BREATHING happens all day long but on our yoga mat we are more aware of it. During a yoga session the breath is emphasized to co-ordinate with the movement of the postures. It has been said, ‘let the body express the breath’. The breath is very powerful. It cleanses the nasal passages, clears the mind, […]
Historically, the ancient yogis sat in Meditation first and the discovery of Asana followed. They began to imitate what they saw in their environment with their bodies. The yogis created postures that looked like a tree (vrksasana), a cobra snake (bhujangasana), and a locust (salabhasana). They imitated structures such as a gate (parighasana), a bridge
CHANDRA is a beautiful name. In Hindu it translates as Moon. There are variations of Moon postures in our yoga practice. This evolved from the ancient yogis living upon the Earth and viewing the Moon and the Sun above. A long time ago before calendars and the internet, earth dwellers watched these celestial bodies. It
Good morning to the SUN! Surya is the SUN deity. Surya Namaskar (Salutation to the Sun) is a traditional sequence of twelve positions that flow seamlessly in co-ordination with the breath. The yogis of India prayerfully practice Surya Namaskar at sunrise and at sunset for twelve cycles. The SUN represents consciousness, light, heightened awareness, growth,
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Have you noticed people who are naturally shiny? They radiate a certain inner glow. In Ayurveda, this is associated with the term ojas. It is an indication of strong immunity. One who has health and confidence beam light from the inside out. In our yoga practice we can direct energy to the center of our
Today I was at Kehena Beach. While reclining on my towel I noticed the woman next to me wearing a nice bathing suit. I told her and she appreciated hearing it. After a while I went for a swim. When I came out of the ocean another woman, who was seated in the sand, spoke
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A long time ago, before the Common Era, between 100 BCE and 500 BCE, an author named Patanjali compiled the well known yogic text called the Yoga Sutras. This is known to be the philosophical teachings of yoga, composed of 195 (or 196) sutras or threads. Modern day students and teachers study the Yoga Sutras
Every time we come onto our yoga mat, there is a reverence for this ancient path. Traditionally it has been passed down verbally from master to student, through one on one study. Ultimately the goal, as it was 5,000 years ago to now, is to liberate the mind and acknowledge our own divinity. Asana is
The Serpent Posture is known in sanskrit as ANANTASANA. It is a balancing pose while reclining on one side of the body. One leg is extended upright while keeping the drishti (eye gaze) focused in front. The challenge is not tipping forward or backward and staying grounded while taking an attitude of timelessness. Anantasana refers
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There are a total of thirty three (33) vertebrae in the spine, also referred to as the backbone. This amazing structure holds us up. It is also capable of moving in six directions. Yoga postures are so beneficial for maintaining a healthy spine as we age. The movement supports the spine’s natural mobility and elasticity