Topics from the Yoga Circles book
The chakras system—the energy system of the body—is complex. Experts say we need to work with each of the main chakras carefully. We begin at the base of the spine with the root chakra, where we can root to rise. Rooting in yoga creates a foundation from which we build stability and strength. From there, … [Read more…]
If you’ve listened to the songs from the Broadway musical “Hair,” you’ve heard of the Age of Aquarius. At the time, it may have sounded like an imaginary age and a catchy tune. Turns out, the Aquarian Age is a real thing, and it’s probably happening now. What is the Aquarian Age, you ask? Good … [Read more…]
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are sacred verses that teach us why we need yoga and how to practice. First, we’re told to take a seat and listen. We will now learn about yoga. Yoga (or union) is the cessation of the modifications of the mind, specifically five types of thoughts. Patanjali then describes the … [Read more…]
What if the things you dislike most about yourself are your greatest strengths? Crazy idea, isn’t it? Yet this is an idea my yoga teacher put out to us one morning. She was reading a book about shadow work, or more specifically embracing our shadow side. The author suggests we think of our dark sides … [Read more…]
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali—196 verses of yoga wisdom—begins by asking a fundamental question: What is yoga? Well, to be precise, the sutras begin with the sage calling yogis to take their seat. It’s time, he says, for the teachings of yoga. After we (the students) are presumably settled in place, Patanjali explains what we … [Read more…]
Do you know that suffering is optional? Spiritual traditions tell us this, but many of us are slow to accept it. Spiritual masters like Buddha and Jesus advised their followers that they would suffer, but they also offered hope for redemption. Yes, suffering is inevitable, but we can transform it. A friend of mine recently … [Read more…]
This week, I’ve done my best to avoid the theme of letting go of what doesn’t serve me or making New Year’s Resolutions. But it seems every email, social media update, or blog post I’ve seen in the last several days is about charting a new course in one way or another. So I’ll stop … [Read more…]
You never really know what affect you’ll have on someone’s life. Simple gestures can make a lasting difference. Sometimes we hesitate to reach out in a simple gesture of kindness, because we’re not sure how it will be received. When you feel this way, share the light anyway. Believe it will make a difference! No, … [Read more…]
At a yoga class one day, my teacher read a simple quote that is a spin on the Serenity Prayer. It goes like this: God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, The courage to change the one I can, And the wisdom to know it’s me. The quote, like the prayer itself, … [Read more…]
Since I started practicing yoga decades ago, I’ve had lots of discussions with folks brought up in the Christian faith who are curious but skeptical about the practice. For me there’s no reason to separate Christianity and yoga, but I understand some of the hesitation I’ve encountered. For whatever reason, some people believe yoga is … [Read more…]