Jai Yoga

As we reach the halfway point of our teacher training here at Jai Yoga, I’m continually inspired by the personal growth I’m witnessing in each of our students.

Over these past two weeks, we’ve explored not just yoga as a practice, but as a pathway to deeper self-awareness and transformation. Through our sessions, meditations, and shared meals, it’s clear that each participant is embracing their unique journey.

This training is about more than just teaching; it’s about evolving into the best version of yourself. I’m honored to be part of this process with such a dedicated group. All surrounded by the beautiful landscape of Bermagui 🌱

Did you feel the pull to do our October YTT but for whatever reasons it wasn’t possible? Here is an opportunity to join us every morning virtually for a complete practice. 60 minutes of asana followed by 30 minutes of pranayama and meditation. If you don't have the full 90 minutes available, you’re in your space, so can you drop out when you need to.

These will be highly informative classes, moving through very specific practices with targeted outcomes. The classes will be aligned with the theory that is being taught in the training, but are still suitable for any level of yogi, from beginner to advanced.

This package is perfect for those who already understand the foundations of yoga but are eager to refine and deepen their practice. Whether you’re looking to polish your techniques, explore new styles, or solidify a morning practice, this membership is a great opportunity to get back to center.

"Reflecting on the most transformative month of my life. Now coming back to reality, knowing I now have the tools to overcome whatever comes my way and to help others through the wisdom of these beautiful teachings of Ayurveda, Yoga and Ta**ra, to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.”
- Lizzie
Previous YTT graduate🧡

Just under 2 weeks until we kickoff for our last YTT of 2024 🌿

Looking for a week secluded in nature immersed in ancient yoga teachings and personal evolution? Join us for one of our week long training modules in retreat style.

YTT EARLY BIRD ENDING TONIGHT 🧡

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey into the heart of yoga and discover peace, clarity and the very meaning of your life? Join us for our 200 Hour Traditional Ta***ic Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, a month-long powerful intensive immersion designed for those craving more in all spheres of their life (from life).

Ready to take the leap? Spots are limited to keep the training intimate and allow for 1:1 guidance daily.

Head to our website for more info or send us a message to secure your place.

We look forward to seeing you there 🐚

Personal share incoming👇🏼🧡

There is a massive focus on ego in the land of yoga psychology. In yoga land it has a slightly different meaning to how we colloquially understand the concept.

In todays world ego has more of a disparaging connotation and we do tend to see a lot of ego sadly in the yoga Instagram world. These two points in themselves are really quite polarised and ironic. It comes back to what is the intention; promotion for likes, or promotion to share wisdom & deep inspiration and connection? Is it coming from a deep intuitive truth or a desire for external social recognition?

The Vedantic map of the mind, calls our sense of ‘I’ness’ ahamkara. It’s a healthy distinction of the container around our uniqueness. It’s a sense of self identity, that propels us forward in our personal way.

But yoga also speaks to continual evolution. That if we stop the process of enquiry, if we put a lid on who we think we are, we are literally stunting our growth and potential. If we can acknowledge our uniqueness, it’s like the fuel for the quest on the journey towards an expansive and meaningful life.

And yoga also refers to the necessary dissolution of ego. We have to be broken, before we can fully rise.

Here is a story of my own yoga journey and dissolution.
I completed a yoga teacher training with no intention of teaching yoga. But upon completion I felt I had worthy knowledge to share. (So far, this is probably very familiar territory to anyone that has completed a yoga teacher training).

So I started teaching, even created and opened a yoga studio, and I sincerely wanted to get very good at this craft., respectively recognising the magnitude of this opportunity to positively effect peoples lives. So I studied more & taught more, refining this science and art. And I think my western concept of ego rose comparative with my skills.

After a 300hr advanced training in Bali, a fellow student asked me to open a studio in Byron Bay with him. I was really moving up the scales of yoga hierarchy now and I was chuffed.

***continued in the comments***

We are energetic beings and yoga identifies two types of energy; physical and mental. Our physical energy expresses as matter moving, and this can be on a more dense level or a subtle one. On the mental realm, our energy manifests as thoughts.

So understanding this gives us opportunities, avenues, to affect the quality of our energy. On the physical realm with practices such as asana, and pranayama, and on the mental realm with the practice of meditation.

How does this actually happen?

