There is an orderliness in the universe. There is an unalterable law governing everything and every being that exists or lives. Gandhi

I think this was yesterdays dress rehearsal. :-)

International yoga teacher and author Liz lark will be running yoga retreats in Italy, Canary Islands and Ibiza this summer. Liz is a wonderful teacher with knowledge in many yoga disciplines. She leads Yoga Holidays in unspoilt locations of natural beauty, tapping into the raw elemental inspiration of practicing yoga in these environments, which inspire her teaching. A Board Member and teacher for Yoga campus Teachers Training Course in London, Liz is involved in training safe, competent, creative yoga teachers committed to maintaining a high caliber of yoga teaching in the UK and beyond. (see www.yogacampus.com) . She has written several books, and created a DVD, called ‘Yogalibre’, which draws strengths from different approaches to Hatha Yoga, inspired by flowing vinyasa, with structural foundation, and values creative visualization, the mystical, and philosophical seeds offered from numerous sources. For more details on these retreats and UK classes visit: www.Lizlark.com PUGLIA: F...

A lovely tomato recipe that can be served on lightly toasted bread or as a side dish for quiche; perfect for picnics. Recipe courtesy of Able and Cole organic foods. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cooking time: 30-40 minutes. Serves as many as you like. Ingredients A few handfuls of tomatoes A glug of olive oil A drizzle of honey A few springs of of rosemary or thyme A good sprinkle of sea salt 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger 50g toasted, roughly chopped nuts Instructions: Preheat oven to 180 0C. Put tomatoes, oil, honey and herbs in a tray. sprinkle with salt. Roast for 30-40 mins, till the tomatoes look soft.

Non-violence is the summit of bravery. Mahatma Gandhi.

Here is an item posted on my friends blog Family affairs and other matters . It is an opportunity to win airline tickets with AirAsia and to view Sir Richard Branson eat humble pie. If you would like to enter or attend the event, visit the above blog or Twitter @familyaffairs . AirAsia have opened up a gateway to some of the most beautiful, destinations in Asia. Perfect for yoga retreats and a bit of spiritual banking Sir Richard Branson lost a bet with Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia Group some time last year. Consequently, on Sunday 1st May he has agreed to become an AirAsia flight attendant for a charity flight and allow the highest bidder to shave his legs in front of the world’s media and guests. Not only that but Alexandra Burke is going to be performing and we will also get a chance to attend a media press conference and a Q and A forum. They are going to take us to Stansted airport for the event on a bus leaving Liverpool Street Station at 10.30am – unless of course you live nea...

It is not others that must change. It is you. Swami Prajnanpad

Bharadvajasana , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Bharadvajasana. One of my favorite twists.

First of all accept yourself. When you do not accept yourself and imagine yourself to be someone different, a conflict arises between what you believe you are and what you really are. Swami Prajnanpad

Ireland April 11 136 , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . On our recent trip to Ireland we were robbed by this spotty dalmatian. He stole: two pairs of sunglasses, a cardigan, a shoe (or two) and also tried to steal my passport, handbag and any other object he could fit into his mouth. He was also an amorous creature with an eye for the ladies. Be warned - if you're out and about in County Wexford - he has two spotty friends, who act as lookouts. :-)

Eka Hasta Bhujasana , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Eka Hasta Bhujasana

Watching and listening are a great art. By watching and listening, we learn infinitely more than we do from any books. Books are necessary, but watching and listening sharpens the senses. Krishnamurti

I'm loving the range of colours in the Sweaty Betty Spring yoga range. Beats the boring black any day. I also like the longer length as they dont rise up therefore avoiding the need to tuck my belly away every five minutes.

Like the silkworm, you have built a cocoon around yourself. Who will save you? Burst your own cocoon and come out as the beautiful butterfly; as the free soul. Swami Vivekanada

This made me smile :-)

Always good to remember - when life gets in the way of your yoga practice.

Spring Ireland , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Love this spring photograph taken by my daughter in Ireland this weekend.

What is the soul? The soul is consciousness. It shines as the light within the heart. Brihadarnyaka Upanishad

Mothers Day 154 , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Me and my babies on Mothering Sunday.

The Ashtanga yoga closing prayer/chant Mysore.

A human being is part of the whole called by us "the universe", a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest-a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening the circle of understanding and compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. Albert Einstein

Yoga Om 133 , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Back bend variation. A gentler version of a back bend that I use in prenatal yoga classes.

I really like this translation of the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. It enables me to understand in practical terms the meaning of "non-judgement" and "letting go" and is a great reminder to practice it now, when I feel aggrieved by someone else's behaviour. The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali Book Two - Sadhana Pada The Seer is nothing but the power of seeing which, although pure, appears to see through the mind. Through yogic thinking we can see the entire humanity as our own. we can embrace all without any exceptions. Even the worst sinner will be loved by us because we ourselves were once sinners. Todays sinner is tomorrows saint. We will never criticize a sinner if we realize that we were once in the same boat. Instead, we can give the so-called sinner a helping hand. if a baby dirties its diaper, you dont criticize it. If you wish to criticize it you have no business being with child. So yoga helps in every aspect of our lives, from the White House to the out house...