Mudra workshop with Emil Wendel in Goa

My first meeting with Emil, four years ago, was quite memorable - he lay a vibrant red hibiscus bloom beside my yoga mat. At that time, he was taking a regular pranayama and meditation class at what was then the Purple Valley Yoga Centre in Goa.

These days Emil mainly teaches workshops and contributes to Yoga teacher training courses. He concerns himself with the inner aspects of yoga: mantra, pranayama, meditation and philosophy.

I've just participated in a with Emil exploring mudra, symbolic hand gestures that can be employed to enhance and enrich one's yoga practice. Mudras are an ancient form with roots in Tibetan Buddhism, Tantrika and classical Indian dance.

Emil delivered the session with thoughtful insight, revealing the depth of his knowledge, accumulated during many years studying and teaching in India and Nepal.We explored the form and benefit of the mudras most commonly encountered in a contemporary yoga practice, adding in Emil's words, "a few drops of beauty". There seems to be a powerful connection between mudra and breath, which I will be exploring in my personal practice.

I look forward to sharing these insights with students upon my return. Emil also presented the group with a flowing sequence to assist one in life's creative process, essentially a moving meditation of the hands. This is an elegant and sacred practice which we preformed as a ritual and I am very pleased that Emil has given me permission to teach it.

Emil will be visiting England later in 2009, for more information on his work and schedule visit www.beyond-the-asana.com

Treatment review: Ayurvedic massage

Here in India, Ayurveda, the Science of Life, represents an unbroken tradition of knowledge and practical application, transmitted by teachers and gurus, often throughout several generations. To take an ayurvedic massage is to receive the benefit of ancient wisdom, so perfectly suited to the most modern of ailments: stress.

I took my massage at a walk-in centre on the main road in Arambol, a thriving yet laid back beach resort in North Goa. These days Goa is peppered with Ayurvedic Centres which have sprung up to serve the tourist economy, staffed largely by Keralans whose home state can quite legitimately be called 'the home of Ayurveda'.
I requested abhyanga sweda, a treatment I have happily recieved many times on previous trips. Essentially, this consists of a thorough oil massage followed by a steam.

Following tradition I was assigned a female therapist, a young, slender Keralan, Sandhya who would shortly be returning south to continue university studies. This was not a spa experience, I was led to a solid wooden couch in a bare room and invited to undress to my briefs. Seated on a plastic chair, I received a thorough head, neck and scalp massage with a heavy application of medicated oil. The same oil was used throughout the treatment, which is characterised by long, flowing repetitive strokes and lashings of oil. This treatment is designed to reduce excess vata, a symptom of overexertion and stress. I should mention that our western sensibilites and etiquette do not apply; the therapist will leave you uncovered throughout the treatment and massage the whole of the bust.

Post-massage I was lead into an adjacent room where the steam unit was being prepared. I can only describe it as something like a quilted jacket crossed with a tent! That is to say one sits inside a structure, often a wooden box where steam is introduced. One is sealed in up to the neck, the head is never steamed as it is undesirable to increase pitta to the head. I stayed here quite contentedly chatting to Sandhya for ten minutes or so until sweat was truly pouring.
I left feeling deeply relaxed and satisfied and will probably take one treatment a week while I am out here.

The treatment lasted about 90 minutes in total and cost Rs 600 (a little under nine pounds sterling).

Winter sun? Preparing to meet the heat

Winter in the UK is well and truly on it's way out; although March can be pretty turbulent with all kinds of weather happening at once. I have opted for some winter sun in Goa. March is a great time to take a late winter break: prices are very reasonable, resorts are quieter and upon return to the UK the nights will be lengthening and there will be a true feeling of spring in the air. The perfect reward for having survived a particularly cold winter!
When it comes to skincare I take a holistic approach. The skin has several functions, it protects us, yes and also it is an organ of elimination ie it has a direct connection to the digestive and circulatory systems. In a hot climate, the skin plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis, an optimal and balanced physiology.
The inner reflects the outer, our emotions as well as the food and substances that we put into the body will show up on the skin, hopefully as a smooth, unlined face and a clear, glowing complexion.
My holiday skincare preparation begins in the days leading up to departure. I recommend a pre-flight full body exfoliation and moisturisation treatment. There are many benefits to this. The exfoliating product loosens and removes dead skin cells that form the upper layer of the epidermis. This assists the natural proces of skin renewal and leaves a brighter, clearer complexion. The product is generally applied with brisk, vigorous, circular movements which stimulates the circulation and lymphatic system, promoting detoxification which in turn contributes to a brighter, clearer skintone. The exfoliant is rinsed away under a warm shower and a rich body moisturiser applied which boosts moisture levels in the skin for a soft, plump appearance. Please consider paying to recieve a treatment or ask a friend to help, so that all parts of the body are treated and with even pressure.
The other treatment I would recommend at this time is a pedicure so that you can confidently bare your feet which have been hidden for months in boots, socks and slippers. Be bold and pick a bright pink or red varnish for added glamour! An added advantage is that the feet contain reflexology points and a thorough massage will stimulate your body's self-healing and relaxation mechanisms.
At this time I review my skincare products. Throughout the winter one tends to use richer creams to counteract driness, whereas in the heat it is all about cooling and balancing oiliness. I opt for a light, foaming cleanser, a toner for combination/oily skin and a light day cream. I usually pack a clay or mud mask for a twice weekly deep clean while I am away.
When flying, the mantra is hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. In the departure lounge, see if you can guzzle down up to two litres of mineral water. On board, don't be tempted by alcohol, tea, coffee and salted or deydrated foods such as crisps and crackers. Instead pack water rich fruits and veggies to keep moisture and mineral levels high. I like to take pre-cut carrots and mixed peppers, cherry tomatoes and grapes. These foods place a minimal load on the digestive system which means that you are far more likely to be able to rest, sleep and arrived relaxed and refreshed at your destination.
Bon voyage!

Jennifer recommends:
Clarins body exfoliation and moisturising treatment available at Clarins salons nationwide.
Aveda pedicure, available at Aveda salons nationwide
Origins Clear Improvement charcoal mask available at Origins counters at major department stores nationwide or buy online.

Happy holi!

Here in India one finds oneself in the middle of Holi, the Festival of Colours, a three day spring festival celebrated nationwide, a most exuberant and joyful time.

It's all about having fun and "letting one's hair down", this is the most commonly used phrase I have heard.

India is already colourful enough, yet during Holi the brightest possible pigment powders are thrown enthusiastically at passers by in the streets and people gather to sing, dance and generally have a good time.

Elephant processions and feasting are all part of the fun. Holi hai!

The benefits of going on retreat

I’m going on retreat tomorrow, flying to India to take a personal yoga retreat in Goa. I’m really looking forward to it. To retreat is to withdraw from daily life, to rest, relax and restore on deeper levels, often in tranquil, natural surroundings. One will often meet like minded people, and the opportunity to share thoughts and experiences can be wonderfully enriching.

In the case of a yoga retreat, one is able to practice poses daily, or twice daily at a regular time and involve other aspects of yoga such as meditation and mantra. In this way we can live the yogic lifestyle, free from the distractions and obligations of our daily lives. It is a way to deepen our practice and actively assert our commitment to yoga.

I hope to use this time to experience the profound peace and renewal that comes from living close to nature. I am excited about connecting with other teachers and students. I am looking forward to reading and absorbing a few classic yoga texts in an unhurried manner and meditating at sunset.