Dhanurasana, also known as Bow Pose, has numerous benefits for the body and mind. Some of the key benefits of Dhanurasana include:

• Strengthens the Back: Dhanurasana is an excellent pose for strengthening the muscles of the back, including the erector spinae, which help to maintain proper posture and prevent back pain.

• Stretches the Chest and Shoulders: As you arch your back and lift your chest in Dhanurasana, you'll feel a deep stretch in your chest and shoulders. This helps to counteract the forward-slouching posture that is common in our modern lives.

• Stimulates the Digestive System: Dhanurasana stimulates the digestive organs, including the liver, pancreas, and intestines, which can improve digestion and relieve constipation.

• Relieves Stress and Fatigue: Dhanurasana is a great stress-reliever, as it helps to calm the mind and reduce tension in the body. It can also help to combat fatigue and boost energy levels.

• Improves Respiratory Function: Dhanurasana opens up the chest and lungs, which can improve respiratory function and increase oxygen intake.

• Tones the Abdomen: Dhanurasana engages the abdominal muscles, which can help to tone and strengthen the core.

• Increases Flexibility: Dhanurasana is a deep backbend that requires flexibility in the spine, hips, and shoulders. Regular practice of this pose can improve overall flexibility and range of motion.

Overall, Dhanurasana is a powerful posture that can have a profound impact on the health and well-being of the body, mind, and spirit. It is counterindicated during periods, pregnancy, any sort of hernia and other abdominal issues.

As with any yoga practice, it's important to listen to your body and practice safely and mindfully

Supta Swastikasana, also known as the Reclining Swastikasana or the Sleeping Swastikasana, is a restorative yoga pose that involves lying on your back with your legs bent and your arms extended at your sides in a "T" shape. Using a bolster can help support your body in the pose, allowing you to relax more fully and derive additional benefits from the pose.

Some potential benefits of practicing Supta Swastikasana with a bolster include:

• Stress relief: The pose is deeply relaxing and can help to reduce stress and tension in the body and mind.

• Improved digestion: The pose can help to stimulate the digestive system and improve digestion.

• Increased flexibility: The pose can help to stretch the back muscles and improve flexibility in the spine.

• Improved circulation: The pose can help to improve circulation in the legs and lower body.

• Increased relaxation: The use of a bolster can help you to sink more deeply into the pose, allowing you to relax more fully and feel more grounded.

It's important to note that Supta Swastikasana is a restorative pose and should be practiced with a relaxed, effortless approach. It's not necessary to push yourself or strain in the pose. Instead, focus on letting go and allowing the bolster to support you as you relax into the pose.

योगेन चित्तस्य पदेन वाचां ।

मलं शरीरस्य च वैद्यकेन ॥

योऽपाकरोत्तमं प्रवरं मुनीनां ।

पतञ्जलिं प्राञ्जलिरानतोऽस्मि ॥

Which translates to:

1: I bow down to him who purifies the impurities of the Mind by Yoga, who purifies the expression of Speech by Pada (Grammar) ...

2: ... and who purifies the impurities of the Body through Vaidya (Medical Science), ...

3: ... He who is an expert in removing the impurities of the Body, Mind and Speech, the most excellent of Munis, ...

4: ... (Who is) Patanjali, I bow down with folded hands

Being the closest celestial body to Earth, the moon tends to have a prominent impact and a greater influence on our mind and emotions. This can especially be experienced during a full moon, when our emotions become expansive. Buddhists consider the full moon sacred and a good time to deepen the spiritual reflections and practises. In Buddhism, meditation during this period can help one transcend the mind and realise the divine powers present inside all of us.

Meditating during the full moon also helps in releasing one from old thought patterns and blockages of the mind. It helps to unbind from everything that needs to be let go. A good way of doing this is to pen down these thoughts on a piece of paper and subsequently tear the paper. This helps to achieve release and wipes the slate clean. By imagining that all dreams have come true, meditation can also lead to the manifestation of one’s dreams.

Meditating in a group is a powerful way to expand its impact and effectiveness by harnessing the group’s collective energy.

It is true that Laughter is the best medicine! Laughter cannot only improve your mood, it can improve your health.

Laughter helps in the release of endorphins which make one feel good. Laughter also releases the muscle tension and mental stress - working on both the body and the mind. A good laugh also increases blood flow to the various organs of the body. All resentment and anger melts away with a dash of humour and laughter. It also promotes a sense of well being and helps in bonding with other people.

Laughter yoga is the best way to simulate laughter in a fun way with the help of a few exercises. It also helps create a sense of shared joy and happiness.