I had found the perfect playlist for teaching my weekly yoga sessions. That meant that I didn't want to listen to it for my own yoga practice anymore—I didn't want it to get stale. I enjoyed other songs by the same artist, but I missed listening to those songs. Then I reminded myself a few … Continue reading I Am My Yoga Client Too
Tag: yoga
Injury Makes Me Be with My Thoughts
Recently I started having some pain in the ball of my foot. This was a few weeks after I had restarted teaching Pilates and yoga. This followed my previous trajectory of starting to teach exercise and then psyching myself out to the point where I feel a bit overzealous in my own exercising and get … Continue reading Injury Makes Me Be with My Thoughts
Fear Versus Anxiety: The Outdoors Reminds Us of Our Vulnerability
As I held my toddler daughter to my chest at the sound of thunder, I felt that visceral fear of the elements. We are so guarded in our homes, yet we have other fears in life. That visceral fear was refreshing—it is pure, evolutionarily programmed fear. Unlike the racing thoughts in my mind all the … Continue reading Fear Versus Anxiety: The Outdoors Reminds Us of Our Vulnerability
I’m Only Human
While doing yoga this morning, the following thought popped into my head: I am human. This was an invitation to not seek out perfection. An offering to ease my anxiety; to slow life down; make my expectations more realistic. Maybe it was inspired by my sore toe tendon (yes, injuries can be inspiring, in that … Continue reading I’m Only Human
Yoga: Strengthening the Rational Brain
Soon after one of my yoga sessions, I had a difficult conversation at work. Doing the yoga prior helped me feel more centered during this. I was firm, but not reactive. I was assertive and communicated my needs without becoming overly emotional.
The Art of Non-Doing
At the end of my yoga sessions as I lie in savasana, I let go of the tension in all parts of my body and think, "Remember, things can happen WITHOUT you using so much force." I strive to incorporate more non-doing into my life. Obviously, we have to put in our share of effort, … Continue reading The Art of Non-Doing
Yoga: The Heart Center
As I finished my yoga session one morning, I pressed my palms together in prayer position at my heart and thought about the recent times that I had felt affronted. My heart was still harboring some of the hurt.. I realized that I had never given a moment to acknowledge the pain and pressure that … Continue reading Yoga: The Heart Center
My Passion for Teaching Yoga and Pilates
Some of my happiest moments in life where in college when I would discuss Pilates or yoga with a peer of mine and moments later find myself showing them a pose that related to our discussion. I still remember the coolness of the kitchen tiles of the university's cafeteria, as I got down on all … Continue reading My Passion for Teaching Yoga and Pilates
Teaching Yoga From One’s Own Growth Process, Not One’s Mastery
I used to attend a self-improvement class where the teacher would say she is teaching the topic she most has to work on herself. That always resonated with me. She was humble, yet direct about the lessons she wanted to get across. When I think about the type of wellness teacher I am, I often—quite … Continue reading Teaching Yoga From One’s Own Growth Process, Not One’s Mastery
Connecting to Your Inner Rhythm: We Are Humans, Not Machines
At the end of my morning yoga session I lay in savassana. Lying in savassana (corpse pose) is a way to integrate all the physical benefits of the yoga poses, as well as a great tool for calming the nerves! As I lay in savassana, I heard something rhythmically pulsing in my house. And that … Continue reading Connecting to Your Inner Rhythm: We Are Humans, Not Machines
Mindful Nuggets 