Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2025 i YOGA Magazine

Dear YOGA Magazine readers, Greetings and Blessings! Happy New Year and welcome to the January 2025 edition of Yoga Magazine! As the New Year begins, we step into 2025 with renewed energy, setting intentions for growth and balance. At YOGA Magazine, we are delighted to continue supporting your journey toward well-being with an issue filled with inspiration, wisdom, and practical tools for living your best life. This month, we explore timeless teachings and modern practices that nurture both mind and spirit. Atisha, the revered Buddhist teacher, guides us with lessons on mindfulness and non-attachment, reminding us to release burdens and embrace clarity on our path to enlightenment. In a similar vein, Yogini Ju reflects on preserving the spiritual roots of Vedic yoga, urging us to approach our practice with authenticity…

Ancient yogis recognised the benefits of squatting (Malasana or Garland Pose) for grounding energy, opening the hips, and connecting with the earth. The pose was traditionally used as part of spiritual practice, symbolising humility and a close connection to the earth. For illustrator Katiemo, her art, as well as her yoga practise connects her to the earth through the natural rhythms of breath and flow. Her practise of art offers a deep connection to the natural world, grounding her in its beauty. By using materials like pigments and fibres sourced from the environment, as an artist, she becomes a co-creator with nature. You can discover more of Katiemo’s work, and buy art prints at katiemolondon.com Follow her creative journey at katiemolondon.substack.com Instagram: @katiemo.london…

Yogi Maharaj Dr. Malik our Editor (since 2003) is a recognised international expert and an authority on the subject of Yoga. He started his training under the guidance of Yogis from the Himalayan region at the age of six and also received instructions from Sufis, Lamas and Sadhus. He is an accredited Yoga teacher specialising in Kundalini, Hatha and Laya Yoga. Founder and pioneer of Yogology, a spiritual technology which combines ancient traditions and principles of Laya, Hatha, Kundalini and meditative practices, Yogi Malik began teaching this over 20 years ago. He has spent a lifetime dedicated to researching, teaching and sharing his knowledge on yoga. He is also a practitioner of related alternative therapies, including Shamanism. Q: How can yoga help me stick to my New Year’s resolutions in…

As we approach 2025, the search for the perfect wellness retreat is more exciting than ever. This year’s top destinations offer something for every budget; from beachside luxury in the Maldives to a serene ashram closer to home than you might expect. Whether you're dreaming of opulent relaxation or a transformative getaway, we’ve rounded up five incredible wellness holidays, including a wild card option, to inspire your next rejuvenating escape. 1 FOR THOSE SEEKING A LUXURIOUS RETREAT EXPERIENCE Why not head to the Royal Palm Beachcomber in Mauritius, where luxury and wellness blend seamlessly. This exquisite beachfront retreat offers five tailored wellness programmes, each designed to address your specific needs. Whether you seek meditation, energy balancing, muscle toning, fitness, skincare, sleep enhancement, or overall rejuvenation, their 5 to 7 day…

As we embark on a new calendar year, abundance is at the forefront of many peoples’ minds as we look to creating lives that we truly desire. As a Medicine Woman & Transpersonal Psychotherapist, I see this often when working with my clients and teaching workshops ~ people are almost obsessed with the realm of “abundance” and “manifestation.” Of course, it can feel like a magical, mystical topic when we envision the potential of creating the life of our dreams, swiftly and easily. But when it comes to abundance creation, understanding the quantum physics is pivotal. Quantum physics says that our thoughts and emotions directly influence our reality by interacting with the underlying energy field of the Universe, bringing intention into physical form through focused energy and aligned action. It’s…

What is Shaitsu? Shiatsu is a Japanese healing art that harnesses the power of touch and pressure through the practitioner’s thumbs, fingers, palms, knees, elbows, and feet. It also involves stretches and body rotations, which may be dynamic or seemingly static. The aim is to promote the positive flow of Ki (energy) throughout the body and stimulate the receiver's natural self-healing abilities. Receiving Shiatsu is deeply relaxing yet invigorating, leaving one with a sense of tranquility and heightened bodily awareness. For the practitioner, giving Shiatsu resembles a moving meditation, often resulting in a balanced and energised state similar to that experienced by the recipient. The therapy is always conducted with the receiver fully clothed. Developed in Japan, Shiatsu shares commonalities with acupuncture and other East Asian therapies, working on the…

