Today I woke up at 5 am. Without my alarm clock, before my cats started meowing, before the sun really came up. I just woke up, feeling that finally my head is clear. This has not happened for over a year. So I got out of bed, took a hot shower, made myself a coffee, and here I am in front of my computer, while most of my neighbours are still sleeping. I did not open my email or social media, I did not check the news first, because today I know what I want to write.
Read MoreI am often asked by friends who know I practice yoga: “do you also meditate”? Most people think of meditation only as something that happens when sitting in lotus, with eyes closed and an expression of great focus. But does that have to be the only way to meditate? What is meditation if not a mindful observation of the self, and being truly present in this moment? When you spend quality time with yourself in solitude it can become your meditation. For me, my daily ashtanga yoga practice is my own meditation in movement. A steady flow of breath connects with the way I move into asanas with awareness and focus. But how do we go from just making shapes into something more, something deeper? Today I wanted to take a look at the most important aspects of asana practice that elevate it into something more meaningful.
Read MoreWhen the whole world is turned upside down a consistent routine can help us stay healthy, focused and feeling grounded. Keeping up with regular exercise, spending time outside and eating a healthy & balanced diet has been my focus during these lockdown months. I find that the way I start my morning sets up an intention for the day ahead. So my go-to morning routine is yoga practice followed by a wholesome, healthy breakfast. Today I wanted to share with you ideas for the simplest breakfast of all - porridge.
Read MoreThe last few weeks have been very stressful for most of us, and it doesn’t seem to be getting better just yet. It’s time to accept the situation and see what we can do to manage the stress better. Yoga is an amazing tool to be able to connect with your breath, calm your mind and also get your body moving. Which is now even more important than ever. We are stuck at home and all that we really need to start practice, is a yoga mat. Whatever your situation is right now, it’s great to be able to take a step back and relax the mind.
Read MoreRecently I returned from a two-month trip to Mysore, India. Far away from my normal life, from daily problems, from my well-known routine. I have been returning to India every year to focus on my yoga practice, studying with my teacher, Sharathji. Every time I go, it is a little different, a new experience in its own way. Each time, it feels like my life is on “pause mode”, like the whole world is turning, but I am standing still. Everyone else is continuing with their life and I am suspended somewhere in between. I was looking at how I can use this feeling of stillness, and where can it take me.
Read MoreWe have reached the time of year when summer has left us for good. Unfortunately, both on the calendar and off. The shorter days, cooler mornings, and often long patches of rain are upon us. But it is also a time of new beginnings, the beginning of Autumn, the beginning of the school year, the return to work after our holidays. In the perfect world we should all be well-rested after our holidays, and return with new passion and energy to our daily life. But is this always the truth? Do we still know how to truly take rest? Today, I wanted to have a closer look at the practice of taking rest.
Read MoreLet’s focus on ways to stay inspired and motivated over the years, on how to maintain a balanced yoga practice. As time goes by and life happens, with all its ups and downs, it is easy to stumble somewhere on the way. You might find you practice less, skip days and at some point, just lose that sparkle you once felt. So, how do we keep our Yoga Mojo?
Read MoreThe beautiful month of June is finally here, with the warm sunny days and long evenings. Whenever I have a free afternoon at home, I love to spend some time in the kitchen, making a delicious and healthy dinner for us to enjoy together. The long evenings are great to spend some family time on the terrace or balcony, and food just tastes even better in the fresh air. Today I prepared a very nutritious and easy to make, four-bean carrot chilli - you can find the recipe below. It is full of healthy protein and totally vegan, so anyone can enjoy it!
Read MoreI spent last month studying at KPJAYI in Mysore, India. I travel there once a year, to deepen my Yoga studies, practicing with my teacher, Sharathji. It was my third time there, so it seems nothing new, but every time I come, my experience is always new in a way. Today, I wanted to share with you a little bit more about what life in Mysore has been like.
Read MoreHello February 14th! As today we celebrate Valentine’s Day, a holiday of love, I wanted to speak a little bit about my little love story, and how living a life of yoga has influenced my relationship.
Read MoreFinding balance in your yoga practice in not easy, and I don’t mean balancing on one leg in tree pose. I want us to consider balance on different levels, being able to see what is good for you, what really serves your body, your mind, and where is your limit.
Read MoreIt’s the end of January, seems like winter has been here forever and is still not going anywhere. So why not embrace it and enjoy the cold, the snow and winter altogether? Today, I wanted to share with you my love for real winter and the mountains. As a yoga student and teacher I am surrounded by people from the yoga „clique”, and there is one main question that is often asked in wintertime: can yogis enjoy skiing?
Read MoreSmoothie bowls are a great option for breakfast, but also they might be a nice replacement for a traditional supper/dinner, when you’re feeling like something lighter. I prepared 3 smoothie bowl recipes for you: green, yellow and purple, which one will be your favourite?
Read MoreToday is the last day of the year, everyone is making New Year’s Eve party plans and keeping busy. As I drink my morning coffee, I am taking a moment to reflect on this year that is passing us by. What am I thankful for? Where have I stumbled, what could I do better next year? And I make my resolutions, it is the perfect moment to reflect.
Read MoreOne of my Yoga teachers said, that if someone thinks they have reached enlightenment through yoga, then they should spend a few days at Christmas with their family or family in-law. Nothing better to put you back on track. So, don’t expect this holiday season to be perfect, but appreciate it as it is and learn how to keep your calm. Today I wanted to share with you some ideas of how we can use yoga as a tool to help us during a Family Christmas.
Read MoreWhen I was young, my parents would encourage me and my sisters to make Christmas presents ourselves. My mom would say that if you give a present your time, thought, work and most importantly, your love, it will be worth all the much more. Today, as adults (or so at least it seems we must be adults already), we usually buy most of our presents. That doesn’t mean we put less of our thought and love in it, but wouldn’t it be nice to try putting in some more of our time and efforts, once in a while? So, how about bringing back that childhood tradition? Let’s make some presents!
Read MoreLately we hear a lot about people practicing yoga off the mat, but what does that really mean? Is it doing asanas on the street, beach or in the park? Nope, not exactly.
Read my blog post to find out how you can practice yoga off the mat!
Read MoreHow to keep a positive spirit while the days get cooler, our holiday tans start fading and suddenly we realise that summer has left us for good? This year we have been exceptionally lucky to have the most beautiful beginning of Autumn season, with amazing sunshine and warm lovely days. But this cannot last forever, and we need to be ready not to let the rainy days bring us down.
Read MoreAfter a long hot summer day I don't crave any hot or heavy meals, but usually choose a light dinner. It's a great opportunity to fill up on some delicious seasonal veggies, making sure we eat enough of them every day. I prepared 3 recipe ideas of plant-based veggie dinners, which you can enjoy on their own as a lighter option or eat them on the side of a veggie burger or anything you like :)
Read MoreThe asana practice is not all sun salutations and pretty postures in which you can manage a smile, there are hard moments, hard times. We are trying to keep a steady ujjayi breath through the whole series, but some positions are so intense for the body and mind that this is not simple. Many people ask why do you do these crazy positions every day? Why the struggle, why put yourself through that? For me the answer is simple…
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