November 2008

As we head into the holidays, it’s easy to become caught up in the crowds and the shopping and the planning. At times, it can be tough to remember what the season is really all about – the simple giving and receiving of thanks and love. Sometimes, it’s necessary to stop for a moment and check in. That’s what this sequence is all about.

We’ll begin with a short series of hip opening postures that will prepare your body to sit comfortably for a moment of reflection. From there, we’ll move into a short meditation that will help you feel the simple presence of your physical being. May the recognition of this gift of your body bring an innate sense of thanks from the inside out.

Happy Thanksgiving!

When there’s not enough time for a full-length episode of Yoga Today, it’s still great if you can squeeze in even ten minutes for your health and well being. We’ve had many requests for a short series of exercises that target those hard-to-reach areas in the hips, thighs and bum. These muscles carry us through the world with confidence and need to be maintained and nurtured everyday.

For added intensity, this ten minute sequence can be repeated if you’ve got the time, but make sure to keep your movements slow and deliberate. Pay attention to the details. Adjustment suggestions such as “roll your inner thigh up” and “tack your hip to the floor” will significantly increase the effectiveness of the postures:)

If you’ve ever tossed and turned for series of sleepless nights, you’re not alone. Many people in the western world experience insomnia in some form. It affects nearly a third of the US population, with 20 million chronic cases reported each year. Some common causes in our society include stress, anxiety, a reliance on stimulants and a lack of exercise. We all know that our moods are correlated to the quality of our previous night’s sleep and are familiar with the irritability that comes with restlessness.

The good news is there are many things you can do to bring about a more a peaceful night, without resorting to medication. Read the rest of this entry »

hiking in gothenburg

Teaching over here has been a lovely experience! I started my journey in the beautiful city of Gothenburg. Located on the southwestern coast of Sweden, the people of Gothenburg are intelligent, gentle and open to the teachings of Anusara yoga. My week began at Yoga Buddhi, which is an up-and-coming center for yoga education in this second largest Swedish metropolis. Read the rest of this entry »

Feeling sluggish and stagnant after hours in front of your computer is completely normal. It’s important to take regular breaks to keep productivity high and prevent physical injury. Oxygenate your blood, clear your mind, and stretch & tone your muscles with this energizing office workout with Neesha. It’s quick and can be done at your desk, in business attire. Take ten minutes for yourself – you’ll be back to work in no time; feeling and working better than ever!

beautiful and inspiring

I have been so fortunate to be able to continue my growth and expansion of yoga. My most recent experience was in Park City, UT with Baron Baptiste. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Baron he is known for Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga. Baron’s approach is to empower and encourage the student to really expand into their fullest potential, into his or her authentic nature, dissolving that which holds us back, and actively accepting who we are and who we are not. His sense of humor and simplicity keeps you engaged and interested… the time just fly’s. His flow is accessible to anyone… with simple modifications it could be more or less intense.

angela, baron and me

Going into the training I had no expectations or even any idea as to what I was about to experience. Baron shared his passion and inspiration for yoga in a very accessible and powerful way. It is always so interesting to me to see all the different ways that yoga is being shared and taught throughout the world. People from a variety of backgrounds were present for this playful weekend adventure.
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I am still vibrating in the wake of 800 yogis playing together in Estes Park, CO a few weeks ago for the first ever Anusara Yoga Grand Gathering! We convened together with beloved teachers and friends from around the world to celebrate our connection, weaving our unique personalities into one colorful, creative display of living art and yoga!

At this 3-day gathering, we began each morning with a guided meditation. Sally Kempton, Douglas Brooks and Bill Mahoney led the group through profound inward journeys. After that, John Friend led all 800 of us through a yoga practice for 3 hours. His ability to extend himself to everyone is phenomenal. As he skillfully led us through masterful sequencing, he focused on embodying basic virtues of the heart.

I spent Monday afternoon with Douglas Brooks. Like a sponge, I soaked up his inspired and light filled reflections on the Bhagavad Gita. One of the most profound teachings I walked away with was an opportunity to open up the midline of my own experience- to become Read the rest of this entry »