(All levels) My teacher used to say, if you’re not breathing, it doesn’t count. Among other benefits, accessible, conscious breath allows for clear thought (better decision-making), better digestion, and proper use of the nervous system. We need to recognize and allow for our internal spaciousness in order free the breath and let it do its job.
In this practice, you will learn: Side-Bending Child’s Pose, Side-Bending Virasana (Hero Pose), Adho Mukhasvanasana (Downward Dog), Side-Bending Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend), Half-Moon Kirpalu Style.
(ALL LEVELS) This video explores an in depth introduction to some of the major principles of Taoist Yoga. Exploring the basic attitudes and approaches to movement and breath. We learn how to stand in natural stance; a powerful posture that brings are totality into alignment and where all movement comes from. We discover techniques for grounding and ways to explore our body awareness.This practice is an amazing foundation for all Yoga systems.
(Intermediate Level) The yoga tradition defines five organs of action, known as Karmendriyas in Sanskrit. The Mouth is the organ of speech. Through it we share our thoughts, externalizing our inner existence. This lesson will refine your awareness of the physical organ, as well as the aspects of consciousness that underlie its actions. Starting with self-massage and a physical exploration of the Mouth, the practice continues with an awareness of The Mouth through asana, and concludes with a guided relaxation and an invitation to explore the subtle nature behind this organ of action.
This teacher-and-student video includes a playful approach to mouth-based movement, sound formation, and the following asana: Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose), Simhasana (Lion Pose), and Savasana (Corpse Pose).
(All levels) Allow the energy to teach you. When you are encountering your power and vulnerability, you are making conscious choices of how to perceive a particular situation. We have a choice in our energy, attention, intention, oxygen, tone, circulation, rhythmic pulsations. Our breath needs to stay free to respond! This practice is about learning how to charge energy throughout your being without contracting (clamping down on energy) physically, emotionally, mentally; learning how to stretch your capacity to contain that charge. Balancing postures connected to intimate eye contact forces your to become completely present in your body and in your feelings in relationship to yourself and the other. These postures deepens the awareness which builds the intensity – a commitment to be fully alive. This is a practice of stepping into gratitude with your partner.
Asana presented in this video include: Vrkasana (Tree Pose), Nataranjasana (Dancer Pose), Uttitha Hasta Padangusthasana (Standing Big Toe Pose), Descend to Exhilirating Toe Pose w/ Knee Lift.
(Intermediate Level) The yoga tradition defines five organs of action, known as Karmendriyas in Sanskrit. The Feet are the organs of locomotion; through them we locate ourselves in the world. This lesson will refine your awareness of the physical organ, as well as the aspects of consciousness that underlie its actions. Starting with self-massage and a physical exploration of the Feet, the practice continues with an application of the Feet in select asana, and concludes with a guided relaxation and an invitation to explore the subtle nature behind this organ of action.
Asana presented in this teacher-and-student video include: Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge), Vrksasana (Tree Pose), Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose), and Savasana (Corpse Pose).
(All Levels) We begin with Passive Forward bend to gently stretch and open the back. Coming to a standing position we will do frontward/backward Shoulder Rolls to loosen up the tension in our shoulders. Then coming to a sitting position we will do a relaxing Butterfly Pose to loosen and limber up our legs. Net we will do the Leg Cradle Pose to gently open up our hips. After we will do the Supine Spinal Twist that will help release relax us and loosen up our backs. Now we are ready for Savasana aka The Corpse Pose. We will go through a series of tense and release movements before fully coming into it. Once in Savasana we will invoke the Calming Breath that calms our nervous system. Savasana relaxes our mind/body/soul recharges us fully. Doing this restorative yoga series naked lets you relax fully into your body, mind and soul.
In this video you will learn the following asanas: Ardha Uttanasana (Passive Forward Bend), Neck Rolls, Balasana (Child’s Pose), Shoulder Rolls, Butterfuly Pose, Leg Cradle, Supta Matsyendrasana (Supine Spinal Twist), Savasana (Corpse Pose + calming breath).
