Heart and Core Yoga Studio

Warmth on a Winter’s Day: A Guided Imagery Meditation

Wintertime can be challenging for anyone who has an aversion to cold temperatures. When we’re chilled to the bone, life seems unforgiving. In a perfect world, we would remain buried under the down comforter until the temperature rises. But inevitably, duty calls. Scientists believe our core body temperature can be controlled by the brain. Advanced practices such as the Tummo…

Enlightenment: A Journey Through the Realm of Darkness

All throughout human history, people have been captivated by the pursuit of happiness. The pressure to have, be, and do whatever makes us happy can be a relentless, never ending spin on the proverbial hamster wheel. Exhausted by the process, many will settle for a quick fix, but instant gratification can only take us so far. In the end, we’re…

Got Snow? Winter Yoga is Bliss for the Hips

After a full day of playing in the snow, whether it be snowboarding, skiing, or snowshoeing, the muscles of the hips can shorten and tighten. Flexible, open hips are a must if we want to avoid injuries during the winter months. The following yoga poses are suggestions for keeping the body healthy and limber this winter. Warrior I, II,…

Waves of Kindness: A Meditation for Peace

What does it mean to be kind? In a world fraught with uncertainties, fear and anger can easily dominate our state of being. When we have no motivation for gentle, loving thoughts toward those who disagree with us, stress levels rise, and violent acts may ensue. Showing love for someone who upsets or hurts us may seem impossible, but, kindness is necessary if we want…

Mid-Life Non-Crisis: A Catharsis for the Aging at the Telluride Yoga Festival

As many of you know, I presented for the 5th year at the Telluride Yoga Festival last weekend. For the first few years of the festival, I was excited to be a student, taking classes from some of the most coveted yoga teachers in the country. When I received an invitation to teach, I was flabbergasted! What could I possibly…

50 Shades of Namaste at the Telluride Yoga Festival

Teaching a yoga class for the aging was a given for this year’s Telluride Yoga Festival, and it happens to be my favorite kind of class to teach. Blessed to have the opportunity to teach a second class, I was asked to submit a “juicy” description, something that might attract a lot of participants. Juicy? I wasn’t quite sure what…

Got Snow? Three Ways to Thaw Out

After a day of skiing, shoveling, or some other kind of fun in the snow, your muscles will likely be stiff and tight. A loose and flexible body is important to reduce pain, so you can enjoy the long, winter season. The following yoga poses are a must for keeping you healthy and limber. Three simple moves will be a…

How to Turn Snow Shoveling into an Effective Workout

Shoveling snow is hard work. While we might think spending 30 minutes or more clearing space along our front entry or driveway is just a normal winter task, snow shoveling ranks high on the list of activities that burn the most calories. Why wouldn’t you treat it as a workout? You can actually gain the same benefits shoveling snow, as…

Year Four of Yoga Teacher Training… What a splendid journey!

I am so excited to embark on the 4th annual Yoga Teacher Training Course! It is a 200-hour program, approved by Yoga Alliance: the leading authority in yoga teacher training schools. We begin October 10th, and will study through April 16th, 2016. Graduates earn a nationally recognized certificate, which gives them the credentials to register as a yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance. This…

Yin and Yang: Embracing Opposites

September is a special month. With the first waft of autumn and the spectacle of yellowing trees, we are reminded that winter’s introspective calendar is drawing near. The autumnal equinox, also in September, marks a time of equal balance between day and night, light and dark, and the ultimate expression of Yin and Yang. The equinox is the very moment…

Adopt the Pace of Nature: Tree Meditation

Nature has a lot to offer those who choose to ascend upon the practice of meditation. Much can be learned from observing the relationships within the natural world, and if we decide to explore this knowledge, we grow to be sagaciously self-integrated in the art of mindfulness. As we absorb the concepts of nature and gain wisdom through contemplation,…

A Healthy Back Equals a Bountiful Harvest: Yoga for Farmers

If you have ever tried to grow your own food, you know how much work is involved. From building beds to pulling weeds, gardening is a task that requires a lot of stamina, not to mention flexibility. There is no greater feeling than the satisfaction of knowing where your food comes from, but an achy back, neck or knees can…