We’ve now been through four out of five of my safety tips that I suggest people consider when starting yoga instruction. While there are, of course, many other concepts and considerations to bring with you into your first yoga class, my final recommendation to you for this series is to give yourself room to grow.  (more…)

So now that you have initiated your journey into yoga, things probably seem to be going great. You’re finally beginning to understand what the teacher is saying, you’re feeling more comfortable in your body, those after-class aches and pains are starting to lessen, and you’re thinking that you’re ready to take even more classes.

Be careful. Too much of anything – even a great thing like yoga – can tax the body and leave you feeling depleted if you are not bringing total awareness into your practice. (more…)

In Steps One and Two of my series on safety tips for people who plan to take up yoga, I suggested that you check with your doctor first, and then assess your personal fitness level.

Once you have consulted with your doctor and assessed your fitness, you will be ready to select which level of yoga class will best suit you, and you can begin your adventure into the exciting world of yoga. (more…)

This is the second part of my series on safety tips that people should consider when starting yoga instruction. In Step One, I talked about the importance of consulting with your doctor to ensure that you have no health issues that could affect your yoga practice.

Having consulted with your health care professional, you are now ready to move on to Step Two, which is making an honest assessment of your own fitness level. (more…)

The other day, a new student attended one of my more advanced level classes. Just as we were getting started, I found out from her that she was brand new to yoga and this was her first class.

As a teacher, this is always a difficult predicament. On the one hand, I want to be welcoming to someone who is new to the world of yoga and encourage their commitment. (more…)

So we bought a new house – and it is quite an adventure. I had been warned by lots of people that it would be a trying and challenging experience, but I felt that with all of my connection to my yoga practice and meditation, I would be well prepared for the transition. (more…)

We walk down the street, holding our guts in, showing off our newest outfit from the latest designer, and looking down through Prada glasses in our aloofness at the world.

Or we find ourselves trying to fake our way through a project because we fear that there will be huge ramifications if we do not appear to have all the knowledge. (more…)

It is very rare that I spend a day doing nothing. I wonder why. Of course, there’s usually a lot to do each day. There are many things I am passionate about – but occasionally I decide I need a “do nothing” kind of day. (more…)

I just returned from our most recent POZ Life Weekend, a workshop sponsored by The Life Group L.A., for those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. I came away with an immense feeling of love, warmth, and compassion from working with my fellow volunteers and the many people who came to our weekend to learn how to live their lives with this challenging disease. (more…)