The rise of non-traditional yoga practices that incorporate novel or entertaining elements has become a significant trend in the yoga community, with many studios and instructors offering classes that fuse traditional movements with unique and engaging elements, such as animal-assisted or themed yoga.

These non-traditional practices have gained popularity in recent years, with many people seeking a more enjoyable and interactive way to practice yoga, and they are often perceived as a more approachable and fun alternative to traditional yoga.

According to a study, 72% of yoga participants were women, and 28% were men, but this trend is changing every year, and yoga is becoming a more universal practice that helps everyone to improve joint mobility, range of motion, and overall physical fitness.

Non-traditional yoga practices, such as aerial yoga, have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including improved flexibility, balance, and strength, as well as reduced stress and anxiety.

Aerial yoga, in particular, has been found to be effective in improving back pain, with a study showing that participants who practiced aerial yoga experienced a significant reduction in back pain and improvement in muscle relaxation.

In addition to physical benefits, non-traditional yoga practices have also been found to have a positive impact on mental health, with a study showing that interacting with animals, such as in animal-assisted yoga, can have a positive impact on mental health and reduce stress and anxiety.

The popularity of non-traditional yoga practices can be attributed to their unique and engaging approach, which makes yoga more accessible and enjoyable for people who may not have been interested in traditional yoga.

However, some people may still be skeptical about the effectiveness of non-traditional yoga practices, and may prefer traditional yoga approaches, which are often seen as more authentic and spiritually focused.

Despite this, many instructors and studios are now offering non-traditional yoga classes, and they are becoming increasingly popular, with some studios even offering classes that combine yoga with other activities, such as hiking or running.

The cost of non-traditional yoga classes can vary, with some studios offering classes for as low as £30 for an hour session, which includes a half-hour yoga class and a full hour of playtime with animals.

Overall, non-traditional yoga practices are a growing trend in the yoga community, and they offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga, with numerous physical and mental health benefits.

These practices are becoming increasingly popular, and they are a great option for people who are looking for a more enjoyable and interactive way to practice yoga.

In conclusion, non-traditional yoga practices are a valid and effective way to practice yoga, and they offer a unique and engaging approach that can be beneficial for both physical and mental health.

They are a great option for people who are looking for a more approachable and fun alternative to traditional yoga, and they are becoming increasingly popular in the yoga community.

As the yoga community continues to evolve, it is likely that non-traditional yoga practices will become even more popular, and they will offer a new and exciting way for people to practice yoga.

The benefits of non-traditional yoga practices are numerous, and they include improved physical fitness, reduced stress and anxiety, and a positive impact on mental health.

In addition to these benefits, non-traditional yoga practices also offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga, which can be beneficial for people who are looking for a more enjoyable and interactive way to practice.

Overall, non-traditional yoga practices are a great option for anyone who is looking for a new and exciting way to practice yoga, and they offer numerous physical and mental health benefits.

They are a growing trend in the yoga community, and they are likely to become even more popular in the future.

The popularity of non-traditional yoga practices can be attributed to their unique and engaging approach, which makes yoga more accessible and enjoyable for people who may not have been interested in traditional yoga.

In conclusion, non-traditional yoga practices are a valid and effective way to practice yoga, and they offer a unique and engaging approach that can be beneficial for both physical and mental health.

They are a great option for people who are looking for a more approachable and fun alternative to traditional yoga, and they are becoming increasingly popular in the yoga community.

The future of yoga is likely to include a growing trend towards non-traditional practices, which will offer a new and exciting way for people to practice yoga.

These practices will continue to evolve and adapt to the needs of the yoga community, and they will offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga.

In the end, non-traditional yoga practices are a great option for anyone who is looking for a new and exciting way to practice yoga, and they offer numerous physical and mental health benefits.

They are a growing trend in the yoga community, and they are likely to become even more popular in the future.

The benefits of non-traditional yoga practices are numerous, and they include improved physical fitness, reduced stress and anxiety, and a positive impact on mental health.

Overall, non-traditional yoga practices are a valid and effective way to practice yoga, and they offer a unique and engaging approach that can be beneficial for both physical and mental health.

They are a great option for people who are looking for a more approachable and fun alternative to traditional yoga, and they are becoming increasingly popular in the yoga community.

The yoga community is evolving, and non-traditional yoga practices are a growing trend.

These practices offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga, and they are a great option for people who are looking for a more enjoyable and interactive way to practice.

In conclusion, non-traditional yoga practices are a great option for anyone who is looking for a new and exciting way to practice yoga, and they offer numerous physical and mental health benefits.

They are a growing trend in the yoga community, and they are likely to become even more popular in the future.

The future of yoga is likely to include a growing trend towards non-traditional practices, which will offer a new and exciting way for people to practice yoga.

These practices will continue to evolve and adapt to the needs of the yoga community, and they will offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga.

The popularity of non-traditional yoga practices can be attributed to their unique and engaging approach, which makes yoga more accessible and enjoyable for people who may not have been interested in traditional yoga.

In the end, non-traditional yoga practices are a great option for anyone who is looking for a new and exciting way to practice yoga, and they offer numerous physical and mental health benefits.

They are a growing trend in the yoga community, and they are likely to become even more popular in the future.

The benefits of non-traditional yoga practices are numerous, and they include improved physical fitness, reduced stress and anxiety, and a positive impact on mental health.

Overall, non-traditional yoga practices are a valid and effective way to practice yoga, and they offer a unique and engaging approach that can be beneficial for both physical and mental health.

They are a great option for people who are looking for a more approachable and fun alternative to traditional yoga, and they are becoming increasingly popular in the yoga community.

The yoga community is evolving, and non-traditional yoga practices are a growing trend.

These practices offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga, and they are a great option for people who are looking for a more enjoyable and interactive way to practice.

In conclusion, non-traditional yoga practices are a great option for anyone who is looking for a new and exciting way to practice yoga, and they offer numerous physical and mental health benefits.

They are a growing trend in the yoga community, and they are likely to become even more popular in the future.

The future of yoga is likely to include a growing trend towards non-traditional practices, which will offer a new and exciting way for people to practice yoga.

These practices will continue to evolve and adapt to the needs of the yoga community, and they will offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga.

The popularity of non-traditional yoga practices can be attributed to their unique and engaging approach, which makes yoga more accessible and enjoyable for people who may not have been interested in traditional yoga.

In the end, non-traditional yoga practices are a great option for anyone who is looking for a new and exciting way to practice yoga, and they offer numerous physical and mental health benefits.

They are a growing trend in the yoga community, and they are likely to become even more popular in the future.

The benefits of non-traditional yoga practices are numerous, and they include improved physical fitness, reduced stress and anxiety, and a positive impact on mental health.

Overall, non-traditional yoga practices are a valid and effective way to practice yoga, and they offer a unique and engaging approach that can be beneficial for both physical and mental health.

They are a great option for people who are looking for a more approachable and fun alternative to traditional yoga, and they are becoming increasingly popular in the yoga community.

The yoga community is evolving, and non-traditional yoga practices are a growing trend.

These practices offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga, and they are a great option for people who are looking for a more enjoyable and interactive way to practice [

The rise of non-traditional yoga practices that incorporate novel or entertaining elements has become a significant trend in the yoga community, with many studios and instructors offering classes that fuse traditional movements with unique and engaging elements, such as animal-assisted or themed yoga.

Title:

Content: Thorpe Bay in Essex is the home of yoga with a twist. Pawsz and Tails Yoga combines zen with something probably a little less calm: puppies and kittens everywhere. The Southend based yoga classes have combined all of your favourite things so you can leave feeling warm and fuzzy.

At £30 for an hour session, you can combine a half an hour class with a full hour of silliness with an army of fluff. Pawz and Tails writes on their website: “If you love animals and would like to cuddle and play with them for an hour incorporating a half hour beginner yoga class then book your class now”. The popular classes are booked up far in advance, with only a handful of classes left in the upcoming months.

They add: “We provide a calm and safe atmosphere for our furry companions. Our puppies are free to roam around during the hour to play, sleep and enjoy the attention they receive from humans. Our classes are there to create playtime and socialisation before they go to their forever home.

READ MORE: RSPCA rescue Spaniel puppy 'dumped in a box with his dying brother' on Essex roadside

READ MORE:Pebbles the instantly recognisable 'campus cat' at the University of Essex who now has his own statue

“We have the highest safety standards and you can enjoy our classes knowing that we only work with reputable breeders who have the highest standards of care, we also donate to rescue charities each month.

Classes are for beginners aged 14 and over and aim to create a stress-free environment. A fully qualified yoga teacher will work with you through mainly floor postures, so you’re on a level with the puppies and kittens. Cuddles are optional.

Time spent with a fluffy companion has been proven to have a massive impact on mental health, with 37% of people saying that their pets help them with their lives, according to a Blue Cross study. Just being around animals can have a positive impact on our mental health.

