September 2010 Handstand (Adho mukha vrkasana)

This posture represents many of the aspects of yoga that I cherish, as well as the aspects that challenge me. Handstands are playful, scary, teetery (is that a word?), unpredictable, elating, challenging, strengthening, and perspective-changing. We have all heard the phrase, “stand on your own two feet.” What about, “Stand on your own two hands”? […]

Life is Yoga: September 2010: The Unofficial Learning Month

Do we ever stop learning new things? Or maybe the question should be: should we stop learning? September seems to be the unofficial learning month. Most of us went back to school in September when we were kids and young adults. As some of you know, my kids are home-schooled, but it still feels like […]

August 2010 Stillness

In yoga you often hear the word stillness associated with the practice. “Moving into stillness,” “find the stillness in the pose.” What does that mean exactly? Being still allows for more awareness of what is happening right in that very moment. It is a way of being present. Think about what many animals do when […]

July 2010 Intention

Many times, at the beginning of a practice, the teacher will say, “set an intention for today’s practice.” Setting an intention really means focusing on one thing, especially something important. It’s a way of harnessing energy and putting things in perspective. Many believe that yoga practice not only shifts an individual’s energy, but may shift […]

Life is Yoga: July 2010: Finding Center

I have just completed another teacher training program. It is truly a humbling and gratifying experience to watch people transform into teachers seemingly before my eyes. Participating in teacher training is like one long yoga practice. There is stumbling, loss of breath, then steadiness returns. There are moments of such intensity that the will is […]

Yoga In Depth – Inspiration

When was the last time you were inspired? How many people do you know that inspire you on a regular basis? What is inspiration anyway? These are questions I ask myself regularly. Why? Because in my mind, inspiration is what makes us better. Here are some definitions of inspiration: the drawing of air into the […]

Lip Balm and Chocolate Mousse

My new favorite lip stuff I do not have an addictive personality, however, I do tend to go a bit overboard with somethings. One of my obsessions is lip balm, or more specifically, frosty colored lip balm. For a long time, I have loved Burt’s Bees which is not vegan for obvious and not obvious […]

UN Urges Global Move to Meat and Dairy-Free Diet

Lesser consumption of animal products is necessary to save the world from the worst impacts of climate change, UN report says A global shift towards a vegan diet is vital to save the world from hunger, fuel poverty and the worst impacts of climate change, a UN report said today. An cattle ranch in Mato […]

June 2010 Breaking Out of Basics

Are you a student who always takes Basics classes? Are you curious about whether you are ready to try other classes? Do you have questions about foundation postures and concepts of the practice such as proper alignment of the up-dog and push-up, breathing, locks, anatomy, and more? Do you find O2 Yoga practice fun and […]

Life is Yoga: June 2010: Inspiration

When was the last time you were inspired? How many people do you know that inspire you on a regular basis? What is inspiration anyway? These are questions I ask myself regularly. Why? Because in my mind, inspiration is what makes us better. Here are some definitions of inspiration: The drawing of air into the […]