Groundhog be darned, we are on final approach to spring, with March 21 just weeks away.
One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to plan for the months ahead.  I look at ways to clean up in a lot of areas of my life.  I finish up lingering projects, donate clothes I no longer wear, physically clean everything, shape up my diet and refocus my practices in hopes of making them more productive and fun.
These are my spring rituals, and when I carry them through to completion, I feel happier, more centered and at peace.  I feel as …read more

As a form of exercise, one criticism that yoga hasn’t been able to fend off totally is the argument over whether or not yoga burns off much in the way of calories.
First of all, Bikram and Ashtanga yoga practices can burn significant calories.  But for those of us whose daily practice doesn’t always incorporate some of the moves and methods employed by each of these, the calorie burn is not what you’d call terrific.
What is a measurable and important benefit–perhaps even more important than the calorie burn everyone seems to crave–is yoga’s ability to bring us to a fuller awareness of our …read more

We’re all different. Especially with regard to our yoga practices. Each practice can be as individual as each one of us.
For example, I have fallen in love with Bikram. I love the heat. I love the cleansing feeling. Many of my friends prefer to focus on gentle stretching and increasing their flexibility. Have you ever wondered why you prefer some forms of yoga over others? I’ve learned that, for example, that in analyzing my energy according to Ayurvedic practice, that I am definitely a Pitta, which is a combination of fire and water.
The ancient Indian healing science of Ayurveda may be able …read more

When I started this blog a few weeks ago, I solicited your questions about yoga, Pilates and meditation. You’ve got a question, I’ll provide the answer—as best I can J
The first question comes from Amanda:
“Ok, I’d like to know more about bikram yoga..can it really burn 800 calories? Is it right for everyone?”
Bikram yoga can be practiced at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Bikram classes last about 90 minutes on average, and are performed in a heated room, from approximately 105 degrees up.
The purpose of the heat is to promote detoxification, and improve the performance of your immune system …read more