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…]
Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough? Of course. We’ve all felt that way at times. But is it a transient feeling or a belief deeply ingrained in your psyche? In other words, do you need a dose of self love? Why We Need Self Love A big reason you may need self … [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…]
This morning during a guided meditation practice, I heard words I needed to hear. The words, which my yoga teacher read, were Swami Satchidinanda’s. Since I don’t have the text, I’ll paraphrase. The basic idea is God is always there. Things often seem mysterious, and the meaning of life eludes us. We question why we’re … [Read more…]
Today before yoga class, the lovely yoga instructor who was subbing in the class I attend every Monday asked how my mom is doing. Since she also comes to the class as a student, we’ve chatted often, so she knew about my mom’s medical issues. We chatted briefly about caring for loved ones who are … [Read more…]
If you often feel like you’re dragging through the day, you’d probably like to know how to feel more energetic. If that’s the case, you can practice yoga for energy! Yoga creates harmony between mind, body, and spirit. When you’re tired, there is often an imbalance in at least one of these areas. Why Yoga … [Read more…]
Recently, one of my yoga teachers gave a dharma talk on fear. She described how fear shows up in the body and how spoke about how to overcome fear with yoga. First, we need to understand where fear shows up, she explained. According to my teacher, one of the places we hold fear is the … [Read more…]
Recently, a friend asked me what’s on my bucket list. He began to name some things on his, mostly travel to various places. I couldn’t think of a place I need to see in my lifetime, though there are a few places I’d like to go. Go or not, I’ll be happy. Or not. I no … [Read more…]
Gratitude to Doron Hanoch for sharing these practices so we can all breathe easier! by Doron Hanoch Learning to use tools of yoga for asthma changed my life. The practices that helped me can help anyone breathe better, even those who don’t have asthma. Asthma can be triggered for different reasons, and different things will help … [Read more…]
One of my favorite images is of the Hindu deity Hanuman embracing Lord Rama. The story of Hanuman and his devotion is a powerful legend. As the story goes, Hanuman, son of a monkey (his mom) and Vayu, the Lord of the Winds (his dad), had an impressive skill. As a boy, he could lift the … [Read more…]