Yoga

There’s something special about a full day of yoga. I recently had the privilege of practicing for an entire day at the Autumn Yoga Retreat at the Minnesota Arboretum. It was a full day of sadhana, the dedicated journey of yoga and self-discovery. Stepping away from daily distractions fosters deep self-reflection and connection, reminding us that nurturing our practice is essential for living fully. It’s such a joy to experience a day of practice and enjoy shared moments in nature.

Imagine the simplicity of just sitting, with no responsibilities tugging at your attention. Notice the pleasantness that arises when you allow yourself to be fully present, free from the constant urge to do or fix something. This is a state of being where you can truly value the calm that naturally exists within you. This is finding peace with conditions.

When you step into a yoga class, you might expect a focus on perfect poses or ideal wellness. However, I believe the essence of yoga isn’t about flawless postures or achieving a specific body shape — it’s about connecting with yourself and others in a meaningful way. It’s about investigating the nature of reality. This describes a few key aspects of my approach.

Many styles of yoga have stress-alleviating benefits. Ultimately, what works best comes down to individual needs and preferences. This article explores six science-backed types of yoga that have helped me cultivate more peacefulness and ease: Kripalu Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, and Trauma-Informed Yoga.

Yoga, an ancient practice originating in India, has evolved from a spiritual pursuit to a widely touted method for enhancing physical health. But as a 2023 global study of yoga by Yoga Alliance revealed, “stress relief” has replaced “flexibility” as the primary motivator for people to embrace yoga. But does yoga truly have the power to relieve stress? This article explores the role of breath control, physical postures, and yogic meditation for stress reduction, and offers practical tips for beginning a yoga practice for stress relief.

My classes provide a container where people can slow down, become fully present, and cultivate self-compassion. There is nothing to believe. I create space to experience the transformative power of a meditative yoga practice. Here are some of the features of my classes that support mindful awareness.

I have decided to write a series of blog posts about how I teach yoga. I plan to write these blog posts for both yoga students and teachers. This series is for the people who stick around after my classes to ask questions and the folks who sign up for my newsletter. It's also for teachers curious about the details of how a fellow yoga teacher goes about his work.

When people go to a yoga class, they typically expect the instructor to teach them yoga. While this may seem utterly obvious, this is, in some respects, an unreasonable expectation. Yoga teachers can't really teach people yoga. We can offer postures, breathwork, meditation, relaxation, and advice about how to practice, but each yoga student must find their own way. Each of us must, in a sense, teach ourselves yoga.