In everyday life it is rare that we notice what is happening with our bodies, or even our minds, in the moment. In yoga the practice is all about noticing. We notice what is happening with our bodies and our minds as a way of staying in the present moment.    Read More

As yogis—well, as humans really—we face resistance at every turn. When we choose to face resistance is when the real music begins to play. This is how we truly grow. On the mat, this is also so.   Read More

The development of a regular yoga practice takes dedication and perseverance. The experience you gain—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually—of coming to your mat regularly, and deliberately, changes everything.   Read More

A yoga practice — the practice of physical asana accompanied by pranayama (breathing techniques) — is perfectly matched to meditation practice. In fact, the purpose behind yoga asana and pranayama is to prepare the body and mind to sit for meditation. Truly, these three are like peas in a pod, or like BFFs (best friends forever). They simply belong together.    Read More

Yoga asanas place a lot of exertion on the body, but there are always areas of the body that can be relaxed. Finding these areas as a way to bring ease to the posture is key.   Read More

Before you follow every cue your teacher gives, listen to what your body tells you about the practice. If something doesn't feel right, listen to that before you assume your teacher knows more about your body than you. Use the instruction as a guideline to bring about steadiness and ease.   Read More

The nemesis pose is that pose you just don't like. It challenges us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Instead of viewing this pose superficially as a nuisance, cultivate curiosity about what it has to offer you.    Read More

Set an intention for your yoga practice, and notice how, over time, you will get what you want out of yoga. So set an intention, release expectations, follow your breath, and your practice will open up to you.   Read More

The body's amazing capability of returning to balance is greatly assisted by the practice of yoga. A regular yoga practice helps to calm stress by balancing the nervous systems stress response.   Read More

Showing up on your mat — whether in a class or at home, or wherever, is the hardest part of yoga. Once you are on your mat, no matter the practice, the hard part is over.   Read More

Prana, or life force, is the energy that flows within and without the body. Increasing the flow of prana with asana and pranayama helps to bring about physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Blockages in the energy channels of the body lead to dis-ease, highlighting the importance of clearing these channels.   Read More

In a led class, it can be difficult to keep up with specific breath cues. A home practice helps you find your natural breath, deepening your connection to breath, and ultimately, to yourself.   Read More

To many people the yoga practice can seem intimidating. A common misperception is that one must be flexible, thin, and strong in order to practice yoga. Many miss out on this beneficial practice because of such preconceived ideas. But yoga is actually a very accessible practice.   Read More

Savasana, we come to you in every possible state — fatigued, refreshed, limber, healing, seeking, emotional, insecure, arrogant — yet you [eventually] manage to peel these layers away. Though our to-do lists often call us away from you far sooner than we should go, the seeds you plant within our hearts then begin to grow.   Read More

In yoga class, it can be difficult to not compare yourself with others. This is totally normal. Before you get too wrapped up in achieving that perfect pose, however, notice what is happening, and come back to your breath. This practice will help bring you to the place where you realize the perfect yoga pose is the one you are in.   Read More

Most people are very unaware of their breath. Though breathing is one thing we do all day, every day, it tends to fall into the background; the body breathing on its own, usually shallow and into the chest. The fact that we are always breathing, however, can bring us comfort. If you view the breath as an old friend, like someone who is always there for you when you need them, it can open up a whole new practice.    Read More

In today's society, the push to do our best is almost inherent. We are constantly seeking to do better, to be better, and to achieve more. This competitive nature, whether with ourselves or with others, follows us even to our yoga mats. To overcome this, it is helpful to think of your yoga practice as just that — practice.   Read More

Sthira sukham asana, yoga sutra 2.46, defines yoga asana as a steady, comfortable posture. Sthira (steadiness) and sukha (ease) are the qualities to cultivate in yoga postures. In fact, only when these two qualities are attained is the pose truly an asana.   Read More

Studies on therapeutic yoga are rapidly increasing as more people become aware of the vast benefits of this practice. In a recent study, older stroke victims improved balance and endurance after eight weeks of yoga therapy. And—they liked the practice!   Read More

Yoga sutra 1.2, yogas chtta vrtti nirodha establishes the definition and purpose of yoga early, and clearly, in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the foundational text of yoga. In the very second sutra, in fact, it is stated—yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.   Read More

Anahata, as the heart chakra is called in Sanskrit, is the very center chakra, integrating the lower three physically-oriented chakras with the upper three spirit-oriented chakras. It is the essence of balance between spirit and body, the seen and unseen. Much healing is possible when working with anahata — both on the physical and spiritual level.   Read More

Yoga can serve many different purposes, but ultimately, there is one goal of yoga. Learn the true purpose of yoga, and how you can integrate it into your practice.   Read More

Deep belly breathing can be elusive, but is an essential breath to the yoga practice. Here, deep belly breathing is explained in an easy-to-grasp manner, with tips and basic anatomy explained.   Read More

Morning Sun Salutations, also known as Surya Namaskara (Surya = sun and Namaskara = to bow down), are a delightful way to start the day. Learn how to salute the sun each morning to build a regular yoga practice.   Read More

A very exciting recent study has found that yoga is beneficial for women with breast cancer. Learn how yoga can benefit these women, who make up 12 percent of women in the U.S.   Read More

The vast majority of resistance and obstacles standing between you and your practice lie within the many thoughts running through your mind.   Read More