Blog

List view

How I Teach Mindful Yoga, and Why

gold cambodian budda statue by a lake

Over the weekend, I subbed a “Mindful Yoga” class for Nancy Boler at Common Ground Meditation. Although I had been to Common Ground many times for talks, classes, and retreats, this was my first time teaching there. Nancy’s classes, like mine, weave together mindfulness and yoga.

In this article, I share how I teach mindful yoga, why it feels authentic, and how I bring yogic philosophy and Buddhist mindfulness into my yoga classes.

How to Deal with Change Using Yoga’s Ethical Principles

Matthew wearing a graduation gown, order of the arrow stash, boy scout merit badge stash, and lots of other silly graduation gear
Graduation season brings big emotions. As my youngest prepares to leave the nest, I turn to the yamas and niyamas, yoga’s ethical principles, for guidance. These ancient teachings offer tools for meeting change with compassion, truthfulness, and grace. Whether you're facing a personal transition or just navigating daily life, this article explores how yoga can support us through uncertainty.

What Is Ethical Living Through Yoga?

Fall leaves in the woods with a creek and a path up a hill at Kripalu

In Becky Chambers’ Monk and Robot series, a tea monk and a robot wander the world asking, “What do people need?” The answer isn’t a product or a fix. It’s a feeling. A sense of being heard, valued, and whole. Many of us long for that same feeling in our lives: a way to move through the world with purpose, integrity, and care.

In modern yoga culture, it’s easy to lose sight of yoga’s roots. We see poses, wellness products, and vague talk of “good vibes.” But behind all that is something far more grounded. Yoga offers a path for ethical, purposeful living.

Standing with Coffee

white coffee mug with the stick figure in tree pose and the words yoga guy below

My first silent meditation retreat with Triple Gem of the North in March 2017 was a formative experience in my life. That weekend in Janesville, Minnesota was the first time I truly felt what it was like to live the practices of yoga and meditation throughout the day. Not just on the mat or cushion, but in the quiet, in-between moments that fill the day.

Transgender Day of Visibility Is a Call to Action for Everyone

The words Transgender Day of Visibility with a hand waving blue and pink ribbons

On March 31st, we recognize Transgender Day of Visibility. This day isn’t just a celebration. Today is a reminder of our shared responsibility to foster a world where everyone can live openly and authentically. It’s a chance to reflect on the lives and contributions of transgender individuals and acknowledge the challenges they face.

It’s more than a symbolic gesture. It’s about standing together, fighting for the right of every person to express who they are and live authentically.

Silly Poses, Serious Benefits

Someone with long curly blonde hair and a hoodie laughing

Do you ever have one of those really long belly laughs? The kind that leaves you nearly breathless, brings tears to your eyes, and makes your cheeks and abs sore? It’s the kind of laughter that can set the tone for an entire day, make your steps a little lighter, your smile a little quicker to appear, and a feeling, if only brief, that the world is going to be just fine. Those are great, aren’t they? Well, it turns out they’re actually pretty beneficial, too!