Yoga Nuggets

As your practice of yoga integrates itself in your body and mind, a lot changes. It is a cool journey of metamorphis while in this body. You really start to understand how everything is truly connected from the inside out. You might notice how you can intentionally slow down your heart rate, feel the subtle lengthening of a muscle take place or even mentally release a cumbersome feeling. The skies the limit on this journey. Each practice is unique if you stay focused on what you need. Explore different ways to experience the same pose you have done a ton of times. Recently, I have really enjoyed the experience of staying in a pose for 30-60 seconds before going to the next. Try a Sun Salutation with this technique to experience strength in stillness. You will notice that as you reach up in the beginning, you really feel the rib cage lift, the foundation of the feet ground the Earth, the arms getting longer and more. When you surrender in the forward fold, you give the spin...

Aging is a bittersweet journey. When you're young, you can't wait to get older; paradoxically, as you get older, you wish you were younger. One is either looking forward or back. The concept of simply enjoying the present has its fleeting moments; but easily fades in the background of the mind with distraction. If one does not make the conscious effort to make the most of their only moment...now, the see-saw of "should have, could have, would have" will always sway back and forth. Yoga helps you in the aging process. It certainly has helped me. I can only speak from my experiences; therefore, if I was to explain how yoga helps you before age 40, it would be an assumption. The anatomical benefits speak for themselves. You build strength, improve internal bodily functions, and enjoy more flexibility. From a mental standpoint, the gifts of yoga manifest when you're ready. Life has a way of throwing you a curve ball when least expected. Yoga has a way o...

A regular yoga practice (3-4 times per week) has a significant impact on how you feel, think, and build strength. It is not unusual for one to find something they really enjoy and delve themselves into it for awhile. As time wears on, the novelty wears off and so does the drive. Yoga is no different if you let it fall in the same routine. Practice long enough and a time will emerge when your body let's you feel the neglect of not doing the physical moves as much as desired. Life seems to get in the way and the classic excuse of not having the time to practice emerges from the left hemisphere. (The rationalizing side) If you take a moment of observing what you feel after that justification, you will "hear" the right hemisphere (the creative side) beg to differ. Then, when you actually hit the mat and immerse yourself in a practice, the realization emerges that the gap of time between practices was a bit too long. You will feel the gratitude of the cells as they seem to f...

Sometimes it is good to take a refresher course on what you do. It is easy to get in a monotonous routine of habitual moves or thoughts. This truth applies to more than just your yoga practice. Being a teacher of yoga, I introduce new ways to pursue a move or get to a new edge. After having the same students for over three years, I assumed they understood the most fundamental part of yoga...breathing. A brand new student to yoga ignited me to ask the class: "Does everyone know how to practice ujjayi (ocean) breath?" To my surprise (and disappointment in myself), most of the class admitted they did not. It was a humbling reminder that it is imperative to re-visit the foundation of what you build yourself on...whatever it is. One can add various structures on this base; however, it is wise to check on the foundation to make sure you're on solid ground. This realization about the folks I have been teaching was a divine reminder that they did not necessarily make it to t...

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...

Yoga, like religion, has been around a very long time. The two are not linked; therefore, do not assume a connection. This is a comparison of two practices with deep roots in the history of mankind. A tree is the perfect image to compare them to. Both have a beginning somewhere; however, along the way, branches have extended in numerous directions. The common invisible thread shared is that all branches reach for the Ultimate Source that nourishes them. Each branch names itself and declares what makes it different and possibly better than the branch right next to it. Thus, the emergence of conflict within a united entity appears. In the yoga "tree", a lot of different styles of practice have and continue to emerge. Each yoga branch has a slightly or significant difference from the others; however, each is still a practice. The beauty of the tree is that it gives choices for the "leaves" (individuals) to grow from. In the relatively short time that I have practiced y...

I have been practicing yoga for six years and teaching for three of them. It is a journey of learning a new way to do a pose, seeing things from a different perspective and many other assortment of changes. When I teach my students, I read quotes, stories, or do sequences that generate the energy I sense is needed. Ironically, what I sense they need, I need too. Definitely a win-win situation. I recently learned that my calmness and approach to teaching gives the illusion that I am in a constant state of peace. After talking to a long term student and friend about some issues that were bothering me, she shocked me with the statement..."I can't believe you ever get angry"! I immediately purged a bunch of stuff that has been bothering me and saw the relief in her face that I get pissed off just like anyone else. I'm a yogi, not a saint. Whew...feels good to get that off my chest! Here's my revelation for this week: Unless you have become "enlightened", yo...

