Have you been told that there is a right way and a wrong way to do a pose? Maybe you were taught one “proper alignment” or principles that should apply to all bodies. Like so many yoga folks, I used to think that there were rules about how yoga should look– but I couldn’t makeContinue reading “different bodies look different in yoga poses: a case study in upward-facing dog”
Category Archives: Asana
born this way
One of my earliest yoga experiences was with a local man, who we’ll call Ed (why not) . Ed taught a Saturday morning donation (pay-what-you-can) class outside by the community pool at his condo. I’ve written before about how magical yoga felt to me in those early days– like falling in love, or coming home,Continue reading “born this way”
real safety is anti-fragility
If you’ve taken a yoga class over the past decade, you’ve probably heard some of the following cues: “Never let your knee travel further than your ankle– you want to protect your knee.” “Brace your abdominals to protect your back.” “Never roll up to stand from a forward fold, or you’ll cause damage to yourContinue reading “real safety is anti-fragility”
finding your footing in warrior 1
What’s the right alignment for Warrior 1? That’s up to you! In this post, we’ll explore cues and alignment for Warrior 1 and how they might affect different bodies.
Students: How To Make Any Yoga Class More Accessible
It’s summer! If you’re traveling this year, you may be leaving your favorite classes and teachers behind. If you’re intimidated by the thought of of finding a yoga class while you’re on the road, I’ve got some guidelines for you. Sometimes it can be a challenge to find a class or a teacher that feelsContinue reading “Students: How To Make Any Yoga Class More Accessible”
A Plea for Clarity in Class Descriptions
Imagine you are a prospective yoga student. Looking at class schedules online, you see a lot of “vinyasa” yoga, and you wonder what it is. Â The descriptions say that the poses that “flow” together with breath and that all levels are welcome. This isn’t much information to go on, so you decide to go takeContinue reading “A Plea for Clarity in Class Descriptions”
Settling the Mind in Savasana: A Body Scan Technique
Recently I took a look at some different Savasana variations to help your body feel comfortable and relaxed for rest. When our bodies are supported and at ease, we give our minds a better opportunity to be calm and peaceful. Sometimes, even with the body in its most optimal position, our mind is still racingContinue reading “Settling the Mind in Savasana: A Body Scan Technique”
After Gym Class: Learning to Love Movement via Yoga
A few weeks ago, I read an article in the New York Times entitled “How You Felt About Gym Class May Impact Your Exercise Habits Today.” This is something that feels so obvious to me I was kind of surprised that it merited an article, but then again, I think way more about my traumatic lifeContinue reading “After Gym Class: Learning to Love Movement via Yoga”
Finding Ease in Savasana: Prop It Up!
At the end of every yoga class, we lie down in Savasana- yoga’s “corpse pose.” In this final pose, we practice letting go and letting be. Â Trusting that we’ve done enough, we release any sense of effort and give ourselves over to rest. Neurologically, this is a chance for our nervous system to absorb andContinue reading “Finding Ease in Savasana: Prop It Up!”
The Yoga of Self-Expression
“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will notContinue reading “The Yoga of Self-Expression”