There is a quiet, constant rhythm moving through each of us—a subtle pulse that animates our bodies, fuels our thoughts, and shapes the way we experience the world. In the yogic tradition, this vital force is called prana. While often translated simply as “breath,” prana is far more expansive. It is the underlying energy of life itself, the invisible current that flows through all living things. The breath is simply one of the most tangible ways we can access and influence it.
Scientific research corroborates what yogic wisdom intuits: respiratory function declines with age. By age 65, we can lose up to 40% of our lung capacity. The rib cage flattens, the lower ribs flare, and the diaphragm becomes less efficient—resulting in shallower breathing and greater reliance on upper chest and shoulders.
Read MoreIt's normal to feel down once in a while, but if you're sad most of the time and it affects your daily life, you may have depression. There are many different types of depression. Events in your life cause some, and chemical changes in your brain cause others. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D., which is a period of major depression that most often happens during these winter months, when the days grow short and we get less and less sunlight.
Read MoreWe all need to feel spaciousness in our lives, but with the efficiency and production oriented culture we live in it can be hard to find moments of subtlety and emptiness. Akasha, the element of space can provide help with it’s inherent clear, soft and unbounded nature. In it’s lack of dimension and structure, freedom, playfulness and expansion are more present. The 5 elements, called Mahabhutas in sanskrit and pali languages, are the colors that the Grand Artist paints with. Out of all of the elements, space is the most voluminous, all-pervading and immeasurable.
Read MoreThis is the second installment of a two-part series on yoga therapy for neck pain (read part one here.) The first article was about neck anatomy and postures for healing. This article dives into the relationship of psychological stress/emotions and neck pain while offering a few therapeutic practices.
Read MoreWays to use your breath to increase relaxation, decrease depression and anxiety and feel more balanced.
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