In the BBC TV programme ‘Trust Me, I’m a Doctor’, Michael Moseley tested Tai Chi and Zumba as forms of exercise to compare their effectiveness on our health. He asked can the slow movements of Tai Chi be as good for our health as the fast-paced activity of Zumba?

He found the Zumba group were all fitter after 12 weeks as was expected, with improved elasticity of their blood vessels and lowered blood pressure. They were surprised, however, to discover that the results from the Tai Chi group also showed the same benefits. Source: BBC. View this three minute BCC video.

So if you don’t want to break into a sweat, or have limited physical flexibility, then Tai Chi brings you all the same health benefits as vigorous exercise and more as you will discover. But what is Tai Chi? And what can it offer you?

Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan*, meaning ‘The Supreme Ultimate Fist’ was developed thousands of years ago in China, as a form of self-defence. It is a slow-moving meditation where your breathing is always connected with the ebb and flow of specific movements in sequences. The aim is to relax into each movement while remaining alert and mindful.

It can look deceptively simple but just try doing slow-motion punches, deflections and kicks and you’ll realise why Tai Chi is often referred to as ‘internal weight-lifting’. The speeded-up movements are actually applicable for self-defence. Tai Chi is also an exercise that promotes harmony between mind and body, thus reducing stress, and at the same time has numerous health benefits, including improving physical balance, posture, flexibility, antioxidant capacity, and increasing energy, stamina and strength.

In traditional Chinese medicine, human beings are considered miniature versions of the universe, made up of the five elements – wood, fire, water, earth and metal. The energy from these five elements, known as ‘qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’), flows throughout the body, and practising Tai Chi helps to improve the flow and to channel this energy in a smooth and balanced manner – also known as ‘balancing your qi’. ­Practicing out of doors, in parks or gardens where you can connect with the energy of nature, enhances the benefits.

Tai Chi sprung from the ancient Chinese discipline of Qigong, meaning ‘energy cultivation’ – based on the Taoist principle of Yin and Yang, ‘ebb and flow’. They were secret practices and only taught to selected students or family members, or were practised by monks and nuns for their spiritual development. Since the 1970s Chinese masters have brought their teachings to the West and the practices have become increasingly popular. There are five traditional schools, known by their family names: Yang, Chen, Wu (Hao), Wu and Sun. Most modern styles of Tai Chi trace their development to at least one of these. Similar to different yoga styles you may choose your preferred style, though ultimately the right teacher for you may be more important than the style.

You may wonder what’s the difference between Qigong and Tai Chi?

While Qigong focuses on the inner development of one’s energy for physical, mental and spiritual health, Tai Chi uses that energy in the ‘outer world’ to defend and deflect for self-defence.

Qigong is more akin to ‘acupuncture in movement’ and offers specific self-help techniques and short exercise sequences for different organs and for different seasons of the year. You can read more on the ‘Four Season Medical Qigong’ site.

Recent studies find that Tai Chi helps reinvigorate stem cells, see the article. See also the NHS Guide to Tai Chi and the NHS’s Health Benefits of Tai Chi Examined – here, as often Tai Chi is talked about as if it is interchangeable with Qigong.

The underlying principle for both remains the same: ‘The least effort is the most effective’.

‘The least effort is the most effective.’

Both practices aim to open the flow of the energy paths or, as per acupuncture, the meridian lines passing through the body. Much like a river, the flow may be initially muddy or even blocked, until your body can allow open relaxation in healthy strong movements and postures, connected on three levels, the human (heart), earth and sky/heaven.

However, the concept goes against our ingrained Western approach of pushing ourselves to our limit and doing 100%, which in itself creates tension. With Tai Chi and Qigong you want to do about 70% of what you may be capable at any given moment so that your body and mind can remain relaxed and open for the free flow of energy. Then you can learn to direct this energy for your own health benefit or to fend off an attacker.

There’s nothing better than seeing the practices in action, so here are three videos.

Qigong video

For a daily 15-minute Qigong routine:

Tai Chi videos

Self-practice for health – ‘Tai Chi 5 Minutes a Day, Module 1 – easy for beginners’:

Self-defence – ‘5 Tai Chi Self Defense Fighting Combat Techniques’:

We trust this gives you a deeper insight and encourages you to explore these ancient practices, whatever your age. If you have any questions or would like to go on a Tai Chi retreat please contact us. Now there are also live-stream Qigong and Tai Chi Easy classes.

