Yogamasti Blog

Yoga tip of the week

2012-02-20T13:05:00.000-08:00

While practising,the body is opening on the inside on an exhale. Make sure that you hold each posture for at least three long breaths and make exhalations much relaxed slow and deliberately longer than the inhalations.

Doing is believing.

After doing my first teachers training at sivananda in Kerala, I went to Mysore in India to do my second teachers training with Bharat shetty, an amazing teacher and we started with holding a posture up to 3 breaths and then to 9 at least. Its amazing how wonderous that feels and how quickly you open up.

Try it today x

Aanika
www.yogamasti.com

what led me to designing yoga clothes-last part

2012-02-14T07:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines!

Lets fall in love with yoga all over again.....I did this morning:)

Continuing and hopefully ending my story!

Back when my father was struggling with life there was a point when wherever I went I saw spiritual writings and books coming to me. ‘The Power Of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle is my saviour. I have read it umpteen times and every time it gives me renewed energy. My spiritual Guru’s words about ‘Live in the Moment’ always bring me back to my center whenever I go astray. Oh yes, I do!

As a natural progression of my experience in Yoga, I produced a Yoga DVD in Mumbai ,‘The Flow Within’ in 2009. During the making of the DVD, an idea to invent an authentic yoga wear range took force and the creative and an entrepreneur yogi in me decided to come up with YOGAMASTI, my brand of yoga wear which I launched at the yoga show at the Olympia in London in 2009.

I did not know anything about designing clothes but I assure you that when I put my heart into it I actually realised that the patterns will have to be confortable ,they will have to have a fashion element in them and above all they will have to be yogilike!

There are far too many brands out there doing yoga clothing which is just an extension of Adidas nike and the like. Yoga clothes should have an holistic feel. I tried and it worked and here i am running a yoga online shop, hopefully with a difference.

Good things happen when you are enjoying yourself, little nudges of the heart sometimes take you on an interesting turn on your path and that’s where I am at today.

So, who am I? A Dancer? A Cop? A Yogini? An Ayurvedic masseuse? Or none of these? I surely am much more than all of these ….and am very aware that all this is taking me somewhere else …….where, I don’t want to know as I want to feel the excitement and joy of the moment when it comes ….

I just wanted to share my journey and hope that it will encourage the students who give up on their bodies and therefore on Yoga because of a disability. My broken neck never stopped me from my practise in both Yoga and Dance. In the bigger picture of life all is taken care of and every little thing is predestined, so why think? Why worry?

Letting go is the hardest lesson that I am still learning.Hope you enjoy browsing through my yoga clothes for men and women on www.yogamasti.com and send me your comments which will help me create more beautiful designs in the future.

New collection is out now! Take a look

Love and hugs to all x

Aanika

www.yogamasti.com

What led me to designing yoga clothes-part 6

2012-02-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

Hi,

Where was I? Yeah, my sadguru left me before i had a chance to go deep within myself.

Shuddhi Dhyan (Dynamic Meditation) was perhaps the most powerful and intense experience I have ever had when i was practicing meditation with him. My inner world rocked, my body shook, I could feel my energy centers, the circular movement in the center of my heart and I cried and cried. Tears had their own way with me…when it all stopped, I don’t know but I was told that my Kundalini had awakened. Gods grace!

It was then that I decided that my next line of progression is Yoga.

Having completed my first teachers training at Sivananda institute of Yoga, Kerala, I started teaching yoga and with an intensity and love that I never knew in myself. The student in me took me to Mysore where I finished my second intensive teachers training . Along this, I had the privilege to delve in an ayurvedic treatment course and I now practise Ayurveda as well.

Back to the midlands from the coconut corner of Mysore . This time my classes had another dimension to them, something had intensified in my own practise which subsequently showed in my teaching style. My classes are now very dynamic yet meditative. I cannot teach Yoga as a physical culture and breath and soul leads any Asana, from simple to the complicated.

Teaching anything is so much fun when it comes from the heart....

If you teachers are reading this, do tell me your story and what initiated you into yoga-ah!

Yoga stuff including yoga clothes came a lot later:)

I have a cake party to go to now so will catch up tomorrow..

