ANCIENT WISDOM FOR OUR MODERN LIVES
Musings and words of wisdom from Rachel and friends
North India
It took thirteen years after my first visit to India to finally explore the north of the country and to Ma Ganga (the river Ganges). I’d been longing to see it, but no time ever seemed like the right time as I was busy travelling the south and immersing myself in...

Where are they now?
Sisters Kai and Teagan gained their qualifications with Ray of Light. Here they share their journey toward establishing Austinmer Beach House Yoga. “Studying yoga at Ray Of Light set the perfect foundation for embodying Yoga and Ayurveda holistically and...

Understanding and breaking free of the cycle of pain
Understanding and breaking free of the cycle of pain The pain cycle is such an important aspect of chronic pain that rarely gets explained to people living ongoing pain. Just knowing about the pain cycle has helped me to better respond to my pain and I'll simplify it...

Possibilities for your yoga career – Leading retreats
Tips for yoga teaching running retreats by Bec Cook – Yoga teacher, naturopath and retreat facilitator. Tips for yoga teaching running retreats by Bec Cook – Yoga teacher, naturopath and retreat facilitator. • Create a space where people feel comfortable and safe •...

Teaching Reflections
Teaching ReflectionsDeveloping a reflective quality in our teaching assists us in moving upward in our development of competence as pictured below, it is an important aspect of svadhayaya for teachers. • How did I feel before teaching the class today?...

Bare minimum (digital) marketing
The most talented, experienced, highly qualified and dedicated yoga teacher is not the one whose classes are full, retreats are wait-listed, with students beating a path to their door. It’s the teacher who takes marketing seriously. My experience over the last 10...

The power of an understanding community
Chronic pain can be such an isolating experience that can cause suffering, also known as dukkha, and lead to closing the heart space. Daily ongoing pain takes energy or prana away from being able to socially connect with others as pain can activate the nervous system...

Why Yoga teachers are natural at marketing
Yoga teachers have a natural advantage in marketing themselves and their businesses. Regardless of whether you’re a studio owner or a jobbing teaching, travelling from gig to gig, regardless of whether you’re building an empire or want a ‘lifestyle business’ that’s...

Intentional Healing – how to create a Qi Change
The ancients believed that given the right environment the body and mind could heal itself of many common ailments. Rest, acupressure, gentle movement, herbs and foods were the mainstays of a return to health and creating a balance of Yin and Yang energies. In our...

Gayatri Mantra
oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥsvaḥ tatsaviturvareṇyaṃ bhargo devasyadhīmahi dhiyo yo naḥprachodayāt – Rigveda 3.62. An ancient prayer to the Earth, space and heavens from the Rigveda, a collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns. My mornings start with this mantra, traditionally...