Vibrance Yoga: Practice and Perspective

Join me this week for a Yin Yoga practice. Grab any props you might like, such as blocks (you can use sturdy books or small boxes taped shut!), blankets or towels, bolsters (maybe a couple of pillows will do the trick for you) and whatever else you might need.The practice of Yin Yoga relies heavily on stillness rather than on movement, which is challenging for some of us. Try not to push too deeply into each shape, but find a place which is sustainable for you to hold over time. If you need to come out or readjust, please do so. Suffering is not on the agenda here! Following your breath is a great way to remain present, but try to refrain from forcing the breath in any way. If you find yourself "gripping" the breath, notice it and soften your hold if you can. If you can't do that, consider that the physical shape of the pose might not be best for you and make adjustments until you can soften the breath as much as you soften the body.

Many of us have heard that meditation has wonderful benefits, but we wonder if we're doing it right. This episode talks about the differences between guided and unguided meditation, and how to get where we want to go with it. Hopefully it can clear up a few misconceptions and clear the way for you to have a meditation practice that is helpful for you!This episode isn't a meditation itself, just a few thoughts on its practice. Also, it's our tenth episode! Thanks for being here with me on this journey. I hope you stick around!

Please don;t allow whatever makes you human to prevent you from practicing! In this episode, I share a pranayama practice that I find helpful when my mood is just not great, and then we flow. If you are in a mood (like I was,) or have some distractions, or physical twinges, or whatever else going on, then know that your humanity doesn't preclude you from practice!We often feel like everything needs to be "perfect" for our practice to benefit us, and that unfortunately leads to abandoning the practice more often than not, because we're not perfect. We're human. Practice being a human with all of the perceived imperfections that go along with it. In that way we can build a sustainable, supportive, and functional practice. Guess what? That helps us in turn to build a more sustainable, supportive, and functional life.So grab your mat and any props you like to use and let's get started.

You probably don't spend much time thinking about how you breathe from moment to moment, but your breath can profoundly affect how you feel. This episode begins to explore diaphragmatic breathing, also called belly breathing. We practice the breath (many of us are not used to it and it might be difficult to cultivate at first; keep at it!) and talk briefly about how the breath helps to propel us through our physical Asana practices.Have a space where you can lie on your belly for this one. Always feel free to take a break from your practice if you need to. We're not trying to suffer through this! Comping back to this type of practice frequently is more helpful at first than trying to do a ton at once. Allow yourself some time and space to settle in.

This episode features a practice that stays on the ground--no standing required! Grab some blocks, a strap, maybe a towel to roll up as a cushion for your knees or as a bolster for a restful Savasana.The practice has an open end, so feel free to stay in your final rest for as long as you require (the longer the better!) and come out gently.

Settle in with a practice that is intended to allow you to relax and sleep well. Yin Yoga is quite different from flow practices, so if you're new to it you should expect a lot of stillness rather than much movement. A degree of discomfort is to be expected, but never pain. If you find you are in pain, please do not stay there, but take care of yourself by coming out of the pose.The practice ends with a Yoga Nidra session, which is a type of guided meditation that allows for profound rest and relaxation. Typically, you are directed to stay awake during Yoga Nidra, but in this case it's perfectly fine to drift off, as the aim of the practice is to promote good sleep!

Another episode recorded live for you to practice along with me. Give yourself the gift of awareness while you practice, having a conversation with your body along the way to find the degree of each pose that works well for you in the moment. Each day is a new one and every practice will be different. Hope you enjoy it!

The books in this episode can be found at the links, or from your favorite bookseller.The Heart of Yoga, by TKV DesikacharYoga Sutras of Patanjali Translated by Shyam RanganathanThe Bhagavad Gita Translated by Eknath EaswaranYoga: Ancient Heritage, Tomorrow's Vision by Indu AroraYoga--Anticolonial Philosophy: An Action-Focused Guide to Practice by Shyam Ranganathan

You'll find a live-recorded slow-ish flow here, with a longer build to work with strength and presence. There is a gentle focus on Asteya, the third Yama from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras here. Always practice to your own body's tolerance and take good care of yourself as you do!

Flow with me! This practice is about 45 minutes long. Take your time and enjoy the process. As I mention in the episode, if you find that you're suffering, back off. There's enough suffering in the world without adding to it with our practice. Enjoy!

Welcome to the podcast! We'll be talking about yoga, practicing yoga, and learning together. Join me on this journey. In this episode, you'll hear about my plans and my background. Stay tuned for the second episode, which will be an audio practice!