Getting Started: Yoga (Beyond The Physical Postures)
What Is Yoga?
Yoga (little y), is a wholistic lifestyle practice that originated in ancient India. It involves using various tools, such as physical postures, breathing techniques, social and personal values, and concentration/meditation to promote body-mind wellness, inner peace, and spiritual growth. Yoga (big y) as a phenomena, has no physical origin (and can be found, to one extent or another, in all spiritual traditions across the globe). Yoga (big y) is a natural, but not inevitable, process of inner evolution to one’s True Self/greatest expression while manifested into physical form.
Can Anyone Practice Yoga?
Yes, anyone can practice Yoga, regardless of age, gender, and/or physical ability. There are various forms, styles, and types of Yoga, and numerous modifications for yoga postures and techniques that you can use to suit your individual needs and/or abilities.
Getting Started: Meditation
What Is Meditation?
Meditation is a mental practice that involves using focus and concentration to train, develop, and purify your mind for optimal wellbeing. The practice is often centered on achieving heightened states of mental clarity, relaxation, peace, and/or greater Self-awareness and compassion (among other things).
What Are The Benefits Of Meditation?
Meditation has been scientifically linked to reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and to improving mental health, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life. The practice can increase focus, concentration, and productivity, and can also prepare practitioners for spiritual connection by facilitating higher states of consciousness.
Starting An Integrated/Wholistic Lifestyle-Based Yoga-Meditation Practice
How Often Should I Practice Yoga-Meditation?
All of the time. It is recommended, however, that if you wish to engage in yoga and meditation as occasional practices, and not as a lifestyle choice (as we do here), that you practice yoga (which most people associate with Asana) and meditation (which most people associate with mindfulness) at least 2-3 times per week to experience any benefits. I encourage you to practice daily, or as often as you like, depending on your schedule and/or preference. If you are truly committed to your inner evolution and to reaching your highest potential in life, however, you will likely be engaged in lifelong practice.
Do I Need Any Special Equipment To Practice Yoga And Meditation?
No, you do not need any special equipment to practice yoga and/or meditation. It is recommended, however, that you wear comfortable clothing and use a yoga mat, a rug, a thick blanket, or cushion for comfort and support for the physical part of your practice.
Learning And Growing Here
Do you offer classes and/or services?
Public programming has now concluded. All inquiries are reviewed selectively.
Certifications
What Are Your Certifications And Trainings?
To see the expanded list of my main trainings and certifications, please have a look here. Main certifications include: Certified Graduate-Level Evidence-Based Coach (EBC), Certified Trauma Support Specialist (CTSS), Certified Yoga Teacher (RYT500/CYT), Certified Meditation Teacher (CMT300+).