On Tending a Good Environment for Practice

* “The greatest influence in your life, stronger than your willpower, is your environment.  Change that, if necessary.  Until you are mentally strong, you can never be what you want to be without a good environment.” –Parahamsa Yogananda It took me years to fully grasp the significance of this idea:  After all, the point of yoga is to create…

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Why Use a Yoga Strap?

  In AHA! Yoga sessions, we often use yoga straps.  No, it is not a strange torture device, nor is it meant to stick you in difficult yoga poses.  A yoga strap can help you get all the benefits from specific postures, while maintaining comfort and ease.  It allows you to practice proper alignment without strain, making your overall yoga…

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Yoga, Safety, and Well-Being

  Two of the best things to ensure your safety during yoga are also two of the best benefits of regular yoga practice:  Self-awareness and Non-violence. Loren Fishman is an expert in medical yoga and is affectionately referred to as the “Doctor of Yoga.”  Fishman is a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, as well as a practicing…

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Calm Your Mind with Breath: Bhramari Pranayama

Yoga is more than just asana (physical poses) and stretching; pranayama (breathwork) is crucial for a well-rounded yoga practice.  One of the best Pranayama methods to soothe the brain and calm the mind is also one of the easiest.  And, it’s a lot of fun! “Bhramari” gets its name, “Bee’s Breath,” from the Sanskrit, “Bhramaraka.”  “Bhramaraka” means “bee,” “honey,”…

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Recline & Balance Pose: Anantasana

This posture is a little known sleeping beauty waiting to be discovered, as it is one of the only yoga poses that has you lie down on your side.  It is also a subtle balance asana (posture), sometimes easier for those who find standing or arm balance poses frustrating or painful. ANANTASANA: Pronounced:  /Ahh—Nahn—TAH—sah—nah/ ANANTASANA = “Ananta” is the…

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What is Yin Yoga, and Why Do It?

What Is Yin Yoga

* Yin yoga is a slower, more visibly passive form of yoga, yet it leads to very deep opening.  The focus is upon gradually stretching to release even connective tissue around the joints, particularly the knees, pelvis, sacrum, and spine.  Because this approach requires us to slow down, the mental component of Yin Yoga is also at the forefront,…

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What Is Yoga Nidra?

* YOGA NIDRA is a beautiful relaxation and meditation method that helps you deeply relax, rejuvenate, and therefore energize.  It also increases your awareness and thus your ability to be truly present and calm.  Taught at AHA! Yoga in the Himalayan Tradition, this approach to Yoga Nidra leads you to a wakeful awareness that allows your MIND as well as your body to deeply rest….

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