Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2025 i YOGA Magazine

Dear YOGA Magazine Readers, Greetings and Blessings! As we step into the vibrant energy of spring, this issue brings together teachings that nurture both the body and soul, guiding us towards deeper alignment, growth, and healing. With the season's freshness in the air, we have curated a collection of articles that explore various avenues for rejuvenation—spanning from timeless rituals to modern practices—each offering tools to enhance your well-being. In this month’s pages, we delve into the healing power of rituals, whether through nightly practices or ancient sound vibrations. Oliver Niño’s exploration of foundational bedtime rituals invites us to wind down with intention, clearing emotional blockages and raising our vibrational energy for deeper rest and transformation. Similarly, Shannon Kaiser shares her personal journey of how self-love rituals and mantras created profound…

Breath as an indicator of your state of Health If you trace a person from being an infant to a full grown adult, you will notice, in most cases, a progressive decline in the skin texture and complexion. A baby is glowing pink whereas most adults, even in their prime youth, are plagued with a diseased skin and dull complexion. This is because, in the process of growing up, one is exposed to certain unnatural practices and stimuli from which it was kept protected in the womb. Take for example, the simple act of breathing. If you observe a baby breathing, you would notice a pronounced abdominal movement. The stomach inflates as it breathes in and deflates as it breathes out. If you observe your own breathing patterns, most likely,…

“I’m absolutely beautiful as I am.” I said as I looked in the mirror this morning. I haven’t always felt this way. For decades I avoided mirrors, deflected compliments, deleted tagged photos, all because of shame and insecurities. I was at war with myself. The victim, my body. When things weren’t going well in my life, my body was to blame. I thought, “If only I were thinner, I’d be more successful, popular, and finally meet my soulmate.” It never ended. No matter what size my body, whether I was 40 pounds underweight or 40 pounds over, I always felt unworthy. The problem was never my body or the actual weight; it was my beliefs about the weight. I thought I wasn’t good enough because of the size of my…

“Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures” – Lao Tzu* When I tell prospective Shiatsu students that both qigong and yoga are an integral part of training at The Shiatsu College, they are surprised – though most are delighted to discover that these mind-body practices are interwoven. Shiatsu, a form of Japanese bodywork therapy, shares much common ground with yoga and qigong through its focus on breath, energy flow and body awareness. These traditions may originate in different parts of the world, but they all explore how we move and nurture our energy. After more than five decades of yoga practice and almost as many teaching, I’m still amazed by its richness. Yet, incorporating qigong has allowed me to play. Gentle, flowing and rooted in the rhythms of…

Was yoga designed to balance the Five Elements in the human body? I’m talking about Fire, Water, Air, Earth, and the fifth element Space or Spirit. We certainly hear this statement regarding Ayurveda, but what about yoga? Is the concept of the Five Elements of Nature the lost origin of yoga? I would definitely say yes, and there are many clues telling us this. Today I will present one of them that is almost a taboo topic in the world of Yoga. Esoteric teachings Let’s examine something you won’t find in most yoga books, at least not until now. It is a fact that the Five Elements of nature have been a popular philosophical and spiritual topic worldwide, from ancient times to the present day. Furthermore, it is not an…

“Many say that life entered the human body by the help of music, but the truth is that life itself is music.” - Hafiz Sound entrainment is rooted in science. It holds a profound place in the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, energetic, and mystical planes. Let’s take a deeper dive into this phenomenon. Sound is Creation. Sound is Energy. Sound is Vibration. What we hear, feel, and perceive through the ear, skin, and bones is vibration. Every atom, cell, molecule, gland, and organ absorbs and emits sound. Made from 99.99% pure quartz and ethically alchemised with precious gemstones, rare metals, minerals, rare earths, musical notes, geometry, colour, and alchemy by Crystal Tones™, the crystal bowls amplify, transmit, and store energy. When the mallet chimes the crystal bowl or moves around…

Beauty, according to Ayurveda, is not just about surface-level perfection, it is an outward reflection of inner vitality, balance, and well-being. True beauty radiates from a nourished body, a calm mind, and a peaceful spirit. When we care for ourselves holistically, our skin glows with health and vibrancy. This is why Ayurvedic beauty rituals go beyond mere skincare, they are acts of self-care, honouring the connection between our emotions, diet, and environment. In this special week-long journey, we will focus on Ayurvedic face and neck care nurturing the skin with time-tested treatments that enhance natural radiance. These daily rituals will help detoxify, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin, while also promoting a deeper sense of balance and well-being. Your 7-Day Ayurvedic Facial Beauty Ritual Each day of this journey focuses on…