Just got finished watching a documentary on a man the United States was blessed to lead them out of chaos...Abraham Lincoln. Ever since he was a child, he was horrified from the existence of slavery and the staggering abuse of the slaves. Early in his life, he knew he had to find a way to end it. Overcoming the division of the nation upon his election, the demise of two of his own children during his first term, and the sadness of knowing over 600,000 people died in this civil war within the country he led...Lincoln managed to cling to his inner strength to manifest what he knew was right. All of us have a passion within us that is waiting to be pursued. It does not have to be as earth shattering as the end of slavery; however, if it drives you and is of good intention, you should pursue it. Every action of passion ignites a change. Change does not happen over night. It takes strength, belief, passion, and persistence. Passion builds energy. Energy expands. Believe it or not, negative ...

The practice of yoga has rapidly been on the upswing in the past few years. The medical field is even recognizing and advocating it to patients to help with various issues. "Official" tests have been done in a variety of components of the health field to find that the practice of yoga, breathing techniques, and meditation DO make a difference and ignite positive changes in one's well-being. But, like most changes or integration of something new, it is common to have an excuse not to do it or procrastinate in getting started. Are you a yogi wanna be, but...? To give this a little sound effect, hit this clip before you read further: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itAOGRiYRLI&feature=related Here are the top 11 excuses I have personally heard and will exchange each excuse with an enthusiastic revelation for you to consider! 11. I cannot afford it . Truth : Videos are inexpensive and some stations on cable have it on for free. Or, you can check out You Tube and f...

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...

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...

Yoga has an endless list of poses to pursue and a new edge with each practice. It seems like since it has been truly noticed in the past few years, a new spin on how to do it is presented. There is no right on wrong; you simply practice what feels right for YOU. Personally, I do not connect to any particular "style" of yoga for it is a personal pursuit of discovery. To limit yourself to one way closes doors to different experiences. Simply speaking for myself, I find that the "hot" yoga is not for me. To practice in elevated temperatures and simultaneously raise the internal body heat is not wise. You do sweat out toxins and get the benefit of better flexibility in heat; however, sometimes you can take your muscles past their edge and increase the micro tears that manifest in the muscle fibers. Practicing yoga in a normal temperature with proper breathing and movement will build the internal heat of body. I am more of a "Buddhist" mindset: "Everything...

This is just a short clip on a few yoga moves to help expand the rib cage, help the spine and open the heart. Peace~

Yoga is a constant journey of changes, revelations, and crossing new edges. For those who have been practicing it for awhile, you may have a favorite style or routine. If you are new to it, I imagine it can be quite daunting to know where to start. Yoga has ignited to a whole new level in the past ten years. There are numerous styles to consider and seeing folks who have done it for awhile can be intimidating. Things always change; however, remember the truth that "the more things change, the more they stay the same." I say that because the heart of yoga is to unite. Some may get into the "hot" yoga (Bikram) or be more comfortable doing the Iyengar style; but, the ultimate purpose is a union of mind, body and spirit. It can be an instantaneous spark that lights up on your first practice or it might be a dim fire that gets brighter with each practice. We all learn what we need to know to move forward at our own pace in life. The same is with yoga. I have been practic...

Check out this article to learn a little anatomy. The Body Exhibit is amazing and you will have a new respect for the body you inhabit after going. http://www.examiner.com/x-23147-Nashville-Health-and-Happiness-Examiner~y2009m10d25-Anatomy-101-your-body-is-amazing

Today, I had a new student of yoga approach me with the concern that she was not good enough to do yoga. The class she had attended in the past was full of people doing poses she could not do. She experienced an hour of frustration because she could not do what everyone else was doing. It is common for all of us to have that competitive drive rise when we are in a room doing the same thing among others. Her comments were a good reminder for me as a teacher to give alternative poses and to make each student aware that we all start from the beginning. There are various forms of yoga and each teacher has his/her own twist on it. It is important to be aware if you are in a moderate to advanced class or a class geared toward young yoga practitioners. (And, I am not talking about your age...it doesn't matter in yoga!) There is a style of yoga for everyone and if you've had a not so good experience, don't give up. Word of mouth is always a good source for finding a good fit or sim...

With the busy schedule demands of work, family, friends, and whatever else you have going on, it is easy to say you don't have time to practice yoga. The truth is, when you make something a priority, the time becomes available. I totally agree with what Ganga White said in his book, Yoga Beyond Belief, "yoga does not take time, it gives time." As you become centered on your practice, you are taking care of yourself in many ways beyond the physical realm. You will quickly find that the class you attend or the practice you do at home is just what you needed. Always remember that if you don't take care of yourself, you will ultimately not be able to truly take care of anything else on your agenda. So, take off your watch, turn off the cell phone (you really can be without it), take a deep inhale and exhale and enjoy the dissipation of the concerns of the "to do list" as you simply enjoy your practice of yoga. When you're done, you'll realize that it did...

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...