Topic: yoga instructors

Morning Links: Hands-Free Faucets Contain More Bacteria

Morning Links: Hands-Free Faucets Contain More Bacteria

High Tech Isn’t Hygienic – Hands-free faucets harbor more germs than regular faucets, including the bacteria that causes Legionnaire’s disease. (NPR Shots Blog)

Top (Downward) Dogs – Looking for a great yoga instructor? Check for these qualities in a top yoga instructor. (MindBodyGreen)

Skipping Breakfast: Poisonous – Eating breakfast may help reduce lead poisoning according to a study of Chinese children. (TIME Healthland) More »

5 More Soothing Voices to Relax Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

5 More Soothing Voices to Relax Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

A while back I wrote a Blisstree post called 5 soothing voices that can make you comatose (in a good way), and it seems like a lot of you completely got what I was talking about — even though I kind of sound like a weirdo who likes to lie around and listen to audio recordings of people’s voices. Which I guess is what I am. So, today, I present to you the long-awaited part two. Here are five more folks (some Hollywood celebs, some not) with super-soothing voices that will hopefully help you relax and generally improve your harried mental state as much as they do for me and my colleagues I polled. Did we miss your favorite voiceover artist/amateur mental health expert? Tell us about them in our comments section. More »

Are Narcissistic Yoga Teachers Ruining Your Asanas?

Are Narcissistic Yoga Teachers Ruining Your Asanas?

During a devout stint of yoga practice, I usually (privately) entertain the dream of becoming a yoga teacher. Any rational person would point to my inability to hold tree pose as a major drawback to this plan, but in my mind, it’s not inflexibility or lack of strength that make my dreams come crashing down; instead, chanting om and speaking Sanskrit are where my confidence falters. According to a recent Newsweek article, my overblown sense of ability may just make me the perfect instructor candidate: They say that these days, teaching yoga is for narcissists. While the leader of the pack is supposed to be a humble and spiritually enlightened guru, they point out that often, they’re more like performers who’ve finally found their captive audience. Instead of tuning into Dharma, instructors are indulging their egos, thanks to their devoted, high-paying students. More »

10 Yoga Myths Debunked By Our Private Instructor

10 Yoga Myths Debunked By Our Private Instructor

Myth #1: Yoga is a religion.

Fact: Yoga is not a religion. Yoga is an ancient science that originated in India, dating back thousands of years. The word yoga means “union” or “to bring together.” This system of breathing techniques and poses connect mind, body, and spirit, often leaving one feeling inner-balance, harmony, and peace.

Myth #2: Yoga is too easy (or too difficult).

Fact: The practice of yoga can be as physically challenging or as restorative as anyone wants. It depends on the practitioner knowing what he/she wants, and then finding the style of yoga and teacher that best suits his/her needs. Regardless of the style, yoga postures help the practitioner gain flexibility, strength, and balance. Some classes leave you sweaty and in serious need of a shower, while others leave you feeling relaxed and renewed.

Myth #3: Yoga is only for the fit and flexible. More »

Manduka’s Giving Out 365 Days of Free Yoga

Manduka's Giving Out 365 Days of Free Yoga

We’re usually game for spending a few extra dollars on a yoga class here and there, or splurging on a great gym membership if it means we’ll reap some health benefits. But if someone wants to give it to us for free? Great. If someone wants to give us an entire year of free yoga? Even better.

The folks over at Manduka are offering a full year of free yoga to one lucky winner of their #practice 365 sweepstakes — a pretty good deal, if you ask us. More »