Polyvagal Theory & Trauma-informed Practices Polyvagal Theory has become a widely used framework for understanding how the nervous system responds to safety, stress, and trauma. It proposes that the body continuously and unconsciously evaluates the environment—a process sometimes called neuroception—and shifts between states of connection (calm and social), mobilization (fight Read more…
The Gunas: Nature’s Energy Forces Gunas (Sanskrit: गुण) are the three fundamental qualities or forces—Sattva (goodness, harmony), Rajas (passion, activity), and Tamas (inertia, darkness)—that constitute nature and reality in Hindu (Samkhya) philosophy, influencing everything from matter to mind and emotions. Always present in shifting proportions, they create the manifest world, Read more…
Understanding the Koshas, Chakras & Nadis Relationship Koshas (Sanskrit for “sheaths” or “layers”) are the five interconnected layers of being in yogic philosophy, progressing from the outermost physical body (Annamaya Kosha) to the innermost spiritual core (Anandamaya Kosha or bliss body), serving as veils over the true Self (Atman). Understanding Read more…
Asana Pose Library Asana pose library for the physical practice of yoga – english and sanskrit names included for reference. Standing Poses Tadasana/Samasthiti Mountain Pranamasana Mountain Namaste Vrikshasana Tree Uttanasana Standing Forward Fold Utthita Trikonasana Triangle Ardha Chandrasana Half Moon Virabhadrasana I Warrior I Virabhadrasana II Warrior II Virabhadrasana III Read more…
Is there a difference between Astanga and Ashtanga? Classical Astanga Patanjali’s Ashtanga (or Astanga) refers to the classical, eight-limbed path of yoga outlined in his Yoga Sutras, focusing primarily on the mental and philosophical aspects of liberation through meditation. The eight-limbs include ethical guidelines (Yama and Niyama), physical postures (Asana), Read more…
Spiritual Symbology Demystified Spiritual symbols represent core concepts like connection, transformation, divinity, and the journey to higher consciousness. These visual shortcuts can be powerful catalysts, offering non-verbal communication of complex ideas and helping individuals align with spiritual principles or divine energies, functioning as energetic anchors. Padma or Lotus Flower A Read more…
Om Mani Padme Hum ॐ मणिपद्मे हूँ Om mani padme hum is an ancient mantra that is related to the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara, and with therefore the Dalai Lama, who is considered to be an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara. It is very good to recite the mantra Om mani padme Read more…
Yoga Lineages Yoga, rooted in Hindu philosophy, encompasses diverse lineages with distinct approaches. Major paths include Bhakti (devotion), Jnana (knowledge), Karma (selfless action), and Raja (meditation) yoga. Specific lineages within Hatha Yoga like Sivananda, Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Vinyasa Krama have also emerged, each offering unique practices. The concept of lineage, Read more…
Mysore Self Practice Mysore yoga is a self-paced, individualized approach to Ashtanga yoga, where students practice a set sequence of postures at their own pace, guided by a teacher who provides adjustments and guidance as needed. It’s a traditional method of learning Ashtanga, allowing beginners and experienced practitioners to learn Read more…
Understanding Ashtanga Overview Ashtanga vinyasa yoga, usually referred to simply as Ashtanga yoga, is a style of yoga developed and popularized by K. Pattabhi Jois and is often promoted as a modern-day form of classical Indian yoga. Ashtanga Yoga is named after the eight limbs of yoga mentioned in the Read more…
