Introduction to Patanjali’s Eightfold Path
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra is an age-old scripture, a collection of 196 Indian sutras that explain the yogic philosophy on how to live life and walk the path of self-realization. The ancient sage Patanjali describes the yogic path to self-realization as ashtanga (अष्टाङ्ग), or eight limbs: ashta = eight anga = limb The second chapter, Sadhana-Pada, […]
Ardha Uttanasana (Half Forward Bend) Tutorial
Ardha Uttanasana (are-dah oot-tan-AHS-anna) ardha = half uttana = intense stretch asana = pose From Uttanasana press your palms or fingertips into the floor (if that is not available to you, press your hands on your shins or on a block). On an inhale straighten your elbows and lift your chest, extending all the way […]
Tadasana (Mountain Pose) Tutorial
Tadasana is a powerful grounding pose in which we learn to stand firm and erect like a mountain. This foundational pose is easy to learn, but hard to master. It increases our awareness of our body, and gives rise to our sense of firmness, strength, stillness, and steadiness. Try it yourself: Come to a standing […]
Mudra Positions During Meditation Tutorial
By definition “mudra” (or as we know them – hand positions) is a Sanskrit term meaning seal. As our hands are sites of sensory reception, they have a deep connection with the brain – thus the way we hold our hands can influence the way we hold our mind. In general, the mudra you pick […]
Pranayama Tutorial: Nadi Shodhana
(nah-dee show-DAH-nah) nadi = channel shodhana = cleaning, purifying