Festivals, fasts and celebrations all connect with the Full Moon. It is of huge significance to many cultures.
Full Moon
Flower of life
The Flower Of Life symbol is a geometric form that turns up in Sacred Geometry. The flower of life is an ancient symbol in many cultures.
Prayer flags and their meaning
You may have seen prayer flags on your travels or in photos. They are often placed outside temples, in the high mountains, across bridges, buildings and trees. What is the significance of these prayer flags? What do they mean?
Why Practice Yin Yoga?
This slow moving, floor based session will improve your flexibility, mobility and body mind connection. This practice can be used as a moving meditation and it works with our meridian energy channels. Feel freer and more relaxed!
The importance of Savasana in Yoga.
Savasana is the integration phase from all the physical work you have done in practice- to skip it means that you don't receive the benefits of adaptation and integration from your physical work. So if you want to get the most from your workout - you are simply not doing that by skipping Savasana!
Common misconceptions of meditation – debunked!
For many people the idea of meditation might be a way for them to relax and destress. They're right. The trouble is there are also many ideas around meditation that might prevent people from starting in the first place or to give up because it's another thing that they "can't do" or don't have time for Here are some common meditation misconceptions debunked - it may help you reevaluate your current practice or encourage you to start your meditation practice!
Yoga; The 8 Limbs of Yoga. Samadhi
There are 8 limbs to a full Yoga practice. Each limb is a complete discipline and a life long journey of learning. The 8 limbs are; Yama, Niyama, Ãsana, Prãnayãma, Pratyãhãra, Dhãrana, Dhyãna and Samadhi. In this article we'll look at Samadhi. Samadhi is often translated like Dhãrana as focus or concentration or like Dhyãna as contemplation and... Continue Reading →
Yoga; The 8 Limbs of Yoga. Dhyãna.
There are 8 limbs to a full Yoga practice. Each limb is a complete discipline and a life long journey of learning. The 8 limbs are; Yama, Niyama, Ãsana, Prãnayãma, Pratyãhãra, Dhãrana, Dhyãna and Samadhi. In this article we'll look at Dhyãna. Dhyãna means contemplation, reflection, to see, to look, to show, meditation. In Dhãrana the focus... Continue Reading →
Yoga; The 8 Limbs of Yoga. Dhãrana.
There are 8 limbs to a full Yoga practice. Each limb is a complete discipline and a life long journey of learning. The 8 limbs are; Yama, Niyama, Ãsana, Prãnayãma, Pratyãhãra, Dhãrana, Dhyãna and Samadhi. In this article we'll look at Dhãrana. In Pratyãhãra when the mind is fully withdrawn from external distractions, you can choose a... Continue Reading →
Yoga; The 8 Limbs of Yoga. Pratyãhãra.
There are 8 limbs to a full Yoga practice. Each limb is a complete discipline and a life long journey of learning. The 8 limbs are; Yama, Niyama, Ãsana, Prãnayãma, Pratyãhãra, Dhãrana, Dhyãna and Samadhi. In this article we'll look at Pratyãhãra. Each limb of Yoga prepares you for the next one. The Pratyãhãra practice helps to settle... Continue Reading →
Yoga; The 8 Limbs of Yoga. Prãnãyãma.
There are 8 limbs to a full Yoga practice. Each limb is a complete discipline and a life long journey of learning. The 8 limbs are; Yama, Niyama, Ãsana, Prãnayãma, Pratyãhãra, Dhãrana, Dhyãna and Samadhi. In this article we'll look at Prãnãyãma. The word Prãnãyãma consists of two parts. Prãna and ãyãma. Ãyama means to stretch or... Continue Reading →
Yoga; The 8 Limbs of Yoga. Ãsana.
While it is good to strive to improve and master a pose, the Yoga is happening on the inside -when you notice your habits and judgements to the obstacles that the pose presents to you. Once you master a pose - there is always another one to challenge you.
Yoga; The 8 Limbs of Yoga. The Niyamas.
The Niyamas are guide lines for ethical living through Discipline.
Yoga; The 8 Limbs. The Yamas
The Yamas are guide lines for ethical living
What is Yoga?
There are 8 limbs to a full Yoga practice. Each limb prepares you for the next one. They are all a life path of learning and practice. To have a full Yoga practice all 8 limbs will be incorporated into your life.
How to support your immune system.
Looking after your immune system is high on all of our priorities right now as the country and world begins opening up restrictions. Your body has already been on high alert since early in the year and in the next few weeks and months it will be tested as you begin interacting with more people.
Emerging from Lock down
With social distancing in place never will a smile mean so much and if you are wearing a mask, Smile with your eyes!
Yoga. Aesthetic v’s Functional alignment.
