Category Archives: yoga

The technique of Kriya Yoga is an ancient practice that was revived in the East in 1861 when Mahavatar Babaji taught the technique to his disciple Lahiri Mahasaya. It was then brought to the West in 1920 by Paramahansa Yogananda and popularised in his 1946 book ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ — which is often cited as one of the most important spiritual books of the 20th Century.

But what exactly is Kriya Yoga?

Full name: UTTHITA TRIKONASANA = Extended Triangle Pose

        Utthita = Extended (pronunciation: oo-TEE-tah)
        Trikona = Three angle or triangle (pronunciation: trik-con)
        Asana = Pose (pronunciation: AHS-anna)

Why You Should Practise Trikonasana

As someone who has read countless books about yoga and watched several yoga movies, I know all too well the positive effect that they can have on your practice and on your daily life.

Yoga is so much more than simply taking classes. It’s about changing our outlook on life and boosting our physical and mental wellbeing. It’s developing harmony between the mind, body and environment. And perhaps, most importantly, it’s a spiritual tradition that dates back thousands of years. So where better to learn about the fascinating history, traditions and practice of yoga than in the pages of a book?

I (re)discovered yoga in the midst of an internal personal crisis while far far away and very lonely. Incidentally, as I was backpacking through South-East Asia and moving constantly, doing all sorts of online yoga courses, reading yoga books, and watching yoga movies were my favourite to do on the go out of my hotel rooms. They gave me tools to cope better and find the inner strength to push through.

Having some extra time on your hands? Did you know online yoga teacher training courses were a thing? That’s right, Yoga Alliance recently approved fully remotely-obtained YTTs as accepted for registration with them (which is a prerequisite to be able to teach in the first place). Since it’s a relatively new business, the prices are still super low when compared to other YTTs and an amazing opportunity for yogis on a budget.

Getting started with yoga can feel overwhelming — there are so many amazing teachers, studios, online yoga courses, and, if your budget permits, IRL yoga retreats to learn the basics. But I honestly think the best, most accessible, welcoming — not to mention the cheapest — place to start with yoga for beginners, is at home with some good ol’ Surya Namaskar poses… trust me, I’ve tried pretty much every style and platform of yoga going and home practise and self-guided learning is the most effective.