Yoga Nuggets

Wow. Another year in the history book. Time for the traditional annual resolution to change something. Being creatures of habit, we resolve to do better at something and the cycle continues. Time to de-construct our approach to time. Resolution's results are the same year after year. You can tell by the attendance at the gym in January. We start with good intentions but relentless habits keep pulling us back. Routine/habit embed their feet as we remain oblivious to it until the consequences are seen or felt. Then, we resolve to change. It is an energetic tug of war. I say, forget resolutions. Start re-construction. We tear down old houses to build new, improved ones. Individually and collectively, we are in desperate need of re-construction. Will-power. Desire. Focus. Flexibility to change. These are the hands on your side of the mental rope. The opposition is one hand on the proverbial rope with its other hand holding a sign..."take the path of least resistance....

"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built." ~Rumi Have practiced yoga ten years; been teaching seven. Despite advanced training, constant self-guided studying, and nearly 2000 hours of teaching post certification; I balance scales of the known and unknown with a college freshman mind. Maybe Gemini energy pushes me in multiple directions; maybe that new candle joining the growing club burning on my birthday cake illuminates a hunger of urgency; maybe my philosophy of no regrets fans a flame. And, maybe it is my spirit making it uncomfortable for me to not venture out of my comfort zone. Maybe Springsteen's song plays in my subconscious to keep me 'dancing in the dark.' Legends that stepped beyond boundaries of outlined yoga declarations of the best way to practice are Ganga White and Tracey Rich. Founders of the eclectic, enlightening and liberating White Lotus Foundation . Their l...

As a city grows, it is in a state of construction. That yellow sign tells you to drive with caution at a slower pace for your safety. Consider practicing yoga with the foot a little lighter on the gas pedal. Your body is under a constant state of construction. Muscles . We like them strong, tight, shaped just so and flexible. And, we want it to happen pretty quickly. Young grasshopper yogis (no chronological age here), have patience. Technology is atrophying the mind's ability to stay still long enough to experience increments of time. Advanced technology is a time thief. Ganga White says it best: "Yoga doesn't take time, it gives time." Motion is lotion for the body. Muscles, after warmed up, can extend one and a half the original length. The muscle's fibers get micro tears; however, the healing process closes the gap and the message to get thicker, longer, and stronger is processed at the cellular level. Go too far, too fast and muscles, or worse, ligame...

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...

I feel compelled to share a beautiful speech made by our ancestors of Indian descent. They not only talked the talk, they walked the walk. May I, me and many others learn to understand and follow these simple directions of life. Chief Blackfoot is one of the "giants", in my mind, that has shoulders we should stand on to see further so we can be more, live more and love more.... "Believe   in the beauty and strength of your own being. Forget the foolish belief that you and your fellow human beings were born evil. Those who would control you all the days of your life on earth perpetuate the belief The Source of Life made things to have a bad spirit. Live a life of truth and honesty. This makes you a person of quality and dignity. Truth and honesty are the kind of leadership qualities that attracts others. Give honor and respect to others regardless of age and situation in life. This quality makes you and others worthy of honor and respect, which makes others, feel ...

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...

Gratitude is a magical energy that circulates through the body and mind when made a point of focus. Being a "baby boomer", I feel grateful for experiencing life before technology took off like it has in the past twenty years. For those of you in the same age bracket, you will appreciate what I am saying. For those who are younger, I hope that you truly understand the power of trust, time, and tenacity. Just to stroll down memory lane, I feel compelled to share some of the things I took for granted; however, but now truly appreciate the value. Some people may think it is better to get things done faster; however, the truth is, time seems to do what it needs to keep up with the new pace. Time is priceless and you cannot get it back. The same is for your life. Why rush it? When you take your time in whatever you are doing, you will glean more than you know. Here's some things I remember and understand the value of these standards. ~Cable television did not exist. All four ch...

Funny how a lot of things come full circle in life. It may not be exactly the same as before, but what you used to do or know can be experienced with a new perspective. In this case, I am talking about blocks. As a kid, it was fun to play with the blocks and use your imagination in creating something. Take that memory of creativity with the blocks and bring it to your yoga practice. I used the blocks when I started practicing yoga; however,I stopped using them when I thought I did not need them anymore. Several years of practice later...I've realized, just like the blocks I played with as a kid, they're not just for building a foundation. The best use of the block is to experience a new sensation of balance, utilization of a different muscle, and the re-ignition of the creative source in the mind. I thought I was too experienced (old...in kid mindset)to use blocks. I was wrong. Here are some ways to use those blocks in your practice. Once you get started, you are destined to di...

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...

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...

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...