Ask The Yogi Twists and Calmness Question: Why do twists, which are often challenging postures, often have such a calming effect? Answer: This question can be answered at many levels, which ultimately all flow together, linking physiological and anatomical details to amazing sensations of wholeness and integration. The muscular-skeletal system provides structural stability and controlled [...]
[Read More...]Ask The Yogi – Bored with practice
Boredom Q: I love yoga and coming to class. At times, like with anything, my routine can get monotonous. Do any of you ever feel you need to take a break with yoga or change it around? My day wouldn’t be complete without my morning routine. It’s like my coffee to get me going for [...]
[Read More...]“The Target”
The Target by Jeff Martens sarvahrthataikahgratayoho kshayodayau cittasya samahdhi-parinahmaha Inner wholeness dawns when the mind’s many wanderings collapse into one-pointed focus. Yoga Sutra 3.11 The Zen Master Rinzai was known far and wide throughout the land as the greatest living archer. Bowmen of all levels would come from great distances to be near him and [...]
[Read More...]Yoga and the Mirror of Perception
By Jeff Martens Tada drastuhu svarupe avastanam… Yoga Sutra 1.3 When we are in a state of yoga our form is one of pure awareness. Vritti svarupyam itaratra… Yoga Sutra 1.4 When we are not in a state of yoga, our form becomes our mental disturbances. Light is a form of energy. It reflects off [...]
[Read More...]“The Main Event”
The Main Event by Jeff Martens “Ladies and Gentlemen, Happy New Year and Welcome to the Main Event! This is the moment you have all been waiting for, the time and place where YOUR life actually IS. Join us now for the bungle in the jungle, the stage in the cage, the fling in the [...]
[Read More...]How I Spent My Summer Vacation
Karma, Freedom and the Emptiness of Time By Jeff Martens The Heart of the River I want to jump into the Colorado River’s 50 degree silt-brown water and lay my cheek against Vishnu’s skin! Visible only in certain stretches at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, this rock is blacker than black, so black that [...]
[Read More...]Headstand
Coming into Headstand by Sookkuan Chang Today is a special day for me. I have made it to headstand without using the wall. It just happened, exactly like how Nigel described it. When the right time comes, you will know. Just about two nights ago, I was just lamenting about my incapability of doing [...]
[Read More...]“Action and Reaction”
Newton’s Third Law and Yoga By Maren Fagerman Growing up in Chicagoland, I had the chance to visit the Sears Tower many times, and I can tell you one of the most impressive features of this mind-boggling skyscraper is that it takes a heck of a lot longer to walk around the base of the [...]
[Read More...]Ask the Yogi – Yoga and Insomnia
Ask The Yogi Yoga and Insomnia Q: Is there a particular pose or flow of poses condusive to reducing insomnia? A: Your question really depends on the cause of Insomnia. Is it stress? Diet can play a huge role in healthy sleep and their are many excellent supplements and herbs that can aid in healthy sleep. [...]
[Read More...]Ask the Yogi – Yoga and Healing the Spine
Ask The Yogi Yoga and Healing the Spine Q: I am busy 36 year old mother of two young boys and a business owner. For as longs as I can remember I have suffered from low back, butt, hip and leg pain. Any advice? I have no idea why I’ve ignored the pain and tried to [...]
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