Latest news with #Kundalini
Wales Online
07-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
I found a wood fire sauna and wild bathing experience in a woodland 40 minutes from Wales
I found a wood fire sauna and wild bathing experience in a woodland 40 minutes from Wales This rustic forest site whas changing rooms, outdoor shows, a large Finnish-style sauna and a natural spring water pool It's early morning on a Sunday, and instead of emerging from under the duvet sporting a raging hangover like I used to in my 20s, I'm cold water dipping in a woodland (Image: Lauren Leake-Lyalld ) It's early morning on a Sunday, and instead of emerging from under the duvet sporting a raging hangover like I used to in my 20s, I'm cold water dipping in a woodland. As much as I used to roll my eyes at anything I perceived as woo-woo, I'm now part of a growing cohort concerned with wellness, and instead of slamming sambuca shots, I book sauna sessions and ice bath dips like a budget Gwyneth Paltrow. Nineteen-year-old me is judging so hard. On this balmy Sunday, I'm at Fire and Ice Wellness, Bristol's first sauna and natural cold plunge pool, with a pal who's also on a health kick after what I call our "Barcardi party years." We've come to the forest-hugged wellness escape seeking a restorative session surrounded by nature. Expectations are high as the Fire and Ice website promises that the retreat offers a "unique experience with an organic cold plunge pool and woodfired sauna, designed to promote relaxation, recovery, and overall wellness." Located inside the Westbury Wildlife Park Foundation in the leafy burb of Westbury on Trym, it's frankly the ideal setting for a restorative sauna and dip. After a short drive from Cardiff, I parked in the small car park and followed the signs towards the wooded path, passing homely buildings and a 'forest school.' Where do I sign up?! Article continues below I could literally feel the stress start to evaporate as I entered the birdsong-filled woodland. Possibly another side effect of being an elder millennial is that, along with saunas, I'm now increasingly interested in birds. I'll be out with the binoculars next, trying to spot Kingfishers. This expansive site isn't just home to Fire and Ice; it's a community space that helps preserve and protect local flora and fauna. It features a cafe, yurt yoga sessions, Vinyasa Flow classes, and mindful meditation—a wellness warrior paradise. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Here, you can book hour-long communal sauna-and-swim sessions for just £17 per perso (Image: Portia Jones ) I would have to save the Kundalini yoga for another day though, as my main goal was to unwind in Fire and Ice's woodfired sauna and dip in their natural pond. Here, you can book hour-long communal sauna-and-swim sessions for just £17 per person. A bargain, considering the last round of cocktails I begrudgingly bought was just shy of £25. It's surprisingly well equipped for a rustic forest site with changing rooms, outdoor showers, a large Finnish-style sauna and a natural spring water pool that looked super inviting during this wretched heat wave. I'll be honest. I'm in my sauna era and was keen to try the impressive-looking wood-fired sweat box. I'll be honest. I'm in my sauna era and was keen to try the impressive-looking wood-fired sweat box. (Image: Lauren Leake-Lyall ) Despite my long-held aversion to 'woo-woo stuff' (healing crystals, drum circles, energy healing), I'm convinced that saunas are magic. The healing powers of sweating out all my many anxieties cannot be overstated. For me, it's less about chasing medical claims and more about switching off. Ignoring the relentless ping of emails and WhatsApp groups, I let the heat do its slow, steady work as I stew in my own thoughts and breathe in the earthy tang of scorched wood and rising steam. While the emotional warmth of sauna culture is undeniable, the physical benefits are just as compelling. Saunas have long been used to relieve aches, ease tension, and support everything from cardiovascular health to stress relief. For many, it's an almost spiritual ritual, an intentional pause in a world that rarely stops spinning, and I'm here for it. The excellent thing about communal saunas like this is that they can be cosy places to chat and bond with friends or strangers, or merely sit in contemplative silence. Between pleasantries with my fellow sauna users, my mind floated somewhere between a meditative state and a mild panic about whether my mascara was sliding off my face, as I had, of course, forgotten to remove it. Every pore was open for business. I was sweating from places I didn't even know had sweat glands. (Elbows! Who knew?) But I felt something like peace, or possibly dehydration, in that moment. Either way, it worked. I was full of wellness. It was rather lovely to slide into the adjacent cooling spring-fed pool for a leisurely swim. (Image: Lauren Leake-Lyall ) After expiring half my life force away, it was rather lovely to slide into the adjacent cooling spring-fed pool for a leisurely swim. This tree-shaded pond is full of natural spring water that continuously flows into it, keeping it clean and refreshing. With a dedicated regeneration zone, there's no need for chlorine or other chemicals; it's just pure, nature-filled goodness. With a sauna and cold-water swimming on the same site, it's an ideal spot for contrast therapy. This wellness practice combines sauna and ice baths, alternating between heat and cold exposure to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and accelerate muscle recovery. With a sauna and cold-water swimming on the same site, it's an ideal spot for contrast therapy (Image: Lauren Leake-Lyall ) Once the domain of gym bros, the novel spin on an ancient practice used by the Romans has surged in popularity, with sauna and ice bath experiences popping up all over Wales and the rest of the UK. According to the British Sauna Society, the number of Finnish-style public saunas in the UK doubled between early 2023 and 2024, and it seems that loads of new sites are springing up in 2025. We're still far behind the sauna-mad Finns. Finland has over three million saunas (mostly located in homes), and nearly 90 per cent of the population uses a sauna at least once a week. It certainly seems to have taken off in this serene woodland in Bristol, as the space was filled with steam-seeking visitors radiating serenity. As we left, more people arrived, possibly hoping for the same blissful relaxation I was now experiencing. I'm a sauna girlie now, and I can't wait to get stuck into my next sweaty session. Article continues below For more information nd booking, visit the Fire and Ice Website
