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”
Tag Archives: yoga
A Sequence for Neck and Shoulders
Ah, the start of warmer weather… skipping asana for picnics and meditation for shopping. Mantras change to “charge those hiking boots, please!” The return of traffic makes us ill-tempered, longer days make us restless, and the volatile temperatures make us stiffer. Fight back! If you honestly don’t have time for a full practice, try thisContinue reading “A Sequence for Neck and Shoulders”
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”
Book Review: Bent
Bent is an interesting addition to the current published literature on yoga. Written as a memoir, it begins when the author is diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease and then weaves its way back and forth in time. We discover that Anne Clendening began her recovery from alcoholism in her early twenties, and that she staysContinue reading “Book Review: Bent”
A Yoga Practice for Manipura Chakra
Located at the center of the body, behind the navel, manipura chakra is the energy center that represents what Western civilization thinks of as personhood. Here, vitality impacts willpower, personality, and the ego. Who are we, and how do we share ourselves with the world? When manipura is balanced, we experience clarity of thought, physicalContinue reading “A Yoga Practice for Manipura Chakra”
A Beginning Yin Sequence
I’m always conflicted about posting a sequence for people to practice by themselves, since I very much believe that learning any style of yoga should always begin with lessons from a qualified teacher. In a perfect world, this lesson would be face to face. However, amidst the realities of COVID, most of us have practicedContinue reading “A Beginning Yin Sequence”
Introduction to the Vayus
Why do you practice yoga? It was first believed that enlightenment comes from meditation; asana was originally systematized as a way to make the seated body and erect spine more comfortable. Over the last century, Western yogis have moved away from this towards a focus on perfecting the body. Of late, we’ve moved again, toContinue reading “Introduction to the Vayus”
The Importance of Studio Classes
People find yoga at many different sources, including videos, YMCA, community classes, and athletic gyms. It’s entirely possible to create an inspiring yoga practice focused on any one of these settings. And yet, there’s a valid argument to be made on the idea that even an occasional class at a yoga studio is an enriching,Continue reading “The Importance of Studio Classes”
Book Review: Yoga Anatomy
Human Kinetics Press specializes in book that focus on athleticism and science, and the publishing company has long made good on explaining the physical dynamics of yoga. Yoga Anatomy, which has sold more than a million copies, is now in its third edition. Originally written by Leslie Kaminoff, the later versions have added Amy MatthewsContinue reading “Book Review: Yoga Anatomy”
Prop-tasia!
If you use props, you know that they are useful. Props allow us to access poses that our bodies can’t quite reach on their own; they also give us a way to make asana relaxing. In Yin Yoga, they allow the body enough support so that the practitioner can focus on releasing tension and holdingContinue reading “Prop-tasia!”
Yoga Cielo Stellato 