Largely through our fascia, our connective tissue system, that weaves all throughout the body. Research has found that fascia, a soft, watery, collagen and elastin based substance, has 8 to 10 times more sensory endings, than our muscles. This tells us that our brain is extremely interested in fascia, and that this fascial power senses both subtle energy and more dense physical energy.

So we have our physical energy realm, the obvious and noisy body functions and movements, and then our subtle energy, which is quieter and more internalised.

The first step is to pay attention to those sensations, explore them as something new and interesting. This will give you insight into the subtle realm and inner spaces and will also increase your capacity for emotional resilience.

This is why, when we first start our yoga practice we tend to desire a more physical external based practice, with more postures and more movement. As we practice our capacity to explore the more subtle energetic realms awakens and we lean towards the quieter and simpler practices with more stillness and less noise. We begin to tune inwards, like a radio dial and we hear, and sense more sensations, thoughts and intuitions that previously may have gone unnoticed.

And then this adds a visible layer of expansion, space and possibility to out life, it's an extra visible power. If you are ready to cultivate this within your own state of consciousness and feel it ripple into your life, I invite you to join me for the upcoming Ta***ic Hatha Yoga Teacher Training this October 🙌🏼

Head to our website to explore more and apply.

Many scholars consider Ayurveda to be the oldest healing science. It means the science of life and the principles of many of todays natural healing systems have their roots in Ayurveda.

Ayurveda places great emphasis on prevention and promotes the maintenance of health by making conscious diet and lifestyle choices aimed at balance. Now thats not rocket science.

Each of us have our own individual physical, mental, energetic and emotional characteristics, our unique constitution, our birth blueprint, that does not change throughout our life.

However many factors, both external and internal, can easily affect this state of balance, such as emotional states, food choices, the weather, the seasons, our family, work and social relationships and so on.

But through an understanding of Ayurvedic theory, and self study, we can make diet and lifestyle choices, aimed at maintaining a state of balance, aligned with our blueprint. Balance is the natural order, imbalance is disorder, dis-ease.

Life presents us with many challenges and opportunities, many of which we have little control over. But we do have the power to decide our diet and lifestyle choices.

One of the most obvious and super simple ways to affect change in this arena, is to make lunch the main nutritious meal of your day. There are numerous reasons to validate this, but just consider this… it takes a few hours to digest a meal, so if at sleep time, your body is still trying to deal with that large dinner, the metabolism, assimilation and rejuvenation cellular processes that usually occur at this time, are now diverted to processing your meal instead. Ayurveda says you are not what you eat, you are what you digest.

Heres a couple of quotes to ponder

“Without right diet, medicine doesn’t work, with right diet, theres no need for medicine.” - Unknown but often heard

“Health in it's essence is a higher state of consciousness” - Deepak Chopra

I heard a conversation recently about the lost art of introspection, and are we asking the really deep questions of ourselves. Have you ever asked yourself, what really motivates you to do the things you choose to do?

It's like a dialogue with your inner wisdom, or you could call it soul wisdom. And quality inquiring questions are how we access deeper wisdom, they help us get to our inner truth. They help us go beyond the day to day externally focused awareness.

This is yoga philosophy. All yoga philosophy speaks to how the practice of introspection is essential for spiritual growth.

So I asked myself why do I do what I do?

Why have I devoted countless hours to writing a course, then delivering 200 hours of content in straight 4 week immersions, sole handedly, as a previously unconnected group, unfurl their lives, using traditional techniques, in order to process personal evolution?

So on reflection, why do I do what I do?

Well for me, these techniques have brought so much joy, purpose and richness to my life, and to be able to lead others on this journey truly amplifies that. In leading these trainings, I am fulfilling my dharma, my souls purpose. And when one lives their dharma, ones life is flowing and sweet.

Why do you do what you do?

One of the many reasons I think I may be so passionate about yoga is its many facets.

Think about this...

It's a physical, a subtle energetic, and a mind practice, which when practiced with consistency naturally evolves into a spiritual practice. So its got body, energy and mind covered.

It’s a philosophy, a way to make sense of creation and glean some understanding of why we are here and our individual unique part we are here to play out in the whole.

It covers and sets out clear guidelines on how to live a healthy life with the wisdom and practices of Ayurveda, the science of life.

Yoga's backbone comes from the Vedas, some of the oldest written texts out there. This is ancient knowledge that covers astrology, called Jyotisha, and systems of design, called Vastu Shastra, the science of architecture.

