Practice
As we know from the Sutras of Patanjali, asana (postures) is just one of the eight limbs of yoga. It’s important to remember this, as we cultivate a well rounded practice anchored in meditation. Some simple clear guidance will be offered here to provide a safe, sound foundation for your practice.
Siddhasana
Siddhasana is a seated pose ideal for meditation. It is also the ‘seat’ of many kriyas specified in the authentic teachings and so it is important we do our best to assume the asana correctly so that we can develop our aligned posture and energy can flow freely within the body. It can feel challenging at first as a pose to remain in for some time, but as regular practice develops you will appreciate the benefits.
We could call this Ardha Siddhasana as it is slightly less intense than the version with stacked ankles. Take a seat on a meditation cushion or folded blankets, sit at the front edge to create length in the low back. Bring one heel in toward the center of your body, and then the other directly in front of it. Allow the thighs and knees to soften downward toward the ground. Rest the hands on the knees. Lengthen your spine and let the shoulders drop back and down away from your ears. Broaden across the collar bones. As you hug the lower edge of your shoulder blades down the back, look also for a drawing of the lowest front ribs toward the front hip points. Lengthen through the sides of the waist. Of course naturally you will find yourself sometimes forgetting or slumping, but that’s ok just begin to train yourself to innocently return to the pose sitting with erect spine and relaxed shoulders. Think of the concept of ‘Sthira sukha’ in the Sutras of Patanjali, as with all our actions on the mat and off we should look to approach all with a combination of strength and ease, stability and comfort, commitment and lightness, inviting in balance and harmony.
Videos
Pranayama: calming Inner Light breath work with Vena
Are you feeling stressed? Anxious? Thoughts racing? Here is a pranayama for you. You could try it for just 3 minutes and build to 30 minutes, you could do it for 21 days at a regular time, or just try it with me! I promise you will benefit from it. Still the mind, relieve stress, frustration, anger, and fill yourself with light ✨✨✨💖
Kriya Set to Stabilize the Nervous System
This kriya set predominantly involves pranayama -breathwork. It is very meditative and cooling-use it to calm the mind and stabilize, ground and release tension. Center, integrate and harmonize the energetic body so you can show up fully in life. Access deep peace at your core, restore your energy and be at ease.
Navel Fire Set.
Here’s my latest addition to the video collection. So excited to share this yoga kriya set with you! Navel Fire Set. These kriya sets are designed specifically to help us maintain good health, well being and balance, boost the immune system, strengthen lung capacity, expand our energy, and be able to fully digest and move forward.
This set develops focus, commitment and a grounded and raised energy to keep the immune system strong. It also creates steadiness and stability, the ability to deal with whatever life is asking of you in the moment. Try it- I promise you won't regret it.
50 minute gentle seated chair yoga class.
After years of teaching this in homes and assisted living settings, here’s my first instructional video folks!
A 50 minute chair yoga practice for seniors, those with limited mobility, anyone who is looking for a gentle alternative to a mat practice, perhaps you don't have space to lay out your mat, you're in recovery, or looking to release stress... this is for you! So let's get out of the busy mind and into the body, take breaks as needed, you just need a chair!
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