Yoga as Meditation
Something happens during a yoga class that is different from going to a gym or taking a nap (two activities that students will often try comparing with yoga).
I've already mentioned that the nature of coming into yoga poses, moving with breath, staying with the yoga poses for extended periods of time followed by a deep relaxation creates a type of whole body meditation.  While many forms of meditation encourage a complete stillness...Continue Reading: Yoga as Meditation



Having participated in an all-night meditation and chanting session in honor of Sivaratri, gave me plenty of time to reflect on and wonder about Siva energy.  (And when I say "all-night"- I mean from 9pm - 6am)!
First, let me explain what Sivaratri is and why I participate in this annual "night of Siva."  Siva (also spelled Shiva) is often described as the ultimate yogi in deep meditation.  He is painted with...
Keeping a journal is a common enough practice these days.  Artists often use journals as a way to remember inspirations and reflect on what they are experiencing.  Similarly, starting a yoga journal can help you record and notice how your daily life is changing because of your yoga practice. 
One of the rumors about yoga is that it creates a youthful body, hinting at longevity.
Don't know about that-I'll tell you when I get there but I was reflecting on the whole age thing this week because my beloved auntie celebrated her 96th birthday (her husband is a younger man at 95!). My sister Basia, who has an 
Yes, I do celebrate the holidays- the light returning, as of yesterday's Winter Solstice; thinking of what else I can give, give, give; smelling evergreens when I visit my friends' homes; hearing from friends I thought I lost track of since my move; cheering those on who are in dire need of rest from their 9-5 jobs; updating my address book; finishing writing projects begun this year. 
Meditation, in yogic practices, is not usually given as much explanation time in beginners yoga classes as guidance on the positioning and alignment of asanas.   In fact, many of the explanations used by yoga teachers actually arise from Buddhist meditation techniques.  Partly this is due to the fact that Buddhist practices have more written material available - having been developed and maintained through Buddhist monastic traditions.
So what's the difference and isn't it...