Breath Gives Life

living yoga, ayurveda,sadhana & natures earthy ways

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    • Heart to Heart – Why i teach yoga
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    • The role of yoga in cancer
  • Retreats
    • Yoga & Nature Immersion Retreat- Wonderland Lodge, Makarora
  • Learn to Meditate
    • How meditation can help
  • Testamonials
  • Home
  • About Carmen
  • Yoga – the practice
    • Heart to Heart – Why i teach yoga
    • Starting Yoga for Good Health & Calmness
    • Yoga Nidra – Anyone can do it
    • Private Yoga facilitation with Carmen
    • The role of yoga in cancer
  • Retreats
    • Yoga & Nature Immersion Retreat- Wonderland Lodge, Makarora
  • Learn to Meditate
    • How meditation can help
  • Testamonials

Inspiration

abundant.earth abundant.earth. edible weeds recipes abundat.earth ancient awakening awareness ayurveda ayurveda upper clutha Ayurveda with carmen Cha Dao cultivate discipline daily routine deep listening dinacharya EcoHaven ethicalfarming fat-hen saag gentle yoga for good health & calmness health kriya yoga maori meditation Mountain Spirit Retreat natural law nature wisdom no way Hollyford highway organicfood ritucharya self development self realisation shamanism simple sourdough spiritual musings staple recpies the holy cow true happiness wanakacommunityyogawithcarmen Wu De yoga yoga for cancer yogainthecommunity yogainthecommunitywithcarmen yogateacherwanaka yoga wanaka yoga with carmen
  • breathgiveslife,
    purposeful living

    Freedom, Health and the Pursuit of Happiness

    carmen / July 17, 2021

    There is a “designed” veil of ignorance, concerning the awareness of Unalienable Rights. Freedom, health & happiness are qualities of the highest value which we are ALL born with. These are the highest…

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  • yoga beyond asana
    purposeful living,  Uncategorized,  yoga,  yogainthecommunity

    Yoga beyond Asana

    carmen / February 10, 2021

      Each Summer i take an 8 week break from facilitating a gentle yoga for good health and calmness practice in my local community. I relish this time, not because i don’t enjoy…

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  • breathgiveslife
    ayurveda/self care,  purposeful living

    Energy into Nature – the Autumn influence of Yama Damstra

    carmen / June 5, 2020

    Autumn,  wrapped up,  hats on, we head outdoors catching the last of the lingering light.  Forest foraging for fungal friends, their timely presence favored to boost immunity & moods for the  Winter season. …

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  • breathgiveslife
    meditation/sprituality,  purposeful living,  Wanakacommunityyogawithcarmen

    Living the wisdom of the Tao – The rainmaker, a taoist proverb

    carmen / September 15, 2019

    Friends, when grace falls and maya takes hold,  call wisdom. Free all thoughts from stress and pressure, then aim.  Aim for everything that gives life to life. Use  words and thoughts wisely, tools…

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  • purposeful living,  yoga

    How Vrksasana supported a return to health

    carmen / August 21, 2019

    How we experience nature is not the same for all of us. For some, the mystical nature is to be feared and others a resource to be exploited. Both delusions which stem from…

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  • purposeful living

    Seeking peace? Become a peacemaker

    carmen / May 12, 2019

    Friends; if you want peace ~ in the world, in your community, in your home – become the peacemaker. Peace is the quality of higher consciousness, higher living and higher civilisation.  The antidote…

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Categories

A brief affirmation practice developed by Paramahamsa Yogananda: cultivating the consciousness of perfect health

