Tuning into breath is a great opportunity to build awareness, to learn about yourself with regard to body, mind and spirit.  

Mudras are hand gestures practiced in yoga, both alone or included with asana (postures) practice, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation practice.

Every day, you count on your body to help you serve the purpose of your life.

Padma Mudra is the hand gesture of the Lotus flower, which comes in handy when practicing mudra with asana (physical poses), as we can place a few drops of essential oils in the palms and have an instant personal diffuser to enhance the value of our yoga experience.

Hakini mudra is used to help you look at the bigger picture and make some connections, as shown here with the hands held , all fingertips and thumbs touching, in an open position, as if holding a globe.  

Quite often I hear, "I can't do yoga, I'm not flexible."

Most yoga classes in the west fall under the category of Hatha Yoga, which from Sanskrit roots means: Ha, the sun and Tha, the moon.

Hand Mudras are are hand positions used both with yoga poses and on their own.

Inversions in yoga lead to many advantages.

There are many props in yoga:  Blocks, straps, blankets, bolsters, chairs, walls, FRIENDS, and EGGS (shown here with inventor Jason Scholder of 3ME, http://www.threeminuteegg.com).

Keeping things simple helps us feel they are doable. As we build good habits, familiarity and experience helps us learn more of the detail.

This twist has a standing form and a seated on the floor form, and this seated in the chair form.

This is revolved side angle pose, Parivritta Parsvakonasana.

Happy Memorial Day!  Today we honor those who gave their lives for our freedoms - Warrior poses!

A mantra is a word or thought that you focus on for inspiration, motivation and/or change.  

Today: take a few minutes to quiet your body, whether in a restorative pose, whether sitting quietly in meditation, and bring your focus to your breath.  

Intention precedes all action and highly determines outcome.

Did you know.... asana practice was intended to strengthen the body so as to provide stamina, to allow long periods of time to sit in meditation, and move one's attention inward, and upward.

Partner work in yoga is always surprising - a great opportunity to learn and relearn the value of teamwork and the building of awareness that helps us to truly appreciate the partnership.

Having fun at our DVD shoot, for Essential Yoga Practice!