Why Yoga ???

“Yoga is not an ancient myth buried in oblivion. It is the most valuable inheritance of the present. It is the essential need of today and the culture of tomorrow.
"Swami Satyananda Saraswati"
Yoga is a science of correct living, it is meant to be incorporated into daily life. It works on all aspects of the person ie. the physical, mental, emotional and the spiritual. The word Yoga, means unity and comes from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means to join. So Yoga is a means of balancing and harmonising the body, mind and emotions. The science of yoga begins to work on the outermost aspect of the personality, the physical body. When imbalances occur at this level, the organs, muscles and nerves are moved out of balance from harmony into a disharmonious state. The efficiency of these systems begin to decrease and eventually disease will manifest somewhere. Yoga aims to bring the different bodily functions into perfect balance so they work optimally. Yoga then moves to work on the mental and emotional levels. We are all a result of our experiences, good and bad ones, and as such experience phobias, stresses and neuroses. Yoga does not promise a cure for life but it does offer a proven method for coping with it. Yoga is not just a class full of people, moving from one posture into another, it has 8 aspects to it. It is in fact known as “ the eight fold path “ which comes from the Sanskrit word : Ashtanga. All of these are equally important to understand in order to maximize the benefits of the practice. Hatha Yoga is the most widely studied style of Yoga, it is also the most traditional. The word Hatha, is derived from Ha – meaning Sun and Tha- meaning Moon.

De-tox Yoga retreat

Due to popular demand we are repeating our de-tox yoga retreat in Tulbagh at the Blue Butterfly. As requested we are hosting this one over a weekend.  This is not a fast, it is a series of yoga postures, coupled together with nutritious meals, to aid the elimination of the toxins from the body. We will have daily meditations, 2 x yoga classes and time to relax and enjoy the tranquility of this serene environment.
Date : 15th - 17th October
Cost : R 1100.00 all inclusive ( accom. meals, classes etc )

There will be an optional extra, a full body exfoliation and massage for R195. Space limited so book early !

Unbelievably delicious !!!

Kholombo powder : Take 1 T sunflower oil, lightly fry 2 T split channa dal until brown. Reduce heat and add 2 t coriander seeds, 8 curry leaves, 2 t cumin seeds, 4 cloves, 1 t peppercorns and 2 cm cinnamon, fry for about 1 minute. Add 3 T desiccated coconut and fry until brown. Allow mixture to cool and then grind to a powder in a blender. Store in an airtight jar and use within 3 months. The following recipe uses it and makes for a truly heavenly flavour.
Smoky lentils with tomato kholombo :
Boil 225g red lentils and simmer until mushy and cooked. Add salt to taste, 1 t tamarind that has been dissolved in 4 t water, 3 ripe tomatoes and 1 t kholombo powder.Simmer for a few minutes and then remove from heat. Heat 2 T sunflower oil, add half t mustard seeds, when they crackle add 1 dry red chilly broken into pieces,(more if you like hotter )large pinch of asafoetida and 12 curry leaves. Pour this over the lentils, mix well and serve with basmati rice and hot pickle relish.
T = Tablespoon
t = teaspoon
Enjoy !

Feeling sluggish, bloated, depressed, just not yourself ........ ??

Then this is for you, Inspire yourself. As we start to wind down towards the end of winter, as the sun slowly rises earlier each day, so our energy levels start to rise. Over the cold winter months it is natural to indulge in the "comfort " foods, this helps us to stay warm, remain happier and better manage the short days and long nights. With Spring approaching, it is the perfect time for us to shake off the bad habits,  to cleanse and re-juvenate for the balmy days ahead. To give us a kick start, we are hosting a Hatha Yoga de-tox retreat 6th - 9th September in the beautiful, tranquil surroundings in Tulbagh at the Blue Butterfly retreat centre. We will enjoy nutritious meals, great smoothies, yoga postures to aid the process and time to walk in the mountains, breathe in the fresh air and simply, Relax with nature.
If this inspires you contact us on cheryl@sayogasafaris.com or call 0840902083

All inclusive R1400

Thought for today !

Our lives begin to end the moment we start to be silent about the things that matter .
Martin Luther King.
 Lets make a difference, no matter how small a beginning, change starts within :)

Back to Basics yoga retreat Tulbagh

Only 3 places left for Back to Basics yoga retreat in Tulbagh on the 23rd-26th August. The focus is on the strengthening of our support system ( the spine ), everything it affects, as well as the general maintenance of this structure. We are only as old as our backs ! Learn how to keep flexible and strong, balanced and grounded. This is for all ages, mainly targeting sedentary people, people with injuries or overweight and not willing to join a large  group session. Personalised attention is guaranteed. All accommodation, meals and course for R1400.00 Contact cheryl on info@sayogasafaris.com for bookings.

Parkinsons disease

Parkinsons disease is a debilitating disease mainly effecting the aged but has been known to hit people as young as mid thirty. It is not yet known what causes this disease. It is understood what causes the symptons though. Symptoms are : impaired speech, impaired ability to think, respond, walk properly, physical movement is impaired and probably the worst is the continued shakiness. The physical body is twisted and in a kind of permanent spasm so all movements are hampered.
The brain produces a neuro-transmitter called dopamine, when this disease strikes, the dopamine is greatly reduced. It is necessary for functioning of the nervous system, particularly the central nervous system, hence the side effects. It is a painful and frustrating disease for all the family and loved ones involved. I believe the deterioration  can be slowed down to a certain point, and have experimented for 18 months with a neighbour of mine. We started with simple movements, slowly working towards more demanding, yet still manageable yogic postures. I will post the movements and some photos in a day or two.