bodies live in the past, our minds in the future. When these two come together in the present moment, this is YOGA! 

What’s coming up for you in 2024?

I am running a pregnancy yoga teacher training course with Yogarise in Peckham. I also teach a module on their 200 hour teacher training.

I have a few yoga retreats lined up in the UK and abroad.

I have recently launched an online yoga library with a members subscription so will be adding lots of new classes to that. 

I am continuing my studies in nutrition this year to further my knowledge and stay up to date with current research! 

 

Find out more about Tara:

Website: https://taraleeyoga.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taraleeyoga/

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we caught up with some of the founders of our incredible female founded brands. Read on to learn more about their inspirations and missions.

 

Temple of Incense

What was your inspiration to start Temple of Incense?

We grew up in a second generation Punjabi household where life was a fusion. We ritualistically burned incense every day – it’s been a part of our being for as long as we can remember.

When we set out to start our business, we were 19 and 23, with no understanding of business, but all the willingness to learn about incense. It was a pretty niche concept – make great incense accessible to everyone. We started out working in our parents shed and at our local market.

We grew cautiously, week by week but we believed then, as we do now, that if you focus on creating something brilliant, with integrity, the Universe will provide and the customers will come – and thank fully, they did.

What is your mission with Temple of Incense?

When we started Temple of Incense in 2012, incense was a little bit out of fashion, but we like to think we’ve bought it back with a new look and a new reputation. The days of cheap synthetics are long gone and it’s a new era for home fragrance. So it’s our mission to fill every home with gorgeous, natural and authentic incense.
Making incense that helps tap into our consciousness and enhance spiritual practice are key. This is home-fragrance with substance, ethical values and most of all, a whole lot of passion.

Which women inspire you?

There is an endless list of women that inspire us but here’s just a few…

Maya Angelou, for which there would never be enough words to explain her greatness and what her journey and words and work mean to us both.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg for her inspirational fight against gender discrimination and her powerful ability to inspire change.

Kelly Holmes was 12 when she started and 34 when she realised her dream. That determination and effectively hope is beyond admirable.

Wanderlust Life

What was your inspiration to start Wanderlust Life?

I started Wanderlust Life 10 years ago. In between stints of travel I held various roles, from opening galleries to managing yoga retreats and working for creative agencies. However, I never felt truly fulfilled. Looking back, I realise that I yearned to captain my own ship. I grew up in a coastal surf town and was fortunate to spend many winters abroad. It was during one of these journeys, between jobs, that the idea for Wanderlust Life was born. I remember doodling on a plane and listing all the things I loved, things that ignited my passion—and that’s where it all began. The seed of an idea planted on a long plane journey soon blossomed into reality when I returned to Devon. Initially, the business operated from my spare bedroom. As the business expanded, so did our team. We quickly realised that we needed more space, which led to the opening of the Wanderlust Life shop and studio in Braunton in 2018. Today, our business thrives with a close-knit team of 14 designers, makers, sales support, and marketers.

What is your mission with Wanderlust Life?

Wanderlust Life exists to pass on good energy! We design and make our jewellery by hand in our sunny Devon studios; each piece really is charged with meaning and made with love by our team. It’s our mission to pass on that energy and optimism from our studio, through our pieces and into the wider world.

Which women inspire you?

There are a lot of women out there doing incredible things – but one woman that really inspires me is Amy Powney. Aside from heading up a super-cool and sustainable fashion brand Mother of Pearl as Creative Director, she’s a bold changemaker – championing sustainability in the fashion industry. I highly recommend watching the documentary Fashion Re-imagined which follows her mission and was directed by another equally brilliant female, Becky Hutner.

Laura Colucci – Spritz Wellness

laura-colucci-spritz-wellness

Tell us a bit about your background and your journey to where you are now…

I’ve practiced yoga for over 25 years on and off the mat and qualified as a teacher 15 years ago.  Five years ago, I opened a yoga studio The Nook at my home in West Sussex by the sea. It was at my studio that I designed and created the Aromatherapy Eye Pillows, Yoga Mat Sprays and Room Sprays that I use in my classes. It was from here that the Spritz Wellness brand was born. 

What was your inspiration to start Spritz Wellness?

My inspiration to start Spritz Wellness was the power of aromatherapy and adding rituals to my yoga practice. Placing an eye pillow over the eyes in Savasana and misting the yoga mat before practice are little tools that ground you and give you those moments of calm.  There wasn’t a range of all-natural products at the time so I created my own!

What is your mission with Spritz Wellness?

The mission of Spritz Wellness is to use aromatherapy to enhance your yoga practice and sleep routine and find moments of stillness in a busy world.

Which women inspire you?

Women who follow their passion, show resilience, honesty and are in touch with their essence. Its inspiring to see women following their dreams be it a CEO, owner of their own business or a full-time caregiver. 

 

Il Apothecary

What was your inspiration to start ilapothecary?

Ilapothecary was born from the need to support the modern person to beat their daily stressors. We were inspired to create a British, wellbeing functional beauty brand with 100% natural pioneering undiluted blends of Powerful Remedial Ingredients, to make this happen!

What is your mission with ilapothecary?

The mission of the brand is to create cutting-edge transformative alchemical blends combining gemstones, adaptogenic herbs, stem cells, homeopathic filaments and phyto-actives, to support the busy person from urban stressors, and help to rebalance, strengthen, nourish, and uplift. Our goal is therefore to Relieve the body and Soothe the mind. Moreover our mission is to Beat the Blues, Balance Hormones, indulge to deep good quality Sleep, alleviate Stress and achieve Digital Detox.

Which women inspire you?

At ilapothecary, we’re committed to supporting women at every stage of their life and on all their choices. Whether they are conquering the boardroom, nurturing their family, and all of the above combined (which is often the case!), or simply taking time for themselves, we’re here to empower women on their personal journey, curating a selection of products to address common daily stressors. This Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the strength, beauty, and resilience of women everywhere. ilapothecary creates natural and powerful blends to make every woman feel valued, supported, and empowered to shine.