Creating Space

We exhale the breath inside of us so that we can inhale deeply. We let go of activities from our daily lives to pursue new interests. We release discontent from our minds to create space for peace inside. We pull up weeds crowding gardens so that vegetables, fruits, and flowers will thrive. We soften theContinue reading “Creating Space”

Ending is Beginning

I walked by this patch of earth the other day, a living, thriving, corner encased by roads and stones. I love the simplicity of this image; these are just flowers coming up to meet the relative warmth of early spring. On the other hand, the teaching of these flowers is profound. They show us theContinue reading “Ending is Beginning”

Companions

Yoga can be a rather solitary practice, both as a student and as a teacher. We all practice for different reasons and in different ways, and for more or less time throughout our lives. Even when we practice in a group environment, it is a very personal experience. I was reminded today that even whenContinue reading “Companions”

The View from My Window

Every morning that I step onto my yoga mat I have the opportunity to look out this window. The window itself is always the same, and I am standing in nearly the exact same place as yesterday. What I see though, is constantly changing. Perhaps at first glance it appears the same as yesterday, butContinue reading “The View from My Window”

Be Here Now

When we practice yoga on our mats we talk about being with this particular breath, with this posture, with this sensation in our bodies. The opposite of this would be anticipating the next breath, worrying about the upcoming posture, or hoping for a release from the sensations our body feels right now. How does thisContinue reading “Be Here Now”

Seasonal Cycles

I’ve always found it difficult to pinpoint my favourite season, and I think it is because I appreciate the seasonal cycle itself more than any particular one. I feel lucky to live in a place where spring is moist and full of blossoms, summer is hot and sunny, and fall is crisp and clear. Winter hereContinue reading “Seasonal Cycles”

Taking Care

Why is taking care of ourselves often so much more difficult than taking care of our children, our house plants, our pets, or our clients? Why do we so often put ourselves at the bottom of the list of people, things, and tasks that require our care and attention? How can we practice offering andContinue reading “Taking Care”

Safe Places

We all need places where we can hide away and restore ourselves to our natural equilibrium when events become overwhelming. The cat loves this little hut as a quiet and dark place to hide away from us humans and the commotion of our lives. Simple shapes like standing, sitting, lying down, or kneeling with theContinue reading “Safe Places”