By Jennifer Clawson, RYT In a previous post, I wrote about letting your practice evolve by following your body’s wisdom. This approach can bring great freedom. Still, there are times when you may want a more structured practice. This is where the art of sequencing comes into play. Asana can be divided into the following… [Read more…]
July 31, 2009
Learn tips to improve your downward-facing dog.
June 2, 2009
By Jennifer Clawson, RYT I started using Wii Fit a few weeks ago, and I noticed something in the yoga section that I want to point out to you. In this screenshot of Warrior pose, the trainer’s knee reaches out way in front of the ankle. This is incorrect alignment, and it’s bad for the… [Read more…]
May 15, 2009
Even though I've been practicing and teaching yoga for years, I have struggled repeatedly with this question. As teachers, we repeat so many phrases, like "watch the breath" or "feel the breath" or "be with the breath." But, really, what does that mean? What does that have to do with asana practice, and why is it so important? The answers I've been given have been pretty esoteric. That's fine, but it's not enough. In order to explain yoga's value to everyone, I wanted to be able to explain it in more concrete terms.
April 21, 2009
By Jennifer Clawson, RYT In yoga, we spend a lot of time sitting on the floor. We center ourselves at the beginning and end of class in a seated position. We also sit when we meditate and when we practice pranayama. Any time you take a yoga workshop, you can bet you’re going to be… [Read more…]
March 5, 2009
By Jennifer Clawson, RYT I wrote this in response to a question from Beth who asked why we roll to our right side when coming out of savasana. Does it really matter if you come out of savasana on your right side? You know how some things are handed down through generations, and no one… [Read more…]
March 4, 2009
By Jennifer Clawson, RYT In yoga practice, we strive to bring balance to both the mind and body. Balancing poses achieve both goals. They also force us to confront fear. Why do we get nervous about having to balance in a pose like tree, dancer, or warrior 3? Because we\’re afraid to fall. Now, let\’s… [Read more…]
February 13, 2009
By Jennifer Clawson, RYT Knee problems are common in our population, and a lot of people come to yoga because they’ve heard it’s good for knee pain. But, be mindful of your body during asana practice. While yoga can alleviate knee pain, it can also exacerbate it if you don’t maintain proper alignment in your… [Read more…]
January 15, 2009
Why is savasana so scary to so many people? Why is it so hard to be still?
December 5, 2008
By Jennifer Clawson, RYT To prove that you do not have to contort your body to practice yoga, look at this yoga pose: Here is a yoga pose everyone can do right now. You’ve probably already done it before without realizing it. Lie down on the floor, flat on your back. Let your arms rest… [Read more…]
August 27, 2009
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