“One who is established in a comfortable posture

while concentrating on the inner self alone

naturally becomes immersed

in the spontaneous arising of the heart's ocean of bliss .”

Jaideve Sing, the Siva Sutras

“And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

Anais Nin

Do you have a question about yoga? Feel free contact me and I will do my best to respond.

What is yoga and can I do it?

Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice developed to bring the body, mind and heart into unity in order to move towards enlightenment, or oneness with God/spirit/Beloved. Originally birthed in India, now it has become an internationally practiced philosophy, with over 18 million people currently practicing in North America. There are many wonderful schools of yoga, ones that focus on service to others (Karma yoga), spiritual study (Jnana yoga), Devotional (Bhakti), physical postures and breath integration (Hatha Yoga and pranayama) and many others. The most commonly practiced form of yoga is Hatha yoga. Within the hatha yoga tradition there is still further individual schools, many you probably have heard of. Some of these are Iyengar yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa flow yoga, Bikram Yoga, and many others. What I teach is Classical Hatha Yoga, or Hatha Flow. I draw on many differnt styles of yoga in both my teaching and my practice, as mant students do in order to make thier practice fit them specifically. For example, during heavy menstruation I practice restorative poses. Some days I prefer a more dynamic practice, so I will play some music and heat up with sun salutations and a vigorous flow. Some days I prefer silence or the sound of rain falling on my roof with a gentle flow practice. I encourage you to tailor your practice to what is going on today, in this moment. Most of these practices focus on bringing the body into various poses (asanas) and integrating movement with breath, and awareness. Anyone can do yoga. The ability to "do" yoga is not based upon how long your hamstrings are or how strong your arms are. The spirit of yoga is inherently non-competitive, non-violent (compassionate/ahimsa), and non-judgmental. If you can approach your mat with these principles as your guide, then each pose becomes an exploration, rather than a goal. There are 95 yr old yogis, 5 yr old yogis, yogis in wheelchairs, in office desks, and in gardens. Start slowly and the poses will come, trust in that and see what happens!

What kind of yoga is right for me?

There is a wonderful little quote I heard a while ago, which likens searching for spiritual paths to digging for wells. If you always dig shallowly than you will never find water. With that in mind though, I do like to encourage people to taste test a few yoga classes to experiment with what feels right for them. There are so many wonderful styles of yoga, and even more wonderful teachers, so it really depends on the proper fit. Here are few things to keep in mind. For absolute beginners I do not usually recommend a vigorous ashtanga, or power yoga class. That is not to say that Ashtanga yoga does not have its merits, it does, and I do include some of the practice into my teaching. But often beginners need to take a bit more time, and learn some of the fundamental building blocks in order for them move into their practice safely. If you like attention to detail than Iyengar style yoga may be useful. What I teach I call Hatha Flow, or Gentle Hatha yoga, and this you can find in most large Yoga Centers or Studios. If you are recovering from an injury, or are ill, then perhaps a restorative class would be perfect. You see, yoga is kind of like a pair of shoes, you need to find the right size, color, and feel, and after that you fall in love with them. Without constantly digging for shallow water, but with a sense of openness and ease you will find the style, and speed of yoga that works for you.

How do I know if I am doing the poses correctly?

Each yoga pose (asana) has various levels of depth that you can delve into as your practice deepens. The best way to ensure you have proper alignment is to FEEL the pose, to feel where there are areas of resistance, tension, holding or pain, and to then explore ways of moving around those areas to find freedom and ease. Can you lengthen the body in a different direction? Can you relax and rest in your body in the poses, as well as maintain a dynamic and active core? These are the kinds of questions you can ask yourself as you move through the practice, sensing how your body responds to each asana, to each breath. The next best way is to go to a class with an experienced and loving teacher who you trust to provide hands on adjustments or verbal ques to help bring the more minute detailed aspects of alignment into your body. If you are more of a visual learner than perhaps a book or DVD would be useful. I really enjoy Rodney Yee's book called Yoga, the Poetry of the body, it is available at most major bookstores as well as online. For an inspiring and heart opening experience check out Angela Farmers video, the Feminine Unfolding, although not a practice it is wonderful and inspiring.

How often and for how long should I practice?

With the understanding that 'life happens' and coming to the mat can sometimes feel next to impossible with your daily schedules and demands, I recommend practicing daily. What you will notice after you have developed a solid affinity with the practice, is that your body will actually crave the mat, a longing to expand your body and mind. Finding time can be a challenge, but the more you come to your mat, the more that practice seeps into your daily life, enriching your life with awareness, and kindness. If a daily practice seems like too much, try starting with 2-3 days per week, even 20 minutes can feel and do wonders. Work your way to 45 minutes or an hour. The most important aspect of yoga, is not just the minutes you clock on your mat, but the way in which that time infuses your daily life with freedom, spaciousness, and love. 

Does Yoga conflict with my religion?

Yoga is a spiritual philosophy, not a religion. It is non-dogmatic and all encompassing. Yoga is a celebration of all that we are, and a recognition that we are a part of God/spirit/Beloved. Namaste, which is the word that most yoga classes end with, translates as "The divine in me salutes the divine in you/all". This is a way to encourage our heart to recognize its own beauty and grace reflected in the rest of the world, in all of humanity. In this way yoga guides us toward unity and oneness with everyone around us, no matter age, creed, denomination, size, etc. The practice of yoga does not ask you to abandon your truth, or your path, and that includes your religious choices. 

How far should I go into a pose before I stop?

Try coming about half way into each pose before your max out. Then, breath by breath fall into the pose. Let your exhalation carry you inward, downward, outward. Be cautious of pain, let it be your guide. There is a healthy edge to find, between a good deep stretch, and a ripping, tearing, unbearable sort of sensation. The practice is meant to support you, not stress you out, so check in with the internal sensations of your body in each pose to see if you feel ready to deepen, or if you've come far enough. Check in with how you are feeling the next day and see if the practice helped to make you feel more fluid and present, or if you feel stiff and achy. If you do feel stiff then you moved to deeply, so next time take it easy and work day by day gradually deepening your practice as your body allows.