Winter provides us with so many ways to focus our mindfulness practice. Whether it’s doing yoga to prevent falls, or breathing in the cold and fully experiencing it in all its crisp, needle-like glory, there are things to be noticed and felt that we normally find unpleasant and wish to ignore.
Tag Archives: yoga
Let Your Body be the Leader – Home Practice for Beginners
Most of us yoga-nuts can probably agree, there is nothing more delicious than a class led by a fabulous teacher – the detailed instruction, the infusion of philosophy, the feeling of safety, the energy of the rest of the group – it can be downright magical. Alas, it can also be pretty time-consuming. Of course we should all make room in our schedules to regularly attend class, but there are times when we simply need to balance classes with our own practice, at home.
When Little Injuries Teach Big Lessons
Have you ever had a little injury? We’re not talking crazy stuff here – no broken bones or major gashes. Just something little – pulled muscle, cranky shoulder, overstretched hip … These are often big enough to bug the heck out of us!
Why Choose Yoga Over Other Forms of Exercise
Although yoga is not just another form of exercise, there are many reasons why you should consider it as your main method of taking care of your body. In addition to keeping you in good physical health, it also allows you to maintain emotional and mental health. Other forms of exercise have great benefits, but they may often not be appropriate for your unique body.
Asteya: The Principle of Non-Stealing
In yogic philosophy, Asteya is part of an ethical code of conduct collectively called the Yamas. It is understood as non-stealing or the avoidance of stealing. This seems rather straightforward, but that depends on your definition of stealing.
The Benefits of Proper Yogic Breathing
Correct breathing is essential to the practice of yoga. Combined with proper diet, relaxation, asana or exercise, and meditation, these five principles create the basis of a well-rounded yoga practice.
Find Your Fall Yoga Rhythm
You can shape your yoga practice to the particular needs and characteristics of the season. Fall is the season associated with the lungs, large intestine and skin. In traditional Chinese medicine, Fall is associated with the metal element, which makes this season the ideal time to do a heavy metal detox.
The ABCs of Yoga Etiquette
It can be embarrassing for beginners to ask questions. Of course, you should never feel embarrassed at all to ask for information or clarification if you are not sure of something. Yoga teachers even feel hesitant to present yoga etiquette for fear of appearing offensive or controlling.
Easing into the Challenge of Your Asana Practice
Is yoga easy or hard? Look at an image of a yogi upside down and contorted in various positions, and it can be hard to imagine yourself doing the same. That’s especially true if you have mobility issues or if you have not been physically active for quite some time.
Benefits of Yoga for All
Yoga has been studied by health professionals since the 1970s, and while yoga shouldn’t be used as a single treatment for any serious problem, regularly practicing yoga has many benefits for women and men.