Understanding the yama and niyama: Aparigraha.
The yama and niyama outlined in the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali are Yoga’s ethical precepts. Today we will be exploring the third yama: aparigraha, which means “non-possessiveness”. For more information about the yama and niyama, see this post. When I was a child, there... read more
Our Daily Sadhana: building resiliency through our home-based spiritual practice.
In the midst of the COVID 19 crisis, we are all being asked to physically distance. This allows us to “flatten the curve” by keeping ourselves and our communities safe. However, physical isolation takes its toll. It is during stressful times that we most need to feel... read more
The spring equinox: Invoking fierce hope in times of uncertainty.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.” -Marianne Williamson One translation of the words hatha yoga is “the union of the sun and the moon”.... read more
Spring-cleaning for the soul! How yogis manage their energy wisely.
It is as important for us to purify our energy as it is for us to cleanse our physical body and the space we are in. If that sounds a bit far out and woo-woo, it is actually very practical. If we recall our high school physics class, one of the first things we learned was E=MC^2. This formula basically means the physical world (matter) is made up of energy. Energy is neither good nor bad. It is completely neutral. Like so many things, it is what we choose to do with energy that can be helpful or harmful.
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Chakra 101: The care and keeping of the Solar Plexus Chakra.
The chakras are psycho-spiritual centers located throughout our body. They are similar to old CD-ROMs because they are said to be spinning disks that record our life experiences. This post is the third in our Chakra 101 series. To learn more about the chakras, please... read more
Understanding the yama and niyama: Asteya.
Asteya is a human-centered approach to the problem of stealing. Indeed, it informs us of correct and incorrect behavior: do not steal. Its implications, however, are more far-reaching. Putting this yama into practice requires us to go beyond “not stealing”. Asteya invites us to re-examine our definition of theft and look at the root cause of why we steal in the first place.
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Chakra 101: The care and keeping of the Sacral Chakra
The second chakra, also called the sacral chakra, is named Svadhistana. Svadhistana means “the self’s dwelling place.”….Our emotions, creativity, and sexuality are all associated with this chakra.
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The story of Hanuman: How to love like a Yogi!
Love is a yoga practice. The monkey-god Hanuman, also known as “the Greatest Bhakti”, is a great example of how to love like a yogi! Hanuman teaches us about the transformative power of love.
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Understanding the yama and niyama: Satya.
When we identify with the Truth of who we are, we foster connection to an unending source of love. The more we allow this love to flow in and through us, the more we are able to live deeply, intentionally, and courageously. As mental chatter subsides, we discover and begin to live from a calm place of stillness and peace.
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Imbolc: Honor the Mother within and without.
Hatha yoga: bringing balance to a practice for balanced being. Hatha yoga is the most prevalent form of Yoga practiced in the West. According to the 2016 Yoga in America study, 36.7 million Americans practice yoga! Whether their goals were physical, mental, or... read more