Love
aanika
www.yogamasti.com

What led me to designing yoga clothes-part 5

2012-02-09T13:41:00.000-08:00

Hi guys, I know I have been missing for a few days..Hope you didnt miss me too much.Had to go to london to design a new advert for yoga journal. Yes! we are going to be seen in the most popular yoga magazine in the world..quite excited....

Well coming back to my story (hope you are still listening) Here I was standing alone at crossroads, I had to make a living for myself and the need to prove strong to myself or call it madness, I joined the police force! Served the Met for two years, from ghungroos to handcuffs which I could never get it right! I resigned.

A sudden bolt came and we as a family was taken unawares. My father was diagnosed with grade 4 Cancer. I flew back instantly and it was at my parent’s house where I met a learned naturopath and a yogi who came to me one day and asked me to join him in a Shuddhi dhyan (Dynamic Meditation) which his Guru was conducting. I was excited at the concept and went along with him .I met my Sad guru there who took me out of my dark deeper self and showed me light. His Veda philosophies, his eightfold path of yoga, his energy and love towards all, this simple man called Ashok Raj who recently had a new birth was a Godsend.

I spent my best learning years with him, learning aboyt myself, about life, about real yoga and much more.Sadly he left his body three years ago and life has never been the same since...

Just speaking about him makes me nostalgic. He was not to know that he was actually grooming me on a path to yoga which included designing yoga clothes:)

Life's mysteries.....

Why not share some of your stories with me? Write to me at info@yogamasti.com

And hey take a look at yogamasti fan page on facebook...

Love and see you soon x

aanika

www.yogamasti.com

Cool review of yogamasti yoga clothing collection

2012-01-31T14:01:00.000-08:00

Hi again,

Have you seen the review of our latest yoga clothing collection on sheerluxe site? Have a look at this...
http://www.sheerluxe.com/magazine/online-magazine/january-2012/news/yogamasti.aspx

Comments please..

Available from http://www.yogamasti.com/

Its sheer stretch which goes well beyond the asana...:) Moisture wicking fabric too, so keep dry while you sweat it out !!.

Yoga with a class :)

Not forgotten! Coming with the rest of my story soon xx

love aanikax

What led me to designing yoga clothes-part 4

2012-01-30T09:19:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow never came for me! sorry guys....

Started my meditations over the weekend so in total bliss exercising the power of Now

To come back to me and my story......

I grew up watching my dad start his day with Pranayam and used to be amazed when he would stand on his head and smile at me. Yes, he was an expert on headstands! Now I know the feeling of lightness in the posture and not just in my physical body….

After finishing my Prabhakar (6 years course in kathak style of classical dancing) and undergoing folk dance training in Delhi, I performed extensively with the best of artists, and represented India in the opening ceremony of the Asian games, 1982. I carried on with my dance work when I came to UK. Residencies performances, festivals, workshops ….I enjoyed them all and was also commissioned by Granada TV to choreograph two dance pieces as soon as i cxame to UK! Well, i was mighty pleased with myself of course, loved the elted feeling like we all do when we feel special, eh?

Hmmm...good old days of dancing, teaching and performing. I still teach and love every minute of it.Time wasnt to be still and life’s ups and downs took me on a detour and the woman in me faced a challenge. Life had lots of tricks in store for me, now was not the time to get into yoga...that was to come and it came after the hardest strokes of life with me and it was there to stay....yoga- yoga dvd, yoga clothing, yoga products...little was i to know that everything was preparing me to designing some wonderful yoga clothing for you :)

....Its 5.15 and my partner has just walked in so cooking time guys! Lets chat again tomorrow?

Leave you with a promo of my YOGA DVD...enjoy! Let me have your comments....

Lots of love x

Aanika
http://www.yogamasti.com/

What led me to designing yoga clothes-part 3

2012-01-26T08:42:00.000-08:00

Hey i am back again...Did i speak about munich the other day? Yogamasti was exhibiting there and it was busy!! Made some new friends....hmmm to continue with my story....

Because my neck wasn’t treated or operated on when needed, my skull bone fused with my top vertebras and resulted in limited movement. How can God give you with one hand and take it with another before you have a chance to even feel that is beyond me! This must be what we call Karma! Here was I who could move and move fast and HE decided that I must have a restricted neckJ. Despite the restrictions of my body and doctors advise, I continued with my passion in movement.

