Have you ever noticed that the ancient yogis were all men? The Vedic Brahmans, Patanjali. Shri Aurobindo, and many more. Up until the last 100 years, female yoga teachers were not recognized in books, priesthoods, or much of anywhere. That doesn't mean they didn't exist. Their voices, their wisdom, their spiritual findings, were excluded from the standard teachings, but why? And, how did this begin to shift?
Read MoreWe all need to feel spaciousness in our lives, but with the efficiency and production oriented culture we live in it can be hard to find moments of subtlety and emptiness. Akasha, the element of space can provide help with it’s inherent clear, soft and unbounded nature. In it’s lack of dimension and structure, freedom, playfulness and expansion are more present. The 5 elements, called Mahabhutas in sanskrit and pali languages, are the colors that the Grand Artist paints with. Out of all of the elements, space is the most voluminous, all-pervading and immeasurable.
Read MoreDiscipline does require self-control no matter what. How we formulate and relate to the concept of self-control is of great important. It can be helpful to understand what we are working with. According to various schools of eastern philosophy, samskaras are the subtle mental impressions left by all thoughts, intentions and actions that an individual has ever experienced.
Read MoreA Sankalpa is a way to put positive thinking and desires into action, which is separate from the action or achievement itself. It is based on our present moment experience, while goals are external and future-oriented. When you begin to understand what you are seeking from your practice and from your life as a whole, you will be able to direct energy and actions in order to get there.
Read MoreAging and yoga should go hand in hand. Yoga can help seniors, older adults, and those of us recovering from injury or with limited mobility regain a sense of balance, strength, stability and flexibility.
Balance, strength, stability and flexibility are key in preventing falls, injuries and illness. Let’s discuss some best yoga asana practices for aging, as well as some societal myths that can prevent us from making good decisions for ourselves.
Read MoreAs we continue our exploration through the elemental forces that make up our internal and external universe, we acknowledge that each element, though separate and unique, is a part of a whole. They are all connected and affect each other. The element of fire, in the form of our Sun, evaporates liquid water into vapor, which makes up part of the space and air elements. Liquid and solid water influence the earth element by shaping it over time, in the case of seas, rivers and glaciers.
Read MoreThe five elements – earth, water, fire, air, ether – are the manifestations of the vibrations of our own consciousness in their most physical form. When we understand them as a part of us, we can create greater harmony and balance. The elements are a gateway to experiencing more freedom and pleasure in life. This article explores the many ways to feel and experience the air element, and its connection to our mind, body and spirit.
Read MoreSteady gazing, Trataka, is a concentration and purification exercise. Among the six Shat Karmas (yogic purification practices) Tratak is known as the simplest to do. It involves gazing at an object or point of focus without blinking, then closing your eyes and continuing to hold the visual of the object in your mind’s eye. Consistent and correct practice of trataka increases concentration power and purifies the mind from fluctuated thought patterns. It also has proven to improve eyesight and stimulates the brain in at least two studies.
Read MoreIs your spiritual practice effective at fulfilling your highest intentions? Though there are many different answers to this question, there are also some indicators of the progress one is making on a spiritual path. Consider the depth and expansion of your awareness of the divine. Are you aware of the perfect nature of existence on a moment-to-moment basis?
Read MoreWhat is Om and why do we chant it in yoga class? Om actually has many meanings and associations. It’s primary purpose is to move beyond the mental and physical practices of yoga and into a heart-centered space where the essence of the devotional practice of yoga is invoked.
Read MoreMother Earth invites us to let in more gratitude and reverence – spiritual qualities that we need more of in our lives. This leads to a deeper connection with all of life and the ability to see our environment not just as something ‘out there’, but as something we are part of and have a role to play in. As we become more and more aware of our sacred relationship to the earth, our spiritual work becomes that of earth’s recovery.
Read MoreThe feeling of sunlight on your skin; the chirping of the birds; the smell of a rose or seeing an awe inspiring vista can have an instantaneous positive effect. Science is starting to back-up what humans have known since the dawn of our existence: being in nature helps to heal the mind and body in profound ways, from boosting our mood to lowering our blood pressure and providing us with the essential elements for living with vitality.
Read MoreThe purpose of a yoga retreat, workshop, or intensive is to allow yogis to deepen their practice without the pull of everyday distractions and responsibilities. Retreats give participants an experience of connecting to something bigger than themselves and building community. Here are five reasons why a yoga retreat could be just the refresher you need!
Read MoreAcute Pain is a normal sensation triggered in the nervous system to alert you to injury or the possibility of injury and the need to take action to protect and care for yourself. Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists for three to six months or more than the normal healing time of an injury. Chronic pain may originate from an initial trauma or injury, or there may be an ongoing cause of pain. However, some chronic pain may occur in the absence of any past injury or evidence of body damage.
Read MoreThe idea of surrender can have a negative connotation in Western culture and can even be synonymous with defeat, failure, or giving up your power. Standard English dictionary definitions of the word surrender reinforce this idea by describing it as something done “by demand” and “under duress.”
Thankfully, yoga philosophy offers a more positive version of surrender, that of trusting in and being of service to something much greater than yourself.
Read MoreHow can we overcome the afflictions of the mind that get in the way of our contentment? First, we must understand what the obstacles are, get to know how they effect us and find the self-discipline to improve ourselves, realizing that what we cannot change we must let go of.
Read MoreThis article recommends some basic tools you can start with for self-massage. A couple easier places to learn to massage that can make a big impact on the comfort of your whole body and bring your yoga practice to the next level by opening up the body and preparing it for more demanding postures and longer meditations are explained.
Read MoreThis is the second installment of a two-part series on yoga therapy for neck pain (read part one here.) The first article was about neck anatomy and postures for healing. This article dives into the relationship of psychological stress/emotions and neck pain while offering a few therapeutic practices.
Read MoreNeck tension and pain are widespread today and some of the most common causes are due to our modern lifestyles. This article offers practices to help one become more aware of the anatomy of the neck and heal from some of the physical causes of neck pain. In the second installment of this two-part series on yoga therapy for the neck, the effects of psychological stress and emotions will be explored, too.
Read MoreMetta meditation, also known as the loving-kindness meditation, comes from one of four 2,500-year-old teachings called the Brahma Viharas. These virtues and the meditations that accompany them were originally taught by the Buddha to help us connect most directly with our desire for true happiness. Metta meditation is one of these practices that can open the heart to greater love and kindness towards ourselves and others.
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