At Pawz and Tails, their classes “provide a haven of pure uplifting bliss, interacting with baby animals is extremely heart warming and you will leave us with a big smile on your face. It's also a fun time for our furry companions, who love to play and be cuddled”.

The animals brought in for the yoga classes are brought from responsible breeders who are looking to socialise the little ones, and Pawz and Tails donate to rescue charities every month.

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These non-traditional practices have gained popularity in recent years, with many people seeking a more enjoyable and interactive way to practice yoga, and they are often perceived as a more approachable and fun alternative to traditional yoga.

Title:

Content: 6 myths about yoga: dispel and start practicing
28 September 2021, 16: 47
Read news in ukrainian
Source:
Everyday Health
Yoga is not only about physical exertion, but also about relieving stress and peace.
Regular classes will help to get in shape, improve mood and give a lot of energy.
Yoga Alliance says that yoga is suitable for many and is a universal occupation.
It will help relieve pain, give strength and flexibility, relieve stress, improve breathing, the cardiovascular system, help lose weight and promote better circulation.
If you still doubted about this way of recovery and rest, we will dispel them in our material.
What danger lies in wait for children in the sandbox
6 myths about yoga
I'm not flexible.
Often, professional yogis on social networks demonstrate the incredible flexibility of their body in various exercises.
This raises doubts about whether it is suitable for those who do not consider themselves flexible at all and have never heard of stretching.
In fact, yoga begins with light exercises that everyone is able to repeat.
Over time, they can become more difficult, and you will develop.
In addition, exercises can be replaced if some can not be repeated.
You don ’ t have to be flexible to practice yoga / Photo Unsplash
My back hurts.
Pain should not interfere with you both at work and during yoga classes.
That is why there are many different practices for almost every medical condition.
If you are worried about some disease, consult your doctor before signing up for classes, and do not forget to warn the coach so that he can choose individual exercises for you.
For example, if you have glaucoma (a disease that damages the optic nerves of the eyes), you need to avoid lowering your head below the heart, which means that you will have to change certain poses.
– explains Samantha Parker, a physiologist and certified yoga instructor.
It may be against my religious beliefs.
You can focus only on exercises / Photo Unsplash
Yoga is often associated with Hinduism and Buddhism, but it does not require certain religious beliefs and can be practiced by everyone.
It only propagates the idea of peace and purpose, which some people identify with spirituality.
If this is not very close to you, you can find appropriate classes where instructors focus exclusively on physical aspects.
Yoga for women
According to the 2016 Yoga in America study, 72% of participants were women and 28% were men.
However, this trend is changing every year.
Yoga is a universal practice that helps everyone to improve joint mobility, range of motion and overall physical fitness.
In addition, it contributes to good posture, control of muscles and tendons.
Yoga is suitable for women and men / Photo Unsplash
Yoga is just a stretch.
Yoga is often about the emphasis on flexibility, because it involves a lot of stretch marks.
However, along with mobility, you build muscle and stamina.
The study, published in the journal Research Complementary and Alternative Medicine, described that a 12-week yoga program improved not only flexibility, but also cardiovascular, muscle strength, and endurance in adults.
Why you can not lose weight: nutritionists called 5 common mistakes
I don 't have time
Even short classes will improve well-being / Photo Unsplash
You have time, you just spend it doing other things,
This is Samantha Parker.
Yoga does not require a specific time to practice.
You can choose the duration and load on your own.
Long classes will bring more benefits, but even short practices will help relieve excessive tension and give a good mood.

According to a study, 72% of yoga participants were women, and 28% were men, but this trend is changing every year, and yoga is becoming a more universal practice that helps everyone to improve joint mobility, range of motion, and overall physical fitness.

Non-traditional yoga practices, such as aerial yoga, have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including improved flexibility, balance, and strength, as well as reduced stress and anxiety.

Title:

Content: Yoga | Want to do Coffee Lin Qianyu 2.0? Which way is right for yourself?
See your own practice.
Author: The Doctor Easy
Published: Updated:
More and more people pay attention to health and exercise in their spare time.
In addition to outdoor sports such as hiking and running, many indoor sports have also emerged, of which yoga is the most popular.
Some simple yoga exercises can also be practiced at home.
In fact, there are many types of yoga, in addition to the usual air yoga, there are detox yoga, gentle yoga, etc., suitable for different people.
This article will introduce a variety of common types of yoga, help readers to choose the right type of yoga according to their physical condition and spiritual needs, and learn how yoga centers can help users training.
In fact, there are many types of yoga, in addition to the usual air yoga, there are also detoxification yoga, gentle yoga, etc., suitable for different people. (Photo: Courtesy of the respondent)
Aerial Yoga and Yoga Wheel Exercises Need Assistive Tools to Improve Urban Pain
Let ’ s introduce two types of yoga that have emerged in recent years and require assistive devices, namely “Aerial Yoga ” and“ Yoga Wheel ”.
When it comes to the most popular type of yoga, it must be Aerial Yoga.
Aerial yoga, also known as “anti-gravity yoga ”, practitioners suspended their bodies through a hanging cloth hammock hanging from the ceiling, allowing the body to maintain balance and stay in mid-air under the influence of gravity. It is suitable for people who want to train core muscles, balance, improve the body ’ s sense of coordination and softness, and enhance hand grip and muscle strength.
Aerial yoga can significantly increase blood circulation, and the practice process will often "burst sweat", which is quite relaxing; among them, the movement of air inversion has a traction effect, which can have a physiological effect on the spine.
The practice of aerial yoga tends to "sweat", which is quite relaxing; it is also suitable for women who want to improve their posture to put out a variety of beautiful positions in the air.
(Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee)
Yoga Wheel is a class of yoga classes conducted on the ground. The yoga wheel is like a hollow wheel, which is used to expand the stretching space, assist the balance of the back bend, and so on.
The use of yoga wheels for posterior curvature allows the spine to get more space for stretching, strengthening the stretching of the chest muscles and waist muscles, thereby increasing lung capacity and enhancing cardiopulmonary function.
The biggest attraction of yoga wheels is the ability to specifically improve shoulder and neck pain, camel back, and waist tightness.
The use of yoga wheels for back bending allows the spine to get more space to stretch, which can specifically improve the shoulder and neck pain, camel back, waist tightening and other problems.
(Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee)
Hatha Yoga focuses on breathing and extends many branches
Hatha Yoga is the oldest and most widely practiced form of yoga. “Hatha ” is Sanskrit, meaning“ power ”.
Hatha Yoga is a combination of breathing, dark thoughts and asanas. The purpose of the practice is to purify the spirit by mastering the body, and ultimately connect to spirituality.
Different body styles can effectively coordinate different parts of the bones and muscles, and help promote blood circulation throughout the body, while breathing can effectively increase lung capacity.
Practice Hatha Yoga with an emphasis on controlling your breathing and focusing on feeling each position without having to obsess over making the perfect posture.
The practitioner calms the mind, calms the mind, and boosts the spirit.
Various types of yoga extended by Hatha Yoga, such as gentle yoga, yin yoga, detoxification yoga, yoga therapy, etc., have more targeted effects.
Practice Hatha Yoga with an emphasis on controlling your breathing and focusing on feeling each position without obsessing over making perfect postures. (Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee)
Various branches of Hatha Yoga, from mind to physiotherapy, suitable for different needs
Gentle Yoga focuses on stretching and breathing, not on extreme flexibility or strength.
Body style includes sitting stretching, standing posture, forward bending and low impact back bending exercises.
For people with zero basics, gentle yoga is the best starting choice.
Yin Yoga, which focuses on meditation and meditation, is a “passive ” practice. The essence is to“ give in ”, learn how to let go of the struggle and allow things to happen naturally, so that the practitioner can calm his mind and gain more powerful mental energy.
Each session lasts about three to five minutes, which is longer than other types of yoga, and assistive devices can be used to support the longer session.
Since there is no standing posture in Yin Yoga, the practice focuses on the pelvis, hip, lower abdomen, spine and other parts, which can enhance the softness of the lower body and promote blood circulation, especially for women and pregnant women.
Yin Yoga focuses on meditation and meditation, and each style lasts about three to five minutes, which is longer than other yoga types.
(Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee)
Detox yoga focuses on systematically stretching and compressing every part of the body.
The body consists of pushing, pulling, twisting, squeezing and stretching.
These actions can stimulate some organs with detoxification function. They help the body to expel toxins and unnecessary substances to achieve detoxification and slimming effects.
Detox yoga focuses on systematically stretching and compressing every part of the body, which can stimulate some organs with detoxification function, helping the body to expel toxins and unnecessary substances to achieve detoxification and slimming effects.
(Photo: Courtesy of the interviewee)
Yoga Physical is the application of yoga practice to treatment, by combining the human meridian and yoga movements, thereby promoting blood circulation, adjusting metabolism, improving the function of body parts, and achieving the purpose of relieving pain.
Depending on the area you want to improve, such as shoulders and neck, pelvis, legs and hips, the posture of each yoga session may vary.
TriAngel Yoga was founded by experienced yoga instructors.
Some of the types of yoga mentioned above can be practiced on their own, but if you want to focus on the types of yoga, you need to have professional guidance. TriAngel Yoga is founded by experienced yoga teachers and has a variety of learning modes, suitable for different levels of practitioners.
Take Aerial Yoga as an example, although there are many challenging styles, but the teacher will gradually guide the beginners, with ease, pleasure, stress reduction, and self-confidence as the focus of the class.
In terms of Hatha Yoga, the classes at TriAngel Yoga will arrange different types of mats to suit different needs, such as strengthening muscles, increasing body coordination, improving poor posture, improving flexibility, improving concentration, reducing stress and relaxation, detoxification, and increasing self-confidence.
With professional guidance, you can avoid injury and learn the correct posture.
For Hatha Yoga, the classes at TriAngel Yoga will be organized according to different types of topics, with different styles of mats to suit different needs. (Photo: freepik)
You may be interested

Aerial yoga, in particular, has been found to be effective in improving back pain, with a study showing that participants who practiced aerial yoga experienced a significant reduction in back pain and improvement in muscle relaxation.

