Category Archive: Yoga Essentials

Unlocking the Ethics of Yoga: Asteya & Aparigraha

Practicing yoga postures helps us become more present and (hopefully) get out of pain. What we do with that level of ease and clarity points to living yoga off our mats, in our… Continue reading

Unlocking the Ethics of Yoga: Ahimsa & Satya

Modern yoga seems to have become more about yoga postures and less about creating a peaceful, meaningful life. Yet there are seven other facets to the ancient practice that have nothing to do… Continue reading

The Real Yoga —It’s About Staying Right Here

He had this overwhelming aroma. Not smelly, or BO or anything, but a powerful rose scent. I found it an odd contrast to smell something so light and delicate emanating from a tall,… Continue reading

Strong & Supple Feet: How To Build Your Foundation For Balanced Posture

For many people, postural imbalance begins in the feet. Some muscles and tendons of the feet are weak and over-stretched, while other areas are locked short, tight and stiff. Since feet provide the… Continue reading

Postural Balance: a clean slate for your yoga practice

The ways we carry ourself, sit, stand and move often exist in patterns of imbalance. Because the body is an interconnected whole —inclusive of thoughts and emotions— these patterns ripple out to impact… Continue reading

The Evolution of Yoga (& Why Yoga Classes Can Feel So Different)

While today’s yoga is heavily based on a physical practice, it is built on an ever-evolving philosophical backbone. The roots of yoga have more to do with spirituality and the nature of existence,… Continue reading

Forward Folds: How You Might Be Hurting Yourself In Yoga

Over the last sixteen years, injuries have been on the rise in yoga. Maybe this is because there are more people practicing yoga, or maybe it’s because we’ve had an increase in new… Continue reading

Starting A Home Yoga Practice: 3 Keys To Getting On Your Mat

There are many benefits to practicing yoga at home. You can hold postures longer if your body needs more time to relax. You can crank whatever music you like, or practice in utter… Continue reading

Chaturanga Part 2: Go Forward, Not Just Down

If there was one action that revolutionized my Chaturanga Dandasana, it was this: move forward as you bend your elbows and lower down. Before, I could never work out how to get my elbows… Continue reading

Yogis: Please Stop Pinning Your Elbows To Your Ribs In Chaturanga (Chaturanga Part 1)

Somewhere in yoga’s lexicon this cue was born. Who knows where or when, but teachers everywhere repeat it without explanation. Maybe this alignment cue is intended to help the yoga practitioner draw strength into her midline,… Continue reading