Online searches for “new year’s resolutions” in the past month have surged by an impressive 791%. As people around the globe prepare for the New Year, there’s excitement in the air, accompanied by lists of New Year’s resolutions. But what goals exactly are people setting themselves for the upcoming year? Curious to find the answer, the experts at HAYPP created an index study analysing the latest search data and TikTok hashtags to reveal the most trending resolutions for 2025. Methodology 1. HAYPP sought to discover the most trending New Year’s resolutions for 2025. 2. A seed list of the most popular New Year’s resolutions was compiled through a variety of reputable articles. 3. Following, search analytics tool, Ahrefs, was used to collect data on the number of average global monthly…

You know there’s more to life. Deep down, you feel the pull toward something greater, something more meaningful. The curiosity is there, but the how remains a mystery. The key to unlocking your potential isn’t found in the latest health fads or self-help trends — waking up at 4 a.m. for an ice plunge, ingesting expensive nootropic supplements, or reciting affirmations before bed. It’s in your breath. Each natural breath you take is an opportunity to transform your life. You know there’s more to life. Deep down, you feel the pull toward something greater, something more meaningful. The curiosity is there, but the how remains a mystery. The key to unlocking your potential isn’t found in the latest health fads or self-help trends — waking up at 4 a.m. for…

Like the Buddha before him Atisha was born (982) into a royal family and groomed to follow his father as a ruler. However, he rejected the role in order to become a Buddhist monk and teacher. After studying with various masters in India Atisha grew disillusioned with the focus on academic theory and longed for Buddhist teachings and practices which were pragmatic and immediately applicable for daily life. Upon learning that in distant Sumatra, today's Indonesia, there was a teacher who inspired his disciples with his thorough but practical Buddhist teachings, Atisha decided to leave behind his companions and teachers to travel there. This was a risky decision for two reasons. First of all, he could find out that the information about the Buddhist master were incorrect. Secondly, the trip…

The great adversaries in today's fast-paced world are stress, anxiety and other mental health disorders. This is generally true for the entire range of the global population but is adversely affecting the youth. However, the ancient practice of Yoga stands as a beacon of hope and a panacea for these challenges. For many centuries, Yoga has been revered for its ability to harmonise the mind and body, offering a sanctuary of calm amidst the chaos. Its integration of asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), and meditation presents a comprehensive toolkit for mental well-being. Recent scientific research has begun to validate these claims, shedding light on the value of how Yoga can profoundly impact mental health. The Roots of Yoga and Its Holistic Approach Yoga, originating in ancient India, is more…

Ayurveda, a 7,000-year-old tradition, offers profound insights into health and wellness by emphasising the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. Unlike conventional medicine, which often treats symptoms in isolation, Ayurveda focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of mental and physical imbalances. This holistic perspective is especially relevant in today's fast-paced world, where the pressures of modern living have led to an alarming increase in mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. As people search for alternatives to pharmaceutical treatments, Ayurveda has gained traction as a natural and integrative approach to mental wellness. Its focus on preventive care, personalised healing, and the cultivation of inner peace aligns with the growing global interest in holistic health practices. Ayurveda and Mental Health Mental health challenges have become…

A new study by Protein Works reveals the biggest 2024 trends in health, fitness, and wellness - introducing a report on the most popular terms this year and predicting what will take over in 2025. As the new year approaches, these trends highlight the evolving ways people are approaching their health, with varying intentions—some focusing on lasting wellness, others on quick results. To gather this data, Protein Works analysed keyword trends on Tik-Tok, uncovering the biggest health topics gaining traction in 2024. A forecasting tool was used to predict the trends set to dominate in 2025. 2024 has brought a dynamic lineup of health trends, showcasing a mix of innovative, sometimes quirky, approaches to wellness. Here’s a breakdown of the top trends, from promising wellness practices to quick fixes that…

UNBLOCK YOUR PURPOSE: BREATHWORK, INTUITION, AND FLOW Francesca Sipma Discover the power of breathwork with Francesca Sipma’s transformative guide to aligning with your true potential. This book introduces hypnobreathwork, a unique method combining breathwork, hypnosis, and visioning, to help you overcome subconscious blocks, improve focus, and access a flow state. Sipma delves into childhood conditioning, societal expectations, and cultural brainwashing, empowering readers to rewire their patterns and unlock creativity, performance, and energy. Blending spirituality with science, this guide redefines success and purpose in a modern context. Praised by bestselling authors like Dr. Nicole LePera and Robert Greene, it’s a must-read for anyone seeking deeper alignment and fulfilment. Whether you’re chasing personal growth or professional breakthroughs, this book offers practical tools for lasting transformation. Available from major bookstoresPrice £20.00 GOOD TUESDAY…

