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Harvesting Light!
Small Steps Under a gorgeous Full Moon
Clara Hofman & Dr Kausthub Desikachar
April 12, 2025
Namaste and greetings from the heart!
As the full moon rises in all its luminous glory, it marks a powerful confluence of beginnings. This moon not only lights up the sky but also heralds the Tamil New Year and the sacred month of Baisakhi—a time traditionally tied to harvest, renewal, and hard-earned abundance. In many cultures, this is a period of celebrating the fruits of one’s labor, a reminder that diligent effort, when rooted in purpose, brings prosperity.
Amid ongoing economic instability and geopolitical unrest, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or disconnected from a sense of forward momentum. But nature’s cycles—like this full moon—invite us to return to clarity, to pause and reflect. Just as farmers sow seeds with patience and faith, we too are asked to nurture our inner soil with perseverance and belief in what’s possible. Our dear Patañjali reminds us that we, as spiritual practitioners, are like farmers indeed!
This is a decisive moment to reconnect with the heart. Amid the noise of uncertainty, the heart remains a compass of wisdom. When we move forward from a place of alignment—guided by inner clarity and anchored in faith—our efforts take on a different kind of strength. It’s not about grand declarations or impossible goals, but about presence, intention, and steady commitment.
Let this season be a gentle call to action. Not one that demands perfection or grand transformation, but one that honors every small step you take. Whether you're planting seeds of change in your personal life, work, or community, remember: progress is not always linear, but persistence always matters.
This full moon is a mirror. Look into it. Let it remind you of what’s possible when we stay grounded, open-hearted, and quietly determined.
With warmth and resolve,
A synergy of Viniyoga and Physiotherapy
Interview with Birgitte Skovgaard, Denmark
This month, as part of our ongoing exploration of integrative healing approaches, we invite you to revisit the inspiring interview with Birgitte Skovgaard, a physiotherapist and Viniyoga therapist based in Denmark. Birgitte has been practicing physiotherapy since 2000 and began incorporating Viniyoga into her work after discovering its profound depth and wisdom in 2015. Her story beautifully illustrates the bridge between modern rehabilitation science and ancient holistic practices.
Contact information: [email protected]
A journey of discovery and integration
Birgitte’s encounter with Viniyoga was nothing short of transformative. What began as curiosity after attending a talk by Dr. Kausthub Desikachar quickly evolved into a life path. She realized early on that Yoga Therapy, especially in the Viniyoga tradition, offers much more than physical postures — it presents a deeply holistic understanding of the human experience. Unlike the common Western interpretation of yoga as merely physical exercise, Birgitte embraced Viniyoga as a tool for emotional, mental, and spiritual growth.
For Birgitte, integrating this system into her existing physiotherapy practice was not only natural — it was essential. Her patients began to experience deeper shifts, not just in their bodies, but in their lives. From children to adults, many shared heartfelt thanks for improved health, emotional balance, and even renewed purpose.
Lessons that resonate today
What makes Birgitte’s story particularly timely is the universal need for holistic well-being in today’s fast-paced and often fragmented world. Her insights speak directly to the importance of:
Treating the whole person, not just symptoms
Creating space for rest and integration — a reminder many of us need in a culture that often skips savasana
Valuing individual needs and rhythms, rather than applying one-size-fits-all solutions
Bridging East and West to enhance both wisdom and efficacy in healthcare
Her decision to leave the public healthcare system in Denmark in order to fully live and teach her integrative approach is a powerful reminder that alignment with values sometimes requires courage and sacrifice. Yet, her story shows that when we follow what feels true, the impact can be profound.
Moving forward with peace and purpose
Birgitte’s work teaches us that healing is not just about recovery — it’s about transformation. In a world facing rising stress levels, disconnection, and chronic health issues, her approach reminds us that we each have the ability to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with our inner wisdom.
The way forward may not always be easy, but as Birgitte shows us, it can be deeply meaningful, personal, and peaceful. Whether we are practitioners or simply seekers on our own paths, her story encourages us to embrace a more compassionate, integrated way of moving through life.