(Level: Intermediate) The yoga tradition defines five organs of action, known as Karmendriyas in Sanskrit. The Hands are the organs of apprehension; through them we cultivate our understanding of the world. The Hands are also how we directly shape the world. This lesson will refine your awareness of the physical organ, as well as the aspects of consciousness that underlie its actions. Starting with self-massage and a physical exploration of the Hands, the practice continues with an application of the Hands in select asana, and concludes with a guided relaxation and an invitation to explore the subtle nature behind this organ of action.
Asana presented in this teacher-and-student video include: Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose), Baddha Guliasana (Bound Fingers Pose), Prasarita Padottanasana, (Wide-Legged Standing Forward Fold Pose, with hands in reverse prayer), Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand Pose), and Savasana (Corpse Pose).
(All levels) When we open the hips, we release the psoas muscle which then releases the diaphragm, allowing us to breathe more deeply and efficiently. Especially since women’s hormones tend to make their ligaments more flexible, it is very important to stabilize the hips before and during hip openers.
In this practice, you will learn: Child’s Pose, Supta Padangusthasana (Reclining Big Toe Pose), Trikonasana (Triangle Pose), Kapotanasana (Pigeon Pose), Gomukhasana Legs (Cow Pose).
(All Levels) Often, just by getting out of our habitual structural relationship within our bodies, we can change our psychological and physiological experience. We can consciously direct attention and energy from one part of our body to another, and from our bodies to another person’s body. Through conscious observation and refined awareness, we can actively cultivate the skill of witnessing energy and then choosing where and how to move it. During this process/practice of the play between contracting and expanding energies you can ask yourself: Am I protecting my heart or ignoring it? Does my heart offer tenderness and generosity to this moment? What feelings and sensations arise?
In this video we explore some healing touch through some basic Thai Massage and assisted yoga techniques.
(All Levels) We begin with Chaturanga. The Chaturanga is a flowing series of following poses: Upward Mountain into Forward Bend into Downward Plank into Upward Dog into Downward Dog into Forward Bend into Upward Tree. Do this series at your own pace. Next we will move into the Flowing Warrior Series. First will be Chaturanga into Proud Warrior Pose on left/right leg. Second will be Chaturanga into Lunging Warrior on left/right leg. Third will be Chaturanga into Bound Warrior on left/right leg. You may need a Yoga Belt for this pose. Fourth will be Chaturanga into Balancing Warrior on left/right leg. If you raise your arms and rising leg at the same time, it will aid your balance and help produce a stronger Balancing Warrior Pose. We will do one last final Chaturanga then conclude this session with a much needed Child’s pose. These asanas done naked helps you move through them in a freer state of body, mind and soul.
In this video you will learn the following asanas: Chaturanga (Flow Series), Chaturanga + Virabhadrasana I/Proud Warrior / Chaturanga + Virabhadrasana II/Lunging Warrior / Chaturanga + Baddha Virabhadrasana/Bound Warrior / Chaturanga + Virabhadrasana III/Balancing Warrior (Flowing Warrior Series), Chaturanga (Flow Series)
(all levels) This is an excellent series to use to begin or end your daily practice. It makes your spine supple and balances your mind between the extremes of opening up to greet the world and folding into yourself for introspection. This will help your mind and body feel invigorated and focused. (Because this series focuses on the spine, people with back injuries should take special care).
In this video we will practice: Janu Sirsasana (Alternate Leg Forward Bend), Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend), Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (bridge), Supta Udarakarshanasana (Lying Abdominal Twist), Bhujangasana (Cobra), Sphinx, Bhujangasana (Half Frog), Salabhasana (Locust), Dhanurasana (Bow), Bharadvajasana (Seated Twist), Marjaryasana/Bitilasana (Cat/Cow Pose), Ustrasana (Camel Pose), Balasana (Child’s Pose).
(All levels) A strong core comes from awareness and distribution of strength, rather than muscular force. These poses allow you to discover the strength you already have and learn how to use it most efficiently and safely. When we properly engage the belly area, we have better posture. The back muscles can release and function as they are meant to.
In this practice, you will learn: Jathara Parivartanasana (Fire in the Belly), Leg Lifts, Adho Mukhasvanasana (Downward Dog) variations and switch-jumps, Plank push-ups, Dolphin push-ups, Setu Bandha (Bridge) Straddle Scissors and Bicycle Legs.
Necessary props: two blocks, belt.
