Category: Thoughtful Yoga

Considerations and ponderings while conducting your daily practice.

A Yogini and her Elephants

Paloma Chavez
elephant.jpgIt has always been a dream of mine to settle into a life with elephants. Just to be able to walk amongst them and observe their innate greatness of spirit and dignity. In the past I had heard of the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee and the devoted work of the staff to provide a haven for previously captured elephants. In this month’s Yoga Journal, it was to my delight to read a...
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Personal Integrity: “Who am I really?”

John Sovec
"Who am I really, and how do I want to be today?" Personal IntegrityHow many times have you been asked the question "What do you do?" At parties, during first introductions, at a family gathering, people find it easy to define us by asking what we do and placing that answer in their frame of reference. But what happens when we choose to shift that question slightly and examine within ourselves the deeper question of "How...

Personal Integrity: "Who am I really?"

John Sovec
"Who am I really, and how do I want to be today?" Personal IntegrityHow many times have you been asked the question "What do you do?" At parties, during first introductions, at a family gathering, people find it easy to define us by asking what we do and placing that answer in their frame of reference. But what happens when we choose to shift that question slightly and examine within ourselves the deeper question of "How...

Honoring Your Practice

Paloma Chavez
honyoga.jpgIn this month’s issue of Yoga Journal, there was a thoughtful article entitled “10 Tools for Creating Your Happiest Life.” In this article it covers areas such as “Plug in to your spiritual self, get energized about your future, let go of the old and honor your physical self.” This last one seems to parallel closely with our yoga practice. (more…)
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Yoga Day USA

Paloma Chavez
yogadayusa.jpgSince 1999, Yoga Alliance has ignited the effort to bring yoga awareness across the U.S.  On January 26, 2008 yoga studios will offer classes for low or at no cost fees in order to share the benefits and gifts of yoga. This annual celebration has provided the opportunity for new and returning students to renew their commitment or to experience how yoga can bring focus and inner strength into ones life. Many...
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New Year, New Habit

Paloma Chavez
newyearresolution.jpgIt is not just about showing up on the mat; it is about how you work with your mind and the experience. – Cyndi Lee So have you done it to yourself again, started the year with a lengthy list of “resolutions” for the New Year? Well you are not alone or uncommon. It is our human instinct to want to seek change and growth and to try to achieve them all in one year. We desire...
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Words of Wisdom

Paloma Chavez
jan2.jpgOne of our favorite resources is the Shambala Sun magazine. As we continue to feel the promise and excitement of a new year it is vital that we gather as many nurturing and supportive tools as we can. And the January issue of Shambala Sun has a wealth of thoughtful resources. An insightful piece entitled "More Than Just a Body" is an interview with Rodney Yee that offers us a brief...
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Life Reflecting Yoga

Paloma Chavez
dec29.jpgWith the approaching last hours of 2007, we are anxiously and excitedly making our list of goals, intentions, and promises for the coming year. Amongst my community of friends and co-workers our goals are centered around health, career, finances, love, family, community and spirituality.  And of course we expect to achieve some level of greatness in each of these areas! (more…)
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Sun Stand Still in Winter

Paloma Chavez
soltice.jpgThis is the literal Latin meaning of the word solstice (sol -sun, sistere - standing). Between December 20 and 23 the Winter Solstice is celebrated throughout the Northern Hemisphere (Southern Hemisphere celebrates June 20-23).  This time has commonly been known for  mid-winter celebrations such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and  Kwanzaa.
In ancient cultures the Winter Solstice was considered as a turning point in the year. Many communities centered their most holy and sacred buildings such as...
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The Gifts of Asana

Paloma Chavez
forestyoga.jpgOur oneness with our breath, our body and our environment plays an activating role in our yoga pratice. How we walk this earth, listen to our elders, or tend to our community can be a reflection of how we understand the teachings of yoga. (more…)
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