Do This Before Bed Simple 5-Minute Practices That Will Change Your Life By Oliver Nino Nino reveals how to transform your nightly routine into a powerful tool for manifestation and personal growth. Drawing from over 20 years of expertise, Nino offers simple yet profound practices—like breathwork, journaling, and visualisation—to harness your subconscious and co-create with the universe while you sleep. The book explores the “real estate” of your consciousness before bed, guiding you to shift limiting beliefs and set intentions that shape a life of love, joy, and abundance. With practical techniques for healing, clarity, and empowerment, this guide is an accessible companion for anyone seeking transformation. Whether you’re new to energy work or a seasoned practitioner, Do This Before Bed makes profound inner change as effortless as your evening…

In the West, we’ve been accustomed to privileging knowledge, facts and measurable scientific data over the more intuitive, ineffable experiences of existence. Now, we’re in a time that many call The Great Awakening where the bridge of science and spirituality is being called forth. I also feel that this time we’re in can be called The Great Integration. We’re integrating ancient and modern medicine, science and spirituality, heart and mind, and at a macro level, the 5D with 3D. It’s a wildly exciting time to be alive! As consciousness expands, objective truths of the nature of reality are emerging to the forefront….which touch both the scientific and spiritual realms. What if they aren’t as different as we’ve thought, but rather, two sides of the same coin in the non-duality of…

When I started my Yoga Journey in the 80s, I never imagined I would become a teacher. Yoga was this amazing system that re-introduced me to myself, and helped me connect with all things spiritual and magical. It was a totally transformative experience. I was lucky enough to have great teachers in both India and Sri Lanka. I was taught the breadth and depth of yoga and my life changed forever. When I returned to England from Asia after two and half years away, I wanted to share my new found love of yoga with everybody. I really felt I had found the secret elixir of life. I soon found out that those I wanted to share yoga with, were not quite as enthusiastic as I thought they would be…

Be steadfast and patient. You’re not alone in your struggle. In 1953, after years of civil war and political upheaval, China was entering an era of stability and experiencing economic growth, political unity and a transition from military rule to civilian rule. Hoping to become part of the new China, a Buddhist monk formed the Chinese Buddhist Association and with the support this new organisation petitioned the government to accept and abide by three resolutions: 1. To immediately cease all further destruction of monasteries and temples as well refraining from the desecration of images and the burning of texts; 2. To completely abandon all attempts to force monks and nuns to leave their monastic orders; 3. To promptly return all monastery properties seized during the civil war along with arable…

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: My friend wants to detox and rejuvenate this spring. Are there unique…

A Journey towards Healing Whilst looking for something that incorporated exercise and detoxification, the practice of hot yoga was appealing. Suffering from eczema for over 30 years, I had trialled a number of conventional treatments and medication as well as holistic remedies and therapies. One of the most noticeable benefits I had observed was through the process of excess sweating experienced, for example, whilst in a sauna. So, when I heard about yoga in a heated room, it had to be tried. Moreover, I was aware that the practice of yoga itself was also very beneficial. The ancient practice of yoga as an exercise has shown to have profound physiological benefits that then positively impacts mental and emotional health. As science begins to appreciate the mind-body connection, yoga has become…

One of the things that makes life so challenging for many people is that they are walking around with an inherited set of beliefs that don’t make them any healthier, happier, or more connected to themselves and others. The foundational practices will help you become more attuned to the real you—the eternal you who existed way before your mind and heart were taken over by limiting beliefs and ideas about who you are and how reality operates. As you get into a rhythm with them, you’ll gain a greater sense of clarity that helps you connect to your highest needs, and the beliefs that actually support you to tap into your full potential. For example, these days I don’t necessarily end my evening with all the practices if I’m in…

The Retreat Host is leaving the retreat?’ Baffled and bewildered, I repeated, ‘The retreat host is leaving the retreat!’ Repeating the words in an attempt to make sense of it. To try and take it in. As the morning sun rose in Mandrem Goa, a group of women sat huddled around a Hotel breakfast table, staring back at each other blankly. Mouths open, eyes wide in disbelief. The Retreat host is leaving the retreat. The host that never really hosted, was leaving her own retreat. Leaving a group of women who had travelled to the other side of the world, alone. Never in my wildest dreams could I have expected such an outcome from my bucket-list retreat. The idea of India, a Retreat in India, had caught my attention right…

