Dear Neesha,
In a recent class you spoke briefly about tantra yoga and the concept of “embracing all things.” Could you tell me more about this yoga style? Where did you learn to practice this yoga, did you have a teacher, and could you recommend a couple books, or authors? Thanks! - Chris M
Dear Sarah,
I’ve heard you speak once (or twice) about “reverse breathing.” If you are a “reverse breather,” should you try and modify your breathing or just continue to breathe as you normally would even though it is reverse? It is very hard to do yoga and focus on reversing your breathing. I always seem to be on an exhale when I should be inhaling, and vice versa. Thanks! - Jennifer, Buffalo, NY
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for practicing with us on YogaToday! As a reverse breather, your lungs and stomach contract when you inhale and they expand as you exhale. Statistics report that around 30% of the population breathes in this way, so even though it is not the most common way to breathe, there are plenty of folks out there reverse breathing.
My advice to you is to breathe as you normally do, instead of trying to switch. Often times students think they are breathing incorrectly and begin to worry, but the fact is – you are breathing and that is GREAT! Thanks for asking and be well.
Namaste,
Sarah Kline
Hi Neesha,
During your class we practiced the royal one-legged pigeon pose and I found that my most restricted area was my upper shoulders. Do you have any guidance how to encourage tight shoulders to reach back when the elbows are up? Thank you! Mel, NM
Hi Mel!
Tight shoulders become very apparent when the arms are asked to stretch overhead and catch a foot. I know that you are not alone. The best advice I can give you is to go through the principles of shoulder alignment in every pose. When your arm bones are lined up in your shoulder sockets, and shoulders are evenly on the back, there is the highest degree of integrated opening. I will talk you through it.
In Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana if your right arm is up, expand fully inside and massively melt your heart because there is no way you can do this pose through effort alone. When you melt your heart, your arm bone will deepen into your shoulder socket, creating integration of the arm bone (humerous) in the shoulder socket (glenoid fossa).
Once you have that integration, with the arm still straight, move it back. As you move the arm bone back, 3 things will need to happen simultaneously: your inner shoulder, outer shoulder and outer elbow will all move back. This makes your armpit nice and hollow (read: healthy shoulder). Melt your heart again and repeat 2 more times. At this point, your right arm is still straight, but your right shoulder blade will be on your back with the inferior angle(bottom tip) moving up and into the heart. Then, keeping those actions, bend your elbow and catch your foot. TADA!
Actually, it is not so easy, and much easier with a friend. The bottom line is to get clear with the actions and the shoulder will open. If you go quickly for the foot the arm bone will tend to pop out creating more dis-integration. If you feel your armpit resembling a Barbie arm-pit (sticking out), you know you need to breathe and melt your heart again.
Namaste,
Neesha
There’s nothing better than the gift of delicious food during Thanksgiving. The meal is what gathers family and friends together for a time to connect. Whether you’re graced with the task of preparing the entire meal or just a single culinary creation, embark on the mission with fall in mind.
In Ayurveda, fall is called “vata” season. Think of vata like a dry, crispy leaf being taken for a ride by the wind. And because we are a part of nature, the vata season can have a similar effect on us!
Below are vibrant, easy-to-prepare dishes that are particularly helpful for counterbalancing fall. They cultivate the rootedness and grounding that we’re looking for and leave out the meat and dairy that’s hard on our systems. Slow down, open up your senses and let your love pour into the food!
Beverage
Main
Sauce
Side
Without mindful attention given to what’s occurring this time of year we can become vulnerable to internal imbalance. Dry skin, static hair, constipation, anxiety, cold hands, cold toes and feeling down in the dumps are all signs of this imbalance.
You might notice that while the leaves are falling and you’re adding extra layers of clothes and the cutest boots of the season, the foods that sound the best are thick soups, potatoes, root vegetables and warm, sweet drinks like hot cocoa or apple cider. These heavy, nourishing, warm foods are what counterbalance the crisp, wispy chill in the air outside. They keep us rooted and grounded so we don’t get whisked away by the wind.
Happy holidays!
Namaste,
Ashley
Want to dig a littler deeper? Click here for more information on the Ayurveda lifestyle.
Ashley Pitman is a fresh and authentic voice that brings potent ancient wisdom to the dinner table – as something the entire family can understand, embrace and enjoy. She supports thousands of people in crafting a thriving day-to-day experience that’s in favor of their best work – we’re talkin’ raw foods, ayurveda, cleansing, life-enhancing relationships, yoga, meditation, conscious business, and community. For tons of free valuable content visit her blog or sign up for the free weekly newsletter.