| Recognizing your blessings can be a powerful tool for healing. For this month of November I am engaging in an exercise of “30 Days of Gratitude“. Each day, I’ll be identifying something for which I am grateful. Check it out on my Facebook and twitter pages and feel free to engage in your own exercise: #30daysofgratitude. Om, Shanti, Peace. ADVERTISEMENT |
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| Down under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass (DUMBO) with the towering Mahattan Bridge in the backdrop. A classic background and canvas on which to close the 2017 Yogi Postcard series.
Happy Autumn! Shanti. |
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| Mural painted on a gate that I walk past when going to teach yoga in Brownsville at Brownsville Recreation Center. Looks like this may be a tribute to Borokeete, which is a famous band that plays in the New York West Indian Day Parade. |
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| Opening my 2017 “Yogi Postcards” series in the neighborhood that raised me, in Bushwick, Brooklyn, NYC. Happy summer solstice and Happy International Yoga Day! |
| Navasana or Boat Pose, is a yoga pose that strengthens the core and thighs. And just like a boat floating on the water, the practitioner is buoyed on the floor, balanced on their pelvis. A modified variation of this pose can be practiced by bending the knees. To add additional strengthening for the thighs, hold and squeeze a yoga block between the feet (or knees if the knees are bent). Exhale and enjoy the journey into Navasana, with the yoga block! Shanti. ADVERTISEMENT |
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asdfjkl;asdfjkl;asdfjkl;asdfjkl;asdfjkl;asdfjkl;asdfjkl;asdfjkl;asdfjkl;asdfjkl;asdfjkl;asdfjkl;asdfjkl;asdfjkl;asdfjkl;asdfjkl;asdfjkl;asdfjkl; This recent tweet from the Dalai Lama sums up the power of being cognizant of the focus and thoughts of your mind. Inspiration to remain positively focused. Shanti. ADVERTISEMENT |
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| Utthita Parsvakonasana or Extended Side Angle Pose, is a yoga posture that opens the hips (front leg at the inner thigh and back leg at the hip flexor.) The pose also lengthens and stretches the entire top side of the body and similar to most poses, the pose resembles the name; with the top edge of the body creating an angle with the floor beginning at the back foot and extending through the fingers on the top arm. Extended Side Angle Pose is a great pose where the yoga block can come in handy to lengthen the reach of the supporting arm and make the pose more accessible and comfortable for the practitioner. Use a yoga block, underneath the bottom arm, at block height that allows you to have a long line on the top side of the body. For some it may be best to use the tallest edge of the block; for others the lowest edge might be best (shown here.) Breathe deeply as you hold, enjoy and stay present in Extended Side Angle Pose! Shanti. ADVERTISEMENT |
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| Yoga blocks are props that help to support and enhance the yoga practice in a number of ways. Traditionally, the block serves to extend the reach of the arm for many poses, by resting the hand on the block. The block can also be used underneath the body to help open muscles and in as many ways at the mind can imagine. When selecting a block, there are a lot of options, in terms of dimensions, weight, materials and color. If you are thinking about investing in a block, consider all of your options to find the block that suits your practice needs. Shanti. ADVERTISEMENT |
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| The spring equinox represents the arrival of the change in season and the literal point where the opposite hemispheres of the earth have equal length of day and night. This year the equinox fell on March 20, and therefore the imbalance in the ratio has already begun to shift; impermanence. Change of season is synonymous with change and adaptation. In yoga philosophy, twisting poses represent facilitating and ability to adapt to change; the greater the mobility and flexibility in the body (and the mind), the greater our preparedness for change. Equinox pose tip: add Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes) pose to your practice for a supportive spinal twist in line with the season. Happy Spring! Shanti. ADVERTISEMENT |
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Standard yoga props usually consist of yoga blocks, straps, blankets and sometimes bolsters. I encourage the use of props to support the unique and individualized practice for each unique body to support yoga postures and to make your practice more safe and comfortable. At home, blankets can be substituted by towels, belts can replace yoga straps and bolsters can be replaced with pillows. You can also use your props to add further resistance and difficulty to your yoga practice if you wish. I’ll be featuring some upcoming postures and sequences where props can be helpful. Please be sure to grab your props in class (or at home) and use the often. Shanti. |