ARIES (MESHA) MARCH 21– APRIL 20 May 2025 brings dynamic energy for Aries as Mars moves through your sign, igniting your lower chakras. This is a potent time for action and ambition. Engage in vigorous yoga practices to channel this energy effectively, focusing on grounding poses like Warrior and Mountain. As you pursue your heart-felt aspirations, remember that the universe supports bold actions. Manifest your dreams with clarity, as the celestial energies amplify your natural leadership and drive. TAURUS (VRISHABHA) APRIL 21 – MAY 20 This month, as Venus moves into your sign, it activates your heart chakra, inviting deeper connections and self-love. Embrace this energy by indulging in sensory experiences—savour delicious meals, engage in creative expression, or enhance your living space with beauty. Consider practicing gentle yoga or meditation…

The Power of the Veda The Veda (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda) is not the creation of human beings. It is divine and created by the visualisation of ancient seers, being one of the most ancient documents of the planet, and at the same time eternal – its wisdom is beyond age and time, eternal, universal. Mankind has always desired knowledge and the possibility to live a fulfilling life; that is why we are always in search of wisdom, answers, knowledge, paths and techniques that will help us to find meaning and purpose in our lives, and ultimately liberation. As we all know, in one way or another, this search continues as long as we exist, as it is inherent to human nature. In this process of seeking, many search for…

Let’s be honest—what comes to mind when you hear the word Yoga? Maybe it’s an image of someone twisting into a pretzel, or perhaps you imagine peaceful music, candles, and a mat rolled out in a sun-dappled room. But beyond the serenity and stretch, Yoga has some serious clout when it comes to improving your functional movement. And what’s functional movement, you ask? It’s the kind of strength, balance, and flexibility that helps you carry shopping bags, tie your shoes, lift your kids, and do life with less strain and more ease. So, grab a cuppa and get comfy, because we’re diving into how Yoga can quite literally move you in the right direction—whether you’re reaching for the remote or running for the bus. What is Functional Movement, Anyway? Before…

Continued from the previous issue of YOGA Magazine… We returned to Yoga Bhavan in silence. My mind was distant, wrapped in a mist of memories from the temple. I could not forget her—the glow of Ruhi’s form, the ethereal beauty of her spirit as she was finally released. The sight of her had struck something within me, and now that she was gone, I felt hollow, like a light had been extinguished. Days passed, and I felt myself spiralling deeper into a quiet sadness. I hardly ate, hardly spoke. The cave, once filled with the comforting scent of burning herbs and the soft echoes of Yogi Ji’s chants, felt empty. I could not shake the vision of Ruhi. I yearned to feel that sense of divine beauty and love again,…

Spending time alone can be a deeply nourishing experience, offering a chance to reconnect with yourself without the distractions of the outside world. It allows space for self-reflection, creativity, and personal growth. Rather than viewing solitude as loneliness, it can be embraced as a time for inner exploration and renewal. Meditation is a powerful way to make the most of alone time, bringing a sense of calm and clarity. Even just a few minutes of mindful breathing or silent reflection can help quiet the mind and deepen self-awareness. Engageing in activities like journaling, walking in nature, or simply sitting with your thoughts fosters a stronger connection with your inner self. Nurturing time alone isn’t about isolation—it’s about cultivating a relationship with yourself, developing resilience, and finding joy in your own…

There’s no denying that routines and daily rituals bring a sense of grounding and cadence to our lives. They take us away from the grind and toil of everyday life, and offer us precious moments with our inner self that allow us to show up more for ourselves and thus our life as a whole. Without our daily rituals, many of us would start prioritising everything outside of us, and wouldn’t respect our own boundaries. The Role of Ayurvedic Ritual Ayurvedic rituals are more than just practices. They are designed to help you take advantage of the day’s rhythm and guide you toward a more desirable Inner Climate® - this is the ideal state inside the human body that allows life within us and thus our own life to thrive.…

The rivers are swollen with snowmelt, and the sap is starting to run in the trees. All the moisture that was bound by freezing temperatures is now moving to clear winter stagnation. And for our bodies, spring is the optimal time for lightening and clearing. Accumulated heavy and dense qualities from winter must be broken down and burned up. The body’s need for the rich foods of winter shifts to a desire for light, dry, simple foods that digest easily. Stoke the digestive fires and encourage the body’s natural cleansing this time of year with the pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes found in seasonal greens, bright berries, fresh ginger, turmeric, and spicy soups. Spring Diet and Lifestyle Overview The Elements: Earth and water Feels Like: Heavy, cool, damp, slow, cloudy,…