Wendy Bradtke Yoga Ayurveda

22/08/2022

MENTAL IMPRESSIONS & OJAS

During the day we absorb many mental impressions via our senses. At the moment it feels like the media is full of scary scenarios all of which flow into our mind. We build up a load of toxic impressions that don’t always reflect reality.

Yoga practices like relaxation, nidra and meditation help to clear this toxic load. This is one of main practices of Yoga called Pratyahara or sense withdrawl.

Another way is to present the senses with the impressions of nature. Time spent in nature, preferably away from conversation, helps to clear artificial mental impressions. Being with the natural elements of earth and water are especially clearing.

Earth and water in Ayurveda are the basic elements of something much more subtle called Ojas. The Ojas that the subtle energies of earth and water build within us is considered in Ayurveda to be a substance or nutrient. When our Ojas is low the substance that nourishes our life energy becomes depleted. We feel tired or run down.

When we are in the natural realm of earth and water we absorb a nurturing quietness, peace and tranquillity that is the essence of Ojas and it builds up inside us.

Listen to, and watch the flow of the river in this little video. Absorb the peaceful energy it generates. The subtle impression it leaves within you will boost your Ojas and lift your energy. Better still, time meditating so you move into quiet stillness will replenish your Ojas on a deeper level.

31/05/2021

On these chilly Melbourne mornings starting the day with a warming breath will energise the body.

Breath’s like Ujjayi pranayama have a naturally warming effect on the body as well as a soothing effect on the nervous system. But, on a chilly morning a breath that wakes up the mind, as well as providing physical warmth, is a good go to.

A start up breath revolves around the ratio of inhale to exhale. The inhalation in Yoga is regarded as cooling, and the exhalation, warming. Emphasising the exhalation is key to getting warmth happening.

Start any yoga breathing in a relaxed way. Yogic breathing while running for the toast and searching for shoes is never going to work. Maybe start by sitting up in bed to breathe, prior to toes touching the floor for the day.

Close eyes and focus on the natural inhale and exhale. Gently begin to lengthen the exhale. Aim to get it twice as long as the inhale. Sometimes it’s useful to count the breath inwardly. A count of 4 in and count of 8 out is a good ratio, but never force it, keep it comfortable. Did I mention breathe through the nose, not the mouth?

Stay with it as long as possible, 5 minutes or so. Feel the warm breath on the exhale. Add to it the vision of the exhalation being like golden sunlight washing over the body to bring the mind to the breath.

At least if the day is grey and toes turn to icicles, a morning start of warmth and sunshine will remain as a foundation of the day.

Om shanti.

25/05/2021

Relax your eyes. Take a short break from the phone or screen.

Looking out a window into natural light relaxes tired eyes and directs the body’s natural cycles towards relaxation. Blinking your eyelids remoistens dry eyes.

In busy situations closing the eyelids when possible is useful. Take time to sense the light that can be seen through your eyelids.

Rubbing your palms together vigorously and then cupping your warm palms over your closed eyes creates relief for stressed eyes. This is called Palming in Yoga. Its a useful and simple way to give your eyes a gentle rest.

24/12/2020

In yoga practice work with your natural shape rather than against it. A stone isn’t water, a fire isn’t a cloud, a flower isn’t a bird. Work with your unique nature in yoga to be strong and flexible in the storm.

10/12/2020

Yoga postures help us discover the nature of our body. A tree grows from a seed and grows differently in shape while still being a tree. Our bodies are the same, each one is unique in shape and is still human.

03/12/2020

Yoga postures evolved from observing nature. They show a way of understanding the body through understanding its nature. They relate the body to the natural world directing it away from the artificial. To practice Yoga in this way restores an ecological harmony.

26/11/2020

Yoga isn’t only about yoga postures. It considers the whole person. Its ancient wisdom also covers - Ethics, Behaviours, Physiology, Energy, Psychology and Spirituality.

22/11/2020

The term Ego in a yoga sense means the part of the mind that binds how we see our Self.

Yoga helps to loosen the mind’s binding and expands how we see our Self.

These new insights bring a feeling of lightness and let us see new possibilities inside our Self.

30/09/2020

Letting go is part of moving forward in life. We often think of it as being one act, but Yoga has many ways of letting go in body, mind and spirit that open doors to new experiences and beginnings.


Banging our head against a brick wall is a feeling we can all experience. When we are sick of surfing our waves of anguish, letting go starts to look appealing. As someone who has let go of several thorny situations,...

15/09/2020

Kapha Dosha is one of the three Doshas or mind/body constitutions of Ayurveda. If you have a predominance of Kapha Dosha you display contentment, stability, and an easygoing temperament. Kapha Dosha is composed of the earth and water elements.

Kapha individuals have a steadiness and groundedness in their nature. They are deep thinkers who enjoy a relaxed pace of life. As they bring nourishment to life they tend to enjoy the rhythm of routine. They have a strong frame and build with good stamina and endurance.

When Kapha is in excess it can be resistant to change, depressed and overly attached.

Kaphas benefit by allowing more spontaneity in life and allowing their natural patience and rhythm to bring lightness into the day. They can bring in more joy by expanding their capacity to smell the roses and by appreciating a gentler flow of living.

09/09/2020

Wendy's Weekly Wellness tip

Pitta Dosha is one of three Doshas that make up Ayurvedic body mind constitutions. Usually one Dosha is more present than the other two constitutions. People with Pitta constitutions have fire and water as main elements.

Pitta’s are fiery individuals. They are ambitious, focused and driven, and are the movers and shakers of life. Generally they have a medium build and energy. When Pitta is excessive it becomes competitive, irritable and inflamed.

Pittas benefit by drawing on the water element and its flow. This brings about a more relaxed and spontaneous approach that will nourish ambition. Time out from work and relaxing activities that release tension are beneficial to Pittas.

Doshas often combine in individuals. So there are Pitta Kaphas, or Vata Pittas or any other combination. Some individuals are Tridoshic having all three Doshas combined, but this is the exception rather than the rule.