👉 Read the full interview with Birgitte Skovgaard on our website: https://www.viniyoga.com.sg/viniyoga-in-action/viniyoga-and-physiotherapy
Contributions of Srī TKV Desikachar | 04
Śrī TKV Desikachar is regarded the world over as one of the most important Yoga Masters of the modern era. His extraordinary contributions to the Yoga field have touched the hearts of millions of people worldwide. We explore some of his most profound contributions through a series of videos.
This fourth video describes how he invented the Stick Drawings that are now used worldwide to write Yoga practices!
Watch and learn!
His Master’s Voice | Patañjali's Yogasūtra
Audio blog by Dr. Kausthub Desikachar
Yogasūtra II.9 - svarasa-vāhī viduṣaḥ-api samārūḍhaḥ-abhiniveśaḥ
Insecurity is an inherent feeling [of fear of loss, of life or something precious], deeply rooted in all, [and exists] even in the wise.
Abhiniveśa is the fifth affliction and perhaps the most deeply rooted. It may come from past experiences, either from our own lifetime, or those inherited from our ancestors, or, for those who believe in reincarnation, from past lives.
It does not disappear even when we are fully aware that death is imminent, and is perhaps the most difficult affliction to overcome. Indeed, Patañjali reminds us that it exists even in the wise. However, knowing that it is one of the sources of affliction, we must try not to act based on fear.
Listen to an audio explaining this aphorism:» Click the Play button below!
Breathe Easy!
The Science and Art of Prāṇāyāma for Mind and Body
An article by Dr Kausthub Desikachar, Ph D
Prāṇāyāma, derived from the Sanskrit words "Prāṇa" (life force) and "āyama" (extension or control), is the practice of conscious breath regulation within yogic traditions. Often regarded as the most critical tool of Yoga, Prāṇāyāma helps practitioners cultivate physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. By consciously regulating the breath, practitioners can improve their overall health, increase mental clarity, and harmonise the body's energy systems.
While the Yoga tradition describes numerous techniques, in this article, we will explore six significant Prāṇāyāma techniques—Ujjayi, Nadisodhana, Sitali, Sitkari, Suryabhedana, and Kapalabhati—highlighting their methods, benefits, and practical applications. Additionally, we will discuss the scientific research supporting the advantages of pranayama.
1. Ujjāyī Prāṇāyāma (Mastery of the upper Cakras)
Technique: Also known by some as the "Ocean Breath" due to the subtle sound it produces, Ujjāyī Prāṇāyāma involves slow, deep inhalations and exhalations through the nose while making a subtle sound at the throat. You can achieve it by visualising you are smelling a rose through the throat during the inhalation and gently blowing into the rose with your throat during exhalation. This technique generates a soothing sound that enhances focus and meditation.
Steps to Perform:
Sit comfortably in a seated position with an erect spine.
Close your eyes and inhale deeply through your nose, with a subtle sound from the throat.
Exhale slowly through the nose while again producing the subtle sound at the throat.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 for about 12-24 breaths, depending on your capacity.
Common Benefits:
Enhances vitality and stamina
Reduces stress and anxiety
Improves concentration and mindfulness
Improves metabolism
To read the full article, you may click below to download the PDF File>
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VINIYOGA® THERAPY TRAINING
NEW BATCHES IN EUROPE IN 2025! ITALY & HUNGARY!
REGISTRATIONS OPEN!!!!!
A profound transformation awaits you. Two exceptional Viniyoga Yoga Therapy trainings are about to begin in Italy and Hungary, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a holistic journey of healing and personal evolution.
Rooted in the classical teachings of Sri T. Krishnamacharya and TKV Desikachar, these programs will provide:
✅ A deep understanding of Viniyoga Therapy as a holistic health system
✅ Practical tools to support individual healing and well-being
✅ A multidimensional approach that considers the whole person, not just the symptoms
✅ A safe and supportive space for personal and professional growth
Whether you aspire to become a Yoga Therapist or wish to integrate these principles into your practice, this training will equip you with the knowledge and experience to guide others—and yourself—toward lasting transformation.
🔹 Led by Dr. Kausthub Desikachar
🔹 First-ever training of its kind in Italy
Don't miss this chance to embark on a life-changing journey! 🌿✨
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