In one of my favorite images, the Hindu deity Hanuman is embracing his master, Lord Rama. Hanuman’s story is an example for yogis that shows us the power of our devotion to yoga. According to the legend, Hanuman, the son of a monkey (his mom) and Vayu, the Lord of the Winds (his dad), had […]
When I first heard the term chakra, I had only a vague idea of what it meant, and I knew nothing at all about yoga for the chakras. The chakras are energy centers of the body. There are seven main chakras—think of them as hubs—that channel energy through the body. They run from the base of […]
As yogis, we often hear the terms yin and yang. Most of us are familiar with the yin/yang symbol; we may have yoga clothing, jewelry, or even a yoga mat that features the image. The yin/yang concept comes from Taoist philosophy. Yin and yang represent opposite energies, and the symbol represents bringing those energies into […]
With rates of diabetes and prediabetes skyrocketing in the United States, we often hear that diet, exercise, proper sleep, and stress management are strategies for helping to keep blood sugar in check. With these goals in mind, many experts recommend yoga for diabetes management, and it’s no surprise. After all, practicing yoga is a great way to stay […]
Whether you’re just starting a yoga practice or have been practicing for a while, you’re probably eager to get the most out of your yoga practice. Here are some yoga tips for making the most of your time on the mat. Dress comfortably. You don’t need designer yoga clothes, but be sure that your attire […]
Are you a warrior yogi? I love warrior poses. One of the reasons is the variety: there are three basic variations of warrior (aptly named “one,” “two,” and “three”), as well as a few others with more poetic names. Each warrior pose has unique benefits, and together, they fit beautifully into a vinyasa flow sequence. […]
Ask the yogis you know why they practice, and it’s a good bet many of them will say they practice yoga for stress relief. “Stress” is a word we use a lot, but what is it exactly, and why is it so bad for us? Why stress is a problem The things that cause us to […]
Have you heard that people who meditate are calmer and less likely to suffer from anxiety? They may have lower blood pressure and healthier hearts as well. But you don’t have time to meditate, right? Sure you’d like to be like those calm monks and yoga teachers who have hours every day to sit in […]
Sometimes it’s good to take a look back at our history to see how we’ve gotten to where we are today. For yogis, a look at yoga history means turning our focus away from our designer clothes and trendy mats, our rock star teachers and luxury yoga retreats. It means going back to the origins of our beloved […]
Recently, Yoga Alliance (the organizations that registers yoga teachers) reported that 36.7 million Americans practice yoga on a regular basis, and the number of yogis continues to rise. What’s happening? Why do these devoted practitioners keep returning to their yoga mats? For starters, yoga will make you more flexible, both physically and mentally. But there […]