Learn About Yoga

Top Ten Reasons to Try Yoga

1.  Stress Relief Yoga reduces the physical effects of stress on the body.  By encouraging relaxation, yoga helps to lower the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.  Related benefits include lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving digestion and boosting the immune system as well as easing symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, asthma and insomnia. 2.  Pain Relief Yoga can ease pain. Studies have demonstrated that practicing yoga asanas (postures), meditation or a combination of the two, reduce pain for people with conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, auto immune diseases and hypertension as  well as arthritis, Read More

Not All Coaches are Created Equal.

Whether it’s Business Strategies or Yoga Practices – Not All Coaches are Created Equal. We all want the best for ourselves, don’t we? Sure we may cut corners here and there to meet our budgets or time constraints, but in the grand scheme of things we really do want the best for ourselves and our loved ones. We talk about taking the time out for you for rest and rejuvenation, so you have the energy to give your best to those around you. So, when that time is limited, we need to make sure we are getting the most for Read More

Have we truly let go of the past?

Greetings Yoga Community! With the start of February most of us have set our New Year Sankapla (resolve,) sealed it with 108 sun salutations, let go of the past year and stepped into 2018. But have we?  Have we truly let go of the past? In reviewing my personal year 2017 the concept of letting go struck me deeply. How many of us even know how to let go? In Indian and yogic philosophy, samskaras are the mental impressions left by all thoughts, actions and intents that an individual has ever experienced. They can be thought of as psychological imprints. They are Read More

Take a Mindful Moment

It’s getting to be that time of the year… You know what I am referring to…will I be the first to say it? The Holidays!  If you are over 10 years old, I think it is safe to say that you look upon “the holidays” as a time of joy, as well as a time of stress. The added expense, the pressure, the rush, the excitement and often our unrealistic expectations can leave us physically and emotionally drained. One way to cope with the stresses of the holiday season is by practicing mindfulness. What is Mindfulness? There are many explanations, but one of Read More

Meditation

Seven reasons why you should take time for yourself to relax and meditate: Meditation has been shown to ease stress and anxiety. You’ll be a better listener and more aware to the people in your life. Meditation teaches compassion, which opens your mind and heart to others. Meditation helps you let go of the relentless chatter in your head, so you can actually enjoy your summer activities Meditation has been shown to help you sleep better and be more mindful with food. You’ll be able to focus more on what matters most to you. Meditation helps you let go of Read More

Align Your Chakras with these 7 Poses

Align and connect to your energy centers with this healing practice to get grounded and open up to possibilities. 1. Root Chakra The first chakra is about trust and learning to trust the world when your initial reaction is fear. Feeling safe and grounded in your surroundings, community, family is key to healing yourself. Warrior II Pose Warrior II makes you connect your two feet to the earth, providing you with stability and safety. 2. Sacral Chakra The life lesson in the second chakra involves replacing guilt with forgiveness and acceptance, especially in the areas of sexual relationships. Low Squat This low squat focuses Read More

Clearing & Balancing the Chakras

The spring is a time of balance, rebirth, and rejuvenation when days are longer and the nature is in perfect balance and harmony. This means anything you do right now to seek balance in your life will be enhanced by this energy of nature’s harmony. Working in alignment with nature’s vibrations boosts your spiritual efforts, and this time of reawakening is ripe for clearing and balancing your chakras and energy field. Harness this power of renewal to purge the unnecessary from your energetic closets and sweep up any emotional residue. It’s time to spring clean your soul! Your chakras are Read More

Why Make a Drum?

Why make a drum? Well Native American drum making is great therapy for the mind and body. Once the drum is complete the natural calming vibrations become in tune with the heartbeat of Mother Earth in us all. Connecting us with the earth and all that live upon it. Also, the drum is an important instrument for all people, giving both rhythm and meaning to life. It provides the beat for dancers to proudly offer their thanks and praise to the Creator during ceremonies. It is a way of carrying songs and prayers to the Creator and healing the sick. Read More

Struggling with Wrist Pain?

