Whether you’re just beginning a yoga regimen and want to get to know the poses you’ll be learning in class, or want to continue to work on your practice at home, it helps to have a set of foundational poses … Continue reading
This past Sunday I experienced a new kind of yoga at an event entitled, “Yoga Like a Rockstar,” thrown by Tough Love Yoga in Atlanta. I have to admit I was expecting a super intense, crazy power yoga class, but … Continue reading
Did you ever wonder why so many yoga poses are named after animals? Just by looking at some poses, and observing animals, the answer is obvious. Take your dog, for example, watch him stretch first thing in the morning and … Continue reading
Welcome to the first in a series about different styles of yoga from yoga practitioner and writer, Starre Vartan — the Eco-chick. In this series, Starre will explore the who, what, where, and why of some of the most popular … Continue reading
So, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to talk about superstition on Friday the 13th. I happen to love Friday the 13th. While I no longer enjoy horror movies, when I was a kid, scary movies were my indoctrination into the … Continue reading
As yogis who are after more than just the physical practice of yoga, we are spiritual seekers. As spiritual seekers, we are open to new ideas, concepts, and most definitely introspection. As introspect-ors, we begin to examine ourselves under a microscope, study ancient texts, and try to make heads or tails out of this mortal coil. As we dive into ancient spiritual texts, we learn that non-judgement, non-violence, suffering, and non-attachment as philosophical principles illuminate what might once have been darkness.
Many new yogis get so caught up in consciously adhering to what’s written, that they create a new kind of tension. Rather than allowing the transformation to happen by meditating, and bringing awareness to our actions, we can quickly get caught up in a cycle of self-judgement for not being “the perfect yogi.” Not to mention any added shifts in energy and selflessness you experience as a yoga teacher, reiki healer or yoga therapist. Continue reading
As a yogini and a teacher, I always bring my practice back to opening the heart as a way to end suffering. Everyday, we may not even be consciously aware of what we’re doing to sabotage our own happiness. Things like attachment, aversion, and fear creep into our lives when we aren’t even looking.
Opening the heart happens off the mat and on through asana, spiritual practice, meditation, and nurturing our creativity. During my classes, I often end class by reading an excerpt from a meditation book I’m reading, or poem by Rumi or Hafiz, or something I’ve written myself that speaks to the moment. Continue reading
“You are already happy. The reason you don’t experience it is that it’s covered up by layers of suppressed emotions and negative thoughts. Shift your attention and your inherent happiness flashes forth.” – Steve Ross The other day, I had … Continue reading
A friend of mine recently posted on her Facebook wall that she was giving herself a “timeout” and I loved it. What a novel concept. I talk a lot about presence and dedication to your yoga practice, but sometimes that means recognizing when you need a break. As Westerners, we are inherently goal oriented. Despite our best efforts, even as yogis, we rarely give ourselves a break. Continue reading
A Charmed Yogi 
