Yoga Nuggets

Most of us have heard that saying of "move or lose it"; however, until you get a little older or in a situation that halts you, you do not truly understand it. The "move or lose it" philosophy applies not only to the body, but the mind and foundation of emotions as well. Even if you do not know the anatomical consequences of being physically sedentary, we all have experienced not being as flexible after being couch potatoes. The body was born to move. The muscles,organs, blood and cells are in constant motion just to keep us alive. The least we can do is make the most of the gift of mobility that our body provides. The mind is the same. Science has proven that regardless of age, the brain creates new connections as you exercise it. Repetition of old thoughts simply deepens old grooves. Feed it something new and refreshing to ponder and understand. It is kind of like trying something new to eat. At first, you may not be sure because it is so different; ...

Light flows through cracks... - Yoga Journal Blog post

" The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny." --Dr. Albert Ellis (1913-2007) Just like Gandhi encouraged people to "be the change they wish to see", Dr. Ellis stated the truth that to take responsibility for your life is paramount. When the "blame game" is eliminated, the ability to grow, change and release is ignited. It is not until one realizes their life is a game of lessons to help them so that they can assume ownership of life's challenges. Some lessons are harder than others. When you think of it from a higher perspective, you start to understand it is not just about you. Your lessons involve others who also have their own lessons to learn. The intricate interconnection that we share cannot be understood completely from our perspective on Earth. Perhaps from another perspective at a ...

Feel Your Practice - Yoga Journal Blog post

The practice of yoga has taken the West awhile to accept, understand and pursue. It is unlike any other physical activity. It has no age bracket that it is limited to; no necessary physical ability to do it a certain way or any requirements to get to the next level of skill to move forward. In other words, there is nothing to lose or win. Instead, what you gain from your practice is more gratifying than the temporary moment of winning a competition. What is gained is unique for each individual for each of us have different needs, strengths and weaknesses. Yoga helps you find what you need. The famous yogi, Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009), said: “Practice and all is coming.” This quote may not mean much to you now; however, the longer you practice, the depth of the meaning emerges. Yoga is called a practice because that is all you simply do…practice. Each practice is different because your body changes from day to day. Make yoga a routine practice in your life and you will observe resu...

The Power of Yin - Yoga Journal Blog post