A couple weeks ago we sent out an email advertising a workshop using the picture to the left.  Almost immediately we received 3 responses letting us know how intimidating this picture was.  It’s true…thinking about bending backwards can invoke fear.  We are frontal creatures, we generally do not see our back side except in a mirror or a picture and we may not even think about it until we have neglected it so much it starts to ache.  I guess the photo, although meant to be inspirational, could conjure images of your back breaking rather than a supple bend

That being said, we’re here to let you know bending backwards does not need to be scary.  With awareness and guidance it’s invigorating, relieves stiffness, and is an exciting and alternate way to view your environment. 

Read More »

We received a great email the other day from one of our motivated clients which read:

“I thought you would be tickled pink at the results of my routine physical. Yes, pending routine lab results, it appears that I’m healthy. But they also measured my height at 5’11-1/2″. I’ve been 5’10-1/2″ my entire adult life. I had them re-measure, and then I checked it myself when they were out of the room. Yep, an inch taller. So I guess all those ‘Up! Up! Up’s!’ have been working!”  Thanks, John

What could be better than that…gaining height as you get older?! Isn’t that supposed to work the opposite way around?  Can yoga REALLY make you taller? What does  research show?

Read More »

Dread! Oftentimes people approach the plank position and the low push up with unabashed dread. Imagine instead, looking forward to tackling them with zest, relishing the thought of doing twenty more. That’s right, just twenty more you think, no problem!

Well, when approaching with the proper form and execution that is exactly how you feel. Finishing off another set of twenty and knowing that you have more in you but the sets are done. How can that be? With a little coaching on drills, sets, and form control you too will be on your way to moving beyond enduring the plank and low push up, alternately you look forward to adding them into your repertoire.  They enhance your practice and state of being knowing that you will respond positively rather than reacting wretchedly when you hear you are going to be doing five more, sometimes twenty more, salutations at the yoga studio your pal dragged you out of bed to go to and experience a blissful morning practice.

Read More »

“Wow, she’s really good at yoga!” “Whoa! I can’t be in the front row, I’m not good enough.” Do you say this? Do you hear this? More importantly – do you believe you are ‘good’ or ‘bad’ at yoga?

First off, there is absolutely nothing wrong with judgment. Judgment – either judging yourself or others is what separates us from animals and keeps us upright and breathing. So don’t be down on judging, just pay attention to your parameters.

Don’t let looks fool you. Sporting the latest, sleek yoga apparel or being proficient in headstands, handstands, and arm balances does not make you ‘good’ at yoga, just as not being able to touch the floor or put your foot behind your head does not make you ‘bad’ at yoga. When it comes to deciding whether or not someone is good or bad at yoga it is often the measurement stick that is being used that is deceiving. So how can we distinguish good and bad when it comes to yoga?

Read More »

It has been a week of dreary, rainy, windy and chilly weather in Seattle, and this time of year when you are just ready for winter to go away it can be a bit disheartening.  So, instead of getting depressed because this is just how it goes out here in the PNW, I choose to create my own energizing sunny warmth.  I admit I may first check out the weather in South Florida and embed the bright, heat of that place in my mind as I head in for a practice 

Here’s one I do to give me a little lift.  It’s focused on front openers from the Daily Dozen as opening the front is energizing (what I need on grey days) and challenging (builds heat and makes me concentrate and stay present). Read More »