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.

The death of a spouse or life partner can be one of the most distressing events that a person can experience. Of the people who experience spousal loss, just 5-7% of them are 49 or younger. Next month, starting July 10, will be the first meeting of a Yoga + Support Group for Young Widows that I am facilitating with Talia Singer, MSW, LICSW, a clinical therapist.

The MN Yoga Conference is this weekend on Saturday and Sunday. The conference brings together yogis of all levels from across Minnesota and surrounding states. It targets all levels of students, including beginners, advanced students, and yoga teachers. I'll be leading a session on Sunday called "Reclaim Your Attention."

I have been thinking a lot about attention recently. "Reclaim Your Attention" is the title of my article in the current issue of MN Yoga + Life Magazine and the workshop I will be offering at the MN Yoga Conference next month. With both of those, I focus on using techniques such as yoga, meditation, breathwork, and chanting to improve attention. Here I'd like to mention one way I have been using software to help pay attention.

Yoga is not therapy or a cure for depression. However, scientific studies continue to show that contemplative practices, such as yoga and meditation, can be as effective as medication for treating anxiety. Yoga, in its many forms, can help us redefine our experiences during difficult times. That certainly has been the case for me, which is the single biggest reason why I come back to these practices again and again. Practicing yoga, meditation, and chanting continue to leave a wake of positive benefits in my life and I love to share the practices that I find most helpful.