This yoga manual is a fantastic reference book for both yoga teachers and students. The author - H. David Coulter - has a ph.D in anatomy and has been a long-standing yoga practitioner, and has trained and studied with a number of yoga Swamis. I think this book is really insightful and clearly links the relationship between the practice of yoga and the human anatomy. It is full of information; including the mechanics of breathing techniques, Asana, Mudra and Bandha from both a Western and yogic perspective. I have not found another book that crosses into both areas in quite the same way as this one does. My husband who does not practice yoga, but does have an MSc in Sports Medicine also thought it was a great comprehensive reference book. Anatomy of Hatha Yoga: A Manual for Students, Teachers and Practitioners by H. David Coulter

Immature love says: "I love you because I need you." Mature love says: "I need you because I love you." Gandhi

I thought I would share a couple of textile designs produced by my daughter, who is in the first year of a textiles degree at Central St Martins. These two silkscreen pieces are designed by using images from photographs taken when we were on holiday in India. I am not an art student, so will not try and discuss the process of silkscreen printing, but I do understand that it is quite a tricky process; as well as very time consuming. If you look closely you can see the fishes in one of the designs and, in the other, my daughter has drawn in the pylons that she photographed in Goa. I think she has captured a great likeness of this clothes seller and a real feel for India. The man who features in the prints is seen below with his friends. I think he would be delighted to see himself as a muse. Who knows he may appear on a t-shirt in the future! If we return to India in the winter we will definitely take him one of the prints.

Anyone who practices can obtain success in yoga but not one who is lazy. Constant practice alone is the secret of success. Svatmarama, Hatha Yoga Pradipika

On my last trip to India I heard one of the worst sales’ pitches ever. The beautiful young girl (seen in the photo) was selling sarongs on the beach and approached me by saying “do you want to buy some of my cheap crap?”. I laughed for 10 minutes. The Indian people have a great sense of humour. Despite the sweltering heat and earning very little, the young girls always have time for a chat (once you have purchased some “cheap crap”) and have dazzling smiles that are so infectious. I found it fascinating hearing about their lives; how they travel to Goa (quite often on their own) from far-flung villages. Some of the girls are as young as 14 and were amazed that my daughter was not having an arranged marriage, and that she could in fact choose her boyfriend. Before I forget, another funny line for me came from another beach seller: “those hippies, bunch of lazy bastards!”.

One of the most difficult things is not to change society - but to change yourself. Nelson Mandela

Twisting yoga poses have many benefits to both mind and body, which include: Massaging the internal organs Detoxifying the body Improving digestion Increasing the function of the liver, spleen and pancreas Toning the oblique muscles (waist muscles) Bringing symmetry and balance The lateral rotation of the spine increases blood flow to the spinal nerve ending, flushing the spine with fresh oxygenated blood. The central energy channel of susumna nadi is situated inside the spinal column, therefore twisting poses encourage the upward ascent of energy ( prana ) . The Anahata chakra is stimulated in thoracic twists. This chakra represents unconditional love and is the seat of the heart... It is a gateway to higher chakras. Twisting poses balance the body. In our every day lives, we tend not to twist in a balanced way and will habitually favour one side. Spinal twists help to bring symmetry to the body, also calming the nervous system.