One of the niyamas or “internal observances” that constitute the second limb of yoga is santosa a sanskrit word for happiness and contentment. Being optimistic and cheerful is key to success in yoga. If one feels dour or negative while doing a yoga pose, then coming out of the posture is recommended. By practicing yoga …
Since today is the full moon, let’s consider how the moon has been regarded in yoga philosophy. In sanskrit the word for moon is candre. According the BKS Iyengar the moon represents consciousness. The waning and waxing of the lunar cycle are like the fluctuations of the mind. The moon is a cool orb and …
According the BKS Iyengar headstand is the king of all āsanas. When done correctly the pose has many health benefits. To achieve proper alignment in the pose one must have flexibility in the shoulders and upper back. In this variation of headstand the finger webbing of each hand interlocks to form a cup. The back …
Today is March 21, 2021 and in honor of the moon phase being in the first quarter, today’s topic is half moon pose. See how both legs are straight and the trunk is turning skyward. This is a cooling pose and according the BKS Iyengar the pose resembles the half moon. In sanskrit the pose …
Yoga has 8 stages . Theses steps are not linear. The term petal is more suited to describe the 8 parts. Social Observances: Non-violence, honesty, non-stealing, continence, and non-hoarding Personal Observances: cleanliness, contentment, austerity, self-study, and surrender. Physical Postures Breath Expansion Withdrawal of the Senses Concentration Meditation Complete Absorption
Time is a concept created by the human mind. We live in the present moment although the mind fluctuates between ideas of the past and future. How can we stabilize the consciousness and exist only in the eternal now? With the practice of yoga we can become observers to change with each moment.
Stoke the sparks of inspiration to practice yoga today by standing tall and looking straight ahead onto the horizon. Let the eye gaze be soft but alert. In our practice of physical postures known as asanas the eyes are meant to be open. The eyes have the element of fire. Once the flame of yoga …
Remember the last day of school before summer vacation? What was your feeling as you walked through those school doors ready to throw your books in the air and not look back? When you stretch your arms overhead and reach for the sky do you feel a sense of elation and exhilaration? Yoga can bring …
There maybe dreams present in sleep or no dreams at all. Dreamless sleep is the ideal as it is the most restful. To promote healthful sleeping a couple simple yoga poses can be performed before bedtime. These include placing the legs up the all or laying down flat with arms and legs out stretched but …