In order to analyse yoga postures from the perspective of aesthetic versus Functional alignment. I would first like to identify what each means. Aesthetic alignment is based on how a pose looks - in the mirror, to the student or teacher. They are often initiated at the distal areas of the body - for example... Continue Reading →
Machu Picchu Expedition, October 2018
What happens on trek - stays on trek!!!
Commonly taught meditative instructions that may cause difficulties. How a Yin approach could help relieve these conflicts.
Traditional ways that meditation is taught would be classed as a yang approach to meditation. Yang methods direct the meditator to have a particular focus in their meditation and to return to that effort, whenever the mind wanders. 4 commonly taught meditation instructions include; Focusing on the breath - e.g. at the point of entry... Continue Reading →
Kilimanjaro Expedition, August 2018.
Wind scalped the top of the mountain, blowing others off their feet. There is nowhere to hide on Kilimanjaro from wind.
Machu Picchu Expedition. September 2018.
After multiple flights across the Atlantic we arrive in Cusco to a warm Peruvian welcome and the charming city that is Cusco. It’s my first time for this trek and it’s been in my head for over 20 years - I’m excited and thrilled to be here. Only a few hours later so taken are... Continue Reading →
The difference between Stressing tissues & Stretching tissues
To stress something is to bear a load on it, stress is the degree of pressure applied - this we can do to our tissues. Tissues are often subjected to stress but no movement occurs. There is no shortening or lengthening of the tissues. Stretching occurs when the stress loaded is in excess of the... Continue Reading →
The importance of layering for Mountain Expeditions.
Preparation is key Before you go on your trip of a life time spend a few moments deciding what’s really important to you. I appreciate the hidden dreams in the recesses of your brain that you’ve been harbouring - secretly or not - for a week- or for years. To ensure you have an amazing... Continue Reading →
An introduction to 432hz, 528hz and Solfeggio frequencies…
432hz, 528hz and Solfeggio frequencies Modern music is tuned to 440hz when in 1926 a standardised system came in. Most ancient greek and Egyptian instruments were tuned to 432Hz, Himalayan Bowls, old music - mozart, Verdi. Gregorian Chants are based on the Solfeggio frequencies. Music based on 432 Hz is said to transmit beneficial healing... Continue Reading →
Everest Base Camp Expedition 2018
I lead an expedition to Everest Base Camp this April & May. I got a good vibe from this group straight away in Dublin Airport when we met. They all knew each other very well & they’d even met our doc on their training weekend - I was the only “outsider”. They took me into their... Continue Reading →
So what are Chakras anyway?
Chakra means wheel in Sanskrit. The Chakras refer to the energy centres in the body. We have many thousands of them, there are 7 main energy centres in the body. Energy flows through the Chakras, but when they are blocked or imbalanced, there is an effect on our emotional, mental and physical wellbeing, which can... Continue Reading →
Equipment to tackle Kilimanjaro & Everest Base Camp
This article looks at some of the essential gear and items to have on two of Earth's Edge most popular treks – Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro. So you’ve booked the trip of a lifetime to Kilimanjaro or Everest Base Camp – now what? Two things people often worry about are fitness and equipment. Spending... Continue Reading →
What is Reiki?
Originating in Japan Reiki is an energy healing technique which can allow you to reduce stress, clear your mind and balance body, mind and spirit. It is not a religion or dogmatic in anyway. You do not have to " believe" in Reiki for it to work.
Yoga has many benefits for both training for expeditions and while on expedition itself. Whether you’re off to Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp or skiing the Haute Route - Yoga has a place in your pre expedition training and while you’re on the mountain!
The many flavours of Yoga….
Yoga is like ice cream.... With so many flavours to choose from, it can be difficult to decide what style is right for you. Yoga is thousands of years old, so many styles have been developed over the years. Here's a simple short guide (in no particular order) of what some of the Yoga styles have in store for you....
What is Sound Therapy?
Sound healing has been around for thousands of years and has been used in may different cultures as a form of healing. Just think how music can effect your mood when listening to it as an example. It can move us to tears, lift us out our depths, or raise our spirits for joy, battle or focus.
A Sacred space.
A sacred space is a space that is free from distraction , to allow yourself to be truly present in the moment. This makes you aware immediately of your place within the universe and the power that comes with that from the universe. Taking the time out to put things in context; reality, humility, contemplation and spirituality. This can be in a dedicated space within your house or taking the time out to make a space that is available to you sacred - this can be inside or outside in nature. It needs to be a conscious process to take us away from the everyday things that distract us from the connection with ourselves.
Confused about yoga? faq’s
What is yoga? What's the goal? What's the point? Is Yoga competitive? Do you have to be fit? Do you have to be flexible? Do you have to wear lycra? Why does everyone wear it anyway? I hate the gym I find it intimidating... I'm really shy.... What about injuries - new & old?
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