The Importance of the Psoas Muscle

Some years ago, at the end of an intense Vinyasa yoga class I’d taught, something remarkable happened. I prepared my students for relaxation, moving them into reclined hip release poses. As the energy slowed down and they began letting go … Read More

Lean into your practice

Many people I spoke to for this story had a yoga practice before their divorce but generally only considered it part of a physical health regimen. Alice Schlegel—mother, researcher, yoga teacher, and director of student activities at a community college … Read More

Practice Being in the Now

Mini-meditation Divorce coach Lisa Gabardi, PhD, uses this exercise to help her patients acknowledge the here and now. 1. Notice when you’re obsessing, lost in a rage, swamped with sorrow, or in a fear loop. 2. Close your eyes and … Read More

Do You Need an Anxiety Detox?

Learn how to process this debilitating emotion and break free from the stress it can cause by observing and witnessing the sensations of your powerful feelings. No matter the root cause of anxiety, you know the symptoms: sleepless nights; that … Read More

About Anxiety: Freedom of the Unknown

Thoughts and reality In the first part of this series, we took a closer look at thoughts: those elusive, ongoing interpretations coming from our minds, commenting on whatever happens or is about to happen. Sometimes they’re like a babbling stream, and … Read More

Who is the one that is anxious?

In this article, we’re going to have a closer look at the one who is experiencing anxiety, the one we call “me.” Who or what is this “me” that is worried, that is trying to get a grip on life, … Read More

Investigating anxious thoughts

What is anxiety and what is causing it? Anxiety has many forms. It can be a small but tenacious knot somewhere in your stomach or a worried voice speaking to you when you try to sleep at night. Sometimes anxiety … Read More

5 Questions Before Going Deeper

You may have heard the saying that before you speak, ask yourself: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? I’ve always felt this is a great guideline that helps me practice compassionate communication in line with the yogic … Read More

5 Poses for Extra Energy

Backbends. Backbends are the most obvious poses for energizing—even gentle backbends can be stimulating. Since it’s cooler, darker weather, I’ve been playing a lot with the “backbend” in forward-bending poses. For example, Parsvottanasana (Intense Side Stretch Pose) with my hands in prayer behind … Read More

Yoga in the Face of Chronic Illness

We asked our college-age readers to share stories of how yoga has impacted their lives. As a child, Emily Kurc, spent her time at doctors’ appointments instead of running and playing with friends. She explains how yoga helped her find … Read More