* Sages of old didn’t try to escape the world.They remained within its very center—on a lotus-petaled seat—drawing nourishment from the mud beneath them, connecting to the abundance of the earth and all that is, to support their layers and layers of unfolding. The lotus, that ancient and lasting symbol of beauty and vitality, rises from decay and darkness,…
* “The greatest influence in your life, stronger than your willpower, is your environment. Change that, if necessary. Until you are mentally strong, you can never be what you want to be without a good environment.” –Parahamsa Yogananda It took me years to fully grasp the significance of this idea: After all, the point of yoga is to create…
* In AHA! Yoga sessions, we often use yoga straps. No, it is not a strange torture device, nor is it meant to stick you in difficult yoga poses. A yoga strap can help you get all the benefits from specific postures, while maintaining comfort and ease. Yoga straps can also provide more space for your body, so that…
Two of the best things to ensure your safety during yoga are also two of the best benefits of regular yoga practice: Self-awareness and Non-violence. Loren Fishman is an expert in medical yoga and is affectionately referred to as the “Doctor of Yoga.” Fishman is a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, as well as a practicing…
Yoga is more than just asana (physical poses) and stretching; pranayama (breathwork) is crucial for a well-rounded yoga practice. One of the best Pranayama methods to soothe the brain and calm the mind is also one of the easiest. And, it’s a lot of fun! “Bhramari” gets its name, “Bee’s Breath,” from the Sanskrit, “Bhramaraka.” “Bhramaraka” means “bee,” “honey,”…
This posture is a little known sleeping beauty waiting to be discovered, as it is one of the only yoga poses that has you lie down on your side. It is also a subtle balance asana (posture), sometimes easier for those who find standing or arm balance poses frustrating or painful. ANANTASANA: Pronounced: /Ahh—Nahn—TAH—sah—nah/ ANANTASANA = “Ananta” is the…
* Yin yoga is a slower, more visibly passive form of yoga, yet it leads to very deep opening. The focus is upon gradually stretching to release even connective tissue around the joints, particularly the knees, pelvis, sacrum, and spine. Because this approach requires us to slow down, the mental component of Yin Yoga is also at the forefront,…
* YOGA NIDRA is a beautiful relaxation and meditation method that helps you deeply relax, rejuvenate, and therefore energize. It also increases your awareness and thus your ability to be truly present and calm. Taught at AHA! Yoga in the Himalayan Tradition, this approach to Yoga Nidra leads you to a wakeful awareness that allows your MIND as well as your body to deeply rest….
* Sages of old didn’t try to…
College is an exciting time, and a…