Title:

Content:   • Researchers report that weekly yoga practice improved back pain in a small group of study participants.
  • Muscular electrical activity in the lower back, which is associated with back pain, also improved.
  • The findings indicate that yoga could be an effective therapy for chronic low back pain, but more research is needed.

Yoga could be an effective treatment for chronic lower back pain, according to new research.

A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research reports that individuals with low back pain saw improvements in pain levels after taking part in weekly yoga practice.

Each week participants completed a series of yoga “asanas” — poses designed to move and stretch the body. Researchers also utilized electromyography, which measures electrical activity in muscles, to provide further evidence for their findings.

“The main takeaway from this research is that there is a statistically significant difference in the improvement in pain for the females in the study with non-specific low back pain,” Dr. Hanan Saleh, a spine medicine specialist with the Cleveland Clinic who wasn’t affiliated with the study, told Medical News Today.

Experts say the research lends further evidence to the effectiveness of yoga as a treatment for low back pain.

“Relieving back pain still remains a challenge. Asanas can become an addition to the range of possibilities in managing this disorder,” Dr. Alessandro de Sire, an author of the study and a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Università degli Studi “Magna Graecia” di Catanzaro in Italy, told Medical News Today.

De Sire and his team recruited 21 women, all of them between the ages of 18 and 40, to take part in the research.

Eleven of the women were “healthy” individuals while the other 10 reported having a condition known as nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP), which is low back pain without an identifiable cause.

All participants took part in a four-week yoga program consisting of two sessions per week.

During the first week, the sessions were conducted in person while the remainder were conducted remotely using a “tele-yoga” approach.

Each session included 30 asanas in standing, seated, and supine positions. Researchers continued to follow up with participants for four additional weeks after the therapy.

The primary goal of the study was to see how the yoga practice affected pain levels. In order to track this, both groups did a pain assessment at baseline using the 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain.

If you’ve ever been to the doctor’s office and they’ve asked you to point at a series of faces from smiling to crying to show how you feel, then you’re familiar with the VAS system. It’s a simple way for anyone to indicate their general pain level.

Women with NSLBP had an average pain level of 6.8 at baseline, indicating moderate to severe pain, but after the weekly yoga intervention that score decreased by more than half to 3.3, indicating low to moderate pain.

Researchers also used electromyography to verify their findings about pain.

By attaching electrodes to the lower back region of participants, they were able to measure electrical activity within the muscles of the lower back. Certain patterns of electrical activity in the region are known to be associated with low back pain.

Specifically, scientists looked at the flexion-relaxation phenomenon, which is a clinical tool to assess back pain. When someone bends forward, as if to touch their toes, this movement is known as trunk flexion.

During flexion, the muscles of the lower back are engaged. However, at a certain point in the flexion, the muscles actually begin to relax again.

How much the muscles are engaged or relaxed during this process can be measured through electromyography and given a numerical value. A higher score indicates better muscle relaxation while a lower one indicates more muscle tension. So, lower scores tend to be associated with the risk of low back pain.

In this study, women with back pain had a baseline flexion-relaxation score of 5.12. After the yoga sessions this number increased to 9.49, indicating improvements to muscle relaxation and electrical activity during flexion.

Although the study was small and relatively short, the authors say they are optimistic about their findings.

Using data forecasting technique known as prophet modeling, the team found that the yoga program would continue to provide benefit over a longer period of time, based on their four-week trial results.

“Clearly, further studies are needed to delve into the long-term results of this asanas approach. However, the prophet model suggests that the results can be maintained, through a relatively simple, openly safe intervention,” said de Sire.

Additionally, the research also raises the profile of so-called “tele-yoga.” Like other forms of telehealth that have become more prominent since the COVID-19 pandemic, tele-yoga also appears to provide benefits for people with NSLBP.

Yoga is an ancient practice that combines breathing, meditation, and physical poses known as asanas. Researchers have increasingly taken an interest in the practice to see how it affects the body and mind in a way that can be proven scientifically.

While there are plenty of personal, anecdotal reports of the benefits of yoga practice, here are some of the benefits of yoga backed by science:

  • Improving flexibility
  • Relieving stress
  • Improving balance
  • Building strength
  • Promoting better posture

“In my clinical experience, yes, [yoga] has been helpful for patients. Of course, it doesn’t help everyone, but I also haven’t seen it hurt anyone. Overall, it is a safe treatment option, and I always encourage my patients to pursue conservative treatment options as tolerated,” said Saleh.

“Generally speaking, some exercises that may be helpful can include the knee-to-chest exercise, piriformis and hamstring stretches, and my favorite ‒ core strengthening. The stronger our core, the more supported our spine is. Of course, not everyone should get the same set of exercises, which is why we focus heavily on physical therapy and personalize exercises based on the diagnosis,” he said.

In addition to physical benefits, non-traditional yoga practices have also been found to have a positive impact on mental health, with a study showing that interacting with animals, such as in animal-assisted yoga, can have a positive impact on mental health and reduce stress and anxiety.

The popularity of non-traditional yoga practices can be attributed to their unique and engaging approach, which makes yoga more accessible and enjoyable for people who may not have been interested in traditional yoga.

However, some people may still be skeptical about the effectiveness of non-traditional yoga practices, and may prefer traditional yoga approaches, which are often seen as more authentic and spiritually focused.

Title:

Content: Teachers, tough love and the twinning of body and mind

My yoga class is a microcosm of modern society. A group of individuals who come together in a space-time context to achieve different objectives. It is also a study in efficiency or lack thereof; efficiency not only of the body, which tries to twist and turn, but also of the belief system.

It is difficult to adopt any ancient art, craft, belief system, or even word without navigating a landmine of sensibilities. For example, it is not easy to say that hatha yoga, or the physical practice of postures (asanas), is not the pure form of yoga. Although it is considered the most central yogic practice, this is probably not how yoga originated. And I’m not even talking about the pop styles of yoga practices that have emerged around the world simply thanks to laissez-faire.

Understanding the practice of yoga

Today, a lot of breath is wasted, literally, decoding whether yoga practice is oriented toward an “inward-oriented detachment from material outcomes and desires,” or if it is just another exercise routine. If it’s only the latter, why do some yoga teachers insist on following a puritanical pedagogical system of self-surrender?

Opinion | Prime Minister Modi leads a yoga session in Srinagar to mark the 10th International Yoga Day

The large-scale export of yoga from the Indian subcontinent to the world began in the early 20th century, when different Indian yogis evangelized this Indian knowledge system following different paths. Swami Vivekananda, for example, can be seen as largely dismissive of the bodily practices of yoga and presents it more as a spiritual system. Ramana Maharshi saw yoga as facilitating a state called self-realization: “simply being oneself, knowing nothing and becoming nothing.” Sivananda Saraswati and Tirumalai Krishnamacharya focused on the corporeality of yoga practice, viewing it as a physical fitness regimen, and even developing new postural systems. Krishnamacharya’s student, BKS Iyengar, went a step ahead and insisted on absolute precision and body alignment.

Beginning with Vivekananda, all these yogis drew selectively on texts such as Patanjali’s Yogasutras and the Bhagavad Gita. While some sought to link their postural systems to these spiritual texts, others saw them simply as guiding lights. An Iyengar Yoga practice session, for example, begins with an invocation to Patanjali. However, Iyengar is not known to have ever forced his students to adopt any type of Hindu belief.

Yoga and pride

Now, what should a modern yogi or yogini look for before even embarking on this journey? As a regular practitioner now, all I can say is that the possibility of annihilating the ego is a good goal to start with. Once you’re on the yoga mat, all of your accomplishments and underlying pride should leave the room. If that doesn’t happen after practicing for a while, maybe yoga isn’t for you. Pride and prejudice block our path to recovery and healing. It is helpful to think of yoga practice as psychotherapy.

