This week in the yoga classes I teach, I have been talking about the ethical practice of non-violence, or Ahimsa as it’s called in Sanskrit. Non-violence is at the heart of the teachings in yoga and provides the foundation for the other guidelines. Regardless of its historical or religious underpinnings, I think most people would
“In an age of acceleration, nothing can be more exhilarating than going slow.” Pico Iyer I often teach what I need to learn and, boy, is this lesson a big one for me. I move fast, talk fast, think fast, and drive fast. The faster I move, the more lost in thought I tend
Act soon to take advantage of the $100 early signup discount on your trip to Costa Rica next February! Offer ends June 1. This will be the sixth trip I’ve taken to the Pura Vida Spa. Why, you might ask, do I keep returning? This trip creates a perfect balance of yoga practice, time for
The past week held many lessons in letting go and required the willingness and courage to be vulnerable. Every day I was given the opportunity to come face-to-face with people and circumstances that, if I were to approach them with mindfulness and Non-Violent Communication (NVC), would ask me to give up my agenda and be
This morning when my bottom hit the meditation cushion, my mind began to churn a not-so- happy story about the night before. In this story, my husband, Bud, was the villain. For a little context, I had been sleeping by myself for four nights up until last night because Bud was out of town on
Pay attention to the sensations of your breath and your body. When the mind wanders to a thought (or something else), gently but firmly bring your attention back to experience of breathing and the sensations of the body. Bringing a kind and compassion attention to the present moment. Repeat over and over again. These are
Ten Ways to Bring More Joy Into Your Life What images or ideas do you have when you think about practicing mindfulness? Do you picture a quiet setting where someone is sitting with her eyes closed? Sitting for long periods of time without moving? Doing nothing and/or being bored? If so, I’d like to give
The experience of tasting starts long before you put food in your mouth. Let’s take chocolate as an example. If you pay attention, you can notice what emotions are present when you reach for a piece of chocolate or find yourself in the chocolate aisle at the store. What draws you to one piece of
I love to teach mindful eating because I get to witness how the act of eating can become the doorway to enlightenment! While that might sound a bit lofty, it is truer than you might think. So, let’s think about it a moment. When you eat, you are bringing your whole body, heart, and mind
During World Mindful Eating Month, The Center for Mindful Eating (TCME) will share daily social media inspirational posts along with practical exercises that explore 2019’s theme of “Stepping into Mindful Eating.” Why not take your first steps into mindful eating or re-vitalize your current mindful eating practice by joining others around the globe? Now is
