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.
The Buzzing Breath / Brahmari Pranayama
This is a great pranayama for focusing the mind, because you’re making a sound. Other benefits of this breathing exercise include: pain management, and breaking up congestion and stagnation in the physical body and the nadis. You can change the pitch of the sound to vibrate different areas of the body. Try this pranayama when the mind is distracted, when there’s pain or a sense of inertia. Buzz as loud as you can without creating tension in your face, jaw, or neck. Try buzzing in different postures, like sitting, standing with feet hip width, laying down, in Warrior II pose, etc. You can also plug your ears with your thumbs and rest your fingertips on your scalp to bring your attention more internal.
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.
How To Rock a Handstand
Happy October! In all of my classes this month, I'll be teaching a series focused on strength and conditioning exercises to prepare for Handstand. Handstand! One of the most elusive and enticing postures I've come across. There's something so, so sweet about balancing on my hands, and feeling all my muscles in precise orchestration. Handstand requires strength, balance, mobility, theright breath, state of mind and gaze point.