Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2025 i YOGA Magazine

Dear YOGA Magazine Readers, Greetings and Blessings! As the height of summer brings warmth, light and a sense of expansion, our August issue invites you to pause, soften, and turn inward. This is a time for rebalancing; an opportunity to connect with presence, purpose, and the deeper rhythms that guide us beyond the surface of everyday life. This month, our features are connected by the theme of inner transformation. Whether it’s the timeless reflections of Marcus Aurelius or the contemplative stillness of Yin Yoga, we are reminded that clarity and resilience come not from reacting, but from cultivating awareness within. Just as the Stoics once guided themselves through chaos with calm, yoga today offers us the same: tools for steadiness amidst the unpredictable. Our continuing memoir Memoirs of a Yogi…

I had never heard the term forest bathing when I first began spending time in the redwood forests near my home. Suffering chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and ferocious insomnia, I instinctively sought relief in the calm presence of the trees. It worked and years later, completely healed, I learned why. Forest bathing combines immersing oneself in a forest environment while practicing mindfulness techniques, like yoga. The improvements to our health from both forest bathing and yoga have been well documented. When the two modalities are practiced together, the results can be even more potent. In this article, learn both how to practice yoga in a forest and how doing so can improve your well-being. What is Forest Bathing? The concept of forest bathing originated in Japan where it is known as…

Are you keen to get a personal yoga practice going? Perhaps you’ve felt the benefits of yoga in class and want more of it in your life but aren’t sure where to start at home. Or maybe you already do some personal practice but want something a bit more structured? After 30 years of practising yoga and 20 years of teaching, I've seen many students struggle with this exact question. As a course tutor for British Wheel of Yoga (BWY), I've supported students to develop and deepen their practice, and I've noticed similar patterns emerging. The good news? I've got some tried-and-tested tips for how to get started and progress in your practice. CONSISTENCY IS KEY It’s better to practice for even a short time every day than for longer…

What if you’ve been living inside a movie—not one you consciously scripted, but one authored by subconscious patterns laid down in childhood, or even inherited through generations? And what if, by rewriting that script, you could transform your entire reality? Inner Alchemy is a modern synthesis of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge insight. It offers profound yet practical tools to help you uncover and reprogram the invisible forces shaping your life. We often assume that it’s our conscious mind—the part that sets goals, weighs choices, and dreams big—that’s running the show. But both neuroscience and ancient spiritual traditions suggest something far more astonishing: your subconscious governs up to 90% of your behaviours, decisions, and reactions. Think of your subconscious as the software quietly running in the background. It holds every belief,…

Why a Living Master? In every era, seekers have turned to spiritual masters for guidance. While scriptures and saints of the past offer timeless wisdom, the presence of a living master promises something unique: a direct experience of realisation in action. A living master leads by example, adapting ancient truths to contemporary life. In our fast-paced, distracted world, the need for such guidance is more relevant than ever. Younger generations, immersed in technology and shaped by social media, often struggle to relate to old scriptures and traditions. If the promise of spirituality is to help us live with equanimity, love, and joy, a living master becomes the dynamic interface between our changing minds and the unchanging Absolute. He demonstrates that spirituality is not abstract but a lived, practical path. Who…

Yoga is often envisioned as a tranquil dance of bodies flowing gracefully on mats, or as quiet moments of breathwork under a rising sun. However, beneath the stretching and stillness lies a profound, intricate philosophy encompassing all aspects of life, including what is on your plate. Nutrition is not a side note to Yoga. It is foundational. The ancients understood that food quality directly shapes the quality of thoughts, emotions, and ultimately, consciousness itself. Food is thus not merely fuel; it is a bridge between the gross body and the subtle mind—a carrier of Prāṇa, the life force. In the grand tapestry of Yogic living, the key principles of diet help transform eating from a mundane act into a sacred ritual, each bite a step on the path to inner…

