Ashtanga Part 7: Dhyana, the seventh limb of yoga

When the mind experiences uninterrupted focus and merges with the object of meditation, it experiences peace. Dhyana, or prolonged focus or simply put, meditation, is a state of being, rather than something that you “do”. Sherri Melwani. Photo by Luke Elijah This is the seventh part in a series of eight ...

Reflection of Moments Gone By

I learned to play piano at 41. I worked my fingers long enough that the uncanny dimension of being played appeared briefly: In those moments, beyond all logic, my hands started to behave more quickly than my mind, which was trying to read the notes and position my fingers. My ...

A Sequence to Stay Grounded and Present

Whether it's a big deadline at work, relationship issues, holiday season busyness, or some other stressor, life can certainly present challenges that turn on our fight-or-flight response. This instinctual physiological stress response can serve us well in life threatening situations. (To wit: the oft-cited running from-a-tiger scenario.) Yet these days, ...

My Story, My Calling: Paulina Buck

Paulina Buck shares her story about recovering from injuries and the power of yoga to heal the body physically and mentally.  By Paulina Buck Why do we practice yoga, or why do we teach yoga? There are many answers to this question, but for me, there is only one: to stay healthy. ...

Smart Snacking all day long

2 Smart Recipes of Snacks with a good balance of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fat for sustained energy all day long.   Muesli Breakfast Bars, Makes 24 Bars 2 1⁄2 cups rolled oats 1⁄4 cup whole-wheat flour 1⁄4 cup ground flaxseed 1⁄2 cup dry milk or soy protein powder (optional) 1⁄2 cup toasted wheat germ 1⁄2 cup chopped, toasted walnuts 1 ...

Fine tune your life: Self-Enquiry Practice

The four aims are the pillars of a fulfilling life. In this self-inquiry practice by Sally Kempton, you’ll consider where your current priorities lie and how you need to shift them to create a deeply satisfying life. Don’t worry about getting your whole life in order at once; do the ...

How Good is Ghee for you?

Making ghee creates a culinary treasure and a meditation on the essence of milk and life. By Suzanne VanGilder  Ghee is made by heating unsalted butter until it clarifies into its separate components: lactose (sugar), milk protein, and fat. Over a low flame, the moisture is removed, and the sugar and protein ...

How Downward-Facing Dog helps your Fascia?

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose) Move into Down Dog. It is easy to feel your back body in this pose as you lift your hips, drop your heels from the middle of your legs, and lengthen your spine. But take time to spread your awareness and attention throughout your entire body ...

Why is Bamboo Considered Lucky ?

You hear a lot about the luck a Bamboo plant brings, and how it increases the Feng Shui in our homes—it is a great gift during Chinese New Year. But what some people don’t know is that the ‘Lucky Bamboo’ plant is actually not really a Bamboo. It is a ...