Lakshmi, also known as the Golden Goddess, is the goddess of abundance. To have the Golden Goddess by your side invites continuous wealth and good luck. Lakshmi wants to bestow on everyone the prosperous life they dream about. Yet, when she gives wealth, or grants abundance, her gifts are often only temporarily appreciated.
Read moreMaking Change With Avalokitesvara
In yoga there is a belief that we are all aspects of one energy form. In Buddhism this oneness is sometimes depicted by Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. Avalokitesvara made a vow to stay on earth and help relieve all beings from suffering and if he was to ever become disheartened he would split into a thousand pieces. One day after deep meditation, he looked at the world and realized that he affected only a small portion of the population. In a dispirited state he shattered.When all his pieces were unified again Avalokitesvara had a thousand arms to help the world.
Read moreThe Yogipreneur's Guide to Happy, Successful Yoga Teachers
Running a successful yoga studio can be a dream come true, but like all dreams it requires work. One of the major components of owning a studio is hiring yoga teachers. The teachers, in a large part, create the ambiance of the studio. They are the ones who interact with students and whose energy infuses a room. The goal of many studio owners is to hire responsible, knowledgeable, and dedicated teachers who create an atmosphere in line with the studio vision.
Read moreThe Importance of Breathing in Yoga
To the uninitiated, yoga may seem like little more than a way to contort the body into unnatural poses. But in actuality, the poses are just a very small aspect of what is essentially a full-spectrum spiritual practice. Breathing is the key component, and asana, or poses, represent only a single fraction of the whole piece that is yoga. Breath awareness is called pranayama.
Read moreThe Asana of Our Physical Nature
n our physical body we experience the world. In our body we make love, hug a friend, fidget, get mad, anxious or stressed. In our body we feel a breeze, swim in the ocean, sing, laugh, dance and cry. In our body we repress emotions, hold tension, hate ourselves and love others. Although our body is the vehicle in which our spirit experiences the world, there continues to be ongoing discussion regarding Western yoga as a purely physical practice, or posture (asana) focused. I feel we need the physical practice to build the strength and flexibility to be able to withstand the nuances and complexities that are life.
Read moreThe Cost of Self-Esteem
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The other day I had an anxiety dream: the kind of dream that played with my sense of worth by exposing me to a form of public shame. In my dream I was searching for ways to make me look reputable to other people. This anxiety dream clung to my skin reminding me that I must confront, release, or come to accept something occurring in my life. The practice of yoga is a practice of letting go.
Read moreSavasana: A Journey into Shame, Surrender, and Spirit
There is a Hindu myth where Ganesha attends a lavish dinner party hosted by Kubera, the Lord of Wealth. In this story Kubera throws extravagant parties to display his riches. The elephant-headed Ganesha eats the meal and is unsatisfied. Ganesha asks for more, then more and more until Kubera is out of food. Ganesha proceeds to eat the tableware, linens, furniture, and walls. Kubera panics and summons Shiva for help.
Read moreThe Serpentine Wave of Transformation
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One of the most common poses in yoga class is bhujangasana, cobra pose. This heart opener promotes flexibility through the spine. When in full asana, the yoga practitioner embodies the magnificence of wide-hooded cobra. No matter if your cobra is a baby or fully-hooded, the serpentine movement required of bhujangasana will open you into the energy of the cobra. This serpent energy is perfect to embrace as we near the new year.
Read moreCrisis in Japanese
In the Japanese language, the word crisis is denoted by two symbols: one represents danger, the other opportunity.
Read moreSavasana: The Shifting of Yourself
In my practice, I often hear teachers say savasana (corpse pose), is the most important, and most difficult, pose.
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