In Indian Scriptures they say your body is your temple, hence I always looked after it. I understood detoxing at an early age as growing up in India means living on raw food a lot!! Sprouted grains, fresh juices, lots of water and good vegetarian food were all part of my bringing up. My mother used to sprout grains at home and we used to have soaked almonds with honey when we could afford it. I completely understood the mental detox process only at a much later stage when Meditation became an integral part of my life.

With all the work load of business i am not all in my meditative state but trying to live in the moment....

Talking of moment, its time to do other things...by the way take a look at the moisture wicking yoga clothing collection here...i am thinking of adding another colour to oi..any tips ideas or advice? Either write it here or send me a mail at info@yogamasti.com

Till tomorrow aanika xx

Yogamasti Blog: What led me to designing yoga clothing-part 2

2012-01-24T03:25:00.000-08:00

Yogamasti Blog: What led me to designing yoga clothing-part 2

What led me to designing yoga clothing-part 2

2012-01-24T03:23:00.000-08:00

Well, took a couple of pain killers(dont take them often though) and feel better now. Been away to Munich for the yoga expo as well so could not continue with my story for a few days so sorry guys, if you were reading?

After that acute pain,I fought against my body like we all do, I asked for forgiveness, I couldn’t understand how this could happen to me!! ‘I am a dancer and this is just not possible’ that thought permeated my being all day every day.

In and out of hospitals for 4 years, I was treated for cervical spondylosis and recently found out that my neck was infact broken at the time .My body internally healed itself and my skull bone and the top vertebraes fused together, not knowing which direction to move in. well, it resulted in a limited movement in my neck.

A part of me had to accept the limitation but there was a much stronger another someone who will not listen, who wanted to move freely and not care! Who missed the sound of the bells too much!

My ego and me...i still live with a broken neck which has taken its own shape and found its place but it doesnt stop me doing yoga or even dance, I cannot get into all postures but I do what I can and hey I teach as well ....

hmmm...not very intersting perhaps to some but a true living to me ...i will write more tomorrow..

Be good to your self and others x

By the way, Munich was a lot of fun!

Love from yogamasti.
http://www.yogamasti.com/

What led me to designing yoga clothing

2012-01-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

Well, I grew up in the lap of Gurgaon, a small town near Delhi in India.Dancing amidst the cows with my ghunghroos (ankle bells) I was blessed with educated and loving parents who encouraged me to learn to dance professionally.I took to classical dance at a very early age and finsihed my prabhakar (six years course) when I finished high school.

India has a rich heritage of music and dance and most educated families take the discipline seriously and the girls have to learn some or the other form of art as that enhances their prospect of getting a good husband!! Well that was the story back then when I was very little. I am sure that still is the case with some families but lucky for me my parents were of a literary background and well travelled and such like beliefs were not given any prominence in my house.

My craving to learn more took me to reputed schools and some amazing teachers.While my practice was going on in full swing, my body had a mind of its own and it decided to desert me when one day all of a sudden I found that I cant move my neck! Those painful screaming moments still give me a shudder....

The very thought of this is making me rest my neck which is in acute pain right now...started my regular practice after a long lapse and its taking its toll on my neck as always...

Continue with my story , perhaps tomorrow...for now I love you and leave you Yogis with yogamasti collection of yoga clothes and other goodies and with the thought of looking and feeling like a yogi in your class.....

Can anyone tell me of some simple neck exercises to ease a pain of a broken neck? Let me know please x

Love and more love
Yogamasti-style in comfort
http://www.yogamasti.com/

Yoga is for the lazy-a myth?

2012-01-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

yoga is for lazy people, someone said to me recently at a party. I sat up!
Followed a long interesting chat....

Most People who either haven't ever practiced yoga or dont know much about it actually think that yoga is a slow boring practice....What a myth! Yoga is far from boring or slow...as all us yogis know...

Yoga is an active sport.Your mind is alert, your body working through breath, every breath that you take you actually listen to it.

