Soul Tree Blog

That day I broke every Reiki Precept

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 01:50:16 GMT

The Day I Broke Every Reiki Precept (Yes… on a Reiki Course!)

In level 1 we learn the five Reiki precepts — simple guiding principles that sit at the heart of the practice.

Just for today:

I will not worry.
I will not anger.
I will be honest / work honestly.
I will be grateful.
I will be kind to all living things.

Mikao Usui described them as "the secret to happiness and medicine for everything!"

I have taught these words many times as a Reiki Master and try to embody them in my daily life. And yet, the other day I managed to break every single one of them. Not over something profound or life-changing. Over… a lunch delivery. And the irony? It happened during a Reiki Level 1 course.

I had ordered lunch from one of my favourite local restaurants to share with my students. I order from them quite often as the food is always great but the delivery is usually abou t 15–20 minutes late. Knowing this, I thought I’d be clever and order it for 11.30am, half an hour earlier than we actually needed it.

11.30 came and went… 12.00… still no lunch.

And this is where the first precept quietly slipped away.

Just for today, do not worry.

Because of course… I started worrying. What if it takes ages? What will the students think?

At 12.15 I called the restaurant. They reassured me it was already being delivered and should arrive soon.

By 12.45, the food still hadn’t arrived, so I called again. This time I was told it was just being finished by the kitchen. Clearly, when I had call ed earlier and been told it was already on its way… that wasn’t exactly true.

By now, the second precept had also gone out the window.

Just for today, do not anger.

I could feel the irritation building. Not full-blown rage perhaps, but definitely that simmering frustration we all know too well.

Then, in the conversation that followed, I broke another one.

Just for today, be honest.

I told the lady on the phone that my students were all standing around waiting for lunch and that the late delivery was ruining my course. Which, if I’m being completely truthful, was not really the case. My students were actually quite happy, chatting and enjoying themselves. They were calm. They were patient. They were modelling the Reiki precepts far better than their teacher.

At 1.15pm, the lunch finally arrived. The students tucked in and enjoyed the delicious meal.

Later, the owner of the restaurant called me to apologise. She was clearly trying to make things right. And this was my moment to practice the next precept:

Just for today, be kind.

Was I kind? Was I understanding? Not at all. The anger — and the self-righteous feeling of having been lied to — was foremost in my mind. I told her, in no uncertain terms, that I would never order from them again.

And to top it all off in the middle of my frustration, I had also forgotten the other important precept:

Just for today, be grateful.

Grateful for the privileged life I live.
Grateful that there was a meal coming at all.
Grateful for the beautiful space we were gathered in.
Grateful for my kind and patient students.

Here I was, teaching the Reiki precepts, and in the space of a couple of hours, I had managed to break every single one of them.

Not exactly the shining example I had hoped to be.

But perhaps that is the real lesson.

The Reiki precepts are not there because we have perfected them. They are there because we haven’t.

They gently remind us that the practice is ongoing. That growth isn’t always a straight line. That even when we think we are evolving and moving forward, old habits can sneak back in when we least expect it.

It was a humbling reminder that the work continues.

For all of us.

Even the teacher.

Or should I say… especially the teacher!

So… just for today… I will try again. ✨

How to Prepare for a Reiki Attunement

Mon, 12 May 2025 02:53:57 GMT

7 Days of Gentle Preparation for a Powerful Shift

Receiving a Reiki attunement is a sacred and transformative experience. Whether you’re stepping into your Master training or beginning your Reiki journey, how you prepare in the days beforehand can make a significant difference to your connection, clarity, and overall experience.

At Soul Tree, we encourage all students to spend at least 7 days preparing before the course begins. This isn’t about being perfect — it’s about intentionally creating the space in body, mind, and spirit to receive Reiki more deeply.

Daily Energy Practice: Hatsurei Hō

One of the most powerful ways to strengthen your Reiki connection before an attunement is to practice Hatsurei Hō daily. This traditional Japanese technique helps to:

Cleanse and expand your energy field
Ground and centre your mind
Deepen your ability to channel Reiki

Even if you’re not yet confident with every step of the sequence, a simple version practiced with presence will still be beneficial. Focus on your breath, your energy, and your intention to align with Reiki.

