ANCIENT WISDOM FOR OUR MODERN LIVES
Musings and words of wisdom from Rachel and friends
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...
Autumn – A time for letting go
Have you been feeling sluggish, tired, slower, or just weighed down by the hot/humid weather? These feelings are pretty common this time of year if you live in the southern hemisphere or most of the year if you live close to the equator. Appetite, digestion and mood...
Beyond Āsana – What makes your heart sing?
Most of us have experienced the heart opening effect of Yoga āsana, the powerful effect of postures that open the chest region. They are known for their uplifting effect of opening the major prānā area of the chest. Prānā Vayu is responsible for our emotions, our...
Yoga, Buddhism and Self-Compassion
Precept One of the Five Precepts of Buddhism is ‘to abstain from causing harm to living beings’, or as Patanjali names it, Ahimsa, or non-violence. Buddha’s core philosophy, the central tenet of Buddhism, says that life is Dukkha, or life is suffering, and that the...
ACUPUNCTURE – the theory behind this mysterious therapy
Yin and Yang (pron. ‘young’) was first conceived through patient observation of the forces of nature. The Taoists who developed the system of traditional Chinese medicine 3000 years ago, saw the universe as a unified field, constantly moving and changing...
Indian Food
Visiting India is an incredible experience on many levels – including the cuisine! One of the predominant traditional items you will find on menus throughout India, particularly in Southern parts, is the thali (pronounced ta-lee). As this dish can be vegetarian or...
India First Timers Guide
Most yogis find themselves in India somewhere along their journey; despite challenging culture-shocks, the first trip is usually not the last. Visiting the back-to-basics Motherland can be full of twists, turns and life-altering learning curves. Stripped of home...
Holy Cow!!
I’ve been travelling to India regularly since 2006. I lead annual retreats, undertake personal study (eg intensives on Bhagavad Gita), and other programs (eg panchakarma). I totally immerse myself in this crazy, uplifting, colourful place. These are five things that...
Simple Ways to Boost Digestive Health
My digestion isn't as efficient as I'd like it to be, so I'm opting for a gentle approach to boasting my digestive fire "Agni". According to Ayurveda it's easier for our bodies to digest and absorb warm foods that have been cooked. So here's what's in store for me;...
Beyond Knowledge: A Personal Trip to India
My lovely hubby took a friend and I who was also heading off overseas to the airport. She was heading off to Sweeden time she'd taken away from her family for the first time in many years to spend time with her family back there. And for me I'm embarking on a two week...