*Note:
The old Western spelling is Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung. – In early 1990 Chinese authorities decreed that the spelling in Latin characters should be Tai Ji Quan (or in one word Taijiquan) and Qigong. This more closely matches the Mandarin pronunciation and differentiates the two different ‘chi’ ­ – in Qigong, it means ’energy’, whereas Tai Ji Quan means the ‘Supreme Ultimate Fist’ or often referred to as ‘Fist in a Velvet Glove’ (Here ‘Ji’ does not mean energy). So the modern spellings for short are Taiji and Qigong (but ‘Tai Chi’ is still widely used).

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Let’s help you find where to go on holiday in September – we’ve rounded up some of the best places.

Summer isn’t over yet in September. In fact a holiday in September is best in the Mediterranean for example if you want to avoid the backing heat, yet temperatures are comfortable for the occasional excursions and also sunbathing on the beach and swimming in the sea. The water has gradually been warmed up throughout the summer, and still feels very pleasant even with a gentle breeze.

Besides, with kids back at school, the crowds have disappeared and prices have come down. You are lucky if you can go on holiday in September to benefit from more pleasant temperatures, lower prices, and less crowded places. It’s indeed a good choice to go on holiday in September and enjoy those benefits.

And if you don’t want to fly to the Med there are also home-grown destinations with so much to offer. Whether it’s Ayurveda massages in Wales or outdoor hot tub and spa in Yorkshire, there are plenty of retreats where you can immerse yourself in peaceful seclusion.

If you want to check local temperatures we recommend the BBC weather website for weather reports about two weeks in advance. Once you are away the Met office site provides also useful local details.

Here is our selection to help you find your holiday in September:

In the UK

Ayurveda in Wales: head to South Wales to unwind and relax with a combination of yoga and Ayurveda. Enjoy outdoor hot tub and infra-red sauna, walks in AONB and by the beach. From £570pp for 3 nights, pick your days. (See also photo at top.)

Yoga Cleanse in Cotswold: in early September Rina Golan offers the opportunity to let yourself be nourished, go inwards and pay attention to your needs. Cook together, practice yoga, meditate, walk in nature. From £295pp for 2-night weekend, in early September and October only.

Be Healthily Happy in Yorkshire: Relax with Kundalini yoga, unwind with meditation, refresh and rejuvenate with healthy raw food cuisine, plus enjoy the hot tub and sauna. These are women only retreats offered by Raw Horizons. From £1,095pp for 5 nights, full board.

In Europe

Yoga in southwest Turkey: Huzur Vadisi, one of the country’s best-known yoga retreats is waiting for you, nestled in a peaceful valley amongst olive groves near Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. From £525pp per week.

Fun holidays near Toulouse: get inspired with one-week holidays focusing on yoga, music, dance, cookery or art. From £640pp per week.

Luxury Yoga Retreat in Pelion, Greece: at the foot of the magical Pelion forest where crystal clear water laps rhythmically at the water’s edge. Enjoy vinyasa flow yoga and massages. September only, from £790pp per week.

Further afield

Ayurveda, yoga, beach, and up to 50% discount: If you are craving perfect white sandy beaches, palm trees and warm seas, West Coast Ayurveda Resort in Sri Lanka is located right on tropical beach with a natural lagoon. Treat yourself to a uniquely luxurious holiday with full body massages. Enjoy up to 50% discount on full board accommodation, until 7^th November.

Swim with Wild Dolphins, Bimini, Bahamas: this is a once in a lifetime holiday, the ultimate sacred journey retreat with WildQuest. Plus yoga, healthy food and warm, turquoise ocean. Selected dates in September, from $1,695pp for 6 nights, approximately £1,200.

For more inspiration of holidays in September check our calendar and also all year holidays.

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Are you looking for a short break, or retreat to recharge this spring? A holiday in May means you can make use of the bank holidays!

May bank holidays always fall on the first and the last Monday in May, in 2016 that’s Monday 2 May and Monday 30 May (Spring bank holiday).

Here’s our selection of where to go on holiday in May. Places where you can go alone without being alone, from yoga retreats to creative breaks.

May is an attractive month of the year to go on holiday – you’ll find blossoms abound with nature and climate at its best in many countries, and flights are cheaper.

Most Mediterranean countries are just starting to welcome visitors. The days are longer but not yet too hot, allowing for exploration of countryside, villages and markets without the summer crowds.