Avoid What Lowers Your Life Force

In the week leading up to your attunement, we recommend avoiding (or at least reducing) anything that depletes your energy or clouds your awareness. These include:

Alcohol – dulls your energy field and disrupts clarity
Caffeine – can overstimulate and interfere with meditation or self-Reiki
Meat – particularly red meat, which is energetically dense and slows digestion
Recreational drugs – strongly interfere with energy sensitivity and integration
Overstimulation – such as loud environments, excessive screen time, or drama
Late nights – rest is essential for energetic processing

This isn’t a forever-rule — but think of it as clearing the decks before a sacred ceremony. You're tuning your inner radio so Reiki can come through loud and clear.

Choose What Nourishes

Support your preparation by consciously choosing habits and rituals that raise your vibration and support your nervous system:

Drink plenty of clean water
Eat light, plant-based meals (or whatever makes you feel vibrant)
Get outside into nature daily, even just for a few minutes
Practice self-Reiki or meditation
Journal or reflect on your Reiki journey so far
Choose stillness over busyness when possible
Be mindful of your inner dialogue — kindness starts with you

It’s About Intention, Not Perfection

Preparing for a Reiki attunement doesn’t mean you need to live like a monk. It simply means approaching this part of your journey with reverence and intention .

Think of these 7 days as a soft opening — a quiet aligning with what’s coming. The more grounded, clear, and rested you feel, the more you’ll be able to receive and embody the energetic shifts that Reiki offers.

If you have any questions about how to prepare or need support, reach out — I’m here to help.

Gassho - More Than A Gesture

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:49:08 GMT

Gassho is not just a gesture; it is a doorway — into stillness, connection, and the limitless energy of the universe.

Gassho is a beautifully simple practice— two hands joined together in front of the heart, fingers pointing upwards, palms gently touching. Yet in its stillness lies a vast depth of meaning.

This ancient gesture or mudra is found across many spiritual traditions, often used in devotion, gratitude and respect. In the system of Reiki, Gassho is far more than a ritual or respectful salutation — it is a gateway. A gateway to inner balance, mental clarity, energetic alignment, and heartful connection.

The word Gassho in Japanese translates loosely to “two hands coming together,” and it symbolises unity — the meeting of left and right, yin and yang, giving and receiving, the self and the other. But beyond symbolism, this gesture has real energetic effects. It calms the nervous system, centres the mind, and aligns our inner landscape in preparation for healing. By bringing our hands together at the heart centre, we are quite literally bridging opposites within ourselves. We shift from doing into being, from fragmentation into wholeness. In Reiki, Gassho is how we begin — and how we return. Lets look a little deeper into this gesture:

The First Pillar of Reiki

In the traditional teachings of Mikao Usui Sensei , Gassho forms the very foundation of the entire practice. He described it as the First Pillar of Reiki, and it was taught not as a casual gesture, but as a formal meditative practice. Usui instructed his students to sit in seiza (a kneeling position) with their hands in Gassho, focusing on the place where the middle fingers touch, for 20 to 30 minutes. This wasn’t just a warm-up — it was the primary practice for cultivating stillness, sharpening awareness, and embodying Reiki as a state of being.

Gassho Meditation refines the practitioner’s ability to be fully present, it trains the mind to settle and the breath to deepen. Over time, it builds a steady, anchored awareness that becomes the vessel through which Reiki flows. Before any treatment begins, Gassho is used to centre oneself, to clear the mental and emotional clutter, and to attune to the universal life force. It’s an act of humility — a reminder that we are not the healers, but instruments of healing energy.

Gassho as the First Pillar reflects Reiki’s roots in spiritual discipline and inner cultivation. It reminds us that Reiki is not just a technique, but a way of being — a path of self-awareness, compassion, and connection to the great mystery that moves through all life. Each time we bring our hands together, we return to that essence.

How to practice Gassho Meditation

To practise Gassho Meditation, find a quiet space and sit comfortably, ideally in a kneeling (seiza) or cross-legged position, seated on a chair upright with a straight spine or even satnding before you begin a reiki treatment. Bring your hands together in front of the heart centre, palms lightly touching in Gassho. Close your eyes and begin to gently focus your attention on the point where your middle fingers meet. Let your breath settle into a natural rhythm, and if the mind wanders, softly bring it back to the feeling of your fingertips and the rise and fall of the breath. Sit this way for 10 to 30 minutes, allowing stillness, gratitude, and connection to unfold naturally.

