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There are similarities - for example, in both restorative and yin, we hold passive poses for longer periods of time, often assisted by the use of props like blankets, blocks, bolsters, and straps. Both offer deep stress relief. Both emphasize stillness. Some of the poses even look the same in both styles. But there are …
Continue reading "What’s the difference between yin and restorative yoga?"
It's OK to not be OK. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 5.7%-8% of adults suffer from depression. Close to 1 billion people worldwide have a mental health condition. Yet nearly 2/3 of people with a known mental health conditionnever seek treatment. Yoga can be a powerful tool for managing mental and emotional …
You might think restorative yoga is too slow and passive to be beneficial. I'm gonna tell you why you're wrong. Restorative yoga is a very gentle, slow, still practice that involves holding a short series of passive postures for longer periods of time, sometimes for five minutes or longer. Poses may be prop-assisted, using bolsters, …
Continue reading "Why you (yeah, you!) should be practicing restorative yoga"
Want to create more ease in your day? These simple rituals may make a morning person out of you yet! When you think of the word “ritual,” what leaps to mind? A ritual is simply a set of gestures, words, or actions that are performed according to a set sequence. Rituals can be used to …
Continue reading "Five Simple Steps to Create More Mindful Mornings"
How are you doing? We're asked all the time, but it's not always an easy question to answer honestly. It requires us to slow down and notice how we're doing - not something we often take the time to do. It feels easier to answer with the automatic and perfunctory "Fine." When we are uncomfortable, …
Continue reading "Want to cultivate awareness? Try this short centering practice."
Practicing gratitude isn't about glossing over what's challenging. It's the intentional practice of noticing what's good.
The Buddhists say that all life is suffering. It’s the first of the Four Noble Truths. Suffering isn’t constant, of course. We all experience hard times, and they inevitably pass or at least get better. This too, we say, shall pass. And it’s true. The Four Noble Truths go on to tell us that our suffering is caused by …
As a yoga practitioner and teacher, I am committed to creating safe and inclusive containers for healing, self-study, and liberation. I warmly welcome and support all who seek the many gifts that the practice of yoga offers, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious belief or background, ability, and body size. Come as you are, and know that you are welcome, seen, and valued as the whole person you are, right now.
KERRI MICHAEL 