Photo by Jens Broadbeck
Oceans I have a feeling that my boat Juan Ramon Jimenez
Practicing YogaKeeping the Questions AliveThumbing through some notes recently, I came across thoughts jotted down long ago. Perhaps they were just some rambling thoughts, but I figured if they were valuable to me, then perhaps they would be for you as well. One question I like keeping alive and that I ask my students to continually consider, is: What is Yoga? The question bears revisiting often and can be a measure of your evolving understanding and relationship with this vast body. The basics may remain the same, but where you are in your dance with Yoga, can bring fresh perspectives. Another question bearing the same weight is: Why... It's the Whole Person...StupidIt seems we are a compartmentalized species. Our minds separate our spirituality from our business. Our emotions from our reason. Our politics from our morals. The examples go on and on. We also rationalize these things even as we see them. But the holy trinity of Yoga is body, mind, and spirit. Many of life’s mysteries and teachings come as a threesome, and Yoga is no different. So why do we tend to separate parts of ourselves from ourselves? The study and practice of Yoga states that it aims for connecting, yoking, and uniting. It aims for recognizing and balancing opposites. The yin and yang of a practice teaches... Double DownA Double Dip of DogA chaturanga may be off your menu these days, but there are ways to double down on building strength and stamina in your practice through your down dog. In a flowing sequence, whether it be the dog in your salutations, or a down dog that bridges one pose to another, you can up the ante in upper body strength, and increase the length of long muscle groups by adding an extra dog to your flow. There are a number of ways to build this into your practice. In a salutation, holding the down dog for a number of breaths can be a challenge for a person just starting to build upper body strength. These people can substitute the tabletop position in place of the down dog, or they can use the tabletop as a resting spot rather than holding the down dog beyond their capacity for strength and stamina. But for the more practiced person, holding the down dog position can become a moment of respite within a flow, and is also a place to deepen one’s breathing, and refine nuances of alignment. It is also a place to add a double dip. On occasion, taking a double dip of dog is both fun and challenging. Before completing the... From The White Lotus KitchenSweet and Salty Luxe Holiday Nut MixIt’s super easy to conjure up something simple, and yet so delicious that it satiates all the senses. Our holiday nut mix is going to make you the hit of all your upcoming parties. It will also take the stress out of what to bring when you’re invited to a gathering. Easy and quick to prepare, you can keep everything you need on hand all season long. Our recipe is also healthy, so there’s no need to feel like you’re adding to the typical seasonal carb overload. In this mix you have sweetness from dried fruits, flakey sea salt to balance out the sweetness and bring out the best flavor profile in the nuts, and a combo of raw and toasted nuts which highlight a wonderful spectrum of tastes and textures in every bite. We wish you the bounty of the season. And good health. SanctuaryPersonal Meditation RetreatWe invite you to join us for Sanctuary — Personal Meditation Retreat. Immerse yourself in nature for a time of spiritual sanctuary and take a few well-deserved days to rebalance your body, mind, and spirit. Whether you crave silent contemplation or desire focused time to refine your yoga practice, or whether you're finally going to take time to finish reading or writing that book that's been waiting, there is Sanctuary waiting for you. Come alone or come with a friend or family to celebrate a space out of time. We invite you to the Center, to welcome yourself home. Personal retreat is offered... |
|
|
