Spring is ruled by the organs of liver and gallbladder, our main organs for cleansing and processing toxins. Our liver processes allergens that come from pollen and pollution, but if our liver is taxed, it has a hard time working as smoothly. It's time to give these organs a little break. Think of it like an oil change for your body.
Read MoreTo connect and check-in with my students, I have long began all of my yoga classes offering the general opening question, "How are you today?" When one student shares an answer, many others in the classroom agree that they feel similarly.
I am sure you will not be surprised to know that this month (season, year), responses often included sense of overwhelm. Last week, one student responded to my opening question, "I feel like I've been holding my breath for a really long time."
Read MoreIt begins with some harmless flirting, as autumn lures us with brilliant colors, savory air, and delectable harvest treats. But quickly, autumn’s mission accelerates, unleashing more than just awe-striking beauty. Autumn is infused with wind, the energy of movement that is called Vata.
Vata is the "air" element characterized by wind and movement as well as coolness, lightness, and dryness. It is this energy that brings us through the elimination process and aging process overall. In autumn and early winter, it is the dominant energy both around and within us. Vata is the energy needed for change and re-creation. And as the seasons and nature change, so do we. And so should our yoga practice.
Read MoreEven though you may feel like accelerating into September rush, it's actually a good time to also slow down and get more grounded.
It is a good time to nourish our roots, build our inner resources, like a tree pulling in sap. This will help preserve energy and boost our immune system for the eventual transition into winter.
Read MoreSeptember always has me on the run. And even though there is an excitement to the freshness of renewed schedules, new notebooks (for my List Of Things To Do), and reorganizing drawers and closets, it is also an important time for relaxation and slowing down. Under the fresh start of September there is an undercurrent of nostalgia; a complex intertwining of change and reconnection, good-bye and hello.
Read MoreJoin me And Yoga Journal for Restorative 101. A 4-week Online In-depth Course.
In our hyper-digitized, over stimulated society, even yoga can be stressful. Until now. In this profound 101 class, I will have you rethinking restorative yoga one deep breath at a time.
This four-week program offers students an in-depth look at the only eight poses you will need to elicit a relaxation response. Each week I will weave the fundamental themes of a restorative practice—grounding, making space, listening and rejuvenation—into the coursework. And simple prop setups will help encourage deep mind-body release and healing.
Read MoreThe profound effect that restorative yoga has on my students (and my personal transformation), fuels my passion and dedication to spread this amazing practice.
So, when Yoga Journal approached me to create Restorative Yoga 101 for them, I jumped! And, while they were ready to go and eager to add Restorative to their rooster of 101 Courses, they were not yet aware of the INCREDIBLY HUGE AND POSITIVE response they would get from their audience.
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