(Intermediate Level) Your yoga practice should be explored and experienced daily. This video presents a strong daily sequence, suitable for intermediate level students who already have a basic understanding of standing poses. Consider this sequence instead of a cup of coffee or any time you want to dig deeper into your hips and leg strength.
The sequence includes a standing pose vinyasa of Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II Pose), Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose), Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose), and Trikonasana (Triangle Pose); followed by Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide Legged Standing Forward Fold Pose) with variations, and Ustrasana (Camel Pose).
(All levels) This practice involves knowing when to let go and when to hold on. It embodies the yin-yang, the constant regenerative process called change. Observe your insight into feelings about the possibilities of union. Notice your emotional habits – your emotions as they connect to your energy field and influence your body. How present are you when you are giving and receiving. How does it feel? Is receiving unnerving, comforting, exciting? Is giving unnerving, comforting, exciting? Even just noticing the compression or contraction of energy can help you change your habitual response. In this video we explore some healing touch through some basic Thai Massage and assisted yoga techniques.
(Advance Level) We begin with the Sleeping Hero Pose combined with the Supine Shoulder Opener. Go slow when walking your arms and hands back together in the Supine Shoulder Opener so you don’t over stretch. Next we’ll do Bow Pose Pre-Stretch exercise followed by Bow Pose. The Bow Pose helps relieve menstrual cramps and massages internal organs. Turning over onto your back we’ll do Lotus Fish Pose followed by it’s counter stretch Cat Cow Pose. Next is the Splits Series which consists of sideways and longways splits. The full Splits Series is the ultimate full leg stretches. After we will conclude with the relaxing Child’s Pose. As you do these asanas naked feel how much easier your body can stretch without restrictive clothes.
In this video you will learn the following asanas: Supta Virasana (Sleeping Hero Pose), Pre-Dhanurasana Stretch (Pre-Bow Pose Stretch), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), Lotus Matsyasana (Lotus Fish Pose), Marjaryasana/Bitilasana (Cat/Cow Pose), Hanumanasana left/right / Samakonasana (Splits Series = Splits left/right and Even Angle Pose), Balasana (Child’s Pose).
(All Levels) Neck tension often comes from restricted habits of the shoulders. When we become conscious of our reactive behavior, we can release the shoulders, jaw, skull, and neck muscles.
In this practice, you will learn: Shoulder Weave, Uttanasana (Forward Bend) variations, Tadasana (Mountain Pose) variations, Melon Squeeze, Namaste (Prayer Pose) behind back, Garudasana Arms (Eagle Pose), Gomukhasana Arms (Cow Pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog), Dolphin Pose, Child’s Pose.
(Level: Basic) Your yoga practice should be explored and experienced daily. This video presents a basic daily sequence, suitable for beginners or for anyone who wants to connect to the fundamentals of practice. The sequence starts with a gentle warm-up for your joints, then proceeds to the following asanas: Tadasana (Mountain Pose) with back bend and twisting variations, Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Arms Pose) with side stretch variation, Utkatasana (Chair Pose), Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold Pose), Ardha Uttanasana (Half Standing Forward Fold Pose), and Savasana (Corpse Pose).
(All levels) This practice is intended to awaken the meeting of different kinds of energies, male/female; contractive/expansive, self/other. When we embrace these multiple energies, we open up the potential to fully inhabit ourselves. This wholeness is rooted is in a continual blossoming awareness of interdependency – a deeply satisfying feeling of connectedness to yourself (your body), to others, to nature in which creativity and work enhance your own and others’ sense of vitality. The spine is an organ of perception, when we invite the vibration of OM to travel not just through our own spine, but through our partners, we can amplify our connection to ourselves and our worlds.
In this video you will learn the following asanas:
Vajrasana (Sitting on Knees) side by side w/ hands on ears: OM
Dandasana (Staff Pose) back to back w/ arms linked: OM
Paschimottanasana (Westward forward Bend) back to back w/ arms linked: OM
Upavista Konasana (Straddle Forward Bend) back to back w/ arms linked: OM
Baddha Konasana (Cobbler Pose) back to back w/ arms linked: OM
(All Levels) Backbends are really heart openers. When we release our back muscles and properly rotate our thighs in our hip sockets, we can have better posture, use our muscles more efficiently, and open the heart space. The spine is an organ of perception. The more flexible your spinal muscles are, the more flexible your brain is.