France is a train ride away, or fly to Toulouse in South West France for La Roane – a peaceful and secluded setting in a 20-acre of meadows and woodland. It’s only 3 miles from the medieval market town of St Antonin, location for the film Charlotte Gray with lead actor Cate Blanchett, and also The Hundred Foot Journey with Helen Mirren. In May the meadows display a wide variety of wild flowers including rare orchids; and nightingales enchant with their song!

In romantic Italy, just an hour outside Rome you can stay at Sunflower Retreats in the Sabine Hills overlooking an incredible panorama of olive groves and fruit trees. Stay for 4 or 6 nights and chose from different yoga styles depending on the week. Other optional activities include meditation, holistic treatments, Italian cooking classes, Italian lessons, horse riding, creative writing classes, water colour painting. Make sure you visit the hot sulphur springs.

The above are just some of the options, you find more ideas for a holiday in May under holidays by date.

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THE holiday month of the year, August!  Time to cool off and get away from it all on a wellness holiday or revitalising yoga retreats.

To feel spoilt for choice, check out our “Where to go on holiday in August”.

The whole Mediterranean basin – as well as our own sceptred isle – is ringed by wonderful yoga and activity retreats this August: here are just some of our favourites.

Let’s start with a Spanish Island. On the Canaries, you can enjoy Azul’s mix of yoga, pilates and surf holidays set inland against the dramatic volcanic backdrop of Fuerteventura; or enjoy beauty and massage treatments after being pummelled by the surf with their beachside option.

From the UK hop across the Channel to France, near Toulouse, peaceful La Roane offers top value for yoga and creativity holidays. Located in a nature lovers’ paradise, with its own swimming pool and award-winning chef, it’s a real treat.

Perhaps you’re ready for something really off the beaten track, but still in Europe?

For many, though, it’s the Greek Islands for yoga retreats – with their simple beauty and lifestyle – warmed by brilliant sunshine, yet cooled by the “meltemi” sea breezes. See our wide choice of Greek holidays.

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Are you still wondering where to go on holiday in July? Where to go for yoga retreats or other activity or wellbeing holidays?

You’ve come to the right address. Just check out our choice of where to go on holiday in July.

We reckon it’s the perfect time to get away, before the school holidays and summer rush.

July’s the best time of year to laze on a Greek island, where the temperature at the moment is in the 70sF and 80sF (21 to 26C). There’s quite a selection of Greek island holidays.

Feel like going further afield? You can join WildQuest for a magical-sounding “Full Moon Dolphin swim retreat”. Ahh, those warm Caribbean waters…

Sounds a bit too hot for you? Now that the sun is making its appearance at long last in Britain, there are loads of wonderful retreats and  holidays right here. Check out these empowering Life Coaching and Wellbeing Retreats in North Yorkshire.

If you need to relax, but don’t have much time, we recommend a weekend ‘wellness getaway’ in East Sussex. After your yoga or meditation, you can wander across the beautiful Sussex Downs – and Arundel even has its own Proms Season in July!

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Do you want to find a good yet cheap travel health insurance, and quickly?

Are you covered for your trip by a good yet cheap travel health insurance?

What do I need to look out for when acquiring travel insurance? What’s a good and cheap travel health insurance to cover my needs? And how can I find it quickly?

In the current economic climate and also the apparent climate change there can be unexpected occurrences from financial failure of airlines to extreme weather, e.g. storms. Just think back to the volcanic ash cloud and it’s effects on travel plans in Europe. There are a few travel insurance companies that will also cover you for those eventualities.

Even if you are travelling anywhere within the UK (or your home country) if you paid for any ticket, accommodation, activity holiday or retreat you may like to be covered by the best travel insurance e.g in case of floods or any natural disaster, so that you can claim back any money.

If before now you haven’t considered getting travel insurance when embarking on your trip or think you will simply be insured by paying for your holiday with your credit card, you may like to think again. Not all credit card companies still provide automatic money back insurance, you may like to check with your bank. It’s advisable to get covered before you travel, ideally when you buy your ticket or take the risk of loosing your deposits.

These days most people use price comparison sites where you can request some of your criteria to narrow down your choice and find the cheapest insurance. It’s a good start, though bear in mind that not all insurance providers are included. It’s always highly recommend you read the ‘small print’ carefully and check reviews of your selected providers – to fast track this process we’ve done some leg work for you and compiled a quick checklist for travel insurance essentials.