Opinion | ‘World leaders talk yoga with me’: PM Modi at massive yoga event in Srinagar

I have many vices, but pride is not one of them. So what have I gained from the yoga mat? Looking back on my brief journey, I can confirm that yoga has given me the patience to deal with other people’s pride. I have learned to distance myself from situations and contexts where pride invaded me. I also realized that relying on your innate virtues is not very helpful in any situation: intention must be followed by action, or it will be meaningless. The practice of yoga has also made me braver when it comes to expressing myself. The reason is simple. Once you are on the mat, you are aware of every tissue in your body. What you are capable of and what you should expect. Hypocrisy on the yoga mat is the gateway to a hospital bed.

I may not be the fittest person thanks to my Covid-ravaged body, but yoga has encouraged me to take care of myself. He has allowed me to differentiate between empty, kind words and harsh, painful instructions. While my heart may long for the former, I understand the importance of the bitter verbal pill.

Improve body and mind

I’ve stayed with my yoga teacher for a while now, despite her not-so-friendly behavior, because I’m clear about her pedagogy. Hard love. Most people use “tough love” to mask their cruelty and lack of empathy. It is a much maligned phrase today with its history of hiding abuse. To some, my teacher’s words may seem like abuse (they are surely not kind!). I have seen many of them opt out of programs.

See | Indian Navy personnel perform yoga asanas on board INS Teg

Lest this essay be seen as an apology for my teacher’s pedagogy, let me reiterate that we are not close in personal life. Our interactions occur strictly in the space and context of yoga practice. I don’t strive to be the best or the favorite student. What defines this relationship, however, is his stubbornness in making my body (and therefore my mind) the best it can be and my often frustrated attempts to do the same. Neither is giving up.

(Nishtha Gautam is a Delhi-based author and academic.)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author.

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Despite this, many instructors and studios are now offering non-traditional yoga classes, and they are becoming increasingly popular, with some studios even offering classes that combine yoga with other activities, such as hiking or running.

The cost of non-traditional yoga classes can vary, with some studios offering classes for as low as £30 for an hour session, which includes a half-hour yoga class and a full hour of playtime with animals.

Overall, non-traditional yoga practices are a growing trend in the yoga community, and they offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga, with numerous physical and mental health benefits.

These practices are becoming increasingly popular, and they are a great option for people who are looking for a more enjoyable and interactive way to practice yoga.

In conclusion, non-traditional yoga practices are a valid and effective way to practice yoga, and they offer a unique and engaging approach that can be beneficial for both physical and mental health.

They are a great option for people who are looking for a more approachable and fun alternative to traditional yoga, and they are becoming increasingly popular in the yoga community.

As the yoga community continues to evolve, it is likely that non-traditional yoga practices will become even more popular, and they will offer a new and exciting way for people to practice yoga.

The benefits of non-traditional yoga practices are numerous, and they include improved physical fitness, reduced stress and anxiety, and a positive impact on mental health.

In addition to these benefits, non-traditional yoga practices also offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga, which can be beneficial for people who are looking for a more enjoyable and interactive way to practice.

Overall, non-traditional yoga practices are a great option for anyone who is looking for a new and exciting way to practice yoga, and they offer numerous physical and mental health benefits.

They are a growing trend in the yoga community, and they are likely to become even more popular in the future.

In conclusion, non-traditional yoga practices are a valid and effective way to practice yoga, and they offer a unique and engaging approach that can be beneficial for both physical and mental health.

They are a great option for people who are looking for a more approachable and fun alternative to traditional yoga, and they are becoming increasingly popular in the yoga community.

The future of yoga is likely to include a growing trend towards non-traditional practices, which will offer a new and exciting way for people to practice yoga.

These practices will continue to evolve and adapt to the needs of the yoga community, and they will offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga.

In the end, non-traditional yoga practices are a great option for anyone who is looking for a new and exciting way to practice yoga, and they offer numerous physical and mental health benefits.

They are a growing trend in the yoga community, and they are likely to become even more popular in the future.

The benefits of non-traditional yoga practices are numerous, and they include improved physical fitness, reduced stress and anxiety, and a positive impact on mental health.

Overall, non-traditional yoga practices are a valid and effective way to practice yoga, and they offer a unique and engaging approach that can be beneficial for both physical and mental health.

They are a great option for people who are looking for a more approachable and fun alternative to traditional yoga, and they are becoming increasingly popular in the yoga community.

The yoga community is evolving, and non-traditional yoga practices are a growing trend.

These practices offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga, and they are a great option for people who are looking for a more enjoyable and interactive way to practice.

In conclusion, non-traditional yoga practices are a great option for anyone who is looking for a new and exciting way to practice yoga, and they offer numerous physical and mental health benefits.

They are a growing trend in the yoga community, and they are likely to become even more popular in the future.

The future of yoga is likely to include a growing trend towards non-traditional practices, which will offer a new and exciting way for people to practice yoga.

These practices will continue to evolve and adapt to the needs of the yoga community, and they will offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga.

In the end, non-traditional yoga practices are a great option for anyone who is looking for a new and exciting way to practice yoga, and they offer numerous physical and mental health benefits.

They are a growing trend in the yoga community, and they are likely to become even more popular in the future.

The benefits of non-traditional yoga practices are numerous, and they include improved physical fitness, reduced stress and anxiety, and a positive impact on mental health.

Overall, non-traditional yoga practices are a valid and effective way to practice yoga, and they offer a unique and engaging approach that can be beneficial for both physical and mental health.

They are a great option for people who are looking for a more approachable and fun alternative to traditional yoga, and they are becoming increasingly popular in the yoga community.

The yoga community is evolving, and non-traditional yoga practices are a growing trend.

These practices offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga, and they are a great option for people who are looking for a more enjoyable and interactive way to practice.

In conclusion, non-traditional yoga practices are a great option for anyone who is looking for a new and exciting way to practice yoga, and they offer numerous physical and mental health benefits.

They are a growing trend in the yoga community, and they are likely to become even more popular in the future.

The future of yoga is likely to include a growing trend towards non-traditional practices, which will offer a new and exciting way for people to practice yoga.

These practices will continue to evolve and adapt to the needs of the yoga community, and they will offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga.

The popularity of non-traditional yoga practices can be attributed to their unique and engaging approach, which makes yoga more accessible and enjoyable for people who may not have been interested in traditional yoga.

In the end, non-traditional yoga practices are a great option for anyone who is looking for a new and exciting way to practice yoga, and they offer numerous physical and mental health benefits.

They are a growing trend in the yoga community, and they are likely to become even more popular in the future.

The benefits of non-traditional yoga practices are numerous, and they include improved physical fitness, reduced stress and anxiety, and a positive impact on mental health.

Overall, non-traditional yoga practices are a valid and effective way to practice yoga, and they offer a unique and engaging approach that can be beneficial for both physical and mental health.

They are a great option for people who are looking for a more approachable and fun alternative to traditional yoga, and they are becoming increasingly popular in the yoga community.

The yoga community is evolving, and non-traditional yoga practices are a growing trend.

These practices offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga, and they are a great option for people who are looking for a more enjoyable and interactive way to practice [

These practices offer a unique and engaging way to practice yoga, and they are a great option for people who are looking for a more enjoyable and interactive way to practice [


The Elgin Marbles, a collection of ancient Greek sculptures removed from the Parthenon in Athens by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, have been the subject of ongoing controversy and a long-standing dispute between Greece and the UK, with Greece seeking their return.

The sculptures, which are 2,500 years old, make up about half of the 160-meter-long frieze of the Parthenon Temple, and are considered one of the greatest cultural monuments in the world.

Greece has made repeated requests for the sculptures to be returned, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis offering to loan Greek treasures to the British Museum in exchange for the return of the Elgin Marbles.

However, the UK government has consistently refused to return the sculptures, citing that they were legally acquired by Lord Elgin under the appropriate laws of the time.

Despite this, there have been recent developments, with the head of the British Museum, George Osborne, pushing for a temporary loan to be returned to Greece, and a potential deal being drawn up.

Additionally, Italy has returned a fragment belonging to the Parthenon's eastern frieze to Greece, which could renew pressure on Britain to repatriate the Elgin Marbles.

The UK has also struck a loan deal to return Asante Gold to Ghana, which could pave the way for handling other repatriation disputes, including the Elgin Marbles.

Overall, while there is still no definitive resolution to the controversy, there are ongoing efforts to find a solution, with Greece and the UK engaging in talks and exploring possible loan deals.

The Elgin Marbles, a collection of ancient Greek sculptures removed from the Parthenon in Athens by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, have been the subject of ongoing controversy and a long-standing dispute between Greece and the UK, with Greece seeking their return.

