Over the past few weeks, we’ve had a major heat wave where I live. From what I’ve seen on weather maps, we’re not alone in the northeastern part of the U.S. It’s July in the northern hemisphere, which means hot, humid days for many of us. So, how can you tailor your yoga practice for […]
Yogis, like all people who try to live well, practice the golden rule. In fact, the yoga of kindness is the very first step on Patanjali’s eight-limb path. Kindness, or ahimsa, is referred to as non-harming or nonviolence in the Yoga Sutras. Practicing the Yoga of Kindness I won’t spend time making a case for […]
If I asked a group of yogis to name the first pose that comes to mind, how many would say downward-facing dog? I haven’t taken a survey like this, but my guess is more than half—probably a lot more. It would at least be in the top three (along with child’s pose and savasana). Again, […]
According to ancient wisdom, our bodies have seven main energy centers called chakras. The chakras are channels for the life force, called chi. When they are open, chi flows easily throughout the energy system. Each of the seven chakras has a specific purpose, and you may find your yoga teachers referring to these hubs of […]
A common image on yoga clothing, jewelry and mats is the yin/yang symbol. It’s a popular image with yogis because it represents finding balance, something we strive for on and off the mat. The first limb of Patanjali’s Yoga—the five yamas—is in part about finding balance. The yamas teach us to be content with what […]
For the most part, there’s no right or wrong way to practice yoga. As you’ll hear your teacher’s say, it’s your practice. (The exception may be alignment-based styles like Iyengar Yoga.) Still, there are things you can do to ensure you have a great time on the mat and get the most benefit from your […]
You know there is a strong connection between the mind and the body. Notice how you feel physically after a great yoga class. And think about how much stronger, more flexible, and leaner you are now than you were when you started practicing. (If you don’t notice changes like this, stick with it; you will!) […]
Do you ever wonder why dedicated yogis keep rolling out their mats? The reasons may change over time, but there are many. For some, practicing yoga is a way to reduce stress and stay in shape. Another common reason people do yoga is to prevent or relieve pain. But there’s much more. If you’re new […]
In the 1500s, a yogi called Svatmarama wrote The Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Along with Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, it remains one of the most important texts on classical yoga. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika starts with a discussion of asana—the physical practice of yoga. The text lists a mere 15 poses of classical yoga. The word “pradipika” […]
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras teach yogis how to live a yoga-based life. The verses show us how to be healthy and positive in body, mind, and spirit. As we’ve seen, there are eight limbs in Patanjali’s yoga. They are all important aspects of the practice that yogis can follow to achieve balance and grow toward enlightenment. […]