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Meditation and Yoga: Finding Your Inner Awareness

Therese M. Pope | May 8, 2008

As the Western world continues its hectic and frenzied pace, yoga can offer more than just a physical practice. Some students choose not to incorporate meditation into their yoga practice; however, traditional yogis believe that meditation goes hand-in-hand with yoga to achieve a harmonious awareness of body and mind.

Meditation is for Everyone – The “New” Yoga

Julie Zipper, a Los Angeles based yoga and meditation teacher, believes that meditation is the “new” yoga.

The Importance of Breath Work in Yoga

Therese M. Pope | April 28, 2008

Toxins accumulate in our bodies through the air we breathe, food additives that we eat, and pollution. We are also exposed to a barrage of over 70,000 chemicals produced in our environment. The practice of breath work in yoga helps to cleanse the body of the toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis.

The following breath work technique, alternate nostril breathing, is just one of many exercises included in the yoga practice.

The Sattvic Diet: Eat Simple, Eat Organic

Therese M. Pope | May 29, 2008

Pure, Whole Foods

The philosophy behind a sattvic (yogic or sentient) diet coincides with attaining a higher, pure self in the yoga practice. The sattvic diet includes eating quality foods that aren’t filled with pesticides, toxins and hormones. The sattvic diet emphasizes quality organic foods.

Sattvic food creates energy and a sense of contentment. This approach to eating goes beyond the physical daily allotment of carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

The Anatomy of Yoga

Therese M. Pope | May 27, 2008

Pulled In Different Directions

Your yoga teacher instructs you to move into Downward Facing Dog pose; however, you don’t understand what muscles you are actually working. She then tells you to plant your feet and hands firmly on the mat, while lengthening your spine and hanging your head in a relaxed manner.

When you attempt Downward Facing Dog pose, you may feel pulled in a different directions but aren’t sure what muscle groups are being stretched or strengthened.

SingYo™: Singing For Your Soul

Therese M. Pope | May 27, 2008

Benefits of SingYo™

For centuries, music has brought a sense of joy and inspiration to people’s lives, while also lending a therapeutic effect. Yoga teacher Lynne Feingold has coupled her passion for music and yoga to create SingYo™. (www.singyojoy.com)

SingYo™ combines yoga and singing simultaneously, which helps control both breath and mood. It not only eliminates anxiety, but allows the singing voice to reach new heights.

Helping Students Soar With Yoga

Therese M. Pope | May 19, 2008

Holistic Approach to Learning

In New York City, there is a dynamic team of sisters that is taking a holistic lead and introducing an innovative approach to learning. Academics Plus (http://www.academics-plus.com) was founded by Jacqueline LoBosco, Ph.D. and Michele LoBosco, co-authors of How to Ace the SAT Without Losing Your Cool.

Yoga and Golf: Swinging into Balance

Therese M. Pope | May 16, 2008

Marie Friedlander is helping golfers improve their game in a positive, innovative way with YogaGolf (www.mpoweryoga.org). Friedlander’s teaching philosophy is to take yoga off the mat and to incorporate it into people’s daily lives. She’s doing just that with YogaGolf. She teaches yoga classes geared towards golfers at The Resort at Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Coast, California.

Motivating Moms Through Yoga

Therese M. Pope | May 14, 2008

Leading yoga and fitness expert, Sara Holliday, MFT, CPT, believes women can achieve their optimum potential. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, she takes a holistic approach to helping women find the power within themselves to lead rich, fulfilling lives.

As a former competitive gymnast, Holliday’s favorite gymnastics coach made a lasting impression on her and taught her that gymnastics wasn’t about only winning, but it was about finding the best inside you.

Mindful Parenting: Stimulating Infant Development through Yoga

Therese M. Pope | May 14, 2008

Jackie Long, yoga teacher and marriage and family therapist, planned to study the effects of meditation on the brain for scientific purposes only. After spending two months living in a monastery in Thailand, she witnessed the profound effect it had on her and she became interested in studying the brain using fMRI techniques. However, she moved away from science and found her yogic path instead.

“I felt called to work with people. So instead of researching meditation I decided it was my calling to teach it,” Long recalls.

Yoga in the City: The Urban Yogi

Therese M. Pope | May 12, 2008

The last time I visited New York City I was amazed by how many people I saw riding the subway with yoga mats strapped to their backs. In Manhattan, there was a yoga studio on every corner (next to the neighborhood Starbucks). As a long time student who took yoga classes at a downtown Sacramento gym, I noticed how more people attended the classes over the years and how studios quickly cropped up in Sacramento.