THE LITTLE BOOK OF SLEEP MEDITATIONS MINDFULNESS EXERCISES TO HELP YOU SLEEP by Annie Fay Meitchik A gentle and reassuring guide for the many who find falling asleep a nightly challenge, the book offers a sanctuary of stillness and support. Annie Fay Meitchik combines essential information on sleep hygiene and the science of rest with accessible mindfulness practices designed to quiet the mind and relax the body. With meditations ranging from five to fifteen minutes, this book makes it easy to build a bedtime routine that nurtures deep rest. Techniques such as visualisations, body scanning, and breathing exercises are presented in a compassionate tone, making this book a perfect gift for anxious sleepers and overactive minds. Whether you’re overwhelmed by stress or simply struggle to switch off, this compact hardback…

1. Introduction: The Intersection of Stillness and Heating Chronic pain is more than a physical condition; it is an experience that reverberates through the nervous system, shaping emotional and mental landscapes. In a world that often prioritises activity and intensity, Yin Yoga offers an antidote—an invitation to stillness, presence, and deep restoration. This practice is not merely about passive stretching; it is about reshaping the way we interact with pain, guiding the nervous system toward a more balanced state. Emerging research highlights the profound impact of long-held postures, breathwork, and mindfulness on chronic pain management, reinforcing what ancient wisdom has long known—healing thrives in stillness. 2. The Science of Chronic Pain: Understanding the Body's Response 2.1 The Nervous System and Pain Sensitisation Chronic pain alters the nervous system, often leading…

Our relationship with money stems from what we were taught about money as children, and many times, thoughts and beliefs about money are passed down from our ancestors ~ beliefs often based in scarcity and fear. What I’ve seen through my own transformational journey and a decade of working with impact leaders is that our relationship with money holds patterns that are reflections of our relationship with ourselves ~ and if we can follow that through-line to excavate the distorted belief patterns, we illuminate barriers that have held us back from the wealth that we deeply desire. When we become aware of these barriers, a portal for healing and transformation opens. We begin to realise that we can consciously choose our beliefs, beginning to discard fear-based ones in exchange for…

At YOGA Magazine, we believe yoga knows no boundaries—neither of geography, language, nor landscape. Which is why we are delighted to share a stunning visual journey that reflects this boundless spirit. The World is My Yoga Mat is a photographic odyssey born from the combined talents of yogi KAREN WILLMORE and her husband, award-winning photographer BEN WILLMORE (Author: Crafting the Landscape Photograph published by Rocky Nook and Founder: DigitalMastery.com and MastersAcademy.com) Together, they’ve created something far more than beautiful images of asanas in exotic places—they've crafted a moving meditation on global connection, stillness in motion, and the quiet unity between body, breath, and earth. Spanning over a decade and 85 countries, this captivating series explores how a yoga mat—sometimes literal, often just a moment of grounded presence—can be unrolled anywhere,…

By 1944 it was becoming clear to Japanese military leaders that they were losing the war with the United States. In a desperate attempt to turn the tide back in their favour, Japanese officials decided to employ suicide bombers against American war ships. Young men were recruited to fly planes loaded with a combination of explosives, bombs, torpedoes and full fuel tanks crashing their aircraft directly into an enemy ship. Calling these pilots kamikaze, which translates as spirit wind, nearly 4,000 kamikaze pilots died during the war causing terror among US navy personnel and killing more than 7,000. One young Japanese man, trained as a kamikaze pilot, was waiting his turn to fly a suicide mission when the war ended.“Just on the brink of death, my life was miraculously spared,”…

Marcus Aurelius might be remembered as one of Rome’s most powerful emperors, but his true legacy lies in his wisdom and philosophy. As a Stoic thinker, he spent his life contemplating how to cultivate inner peace, resilience, and purpose, even in the face of immense responsibility and adversity. His Meditations—a private collection of reflections never intended for publication—offer remarkably relevant insights on navigating the challenges of daily life. Despite ruling a vast empire, Marcus Aurelius grappled with the same struggles we all face: stress, uncertainty, criticism, and the constant effort to remain true to his values. He sought to master his emotions, stay composed under pressure, and align his actions with reason and virtue. His words serve as a powerful reminder that, no matter our circumstances, we can train our…