Title:

Content: LONDON (Reuters) - The historic Greek treasure of Elgin Marbles is nearing its return to its country of origin, 200 years after it was moved and ended up in the British Museum.
The Parthenon marble, seen as a symbol of freedom in Greece, was controversially moved out of the country by a British diplomat in a move that ignited a debate that lasted more than two centuries.
Greece has made repeated requests for the sculptures to be returned after they were controversially removed from one of the world ’ s most historic landmarks.
Prime Minister Rishi Sonak had been scheduled to meet his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday, but Downing Street canceled the arrangement and sent Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Duden instead.
The head of the British Museum, former Conservative Chancellor George Osborne, is pushing for a temporary loan to be returned to Greece, and is believed to have drawn up a deal.
But both Sonak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer say they will not support a change to the British Museum law that currently bars their return.
The museum said it was continuing "constructive discussions" about their possible return.
Gin Marble
The Algin marble is 17 sculptures that are 2,500 years old.
His pieces were part of a frieze that adorned the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
The marbles make up about half of the 160-meter-long frieze of the Parthenon Temple, which is considered one of the greatest cultural monuments in the world.
These sculptures are seen as symbols of freedom in Greece, where they are known as Parthenon marble.
British diplomat Lord Elgin removed the sculptures from the majestic Parthenon temple in the early 19th century.
At that time, he was ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, which ruled Greece.
Beginning in 1801, Lord Elgin is said to have supervised the removal of the marble and shipped it to the UK in 170 boxes.
He is said to have claimed to have obtained permission from the Ottoman Empire to move the marble, but despite massive documentation from that period, nothing was found to support his actions.
In the United Kingdom, Lord Elgin received support and criticism, and sold it to the United Kingdom government in 1816 before the marble was transferred to the custody of the British Museum.
The beginning and evolution of the dispute
The controversy between Greece and Britain can be traced back to when the marble first arrived in Britain due to criticism of its removal.
In 1832, Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire before it began trying to recover sculptures and other works of art taken from the country.
In the early 1980s, the actress and then Greek Minister of Culture, Melina Mercury, reignited the campaign when she made it her mission to secure the return of marble sculptures.
In 1983, she met with the director of the British Museum, Dr. David Wilson, in London to demand the return of the sculptures.
She continued to press the museum and the British government until her death in 1994.
Despite other requests and high-level media coverage, no agreement was reached in the years that followed.
A new campaign
In 2009, Greece stepped up its marble recovery campaign after opening a new museum at the foot of the Acropolis Hill, hoping one day to house it.
In 2014, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney called on Britain to start talks with Greece over the return of the Elgin marble.
The lawyer, who is the wife of Hollywood star George Clooney, said: "This is an injustice that has been going on for a long time, in a world full of intractable conflicts."
In 2015, Greece ruled out any legal action against the UK over Elgin Marbles.
In May 2022, the so-called Fagan fragment — a piece showing the foot of the ancient Greek goddess Artemis seated — was permanently returned to Athens from a museum in Italy.
It was originally part of the eastern frieze of the temple dating back to the 5th century BC.
The British reaction
In 2022, there were calls to make it easier for UK museums to consider returning cultural objects, but the government rejected them.
Former Conservative culture minister Lord Vaizi also headed a new body aimed at returning Elgin marble to Greece.
The refusal came after then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the Greek prime minister during talks at Downing Street in 2021 that the sculpture issue was "a matter for the curators of the British Museum".
Then, at the beginning of December, George Osborne, the head of the British Museum, reportedly held secret talks with the Greek prime minister about the possibility of returning the marble sculptures.
Negotiations between former Treasury Secretary Osborne and Kiriakos Mitsotakis have been taking place in London since November 2021, according to the Greek daily Ta Nea.
The Greek prime minister has on numerous occasions called for the relocation of the sculptures, and even offered to lend other treasures to the British Museum in return.
A spokesman for Project Parthenon, a campaign advocating the return of marble sculptures, hailed the talks as a “positive sign ” that a“ win-win solution ” to the centuries-old debate could be reached.
Possible deal?
In December last year, Downing Street said there were no plans to change the law that prohibits the museum from disposing of objects in its collection except in very limited circumstances.
A spokesman for the prime minister said: “The Parthenon sculptures are legally owned by trustees and are practically independent of the government. ”
Last month, the British Museum issued a statement saying it would not dismantle its collection “because it tells a unique story of our common humanity, ” but added that it wanted to forge a new“ Parthenon partnership ” with Greece.
The talks in Westminster were used by former culture minister Lord Vaizi to press again for the return of the sculptures.
He said that the frieze in Athens "resembles a film that was cut in half and half of it was moved against the will of its owners to another country."
After cancelling the bilateral meeting between Sonak and Mitsotakis on Tuesday, the Greek leader said he was "disappointed".
Mr Sonak said the UK “has no plans to change our approach ” but“ did not ask him [Mr Mitsotakis] what short-term or new ideas have been put forward ”.
Starmer and Mitsotakis Meet
Opposition Labour leader Sir Kiir Starmer met Mitsotakis on Monday.
A source close to Labour leader Sir Kiir Starmer told the Financial Times he was unlikely to change the law if he won the next election.
"We are committed to the current law, but if a mutually acceptable loan deal can be agreed between the British Museum and the Greek government, we will not stand in the way."
Is the agreement possible?
The head of the National Museum, George Osborne, is understood to have drawn up a deal with Athens, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Current legislation bars the museum from legally granting treasures, but Osborne is said to be seeking to repatriate the antiquities as part of a long-term "cultural exchange."
But this loan deal is not expected to permanently end the long-running dispute.
The article was prepared from the site of (Sky News) British channel:
https: / / news.sky.com / story / elgin-marbles-what-are-they-and-how-did-they-end-up-in-the-british-museum-12779617

The sculptures, which are 2,500 years old, make up about half of the 160-meter-long frieze of the Parthenon Temple, and are considered one of the greatest cultural monuments in the world.

Greece has made repeated requests for the sculptures to be returned, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis offering to loan Greek treasures to the British Museum in exchange for the return of the Elgin Marbles.

Title:

Content: Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Greek prime minister tries to broker deal for return of Parthenon marbles

Kyriakos Mitsotakis offers to loan Greek treasures to British Museum if ‘stolen’ sculptures are returned to Acropolis

The Greek prime minister has demanded that the 2,500-year-old Parthenon marbles, which he accuses Britain of stealing, be returned to Greece, and even offered to loan some of his country’s treasures to the British Museum in an attempt to broker a deal.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis told the Daily Telegraph that the sculptures, also known as the Elgin marbles, belong in the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

However, Boris Johnson has previously ruled out returning them on the grounds that they were acquired legally.

Mitsotakis said: “Our position is very clear. The marbles were stolen in the 19th century; they belong in the Acropolis Museum and we need to discuss this issue in earnest.

“I am sure that if there was a willingness on the part of the government to move we could find an arrangement with the British Museum in terms of us sending abroad cultural treasures on loan, which have never left the country.”

The marbles were removed from the Acropolis more than 200 years ago by Lord Elgin in circumstances that have spurred one of the world’s most famous cultural rows and have long been the subject of dispute.

Mitsotakis said he would raise the issue with Johnson when the two meet next week for talks that could shape future relations between the two countries.

“Refusing to discuss the topic seems to me, given the context of everything that has been happening in terms of the return of cultural treasures, to be rather an anachronistic approach,” he added.

“It would be a fantastic statement by what Boris calls Global Britain if they were to move on this and look at it through a completely different lens.”

But Johnson dismissed the appeal for their return to Greece earlier this year, telling the Greek newspaper Ta Nea: “I understand the strong feelings of the Greek people – and indeed prime minister Mitsotakis – on the issue.

“But the UK government has a firm, longstanding position on the sculptures, which is that they were legally acquired by Lord Elgin under the appropriate laws of the time and have been legally owned by the British Museum’s trustees since their acquisition.”

Greece has long called for the reunification of the sculptures, displayed in museums across Europe but mostly in London, and says it is integral to understanding the artworks in the context of the Acropolis.

However, the UK government has consistently refused to return the sculptures, citing that they were legally acquired by Lord Elgin under the appropriate laws of the time.

Despite this, there have been recent developments, with the head of the British Museum, George Osborne, pushing for a temporary loan to be returned to Greece, and a potential deal being drawn up.

Additionally, Italy has returned a fragment belonging to the Parthenon's eastern frieze to Greece, which could renew pressure on Britain to repatriate the Elgin Marbles.

Title:

Content: Skip to main contentSkip to navigation

Italy returns Parthenon fragment to Greece amid UK row over marbles

Loan deal could renew pressure on Britain to repatriate ancient Parthenon marbles to Athens

Italy is returning a fragment belonging to the Parthenon’s eastern frieze to Greece in a breakthrough deal that could renew pressure on Britain to repatriate the 2,500-year-old Parthenon marbles removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century.

The marble fragment, which depicts the foot of a goddess, either Peitho or Artemis, peeking out from beneath an elaborate tunic, is currently held at the Antonino Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum in Palermo, Sicily. It was originally bought by the University of Palermo from the widow of Robert Fagan, the British consul for Sicily and Malta, after his death in 1816.

