The body is layered, stacked like a Russian doll. In yogic philosophy, it is explained how the body is actually made up of various sheaths and what each sheath of the body is responsible for. By coming to know the five main koshas, or body fields or sheaths, it is easier to understand what part of us responds to, holds or processes each of our experiences.
Trail running is often a reprieve from more than just the hard-impact roads and tracks that I occasionally run–it’s also a respite from noise, traffic and congestion, and a welcome back into nature, soft trails, technical terrain, and peace. Even if you don’t run, walking along trails can often be a far more serene experience than walking on sidewalks or along the road. Don’t believe me? Here are 7 reasons why you need to get off the concrete and back onto trails.
It’s hard to deny, as lilacs bust out, that stuffing a handful of fragrant flowers in a vase is super-springtime-satisfying. I’m a sucker for a fistful of lily of the valley, myself. But, as spring blossoms into summer and flowers flash unique colors and shapes, why not consider a more simplistic and intentional arrangement? Why not try your hand at ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of flower arrangement?
Tired of the violence and disrespect? Over all the drama and unnecessary conflict? Ready to see humanity grow up and begin to take responsibility for its sacred relationship to the rest of the web of life? Want world peace NOW?
Then please, halt your horses, and go within to become that which you seek. As Gandhi said, "Be the Change." It's the only way.
Babies usually enter the world head first, literally “crowning” as their final move from the fetal stage of development into the oxygen breathing world of humanhood. The Crown Chakra is found at the very top of the head and is the interface between the world of the unseen and this body. When the Crown chakra, also known as Sahasara, is fully open and activated it is seen as the Thousand-petaled Lotus and is rainbow colored, signifying that all of the lower centers are open and functioning.
Do you wake up every morning feeling fresh and rejuvenated? Is your mind clear and skin glowing? If not, you may be experiencing the accumulation of Ama in the body. A body free from Ama feels light and generally enthusiastic about life and has a pink tongue and blemish-free complexion.
According to the spiritual philosophy I ascribe to, we are all moving from imperfection to perfection. That means we are all growing, changing, developing. We are progressing from crude to subtle, culminating in merger with the subtlest entity of them all: The source of all creation.
A weekend in Bali. A month in Morocco. Three weeks camping on the Baja Peninsula. Expensive, exotic yoga retreats, trainings and festivals are popping up all over the globe. As wonderful as it would be to just drop the kids off at Grandma’s and jetset around the world to connect with the yogis and energies of foreign lands, it’s not always feasible -- especially when Grandma’s RVing in North Carolina and you used the last of your PTO when your bestie was in town last month.
There are numerous ways to learn about healthy lifestyle practices, ranging from self-care to nutrition to exercise to yoga. Books, online and in-person classes, workshops, and friend-to-friend chats can all be great ways to learn more about the healing benefits of pine pollen, for example, or if plastic bottles are really safe.
Some of us wake up in the morning, ready to go for runs, hit the gym, or do an early morning exercise routine. For others, the afternoons are when we get in some physical activity. Many of us spend a great deal of time on trying to stay physically healthy. While physical fitness should be a priority, staying mentally healthy is equally as important.