Cultivating Metta: The Practice of Loving-Kindness in Yoga Lately, I’ve been feeling unwell, and in these moments, I find myself turning to practices that bring comfort and healing. One such practice is Metta, or loving-kindness meditation, which I’ve decided to incorporate more deeply into my yoga practice this week. For those joining me on the mat, I invite you to explore this with me.
Metta, often translated as “loving-kindness,” is a fundamental Buddhist concept that extends beyond religion and into our daily lives and yoga practice.
My First Encounter with Yoga When I first started practicing yoga, I was a university student looking for a way to unwind between lectures. I signed up for some Hatha yoga lunchtime sessions. And while I enjoyed the practice enough to keep going, I have to admit—I wasn’t exactly hooked.
As a beginner, a lot of the cues didn’t make sense to me. My teacher, with the best of intentions, often reminded us not to push too hard or attempt the full expression of a pose.
The yogic philosophy of non-attachment, or vairagya, is a central concept in many yogic texts, including the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. It refers to the practice of letting go of attachments to people, outcomes, material possessions, and even thoughts or emotions. This detachment does not mean indifference or lack of care but instead signifies cultivating a sense of inner freedom and equanimity.
Key Aspects of Non-Attachment in Yogic Philosophy: Freedom from Desires: Non-attachment involves reducing the pull of desires and cravings that bind us to the material world.
✨ Why I Love Flow Yoga ✨ Flow Yoga, or Vinyasa, is a beautiful practice that emphasizes movement with breath. Every inhale and exhale guides our transitions, adjustments, and poses, creating a seamless and mindful flow.
While it’s wonderful for building strength and flexibility, what I love most is how it helps us tune in with ourselves. It’s an opportunity to be truly present, letting go of the noise of our busy world, and finding calm amidst the chaos.
In the midst of busy days and constant movement, Yin Yoga offers an opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, and settle into stillness. This meditative practice is a beautiful way to nurture your body and mind, helping you cultivate patience, awareness, and a sense of ease. This type of yoga is suitable for everyone: beginners, seniors, experienced practicioners, young professionals, busy mums - you name it. There is no experience needed and we use plenty of props like bolsters, blankets and blocks to make it accessible and relaxing.
Exploring the Power of Thoughts in Yoga and Life Buddha’s words, “Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts,” are a powerful reminder of the impact our minds have on our well-being. We often think of external challenges—difficult people, circumstances, or hardships—as our biggest obstacles. But what if the real battle lies within?
In yoga, we talk about svadhyaya—self-study. The practice invites us to observe our thoughts with awareness rather than becoming entangled in them.