The artefact is being returned on a four-year loan as part of a cultural exchange agreement between Sicily and Greece, with the intention for the loan period to be extended by a further four years. However, the move back to Greece could eventually become permanent.

In return, the Acropolis Museum in Athens will loan the Palermo museum a 5th-century BC headless statue of the goddess Athena, as well as an 8th-century BC amphora.

The deal, which includes an exchange of cultural initiatives between the two museums, comes after several years of negotiations between Sicilian and Greek authorities.

“Sending back to the context of its origins a small, but significant, fragment belonging to the Parthenon has a very strong symbolic value,” said Sicily’s councillor for culture, Alberto Samonà. “It is also a response to the international debate [about the Parthenon artefacts]. But I don’t want to get into that debate. For us, this is a gesture of friendship – Greece and Sicily are two areas of the Mediterranean that share a common story.”

The fragment was loaned to Greece in 2002 and in 2008. Samonà said the latest transfer could become permanent, but that it would be up to the Italian culture ministry to take the measures needed to make that happen.

It is not known how Fagan, an amateur archaeologist, acquired the fragment, although one theory suggests it might have been given to him by Elgin, the British aristocrat who excavated the bulk of the ancient Parthenon marbles between 1801 and 1804 before selling them to the British Museum in 1816, where the artefacts are currently on display.

Greece has long fought for the marbles to be repatriated from the UK. In November, the Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, demanded that Britain return the marbles to Greece, while at the same time offering to loan some Greek historical treasures to the British Museum. In response, Downing Street said returning the marbles was a matter for the British Museum. The UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, had previously said the marbles would remain in Britain, arguing that they were legally acquired.

The UK has also struck a loan deal to return Asante Gold to Ghana, which could pave the way for handling other repatriation disputes, including the Elgin Marbles.

Title:

Content: UK museums strike loan deal to return Asante Gold to Ghana that was looted over 100 years ago

25 January 2024, 07:25 | Updated: 25 January 2024, 07:27

By Jenny Medlicott

The UK is returning a selection of Asante Gold looted from Ghana over 100 years ago in a historic loan deal.

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The British Museum has struck a deal to return 15 pieces of the gold to Ghana and the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) 17 pieces, under a new three-year loan deal.

Loan deals are used as a way to enable collections to return to their countries of origin.

The Ghanian loan deal, which can be extended by an additional three years, was agreed with Otumfo Osei Tutu II, the current Asante king known as the Asantehene.

Some national museums in the UK, including the V&A and British Museum, are prohibited from permanently returning such items to their countries of origin.

The items will reportedly go on display at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the Asante region, to celebrate the Asantehene's silver jubilee.

Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, said the gold items taken from the court of the Asante King are the equivalent of "our Crown Jewels".

Mr Hunt also said when museums "hold objects with origins in war and looting in military campaigns, we have a responsibility to the countries of origin to think about how we can share those more fairly today.

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"It doesn't seem to me that all of our museums will fall down if we build up these kind of partnerships and exchanges,” he told the BBC.

It is hoped the historic deal will pave the way for handling other repatriation disputes - potentially including the long-running dispute over the Elgin Marbles.

Ghana’s chief operation said he hoped the deal would bring a “a new sense of cultural co-operation” following years of anger.

However, some have expressed concern that accepting the items on loan could be seen as acceptance of the UK’s ownership of the contested items.

Most of the items were taken during 19th-century wars between the British and the Asante.

A sword of state and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king are among the items to be returned.

The artefacts are seen as a symbol of the Asante royal government and are believed to hold the spirits of former Asante kings.

As for other contested artefacts held by British museums, in the case of the Elgin Marbles, a senior British Museum has source said the museum was “still exploring if there is an arrangement that would allow some of the Parthenon sculptures to travel to Greece”.

It is hoped deals such as these could help provide a solution to former colonial nations requesting the return of their cultural treasures.

Overall, while there is still no definitive resolution to the controversy, there are ongoing efforts to find a solution, with Greece and the UK engaging in talks and exploring possible loan deals.

Title:

Content: Greek premier to meet Starmer and Sunak in renewed push to return Elgin marbles

Kyriakos Mitsotakis due to meet Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer in London next week

Matt Mathers
Saturday 25 November 2023 23:43
Comments
Elgin Marbles: British Museum lends statue

Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to raise the issue of the Parthenon sculptures with the UK next week.

He is reportedly due to hold talks with Labour leader Keir Starmer on Monday and prime minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday and will raise the subject with both.

The Financial Times reported that Mr Starmer was open to a potential loan deal that would see parts of the ancient sculptures returned. Labour declined to comment.

The 2,500-year-old sculptures, also known as the Eglin Marbles, were taken from Athens to Britain by agents of Thomas Bruce, the 7th Earl of Eglin, in the early 19th century and never returned. Greece says they were stolen, sparking a bitter and long-running dispute with the UK.

Housed in their own dedicated room, the sculptures of Olympian gods and goddesses, centaurs and warriors are among the greatest at the British Museum.

A 1963 Act of Parliament stops the British Museum from permanently handing them back.

George Osborne, the museum’s chair and the former Conservative Party MP and chancellor, has backed a loan deal.

“I hope we’ll find a way to partner with Greece so that a portion of the Marbles spend part of their time in Athens . . . and we see more of their treasures in return,” he wrote in The Spectator last week. Mr Osborne conceded that “we may well not succeed” but that it was “surely worth the effort”.

The proposed deal, which Mr Osborne and Mr Mitsotakis have held secret talks over, would allow the sculptures to return to Athens in exchange for Greek treasures being displayed in London.

Many of the artworks in question are in storage in museum vaults and have never before been seen.

Mr Mitsotakis, who has said it is his “passion” to get the sculptures back, is scheduled to meet both party leaders next week. He intends to raise the issue in both meetings, a person close to him told the FT.

Mr Sunak is said to be not opposed to the idea of a loan deal but sceptical that the sculptures would ever be returned if they were loaned to Greece, according to the paper.

No 10 has been contacted for comment.

A UK government spokesperson told the FT: “The UK has cared for the Elgin Marbles for generations.

“Our galleries and museums are funded by taxpayers because they are a huge asset to this country. “

We share their treasures with the world, and the world comes to the UK to see them. The collection of the British Museum is protected by law, and we have no plans to change it.”

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The controversy surrounding the Elgin Marbles, a collection of ancient Greek sculptures removed from the Parthenon in Athens by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, has been a long-standing dispute between Greece and the UK, with Greece seeking their return.

The UK museums, including the British Museum, have been criticized for their possession of the marbles, which were taken without permission from the Greek government.

The Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has been actively seeking the return of the marbles, and has even offered to loan some Greek historical treasures to the British Museum in exchange.

In 2022, Italy returned a fragment belonging to the Parthenon's eastern frieze to Greece, which has renewed pressure on the UK to repatriate the marbles.

The fragment, which depicts the foot of a goddess, was returned on a four-year loan as part of a cultural exchange agreement between Sicily and Greece.

The deal includes an exchange of cultural initiatives between the two museums, and the Acropolis Museum in Athens will loan the Palermo museum a 5th-century BC headless statue of the goddess Athena, as well as an 8th-century BC amphora.

The return of the fragment has been seen as a significant step towards the potential return of the Elgin Marbles, with the Greek government hoping that it will set a precedent for the UK to follow.

However, the UK government has been resistant to returning the marbles, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson stating that they were acquired legally and are now the property of the British Museum.

The British Museum has also stated that it will not dismantle its collection, which includes the Elgin Marbles, as it tells a unique story of human history.

Despite this, there have been reports of secret talks between the British Museum and the Greek government, with a potential loan deal being discussed.

The loan deal would allow the marbles to be returned to Greece for a period of time, potentially up to 10 years, before being returned to the British Museum.

However, this deal is not expected to permanently resolve the dispute, and the Greek government is likely to continue seeking the permanent return of the marbles.

In recent years, there have been several developments in the case, including a meeting between the Greek prime minister and the Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, to discuss the potential return of the marbles.

Starmer has stated that he is open to a loan deal, but has also said that he will not change the law to allow for the permanent return of the marbles.

The dispute over the Elgin Marbles is a complex and ongoing issue, with both sides presenting strong arguments for their position.

The Greek government argues that the marbles are a vital part of their cultural heritage, and that they were taken without permission.

The UK government, on the other hand, argues that the marbles were acquired legally and are now an important part of the British Museum's collection.

Ultimately, the resolution of the dispute will depend on the ability of the two sides to come to a mutually acceptable agreement.

The return of the Asante Gold to Ghana, which was looted over 100 years ago, has been seen as a potential precedent for the return of the Elgin Marbles.

The British Museum has struck a deal to return 15 pieces of the gold to Ghana, and the Victoria & Albert Museum will return 17 pieces, under a new three-year loan deal.

The deal has been seen as a significant step towards the resolution of the dispute over cultural treasures, and has raised hopes that a similar deal could be reached over the Elgin Marbles.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the Elgin Marbles is a complex and ongoing issue, with both sides presenting strong arguments for their position.

