Can we be strong without being rigid? Can we own our own space without being overbearing? Is our relationship with our body healthy?
These are just a few of the issues encompassed by our first chakra. Located at the base of the spine, muladhara chakra is the “root” of the chakra system. Like the foundation of a house, the health of this chakra affects all the others above it. Anodea Judith describes the first chakra as reflecting our “right to be here,” which includes our “right to establish individuality” and our right to take care of ourselves” (Eastern Body, Western Mind).
The element [read more...]
I first started practicing yoga so that I didn’t get fat.
I was a fairly neurotic, athletic, 20-something, looking for a way to stay flexible, “healthy” (skinny), and (sure, why not?) centered. Living in NYC with a healthy competitive streak and a does of obsession, I was determined to get “good” at yoga. Handstand, shoulderstand, arm balances! I wanted to take the hard classes. I craved the challenge.
Was my yoga practice serving my life? Well, sure in a way, and rather inadvertently. Although my ego was in the driver’s seat, the inherent benefits of the practice gradually began to seep in. Since [read more...]
Ah, New Year’s Resolutions!
As we turn the corner into the New Year and the days begin to become longer (even if we don’t quite notice yet!), NOW is the fertile time to initiate profound change. Before we dive in, though, it is important for us to take the time to distinguish between reflexive and conscious change.
Reflexive change isn’t really change at all. These are the intentions that we habitually set – and break – every year (eat less ice cream, be nicer, get up early, lose five pounds….insert your favorite chestnut here). Usually these are symptoms of some deeper disconnection with [read more...]
