Yoga Nuggets

To start, learn, and truly experience the practice of yoga is a life changer. Being a writer of truth, I express what is true for me. Being a teacher of yoga, I have been graciously blessed to witness the changes that emerge over time for the people I share the journey with. It is so much more than getting to that "advanced" pose. It is more than being able to stay balanced longer. It is a practice that slowly integrates in your mind and heart. It expands your awareness beyond your initial capacity. Yoga ignites an inner calmness with conscious breathing. Your physical moves get those muscles lengthened and stronger. As the exterior gets stronger, strength and flexibility goes deeper. The skies become bluer, the grass greener, and the gift of life more beautiful. Passion for what speaks to your heart is ignited. Purpose of life extends beyond paying the bills. Life falls into place in a magical way full of synchronicity. As you learn to pursue physical "edges" or su...

Remember the song by the Steve Miller band, Fly Like an Eagle ? If not, take a listen to get in the moment. Get that mind focused on what you're reading now...not what's next on the eternal list. I know it is not just me, but time seems to be slipping faster than ever before. A week feels like it is finished in the matter of a day. Looking forward to the weekend is somewhat a bittersweet anticipation. It comes and goes by so quickly. Technology, the mindset of getting immediate results, and multi-tasking has reached a point of an ironic setback for us. The purpose, I thought, that advanced technology would provide is more time. More time to enjoy time with family, friends, or whatever makes you happy. Instead, the list of tasks to complete has gotten longer and has to be done quicker to keep up. Something is seriously wrong with what is being ingrained in the collective mindset. What yoga does for me and many others who take a piece of precious time to practice is that it still...

The thyroid gland is located on the lower portion of your neck and is somewhat shaped like a butterfly. It produces hormones that are critical for metabolism, growth, and energy levels. Perhaps you have known someone who has a thyroid that is either under-active or over-active. One state (hypo-active) can result in difficulty in losing weight and feeling lethargic. The opposite extreme state (hyper-active) results in everything speeding up...and, not in a good way. There are a myriad of catalysts that can cause a problem with the thyroid; therefore, always seek medical care from a physician if you have persistent symptoms. It is wise to blend the best of the East and the West in maintaining good health. With that said, what does yoga do for the thyroid? Just like the philosophy, "move it or lose it", applies for all the other body parts...the same is for the thyroid gland. Thyroid problems most commonly manifest in women over the age of 50. Hormones are changing and it...

Let's use our yoga practice to learn a little more about anatomy. I must confess, I was never that interested in science when I was younger. As I have gotten a little older, experienced a few personal medical challenges, noticed subtle changes each year and the desire to learn has been ignited. Practicing yoga since I was 41 has made a significant impact on my physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Six years later, I am in the best shape I have ever been...ever. So, with that said, let's see what is going on with this ancient practice of yoga. Last article gave a synopsis of the seven chief glands. To keep it simple, (good philosophy, by the way) the first gland to be addressed is the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland is right above each kidney. Their primary function is to release hormones in response to stress. These stress hormones are cortisol, epinephrine and aldosterone. Cortisol and epinephrine get the heart to beat faster, gets the digesti...

The thought of exercise typically implies the strengthening of muscles, burning calories, sweating, making the exterior of the body fit and the heart healthy. Now, most exercises can and do accomplish these issues. But, do you think that is all that really needs some attention? Take your concept of fitness a little deeper. You will see the fitness of even the smallest of "parts" make an impact on the bigger "parts" of the body. These little "parts" are your glands and they play a big role in how you feel and function. First of all, what is a gland? The definition is: "An organ or group of specialized cells in the body that produces and secretes a specific substance, such as a hormone." Translated, the glands in the body release the chemicals that get other internal parts to work at the optimal level. Unhealthy glands, such as the thyroid, have a major effect on your overall well-being. The practice of yoga actually gives it some attention tha...

The year is coming to an end and a new one is on the brink of beginning. Changes can be made to progress forward on this journey called life. Historically, one makes resolutions to start the new year. However, the resolve to accomplish the task is typically diminished within a short time. Think about it. To make a resolution to change something has a negative underlying implication. Negative produces negative. Change is good; therefore, the approach used should be ignited from a positive approach. Quite simply, change one word.... Forget resolutions. Set intentions! You want to lose weight? Instead of resolving to diet, set the intention to eat healthy and exercise. You want to have less stress? Instead of resolving to find a way to be less stressed; set the intention to be calm and at peace. Sometimes simply taking a few conscious inhalations and exhalations will give you what you need. Being stressed about being under stress simply will manifest more stress. Positive attracts positiv...

With the advancement of technology, the need to have immediate results has heightened the overall level of stress in our world. The use of instant messaging, texting, and the many other tools of getting immediate gratification has steered many people off course. It is not a coincidence that heart failure is one of the leading causes of death. Stress, anxiety, and fear are negative energies that weaken you physically and mentally. Take a moment to acknowledge if you are predominantly thinking about what you have to do next or didn’t get done. If you admit that you tend to do that, it is time to try yoga. Yoga does not take time from you, rather it gives you time. This is your life…take responsibility for what you can change and remember that ultimately, you’re the one who makes the choices. Yoga strengthens you at so many levels. Consistent practice trains your mind to stay in the present instead of the past or future. Your body becomes stronger when you surrender instead of holding ont...

Breathing is the most vital function of the body. You can either breathe with conscious awareness or unconsciously. Most of the time, we breathe without thinking about it. It is important to recognize that breath is what gives us life. If you breathe shallow breaths, you do not give your body all the oxygen it needs to fully function at its peak. When you hyperventilate from stress, you release chemicals in your body that ignite the fight or flight mindset. With yoga, all moves are linked with your breath. As you become consciously aware of your breath and inhale fully, you calm your nervous system, quiet your mind, and feed your entire body with the life giving oxygen that it needs to truly work to its fullest potential.