Like so many things about yoga, what we do on the mat is a microcosm of what we do off of it. In the big bad world out there, no one really cares that we can stand on one leg and balance into Warrior III, but everyone would agree that being able to fall safelyContinue reading “Re-Rail A De-Railed Yoga Practice”
Author Archives: Korie Beth Brown, Ph.D.
Human Anatomy and Yoga
This week, I’ve been attending on-line continuing education, which is required of Yoga Alliance members. I’m definitely not complaining — I think it’s important for teachers to be lifelong learners and to model that thirst for knowledge which improves practice. The organization divides training into several different areas: Philosophy, Lifestyle, and Ethics, Techniques, Training, andContinue reading “Human Anatomy and Yoga”
Eknath Easwaran, author
Even during pandemic times, we are almost terminally busy. We know we need to continue yoga study, but it’s hard to determine what to read. With that in mind, I highly recommend the works of long-term UC Berkeley professor Eknath Easwaran (1910-1999). As a writer, Easwaran had the ability to write for both the currentContinue reading “Eknath Easwaran, author”
Remembering Yoga Bhajan
If you can’t see God in all, you can’t see God at all. Pretty challenging teaching, especially in these divided times. But then, Yogi Bhajan didn’t come to the West on a feel-good mission. Instead, his teachings confronted our samskaras and continue to challenge us, offering a yogic vision for life that continues to instructContinue reading “Remembering Yoga Bhajan”
Cobra, Sphinx, and Seal Poses
These asana will help to open your chest and throat and access Vishuddhi chakra or several meridian lines in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cobra is an essential part of Sun Salutations, while Sphinx and Seal are integral Yin poses. Certain asanas, while not ‘sexy’ or exciting, are basic to the practice of yoga. Bhujangasana, or CobraContinue reading “Cobra, Sphinx, and Seal Poses”
Balasana and Its Adaptations
Certain asanas seem so simple that we don’t give them much thought. Balasana, or Child’s Pose, certainly falls into that category. It’s often used primarily as a go-to resting and escape posture. Getting tired? Take Child’s Pose. Can’t do a particular asana during class? Rest in Child’s Pose until the class moves on. How toContinue reading “Balasana and Its Adaptations”
Lion’s Breath
Lighten up and relieve stress with this pranayama exercise! While yoga is important, it doesn’t have to be mind-numbingly serious. In fact, too much emphasis on perfection – whether it be alignment, time spent in meditation, or fail-free adherence to the eight limbs of the yogic philosophy – can add rather than reduce our levelContinue reading “Lion’s Breath”
Buying A Yoga Mat
At some point, every yoga practitioner using a borrowed mat has looked down and wondered who else has used it, and how long ago it has been washed. Generally, this is when the thought of buying your own surfaced in pre-pandemic times; once we found ourselves practicing at home, owning a mat became not onlyContinue reading “Buying A Yoga Mat”
Yoga People: Addie deHilster
It’s fascinating to see the circuitous ways that some of the best teachers come to yoga. Take Addie deHilster, creator of Moved to Meditate, an Internet site dedicated to all forms of slow yoga practice. As a music major, Addie found herself constantly critiqued, growing increasingly frustrated, grumpy, and edgy. When a friend suggested sheContinue reading “Yoga People: Addie deHilster”
Making Down Dog Accessible
Adho Mukha Svanasana, or Down Dog, strengthens and stretches multiple muscle groups in the arms, legs, core, and back. It’s the basis of most vinyasa classes, where some iteration of Surya Namaskar. or Sun Salutation, connects different asanas. Downward Dog is a simple inversion, bringing all the benefits of placing one’s head lower than theContinue reading “Making Down Dog Accessible”
Yoga Cielo Stellato 