In yoga, the word “Prana” means our “Vital life force energy.” In Chinese medicine they call this force “Chi” or “Qi” and in Japanese – “Ki” as in “Reiki” energy-healing practices. Prana is a comparable term in Indian medicine. Prana energy is crucial to our experience of overall health and a sense of wellbeing. It … More Ways to raise your Prana
If you are new to the practice of yoga it may be mind-boggling to try to navigate between the different styles of yoga while trying to decide where to start in the first place. After all what’s the difference anyway? Isn’t yoga just yoga!? I often have to field questions from new students who are … More Too many styles of yoga – simplified!
Upon organizing a yoga retreat next weekend, the idea of going on a retreat has been on my mind lately… Certain questions such as “what does it mean to go on a yoga retreat or to take a retreat in general?” have come up for me. Hearing the word “retreat” almost sounds like we’re trying … More Going on a Yoga Retreat – It’s all a state of mind
Recently the issues of menstruation and pregnancy have come up in my classes, so I figured I would write a little outline of my notes to help my students find it all in one place. Hope this is a starting place to guide you and feel free to ask me any questions you may have … More Yoga for Women – Monthly Cycle and Pre-Natal
Surya Namaskara – Sun Salutations – the sequence of 12 postures we practice as a warm-up in the beginning of class, are a wonderful to begin a simple home practice. It is recommended for beginners to practice 2-3 rounds (one round is practiced on the right side – right foot steps back and forward into … More Surya Namaskara – Sun Salutations
While practicing pranayama (prana = vital life force energy, yama = control or expansion of) it’s useful to count the breaths to sustain a rhythm and also keep track of how long and how many breaths have taken place. One way is to count by chanting “Om” and a number internally. For example: “Om 1, … More Counting breath cycles during Pranayama
The Chakra system is part of the “Pranamaya Kosha” – our vital energy body (see post on the 5 koshas). The word Chakra means “wheel” or “vortex” – which can be a useful visualization of the seven energetic centers along the spine. The gross form of the chakras are the nervous and circulatory systems. Our … More The 7 Chakras – Energy Wheels
Prana – The Vital Life Force energy. The Prana Vayus (the five winds), are subtle channels in which prana is distributed throughout our being. Below is a brief summary: Prana Vayu – Felt and distributed by the Inhalation and organs of respiration from the heart to the throat (upward flow of prana) Apana Vayu – … More The 5 Prana Vayus – the 5 Winds
As we start to focus on the breath, Prana – our vital life force, we’re drawn to the subtle aspects of ourselves. Breathing through the right and left nostrils, Ida and Pingala Nadi, have profound affects on our energy and mind state which fluctuates throughout the day. A Nadi is an energy channel. There are … More The 3 Nadis
The 5 Koshas (Sheaths) are a great way to examine our practice and develop our “witness consciousness,” in the beginning stages of the practice. Like many paths and lists that lead the way for a practitioner, we learn it, become aware and then hopefully move on to experience all 5 levels and beyond! In my personal … More The 5 Koshas – Sheaths
InnerLotus Yoga 