Wow. Sometimes even the word “Busy” doesn’t quite describe the pace of life, does it?

How about something like “Radically crazy full of things to do, people to see, interests to explore… Overwhelming at times yet somehow enjoyable all the same”?

I know, I’m a yoga teacher. If we went with the general idea of what that means you’d think I have loads of free time spent doing pretzel poses and esoteric meditations. Well, I do some of that, but even teachers get super busy and need yoga retreats.

I should be sleeping. Really. I’m about to leave the country, I have multiple To-Do lists staring at me, and each morning it has been harder to get out of bed because I stay up late writing. Not to mention the fact that I just got out of the shower and am sitting, wrapped in a towel at my computer. Slightly ridiculous, yet true.

Read More “Going Into Retreat”

Have questions about the physical aspect of yoga? You can ask other yoga related questions in the Ask A Yogini section of the site, or add alignment questions here by commenting below.

The following alignment suggestions are offered to enhance your understanding of alignment. I speak from my knowledge as an Anusara-Inspired™ yoga teacher.  As with all physical practices, it is up to you to discern if something is safe for your body. If in doubt, check with your local Anusara yoga teacher or ask your health practitioner if you have health conditions.

Here are some common questions and answers:

Q. What is the proper alignment for plank pose?

A. First off, by shifting from the idea of “right and wrong” to the concept of aligned and mis-aligned, there is more space for individual differences and less tendency to be hard on yourself. The Universal Principles of Alignment™ of Anusara® yoga are applied to every pose. In plank, key areas to focus on would be

Read More “Asana and Alignment ~ Ask a Yogini”

Unless you’re upside down, your feet are your foundation. They do SO much work for us, yet they might be the most overworked and underappreciated part of the body.

Many people have pain and other issues that can be changed by working with the feet. Flat arches, bunions, weak ankles, knee pain – even conditions of the hips, spine and on up the body – all can benefit from awareness and optimal alignment in the feet. This may not be the entire solution to physical concerns, but it sure can help and is a great place to start!

Read More “Super Feet! Yoga Alignment For A Happy Foundation”

Listen…

There is a potency in each breath, in each word offered to you, and in each bit of silence.

Every person you meet has something to teach you.

Can you see it?

Not always. But often you can hear it, yet only if you know how to listen.

Listen with your whole self. It doesn’t mean you necessarily agree, but that you value the spark of spirit in the other person enough to care. To do this is an extraordinary and powerful ability.

To truly be heard is such a gift. Can you give that to someone today?

I’m listening…

“How can yoga help me be fit?”

Though you probably know at least one answer to this question, I’d like to give you more ideas on how to stay in shape with the help of yoga.

We all want to look and feel good, and physical fitness is a huge key which, balanced with healthy eating and meditation, can make all the difference in your quality of life.

The first thing I’d like to point out is that you want to supplement your yoga with other activities for a balanced approach to fitness. Unless you’re doing something like 2 hours of intensely playful, challenging yoga 5 times a week, you need to do some cardio.

That said, yoga is the number one thing you can do for all the systems in your body. It gets your circulation going, lubricates joints, strengthens muscles and stretches what’s tight. It balances your hormones, lowers stress levels, helps keep your internal organs happy and boosts your immune system.

Read More “Shaping Up: Yoga and Fitness”