The Yogic Connection

Gassho isn’t unique to Reiki — it’s part of a much larger human story. Across Asia, pressing the palms together in greeting is a universal gesture of respect and unity. When paired with the word Namaste, it becomes a full-body expression: "The divine in me bows to the divine within you." In the yogic traditions of India, this hand gesture is known as Anjali Mudra, meaning “gesture of offering.” In yoga practice, Anjali Mudra appears again and again — it is used in the first posture in Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) and in meditations, seated poses, and even standing balances.

I personally use this mudra in my sadhana (daily practice). The moment I bring my palms together to signal the start of practice, I feel the energy descend from my busy mind to my heart, to my breath. There is a tangible feeling of grounding, centring, and a powerful anchoring in the present moment.

Though physically simple, this gesture triggers profound psychological shifts: it settles the mind into focused calm, activates the Anahata (heart) chakra, and cultivates humility and gratitude within seconds. When bringing palms together, you are also joining the subtle energy channels Ida and Pingala — the sun and moon energies corresponding to the different hemispheres of the brain. They merge in the centre, balancing the logical and intuitive aspects of the mind.

In yogic philosophy, Ida (lunar, cooling, feminine) and Pingala (solar, warming, masculine) unite at the heart and crown through this gesture, symbolising inner balance. In Chinese tradition, it parallels the harmonising of yin and yang. Through Gassho or Anjali Mudra, we create a bridge within ourselves — balancing opposites, uniting polarities, and returning to a centred state of wholeness.

TCM Wisdom: Palms and Meridians

From an energetic medicine perspective, the significance deepens further. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the palms are powerful gateways through which key meridians run. When we bring our hands together in Gassho, we activate and harmonise several vital energy pathways:

Heart Meridian – Runs along the inner arm and is associated with love, joy, consciousness, and emotional warmth. Stimulating this meridian enhances emotional clarity and heart-centred awareness.
Pericardium Meridian – Also called the “Heart Protector,” this meridian governs emotional resilience and the ability to maintain boundaries. It shields the heart from stress and emotional trauma, playing a crucial role in inner peace.
Lung Meridian – Governs breath, immunity, and the intake of qi (life force). It connects us to the present moment through breath, supports grief processing, and facilitates a clear flow of inspiration.

By pressing the palms together, we stimulate acupressure points on all three meridians, encouraging the smooth and balanced circulation of Ki. In addition, this gesture is believed to gently activate the vagus nerve, which regulates the parasympathetic nervous system. This promotes the "rest and restore" state — slowing the heart rate, regulating breath, and reducing anxiety. In moments of mental clutter or emotional overwhelm, simply pressing your palms together can offer immediate relief and reset.

The Elements and Planets at Your Fingertips

Even more fascinating is how the fingers themselves link us to the elements of nature and the energies of the planets:

Thumb – Fire Element , ruled by Mars . Symbolizes willpower, courage, and the transformative force of fire.
Index Finger – Air Element , ruled by Jupiter . Represents expansion, wisdom, leadership, and the breath of knowledge.
Middle Finger – Space (Ether) Element , ruled by Saturn . Associated with discipline, spiritual growth, and connection to universal truth.
Ring Finger – Earth Element , ruled by the Sun . Anchors vitality, grounding, and life energy into the physical body.
Little Finger – Water Element , ruled by Mercury . Governs communication, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.

When we bring the hands together in Gassho, we aren’t just making a gesture. We are inviting all five elements — fire (energy), air (thought), space (consciousness), earth (stability), and water (emotion) — to come into harmony within us. At the same time, the planetary influences strengthen our subtle energy fields, supporting both our physical and spiritual wellbeing. It's an extraordinary act of alignment, done so simply

The Power of Gassho

When we understand all that’s happening beneath the surface of Gassho — physically, energetically, cosmically — it’s no wonder Mikao Usui placed it at the very beginning of Reiki practice.

It is so much more than just a symbolic gesture; it is a living, breathing practice that unites body, mind, and spirit, preparing the practitioner to become a clear and compassionate channel for Reiki energy.

The power of Gassho reminds us that sometimes the simplest acts carry the deepest wisdom. Placing our hands together draws us into presence, opens our heart, quiets the mind, and reconnects us to the universe within and around us. It creates a bridge between the earthly self and the higher self — between the human and the divine.

