Day 3: In the Language of Bikram Yoga
There is something to be said about feeling sweat coating every inch of your skin. But I notice the mood today, how unfriendly everyone is in these classes. Is it just too personal, a self-consciousness with all that sweating and imperfect bodies exposed in minimum clothing? (more…)Continue Reading: Day 3: In the Language of Bikram Yoga



Although the flyer says, "beginners welcome" I would not recommend stepping into a Bikram class if you've never done yoga before. The instructions are never modified, so although the teacher knew it was my first time in a Bikram studio, there was no attempt at a more detailed explanation or suggestion for a modified pose.
And then there's the heat. I can't imagine someone with blood pressure or heart issues being able to...
Sleep is the best medicine. (And I don't mean the medicated kind, despite the annoying pop-up ads that may find their way onto this web site. My apologies, I have no control over these ad searches but I repeat I do not advocate use of sleeping pills.) Even though we're still not quite sure what happens during the sleep state, we know when we've gotten enough sleep to feel healthy....
Every yoga pose (asana) can also be a meditation. These two functions of a yoga practice are often isolated. In fact, meditation can occur naturally while in one of the hundreds of asanas when you settle into the pose for an extended hold.
You are your own best yoga teacher. While it's true that
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...
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...
In many ways, the practice of yoga is an enactment of powerful symbols using your own body. "Symbols" however is not exactly the right word as the use of mantra, mudra and yantra serve more as guiding yoga techniques bringing us back to our original connection and into deeper states of being. 