As an Author, I know the magical moments when the writing of your book is complete, it’s with your publisher about to be released and you receive the first copy and hold it in your hands. This is the tangible reality of the vision you have held dear and the work you’re so dedicated to. There is a sigh of relief, when you actually see what you have created. Nine years of gestation for ‘Nidra Shakti’. In this magical moment, a transformation occurs. What was first a dream, visible only to the Author, is now manifest, and at last others can share what previously only the author could envision. Nidra Shakti, the Power of Rest, was birthed for us all to see in November 2024. Bursting the amniotic fluid after…

Gérard Sunnen, MD, Board-certified in psychiatry and neurology writes about the many clinical and self-development uses of medical hypnosis, imagery, meditation, Autogenic Training and yoga. He practies in New York. triroc.com/sunnen Drsunnen.com Cybernetics is “the study of human control functions and of mechanical and electrical systems designed to replace them.” (Webster). Here, we broaden the definition to encompass the use of fitness machines for optimising their job as wellness and performance enhancers. How, we may ask, in view of new knowledge on mind-body dynamics, can fitness machines help us to best realise the full potential of our bodily systems? Fitness machines, if we look closely on how they are built, are wonderful creations of ergonomic engineering, if not art. They interact with and stimulate our bodily workings, increasing muscle tissue…

Continued from the previous issue of YOGA Magazine… The night deepened and fell around us. I felt a sense of readiness and anticipation to explore deeper into the mysteries of Samadhi. Yogi Ji looked at me with a smile. His eyes were sparkling. I peered closely and was quite surprised to see that Yogi Ji’s right eye looked like a a mini summer sun. “You see Muni. My eye is as the ancient sun. Of course, it is not as large and indeed does not have the same powers. But as explained many times to you before we, that is mankind, are but a reflection of the universe. Everything that we see outside is reflected in us as well.” I wandered up close to Yogi Ji and asked in a…

My journey to Mauritius from 5 to 12 October 2024, courtesy Air Mauritius, cantered on exploring the wellness offerings at Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, a renowned brand celebrated for its seamless blend of luxury, natural beauty, and cultural authenticity. With a legacy spanning over six decades, Beachcomber has established itself as a pillar of hospitality in the Indian Ocean, capturing the essence of Mauritian warmth and weaving it into every guest experience. My stay at their stunning properties—the Dinarobin Beachcomber, Trou aux Biches Beachcomber, and the iconic Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury—left me refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected to the island. A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO WELLNESS The purpose of my visit was to immerse myself in Beachcomber’s holistic wellness programmes. From yoga sessions in breathtaking natural settings to a transformative somatic…

Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga has 8 ‘limbs’ (1) Yama and (2) niyama are codes of conduct, the ‘rules’ that lead to a purification of the mind. They prepare the mind for advaita and samadhi. (3) Asana and (4) pranayama are part of Hatha Yoga techniques to purify the gross and subtle bodies and prepare the body for the samyama practices. Samyama is the combination of (5) pratyahara, (6) dharana, (7) dhyana and (8) samadhi, the practice of which leads to the ‘higher states of mind.’ Use of these practices when in samadhi leads to the siddhis, the ‘super-powers.’ To avoid a possible confusion, Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga, one of the 6 Shad Darshanas, precedes Patthabi Jois’ asana classes (which he termed ‘Ashtanga Vinyasa’) by over two millennium. I have been in full…

What if your wellness experience didn’t fade away, but was gently sustained? That’s exactly what Chris Nelson, wellbeing entrepreneur, author, yogi, and founder of Ashiyana Yoga & Wellbeing Retreat Centres, set out to achieve with BEST ME Journey. I share here my experience at Ashiyana Spain. “I feel lost.” “I feel… broken.” I’m sitting in a circle of strangers and the first session of my retreat has begun. We have been asked to express how we are feeling. The voice in my head says, “Oh shit! What have I done? I am not supposed to be here.” Isn’t this supposed to be a holiday? Where’s the Yin Yoga, long lazy lunches and lounging by the pool? Why are these people revealing how they really feel? The onslaught of internal questions…