Poses – Yoga Cielo Stellato

A Fresh Look at the Eight-Limbed Path

Can you see the progression from one limb to the next? All eight are important to our personal and planetary development.

Some Thoughts on Savasana

Forgive me for the following cliché: we are human beings, not human doings. And yet, how often do we forget that in our busy days of checking items off our to-do lists? How many times do we attack ourselves because we haven’t “done enough with our lives”? Tuning into social media, finding the latest andContinue reading “Some Thoughts on Savasana”

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”

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”

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”

Agnistambhasana with Garudasa arms

Sitting at a desk crouched over a computer all day may be great for your business’ bottom line, but it can wreak havoc on your back and hips. Piriformis syndrome, a condition caused when tightened muscles irritate the sciatic nerve, can result in pain alongside the side of the hip or thigh; headaches can manifestContinue reading “Agnistambhasana with Garudasa arms”

Yes, I did the thing….

I’ve blogged about yoga at one site or another for a good five years, but there’s one thing I’ve never done: post pictures of myself doing yoga. Why, you may ask? Well, honestly — it’s one thing to talk about yoga being accessible for all sizes; it’s quite another to feel good about people staringContinue reading “Yes, I did the thing….”

Thoughts on Hanumasana and Life

Advanced poses aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, and they aren’t required — the measure of a good yoga practice isn’t what you do on the mat so much as what your practice helps you to do during the rest of your life. With that said, however, I think all of us are fascinated by theContinue reading “Thoughts on Hanumasana and Life”

Arm Modifications in Yoga

People practice asana for many reasons. Some want a “yoga bootie”; others seek cross-training with a sport or another fitness modality. Still others look to manage their stress, ease the strain of seated meditation, or quiet the mind by focusing on motion and the breath. All of these are worthy endeavors. However, what if someoneContinue reading “Arm Modifications in Yoga”