In this practice, you will learn: Sphinx, Salambhasana (Locust Pose) variations, Danurasana (Upside down Wheel), Supported Setu Bandha (Bridge) variations, Urdhva Danurasana (Full Wheel) variations. Necessary props: block, belt.
(All Levels) One definition of Yoga is union. In Sanskrit, yoga means to join together. One path of learning how to be present (with ourselves and with others) is to develop our energetic muscles. We experiences physical separation without energetic separation. In this practice of non-judgment, we focus our attention on exploring the energetic and physiological alignments with another person. When we allow ourselves to open our eyes and our hearts to see what is in front of us, we allow ourselves to take the first step in surrendering to the unknown.
(Intermediate Level) Inversion asanas help with your inner focus and increases your venus blood flow return. The Shoulderstand can help balance out your thyroid. The Warrior Series inbetween the Shoulderstand and Headstand helps give you outer and inner strength to do the Headstand. The Headstand can help calm your brain/mind and give you a different way of seeing into the world. Prep exercises to strengthen your Shoulderstand and Headstand are included. If you are a beginner make sure to have a partner to spot you in the Headstand and Shoulderstand. If you have medical back/neck issues consult your physician before attempting to do them. If you are a beginner/have limited flexibility make sure to have a yoga block and yoga belt handy to help you do the Warrior Series. When you are naked in these asanas you can let go of your clothed restrictions and truly feel yourself move through these asanas naturally.
In this video you will learn the following asanas: Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), Windmill, Salamba Sarvangasana Prep Exercise (Supine Leg Lifts), Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulderstand), Halasana (Plow Pose), Matsyasana (Fish Pose), Warrior Series – Virabhadrasana I (Proud Warrior) / Virabhadrasana II (Lunging Warrior) / Baddha Virabhadrasana (Bound Warrior) / Virabhadrasana III (Balancing Warrior), Salamba Sirsasana Prep Exercises (Dolphin & Inverted Leg Lifts), Salamba Sirsasana (Supported Headstand) and Balasana (Child’s Pose).
(Intermediate and up) This series combines a short, steady and powerful routine for developing will power, boundaries, and focus; while releasing shame, fear and stimulating the digestive fire (Agni). This Third Chakra (Manipura) Enhancement is done through the proper combination of Mantra (Repetition of sound structure), Mudra (Hand seals), Asana (Postures), Pranayama (Breath control), Kriya (Purification) and Dharana (concentration). With the right attitude, focus and attention this series can become highly transformative.
(All Levels) Supported forward bends can be used as a menstrual cycle sequence for women and can help restore a depleted nervous system for both men and women. Although they are categorized as forward bends, they are really forward folds – you fold at your hips, rather than bend your spine. Forward folds relieve over-worked adrenal glands by softening the kidney area. Supporting the forehead and putting direct pressure on the vagus nerve referral points above the eyebrows initiates the parasympathetic nervous system relaxation response.
In this video you will learn the following asanas: Janu Sirsasana (Head of the Knee Forward Bend), Paschimottanasana (Westward forward Bend) and Upavista Konasana (Straddle Forward Bend).
(Intermediate Level) We begin with the Forward Bend Series that helps relieve stress, stimulates the liver and kidneys along with reducing fatigue and anxiety, and increases overall flexibility. After this series, we move into a series of beautiful balancing poses. When doing each balancing pose make sure to place your foot down fully from heel to splayed toes to ensure a strong and steady balancing leg. Yoga balancing poses are great for improving leg strength and stability, as well as increasing your body awareness. If you are a beginner/have trouble balancing on one leg, use a wall to support yourself and use your free hand/hands to help balance you. You can work your way up to doing them freestanding. If you are a beginner/have limited flexibility make sure to have a yoga belt handy to help you do the Standing Forward Bend Series. Remember Yoga is not a competition and that you are doing Yoga for yourself to help improve your overall well-being in life. By doing these asanas naked it will help increase your body awareness and increase your self-acceptance of who you are now in the moment. Namaste.
