According to Abhinavagupta, a master of the Tantrik lineages, there are three skilful means to liberation, or Upāya, of which one is śāmbhava upāya. He first outlined this framework in Tantrāloka around 10 centuries ago. The first is the Embodied Means (ānava upāya), which focuses on practices that use the body, breath and imagination, focusing …
A Tale of Mat Resistance, and Practicing Anyway
Mat resistance. Happens to the best of us, no matter how long we’ve been practicing. Here’s a glimpse into a moment of mat resistance in my life, back in 2013. Notice how I respond to it, notice the process, notice life isn’t all peaches and cream because I’m practicing yoga everyday. ***** It’s been a …
The 1000 Day Tantrik Yoga Practice: Failed Attempt #2
It was October, 2018. I was catching a ride to Day 3 of a three-day workshop with Ana Forrest & Jose Calarco. Nikki – giving me a ride – and I were talking about mountains and the energy they embody. I was sharing my recent experiences in Glenorchy, where I would sit outside at sunset …
The 1000 Day Tantrik Yoga Practice: Failed Attempt #1
I’ve been doing Forty Day practices for over a decade now. At first, it took great dedication, commitment and mindfulness to practice yoga every day for forty days in a row, especially when I was doing the same practice each day, like a Tantrik Yoga practice. I learned so much about myself, how my mind worked, …
How to Stop Attracting Emotionally Unavailable Men
Breaking the pattern of attracting emotionally unavailable men began with Ana Forrest’s class Tracking Transformation at midday on Thursday, the first day of Wanderlust Great Lake Taupo, 2015. I was wary of taking her class that afternoon as I was presenting a Speakeasy at 4:30pm and Ana has a reputation for breaking people open. However, it was my only chance …
The Impossible Not-Impossible Dream of Buying a House
I am buying a house. Not today. Not next week. Likely not next month. But who knows, maybe by the end of the year. On paper, this seems ludicrous and impossible. My average earnings over the last five years have been around $20,000 annually. I have less than $2000 saved towards a deposit. I’m a …
