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Devotional YogaA Peaceful Yoga Christmas
If we listen to all the panic around us, we’ll hear that retail is in a decline in this economic downturn. Well, it probably is but I wouldn’t have thought so when I was at the mall yesterday. (more…) Rise to the Challenge
A Gentle Journey
Christian Yoga Classes Throughout this year we have heard many reports and personal stories of how the Christian Church has wrestled and in some case discouraged members who want to practice yoga. Some churches have turned out a children’s exercise class because it was perceived to include yoga excerpts. There were also instances where school districts that were wanting to bring yoga as an alternative offering for physical education was railed against by local Christian families. (more…)
Yoga Teacher and Minister
Kirtan Madness
Yogi Practices and Sivaratri
Mantra and SoundI’ve written previously how devoting my breaths to the Durga mantra, Lakshmi mantra and Saraswati mantra has affected my life. (See my blog entries on Navaratri for September 23- October 2, 2006). (more…) Mantra in YogaThere are two ideas here: mantra practice and yoga practice. One may include the other, for example, OM is actually considered a mantra and you’ll frequently hear the sound of OM at the beginning and end of a yoga class. Perhaps you’ve also heard of or participated in chanting the Lakshmi mantra or Siva mantra. (more…) Am I meditating yet?
So what’s the difference and isn’t it all just meditation anyway? (more…)
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Ah, Christmas…a time of cheer, goodwill to all and joy to the world. Wait – what planet am I visiting from?!
Poverty is all around us. Perhaps some of us are fortunate enough not to have it right on our doorstep, but we’ve all seen and read about the devastating conditions that many people live in. And I’m sure, like me, you’ve often wondered what you – as only one person – can do to help alleviate all this suffering. 
There is often a great deal of controversy surrounding yoga when it is offered in church centers. This is due to the perception that yoga is being promoted as a “religious” practice. However, many people of varied faiths have found a way to understand and accept yoga for its physical benefits while managing to infuse their own spiritual practices. 
Jane Tuma is deepening her life on many levels. Her love and commitment to a yoga practice came from her desire to find a solution to her stressful job as a CPA. In an article from 
To lift my spirits, I sing. And this month - with mercury in retrograde and the fire season in California and a summer of strange and wobbly changes that have affected my bank account, my health and my confidence - I’ve been singing a lot! 
Having participated in an all-night meditation and chanting session in honor of Sivaratri, gave me plenty of time to reflect on and wonder about Siva energy. (And when I say “all-night”- I mean from 9pm - 6am)!
Meditation, in yogic practices, is not usually given as much explanation time in beginners yoga classes as guidance on the positioning and alignment of asanas. In fact, many of the explanations used by yoga teachers actually arise from Buddhist meditation techniques. Partly this is due to the fact that Buddhist practices have more written material available - having been developed and maintained through Buddhist monastic traditions.