While there have been several developments in the case, including secret talks and potential loan deals, the dispute is unlikely to be resolved in the near future.

However, the return of the Asante Gold to Ghana has raised hopes that a similar deal could be reached over the Elgin Marbles, and has highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and cooperation.

The controversy surrounding the Elgin Marbles, a collection of ancient Greek sculptures removed from the Parthenon in Athens by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, has been a long-standing dispute between Greece and the UK, with Greece seeking their return.

Title:

Content: UK museums strike loan deal to return Asante Gold to Ghana that was looted over 100 years ago

25 January 2024, 07:25 | Updated: 25 January 2024, 07:27

By Jenny Medlicott

The UK is returning a selection of Asante Gold looted from Ghana over 100 years ago in a historic loan deal.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The British Museum has struck a deal to return 15 pieces of the gold to Ghana and the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) 17 pieces, under a new three-year loan deal.

Loan deals are used as a way to enable collections to return to their countries of origin.

The Ghanian loan deal, which can be extended by an additional three years, was agreed with Otumfo Osei Tutu II, the current Asante king known as the Asantehene.

Some national museums in the UK, including the V&A and British Museum, are prohibited from permanently returning such items to their countries of origin.

The items will reportedly go on display at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the Asante region, to celebrate the Asantehene's silver jubilee.

Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, said the gold items taken from the court of the Asante King are the equivalent of "our Crown Jewels".

Mr Hunt also said when museums "hold objects with origins in war and looting in military campaigns, we have a responsibility to the countries of origin to think about how we can share those more fairly today.

Read more: British military drawing up plans for 500,000-strong 'citizen army' as top general warns UK 'stumbling into war'

Read more: Home Secretary defends Govt record on 'zombie knives' as Labour sets out £100m plan to tackle knife crime

"It doesn't seem to me that all of our museums will fall down if we build up these kind of partnerships and exchanges,” he told the BBC.

It is hoped the historic deal will pave the way for handling other repatriation disputes - potentially including the long-running dispute over the Elgin Marbles.

Ghana’s chief operation said he hoped the deal would bring a “a new sense of cultural co-operation” following years of anger.

However, some have expressed concern that accepting the items on loan could be seen as acceptance of the UK’s ownership of the contested items.

Most of the items were taken during 19th-century wars between the British and the Asante.

A sword of state and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king are among the items to be returned.

The artefacts are seen as a symbol of the Asante royal government and are believed to hold the spirits of former Asante kings.

As for other contested artefacts held by British museums, in the case of the Elgin Marbles, a senior British Museum has source said the museum was “still exploring if there is an arrangement that would allow some of the Parthenon sculptures to travel to Greece”.

It is hoped deals such as these could help provide a solution to former colonial nations requesting the return of their cultural treasures.

The UK museums, including the British Museum, have been criticized for their possession of the marbles, which were taken without permission from the Greek government.

Title:

Content: Greek premier to meet Starmer and Sunak in renewed push to return Elgin marbles

Kyriakos Mitsotakis due to meet Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer in London next week

Matt Mathers
Saturday 25 November 2023 23:43
Comments
Elgin Marbles: British Museum lends statue

Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to raise the issue of the Parthenon sculptures with the UK next week.

He is reportedly due to hold talks with Labour leader Keir Starmer on Monday and prime minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday and will raise the subject with both.

The Financial Times reported that Mr Starmer was open to a potential loan deal that would see parts of the ancient sculptures returned. Labour declined to comment.

The 2,500-year-old sculptures, also known as the Eglin Marbles, were taken from Athens to Britain by agents of Thomas Bruce, the 7th Earl of Eglin, in the early 19th century and never returned. Greece says they were stolen, sparking a bitter and long-running dispute with the UK.

Housed in their own dedicated room, the sculptures of Olympian gods and goddesses, centaurs and warriors are among the greatest at the British Museum.

A 1963 Act of Parliament stops the British Museum from permanently handing them back.

George Osborne, the museum’s chair and the former Conservative Party MP and chancellor, has backed a loan deal.

“I hope we’ll find a way to partner with Greece so that a portion of the Marbles spend part of their time in Athens . . . and we see more of their treasures in return,” he wrote in The Spectator last week. Mr Osborne conceded that “we may well not succeed” but that it was “surely worth the effort”.

The proposed deal, which Mr Osborne and Mr Mitsotakis have held secret talks over, would allow the sculptures to return to Athens in exchange for Greek treasures being displayed in London.

Many of the artworks in question are in storage in museum vaults and have never before been seen.

Mr Mitsotakis, who has said it is his “passion” to get the sculptures back, is scheduled to meet both party leaders next week. He intends to raise the issue in both meetings, a person close to him told the FT.

Mr Sunak is said to be not opposed to the idea of a loan deal but sceptical that the sculptures would ever be returned if they were loaned to Greece, according to the paper.

No 10 has been contacted for comment.

A UK government spokesperson told the FT: “The UK has cared for the Elgin Marbles for generations.

“Our galleries and museums are funded by taxpayers because they are a huge asset to this country. “

We share their treasures with the world, and the world comes to the UK to see them. The collection of the British Museum is protected by law, and we have no plans to change it.”

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The Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has been actively seeking the return of the marbles, and has even offered to loan some Greek historical treasures to the British Museum in exchange.

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Content: LONDON (Reuters) - The historic Greek treasure of Elgin Marbles is nearing its return to its country of origin, 200 years after it was moved and ended up in the British Museum.
The Parthenon marble, seen as a symbol of freedom in Greece, was controversially moved out of the country by a British diplomat in a move that ignited a debate that lasted more than two centuries.
Greece has made repeated requests for the sculptures to be returned after they were controversially removed from one of the world ’ s most historic landmarks.
Prime Minister Rishi Sonak had been scheduled to meet his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday, but Downing Street canceled the arrangement and sent Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Duden instead.
The head of the British Museum, former Conservative Chancellor George Osborne, is pushing for a temporary loan to be returned to Greece, and is believed to have drawn up a deal.
But both Sonak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer say they will not support a change to the British Museum law that currently bars their return.
The museum said it was continuing "constructive discussions" about their possible return.
Gin Marble
The Algin marble is 17 sculptures that are 2,500 years old.
His pieces were part of a frieze that adorned the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
The marbles make up about half of the 160-meter-long frieze of the Parthenon Temple, which is considered one of the greatest cultural monuments in the world.
These sculptures are seen as symbols of freedom in Greece, where they are known as Parthenon marble.
British diplomat Lord Elgin removed the sculptures from the majestic Parthenon temple in the early 19th century.
At that time, he was ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, which ruled Greece.
Beginning in 1801, Lord Elgin is said to have supervised the removal of the marble and shipped it to the UK in 170 boxes.
He is said to have claimed to have obtained permission from the Ottoman Empire to move the marble, but despite massive documentation from that period, nothing was found to support his actions.
In the United Kingdom, Lord Elgin received support and criticism, and sold it to the United Kingdom government in 1816 before the marble was transferred to the custody of the British Museum.
The beginning and evolution of the dispute
The controversy between Greece and Britain can be traced back to when the marble first arrived in Britain due to criticism of its removal.
In 1832, Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire before it began trying to recover sculptures and other works of art taken from the country.
In the early 1980s, the actress and then Greek Minister of Culture, Melina Mercury, reignited the campaign when she made it her mission to secure the return of marble sculptures.
In 1983, she met with the director of the British Museum, Dr. David Wilson, in London to demand the return of the sculptures.
She continued to press the museum and the British government until her death in 1994.
Despite other requests and high-level media coverage, no agreement was reached in the years that followed.
A new campaign
In 2009, Greece stepped up its marble recovery campaign after opening a new museum at the foot of the Acropolis Hill, hoping one day to house it.
In 2014, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney called on Britain to start talks with Greece over the return of the Elgin marble.
The lawyer, who is the wife of Hollywood star George Clooney, said: "This is an injustice that has been going on for a long time, in a world full of intractable conflicts."
In 2015, Greece ruled out any legal action against the UK over Elgin Marbles.
In May 2022, the so-called Fagan fragment — a piece showing the foot of the ancient Greek goddess Artemis seated — was permanently returned to Athens from a museum in Italy.
It was originally part of the eastern frieze of the temple dating back to the 5th century BC.
The British reaction
In 2022, there were calls to make it easier for UK museums to consider returning cultural objects, but the government rejected them.
Former Conservative culture minister Lord Vaizi also headed a new body aimed at returning Elgin marble to Greece.
The refusal came after then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the Greek prime minister during talks at Downing Street in 2021 that the sculpture issue was "a matter for the curators of the British Museum".
Then, at the beginning of December, George Osborne, the head of the British Museum, reportedly held secret talks with the Greek prime minister about the possibility of returning the marble sculptures.
Negotiations between former Treasury Secretary Osborne and Kiriakos Mitsotakis have been taking place in London since November 2021, according to the Greek daily Ta Nea.
The Greek prime minister has on numerous occasions called for the relocation of the sculptures, and even offered to lend other treasures to the British Museum in return.
A spokesman for Project Parthenon, a campaign advocating the return of marble sculptures, hailed the talks as a “positive sign ” that a“ win-win solution ” to the centuries-old debate could be reached.
Possible deal?
In December last year, Downing Street said there were no plans to change the law that prohibits the museum from disposing of objects in its collection except in very limited circumstances.
A spokesman for the prime minister said: “The Parthenon sculptures are legally owned by trustees and are practically independent of the government. ”
Last month, the British Museum issued a statement saying it would not dismantle its collection “because it tells a unique story of our common humanity, ” but added that it wanted to forge a new“ Parthenon partnership ” with Greece.
The talks in Westminster were used by former culture minister Lord Vaizi to press again for the return of the sculptures.
He said that the frieze in Athens "resembles a film that was cut in half and half of it was moved against the will of its owners to another country."
After cancelling the bilateral meeting between Sonak and Mitsotakis on Tuesday, the Greek leader said he was "disappointed".
Mr Sonak said the UK “has no plans to change our approach ” but“ did not ask him [Mr Mitsotakis] what short-term or new ideas have been put forward ”.
Starmer and Mitsotakis Meet
Opposition Labour leader Sir Kiir Starmer met Mitsotakis on Monday.
A source close to Labour leader Sir Kiir Starmer told the Financial Times he was unlikely to change the law if he won the next election.
"We are committed to the current law, but if a mutually acceptable loan deal can be agreed between the British Museum and the Greek government, we will not stand in the way."
Is the agreement possible?
The head of the National Museum, George Osborne, is understood to have drawn up a deal with Athens, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Current legislation bars the museum from legally granting treasures, but Osborne is said to be seeking to repatriate the antiquities as part of a long-term "cultural exchange."
But this loan deal is not expected to permanently end the long-running dispute.
The article was prepared from the site of (Sky News) British channel:
https: / / news.sky.com / story / elgin-marbles-what-are-they-and-how-did-they-end-up-in-the-british-museum-12779617

