Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2025 i YOGA Magazine

Dear YOGA Magazine Readers, Greetings and Blessings! October arrives with a quiet turning of the wheel of the year. The light softens, the air cools, and we are invited to slow down, to notice, and to listen more deeply. This issue of YOGA Magazine reflects that seasonal shift—a gathering of voices, practices, and perspectives that remind us that wellbeing is not just something we pursue, but something we live moment by moment. We also pause to remember Victor Parachin (1946-2025), a beloved teacher, writer, and long-standing contributor to YOGA Magazine. For many years, his Words of Wisdom column illuminated the lives of great spiritual masters with clarity and grace. We dedicate this issue to his memory with gratitude. Across these pages you’ll find a recurring theme: the search for harmony.…

How do you ‘meet’ yourself when you step on the yoga mat? Does your practice feel like a safe space where you can bring, welcome and tend to the varying parts of yourself (e.g. those that feels pleasing, difficult and neutral)? Or it is yet another platform where you feel the need to achieve, perform or create an improved version of yourself? In cultures where we are often feel led and fed by the need to be ‘doing’ and ‘striving’, where ‘success’ is frequently gauged by qualitative, external ‘results’, it can be easy for these messages to unconsciously slip into how we meet ourselves on the mat. Bringing mindfulness and compassion into the heart of our practice can help to reframe it. Rather than being motivated by a sense of…

In our modern world, it’s easy to forget how profoundly disconnected we are from the natural world. We live in spaces bathed in artificial lighting and immersed in convenience-driven lifestyles. Strawberries and grapes are available year-round, and our thermostats keep the temperature at a perfect 70°F regardless of the season. Though we take much of our modern lifestyle for granted, a question worth asking is this: what is the hidden cost of all this convenience and comfort. By trading our deep connection to the Earth and her elements for the allure of convenience, comfort and instant gratification we have lost something profound: we’ve lost our place among these cycles that govern not only nature, but also our own vitality and well-being. Since the time of our cave-dwelling ancestors, humans evolved…

When you first meet Ravi Dixit, known to many as ‘the smiling Yogi’, you immediately sense a calm joy that comes not from circumstance, but from practice. Born in India into a Brahmin family, Ravi has been immersed in yoga since childhood. Today, he is a respected teacher, bridging the gap between ancient tradition and modern life. His story, however, is not just about teaching yoga, it’s about how yoga has been both his life’s path and his greatest source of healing. London Photos: Cisem Gulsoy Instagram: @flowvisualstudio Photo location: Richmond Park, London Goa Photos: Mosalik Studios https://www.mosalikstudios.com/ Instagram: @mosalikstudios Photo location: Polem Beach, Goa Yoga: Growing up in India “I started practicing yoga when I was nine years old,” Ravi recalls. “My grandfather, an astrologer, taught me to chant…

Yoga is a wonderful journey of discovery. It introduces you to your Divine Self. To your body, mind and spirit. Yoga causes us to take better care of the physical vehicle we live in. It cultivates a deeper relationship with the body, how it works, how the breath facilitates movement, and how the silence within intensifies the whole experience. I remember, when I first started yoga, I loved being called to my mat. The annoying feeling of having to do exercise, was gone. And going to my mat was a pleasure, so rewarding. The power of the mind becomes evident in Yoga, as we learn to examine our thoughts and begin to quieten those that don’t serve us and amplify the internal mantras that give us life. The inner dialogue…

I am writing this for the benefit of those in their 70s who would like to continue practicing Yoga into their 80s. At the tender age of 76, I have realised that the ageing process can be unkind. After sixteen years of thoroughly enjoying Yoga, I now occasionally carry injuries and unusual niggles into class. It is time to be more aware of what I physically can and can’t do. I recently went to see a physio about yet another pain. This time it was my neck. He cheerfully told me that my upper back was ‘knackered’ – charming! There was no ‘quick fix’ but he gave me a set of exercises to do twice a day for eight weeks. Interestingly they are all exercises that are familiar to me…

