Author: yogaguide

Why is is named downward facing dog? Good questions! The name comes from the way that dogs naturally stretch their entire bodies, which you have seen for a reason! This yoga pose is an essential component of Sun Salutations and is often done many times during a yoga class.  The flow of blood to the brain also calms the nervous system, relieves stress, improves memory and concentration while relaxing you. Downward-Facing Dog is one of the most recognized yoga poses – Adho Mukha Svanasana (Ah-doh MOO-kuh shvan-AHS-uh-nuh) — is a standing yoga pose which helps build strength while stretching the entire body. This...

My love affair for music started with a humbling beginning. I was 21 years old, and far from living in the light. Broken by low self-esteem, battling my way through addiction. I would spend my nights in a dark place; both physically and mentally. I had yet to discover the tools I already possessed for healing, but I had an IPA, and would spend hours pouring through YouTube. I had recently stumbled across progressive house/electronic music, and would spend my time getting wrapped up in endless playlists. My favorites, (then and now), were long hour-plus mixes, with soothing female...

  This week has had a repetitive theme…creativity. With the full moon coming up, major shifts in energy, crystals being recharged, manifestations amplifying, we figured it would only make sense to feature our beautiful, creative and artistic yogi friend Mandy Martini. 1) What brought you to your mat? I started yoga because my therapist recommended it as an alternative to anti-depressants after I was diagnosed with PTSD and refusing to use medications.  2) What does yoga mean to you? Yoga is a tool for me. I use it to make my body feel good, to open up and strengthen,...

Most of the time we’re completely unaware of our posture.  We don’t stand properly over our feet.  We stand with the weight shifted over one leg, or with the knees locked back.  Another far too common postural misalignment is for the pelvis tucked under the shoulders rounded forward, and head hanging down and in front of its proper place.  My teacher, Anna Delury, used to say this was because sitting at desks or at the computer was causing human de-evolution.  When we practice the standing poses with proper alignment, we can start to change our postural habits by strengthening the core,  and the erector spine. We...