FOREWARD
AS SOMEONE WHO photographs yogi’s in all sorts of positions, I wanted to somehow explore further and share what yoga meant to them off the mat. So I set out on a little project, where I interviewed a hand full of dedicated teachers within Australia. My aim is to explore in a conversation, the many benefits that yoga offers, both physically and spiritually to those living in a city.
I’ve called the project BREATH – asana in the city, because breath really is our life force; it’s our connection to the physical and the spiritual. The conscious use of the breath is what separates yoga from other forms of exercise. Yoga philosophy claims that we are given a certain number of breaths in our lifetime, and how we choose to expand that then becomes our lifelong practice of longevity and steadiness.
We have discovered that stress is related to disease (dis-ease) in the body and those nice long deep breaths help reduce our stress levels. However, learning to breathe and observe the breath is not just about reducing stress, but a practical and powerful method of learning to be present and in the ‘now’.
It’s my hope, that through this modest little book and these short ‘n’ sweet interviews, that it intrigues those enough to get on a mat. And, acts as a nice little reminder of the goodness that yoga brings to all that seek it out. I truly believe my life of living in a city, as glorious as it is, has been greatly enriched by the power of my regular practice. And for that, I remain forever grateful to the practice and to all my past, present and future teachers.
Yoga is not just about the asana (postures) and movement, but a connection on how we can truly make a difference through consciousness in our own selves, through a higher existence, and within our families and communities in turn.
I’d love for you to check out these short ‘n’ sweet video’s and audio’s from this series of inspiring yoga teachers. And please feel free to forward them on and leave your comments.
Cheers
Cynthia
Acknowledgements
An especially big thanks to the gorgeous Rachel Grey, who found herself in front of the camera more often than expected, and for her gracious support and patience.
And a big thank you to all the fabulous teachers for their time spent in sharing and contribution, and for their generous support on and off the yoga mat.
Eileen Hall; Fiona Parker; Giles Kershaw; Leilah Wightman; Paul Frechtling, Cat Kabira.