Rythm at its best. In fact if you practice correctly yoga can be very musical on the inside and if you are a dancer like me, you can blend yoga with cklassical dance and that is very powerful and beautiful. Yoga postures held with precision with breath is actually not for the lazy!! Holding your breath for the right amount of time and the actual posture for 9 breaths while building and releasing that muscle is not for someone who doesn't want to work their body.

Some people sadly dont understand what meditation is and what it does, i guess its not their calling. Yoga is an excellent tool for meditation and helps you achieve that prime stae of alertness when you are one with the oneness of universe...NOW How can that ever be boring?? You are mosty alive and kicking at that time in wonder? Arent you?

I love yoga...ah! Did i change their mind by the end of our loooong chat? Will wait and see.... they did say they will practice it ..

Long live the Yogi..

Aanika
http://www.yogamasti.com/

Yoga prayer

2012-01-15T05:14:00.000-08:00

Heard about the loss of lives on the ship wreck in Italy....one never knows right? Here we are on to a trip of a life , looking forward to a great time with our loved ones and smash! We are hit ....

I keep wondering about life and its fortunes and sometimes not so fortunate times...

Love and blessings to all who lost and who are left behind...something good must come out of this too as they say in Bhagwad Geeta...

Everything happens for a reason...this reason might save a lot more mishaps..

Yogamasti
http://www.yogamasti.com/

2012-01-06T04:09:00.000-08:00

MOMENT IS ALL THERE IS, INHABIT IT FULLY

THROUGH CONSCIOUS BREATH WITH LOVE

The sister science of Yoga with umpteen therapeutic properties and an array of benefits is getting more and more popular as alternative medicine.Ayurvedic massages have a healing touch and the medicated oils are deeply hydrating to the skin leaving you total;ly rejuvenated and alive.

Yoga ayurveda massages are great and sometimes necessary for a yoga practice. Have you ever tried one? If you are ever in India please dont overloook this oppertunity.

Let us know your experiences and views on ayurveda.

Yogamasti

Where style in comfort meets.Yoga holistic clothing.

Gap in practice

2012-01-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

Started my yoga practice after a looooong time...in heaven.
Why do we ever let ourselves stop or be lazy or make any excuse?

In pain though-well deserved:)

Aanika
http://www.yogamasti.com/

What can we bring new to the NEW year?

2012-01-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

New You New Me?
Meaning what?

I think we should bring in a new positive thought process into our being. Positivity goes a long way and replacing each negative thought with a positive one will bring in the NEW US doing new and positive deeds.

Now, how do we do that?Its not as simple as said right?We all have tried this including me so many times and somehow failed...

Some do it with meditation of some kind
some do bhakti yoga, some gyana yoga
Some do it by shopping hard:)
Some do a chilla!(40 days practice)
Some immerse into spiritual books

Well I feel, all of the above is important but another imporatnt thing which we find hard to let go of is negative and draining relationships and friends.

We do have a choice, we are yogis and are here to make a difference to us and hence to the world at large, arent we?

Why not try that this year so that the NEW US shines through..

Talking of NEW :) We have a new gorgeous collection of yoga clothes in store now. Check it out..

Go to http://www.yogamasti.com/

Dont forget the NEW you!

Yogamasti team x

Christmas for Yogi's

2011-12-23T06:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas, a New year , a New beginning for every yogi..

Lets make this one an extra special one by breathing yoga into each moment of your festivities.

Looking into giving from the heart (which is not expensive at all!)
Eating healthy( Trying:)
Being there (Not just for the special ones but for everyone)
Forgiving (almost anything)
Loving(all)
Practicing (not rigidly)
Meditating (On the things which help us evolve)

Most of all, Living in the moment hence savouring all the goodness...

Have a great one x

http://www.yogamasti.com/
info@yogamasti.com
t

NEW Collection in Moisture wicking fabric

2011-12-21T06:57:00.000-08:00

Simply Irresistible
Hugging fits
80% Cotton 15% Nylon 5% spandex-NEW fabric!
Exciting cuts/backs
Built in supports
Skirt capri-Fashion must

Need we go on? Stylish ciollection a new fresh look , launched at the yoga show, now availabble on http://www.yogamasti.com/
Great prices too!