References:

Lad, Vasant. The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies. 1st ed., Harmony Books, 1998.
Maciocia, Giovanni. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists. 2nd ed., Elsevier Churchill Livingstone, 2005.
Petter, Frank Arjava. The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui. Lotus Press, 2002.
Saraswati, Swami Satyananda. Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha. 4th ed., Bihar School of Yoga, 2008.
Saraswati, Swami Niranjanananda. Mudra Vigya,. Bihar School of Yoga, 2009.
Inamoto, Hyakuten, Komyo ReikiDo Manuals

Progressing with Reiki

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 03:41:47 GMT

Are there higher vibrations of Reiki than Usui Reiki and what type of reiki is best to learn?

Several of my students have been asking me lately about my thoughts on the differnt styles of reiki on offer and the so called “higher frequencies” of reiki. I thought I would share my answers as they may be of interest to everyone wondering if they need to learn more or trying to decide what form of reiki to choose...

_____________________

In addition to the original Usui reiki tradition there are many other types of reiki on offer: Karuna, Holy Fire, Sehkem, Gendai, Lightarian, Five element, Seichem, Golden Age, Crystal Reiki, Kundalini Reiki and Angelic Reiki to name but a few. Many of these are purported to be more advanced teachings and often taught after the Usui levels. I often see reiki teachers refer to some types of reiki as being of a higher vibration than Usui reiki or saying that reiki has evolved into these new forms. I do not believe this is correct and want to set the record straight.

Rei = life force and Ki = Energy.This source energy or universal energy as it is often referred to is of the highest vibrational frequency possible. It is pure consciousness or spirit. Anyone telling you that you can learn to channel higher vibrational energy than reiki demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding of the basic principles of energy work. There is no higher frequency than reiki. Pure source energy cannot be altered or improved.

So what changes when we are attuned to reiki or practice using different symbols? The answer is us – we change! By working on ourselves we can bring about positive changes to our individual vibrational frequency – we are not learning to channel higher frequencies of energy – we are becoming a higher frequency!

Whats the best way to raise our vibrational frequency? I have studied a many different types of reiki with many different reiki masters but to be honest I have gained a much deeper personal relationship with reiki through my yoga studies and practice than anything I learned on the reiki courses I attended. I have given a lot of thought as to why this is. Yoga teaches that in order to gain real depth, real mastery you need to look inwards not outwards. Adding new techniques and skills are nice and interesting but that is all they are – true progress will only come from going inwards. And we don’t need to go on courses to learn how to do this.

As I tell my students we are channelling reiki all the time, every hug, every prayer and wish is sending reiki to the recipient. Usui taught that living by the reiki principles is the path to health and happiness…. Not attending more courses, gaining more certificates or being initiated into a variety of new symbols. Actually Usui did not even teach symbols originally, he added these later to assist people when learning but they were intended as training wheels to be let go of as you become confident.

In the west there is a focus on achieving more - more studies, more techniques, more qualifications, more money etc. In the east however there is a larger importance placed on dedicating ones life to following a spiritual path. Progress cannot be measured by certificates on the wall. My advice to anyone wanting to progress with their reiki (or personal/spiritual development in genera)l – is to let go of the need to acquire outside recognition…. and rather make a commitment to turn inwards every day - 5 mins a day will make a significant difference! Just 5 minutes to slow down, maybe connect with your breath, to remember you are more than the physical body. 5 minutes to repeat the reiki principles and feel the energy flowing through you, filling you up (Hatsurei Ho is particularly good for this). 5 minutes of soul time!

If you are trying to decide which form of reiki to learn, it does not really matter - best to choose a teacher that you feel comfortable with. While the different types of reiki have different rituals, techniques, symbols and traditions but they are all just ways to connect to universal energy - pick the one that appeals to you and don't feel that you need to study more. Trust that everything you need is already in you. Just let the reiki flow.

Wishing you many blessings on your journey

Sirpa / Jyotipari

Mikao Usui's life - a journey of healing and enlightenment

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 23:52:00 GMT

The Life and Beliefs of Mikao Usui: A Journey of Healing and Enlightenment

Mikao Usui was a Japanese spiritual teacher who is widely known for developing the Usui Reiki healing system. Reiki, which means "universal life force energy," is a holistic approach to healing that involves channeling energy through the hands to promote balance and well-being on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. Mikao Usui's life and beliefs are a testament to the power of self-discovery, spiritual awakening, and the pursuit of enlightenment.

