Om Yoga Show | Takes you Beyond Expectation

Om Yoga Show Manchester 2014


Firstly a big thank you to https://www.ommagazine.com/ for inviting me to blog about my experiences whilst visiting this amazing show. I'm so pleased the show has made it to  Manchester - long may it continue, we're already committed to attending next year.
http://www.omyogashow.com/manchester/home.php
For those lucky enough you can also catch the Om Yoga Show in London October 2014. http://www.omyogashow.com/london/home.php

OVERVIEW
You can feel the serene atmosphere as you enter the building, yes even arriving at the Om Yoga Show is a calming experience, (unlike the usual trade shows you encounter where people are moaning about the queue as soon as they enter the foyer and pushing you forwards if there's an inch to spare). Even the ushers are full of kindness, it immediately feels like a wonderful place to be. Every hint of rushing is left behind you as you enter this world of vibrancy and happiness. 

The great thing about the Om Yoga Show apart from the diversity is that although the scheduled workshops with a fee are worth every penny, there are scheduled open workshops where you can join in for free or spectate. 

Fitted with wrist bands my husband and I were all set to welcome whatever lay in store.

There's a lot of information to share with you, so much in fact that it felt right to split it into different pages to make it easier to take in; Here's a summary, please see applicable posts for further details, observations and research links.

Itinerary Day 1 
Workshop 'Mindfulness ABC - Simple Steps for Busy People with Louise Palmer'
Sun Power Yoga Yoga training school with established teacher Anne Marie-Newland
Dru Yoga Now offering a Yoga Therapy Diploma
Workshop 'Lessen the Hold of Anxiety with Yoga Therapist Lisa Kayley-Isley'
Midland Hotel It's literally on the doorstep of the show, wonderful calm place to stay

Itinerary Day 2
Workshop 'Whats IN the way IS the way! With Mike George'
Sun Power Yoga Open Class with Anne-Marie Newland the founder
Dru Dance Sound Stage presentation
Lotus Crafts Checking out meditation cushions - wide range and great colours available
Sahaja Yoga Thoughtless awareness meditation based on encouraging Kundalini flow
Om The Ball Sound Stage presentation, a strong yet delicate practice all about balance.

Mind Body Soul Experience Running alongside the Om Yoga Show in a separate room containing a mystical selection of natural sciences and age old wisdom's, more info here;
http://www.mbsevents.co.uk/Manchester/about/about-the-show/index.asp

We hope these posts give you a taste of the show & we really do recommend you go!

Om Namaste

Om Yoga Show | Lotus Crafts

Zafu & Zabuton

http://www.lotuscrafts.eu/

Now I think we all know the pros and cons of buckwheat hulls versus cotton filled Zafu (raised meditation cushion)? We don't OK well as I understand it Buckwheat Hulls make for a slightly heavier product and a firmer seat, whereas cotton is a little lighter and provides a softer seat - both support your seated meditation pose and both mold to the shape of your buttocks, so it's really down to personal preference in the firmness of your seated requirements. I use a Buckwheat Hulls crescent shaped Zafu. I would recommend you seek out a Zafu with a removable cover for ease of washing and an incorporated for transporting your Zafu around.

When it comes to Zabuton (the large flat rectangular or square cushion that sits below your raised meditation cushion) I learned something new from the Lotus Crafts company. Kapok is not so easily available therefore it is more costly. Cotton does the same thing and is more readily available, so if you are going to purchase a Zabuton then cotton seems to be the environmentally friendlier choice.

Check out Lotus Crafts for a wonderful range of Zafu and Zabuton. They are reasonably priced and they stock some great colours too.

Further information;
http://www.lotuscrafts.eu/ 
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s?ie=UTF8&field-keywords=Lotuscrafts&index=sports&search-type=ss