Dont forget to mention yogamasti to your facebook friends:)
Your support helps us create new designs for youuuuu
http;/apps.facebook.com/yogamasti

Yoga Fashion

2011-12-21T06:47:00.000-08:00

A comfortable pair of yoga bottoms and yoga top to match, something which makes you feel good in a posture...something which is holistic yet functionable....the clothes which shout that they are meant to be worn by a yogi....you get the feel? Now that is what I call is Yoga fashion.

Lots of brands are available for yoga clothing but only a very few are keeping to the theme of yoga.So not just a pair of cool bottoms will do guys..Check the brand out thoroughly before you buy something which makes you stand out in your class..

Well, Yogamasti has tried to give their old and new collection a feel with a yogi theme.So go ahead and check us out on http://www.yogamasti.com/

You can also find our facebook store on http://apps.bueglestore.com/yogamasti/

Do it now...

2011-07-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Looking at my small wild garden while at the computer...full blown peachy coloured Begonias,half grown still green Tomatoes, half broken red Rose, the gorgeous sitting stone figure of Buddha..the wind checker...oh! the Marigolds..

Trying to smell the lavender and rosemary through the glass as i write :) hmmmm..why dont we have time to really enjoy all this nature has to offer? I have to make time and so do you...Do it now!

Going to say hello to my plants , might practice a tree while i am out there...after all this is a yoga blog!

Have a great weekend guys x

Yogamasti
Aanika
.

NEW-Our Buegle/facebook store open now!.

2011-07-29T02:30:00.000-07:00

We are sooooo excited! Just launched our Buegle/facebook store.

Go to http://apps.facebook.com/yogamasti/ Check it out guys and hey, pass the link on to your Yogi friends on your face book please..coming out with new products in September.

Cant do it without your help :)

Love and light always....keep smiling x

Yogamasti-Comfort in style.

Yoga-looking good and/or feeling good!

2011-07-29T02:21:00.000-07:00

Yoga is a way of life not just the Asana practice. Its not just about looking good but feeling good on the inside. When you do yoga without wanting the results of achieving a certain posture,then it happens.Open your mind as well as your body. In fact when you open your mind , the body takes care of it self. Try it:)

Not to say that you should not want to look good:) Looking good in turn makes you feel better about your self. So get the right gear for your class, something that makes you want to practice in them. But when in practice forget about it:)

Why not see our NEW Organic collection in store? Go to http://www.yogamasti.com/
Any comments on our products are welcome. Just write to us on info@yogamasti.com

Aanika's story-How yogamasti came into existence

2011-07-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,

Yoga and yogi stories go hand in hand.....Behind every yogi there is an interesting story that led them to do some real yoga and in some cases like mine to progress to design yoga clothing and products.....waiting to see where else it takes me. Read my story by clicking on the link below....
http://featheredpipe.com/category/blog/

Aanika
http://www.yogamasti.com/

Wellness...an attitude?

2011-07-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Like everything in this world , wellness is an attitude, would you agree?Wellness of the body, of the mind and of course wellness of the spirit.

I guess everyone's definition of wellness is different. Some feel well only after a good few pints, some feel without any!So, what wellness are we talking about?

I feel wellness is to do with Balance.....

My Swami ji used to say...enough food...enough rest...enough work...keep these three things in perspective and you will feel truly well. I have also learnt with experience that if we practice what we believe in fully, we will be happier and hence well:)

Very difficult thing to do really , but a must to keep well....Try, at least you can do that! I try and fail most of the times but i still keep trying :)

Yogamasti
http://www.yogamasti.com/

Today's Special

2011-07-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

Today’s Special

Yeah yeah, I know what you are thinking.What's special today or What is today’s special at Yogamasti?

Well friends,Today is special

If we make today special then every day can be today! What a beautiful thing that will be …we will be partying everyday and life will be one big party!

