Category Archives: Philosophy

Finding the answer in meditation

Inside Yoga 101 (24/2/14) When I first started to learn how to meditate there was one lesson which has remained a useful reminder about the realities of meditation: it said that if you can remain focused on your breath and body with your mind quiet and still for one minute you are probably already a [...]

The one I love

Inside Yoga 100 (14/2/14) “This one goes out to one I love…” such an appropriate line from REM, and a good opportunity to use these lyrics on a day such as today, Valentine’s Day… yet the question is while we are showing love for others today, do we love ourselves? I do not mean this [...]

An extension of our self

Inside Yoga 99 (7/2/14) For most people yoga is about stretching, which is true in many respects, but in fact, stretching is just one part of a holistic practice that touches every aspect of what it is to be a human being. I am often told by a newcomer to yoga that they are not [...]

Internet takes your breath away

Inside Yoga 98 (3/2/14) Do you realise that the internet can take your breath away, but not in a healthy way? There is the expression ‘it only takes a minute’ to check something on the web, and as many of us know that minute can soon roll on into half hour, even hours, by which [...]

Refugees in a crazy world

Inside Yoga 97 (27/1/14) I recently read a profile of Uruguay’s president, José Mujica, in the Guardian, and was taken by this “different” kind of politician. He is a president who avoids the trappings of power and demonstrations of opulence. He has forsworn a state palace in favour of a farmhouse, donates the vast bulk [...]

A winter’s tale

Inside Yoga 96 (20/1/14) Every winter some of us struggle with the cold weather and shorter days which at times is compounded by the greyness and wet, not to mention the lack of sun due to cloud cover. When will it ever end is a frequent retort and perhaps even question? How does one cope [...]

Listening and learning to respond

Inside Yoga 95 (13/1/2014) Listening is something that takes time to perfect, and above it takes patience. How many of us are in a hurry to achieve something? How many of us get frustrated when confronted by a delay of some sorts? And how many of us react as opposed to responding to an adverse [...]

Happy new year

Inside Yoga 94 (1/1/2014) A new day, a new year, a new dawn and that odd expression – a new beginning, will be heard all around today. And let me wish you a happy New Year too! What is it however, that makes a new year so important? What is it that makes something a [...]

What mortality teaches us

Inside Yoga 93 (15/12/13) When we lose someone who is close to us, their death brings up a range of emotions – from coping with loss, memories and how to move on. Last week I wrote about Nelson Mandela’s death and how his life had been a lesson in forgiveness, humbleness and simplicity. Four days [...]

Mandela taught us how to be free

Inside Yoga 92 (6/12/13) Today across the world people are mourning the passing of Nelson Mandela, who died last night aged 95, and although this might not really relate to meditation, there is a link, plus, I want to mark his passing with a comment. Like many in this world, I am one person who [...]