7 Top Tips – Quick checklist to cover the essentials of your travel insurance:

Make sure you…
1) acquire a comprehensive travel AND medical insurance
e.g. some insurance companies will cover for financial failure including scheduled flights and accommodation, either as standard, or as an optional extra. AND don’t lie about your medical history you may end up paying for it.

2) your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake
e.g. yoga, sports etc.

3) your policy covers you for any natural disasters
e.g. covering claims resulting from closure of airspace due to volcanic ash. Some insurance companies are treating volcanic ash clouds as a “weather related” event.

4) check for any exclusions
e.g. depending on your needs some exclusions may be fine for you, others not.

5) are happy with the excess
e.g. if you make any claim do you want to absorb the first £100, £200 or less?

6) choose an insurer who pays for justified claims
e.g with a brief check of the latest reviews on the internet you can quickly identify companies to avoid

7) check annual cover that usually works out cheaper if you are planning on two or more trips (worldwide or Europe).

In our research we discovered The Moneysaving Expert helps you find a good yet cheap travel health insurance with the cover you want and it’s quick to use; including tips for over 50s.
(If you do not live in the UK or you are not a UK resident then you may need to get insurance in your country of origin or residency.)

Please always double-check all insurance details directly with the company. Neal’s Yard Holidays cannot be held responsible for any decisions you make regarding your travel insurance.

If you are interested in further reading, the Guardian have a good article on travel insurance policies with further helpful suggestions (although it was published in 2009, it still contains applicable information).

Happy travelling!

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Need a quick packing list and some useful travel tips?

We’ve all got too many things to remember especially just before we go off on a holiday. Here’s an easy reference packing list and travel tips to help you on your journey.

General travel packing tips:

First I like to pack my travel documents, and next toiletries, as this can be done well in advance and bit by bit, removing any stress, giving me time to obtain any missing items. I have my open travel bag on the side and add to it as and when over the coming days/weeks in the run up to the holiday.
Last I pack my clothes, once I can find out about the local weather. For a 10-day weather forecast worldwide check out www.viamichelin.co.uk

Packing list and travel tips:

So that you can tick things off as you go along, simply copy and paste the below packing list into your own word doc or similar, then print it off. Depending on your needs and destination you’ll want to omit as relevant.
This packing list is for women (men, please add or remove as relevant), the travel tips apply for all.

Travel documents:
passport (for most overseas trips make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months before your return date)
tickets
travel confirmation
itinerary
driving licence
travel insurance (see our quick tips)
EHIC – European health insurance card (free via www.nhs.uk)
local addresses and phone numbers
local info / guide book /maps
phrase book
ATM card / credit card (see moneysaving expert’s tips)
cash
spare passport photos (handy in case you loose any photo id and need to get a replacement)
copies of travel documents and passport
credit card contact info
emergency contact info
travel locks & keys
luggage tags

Toiletries:
washbag
tootbrush / toothpaste/ floss
shower gel / bio degradable soap
shampoo/conditioner
body lotion / sun cream /after sun
lip salve
moisturiser
face cleanser
cotton wool
make-up / nail varnish & remover
deodorant
razor / tweezers / scissors
feminine hygiene
towel
beach towel
comb / brush / hair bands and clips
blow dryer
mirror

First aid and remedies:
obtain relevant vaccinations (via GP or health clinic)
insect repellent
medicines / supplements
plasters / blister pads


Accessories:

beach bag/mat
small day-sack / bag
carrier bags
fan
umbrella
torch (hands-free head torch can be very useful)
sunglasses
binoculars
travel wash
needle/thread
books / cards / game
money belt
watch

Electrical:
phone & charger
music player with head phones & charger
camera & charger and spare memory card
tablet / laptop & charger
adaptors

For the handbag:
water (flask – not if travelling by plane)
teabags
snacks / sweets / throat pastels
ear plugs
eye pads
travel cushion
tissues
notebook / pen / reading material
ziplock / clear bags (for check-in to flights re liquid/cream items)

Clothes:
t-shirts / shirts (also long sleeved for protection from sun)
skirts / dress
jumpers / cardigan
jeans / trousers / shorts
slacks / leggings / tights
socks
underwear / bras / vests
sleep wear / robe
jewellery / belts
jacket / coat
waterproof
hat / gloves / scarf
shoes / trainers / boots / wellies
sandals / flip flops / slippers
swim suit / goggles

And of course:
gifts for any hosts / family and friends

24 hours before:
check-in online (possible with most airlines)
check travel arrangement to train station or airport / book mini cab
set alarm

Last not least:
take an open mind and sense of humour

This packing list is by no means exhaustive. You may wish to add your own special items. In any case I hope you find the packing list and travel tips useful. If you fancy it you can try this interactive packing list or this universal packing list.

