How does yoga affect depression? More studies are using randomized controlled trials to look at the relationship between yoga and depression. Randomized controlled trials are the best ways to verify study results. According to the Harvard Mental Health Letter, recent studies … Read More
Butterfly Effect: Cycles of Renewal
There is something about the butterfly that seems to inspire us. No doubt we’ve all experienced the mesmerizing awe felt at the sight of its captivating beauty and grace as it gently floats by. These beautiful and magnificently colored creatures … Read More
Incense: Enhancing Brain Health
Nearly all spiritual paths include incense. Zen Buddhists face the wall, with only incense, and the bell (and occasional whack) for company. Using essential oils, without the incense stick (usually heated in a bowl of water over a candle) can … Read More
The Meaning of Living a Healthy Life
Creativity A healthy life involves creativity. I mean this in the literal sense. Creative pursuits (art, dance, music, etc.) have been proven to reduce stress and provide numerous health benefits. Furthermore, I believe these activities are good for you because it’s … Read More
Animal Wisdom on the Yoga Mat
Animals and yoga are interconnected, though people don’t often think about it unless a cat is rubbing their face on them in an inversion, or a dog takes a sniff while in savasana. Whether you are in the barnyard practicing with goats, … Read More
Gyana Mudra
What is Gyan Mudra? Gyan Mudra is a powerful mudra (or hand position) practiced for thousands of years by yogis that brings peace, calm, and spiritual progress. It relates to the planet Jupiter. Artistic depictions of great spiritual masters such … Read More
What is Prana Mudra?
According to the ancient principles of Yoga and Ayurveda, the human body is made up of 5 elements- water, air, fire, earth and space. The fingers of our hands denote these elements as below: These five elements further constitute the … Read More
The Power of Mudras
Do you incorporate mudras into your personal yoga practice? Or are you a tad bit unfamiliar as to what they even are? If you know they have something to do with your hands, but beyond that they remain a mystery—this article is … Read More
8 Questions from Yoga Beginners
When new students come to yoga class, they have a number of questions. The experience can be overwhelming for a new student and often, they have overcome significant obstacles to get to that first experience. Even in the first few … Read More
Brief History of Yoga
The practice of yoga can be traced back nearly 5,000 years, with some researchers suggesting it actually extends as far back as 10,000 years. Yogic teachings were mentioned in the Rigveda, an ancient spiritual text. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word yuj, which loosely translates … Read More