The Wise Self: Vijnanamaya Kosha
Vijnanamaya kosha is the part of us that lies beneath the thinking mind, the part that is aware of ourselves feeling our body. It includes the ego, the substrate of personality and conditioning that generates thoughts, emotions, and intentions. As
Yoga for Healing: The Importance of Developing Body Awareness and Interoception
So often in our yoga practice, we focus on the physical—releasing tension here, strengthening this, stretching that, and so on. Our physiology is usually an afterthought and we don’t specifically focus on it unless it starts to malfunction and shows
Yoga to Soothe Mind and Body: How to Practice Supported Pigeon Pose
Supported Pigeon Pose (Kapotasana) is one of the most soothing yoga poses and a wonderful way to gently release the hips, sacrum, and lower back. Further, it helps to release constriction in the piriformis and psoas muscles. Gentle pressure on
Stop Relaxing Your Glutes in Yoga Backbends
One cue that has gotten a lot of publicity and perpetuation throughout the yoga world is “relax your glutes” while practicing yoga backbends. While the intention behind this well-meaning cue is noble, the results can actually be the opposite of
Hyperkyphosis (Dowager's Hump) Carries Similar Risks as Osteoporosis, Research Finds
We all know that poor posture isn't flattering. But did you know that new research shows that posture actually affects our health and well-being in ways that most people are not aware of? One particular posture problem significantly impacts our
A New Take on Forward Bends: 3 Ways to Practice Forward Bends with a Chair
Frustrated with your forward folds? It's a common experience, not matter how many years you’ve practiced yoga. But noticing an ingrained pattern may be an invitation to try something new. This is where folding chairs come into play. A folding
Yoga for Back Pain and Scoliosis: Keys to Addressing Spinal Imbalances with Yoga
Do you live with back pain or scoliosis? No matter the cause of your condition, a yoga practice that meets the needs of your unique spine may help! In this article, Certified Yoga Therapist Deborah Wolk, founder of the Samamkaya
Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
Cat-Cow Pose is a very common sequence in yoga classes. It is almost as ubiquitous as Downward Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana). There is good reason for this. Benefits of Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana) Despite its somewhat simplistic name, Cat-Cow, we
How to Overcome the 4 Most Common Yoga Teacher Challenges: The Power of Niche Building
Ah, becoming a yoga teacher. For most of us, it’s a dream come true. Becoming a yoga teacher is the first step toward building your own practice to greatly enhance yoga's transformative aspects. And it’s a first step toward doing
2 Restorative Yoga Poses to Calm Your Body and Mind
The following two restorative yoga poses can be used at home anytime you feel anxious or stressed. They help calm body and mind and settle the entire nervous system. Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani) This pose will increase the blood supply
Yoga Teaching & Practice: Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose) - Tutorial Yoga Video
Every yoga pose is challenging in its own way, and Parivrrta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose) is no exception. There are so many points of action and alignment to think about. But they all come together to create a truly beautiful
Yoga Teachers: Are You Practicing With Your Students?
As a yoga teacher, I’m constantly looking for more tools to add to my teaching repertoire, because each student learns differently. Cues, visual demonstrations, and prop setups aren’t universal. Visual demonstrations, which can come in the form of demos or
How Yoga Heals: A Balm for Stressful Times with Judith Hanson Lasater
Earlier interventions, better medications, and technological advances have made acute and episodic illnesses–think heart attack and stroke–far more survivable than in years past. That’s the good news. The bad news is that we don’t necessarily seem to be getting healthier
Feeling Stressed? Warrior Poses Unleash Your Inner Strength
Our modern lives can often feel hectic and stressful. Unexpected challenges and changes can stir up feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Yoga can help us to find stability in frenzied times by allowing us to access and develop our internal
How Poor Posture Can Lead to Physical and Mental Dis-Ease
Poor posture is not a cause as much as it is a symptom. Essentially, it is the dysfunction of various systems in the body that are either over or under-functioning. In most bodywork circles, we think of faulty posture as