Early Life and Spiritual Quest

Mikao Usui was born on August 15, 1865, in the village of Taniai in the Yamagata district of Japan. He grew up in a traditional Japanese family and received a Buddhist education, which laid the foundation for his spiritual quest later in life. Usui was deeply curious about the mysteries of life and sought answers to questions about the purpose of existence and the nature of healing.

Usui's spiritual journey took him on a path of exploration and study. He delved into various disciplines such as martial arts, Chinese medicine, psychology, and esoteric teachings. He traveled to China and Europe to expand his knowledge and understanding of different healing modalities and spiritual practices. Despite his extensive studies, Usui could not find the answers he was seeking, and he felt a deep sense of dissatisfaction.

The Enlightenment Experience

It was during a 21-day retreat on Mount Kurama, a sacred mountain in Japan, that Mikao Usui had a life-changing experience that transformed his beliefs and paved the way for the development of Reiki. Usui engaged in fasting, meditation, and prayer as part of his spiritual practice. On the 21st day of his retreat, he had a profound experience of enlightenment, which he described as a powerful surge of energy entering the crown of his head and filling his entire being with light.

This enlightenment experience marked a turning point in Usui's life. He realised that he had received a special gift, a healing ability that could be used to help others. He also gained insights into the principles of healing and living a balanced life. This experience formed the foundation of Usui's beliefs and became the guiding principles of Reiki.

The Development of Usui Reiki

After his enlightenment experience, Mikao Usui returned from Mount Kurama and began sharing his healing gifts with others. He founded the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai, a healing society, in Tokyo, Japan, in 1922. Usui taught Reiki to thousands of students, and the practice spread rapidly across Japan and eventually around the world.

Usui's teachings were based on five principles that he developed after his enlightenment experience. These principles, known as the Reiki Principles or the Five Reiki Precepts, are:

Just for today, I will not be angry.
Just for today, I will not worry.
Just for today, I will be grateful.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.

These principles emphasise the importance of mindfulness, gratitude, integrity, and compassion in living a balanced and harmonious life. They are central to Usui's beliefs and teachings, and they continue to be an integral part of Reiki practice today.

Legacy and Impact

Mikao Usui's contributions to the field of healing and spirituality have had a lasting impact. His development of Reiki as a holistic healing system has helped countless people around the world find relief from physical ailments, emotional distress, and mental imbalances. Reiki is practiced in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, spas, and private practices, and is often used as a complementary therapy

Why you should NOT learn reiki online

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 23:12:31 GMT

If you learn reiki online you are missing out!

Reiki New Zealand recently announced that teachers can now apply for permission to teach reiki online. This is inline with what is happening overseas with many well know teachers like William Lee Rand at The International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT)offering online courses and sites like Udemy offering a 5 hour prerecorded Reiki course that certifies you in level 1, 2 & Reiki Master!

I have serious misgivings about this development and believe that students learning reiki online are serioulsly missing out.

I know Reiki is an abundant flow of universal energy which is not bound by distance or time. This means that you can give a distant reiki treatment or a reiki attunement and teach someone reiki on the other side of the world. With face to face learning over Zoom, Facebook live and Teams it is possible to run live classes where students can interact with each other and the teacher. There are also the obvious advantages to learning online, it is certainly more convenient in your own home and often less costly . So why then I am I so opposed to online learning?

Disconnection

I believe society is moving dangerously in the wrong direction, with a huge reliance on technology for communication we are becoming more isolated and disconnected than ever before. Think about meeting a good friend or loved-one via online. Yes it is possible to have a conversation and communicate clearly with them - but could it ever take the place of spending quality time in person with them?

Practice and confidence

My students can read the manual and all the wonderful reiki books and articles on their own, but when they are with me they get the priceless opportunity to practice on each other. They get to feel how differently reiki flows, how we each have a unique energy signature, they get confidence placing hands on a real person and getting feedback on different techniques. I aim for students to have worked with at least 4 people, gaining confidence giving and receiving from a wide range of individuals - How can this possibly be experienced online?

Energetic Environment:

Reiki is not only about learning techniques, but also about cultivating an energetic environment for healing and transformation. In-person Reiki courses often create a supportive and energetic space where students can experience the energy of the group, learn from each other, and immerse themselves in the Reiki energy. This collective energy can enhance the learning process and create a more profound experience for the students. Our environment has a big effect on our energy levels. Screen time and electronic devices lowers our vibrational frequency. Being outdoors in nature raises it. I try to select locations for my courses where the vibrational energy is high.

