I recently had a rough flight. Bumpy landing. Maybe lost a wheel or two. Maybe refused an oxygen mask in lieu of muscling through impossible circumstances. But the flight is over, and we’re walking away, and I find I don’t need to talk about it anymore. (This is a metaphor). The last chapter of my …
Mantra: The Power of Thoughts, Words, and Actions Read More »
When I first retired from my fancy-pants career in 2011 to teach the Yoga full time, I was surprised to find myself in a remarkably precarious position that did not involve being upside down or folding any part of myself in on itself like a transformer. I had anticipated showing off my badass body folding …
Yoga Teacher Mantra: You Are Not Broken, and I Cannot Fix You Read More »
Today my social media feed is about people giving up on New Year’s Resolutions, before the new year begins. Congratulations for quitting without starting. This is the best way to ensure failure. If you’re feeling a bit glum this year, as the economy is unstable, as our leadership leaves something to be desired (like leadership), …
It took me decades to realize this simple truth about humans, despite training in archeological and forensic anthropology. Humans are so weird! We are bipedal! We walk on two legs, and our limbs have evolved to accomplish different functions. I can look at a human femur and tell you some basic information about the person …
What is feedback? Feedback is helpful. Perspective from another person lets us know what went well and what didn’t. It might inform what we keep or toss from our teaching, or allow us to develop a new skill. It might be opinion or fact, but it isn’t criticism or commentary on your character. Some feedback is …
“I want to be Insta-Famous” This is the mantra of many new yoga teachers out there. I understand. Because while I don’t post half naked photos of me “doing yoga” or dangling from a s3x-trapeze, or rolling over some ridiculous object to “support my practice,” I do get off on some external validation. I’d secretly …
If you teach Yin Yoga, you’ve probably had more than a few pregnant students come to your class in search of some stretching, support, or salvation from the hotter than Hades classes offered in most yoga studios. “Why me?” you may have asked yourself. You may have felt some self-pity, some anxiety, or started to …
So many students are directed to Yin Yoga by their “other” yoga teachers because they believe it to be a healthful, healing practice. This is not incorrect, but it also isn’t complete! Yin Yoga is most beneficial for those with injuries because they can easily adapt around them, or take a completely different pose. Rather …
There are as many answers to this question as there are teachers, but here are some benefits of practicing at different times of day: Morning Practice - Upon waking, muscles are not yet warmed up and the biggest benefit to connective tissue is possible. - Starting the day with a positive action (like a yin yoga practice) …
