Category: Understanding Yoga

Day 2: Not for Beginners

Margaret Kruszewska
MS_Bikram_day2.jpgAlthough 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...
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Mind, Breath, Body in Yoga

Margaret Kruszewska
What is it that makes yoga so effective? How is it different from working out or stretching or other forms of relaxation? Why must definitions and explanations of yoga include diverse interpretations from philosophical works, sacred texts and living traditions? (more…)
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Yoga and Sleep

Margaret Kruszewska
yoga and sleepSleep 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....
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Yoga and Meditation

Margaret Kruszewska
MS_meditation.JPGEvery 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. (more…)
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Yoga as Meditation

Margaret Kruszewska
Yoga and MeditationSomething 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...
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Yogi Practices and Sivaratri

Margaret Kruszewska
Shiva YogiHaving 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...

Mantra, Mudra, Yantra in Yoga

Margaret Kruszewska
Yantra and YogaIn 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. (more…)