Guruji - A Portrait of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois by Guy Donahaye and Eddie Stern I have so enjoyed reading this book about Pattabhi Jois as witnessed through the eyes of his students, of many years. It is a great insight into the life and personality of the man known as Guruji. Thirty of Guruji’s students offer their own experience of practising Ashtanga yoga under his guidance. The passion that was shared from guru to student is one of the wonderful themes throughout the book; as is the family man or householder that Pattabhi Jois was. It is clear from this book that family played a big role in this man’s life. There is plenty of humour; I found the David Swenson and Guruji “Hari Krishna” story really funny. I loved reading about the experiences of the women who practiced with Guruji, especially in the early days, when western women were not the norm in the Shala. I highly recommend this book to everyone who practices Ashtanga yoga.

Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work. Mother Teresa

Bakasana (Crow Pose) , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Bakasana or Crow Pose

If we are to go forward, we must go back and rediscover those precious values - that all reality hinges on moral foundations and that all reality has spiritual control. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The internationally-recognised Ashtanga yoga teacher David Swenson will be teaching at triyoga Soho from the 26th November until the 5th of December 2010. This is a great opportunity to practice with one of the “old school” Ashtanga yoga teachers. David was my first yoga teacher way back in 1994. Since then, I have not had the chance to attend any of his classes or workshops. However, I have booked a place on the “hands on” adjustment workshop that he will be holding. There are a number of workshops on offer, from led primary series classes to a yoga teacher training intensive. So there is something for everyone! I have mentioned to a number of my yoga students that they should take the rare chance to go and practice yoga with David. Some of them, however, feel slightly intimidated at the prospect. When I meet him on a Greek island 16 years ago, I had no idea who he was and had never practised yoga before. David has a passion for yoga which he clearly loves to share. It is true that he

If you cannot work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work. Khalil Gibran

Bhujapidasana prep. Arm pressure pose , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Bhujapidasana prep (Arm pressure pose)

Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life. Buddha

Here are the remaining moon days for 2010: October 23 (full moon) November 6 (new moon) November 21 (full moon) December 5 (new moon) December 21 (full moon)

Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go. Mother Teresa