Hypebeast
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
'The Tree is Your Spine': P. Andrade Explores Regeneration and Futurism in SS26
Summary Brazilian labelP. Andrademade its historicParis Fashion Weekdebut with itsSpring/Summer 2026collection. Led by designersPedro AndradeandPaula Kim, the collection, titled 'The Tree is Your Spine,' deeply explored themes of regeneration, ancestry and futurism. The show was also a collaborative effort with Pernambuco-born artistSamuel de Sabóia, whose significant visual and conceptual contributions shaped the collection's spiritual and ecological narrative. Drawing inspiration from Kundalini energy andStudio Ghibli's iconic film,Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, the collection evokes a symbolic connection between nature, technology and spirituality. Organic silhouettes and 'living' textiles reflected the cyclical rhythms of life, while digital codes embedded in smart fabrics offered a futuristic layer of transparency. Developed in collaboration with textile engineer Micheline Maia Teixeira of R-INOVE, these binary codes, visible under UV light and readable via QR, store blockchain data about the production chain — underscoring the brand's unwavering commitment to sustainability and traceability. Traditional Brazilian lace was reinterpreted as a symbol of cultural identity, woven into utilitarian forms that mimicked the growth patterns of fungi and microorganisms. In partnership with scientist Ailton Pereira from AIPER, the brand also introduced biological dyeing techniques using native bacteria, replacing conventional pigments with non-toxic, regenerative processes. These were complemented by collaborations withOakley,Levi'sandPUMA, thus reinforcing the brand's ability to merge independent design with global industry expertise.
Hans India
22-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
150-yr-old Kanale temple tells a forgotten story in colour
Sagar: Tucked away in the lush interiors of Karnataka's Sagar- Kanale region lies a neglected gem of artistic and spiritual heritage — the Sri Eshvara Temple, once adorned with murals believed to be over 150 years old. Today, these intricate wall paintings, once brimming with local folklore and sacred narratives, face a slow erosion, both by time and human oversight. On this International Yoga day, Prof. SA Krishnaiah brings this to the public domain in his one research parlance. 'The attic of this temple has a mural that shows Yoga and Kundalini and the mandalas which needs to be restored immediately as it is showing erosion and heavy weathering' The temple's architecture evokes the grandeur of the Vijayanagara style, reminiscent of Hampi's stone marvels. But what set it apart were its now-lost murals: elaborate cartwheel motifs and narrative wall paintings that reportedly conjured the illusion of a temple car festival in full swing. 'There was once a sense that the walls moved with life — the divine procession almost felt real,' recalled a local elder, lamenting the fact that many of these visuals were erased during a routine whitewashing drive. Only fragments of the original glory remain today — on the decaying roof above the front staircase. In adjacent spaces, faint images of mythological figures like Shakkini and Daakini peek through layers of time. Some portions of the temple's attic, accessible only by ladder, still bear Kannada script inscriptions and pictorial sagas, offering rare glimpses into the devotional storytelling of a bygone era. The surrounding village of Kanale, about 12 to 15 kilometres from Sagar and nestled near Mandagalale and Kagod, is known for its educated populace. Yet few are aware of the spiritual and cultural significance etched into the temple's fading murals and mud walls. Adding to the site's quiet allure is a serene temple lake, reflecting the temple's image in still waters — a picturesque metaphor for the stillness of preservation. Efforts to revive interest in this mural heritage have found some champions. Dr. Venkatesh Jois and Professor S. A. Krishnaiah have been instrumental in bringing the temple's mural art to scholarly attention, documenting what remains and urging for immediate conservation. As mural fragments crumble and colours fade, Kanale's Eshvara Temple stands as both a testament to regional artistry and a reminder of how easily heritage can be lost. The time to act — to restore and protect what little remains — is now says Prof. Krishnaiah.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Yoga day celebration brings families together for wellness & fun in Bengaluru
