More Snowga (yes, we’ve all got cabin fever)
Curvature Before Length
A key therapeutic alignment principle is “curvature before length.” This in essence means that we want to get our skeleton into the basic form of its “optimal blueprint” before trying to create length or extension. Making sure the spine has… (READ MORE)
Snowga
We had fun watching it get snowier and snowier between my two Willow Street classes (delightful how many came despite the weather), but it sure was cold on the way home.
Shins In/Thighs Out (and Rabbi Hillel)
Rabbi Hillel is famous for having said, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me; if I am not for others, what am I? If not now, when?” Taken in its best light (and not as the… (READ MORE)
Starting with the Foundation (and Samtosha)
Last night, at his workshop at Willow Street Yoga, Todd Norian discussed the niyama samtosha — contentment. “Perfect,” I thought, because I had been contemplating the practice of samtosha all day. When I had sat to meditate in the morning… (READ MORE)
Start with the Foundation (On and Off the Mat)
John Friend tells us in teacher trainings that when we are observing students, start at the foundation. In order to help a student have the highest, most joyous and expansive experience in a pose, the foundation must be secure, aligned,… (READ MORE)
When I am Settled
When meditating and practicing in a group, if I am feeling settled and grounded myself, it does not disturb my practice that others near me are fidgeting or not fully present. Just as I can meditate on a bus or… (READ MORE)
This Morning I Started to Wear Brown and Then Thought Better of It
This morning, without thinking, in apparent keeping with the dark, wet, gray day, I picked out a brown sweater to wear. Then I thought, “what, am I crazy? I could bring color into the day.” Now I am dressed in… (READ MORE)
Nightblooming Jasmine in Winter (and sadhana)
I walked into the dining room yesterday and caught a hint of an exquisitely sweet fragrance. I knew the paperwhite bulb I was forcing was only in bud. What was it? I went to look and saw that there was… (READ MORE)
Winter Yoga Greetings (Web Version of Winter Newsletter)
Happy new year to all! I hope 2010 is off to a good start for you. My days are full with work and practice and teaching and photographing and cooking and indoor gardening and telling stories (aka blogging) and connecting… (READ MORE)