It took me quite a while to become the yoga teacher that I am today. In fact, I might even say that it took a lifetime. I took my first teacher training course in San Francisco with no intention of becoming a teacher; instead my plan was to solely deepen my own practice. After the training I was regularly taking class and reading books for my own growth, but something was missing. As much as I wanted to avoid teaching yoga – eventually I couldn’t deny it any longer. Yoga had brought me so much clarity and equanimity that I knew it was my purpose to share that with others. Through so much learning, and growing, and discomfort, and self study – I am who I am today. There’s a concept in the Bhagavad Gita called Karma Yoga, which describes how to…
I bet so many of us get stressed in times of stagnicity, transitional periods, or developmental times of our lives wondering what our future holds… and I bet that especially happened for a lot of us when COVID-19 hit. Being a student is the perfect time to stress about the next chapter of our lives after graduation–I was just about to finish my masters degree in March 2020. I knew I wanted to move back to LA, I knew I wanted to teach yoga while building my career as a professional musician/freelance trombone player… but would I pull it all together?? The answer is…duh. But it never feels that way in the midst of the unknown. And of course when covid hit all plans/ guarantees went out the door. I started online teaching while looking for a job in LA. Online teaching…
Nowadays, there are various approaches to holistic therapies and they are all welcome with great potential! One of the most effective ones to release stagnant energy, reduce stress, anxiety, panic attacks as well as relax and balance your mind-body-spirit is Sound Medicine. Even though it might seem to some as a modern method, in reality, it has its roots in ancient practices from all around the world. Over the centuries, music -and sound in general- has been proven pretty effective healing modality to many cultures and civilizations throughout history from the ancient Mesopotamian region to Egypt, Greece, Africa, Asia, and all over America. During the more recent decades we have the privilege to use even more advanced science to understand and explain the effect of high natural vibrations to our nervous system, organs, hormonal levels, blood pressure and various functions of…
Health is more than just what you eat — it’s an overall feeling of wellness, and the activities you do each day offer touchpoints for how you perceive yourself and your body. Feeling young doesn’t have to be relegated just to a measure of age in years. Instead of concerning yourself with chronological age, focus on how to create well-being both mentally and physically. With a healthy body and mind, you can create a healthy whole and continue to feel young as you age. Healthy Body There are several ways you can ensure your physical health is in peak condition, as well — and this will help you look and feel younger as you age. For instance, ask yourself: Are you getting enough sleep? A 2017 study found that neglecting sleep leads to impacts on facial appearance and social interactions,…
Sometimes, our busy lives and hectic schedules can get ahead of us and we can start to lose that mind-body connection and our lives can start to feel off balance. This imbalance can show up in both the physical and emotional body. We can feel tired, stressed or anxious or we may begin to have difficulty with sleep and digestion. With the added stress and exhaustion of a global pandemic, there has never been a better time to bring Yoga and Ayurveda into our lives. The key to getting balance back is to slow down and turn inwards and listen to what’s happening within. To listen for our truest nature and to feel for the subtle vibrations of our body and to strengthen the flow of Prana. Prana is the energetic “life force” that is within all living beings. It…
Something I’ve been contemplating lately is our tendency to skip over celebration. Many of us are future-oriented individuals, and we spend a lot of energy calling things into our life – whether that be a person, relationship, promotion at work, an opportunity, a vacation, anything. We look to the future and focus on what we are trying to cultivate in our life, which is important and beautiful, but what happens when that thing eventually comes? Do we stop to fully revel in its glory, to fully appreciate the journey we went on to get there, all that had to happen to be where we are now? Oftentimes I notice my own tendency to acknowledge the accomplishment but then move right on forward, on to the next thing. There’s a subtle line between creating momentum and ignoring present reality. Present reality…
Many people benefit from practicing yoga and meditation, but none quite like seniors and their caregivers. Whether you have hired in-home help or a family member provides care, practicing yoga and meditation together can strengthen your partnership. Being a caregiver is a rewarding, but sometimes challenging, job— a similar experience for the person being cared…
“2020 has been great,” said no one…ever. As we move into 2021, the inclination to reflect back on 2020 naturally presents itself. However, this year has been one for the books, thus the reflection might be met with somewhat of a bittersweet point of view. I know for myself, my first instinct is to think about all the things I miss. Simple things, smiling at someone on the sidewalk, going to see a movie, shaking a stranger’s hand; I caught myself though. While there are many many things I miss, I would rather reflect on what 2020 has offered, not what it has taken away…the whole glass half full approach. This past year offered me solitude in a way that I have never had. It offered me lessons and challenges which cultivated room for growth. It offered me time…
These anti-inflammatory coconut turmeric energy balls made by our Dietitian Jackie Hackett, are a great post yoga snack! Packed with protein, coconut, and a hint of sweetness they make for a great anytime snack 😋 Check out the full recipe below! Recipe/Ingredients: 1 cup of raw almonds ½ cup pumpkin seeds ⅔ C coconut flakes…