April is a beautiful month of transition from one season to another. For many of us it is the beginning of Spring; for others it is the magnificent Autumn season. In each case, we can feel strong winds of change stirring both within and around us. In times of change, we may want to pay extra close attention to our health and especially to our emotions and thoughts. We may wish to learn and practice a wisdom path from the ancient Indian traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, the principle of Ahimsa or 'non-violence.'

Ahimsa means a genuine attitude of harmlessness, of not wishing any harm towards any living being, an attitude of universal benevolence. This is a practice not only on the obvious levels, but mainly in the subtle levels, not to harm anyone even by disrespect, with our words or behaviour or thoughts or even our glances. In subtle ways the practice of Ahimsa may take many forms and expressions, including not participating or contributing to or promoting negative and destructive feelings about others, towards others or towards ourselves. Harsh words and thoughts have a powerful effect on those around us and on ourselves. Instead, we can learn to harness the power of our own negative energies by learning and committing to practices which support us to transform them into loving kindness. By committing to the way of Ahimsa we can become more aware of and refrain from contributing to the already widespread violence in the world.

“Ahimsa, rightly understood, is the ultimate weapon; it turns one’s enemy into a friend, thereby banishing the possibility of further conflict. In the practice of yoga, it is important to understand that the same life flows in the veins of all creatures.” — Swami Kriyananda

In health and happiness,
Karina Stewart

This practice is a beautiful way to cultivate the feeling of love and kindness towards yourself and others. By reconnecting to your inner source of love and wisdom, it can help you to be more accepting and calm, responding in a healthier way, even in difficult situations. This can positively affect others, bringing happiness and harmony into your relationships and to yourself.

Find a clean, peaceful place to meditate, somewhere your body is as comfortable as possible. Sit in a comfortable posture with your back erect. Place your hands in your lap with the right hand on top of the left hand, palms facing upwards.

• Close your eyes.
• Think of a person that you hold dear. For some that may be a child, parent, spouse, niece or nephew. Feel how your thoughts about this person produce positive feelings of warm heartedness, fondness and love. Imagine radiating loving kindness to that person and make a sincere heartfelt mental wish that they may be happy.
 

• Then think of a person who you are indifferent to, someone that evokes no strong positive or negative feelings. Try to extend that same feeling of loving kindness to them and make a sincere heartfelt mental wish that they be happy.
• Then think of a person who you dislike. At first, try someone who you mildly dislike, and over time with practice you can work up to more disliked and even hated figures. Try to extend that same feeling of loving kindness to them and make a sincere heartfelt mental wish that they be happy.
• Finally, wish happiness for yourself too! 


We are very excited to be collaborating with one of the UK’s most desirable wellness destinations in May this year. Kamalaya founders Karina and John Stewart, some of our top therapists and mentors, as well our culinary director Kai Mueller will take up a residency at Lime Wood’s Herb House Spa in the New Forest National Park for a series of 3-day/2-night wellness retreats. This is a wonderful opportunity for Europeans to get a taste of Kamalaya closer to home. With Lime Wood’s excellent hospitality standards and passion for holistic and authentic wellness, we feel that together we will be bringing guests the best of east and west in the holistic wellness sphere.

For further details and retreat inclusions, please click here

We are delighted to share with you that Kamalaya was again named “Worldwide Health & Wellness Destination of the Year” at the prestigious World Spa & Wellness Awards held in London last month. Kamalaya was shortlisted alongside five highly reputed properties from Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Austria; and received the prestigious award for the second year running.

“It’s with heartfelt gratitude that we have been recognized for the second consecutive year for the care and service that the team at Kamalaya delivers to our guests. Our vision is to inspire people to live with greater health and harmony, and it is truly a great honour to be acknowledged for the contribution that our team makes to people’s lives,” said John Stewart, Kamalaya Co-founder and Chairman who attended the event in London to receive the award.

Picture above: John accepting the award on 25th February in London

This healthy take on the Thai classic makes a light, refreshing meal that’s bursting with flavour. Pomelo is packed with immunity-boosting vitamin C as well as body-balancing potassium, whilst the zing of chili helps fire up your metabolism and reduces inflammation. Yum Som-O makes a wonderfully fresh side dish or a light main meal.

For full recipe, please click here