Folding into Marichyasana I or Pose Dedicated to the Sage Marichi I calms your mind, extends your spine, and gives your internal organs a healthy squeeze.     Marichi is the great-grandfather of Manu ("man, thinking, intelligent"), the Vedic Adam, and the "father" of humanity. (mar-ee-chee-AHS-anna) Marichi = literally a ray of light. Pose Dedicated to ...

There's nothing like a great yoga class to help you remember and appreciate the many blessings in your life. I often find myself on the commute home from a particularly amazing class thinking something along the lines of: "I really love breathing!" I realize that this probably seems ridiculous to ...

What's actually happening to your brain when you meditate? You’ve read about the benefits of a daily practice. But what exactly is happening inside your body to produce these profound effects? Thanks to research done using fMRI scans of the brain, we know. Here, Rebecca Gladding, MD, a psychiatrist and co-author ...

Pose Dedicated to the Sage Koundinya II tones the belly and spine, strengthens the arms and wrists, and gives your self-confidence a big boost.     Step 1 Start in Adho Mukha Svanasana, hands shoulder width apart. Step your left foot far forward, past the outside of your left arm, and place it on ...

Here’s what a yoga therapist (and anorexia survivor) says are the most important things to remember when someone who suffers from an eating disorder comes to your class.   In my 20-plus years navigating the highs and lows of anorexia recovery, yoga has facilitated a great deal of my healing and empowerment. ...

Eka Pada Koundinyasana I or Pose Dedicated to the Sage Koundinya I has a lot going on—the twist, the legs going their separate ways, oh, and the arm balance. Master it.7   Pose Dedicated to the Sage Koundinya I: Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1 Come into it from a standing position. First bend your knees ...

Plow Pose reduces backache and can help you get to sleep. (hah-LAHS-anna) hala = plow Plow Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1 From Salamba Sarvangasana, exhale and bend from the hip joints to slowly lower your toes to the floor above and beyond your head. As much as possible, keep your torso perpendicular to the floor ...

Nicki Doane, co-owner and director of Maya Yoga Studio in Maui, shares tips for achieving (and transcending) the superpowers of yoga. The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali: Vibhuti Pada Vibhuti Pada is the name Patanjali gave to the third Pada, or chapter, of his yoga sutras. Vibhuti means negating and transcending earth-based consciousness. Of ...

The best part? Nobody even needs to know you’re doing them.   When we’re feeling stressed, many of us turn to yoga. Yet we often forget that yoga doesn’t necessarily require a sticky mat or a softly-lit studio. Yoga, and its infinite practices, are available to us anywhere, anytime. Even at work. Years ...

Nurture your love-hate relationship with Plank Pose. A beginner's best friend, it's the perfect precursor to more challenging arm balances. Plank Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1 Start in Adho Mukha Svanasana. Then inhale and draw your torso forward until the arms are perpendicular to the floor and the shoulders directly over the wrists, ...

Kapotasana invigorates your body and gives your spirits a lift. This extremely deep backbend is appropriate for advanced practitioners only. King Pigeon Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1 Kneel upright, with your knees slightly narrower than hip width apart and your hips, shoulders, and head stacked directly above your knees. With your hands, press ...

Peacock Pose, symbolizing big things—immortality and love—according to Hindu lore about the Peacock. (my-yer-ahs-anna) mayura = peacock Peacock Pose: Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1 Kneel on the floor, knees wide, and sit on your heels. Lean forward and press your palms on the floor with your fingers turned back toward your torso (thumbs pointing out ...