The Times of India's International Day of Yoga celebration turned into a vibrant wellness fest on Saturday as families, especially women and children, came together for a morning filled with movement, mindfulness, and a whole lot of energy. The event was organised at Mantri Webcity, Hennur. Held to promote holistic well-being, the event brought together a rich mix of traditional and modern fitness formats. From calming asanas to high-energy dance routines, the session had something for everyone. Residents were treated to a blend of practices, including Ashtanga yoga, led by in-house trainers Naina and Deepti, Vedic yoga, Kundalini yoga with Shri Manjunath Sampath Guruji, and even Chinese yoga by Falun Dafa. Fitness took a fun turn with a lively Zumba session by The Swingers Dance Studio, which had everyone moving to the beat by the end of the programme. What started with slow stretches and deep breathing soon turned into an energetic celebration of wellness. Kids were seen enjoying flexibility drills while many women participated enthusiastically in the Zumba finale. Pragya Sharma, a housewife who attended the different yoga shows, told TOI: "I used to do yoga before marriage, and I still love it. But now, with two kids, I don't get much time. That's why today's event was such a great opportunity not just for me, but for many of us at Mantri Webcity who don't usually get time for ourselves." Shradha, a college student, said, "This is the first time something like this has happened in our apartment, and I really loved it. I came alone because I'm more interested in yoga than my family is. I enjoyed the yoga session and the games; it was a fun and refreshing way to spend the morning." Adding to the festive spirit were stalls offering fresh juice and light refreshments, along with engaging fitness games hosted by Decathlon, making it a family-friendly event. Interesting outdoor activities by Decathlon and a green corner by Make My Garden for plants engaged citizens. This blend of tradition and fun truly captured the spirit of International Day of Yoga — reminding everyone that wellness can be both mindful and joyful. The initiative was made possible by associate sponsors CKPC, with BB Daily as the fresh grocery partner, BIS as the safety partner, and Sundaram Motors as the luxury car partner. The initiative was supported by Oreva Chain of Hearing Clinics, Neev Mattresses, Dash Square, Unilet, Can Fin Homes Ltd, and Jyothy Institute of Technology.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Yog: The Art of Attention In A Distracted World
"Yog is the journey of the self, through the self, to the Self" – Bhagwad Gita 6.20 On this , as yoga mats unfurl across continents and millions synchronise their breath to a timeless rhythm, let us pause and reflect—not merely on posture or flexibility—but on the inner posture of the mind, the quiet alignment of attention with the divine. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In the sixth chapter of the Bhagwad Gita, Krishn elevates the discourse on yog from the external to the internal. He asserts that Karm Yog —performing one's worldly duties without attachment—is nobler than renunciation. But beyond all, the yogi who meditates with unwavering devotion to the Divine is supreme (6.47). This vision of yog is not escapism, but a precise alignment of our attention, energy, and time with spiritual realization. The Age of Scattered Attention Modern life is not short of stimulation, but it is starved of stillness. In an era of infinite scrolling, attention has become our rarest resource. And as the Gita proclaims, 'Elevate yourself through the power of your mind, not degrade yourself; for the mind is both friend and enemy' (6.5). This internal war—between the distracted and the disciplined mind—is where yog truly begins. Focus: The Spiritual Muscle often emphasised the role of disciplined attention as the core of spiritual training . He said, "The difference between an ordinary man and a great man lies in the degree of concentration." Yog is the ancient art of winning that battle. It is the practice of bringing the mind back—again and again—to the Divine, as described in Gita 6.26: 'Whenever the mind wanders... bring it back under control.' The Kundalini, the rising serpent, symbolizes this precise power—of awakening focus, of uncoiling our spiritual energy toward its highest possibility. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Attention as Enlightenment Modern psychology echoes these ancient truths. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, in his seminal work, Flow , observes: "The best moments in life occur when a person's body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile." This is Yog: not relaxation, but immersion. Not escape, but engagement with our highest self. The Lamp That Does Not Flicker A mind trained in yog becomes like a flame in a windless place (6.19)—still, unwavering, full of light. It sees gold, dirt, and stone as equal (6.8), and beholds the Self in all beings and all beings in the Self (6.29). This is not poetic fantasy, but a lived transformation, attainable by persistent practice and joyful detachment. From Self-Help to Selflessness Real yog is not about helping ourselves—but transcending the self. The Gita teaches that the yogi lives in the world but is not of it. He works, sleeps, eats, and interacts in balance (6.17), free from the turbulence of likes and dislikes. He becomes a mirror, not a mask—a presence that reflects love, impartiality, and inner bliss. The Way Forward As we honour Yog on this day, let us honor not just its physical elegance, but its spiritual essence. Let us strive not just to stretch our limbs, but to still our minds, not just to master poses, but to master attention. In a world of noise, the yogi is the silence that sings. In the storm of desires, the yogi is the center that holds. And above all, in a civilization distracted by consumption, the yogi is a reminder that being is enough. Shivoham, Shivoham – I am He, I am He. Not the doer, not the doing, but the undying awareness behind all. Happy International Yoga Day. Authored by: Shambo Samrat Samajdar and Shashank R Joshi Why Arjun Was Chosen: The Untold Secret of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 3
