Located in the upper abdomen two inches above the navel, the solar plexus chakra or manipura is the third of your seven chakras. The Sanskrit name translates to “shining gem,” a fitting name for this chakra. This chakra is the core of your personality and identity. When balanced, this chakra allows your authentic self to shine brightly. The solar plexus chakra is located above the navel and extends up to the sternum. This forms your deepest connections with willpower, self-discipline, and self-esteem. The solar plexus chakra embodies your unlimited potential to transform thought or inertia into action.

A partner to the yang styles of yoga which consist of strong, dynamic, standing postures, yin yoga offers mostly seated, supine, or low-to the ground long, gentle stretches and holds. While the practice is relatively new to the western yoga lineage, it’s possible that it’s much closer to the original intent of yoga asana practice, a series of postures meant to train us to sit still for longer, and more comfortably, in meditation. In this article, explore the history and benefits of yin yoga practice for body, mind, and soul.

A full moon is one of the most exciting lunar cycles because it represents a boost in energy and is a moment for celebration. In Ashtanga practice, yogis abstain from doing yoga on full moon days because this is one of the most advanced forms of yoga and therefore the risk of injury is greater and so they use full moon days as rest days. All other types of yoga are encouraged during this moon phase.

Self-love. We all need more of it. The teachings of yoga are big on self-love because of one spiritual truth: you cannot fully love others until you fully love yourself.

When you truly understand this truth within your heart, then you can come to cherish the beauty in yourself (and others) in every moment. We’re going to explore three mantras to embed this sense of knowing deep into our state of awareness.

In the journey of yoga and self-discovery, understanding and working with the chakras can play a pivotal role in achieving holistic wellbeing. The main chakras are seven energy centres within the body, each corresponding to specific physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being. By integrating chakra-focused practices into our yoga routine, we can clear out samskaras (mental impressions or residues), awaken Shakti energy within the spine, find balance, and elevate our overall wellbeing. This blog explores the significance of each chakra and how yoga can help us harmonise these vital energy centres.