Yoga and Sanskrit – By Emma Newlyn

Modern yoga classes are often taught with a mixture of English and Sanskrit language – “downward facing dog”, “warrior two’ and “mountain pose” might seem a little more accessible to the majority of Western practitioners after all. However, the ancient Indo-European Sanskrit language still used in parts of India today actually has real depth, beauty … Read more

Sanskrit Unscrambled

Sanskrit words for common yoga poses I work in the translation industry and find languages fascinating. When I started my yoga teacher training I was determined to learn the Sanskrit words for common poses but it wasn’t easy as the words seemed really long and very similar. However, as with any other language, learning the … Read more

Interview | Esther Ekhart: “Stay Real, Loving & Honest”

Esther Ekhart is an internationally renowned Yoga teacher, trainer, and founder of EkhartYoga.com. From her studio in the Netherlands, Emma Newlyn conducted this very special interview with her to find out more about her long journey through Yoga, health and wellbeing. Esther offers advice on how navigate through life without attaching to the ‘stories’ and … Read more

Yoga With Homeless Young People

News from one of our head festival organisers Cat Duval and her work with homeless young people, showing how Yoga can lead to self-empowerment, self-acceptance, and a better life….

Originally Posted by Cat Duval on 12th November, 2015

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“The long awaited day was today. Starting to run a yoga course working with homeless young people in Brighton, bringing yoga into their drop in centre the Clocktower Sanctuary.  The task of breaking down yoga into bite size manageable chunks and distilling thousands of years of wisdom, philosophy and practice into an accessible course that not only engages but inspires young people experiencing homelessness to believe in its relevance, prioritise it to come each week and with any luck integrate it into their day to day life.  No pressure then!

My aim with this course is to offer the opportunity to look at key principles of self acceptance and self empowerment through yogic philosophy and practice.  To offer straight forward tools and a key set of principles that these young people can apply to their own challenges and life situations, both on and off the mat.  A way to bring focus to the physical when the mental chatter is relentless, a way to calm the body when heat builds, to cool with the breath, to regain control and awareness and move forward from a place of balance in mind and body.

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News Flash: Brighton Yoga Festival Presents £400 Donation to The Clock Tower Sanctuary

Brighton youth homeless charity The Clock Tower Sanctuary, were today presented with a £400 cheque by Cat Duval of Brighton Yoga Festival. The Clock Tower Sanctuary provides information, support and advice to young people aged 16-25 who are either insecurely housed or homeless. The Sanctuary offers a safe and friendly space, food and drink, access … Read more

5 Tips On Starting A Home Yoga Practice

We all know Brighton has an abundance of Yoga classes to choose from; we’re lucky enough to choose between anything from yin, hot yoga, vinyasa, hatha, ashtanga, paddle-board, kundalini, and all things in-between!  While classes are a brilliant way to learn more about Yoga, to practice in a community and try different styles – nothing … Read more