Observational Learning

In an in-person Reiki course, students have the opportunity to observe the teacher demonstrating techniques and practices, as well as observe other students practicing. This observational learning can provide additional insights and understanding of Reiki techniques and practices that may not be as easily conveyed in an online course.

Dicovering Anahata - The Heart Chakra

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 00:40:06 GMT

What makes your Heart / Anahata sing?

Understanding Anahata – the heart chakra:

Anahata or Heart chakra is associated with love. It is the meeting place for the divine masculine and divine feminine forces where they can exist in perfect balance. Anahata is represented by a lotus flower with twelve petals inside of which is a six pointed star made of two intersecting triangles (the Shatkona or Star of David) that depicts the union of Purusha and Prakrititi / Shiva and Shakti / Male and Female - the source of all creation.

The meaning of the word “Anahata” is “un-struck” the place where sound is made without any physical action / being struck. Many people associate the unstruck sound of Anahata with the heartbeat, however the heartbeat is caused by a contraction of muscles, opening and closing valves and pushing blood through the compartments of the heart – this is very much physical, this is not unstruck. Through my sadhana recently I have been privileged to gain insight into and direct experience of the unstruck sound of Anahata. These are my thoughts - I would love to hear if they resonate with you.

Consider the phrase “my heart sings.” - What feeling does this phrase invoke in you?

For me it brings to mind joy and expansion. It is pure, blissful and visceral.

So what makes your heart sing? It is more than just having a fun time. It is so much deeper than love for another person. It is an experience that happens when you are doing something that you are truly passionate about on a deeper soul level. When you are fulfilling your purpose in life, meeting your soul contract. This is what makes your heart sing and the vibration and sound literally reverberates within your being. A magnificent resonance of the ultimate happiness and euphoria. A discovery of a deep truth that was always within you. This is when you get to truly experience the unstruck sound of Anahata!

Sending you much love and blessings on your path of discovery.

Jyotipari - Sirpa

Yoga Nidra - an ancient practice for the modern world

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 09:09:56 GMT

What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra (or yogic sleep) is a powerful technique in which you are guided to relax into an almost sleep like state while remaining conscious. It is is the easiest and most effective way to create a bridge between conscious awareness and your subconscious mind. The practice of yoga nidra is derived from the tantras and was revived by Swami Sivananda in the 1970’s. While this knowledge comes from an ancient wisdom tradition dating back thousands of years it is more relevant than ever in todays modern world.

What to expect in the class:

We will start with some gentle movement to get energy flowing freely in your body. You will then be asked to lie down (supported by pillows and a blanket if you wish) and you will be systematically guided through the practice of yoga nidra. Your awareness will be invited to turn inwards and you may find yourself in the state between sleep and wakefulness, where you body is completely relaxed and your consciousness is functioning at a deeper level. You may find you drift off to sleep for parts of it, that is entirely ok (you still absorb the practice on a subconscious and unconscious level and will experience benefits) however if possible try to stay awake!

The science behind Yoga Nidra

There are many reported benefits to yoga Nidra including:

Promotes relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and increasing the amount of alpha-waves in the brain. Studies have shown that the brain shifts from beta, an awakened state with lots of brain activity, to alpha during the practice of yoga nidra.

Relives pain by stimulating the pituitary gland to reduce hormones (endorphins and encephalins) these are natural analgesics whose potency far exceeds any synthetically produced drugs

It is deeply restorative, physically, mentally and emotionally and energising. 1 hour of Yoga Nidra is said to be the equivalent of 4 hours deep restful sleep. Many people have found that by practicing yoga nidra daily over an extended period of time they have needed less sleep and felt much more alert and energised.

Therapeutic Applications of Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra has been successfully used:

to promote a general feeling of wellbeing
as a preventative treatment for healthy active people to relieve stress and prevent disease
to assist people to manage stress, anxiety, depression and neurotic behaviours.
in rehabilitation and geriatric cases where chronic pain, loss of motivation and depression pose resistance to conventional treatments
In treating and recovering from addiction (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, sex are often a response to elevated levels of stress).
As part of a treatment plan to manage many conditions including: cystic fibrosis, diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain, auto immune disease, cancer, menstrual irregularities and even asthma.

