Mary's Yoga Thoughts

Bandhas are when opposing muscles form a "lock" that stimulated nerve conduction and the local chakra.  There are three traditional Bandhas that you may hear of during a class. Sometimes a yoga teacher will ask students to engage or activate on of these during a pose. It brings more awareness to the body as we direct our attention to that area and consciously contract. Engaging these energetic locks also allows retaining of the dissipating Prana (life force energy) in certain areas of the body. 1. Mula Bandha- this refers to the area of the pelvic floor (for both males and females). It involves the first Chakra (Root- survival/safety/trust). We can activate this bandha by squeezing the perineum with a gentle upward tug (the space between the genitals and anus).  2. Udyana Bandha- an activating of upper abdominals, right below the solar plexus. It involves the third Chakra (Solar Plexus- strength/power/self-esteem).  After an exhale, pull the abdominal muscles up and into ...

A while ago, I read a book called Perfectly Imperfect by Baron Baptiste, a yoga instructor. It was full of great one-liners and quotes that I loved, like:  Pose begins when you want to get out of it. Acceptance of what is and is not happening - in a pose as in life - creates peace. Come as you are, not as what you think you should be. We have what we need right here to make things happen. There i s nothing to fix. You are either Now here or Nowhere. Be willing to show up and suck until you can show up and shine! But probably my favorite is the very simple, "Begin Again" . It applies to poses, such as a balance posture. If you fall out, there is no need for judgment or meaning or frustration, simply, and gently, Begin Again. Learning to quiet the mind and overwhelmed by racing thoughts? Simply Begin Again. Intending to be in the present moment but getting distracted by other things? Begin Again. It is such a beautiful reminder of the fact that we all get to try, and keep tryin...

After I attend a yoga class, I will often sit outside the room and jot down a few notes, thoughts or feelings, insights that came to me during the hour... and sometimes specific things my teacher said or did during the class.  One day, she said, "stay on your own mat". And she wasn't talking about physical space. As yogis we often slide a limb off the mat as we explore the space around us and move freely. However, our eyes and intentions should be focused on our own experience, our own practice. I've been guilty of glancing at other students to see what they are doing during a posture, or to mentally "rank" myself in terms of my perceived "performance" during class. This never ends well for my mental and emotional state. Either I find myself having feelings of inadequacy and thoughts of shame or I come dangerously close to pride and Ego taking over, depending on the day and who is present or what posture we're in. How silly! When this happens I...

In yogic philosophy all of the essence of nature (mother nature/ Shakti) is comprised of energy. The three qualities of energy are manifested in Tamas, Raja and Sattva.  The 3 gunas are constantly interacting and in flux within us. An awareness of the gunas allows us to be more balanced, peaceful and harmonious on and off the yoga mat. According to an article by Linda Sparrow in  Yoga Journal , "Tamas provides our foundation; rajas gives it vitality and breath; sattva imbues it with consciousness and compassionate awareness"  Here is a brief description of the gunas.  Tamas- foundation, inertia, slow, thick, stability (upward/downward movement) Raja- vitality and inhalation, activity, enthusiasm (forward/backward movement) Sattva- consciousness, compassionate awareness, clear, focus, presence (side-to-side movement) Noticing which guna is dominant in my life, mind, emotions or body in any given moment allows me to mindfully observe and then choose how to respond or a...