Many individuals with additional needs experience communication difficulties. From fundamental sensory impairments to lifelong problems with receptive and expressive language, communication issues lead to complex challenges relating to and understanding others. The impact this has on the lives of people with additional needs is significant: it can limit opportunities, destroy self-esteem, and end up causing social exclusion, frustration and behavioural issues (Blair, 2023). At Umbrella Yoga, we provide an opportunity for individuals to become part of an inclusive community, and by making this accessible, we demonstrate that they are valued. We create an environment where difference is celebrated, communication is beyond words, and connections are nurtured and magnified. As an ancient practice with many elements, yoga - through sensory focus, mindful movement and controlled awareness - builds new pathways to…

Continued from the previous issue of YOGA Magazine… “I am deeply honoured, Your Majesty. What is this mantra?” The king leaned forward slightly, his tone steady and reverent, “The mantra I will share with you is in Pali, one of the languages of the Lord Buddha’s teachings. It is simple yet profound, meant for every heart to hold. Listen carefully. I sat up, my eyes filled with curiosity." The king spoke the mantra, "Sabbe satta sukhita hontu" I repeated the mantra to him,“Sabbe satta sukhita hontu.” I sipped some warm milk. “What do these words mean, Your Majesty?” His voice was gentle and his words deliberate. The king replied, “Sabbe satta - means all beings. It is a call to recognise every creature—human, animal, even the unseen—as worthy of love…

Are you stressed? Is it because your job doesn’t pay you enough? Or because your spouse and children do not listen to you? Perhaps it is because your talent goes unnoticed and you feel undervalued. Or maybe it is the gradual decline of your body and appearance that troubles you. You are not alone. Look around and you will find that almost every individual is caught in the same web of four worries—health, finances, relationships, and status. In today’s world, I see stress gripping nearly every individual. Work pressures, financial struggles, relationship challenges, and the constant bombardment of digital information leave the mind restless and the body fatigued. Modern remedies—pills, therapy, or brief relaxation exercises—may offer momentary relief, but true and lasting peace, I have witnessed, comes only from the…

In an industry defined by speed, data, and disruption, RAFIE FARUQ is charting a different path—one led by inner stillness and deep intention. As the co-founder and CEO of Genie AI, a pioneering legal tech company trusted by global giants, Rafie seamlessly blends advanced machine learning with a personal commitment to mindfulness, compassion, and human potential. In this exclusive interview, he shares how his spiritual journey shapes the way he leads, builds culture, and redefines what high performance truly means—from boardroom decisions to meditations at sacred sites. His insights offer a rare glimpse into the intersection of technology and transformation. WHEN DID YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY BEGIN? My spiritual journey began early, around six or seven years old. I remember doing breath and energy meditations before my primary school entrance exam,…

Across cultures and medical traditions, the question of resilience remains central—why some people withstand illness and recover more easily while others succumb to chronic conditions. Āyurveda, India's traditional system of medicine, answers this question through the concept of Ojas, the subtle essence of vitality and immunity. Modern chronic illnesses such as diabetes, depression, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular disease can be reframed through the lens of Ojas depletion: an erosion of inner reserves caused by an imbalance in diet, lifestyle, mental habits, and spiritual disconnection. Viniyoga, a tradition of Yoga rooted in the teachings of Yogācārya T. Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar, offers complementary practices that can restore balance at the level of body, breath, and mind. Its adaptive, breath-centric orientation makes it particularly suited for individualised healing, weaving seamlessly with Ayurvedic…

WEAVING MINDFULNESS AND COMPASSION INTO YOGA TEACHING A HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS AND TRAINEES ANNA TAYLOR Taylor’s latest addition to the Yoga Teaching Guides series shines a spotlight on two qualities often overlooked in yoga instruction: mindfulness and compassion. Rather than focusing solely on physical alignment and technique, this handbook invites teachers to embrace presence, empathy, and a person-centred approach. Taylor emphasises how cultivating self-awareness allows teachers not only to connect more deeply with themselves but also to create supportive, inclusive spaces for students to adapt their practice to individual needs. The book is structured with reflection points, accessible insights, and practical exercises that encourage inner exploration and compassionate engagement. Ideal for both trainees and seasoned practitioners, it’s a reminder that teaching yoga is as much about the heart as it…