Yoga Nidra Research:

The benefits of yoga Nidra, particularly phycological ones, can be difficult to define let alone study, however there have been numerous scientific research projects that demonstrate the success of using yoga nidra in a variety of settings including:

In a study by the Presbyterian University College Hospital in Pittsburgh (USA) patients reported 81% effective pain relief after 6 weeks yoga Nidra therapy.

Menninger Foundation Kansas (USA) similarly reported 80% reduction in pain after yoga Nidra therapy in their study subjects

A large diverse group who practiced Yoga Nidra for just 11 minutes daily for 30 days reported substantial increases satisfaction with life, sleep quality and mindfulness and to substantial decreases regarding stress (Moszeik, E.N., von Oertzen, T. & Renner, 2020)

-Yoga Nidra has been widely used to treat PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) for veterans in the US with positive results (Stankovic 2011)

-A study on a group of mental heal clinicians who did one 20 minute yoga practice each week for 8 weeks reported significantly lowered perceived stress at the end of the study (Kyla L. Ferguson 2016 ) .

Yogi Music

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 01:49:57 GMT

Many of you have asked about the music I listen, what it is and where you can you find it...

It is based on the chanting of powerful Sanskrit mantra. I use this type of music in the background of my yoga classes and reiki sessions to add the sacred power of the mantra to the practice as well as to invite students to go deeper into themselves.

A mantra is a word or phrase that is repeated mentally or out loud (chanting) or sung, usually as a call and response (Kirtan). The word “mantra” can be broken down into two parts: “man” meaning “mind” and “tra” which means transport or vehicle. Mantra is literally an aid to meditation, that can assist transporting our minds to a meditative state. If you ever get the chance to go to a live Kirtan you definitely should go - it is such an uplifting experience!

Here a few of my favourites....

Gayatri Mantra

Gayatri is the oldest and most powerful mantra. It conveys gratitude to the sun and universal energy and is said to fill the faithful chanter with all the potential energy in the cosmos and help you attain enlightenment.

"Om Bhur Bhuvah Svaha

Tat Savitur Varenyam

Bhargo Devasya Diimahi

Diyoyonah Prachodayatt".

Ganesha Mantra

Ganesh is the remover of obstacles and his mantra is is used to inspire transformation and change. It is an excellent simple mantra to start off with.

"Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha"

Lokah Samastah

This is a beautiful heart opening mantra that translates roughly to: May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for al

“Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu”

Jai Saraswati

This mantra is dedicated to Saraswati the goddess of learning and wisdom and one of the 3 sacred rivers in India. It is also the lineage of the yogic tradition which I have studied.

“Jai Saraswati Jai Saraswati Jai Saraswati Pahimam

Sri Saraswati Sri Saraswati Sri Saraswati Rakshaman”

The links you can listen to on You Tube:

Take a good look at your TERROIR

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 10:08:10 GMT

All wine lovers know that great terroir contributes to a great wine – but did you consider that the same is true for human beings?

In the wine world terroir is the indefinable “je ne sais quoi” that comprises all the environmental factors such as the soil, topography and climate which combine to produce something specific to that particular vineyard in that season. It embodies the very the essence of the time and the place in which the grapes grew and cannot be artificially replicated.

My families wine farm, is a great example of how the unique terroir along with the dedicated efforts of the amazing team combine to produce some of the top wines in the country:

“ Iona is the coolest vineyard in South Africa, with a ripening season showing the best of Burgundy and Sancerre with the advantage of warmer Springs and Autumns and lower summer rainfall.

The vineyards are situated 420m above sea level, surrounded by the Kogelberg Biosphere overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a mere 3.5km away benefitting directly from the cool southerly winds. Iona literally has its head in the clouds and its feet in post glacial alluvial soils.

This results in a long, cool growing season with the grapes developing their full flavour at low sugar levels and beautiful natural acidity resulting in balanced, delicate wines”.

www.iona.co.za

Like Iona’s vines, we human beings are influenced by the environmental factors surrounding us and inside of us. These combine to form our personal terroir which influences our physical, mental and emotional state. In optimal conditions we thrive – but unfortunately most of us are struggling. We are living in far greater luxury and ease than ever before in the history of humanity yet anxiety, stress, depression, disease, disconnection are more prevalent than ever.

