How often are we aware of the presence of a certain power source with which we are born, and without which we cannot exist? We simply refer to it as the breath, but it is so much more. And, seasonal allergies directly interfere with the health of this precious power source. Here, Pranayama, breathing practices, help to …
Category: Practice
jala neti – nasal wash
jala neti - nasal wash As the warmth of the sun descends upon the earth, the layers of sweaters and coats are discarded to reveal pale skin that has not been touched by these golden rays for six long months. Waking up to the chirps of young ones getting ready to make their first flight …
my practice, my abhyasa
“Yoga is 99 percent practice and one percent theory.” Ashtanga Yogaacharya, Shri Pattabhi Jois In the Fall of 2000, I felt a gentle push to begin yoga. Opening the yellow pages, I found YogaLife Institute, located only 3 miles away. On a warm September evening, I entered their doors for a simple yoga class. What I …
yoga props
"To use or Not to use"- that is the question. To answer the question, let's take a peek into the world of yoga props. Many of us (me too at first) think that using props means that we cannot do a pose or we are somehow cheating. This is an obstacle the ego puts before us. …
yoga mat – sacred space
"Yoga is about getting on the yoga mat and uncovering who you are." Unknown It's true - the himalayan yogis did not use a Gaiam or Jade yoga mat. But tradition suggests that ancient yogis did use some sort of 'mat' woven from grass or animal skin (tiger, deer or sheep); essentially for cushioning on hard ground and a clean surface for asana practice. …
first things first
"Faith is taking the first step even though you don't see the whole staircase." Martin Luther King Jr. There are many firsts in life; a first step, first bike-ride, first hike, first job. Yoga-asana practice, has many firsts as well - first yoga-mat, first yoga teacher, first yoga class, first yoga retreat, first yoga chant, first yoga text. Of course, if you didn’t have a ‘good first yoga’ impression, it is …
in the beginning
"Start by doing what is necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible." St. Francis of Assisi They say everything must have a beginning. And on this journey too, there was a beginning. More aptly, many beginnings. In the beginning, growing up in Bengaluru, India, (the best city in the world - yes, I am partial) I don't recall hearing the word yoga. Then again, even if it was spoken all the time …
