Yoga is a flow of pranayama (Sanskrit: prâṇâyâma) (breath) and asana (postures). The goal is to breath in a deep and relaxed manner and each movement within an asana follows an inhalation and an exhalation, thus establishing a flowing practice. Each person's body is able to move to a certain extend and it is important not to force ones body beyond ones limits, but to allow the breath to soften the muscles and the mind.

So when things in life do not fall into the space that you have created for them it is worth considering the flow of the yoga practice; going with the flow. Thus, life has presented me with the opportunity to go to Bali first before setting of to India. As an Australian citizen I was required to obtain a visa to travel to India and this was only made clear to me the day before I was meant to set off. Luckily my travel agent was able to rebook the ticket, as getting a visa does not happen overnight and takes a minimum of five working days. (Here are my tour dates on the website)

I had previously felt that it would be a great opportunity to go back to Ubud when Sharath (Pattabhi Jois's grandson) is teaching a week-long intensive. Ubud is a fabulous place and considered the artist's retreat in Bali. It was here, in January, I first conceived of the idea to put together a photographic book on the world's best yoga centres. Now it is time to go back and capture the spirit of this wonderful place.


The traveling Ashtangi