breath_gives_life
Equinimity, even-mindeness, resilience, #upeksha, Equinimity, even-mindeness, resilience, #upeksha, balance. Many names for the quality we cultivate in a sustained Yoga practice, that shows how to remain steady and respond to your surroundings without losing your-SELF. It is from this place that we can respond strongly in ways that do not trigger reactivity. Indian mythology has so many stories of the battle between #gods & #demons. Not just the realm of fantasy, these stories unveil the battle of life in reality and in particular the fight against weaknesses & vices, habits, devine or devil. To stand undisturbed as we face our internal & external demons & gods, is perhaps the greatest accomplishment as we voyage through life. Armed with #fearlessness #abhayam & #equinimity one can win the battle for #freedom.
With a sustained practice of Yoga, the easier it With a sustained practice of Yoga, the easier it becomes to the point when sitting in #siddasana hands in #gyan #mudra will have an immediate calming effect on the mind. Often when we practice something new it can be hard or weird because we are challenged even when we have had a regular #sadhana new techniques can at first still challenge. It doesn't take long to ease into new ways of moving and breathing, essentially this is why Yoga is a practice. As we develop the capacity to uplift our lives from the lower planes of consciousness through the miraculous organism of the human #body #mindbodysoul #yogaretreat #wonderlandlodgemakarora #meditation #natureimmersion #practiceandallwillcome
#yoga & #health..... this wee gem of a book was fo #yoga & #health..... this wee gem of a book was found by my wonderful Ma, whom thought i might like it. Written by #elisabethhaich & her student #yesudian, reknown Yoga teacher & author of #initiation another gem of a book, which i recommend for those following or interested in the Yogic system of self realisation. Yoga & health publlished in 1953 post wwii & the time of tuberculosis outbreaks. This book was written almost specifically to address how to prevent TB through systematic #breathing practices as a method of #preventative medicine. The wisdom contained within the pages of this book are as relevant as ever. Chapter iv is titled: Our Greatest Mistake, we cannot breathe! and says " if we want to maintain our vital strength and health the matter is so simple (referring to proper breath) the masses do not take it seriously, preferring to spend fortunes for complicated cures and medicaments. While health is knocking at the door, they refuse to open it. They commit the heinous sin of rebelling against recognised truth." IN the forward, yesudian states; to prevent the cause of sickness & suffering begin by refusing to tolerate negative influences-mental or physical; for dis-ease is lack of positive life force and void in the constitution which ends in the collapse of the system. #nobreathnolife #halfbreathhalflife #fullbreathfulllife #preventionisbetterthancure
Perfect pose.... NO. Just following the impulse to Perfect pose.... NO. Just following the impulse to practice #asana while out on hike in the forest with the family. There is something about being in nature that inspires practice. The stillness, acts as a kind of preceptor, sense for the preoccupations of the mind tested in this #yogapose, while also rooting out energy blocks. Mimicking the essence of nature by consciously working towards #stillness & #tranquility within. #nature #retreat #wonderlandlodgemakarora #ayurveda
To see no newspaper, hear no radio, watch no T.V, To see no newspaper, hear no radio, watch no T.V, listen to no gossip. To turn your attention to Yoga, Ayurveda & Nature. To come together with the common goal to reflect, immerse in nature calm ourselves and recognise the powerful transmission that happens when we come together in this way. This is medicine. The Yoga lodge at Wonderland lodge, Makarora will be the hub of the Yoga & Nature immersion retreat the feel of this space, with its rustic charm, is a real sanctuary for practice and sharing food. #yoga&natureimmersionretreat #wonderlandlodgemakarora #spacetopause #medicine
Yoga postures can look a bit weird and seem ritual Yoga postures can look a bit weird and seem ritualistic, but they are actually a complete physiological science that requires nothing to be taken in to the body externally, but your mind, body & breath. When we use mudras ( hand gestures) with pranayama (breathing exercises) with right intent, it has a direct effect on the vital life force (prana) in the body.. When we sit in a position such as Wisdom pose, and work with the breath, there are a number of different physiological effects happening, while also invoking a sense of peace to those observing the pose. The Gyan or Chin Mudra in this picture is used most often to complement meditation. Benefits: One of the main benefits of the Gyan Mudra is its ability to relax the body and focus the mind to the task of meditation. It also helps to relieve stress and transcend "worldly problems." We will practice a meditation using the Wisdom pose in the upcoming yoga & nature immersion retreat so you get to experience for yourself the subtle benefits of this beautiful, vibrant & uplifting practice. #wisdom #healthwithyoga #healthwithayurveda #healthwithnature #mudra #meditation
I don't watch Telly. In part I have my practice to I don't watch Telly. In part I have my practice to thank for this. In Yoga we use techniques to withdraw the senses known as Pratyahara which translates as: gaining mastery over external influences. Ultimately this practice serves to free the mind to move within. This practice has shown me to be very cautious about the impressions i take in. If we look to the Mainstream/Mass Media and the ritual of watching the news or other types of programming, newspapers, social media etc, we allow impressions into our home that we would never allow in our personal lives. There is an horrific toxicity of violence/propaganda that is bought into your home through mass media. Have you ever thought to pause from this. Can you attribute: fear, rejudice, shame, guilt and other emotions that may be perpetuated from watching the Telly? Stress can be attributed to the impressions we take in. #pratyahara #withdrawthesenses #nature #innerharmony #healing #preventative #watchwhatyouwatch
Quote of the day! Stay steady folks! #doyousee Quote of the day! Stay steady folks! #doyousee
Agni Hotra: healing fire to purify surroundings, g Agni Hotra: healing fire to purify surroundings, generate negative ions and reduces negative energy in the air. A vedic ritual and precise science that releases enormous energy into the air up to 12 km radius, gives nutrition to all forms of life. We do this ritual at Sunset, Tonight the 6 year old, whom almost always joins the ritual wanted to place her own offering to the fire: " please make things normal again". An awesome vibe to be putting out into the ether! #agnihotra #homatherapy #vedicscience #alchemy #yoga&natureimmersionretreat
