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Asana & Prana: The Vital Life Energy
Prana is the vital life energy that flows through every living thing on this earth. In Chinese medicine this energy is referred to as Chi. Many ancient cultures have an understanding of this energy, and it’s referenced in storytelling, traditional medicinal practices, and yogic philosophy. Understanding prana, and the subtle body systems, can drastically change the way you approach your asana practice. Prana and the Asana So what do the yoga postures, or asana, have to do with prana? The yoga postures are practiced for a number of reasons. One of those reasons, is to help regulate the energetic body. Certain postures tap into these energy centers known as chakras, and can help…
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Hatha Yoga: How to Approach the Theory and Practice
Hatha Yoga is a traditional approach to modern asana or posture practice. While Hatha yoga is derived from ancient texts such as the Upanishads and Vedic teachings, its approach is all encompassing. My favorite modern day resource on Hatha Yoga is The Hatha Yoga Pradipika. This book is used in teacher trainings and workshops all over the globe! It is one of the most comprehensive resources that bridges the gap between traditional yoga and modern day asana. A Brief History of Hatha Yoga Despite the belief that hatha derives from the words ha, meaning sun, and tha, meaning moon. Hatha yoga actually translates to “with force or great effort”. Hatha was one of…
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How to Practice Ishvara Pranidhana: Surrender to a Higher Source
The final niyama in yoga’s eight limbed path is ishvara pranidhana, or surrder to a higher source. The yoga niyamas are the second limb of the eight limbed path, and are referred to as mental observances. Both the yamas and niyamas are the foundational teachings in yoga philosophy, and Ishvara Pranidhana is the perfect niyama to summarize the first two limbs of practice. One of my favorite resources regarding this topic is The Yamas and Niyamas, Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Principles by Deborah Adele. Before diving into the topic of surrender, the idea of a higher source is personalized to each practitioner. Traditional texts may refer to this higher source as God, or Brama…
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How to Incorporate Svadhyaya into Your Yoga Practice
I know I said tapas was my favorite niyama within the yoga practice, but svadhyaya is a close second! Svadhyaya is the act of self-study and incorporates all of the yamas and niyamas in its practice. The yamas and niyamas are the first two limbs of the eight limbed path of yoga. These principles are intended for your yoga practice and your daily life. The yamas are moral disciplines, and the niyamas are mental observances. These philosophies combined with the remaining limbs of the eight limbed path, are the foundation of the yoga practice. One of my favorite resources regarding this topic is Deborah Adele’s book, The Yamas and Niyamas, Exploring Yogas Ethical…
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The Yoga Niyamas: How to Practice Santosha, Contentment
Practicing contentment is about as illusive as learning how to clear your mind in meditation. Before you can clear your mind, you have to learn how to focus. This is why most meditation techniques use mantra, breathwork, visualizations and a whole host of modalities to maintain mindfulness. Similarly, there are a few practices you will need to work on before you can cultivate a state of contentment. Santosha, the second niyama, asks us to cultivate contentment in our practice and daily lives. Despite the simple concept, there aren’t many action steps to help you implement the idea of contentment. That’s why I love Deborah Adele’s book, The Yamas and Niyamas, Exploring Yoga’s Ethical…
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How to Practice Saucha, Purity
The yoga niyamas are the second limb of the eight-limbed path of yoga. Similar to the yamas, students should have a solid understanding and application of the niyamas before diving into the practice of yoga asana or yoga postures. While the yoga yamas are moral disciplines that focus on how you interact with the world around you, the niyamas are mental observances. As with each limb, the niyamas guide you deeper into the layers of your being, and closer to your core self. The First Niyama, Saucha Saucha means purity or cleanliness and is the first niyama of the eight-limbed path of yoga. Being the first yama, saucha effortlessly ties in the practice…
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The Ayurvedic Constitutions: Kapha Dosha
Kapha dosha is one of three constitutions used in ayurveda. Each dosha is a combination of two of the five ayurvedic elements, air, ether, water, fire, and earth. The doshas are used to categorize a person’s body type in order to create habits and routines that help prevent dis-ease. Earth and water are the two elements that make up kapha dosha. Kapha Dosha in Mind and Body Ayurvedic practitioners can determine your born dosha, or prakriti by looking at your current habits, external features, and energy levels. It is possible to self asses and discover your dosha, however it’s best to consult with an ayurvedic practitioner. A practitioner will have an unbiased perspective…
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The Three Ayurvedic Doshas: Pitta Dosha
The ayurvedic doshas are used to categorize energy and are sorted based on the five elements of water, fire, air, ether, and earth. Doshas are used to determine an individual’s body type which allows practitioners to then find balance in their bodies and minds through diet, lifestyle, and routine. Pitta dosha is comprised of fire and water and has hot, sharp, acidic, and oily qualities. Balancing pitta dosha means inviting more air, ether, and earth elements into your lifestyle. Pitta in Mind and Body While we all have the five elements within our bodies, it is possible to be dominant in certain elements over others. You can observe what elements you’re dominant in…
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The Three Ayurvedic Doshas: Vata Dosha
Vata is one of three ayurvedic doshas or constitutions. A dosha is a categorization of elements within the practice of Ayurveda. Often referred to as the sister science of yoga, Ayurveda utilizes five different elements found in nature to bring balance to your body and mind. These five elements are fire, water, air, ether, and earth. Vata dosha is comprised of the elements air and ether and has rough, cold, dry, and light qualities. In order to balance out Vata, you need to incorporate warming movement practices, hearty, moist food, and routine into your lifestyle. Vata in Body & Mind The doshas are often used to categorize people, foods, seasons, and lifestyle activities.…
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What are the Ayurvedic Doshas?
Ayurveda is referred to as the sister science of yoga and consists of lifestyle, diet, and routine to maintain balance in your physical, mental, and emotional body. Using the elements of earth, fire, water, air, and ether, Ayurveda helps prevent dis-ease within your body and mind. By discovering your personal Prakriti, your Ayurvedic constitution, you can learn how to implement Ayurveda into your daily life. The Three Ayurvedic Doshas Each ayurvedic dosha is comprised of two of the five elements within the ayurvedic system. While each individual holds all five elements within them, people tend to be dominant in certain elements over others. When someone is dominant in specific elements, they then get…
