OFF THE MAT & AT-HOME WELLBEING

The Practice of Non-Violence

Ahimsa — non-violence — is the first principle of classical yoga. It stands at the beginning of the Yoga Sutras, before posture, before breath, before anything. It establishes the atmosphere in which all practice unfolds.

Bharadvajasana — Seated Spinal Twist

A twist is a way of ringing out what has accumulated — tension, stagnation, the weight of winter. Bharadvajasana opens the chest, supports detoxification through the organs of digestion, and invites the spine to find its length.

Turning Towards the Light

The air feels different now. The light lingers a little longer in the evenings. The snow is softening, slowly giving way. We are moving toward the equinox — toward equal light and dark — showing us that balance is not an idea, but a lived practice.

Tridoshic Kitchari — Spring's Gentle Detox

A simple, nourishing stew from Ayurvedic tradition — basmati rice, split mung dahl, and seasonal vegetables — to gently cleanse and reset the digestive system as winter gives way to spring.

The Current That Carries Us

As we close the year, I keep coming back to how meaningful it is to share this practice with our community. Whether you show up online or in person, what you bring to these classes — your consistency, attention, presence, and humanness — is what shapes our circle.

A Water Clarity Ritual

A simple end-of-year ritual for releasing what no longer serves and welcoming the clarity of the season ahead.

The Practice of Clarity

B.K.S. Iyengar describes Saucha — the first of the five Niyamas — as the practice of purification. That clarity feels especially needed right now. We live in a time that thrives on distraction, stimulation, and noise.

Paschimottanasana — Seated Forward Extension

As we move toward winter, Paschimottanasana invites the body to fold inward and the mind to steady. Observe how awareness and clarity arise as the spine lengthens and the nervous system settles.

The Active Ritual of Release

As I write to you sitting outside on my lanai, I find myself wanting to hold onto summer — the way the trees hold onto some of their green leaves even as the yellow and amber begin to fall. It's a reminder of the active ritual of release.

A Simple Practice of Release

As the trees let go of their leaves, we're reminded that release is part of every season of life. A quiet writing and burning ritual to create clarity, spaciousness, and readiness for what comes next.

Embracing Transitions with Yoga

As September arrives, many of us feel the mix of endings and beginnings. The season itself reflects transition — leaves contemplating their color shift, the days' long rays shortening, rhythms changing. Yoga doesn't erase these transitions, but it steadies us inside them.

Supported Bharadvajasana — Chair Twist

Practice becomes a place to breathe through change, to restore when we're depleted, and to find clarity when life feels unsettled. A gentle seated twist on a chair to steady the spine through seasonal change.

The Stillpoint of Summer

This summer has been full — long stretches of heat, sudden thunderstorms, and everything in between. The green around us feels brighter than ever. Even with all the busyness, we've still managed to come together to practice.

Sarvangasana — Shoulder Stand

Sarvangasana is the queen of asanas — a full inversion that calms the nervous system, nourishes the thyroid, and invites the practitioner into a profound stillness. A summer practice for finding the quiet center.

Grounded in Gratitude, Expanding in Practice

As summer deepens, there is both steadiness and spaciousness within our community. Thank you for the outpouring of support and presence around the new Chaska space. Each class reminds me of the power of dedicated practice and collective energy.

A Twisting Sequence for Summer

A grounding twisting sequence to integrate the energy of expansion — wringing out stagnation and creating space for what is growing in your practice and your life.

New Rhythm, New Energy

As we step into February, I want to express a heartfelt thank you for the feedback you've shared about our classes and offerings. Your input has been instrumental in shaping this next chapter, and I've made adjustments to the schedule.

A Standing Pose Sequence

Standing poses are the foundation of Iyengar yoga — they build strength, stability, and the capacity to meet life with your feet firmly on the ground. A home sequence for February's new energy.

Annual Reflections and Looking Ahead

Whether you joined me for an online class, in-person session, or on a retreat this year, I've seen remarkable growth and transformation. As we close the year, I keep returning to the principles of sthira and sukha — steadiness and ease.

A Journaling Practice for Year's End

A quiet practice of reflection to close the year with intention — exploring what has taken root, what is ready to release, and what you wish to carry forward into the new year.

Expanding Community

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the rays of summer. As we continue on our journey together, I want to emphasize the incredible power of community in enhancing our well-being. Whether online or in person, connecting with open-minded individuals can profoundly impact our lives.

A Practice for Connection

A gentle practice to open the heart and cultivate the quality of presence that makes true community possible — on the mat and beyond.

From Practice to Presence

There's something profound about stepping away from the day's demands and into a space where we can truly listen — to ourselves, our bodies, and the wisdom within. Our practice provides that space.

Dry Brushing — A Seasonal Renewal

With the change of season, our bodies naturally seek to shed what's no longer needed. Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, encourages circulation, and promotes a sense of lightness and renewal.