Yoga Nuggets

Nothing stays the same. Lack of change is stagnant. A yoga practice is no exception to this law of life. The student new to the mat practices to learn how to breathe, do basic poses and overcome fear of standing out as a novice. Once confidence and familiarity with moves settles in the mind, the yogi ventures forward with new moves and extends old edges in classic moves. Then, they become a neo-classic version. Courage expands. An inquisitive thought and emotion process stirs. It starts physically; however, expansion of feelings can actually be scarier than any pose you try. It is more comfortable to keep walking on the familiar and generally followed path. But, you feel the pull of the unfamiliar and you can't help but step in this discovered refuge. The instinctive, logical, and heart driven forces work to keep you in place. As the practice deepens, so does the relationship the yogi has with him/herself...and others. The moment of transition is not realized as it happens. Yo...

Energy . The intangible, deeply sought after elixir of life. Some think it exists for those lower on the age timeline. Not true. Most of the greatest pursuits and achievements were etched in history by people deemed old in years. Passions and gifts clawing to get out of their container found the spark, the energy, to be manifested. Energy gets brighter like the moon as it approaches its fullest state. Then, the next day, only a sliver remains. Enough to remind you its still there. Recharging. Most lose sight of the less visible. You can feel it, but can't touch it. Invincible strength one day. Methodical the next. Physical energy is intimately intertwined with emotional and mental energy. A constant quest to determine the strongest link. Like the classic game of rock, paper, scissors...you find there is no definitive answer. Circumstances of the moment, what you ate, time of day, yesterday's news, the weather...everything keeps changing. The myriad of known and unknown elem...

Opinion: The practice of yoga is wavering on its intention. Yin and Yang...two opposing forces that remain balanced by keeping a piece of the other within itself. Despite the separate strengths, one does not dominate the other. What appears imbalanced? The hundreds of trademarked styles. The audaciously declared "right" way to do a pose...as if each body was anatomically identical. The inflation of the egos vs. focus on the heart. The pride in sweating in 100+ degree rooms thinking that the more sweat...the better. Call me old school...tell me I just don't get it...tell me things have changed and I'm not keeping up with the times...but, I assure you...I get it...I just have life experience to know the difference. Practicing yoga with the Serenity Prayer mindset reminds you to find your balance. If you have weak muscles, have the courage to actively engage them in each pose. Notice if you're straining too much and back off a bit. Accept you don't ha...

"Sticks and stones may break my bones..." But, as a yogi, I doubt it. 206 bones. The foundation for your muscles, organs, nervous system, and everything under the skin. Each bone plays a part in the body theater. 26 per foot and 27 per hand. 33 vertebrae in the spine. Sternum with 12 pairs of ribs. 2 femurs (thigh bones). 2 tibias, 2 fibulas (bones below knee). 2 radius and 2 ulnas (forearm bones)2 humerus (upper arm). 26 bones in the head (skull and face) 2 scapula (shoulder blades) 2 clavicle (collar bone)and hip bones comprised of 3 bones, the pelvis. You actually have a few more; but, they're much smaller...but, no less important. The ear has 3 small bones that make it possible for you to savor the touching vibes of sweet music. The "hammer", "anvil" and "stirrup" ear bones detect 40,000 different sounds. Wow. Magnifies the notes you hear to a new level of appreciation. Take a yoga practice focus to the bone. Practice moment...

The backbone of anything is the core source of strength, vitality and fundamental practice of doing what's right. The "backbone" exists in many forms...ranging from physical, psychological to philosophical. How one nourishes it determines the results. Yoga is no different. To keep it simple, let's focus on the physical facets first. Your spine is composed of 33 vertebrae. It starts at the neck with 7 cervical, going down to 12 thoracic, down to 5 lumbar and 9 fused vertebrae in the sacrum and coccyx region. The top 24 are the mobile ones. Between the vertebrae are discs, which act as cushions between the bones. They contain gel fluid for mobility and space. Gravity and time can compress the gel out of the discs...causing impingement on spinal nerves where the space has been removed. We have 31 pairs of spinal nerves branching out of the spine. They are the messengers. Touch something hot, the nervous fiber (Ruffini's corpuscles) deep in the dermis, trans...

Dear Yoga~ The written word engraves images the spoken word can only lightly sketch. Thus, I feel compelled to write you a love letter. I'll do my best...just like you've taught me. You made it possible for me to dig deeper and find priceless treasures. Intangible, invisible treasures...expanded awareness...life with no boundaries. Your moves keep me going full circle. The completion of each circle concludes with a revelation. Yoga, you give me Cosmic rolls forward. Yoga, I thank you for strength to climb higher...see more...be more. You don't force me. You allow me to move at my pace. When ready, you give me courage to see new perspectives. No judgment. No rules. No fears. A relationship with no hidden agenda. I love how you express yourself so quietly. You've taught me to listen to whispers in my heart. A priceless bond we share. A relationship eradicating time as a guide. Your lack of deadlines is my lifeline. Yoga, you have brought special people in ...

"A kiss is still just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh. The fundamental things apply as time goes by." What a song rich with meaning. Use its words that never go out of date as an inspiration in your practice of yoga. As time goes by, you will find the depths of yourself emerge through your practice. Your poses are just poses until you think and feel beyond the technical elements of it. When you approach the mat, step onto it with your established knowledge and an open heart for the new. It's a case of doing and exploring. Your heart opens as you welcome the person who stepped on the mat. It is the beginning of a beautiful relationship each time. Just when you think you know everything about yourself, an epiphany emerges shedding light on something from a fresh perspective. Yoga is so beyond the physical. It simply utilizes the physical moves to open Pandora's box of self awareness. That's when you start to delve into the sweet part. Just like a cinnamon roll...