There is a great deal of hatred and anger and discrimination. How is it possible, in such a state, for people to practice deep looking with the aim of achieving a deep knowledge... So it is necessary to practise mindfulness. It could be Buddhist or Christian, but it is necessary to bring mindfulness to our everyday life. If you are a journalist, a teacher, or a filmmaker you should practise mindfulness for the sake of your own calm and your own happiness, but also for that of other people as well. Because we need your calm, your compassion, your understanding. So we should be mindful as individuals but also as a community, as a family, as a nation. Thich Nhat Hanh (True Love, chapter: Everybody Should Practise Mindfulness)

If you deliberately plan on being less than you are capable of being, then I warn you that you'll be unhappy for the rest of your life. Abraham H Maslow (Psychologist and Author)

Relief, Peace, well-being, joy and better relations with others will be possible if we practice mindfulness in our everyday life. I am convinced that everybody can practice mindfulness, even politicians, political parties, even the Congress. This is a body that holds the responsibility for knowing the nation's situation well, and knowledge of this kind requires the practice of looking deeply. If our elected officials are not calm enough, do not have enough concentration, how can they see things deeply? Thich Nhat Hanh Taken from True Love (Chapter: Everybody Should Practice Mindfulness)

Halasana-Plough pose , originally uploaded by yogamama.co.uk . Halasana-Plough pose

I have made some changes to my website; adding some new contents and links to the yoga mama prenatal yoga app (for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch), which is now available to buy on the iTunes App Store. The iPhone app project has been a very exciting venture and I will blog more about it soon. Incidentally, I have also created my own YouTube channel, where I will add any videos that I make in the future. It's tough work this social networking business! Links: yoga mama website yoga mama prenatal yoga app yoga mama YouTube channel

Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we learned here. The spiritual journey is the relinquishment - or unlearning - of fear and the acceptance of love back into our hearts. Marianne Williamson Taken from the book 'A Return to Love'

You are yourself, and you have acquired some peace. Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves - slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future; Live the actual moment. Only this moment is life. Thich Nhat Hanh

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud became more painful than the risk it took to blossom. Anais Nin

On my recent excursion to Sweaty Betty in Fulham Road, I managed to acquire the above items. The staff in the shop are always so helpful and didn’t bat an eyelid when I practised my yoga moves in the shop to ensure there was no “fallout” (big-boobed gals will understand this one). Most of my yoga clothing comes from the Sweaty Betty range. The colours and fabrics are always beautiful and they seem to be able to accommodate all shapes. As well as fantastic yoga clothing ranges, they also sell some great running gear: This Velocity Jacket is almost worth taking up running for. Beautiful light sheer fabric and the compression running tights offer maximum muscle support. Compression panels reduce muscle vibration conserving vital energy. Perfect for any stylish Marathon runners out there.

I have just booked a place on this workshop with Nancy Gilgoff in Tarifa, Spain. Adam Keen & Theresa Appleby have set up a beautiful yoga space in an area renowned for its windsurfing beaches. I had been trying to arrange to practice yoga with Nancy in her home studio in Maui, but life was getting in the way of making this big trip from London. I am delighted to be able to take the short flight and practice yoga with Nancy. She has so much wisdom and is always willing to share it. I would highly recommend practising Ashtanga with the grand dame, Nancy. June 2nd to June 6th: Nancy Gilgoff - 5 Day Practitioner’s Workshop Nancy began practicing Ashtanga yoga over 30 years ago with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, and was one of the first Western women to study with him in Mysore, India. As a result of their long and close association Nancy is able to teach with a style and touch that comes directly from 'Guruji' who has told her to teach the same way he taught her, advice which she took