Try it today J

Yogamasti special for today is its SALE!! Go to http://www.yogamasti.com/

BODY AND MIND BENEFITS OF YOGA

2011-07-08T02:34:00.000-07:00

Yoga’s physical aspect and the correct use of breath in the posture activates our energy centers(chakras) which in effect controls the functioning of the qualities of mind. Yogic exercises aid in developing an acute alertness which is actually the meditative state of mind. Since mind lives in the body,Yoga helps in bringing them together, so that mind doesn’t run ahead of the body which it always wants toJ

What are you waiting for? Join a class today and if you are looking for a starter yoga kit. try ours in the shop at http://www.yogamasti.com/

Daily Mantra

2011-07-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

Daily Mantra

I practice everyday

I meditate everyday

I do pranayama everyday

I send love out every day

I let go of negativity everyday

I take in light everyday

I eat healthy everyday

I cleanse everyday

I am learning everyday

I watch my ego everyday

I love myself everyday

I serve everyday

I practice selflessness everyday

I am sure I have forgotten hundreds….:)

Soooooooooo many things to do every day! Life without the Daily Mantra’s is life without meaning. Do you want to just exist or live fully…knowing that the life you are leading a so full of light that no darkness can creep in- EVER.

Start practising some of these things everyday and feel the difference, see the difference-let the new you be seen.

Love and light, I start NOW.

Yoga clothes-all sorts

2011-06-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

What should we really wear to a yoga class?
Since Yoga is a very physical practice, the comfort element of the Yoga clothes has to be given paramount importance. Some like it fitting so that they can see their form in the postures and some like it loose to allow for more movement. Don't wear anything that will restrict your movements. Sweat absorbent clothes are very good, so look for the right fabric. A blend of cotton with Lycra is great. Whether you opt for loose or fitted clothes make sure you feel good in them or else your mind will be distracted from your practice, the aim is to relax. Clothes with holistic motifs rather than adidas stripes might just enhance your practice, hence the term, yoga clothes.

Why not check out our Yoga Clothing ? http://www.yogamasti.com/

Best Yoga mat for me??

Well…A good yoga mat is an absolute essential for good practice. As a beginner do not worry too much about the quality of the mat but go for a basic sticky mat which provides you with a good grip and you feel confident in your asana practice. Once you have reached the advance stage or if you are a teacher its important that you choose the mat you practice on carefully. There are many eco friendly, biodegradable non toxic mats out there so shop around and look for the right price as well. A good mat is for keeps and will not come very cheap.

Our selection of mats is not bad at alltake a look at http://www.yogamasti.com/

Yoga Mat Bag
Do I need one?
Yes you do….
Like anything else you need to protect your mat from dust, liquids etc as this is your sacred mat and has been energised by your practice. Also its easy to carry a good quality yoga mat bag to your class or the gym and nothing else, as most good bags will have a towel pocket, be spacious enough for an extra pair of clothing and what’s more, our yoga bags also have pockets for mobile and most importantly a water bottle pocket. Look the part and feel the part.

Huge selction of yoga mat bags on http://www.yogamasti.com/
Please call if you need help with anything at all..

Yoga Props
Good for some but hey! Don’t make them a crutch , work with your own body..
Not absolutely essential but Yoga props like a belt, blocks etc can aid greatly in achieving a good posture and making it easier for you. They also support your muscles hence less effort on your part. They are extremely useful for people with physical limitations or the elderly.

How about checking our yoga equipment section?www.yogamasti.com

Yogamasti News!-COMING REAL SOON

2011-05-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

Yogamasti announces a UK Launch of Organic Yoga clothing brand
Beautiful and soft to touch,unique eco friendly and fashionable yoga clothing. Conceived and engineered in Germany, the stylish brand is aptly called 'I love my planet' is being sold exclusively by Yogamasti and fits in with Yogamasti philosophy of Holistic healing.

Blend of pure Organic cotton, lyocell and lycra "actif-jersey" these yoga tops and bottoms make great outfits for practice. The fabric is soft and kind to skin and the colour combinations are classic. Add the designer Spring and Summer fashionable yoga look to your collection.

The patterns are not only sporty but supporting too.Styles not to be missed!

Check out our online shop at http://www.yogamasti.com/ for the new look next month!

GET THE BIO-GRIP
Also launching an Italian patented Yoga Biomat-a fully certified bio degradable non toxic mat made from innovative bio select material.Eco friendly, odourless and pleasant to touch, this mat comes in three beautiful colours and is a must for serious yogi.

Visit us at http://www.yogamasti.com/
E mail: info@yogamasti.com
TEL: 00447723423719