Śavasana
Śavasana, aka corpse pose, is how most of us spend the last few minutes of a movement practice. This state of dynamic stillness allows our systems to integrate all that we’ve experienced in the movement, the breathing, and the mindfulness of our practice. The first yogic text to say much about the body, the Hatha Yoga […]
Supported Reclining Posture
I invite you to explore a supported reclining posture. Get yourself a cozy spot set up with lots of blankets, pillows, cushions, or yoga props if you have them. Create a ramped support that you can lie back on, with the head and neck supported and the forehead slightly higher than the chin. The torso […]
Journaling Practice
If you’re like me, journaling is totally not your thing. However, it can be such a great way to gain insight and move the needle forward with transformation. I invite you to give this version a try. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes. Move your body in any way that feels good. Dance. Rebound. Go […]
The Fullness of Presence
This practice will help you become acquainted with the present moment. Lie down with support under your knees. Place one hand on your heart, one on your belly. You might choose to close your eyes. Instead of trying to relax, ask: What is already here? Notice sensation.Notice temperature.Notice the subtle movement of breath. You may […]
Trying Softer
What if the path to transformation isn’t accomplishing more, but cultivating receptivity? Not trying harder, but trying softer. We live in a culture of progress, momentum, striving. And yet, sometimes the deepest work isn’t something we do, but something we allow. The last time something was canceled, did you feel a flicker of relief? Embodied […]
Cultivating Nourishing Patterns – Part 1
In yoga, we have a concept called samskara. These are impressions left behind by our past experiences, actions, and responses. Some call them “soul scars.” They are often described as grooves or imprints in the mind, not unlike a neural pathway. Most often, samskara are subconscious patterns that show up in how we perceive and […]
Pratipaksha Bhavana Defined
Pratipaksha bhavana means “cultivating the opposite.” Practically this looks like making a different choice when habitual patterns no longer serve us. Of course, we first have to realize that something we are or aren’t doing is not serving us anymore! This idea of pratipaksha bhavana is given in the Yogasūtra of Patañjali, the first text to gather […]
Ritucharya Defined
What If your self-care had a rhythm? Rhythm is food to the nervous system, whether we’re talking about movement practices or your daily, weekly, or seasonal schedule. In the Christian tradition, the concept of a “rule of life” is an ancient practice that’s about creating simple, sustainable patterns to live a more integrated, meaningful life. […]
The Seasonal Gift of Rest
As the days grow shorter (in the northern hemisphere) and we get closer to the hubbub of the holidays, it’s important to honor the body’s natural seasonal rhythm. There is a natural draw to slow down and rest, while the culture pulls us in the opposite direction. Stillness practices in particular can help us move […]
Tapas Defined
Tapas is the energy of transformation, our inner fire.