To be kept informed of latest news, tips and offers subscribe to our monthly ezine (e-magazine).

Happy holidays!

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On the 8^th of March we are celebrating international Women’s Day. And yes, it’s time to be celebrating women again – past and present.

Are you going to do something a little different to treat yourself and your girl friends, or indeed your mum for Mother’s Day? I had a new experience the other day, leading me to celebrate women – prehistoric and modern.

Having recently become a member of the British Museum, I’ve made use of the free access to visit the exhibition ‘Ice Age Art – arrival of the modern mind’. Amongst the awe-inspiring 33,000 to 10,000 year old exhibits is a series of figurines of women in various stages of pregnancy. If I put myself in their ‘shoes’ (did they have any?) I imagine that the act of giving birth, creating life, must have been highly important for the survival of their group and highly revered. These figurines celebrated fertility by sculpting voluptuous bodies.

I also learnt while viewing ‘The Culture Show’ special broadcast on this exhibition that the earliest cave art discovered is of human hand imprints made with a type of red ochre onto the cave ceiling. Latest scientific research discovered that these were hands of women – they were responsible for the first act of creative expression around 33,000 years ago.

Looked at in this context, it makes me think of women’s hands turning red with blood when they give birth and embrace their newborn. So is it surprising that the act of creation of the earliest art is of red hand imprints by women?

It reminds me that for many years now, thanks to extensive research and science, there is so much more information available about ‘pre-history’ than is brought into the public domain. If you fancy dipping in there is some fascinating reading material on the topic by Marija Gimbutas, Merlin Stone, ‪Heide Goettner-Abendroth‬‪‬ (https://www.goettner-abendroth.de/en/biography.html) amongst others – good cause for celebrating women writers who published books on matrilineal and matriarchal societies in prehistory.

Today, there are still such societies alive, for example the Mosuo people in Southwest China (they call themselves the ‘Na’). Those societies have very different family structures from today’s Western society. They never have an issue with child care, no issue with divorce, nor inheritance. The land and homes belong to the beehive-like tribe of sisters with their children, and brothers/uncles, and with their oldest female as the respected matriarch. This cuts out a whole lot of stresses and pressures on our two-parent or single-parent families. See 24-minute documentary video (by Broadly) about their lives:

The matriarchal societies tend to have one thing in common, the worship of The Mother Goddess. She is a widely recognized archetype in psychoanalysis today.

Isn’t it about time we owned our history and reclaimed it, especially in our understanding as women? It’s time to take ownership and to celebrate our femininity on women’s day – in all our wonderful shapes and sizes.

The history lives on in our genes and in our names… Diana, Anna, Isis, Iris, Irene, Freya…

The history lives on in our genes and in our names. Let’s celebrate the goddess within, whether we call her Diana, Anna, Isis, Iris, Irene or Freya – just a few of the still very alive names by which she was known in different parts across the globe in ancient times. Beyond being the fertile one, the life giving force, the creator, she was revered as the wise being and the one universal source.

Celebrate your goddess – do something a little different, how about going to an exhibition or checking out the exclusive discounts on yoga retreats and wellness spa holidays that we have in store for our Neal’s Yard Holidays’ readers.

Wishing you a happy women’s day!

Photo: figurines from left to right –
Dolni Vestonice, from Czechia, clay; Willendorf, Austria, chalk; Lespugue, France, ivory.

Further reading material:
Societies of Peace. Matriarchies Past, Present and Future, edited by Heide Goettner-Abendroth.

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Escape to the Canary islands for a yoga pilates holiday with surfing!

Azul offers yoga pilates holidays with surfing on the sun-drenched Canary island of Fuerteventura – set amongst the dramatic landscape of volcanoes and white sand beaches. The islands are located off the coast of Morocco and the Western Sahara, yet belong to Spain, and tend to guarantee a warmer climate than the UK ­– ideal for holidays in the sun throughout the autumn and winter months.

You stay at Villa Azul, in the village of Villaverde in the north of Fuerteventura, only 35 minutes drive from Fuerteventura airport. (Or for a wider choice of flights go to Lanzarote Arrecife airport and take the 20-minute ferry crossing to Fuerteventura.) The village is nestled amongst the hills with views to the sea and neighbouring islands.