WHY WE PRACTICE YOGA AT OR BEFORE SUNRISE The world awakens in the gentle embrace of dawn, where the sun spreads hues of orange and pink across the sky. Those who get up early and venture out to witness the sunrise often find a deeper connection with the spiritual aspect of life. The early morning hours, particularly at sunrise, hold a special place in various spiritual traditions and offer numerous benefits for the mind, body, and soul. In various spiritual practices and beliefs, sunrise signifies the triumph of light over darkness, symbolising new beginnings. In Yogic philosophy, these early hours are a time considered most conducive for meditation and connecting with higher consciousness. Many spiritual traditions consider the time before sunrise as an opportunity for prayers, affirmations, and introspection. We…

The Universe as Sound Nada Yoga interprets the cosmos through the medium of sound. But here, 'sound' means far more than what we might ordinarily think – it represents consciousness itself. This idea is captured in the Sanskrit phrase from the Oxford Encylopaedia of the Music of India – Nada Brahma: consciousness is sound. This understanding has deep roots in the ancient Vedic texts, particularly the Upanishads, which point to sound as both the beginning and essence of the universe. We find similar concepts elsewhere: the Bible’s declaration that "In the beginning was the Word", and the ancient Egyptian belief that the universe sprang from the voice of God. Such parallels unite ancient wisdom with modern scientific understanding. In Indian music, Nada refers to the very essence of musical vibration.…

We are standing at the threshold of a revolution in how we understand health and healing. Across disciplines ~ from medicine to psychology to quantum energetics ~ a new paradigm is emerging. One that refuses to settle for surface symptom management and instead seeks to uncover the root causes of imbalance: the hidden “why” behind disease, distress, and disconnection. This is not about choosing science or spirituality, medicine or mystery. It is about integration ~ weaving together cutting-edge research with ancient wisdom. In this time I call The Great Integration, neuroscience, frequency-based therapies, somatic psychology and quantum energy fields converge to offer a different path to regenerative healing. In this new era of root cause healing, the body is no longer viewed as a machine to be fixed, but as…

Modern research increasingly shows what yoga practitioners have known for centuries: movement, breath, and mindful awareness are powerful tools for living longer, healthier lives. From supporting spinal alignment to boosting immunity and circulation, yoga addresses both the physical and mental aspects of wellbeing. Yoga teacher and founder of the Yoga 4 Pain app, Sophia Drozd, answers key questions on how yoga can promote longevity, nurture spinal health, and the simple poses you can start with today. How can yoga help boost longevity? Yoga really can boost longevity if practised regularly due to its benefits to both physical and mental health; strengthening bones and improving joint health, maintaining mobility and balance, reducing inflammation, improving the immune function as well as increasing blood flow for a healthy heart. Yoga can also help…

As the founder of triyoga, JONATHAN SATTIN has been a central figure in shaping the UK’s yoga and wellness landscape for over two decades. In 2022, he stepped away from the company he built — only to return to his roots in Primrose Hill with a new vision. HOME, his latest venture, is more than a studio; it’s a space designed to nurture connection, belonging, and authenticity in an age of digital distraction. In this conversation with YOGA Magazine, Jonathan reflects on his personal journey, the evolution of yoga and wellbeing, and what it truly means to create a place that feels like home. ☞Starting at the beginning, what brought you to yoga in the first place? In 1985, I somehow found myself as the senior partner in my own…

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 - Is the soul and spirit being the same? A. Turnball, Doncaster…

ARIES (MESHA) MARCH 21– APRIL 20 In October, Mars transits your seventh house of partnerships, bringing energy and assertiveness into relationships. This month, focus on the niyama of Tapas (discipline). Mars’ influence might bring fiery interactions, so harness this energy constructively by committing to healthy routines and honest communication. Engage in yoga practices that focus on grounding, such as standing poses, to help balance Mars’ intensity. By channelling discipline in your relationships, you can transform challenges into opportunities for mutual growth. GEMINI (MITHUNA) MAY 21 – JUNE 21 Mercury moves through your fifth house of creativity and joy, sparking inspiration and the desire for expression. Reflect on Santosha (contentment) as your niyama this month, encouraging you to appreciate the present moment and find joy in simplicity. Use creative outlets like…