A fairly common complaint in today’s age of computers and repetitive movements is wrist pain. Whether it’s a case of diagnosed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or simply an overexertion injury, it impacts not only your yoga practice, but your daily life! One of the struggles I observe in my yoga students who are dealing with injury limitations is the internal conflict that arises when I give them modifications of what the rest of the class is doing. I often notice a reluctance to do something different, especially what may seem like “less” than a full pose. But we must honor our Read More

Spring Clean Your Spirit

In anticipation of spring — if you are anything like me — you are anxiously watching for the first glimpses of new growth all around you. Budding trees, greening grass, baby wildlife…any sign of a welcome change of scenery. As we reflect back on the doldrums of winter, this is a perfect time to be mindful of your internal dialogue and give yourself space to reflect on your thoughts to moderate or change your mood and feelings in a positive way. This past winter has been turbulent in many ways, so it is more important than ever to focus your Read More

Vinyasa Yoga Benefits the Mind, Body and Spirit

Vinyasa yoga addresses the stiff culture we live in. The Western world has become a seated society, which is why vinyasa yoga is so important: its orientation is breath and movement, and research shows that increased movement in a seated society is absolutely essential for health. Vinyasa yoga gets us moving. Vinyasa yoga trains the mind. With a seated society comes a toxic mind: because our bodies are still, our minds are racing. Vinyasa yoga stills the mind because it has so many focal points that train the mind: the breath, movements, bandhas, postures, and sequences. We’re really focusing on Read More

Vinyasa Yoga

For those individuals with active yoga experience: Vinyasa classes vary, but common features are rapid flowing poses, sun salutations and synchronizing movement with breath for a “total fitness” workout class. Vinyasa classes will provide thorough instructions on linking asanas (postures) through the breath.  This type class is designed to prepare students for a more vigorous Vinyasa flow class and will build strength and stamina. It will include an introduction to basic asanas, sun salutations, the chakra system – your body’s seven energy centers, and with a concentration on the many health benefits of yoga. Begin your own vinyasa yoga practice Read More

Adult Basic Yoga

The Adult Basic Class is recommended for any adult new to or returning to yoga practice and also students who choose to maintain a level of structured guidance.  Class emphasis is placed on easy to do yoga postures (Asana), balance, breath awareness and relaxation. Read More

Restorative Yoga

Can’t shut your mind down when your body is craving a rest? Still exhausted when you wake up? This class will focus on how to teach your mind and body to relax and achieve the deep, healing “rem” sleep your body needs to wake refreshed and ready to start the day.  Learn how a short “power rest” to clear the mind can give you that extra boost on a stressful day. When you crave deep rest, come to a restorative class, where you will be guided into supported poses that allow you to sink into utter relaxation and soothe you’re Read More

Yoga for Seniors

Yoga for Seniors is a gentle, seated and standing series designed to increase energy, improve balance, develop muscle strength, build endurance, and encourage full range of motion movement. This is a class best suited for those who are challenged by injury, limited range of motion, joint replacement, or pain related conditions, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and diabetes. Yoga is the Perfect Exercise for Seniors We look forward to retirement, a time in life when we can “take it easy”. However, the problem with taking it easy is that it can often lead to a life of little, or worse yet, no Read More

Yoga for Children

Children ages 8-12 years have more control and they are able to comprehend the basic concepts of a yoga practice.  Most are ready to experience the benefits of doing the poses accurately and the health benefits yoga provides.  Anatomy and philosophy are introduced.  The teaching focus includes reinforcing positive behavior in a group and classroom setting. Benefits of Children’s Yoga Encourages Self-Esteem Aids in Relaxation Increases Body Awareness Enhances Flexibility and Strength Improves Balance and Coordination Fosters Cooperation and Compassion Helps them develop a relationship with the world around them Read More