This is an inspiring location for a yoga retreat offering a chance to rejuvenate and reconnect in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy small class sizes and world-class instruction with carefully tailored programme of yoga, pilates and meditation. You can also sample a tai chi class or add a surf course, join cycling trips and excursions to tranquil fishing villages and turquoise lagoons.

“Amazing villa, amazing landscapes, amazing food, amazing people.” Marie, Montreal 2012

For relaxation, healing and pampering there is a team of experienced therapists offering complementary therapies such as ayurvedic consultations and reiki, holistic and sports massage and beauty treatments.

The organic vegetarian food is a real highlight and the in-house nutrition advisor and cook runs workshops and is producing a cookbook due to popular demand.

Yoga pilates holidays at Azul Villa cost from €465 for seven nights in shared accommodation, or €550 for private accommodation, including yoga, pilates and meditation. Due to the warmer climate this a popular destination in the winter months. Enquire now to avoid disappointment.

Azul also offers beach yoga holidays on the white-sand beaches of Corralejo on this sunny island of Fuerteventura. The beach is just a 3-minute stroll away, and the inspiring Corralejo Dunes National Park just 5 minutes by bus.

Lotus Yoga Lodge has two indoor chill out areas, a roof terrace, two outdoor chill out areas and a fully equipped kitchen for your use. The bedrooms are comfortable, clean and available on a shared basis.

You can start your morning with beach yoga and meditation followed by a healthy breakfast. If you wish, you can then relax and unwind with your inclusive full body massage, and later enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of the island in your spare time, or for extra exhilaration you can join a surf course – offering the opportunity to feel rejuvenated and reconnected whilst enjoying a yoga holiday by the beach.

“I loved my stay. You guys really have a great thing going – well organised, good people and great setting. Many thanks to Valentina for her engaging yoga classes, to Gary for being there for us and to Jaime for taking time to give me an amazing pilates class.” Hanna, USA

The lodge has three rooms: the bamboo bunk room, the Buddha bedroom and the Shanti room (ensuite) with beautiful yoga-inspired decor throughout.

Yoga pilates holidays cost from €400 for seven nights in a shared room, or €575 for a private room, includes yoga and meditation, one hour full body massage and daily breakfast. For lunch and dinner you may self-cater in the kitchen at the lodge or visit one of the many restaurants and cafes on the doorstep. Check availability for winter 2012.

“I am back and invigorated for sure. I have really enjoyed my time and the energy is still flowing.” Sabira

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Will we ever see yoga featured at the Olympics? Should it be?

Yoga is fondly considered to be one of the least competitive activities we can engage in. And most people want to keep it that way. Yet asana (posture) competitions already take place – historically in India, and more recently in the US. Earlier this year the American National Yoga Asana Championship garnered a lot of publicity. The competitors each performed seven poses in three minutes while being judged on their strength, flexibility, breathing, timing, and ‘grace’. The championship organisers, USA Yoga, are aiming to see ‘Asana’ qualify as an Olympic sport for the 2016 games.

This year there were competitors from 15 countries. But that still leaves 60 countries to go to reach the Olympic qualifying number. Plus, there are more major hurdles (no pun intended) after that. Not least that the new sport must be voted for by two thirds of the International Olympic Committee.

Not all yogis appreciate this increasing focus on the athletic aspect of this ancient practice. The idea of it as a sport seems at odds with its inherent meditative and non-competitive nature. It teaches you to respect your body and its limits. But the Olympics are about pushing past your limits, often resulting in physical injury. Do we really want to see yoga become even less of a spiritual practice than it is now, in much of the West? It’s worth thinking about the implications of USA’s project on the future of yoga as practised by you and me, should it ever come to fruition.

For those of you whose practice isn’t quite yet Olympic standard, and who enjoy it less as a sport and more as a nurturing, enlightening, fun way to find connection and union, why not join a retreat? Practising in company with others, and having a bit of a holiday at the same time, is a great way to learn more about yoga. There is also so much to choose from at this time of year: from short weekend yoga breaks in the country to week-long retreats by the sea.

Or, if you’d like to take your practice even further, there is a wealth of wonderful yoga teacher trainings to choose from. You don’t even have to be planning to teach students afterwards; it can just be the next step in your exciting personal yoga journey. Om Shanti!

Updated 22 July 2018.

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