BODY
Mindfulness is often defined as being totally aware
in the present moment, but another vital element is
to be present without judgement. Yoga offers us a
unique opportunity to observe our judgements – and
to let go of them, if necessary – while bringing our
bodies and minds into the present moment. The
longer we hold a pose, the more challenging it is for
the mind to stay present and focus on the breath.
For many, being mindful of the breath takes
practise, but the benefits are plentiful: once we have
established correct breathing, we’re better able to
anchor our minds in the present moment. Byron
Yoga Centre teaches purna yoga, a traditional hatha
style that focuses on correct alignment. If you’re
looking to further your mindfulness and yoga
practice, a yoga retreat is an ideal way to develop
these skills. For more information or to book in for
an upcoming retreat, visit byronyoga.com.THE MAGIC OF
abhyanga
Did you know that when the skin is
stimulated through touch or massage, it
releases healing chemicals that promote
health? In Ayurveda, India’s oldest system
of medicine, self-massage, which is also
called abhyanga, is recommended as a daily
practice to activate the body and slow the ageing process. Try
it at home with The Chopra Center Invigorating Abhy Oil,
which is enriched with traditional Ayurvedic oils including
coconut, almond, jojoba and kapha balancing oils such as
rosemary, frankincence and peppermint. $28, store.chopra.comHEAVENLY FACE
CREAM
Shelf life: 4–6 months
Store in a cool, dark place
THINGS YOU’LL NEED
1 tbsp beeswax
1 tbsp shea butter
2 ½ tbsp jojoba oil
2 tsp rosehip oil
10 drops frankin-
cense essential oil
4 drops immor-
telle essential oil
2 drops jasmine absolute oil
Carefully and slowly melt the
beeswax in a double boiler
on a low heat until liquid.
Heat the shea butter in a
separate bowl, also using a
double boiler. Then add the
jojoba and rosehip oils, stirring
gently and being careful not
to overheat the mixture.
Once the beeswax has melted
and both liquids have a similar
temperature, add the oil mixto the beeswax and stir well.
As soon as the ingredients are
blended, remove from the heat
and stir continuously until the
cream has cooled down a little
and starts to become milky.
At this point, add the es-
sential oils and jasmine
absolute oil and stir well.
Pour into small pots.
This recipe is taken from All
Natural Beauty, $34.99, by Karin
Berndl and Nici Hofer published
by Hardie Grant Books and is
available in stores nationally.THE GATEWAY TO
mindfulness
TREAT YOURSELF
THIS WINTER
14 | AUSTRALIAN NATURAL HEALTH naturalhealthmag.com.au
MY WELLNESS