Ayurveda..... With spring comes the opportunity to Ayurveda..... With spring comes the opportunity to reset & cleanse using Ayurveda rituals. Not just a time to cleanse the physical form but bring loving focus to the mental & emotional aspects of our being. Perhaps more pertinently the most prevalent emotion of our time. FEAR. The increase of fear Karma in our communites speaks to the deterioration of the greater energies that support life. FEAR to easily justified given the current situation playing out on the global stage and is a dangerous trend. Anxiety, depression, obsession, inability to make discerning life choices, lowered immunity and most concerningly projection towards others. Fear comes from the dissemination of our cosmic awareness: we as human beings are of intelligent design kinetically connected to the the abundant life force of this earthly plane. "once an emotion saturates the network, it impacts the collective mind, entire masses of population can begin to think and sound alike" - maya Tiwari (consensus of belief). Do you wonder why politicians, socio-religious leaders, experts, celebrities, can influence vast numbers of people with ideologies that to the clear-minded are irrational & destructive. Never underestimate the force of Vibration. Use this time wisely folks, cleanse harbouring energies that feed the fear collective by cleansing the elements within the earthly body. It interacts with each element within the body differently. Earth manifests as instability, uncertainty about the SELF. Water as greed & deprivation Fire mental and emotional instability. Air as isolation, indecisiveness moving towards extreme phobias. Thankfully we can at any given moment shift these internal conditons with right effort and intention with Ayurveda as a profound way to do this. #ayurveda #springcleanse #drybrushingskin #selfmassage #earlymorningwalks #breathingexercises #yoga
A great rule of thumb for discerning “truth” a A great rule of thumb for discerning “truth” as great acts of historical and current Fraud are being revealed, is to align with Your Unalienable Rights anything that is in opposition to them, will likely be the antithesis of your happiness health & freedom. Fraud being the opposite to “truth:” intentional perversions of truth & trickery that induces the surrender of your lawful unalienable rights. Deliberate acts of deception, the “act” or “practice” of one that deliberately deceives, to make things seem geniune, different to how it actually is. Fraud can also be considered as the "dark spells" weaved through the media, www, & censorship channels, but not limited to them. Spiritual bypassing could be considered fraud also. At a societal level, there are uncomfortable realities and injustices to acknowledge and address. When we avoid facing problematic issues in our outer systems, we invalidate the lived experiences of others while shirking our own accountability in creating healthier systems that support everyone. As the name suggests, it is about using spiritual ideas to run away from unresolved issues global, societal or personal. In these times it could be very easy to step away from the problems that require attention in favour of avoidance; if the mind can stay away from the problem, there is no need to worry about it. How do you navigate your truth? Do you seek authority outside of yourself? #healthhappinessfreedom #satchitānanda # #staysteadyandhealthy
With so much going on right now, it's time to focu With so much going on right now, it's time to focus on personal freedom & the power that comes with this. Otherwise its to easy to get pulled into the dark spell. Time spent connecting with the trees as the lungs of the earth and breathing in the abundant prana to aid the Lungs as the organs of the human organism, important to our life force (prana) respiration and contribute to a felt sense of joy. Keep breathing folks, long, deep, loving breath. #upliftconsciousness #deepbreathinghelps #nobreathnolife #fullbreathfulllife
The Yoga lodge at #wonderlandmakarora. A lovely no The Yoga lodge at #wonderlandmakarora. A lovely northly aspect, large windows which frame beautiful vistas & rustic appeal. It is a wonderful space to practice in. We have moved the retreat dates out a month until September. The Yoga & Nature Immersion retreat will now be offered 26-27th September. We are hoping the Kaka and Kakariki will be flitting around at this time to join the bird call. #yoga&natureimmersion #wonderlandlodgemakarora #ayurveda #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲
Traditionally Yoga was practised in nature, the mo Traditionally Yoga was practised in nature, the mountains the forests, oceans, lakes rivers, which offered profound realisations through the power of nature. It is said that the transmission of Yoga from Adiyoga (the first Guru) occurred on the banks of a lake in the Himalayas. When was the practice of Yoga taken out of Nature and into Urban Studios often reflected & measured commercially? Have we lost powerful transmissions by no longer practising Yoga in Nature? #5elements #yogainnature #chakras #koshas #ayurvedalifestyle
A vision to create space, to sustain spirit & supp A vision to create space, to sustain spirit & support well-being, nurtured by the pristine natural landscapes of the Makarora Valley, has been long held. Now a joint vision has allowed for the collaboration of local skilled practitioners of well being and nature awareness to create a #Yoga&NatureImmersion at #wonderlandlodgemakarora staying at the iconic #A-frame chalets. Collectively we recognise there is a powerful transmission when we come together with the common goal to immerse and reflect in nature, practice Yoga, Meditate, eat meals prepared in accordance with the cosmic Ayurvedic principles. Our intention is to create the space to pause from daily commitments and demands and turn awareness to Yoga, Ayurveda and Nature to uplift energy and help dissolve accumulated tensions. #yoga&natureimmersionnz #wonderlandlodgemakarora #sustainspirit #wellbeing #forestbathing🌲🌲🌲 #biodiversity #ayurveda
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~ Learn more about the method of Yoga that Carmen facilitates~

Exsistence, consciousness & bliss are the three longings of the heart

abundant.earth, yoga in the community
reflections by the lake

Yoga & Nature Immersion Retreat 25 26th September Wonderland Lodge, Makarora

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Yoga & Nature Immersion Retreat, Wonderland Lodge

Yoga for Good Health & Calmness with Carmen two practice times a week

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Paramahamsa Yogananda
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