So it's a world view, a philosophy, a practice, a pathway, a way of life, that will, without doubt, if practiced with regularity, over time, positively change the way you experience yourself and the world you live in.

Do your body, mind and energy a favour, practice yoga.

I tell people I teach yoga with a twist – focusing on subtle energy.

What does that mean?

Basically, it's all about mastering your inner essence, your innate energy, your prana, your life force.

Isn’t that way cooler than just worrying about foot placement or stretching a hamstring? Sure, you’ll get those benefits too, but mastering your energy, breath, mind, and emotions? Now that is what we are all truely craving.

Prana rides on the breath, but it’s not the breath. The breath is like prana's Uber. Prana also comes from the food you eat, the places you spend time in – think sunrises, oceans, mountains – and your emotions. Consider how enthusiasm, motivation, and joy elevate your energy.

We work with prana to make things happen, mostly in that subtle space between the physical and the cosmic – the energy, mind, and intuitive layers of you. These layers can change and grow, leading to some incredible transformations.

We tap into these layers through asana practice. Asana is like the gateway channel to affecting the nadis, those energetic channels in your body. Once your nadis are flowing, they influence your mind's tendencies.

You'll find joy in life's little things and your mind will feel spacious and calm.

Some ancient texts say nadis only exist when prana flows through them. They’re potential pathways to light up your life.

This is why I teach from a subtle energetic viewpoint. It’s the most efficient and comprehensive way to practice yoga, physically and mentally.

In Ayurveda land, the doshas are an organisation of elements. There are three, and they are really a term to specify a grouping of attributes. These attributes are psychophysiology, meaning they are physical, mental, emotional, and psychological qualities.

Each dosha, along with its elemental qualities, also has a time of day, a season and even a stage of life.

Currently we are in vata season, winter.

And I am in the vata stage of life, referenced here by my recent grandma’s photo in Nepal.

And each dosha can, and has the tendency to (especially if we lack awareness) to go out of balance. Which in Ayurveda land means disease.

Vata is characterised by dry, light, rough, cold, subtle, mobile attributes, hence you can see its relationship to winter.

Vata is the force of shrinking and drying. This is where we can see the relationship to stages of life. It is the force that breaks things down. it is always moving, so is likely the first dosha to go out of balance.

So how to keep vata in balance over winter?

Take care to bring in the opposite qualities- bring in warmth, wetness, oiliness, slowness and heaviness. Do this with slow cooked hearty meals, regular routines, and applying oil on your body. Incorporate these simple practices into your daly life, to ensure you stay warm and juicy this winter.

If you have questions or ponderings, please reach out.

What can yoga do for you? One of the many things yoga can help you cultivate is your authenticity.

Authenticity is being in alignment with your true nature, it's living your unique and essential qualities that make you you. It’s identifying and owning your space in the world and living that as consciously as you can.

In doing so, there is a natural energetic progression towards a sense of wholeness, less craving for the external stuff and a deep powerful sense of freedom and fulfilment.

Most eastern traditions acknowledge that we are all here to play our unique part in the big picture. If we understand and align with this, we are pulled into making clearer decisions and better choices. Its devotion to being who you already and there is beautiful simplicity and ease that flows from that. Its life in the slipstream.

Our gift is our seed, we don't get to choose that seed, the seed is already there, but it is our job to water and nurture that seed, so that seed will flourish and thrive and in turn support the garden of life.

This spiel came out because I am teaching at @‌attunebermagui again this year and its theme is authenticity. If you are a local and interested in attending, I would love to see you there! You can purchase tickets via the link in @‌attunebermagui bio.

Swastha is the concept of perfect health. However the traditional meaning of this Sanskrit word goes a lot deeper than that.

This health is to be established in the Self. That's the big S self. Think your core essence, inner self, soul, or to be truly living and embodied in your uniqueness.

It’s to be established in all parts of ourselves, on all realms, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

So consider your physical needs. When do you eat, what do you eat? When do you rest, and when should you move?

Hows your mental state? What narratives are playing out in your head? What are your tendencies?

Emotional state? What and who is serving that and what and who isn’t? What are your response and reactive patterns?

And on a spiritual level, how can you connect to something bigger than your limited, small 's' self?