In 2022, Italy returned a fragment belonging to the Parthenon's eastern frieze to Greece, which has renewed pressure on the UK to repatriate the marbles.

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Greek prime minister tries to broker deal for return of Parthenon marbles

Kyriakos Mitsotakis offers to loan Greek treasures to British Museum if ‘stolen’ sculptures are returned to Acropolis

The Greek prime minister has demanded that the 2,500-year-old Parthenon marbles, which he accuses Britain of stealing, be returned to Greece, and even offered to loan some of his country’s treasures to the British Museum in an attempt to broker a deal.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis told the Daily Telegraph that the sculptures, also known as the Elgin marbles, belong in the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

However, Boris Johnson has previously ruled out returning them on the grounds that they were acquired legally.

Mitsotakis said: “Our position is very clear. The marbles were stolen in the 19th century; they belong in the Acropolis Museum and we need to discuss this issue in earnest.

“I am sure that if there was a willingness on the part of the government to move we could find an arrangement with the British Museum in terms of us sending abroad cultural treasures on loan, which have never left the country.”

The marbles were removed from the Acropolis more than 200 years ago by Lord Elgin in circumstances that have spurred one of the world’s most famous cultural rows and have long been the subject of dispute.

Mitsotakis said he would raise the issue with Johnson when the two meet next week for talks that could shape future relations between the two countries.

“Refusing to discuss the topic seems to me, given the context of everything that has been happening in terms of the return of cultural treasures, to be rather an anachronistic approach,” he added.

“It would be a fantastic statement by what Boris calls Global Britain if they were to move on this and look at it through a completely different lens.”

But Johnson dismissed the appeal for their return to Greece earlier this year, telling the Greek newspaper Ta Nea: “I understand the strong feelings of the Greek people – and indeed prime minister Mitsotakis – on the issue.

“But the UK government has a firm, longstanding position on the sculptures, which is that they were legally acquired by Lord Elgin under the appropriate laws of the time and have been legally owned by the British Museum’s trustees since their acquisition.”

Greece has long called for the reunification of the sculptures, displayed in museums across Europe but mostly in London, and says it is integral to understanding the artworks in the context of the Acropolis.

The fragment, which depicts the foot of a goddess, was returned on a four-year loan as part of a cultural exchange agreement between Sicily and Greece.

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Italy returns Parthenon fragment to Greece amid UK row over marbles

Loan deal could renew pressure on Britain to repatriate ancient Parthenon marbles to Athens

Italy is returning a fragment belonging to the Parthenon’s eastern frieze to Greece in a breakthrough deal that could renew pressure on Britain to repatriate the 2,500-year-old Parthenon marbles removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century.

The marble fragment, which depicts the foot of a goddess, either Peitho or Artemis, peeking out from beneath an elaborate tunic, is currently held at the Antonino Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum in Palermo, Sicily. It was originally bought by the University of Palermo from the widow of Robert Fagan, the British consul for Sicily and Malta, after his death in 1816.

The artefact is being returned on a four-year loan as part of a cultural exchange agreement between Sicily and Greece, with the intention for the loan period to be extended by a further four years. However, the move back to Greece could eventually become permanent.

In return, the Acropolis Museum in Athens will loan the Palermo museum a 5th-century BC headless statue of the goddess Athena, as well as an 8th-century BC amphora.

The deal, which includes an exchange of cultural initiatives between the two museums, comes after several years of negotiations between Sicilian and Greek authorities.

“Sending back to the context of its origins a small, but significant, fragment belonging to the Parthenon has a very strong symbolic value,” said Sicily’s councillor for culture, Alberto Samonà. “It is also a response to the international debate [about the Parthenon artefacts]. But I don’t want to get into that debate. For us, this is a gesture of friendship – Greece and Sicily are two areas of the Mediterranean that share a common story.”

The fragment was loaned to Greece in 2002 and in 2008. Samonà said the latest transfer could become permanent, but that it would be up to the Italian culture ministry to take the measures needed to make that happen.

It is not known how Fagan, an amateur archaeologist, acquired the fragment, although one theory suggests it might have been given to him by Elgin, the British aristocrat who excavated the bulk of the ancient Parthenon marbles between 1801 and 1804 before selling them to the British Museum in 1816, where the artefacts are currently on display.

Greece has long fought for the marbles to be repatriated from the UK. In November, the Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, demanded that Britain return the marbles to Greece, while at the same time offering to loan some Greek historical treasures to the British Museum. In response, Downing Street said returning the marbles was a matter for the British Museum. The UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, had previously said the marbles would remain in Britain, arguing that they were legally acquired.

The deal includes an exchange of cultural initiatives between the two museums, and the Acropolis Museum in Athens will loan the Palermo museum a 5th-century BC headless statue of the goddess Athena, as well as an 8th-century BC amphora.

The return of the fragment has been seen as a significant step towards the potential return of the Elgin Marbles, with the Greek government hoping that it will set a precedent for the UK to follow.

However, the UK government has been resistant to returning the marbles, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson stating that they were acquired legally and are now the property of the British Museum.

The British Museum has also stated that it will not dismantle its collection, which includes the Elgin Marbles, as it tells a unique story of human history.

Despite this, there have been reports of secret talks between the British Museum and the Greek government, with a potential loan deal being discussed.

The loan deal would allow the marbles to be returned to Greece for a period of time, potentially up to 10 years, before being returned to the British Museum.

However, this deal is not expected to permanently resolve the dispute, and the Greek government is likely to continue seeking the permanent return of the marbles.

In recent years, there have been several developments in the case, including a meeting between the Greek prime minister and the Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, to discuss the potential return of the marbles.

Starmer has stated that he is open to a loan deal, but has also said that he will not change the law to allow for the permanent return of the marbles.

The dispute over the Elgin Marbles is a complex and ongoing issue, with both sides presenting strong arguments for their position.

The Greek government argues that the marbles are a vital part of their cultural heritage, and that they were taken without permission.

The UK government, on the other hand, argues that the marbles were acquired legally and are now an important part of the British Museum's collection.

Ultimately, the resolution of the dispute will depend on the ability of the two sides to come to a mutually acceptable agreement.

The return of the Asante Gold to Ghana, which was looted over 100 years ago, has been seen as a potential precedent for the return of the Elgin Marbles.

The British Museum has struck a deal to return 15 pieces of the gold to Ghana, and the Victoria & Albert Museum will return 17 pieces, under a new three-year loan deal.

The deal has been seen as a significant step towards the resolution of the dispute over cultural treasures, and has raised hopes that a similar deal could be reached over the Elgin Marbles.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the Elgin Marbles is a complex and ongoing issue, with both sides presenting strong arguments for their position.

While there have been several developments in the case, including secret talks and potential loan deals, the dispute is unlikely to be resolved in the near future.

However, the return of the Asante Gold to Ghana has raised hopes that a similar deal could be reached over the Elgin Marbles, and has highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and cooperation.