Our breath is a direct indicator of our state of health, and of how well and long we will go on in this body. Consider this. A dog breathes very fast. A turtle, on the other hand, breathes once or twice in a minute. A dog lives for 14-15 years while a turtle goes on 100-150 years. More is not always good. Breath should be optimum. BREATH AS AN INDEX OF HEALTH In the act of breathing, a lot of energy is produced by the cells. Vedas say and modern science agrees that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. The opposite of energy in this case being generation of toxins in the body. These toxins are termed as ‘ama’ in Sanskrit. They gradually corrode the cells leading to…

Listening to your true self is an act of quiet courage. In a world full of noise, expectations, and pressure to conform, tuning in to what you deeply want requires honesty and vulnerability. Authenticity isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being real. It’s choosing to live in alignment with your values, even when it’s uncomfortable or misunderstood. When you honour your inner voice, you gain a kind of strength that doesn’t shout, but endures. This strength comes from knowing who you are, trusting your intuition, and standing firm in your truth. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. The path to authenticity may be uncertain at times, but it leads to a life that feels genuinely yours. You don’t have to be everything to everyone – just…

Continued from the previous issue of YOGA Magazine… Mysteriously we both found ourselves at the banks of a river. Yogi Ji was present. He greeted us and ushered us to follow him home. The morning mist clung to the mountainside as I followed Yogi Ji up a narrow trail. Silver snowflakes drifted lazily from the gray sky, settling on my face and dissolving into tiny droplets. I was still rubbing my hands together for warmth when I heard Bushie, my fellow student, a cheerful snow leopard (if such a thing were possible) with a thick, spotted coat and an easy laugh that seemed out of place in the solemn mountains, yet somehow belonged perfectly. “Come on, Yaar!” Bushie called, bounding over a rock, his voice full of cheer. “The sooner…

As the famous Balinese surf rose up to my chest, I gripped my mum’s arm tightly. The next wave loomed over us and Bam! We were both swept under the churning wash. Surfacing, I scanned urgently around me. Mum, 74, popped up a few metres away, mascara running, eyes popping wide. We linked arms again and re-joined the line of around 30 people, all facing the raw power of nature as one. After a few more waves crashed into our steadfast line of courage, everyone ran hooting and hollering back to shore, invigorated by the salty sting of the swell and the tangible power of unity. We were half way into Mike Chang’s week-long Flow60 Bali retreat and this exercise was deeply symbolic. Our group—people of all ages, nationalities, and…

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 – I am a practitioner of yoga for a few years now.…

Ojas keeps all living beings nourished and refreshed, There can be no life without ojas.Charaka Sutra Sthana, Chapter 30, Verse 9 Some people are just attractive. Nice. But others––with or without classic good looks––have a glow that doesn't stop. It's there when they're all glammed up or going a cappella. Age doesn't dim it one bit. This glow is about living well, feeling confident, and radiating contentment that other people can discern. That way, they won’t simply be impressed by how you present yourself: they’ll be moved by how they feel in your presence. In ayurveda, the ancient Indian healthcare and self-care system that grew up alongside yoga, the glow comes from an abundance of an energy called ojas, the quintessence of radiance. Think of how somebody looks and feels…

ARIES (MESHA) MARCH 21– APRIL 20 August brings a surge of focus with Mars in your career sector, energising your ambitions and aspirations. Channel this drive by balancing your environment with Vastu principles. Clear out clutter in your workspace and add elements of red or orange to stimulate creativity and motivation. Focus on your solar plexus chakra to build confidence; try power yoga or core-focused poses like Boat Pose. Use invigorating aromatherapy scents like rosemary or eucalyptus to boost mental clarity and energy, keeping you sharp and inspired throughout the month. TAURUS (VRISHABHA) APRIL 21 – MAY 20 With Venus retrograde in your home sector, August encourages you to retreat and rejuvenate. Declutter personal spaces, particularly in the southwest, to enhance harmony and bring stability to your relationships. Focus on…