Unlike the vines however, we have a certain degree of control over our environmental conditions. So my challenge to you is to take a good honest look at your terroir. Do you surround yourself with the environmental factors that will support, nurture and nourish you? Here are a few points to get you started….

The food you eat - Are you nourishing your body mind and soul with wholesome real foods packed with fibre and nutrients or are you polluting it with processed foods full of artificial additives?
The environment in which you live and work – Do you enjoy being in your home and workplace? Is it clean and free of clutter?
The people you associate with - Do you surround yourself with people who are supportive, uplifting and positive or do they drag you down?
The activities you participate in – Do they stimulate you mentally, help you stay physically active and strong? Do you take time to enjoy silence and reflection?
The products you use – Do you use toxic cleaning products and cosmetics? Do you wear natural fibres that allow your skin to breathe?
What you watch, read & listen to – Are you bombarded with images of violence, war, sex advertisements and loud jarring music etc or are you discerning with what you let into your life?
The thoughts you think – Controlling your own mind is lifes single greatest challenge. Yoga and meditation can teach you some simple tools to get you on the right track.

And yes, there are environmental factors that you won’t be able to change (might not be able to totally avoid your mother in law or boss!) but remember that you always have the power to choose how you react to them.

I am sure with a few small tweaks to your environment you can improve your personal terroir considerably!

Aut Pax Aut Bellum - Either Peace or War

Sat, 26 Oct 2019 10:08:49 GMT

Embracing the duality of life

Aut Pax Aut Bellum - Either Peace or War

My family motto has always seemed overly harsh and aggressive to me, maybe fitting for one of the oldest and most warlike clans in Scotland, but surely not relevant for an enlightened modern day Gunn.

My father, Andrew Gunn, recently added a dove alongside the sword on our family crest for his new limited edition release of Iona Wines . The dove being the symbol of peace has given the crest the balance is lacked and made me consider the Gunn Clan motto through fresh eyes.

The opposing forces of War and Peace, like yin and yang, are everywhere in nature - day and night, male and female, positive and negative. These forces are both complementary and interdependent in the natural world. We find these dualities within ourselves - the light and the dark, the physical and non physical, the heart and the mind, the body and the soul, the good and the bad ... they are all contained within each of us.

This duality is very evident in yoga - Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word to yoke which indicates joining 2 opposing forces and Hatha can be broken into two parts "Ha" meaning sun and "Tha" meaning moon. When we practice hatha yoga we are working to combine and bring into balance opposing forces within ourselves.

It is when we don't have balance in our life, in our thoughts and in our emotions that we find ourselves in extreme mental, physical and spiritual states and this compromises our health and wellbeing.

Wine too needs balance with all the different components working in harmony. ... acidity, fruit, tannins, sugar, alcohol .. they all add to the complexity of the wine but if any one element is out of sync with the others the wine is compromised.

I strongly believe that life is about embracing your duality and striving to attain and maintain a balance.

To the men who resist going to yoga

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 10:01:29 GMT

A poem for all those men who have not yet tried yoga!

There are many lovely men who regularly come to my classes but the majority of my students are ladies. Unfortunately there is a misconception in the west that yoga is a ladies activity. This could not be further from the truth and certainly is not the case in the east where yoga originated. Times are slowly changing - many high performance athletes are raving about the benefits of yoga even the All Blacks are doing it now!

This little yoga poem is for all those men out there who have not given it try!

The yoginis in Auckland like yoga a lot,

But some of the menfolk unfortunately do not....

Some men are scared of the whole yoga culture,

To them the poses look like pure torture.

They mock the photos and Instagram postings,

The kale and kombucha and juice cleanse hostings.

But most of all they fear the chanting and singing,

The sound of Oms leaves their ears ringing.

But there came a day when one realised his mind was closed tight,

His body would not bend and his breath was too slight.

So our brave male friend, not knowing what was in store,

Turned up at a studio and walked in the door.

He stepped onto a mat without expectation,

And began on a journey of yoga and meditation.

With some practice he found his breaths were soon longer,

His mind became quiet, his inner voice stronger.

He learned to bend, twist, stretch and even touch his toes,

As he realised that yoga is much more than a pose.

With a presence of mind and a trust in himself,

He discovered a whole new inner level of wealth.

He noticed his worries and fears were now gone,

And so with an open heart, he loudly sang - OM!”