The Need For Motor Control in our Yoga Practice

The Need For Motor Control in our Yoga Practice

Yoga-related injuries have markedly increased during the past 15 years.  We hear of shoulder issues, hip replacements, herniated discs and other physically traumatic experiences.   If yoga is meant to be therapeutic, holistic and healing, what is behind these...
Why I Still Practice Yoga After 20 Years

Why I Still Practice Yoga After 20 Years

This coming September will mark 20 years I’ve been practicing yoga.  Except for a 2-year period where I hit a major wall, said “I’m done. Fuck Yoga. I am going to play tennis, drink beer, watch tv and be a regular person”, I have practiced most everyday over this...
Breath, Sports, and Consciousness

Breath, Sports, and Consciousness

About 4 years ago I was having a conversation with a friend who told me that the Navy teaches their soldiers to breathe in and out of their noses while they’re training. At first thought, I said, “That’s a mistake”, but as I thought about it more, I realized I...
The Glutes

The Glutes

The Gluteus Maximus is part of our core stabilizing system.  It is supposed to be one of the strongest muscles in the body but due to our lifestyles and compensation patterns, this is often not the case.  Weak glutes can lead to back, hip, knee, neck pain and more....
One Year Later

One Year Later

It has been almost one year since BKS Iyengar passed and it has been one year since my last post.  When I wrote of his death and the beautiful ceremonies that took place in Pune, I had no idea I would not write again for this long.  It was only about one month ago...
The Passing Of Our Yoga Master

The Passing Of Our Yoga Master

I have been hesitant to write this, but as I have been in Pune for 3 months now and have been a part of the processions and celebration of Guruji BKS Iyengar, I feel a bit compelled to write and share what it has been like to be here. The day that Guruji passed was...
Class With Abhi

Class With Abhi

Today we had the honor of having women’s class with Abhijata.  It was a bit of a surprise as a different teacher started the class and only after about a minute of being in Ado Mukha Virasana did another voice emerge from the front of the hall.   People’s heads popped...
The End Of Month Two

The End Of Month Two

I just finished my second month here at the Iyengar Institute in Pune.  With only one month left, I already feel tinges of sadness and fear, and the desire to stay for the rest of the year. I will have completed 3 months by the time I leave, have learned so much, and...
Backbends With Dave

Backbends With Dave

Without a doubt, my favorite part of the day is the self practice in the hall from 9-12.  After the 7-9 am class, I often leave, eat half a watermelon or a coconut, and get back to the hall by 9:30 for 2 1/2 hours of practice.   In some ways, even though there is no...