So take care of yourself, first and foremost ❤️

WINTER WELLNESS RETREAT ❄️

Ready for the ultimate winter escape? 🌄✨ Grab your girlfriends or your partner and join us from August 8th-11th for a rejuvenating retreat that blends adventure and relaxation in a luxury private chalet just 15 minutes from Thredbo.

Imagine starting your mornings with revitalising sunrise yoga led by the incredible Jane, followed by thrilling days on the slopes with a 3-day Thredbo ski pass. Unwind in the evenings with cozy yin yoga sessions by the fireplace and indulge in nourishing Ayurvedic meals prepared by our private chef.

Whether you're looking for a weekend away with friends or some time out with your partner, this retreat offers the perfect blend of wellness and winter fun. A holiday that you will go home feeling inspired and recharged from, not like you need another holiday to recover!

Private and shared rooms available, with payment plans available to suit your budget. Book your spot via our website x

There is an interesting concept that I have encountered in numerous trainings and texts, discussions around the existence of two types of knowledge. Secular knowledge and Self knowledge. And there being knowledge that binds us and knowledge that frees us…

Think about when you were little, you didn’t really know about the world, so you didn’t really peg your identity on the ‘stuff’ of the world. There was just this pure experience of I am.

But as we grow older, we attach to more and more stuff - whether its objects, identities, thoughts, emotions. “I am a woman, I am a yoga teacher, I am a grandma.” These labels are now compartments that we have to keep squeezing into. Within these boxes there are associated desires and actions that we must pursue to maintain the status quo of these labels.

It’s the same between secular knowledge and Self knowledge (note the big S referencing our true essence). Secular knowledge is about stuff in the world, what we have learnt and discovered from the world. It’s a collection of knowledge from the outside in.

For example, if I identify with my label as a yoga teacher, I could base my happiness and success on how I rate on social media, on how do I measure up in the industry. But this would be a limiting view and would likely cause me some suffering. I would be building my storehouse of attachments and stuff, based on external validation, that I have no real control over. This knowledge would be binding, it would possibly create a sense of lack and restriction on who I could be, as I try to fit into the construct I have attached to.

Or there is the knowledge of the Self, the pure raw experience of I am, of just being, where we can let go of our attachments, aversions, compartments and labels. This is a non judgemental, non binding space. It is direct knowledge, direct experience, rather than second hand learnt knowledge.

Many traditions say the path to freedom is to realise that what we seek is within. That we are not seperate from what we seek.

This is the path of yoga, philosophy, tools and practices to teach us to experience ourselves as who we truly are. And there is great freedom in that.

The recent teacher training was Jai’s first month long immersion at magnificent Ironbark, a four week exploration of growth, nestled in private nature.

These trainings are now a process in refinement. Every one expands my perceptions of what is possible and the feedback from the students is that it has always exceeded their expectations.

This is so poetic and sweet, because this is the very nature of Ta**ra. One definition of Ta**ra is an instrument to expand.
Another is to weave, to unweave yourself from your habitual attachments, aversions and limitations in order to weave yourself into a greater reality.

Ta**ra is the philosophy, it is the practices to reflect this view and it is a way of life.

Ta**ra is the very reason, I am able to survive and thrive in these trainings, delivering 200 hours of face to face content, solo handed. Its the actual teachings and practices, coupled with an eager student base of open, curious souls and a daily nutritious love filled lunch, is all the nourishing fuel I need.

Thank you to all of you.

@‌sue.andrew.146 @‌itsmeechess @‌sundaramanifereti

Love skiing? Love yoga?

This one is for you.

Discover the ultimate winter escape with our Winter Wellness Retreat, designed to energise and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Nestled in a luxury private chalet just 15 minutes from Thredbo, this retreat offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and holistic wellness.

Whether you are wanting a few days to yourself, to enjoy nature and reconnecting inward, or to organise a weekend getaway with some of your closest friends - this retreat is devoted to rejuvenating your system and leaving you feeling re-inspired.

🍃 3 Nights Accommodation
🍃 Ayurvedic Meals cooked by a private chef
🍃 Daily Practice - Morning Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation: Start your day with revitalising yoga, breathwork, and meditation sessions. Evening Yin, Stretch, and Relax Sessions: Wind down with gentle yin yoga, deep stretches, and relaxation practices in front of the fireplace.
🍃 3-Day Thredbo Ski Pass
🍃 Luxury Amenities

Bookings are open now and capped at 11 people - please book via our website to secure your spot!