If you’re accustomed to sweating your way toward glamorous poses, Yin Yoga may at first glance seem too slow, too simple, and, well, too boring. But this complex practice of long, passively held floor poses is deeply nourishing and has myriad benefits for any yoga practitioner, says San Francisco Bay Area yoga and meditation teacher [...]
(bah-ROD-va-JAHS-anna),Bharadvaja = one of seven legendary seers, credited with composing the hymns collected in the Vedas Step by Step 1. Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Shift over onto your right buttock, bend your knees, and swing your legs to the left. Lay your feet on the floor [...]
(m-RIG-ee moo-drah) mrigi = deer mudra = seal Step by Step 1. Ball your right hand into a fist. Press your index and middle fingers into the mound (or base) of your thumb, so they’re held firmly in their curled position. (This mudra is traditionally made with the right hand, but there’s no compelling reason [...]
(sim-HAHS-anna) simha = lion Step by Step 1. Kneel on the floor and cross the front of the right ankle over the back of the left. The feet will point out to the sides. Sit back so the perineum snuggles down onto the on the top (right) heel. 2. Press your palms firmly against your [...]
Step by Step 1. To begin the practice of self-inquiry, sit for meditation as usual. If you don’t already have a regular practice, just sit quietly and allow the mind to settle naturally. Don’t attempt to focus your mind or manipulate your experience, just rest as awareness itself. 2. After 10 or 15 minutes introduce [...]
Step by Step 1. If you already have a regular meditation routine, do a minute or two of it to get grounded and comfortable, and maintain your usual posture. If you’re new to meditation, find a comfortable upright position (sitting in a chair is sufficient), take a few deep breaths, and relax as much as [...]
Reclined Big Toe Pose – Supta Padangusthasana Type of Pose: Supine Benefits: Gently stretches the hamstrings and calves. Can help reduce back pain by addressing Flat Low Back Posture. Instructions: 1. Come to lie on your back with the legs outstretched. 2. Bend the right knee and hug it into your chest. 3. Place a yoga [...]
So Many Yoga Poses, So Much Time Don’t feel overwhelmed by the number of yoga poses. Hopefully, your yoga practice will be a lifelong pursuit, giving you plenty time to learn scores of poses. As your practice progresses, you will feel comfortable taking on more challenging poses. But when you are just beginning, keep it [...]
The following mini-yoga routine combines three poses to create a full-body program that strengthens the lower body, core muscles and upper body in one shot — preferably immediately after your weight workout. For each pose, go barefoot for better stability and breath deeply and slowly through your nose, taking a five-second deep inhale and five-second [...]
With so many different types of yoga floating around, trying to keep them all straight can seem mind-boggling. Routines range from slow to fast, basic to complex and very spiritual to strictly physical. Whether you’re looking for a mind-body connection or just a great workout, there’s a style of yoga that’s perfect for you. Get [...]
