Writings
Root and Nourish: Practices to Calm and Soothe Vata
Here we are… there are no shortage of challenging circumstances to navigate and process right now. Vata season has arrived (for my northern hemisphere friends), and even in a non-pandemic, election, crazy-town year, this seasonal shift can result in feelings of anxiety, anger, insomnia and overwhelm.
Vata is one of the three Ayurvedic constitutional types/doshas, with pitta and kapha making up the other two. We all have a unique mix of these three doshas.
Vayu Yoga and Elemental Yoga
You have already experienced what I've outlined in this article. You know what it feels like to root down into the ground, or to lift up toward the sky. You know how it feels to get really big and expansive, and how it feels to get really small and contracted. Your body knows what it feels like to receive and take in, and what it feels like to release and let go.
My intention here is to offer some guidance on ways to attune to that which is already occurring within you. When we build awareness of how our bodies and minds move, we have a greater capacity to utilize our yoga tools therapeutically. With a heightened sensitivity of these movements and actions, we're able to refine our practices to best support our needs, and our needs as they change.
Trust Yourself
It was the third day of studying with my late teacher, Michael, and before I asked him to officially be my teacher. At the end of practice, he guided us into savasana, and, to let go of control of our breath. After a few moments, in which I thought I had set aside any shaping of my breath, Michael quietly walked over, sat down next to me, and placed his hand on my abdomen. He asked me if I could let go of my breath. My belly began to shake and warm tears streamed down my cheeks and flowed over my ear lobes. I didn’t know why I was crying. But, I did know that this was an important teaching. I asked him to be my teacher later that afternoon. An ask that had only happened once before in my life, and one that hasn’t happened since.
Range of Tolerance - Nervous System Resiliency
Nervous System Resiliency for the Holidays
The holiday season is fast approaching, and during this time of year, I like to offer you some ideas and tools to help you support your nervous system. Whether you love celebrating the winter holidays, you dread them, or it’s a mix, we can all benefit from the practices I’ll be speaking about in this article.
Community and Connection
When was the last time that you felt really connected to a present moment experience? Perhaps it was when you were in the woods, enveloped by the trees, with the scent of dirt and green. Or in a moment of deep stillness on your cushion... in the midst of an embrace, wrapped up in the arms of a loved one... or as you were snuggling with your furry companion.
Connection is the heart of yoga. This practice is about connecting to ourselves… our bodies, minds and hearts, and to the essence of our being... underneath pain, suffering, craving and illusion. And it’s also about connecting with our communities. One of the joys of coming together to practice in the same space, is the love and support we can offer and receive from each other.
Trapped Speed and How to Slow Down
I returned home Sunday evening from a glorious few days of resting and recharging in the Tillamook Forest. Mike, Luna and I luxuriated in a life without clocks, texts, or emails (a regular occurrence for Luna ;). We woke up with the sun and brewed tea. Warm tea always tastes better while sitting outside on a cool morning. We hiked mystery trails not knowing where they went, and sometimes where we were. We ate our first meal when the sun was nearing its high point, and then made our way to a swimming hole in the Wilson River. There we swam in the crisp and clear, gently flowing water, and when sufficiently cooled, we warmed ourselves on the perfectly sculpted, smooth rocks. When the sun began its descent below the canopy of the trees, we found a comfy spot to read (non-yoga!) books, and napped. After about 24 hours of this rhythm, my internal pace began to shift gears.
Excess Pitta
How to Summer Wisely
Revolved Head to Knee pose / Parivritta Janu Sirsana - This is a great pose for pitta season!
Transforming Anxiety
I just finished leading the Nourishing Relationships Yoga Retreat at Breitenbush Hot Springs. I had the pleasure of hosting 17 delightful humans, for two days, exploring the Buddhist and Yogic teachings of loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy and equanimity (the Brahma Viharas). It was magical. Also, it was challenging. And, at times, I found myself overwhelmed by my inner critic.
Breathe Your Way Through the Holidays
Twinkling lights, pumpkin spice, and festive parties, oh my! Even if you delight in this time of year, it can still be stressful. Yoga is here to help. Did you know that the most efficient way to affect change in your nervous system is through breathing? Simple, right? Well…. Not exactly.