In this video you will learn the following asanas: Uttanasana Prep Stretches into Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend Prep Stretches into Standing Forward Bend), Bakasana (Standing Crane), Garudasana (Eagle), Natarajasana (The Dancer), Natyasana (Ballet Pose), Vrksasana into Ardha Vrksasana (Tree into Bonsai).
(All Levels) Breath is Life and Breath is Spirit. Through the mastery of the breath we master the mind and there for the body. In this series, the full Yogic breath is explained and demonstrated. Some postures are offered, but it is mostly focused on what attention is needed to develop full Yogic breathing. For me, developing the proper breathing techniques and the right attitudinal focus, are the most important thing in the application of Yoga. Students will receive different tools for developing their lung capacity, how to belly breath and how use different breaths based on their needs within a given posture.
(All levels) Starting the morning with an awareness and respect for the previous night’s sleep can lead to mind and body full of energy and clarity for the rest of the day. During the night, the spinal muscles lengthen and release. Throughout the course of the day, the vertebrae re-compress. Stretching before getting out of bed can carry over the healing rejuvenation from the previous night’s sleep.
In this video you will learn the following asanas: Full-Body Limb, Back, and Belly Stretch Legs Up (with blanket roll variations), Gentle Twists, Half-Dog, Pigeon Variations.
(Intermediate Level ) At the physical level, backbend asanas refresh and invigorate your body, as well as strengthen the respiratory, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. At the spiritual level, backbend asanas help open up and align your chakras. Chakras are energy centers located throughout your physical and spiritual bodies. Inbetween backbend asanas, there are counterposes to keep your spine aligned. If you have medical back issues consult your physician before attempting to do the backbend poses. If you are a beginner/have limited flexibility make sure to have a partner to spot you in the Sleeping Hero and Supine Arm/Shoulder Stretch, as well have a yoga belt handy for the Forward Bend. Doing these asanas naked removes physical barriers between your physical and spiritual self, and opens up your heart to a more compassionate existence. Namaste.
In this video you will learn the following asanas: Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), Anuvittasana (Standing Backbend), Ardha Uttanasana (Passive Forward Bend), Ustrasana (Camel), Marjaryasana/Bitilasana (Cat/Cow Pose), Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend), Urdhva Mukha Vasisthasana (Upward Facing Plank), Supta Virasana (Sleeping Hero), Supta Utthita Irmasana (Supine Arm/Shoulder Stretch), Supta Matsyendrasana (Supine Spinal Twist), Chakrasana (Wheel), Pavanamuktasana (Wind Relieving Pose).
(All Levels) Supported backbends open the heart and give space to the upper lungs and chest. After a full day’s work, many of us tend to protect and constrict our heart space by hunching our shoulders. Because hese poses support the backbody, the frontbody gets a chance to expand and relax. They can help relieve bronchitis or other upper respiratory dysfunctions. By finishing with a deeply supportive twist, we can wring out our organs of emotional and/or physical toxins.
In this video you will learn the following asanas: Supta Baddha Konasana (Queen’s Pose or Reclining Cobbler), Supported Setu Bandha (Bridge) and Supported Twist.
(all levels, great for beginners) So much of our time here is spent on our feet, doing this cycle of standing poses deepens our integration with our feet through our core. Excellent for strengthening the posture and poise while centering the mind. Increases sense of will power as well as balancing digestion. Body health comes from the feet up, practicing this series will foster a greater awareness that you will feel with every step. Practicing this cycle will prepare you for harder poses that require this core strength and concentration.
In this series you will practice Tadasana (Mountain), Vrksasana (Tree), Utthita Trikonasana (Triangle), Virabhadrasana II (Warrior 2), Utthita Parsvakonasana (Side-Extending Pose), Virabhadrasana I,III (Warrior 1 & 3), Paschima Namaskarasana (Reversed Prayer Position), Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Forward Bend), Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), Savasana (Corpse).
(Intermediate Level – great for increasing side/spine flexibility) We begin with the Surya Namasker that will warm you up for these asanas. These asanas focus on stretching the sides which helps to increase your sideways flexibility. They also help increase the flexibility of your spine. As we get older our spine tends to contract and lose flexibility. These asanas done on a regular basis can help counteract that. Which is why they say yoga helps keep you young, because if you keep your spine/body flexible, you will be young in body and mind. If you are a beginner/have limited flexibility you should have a yoga block handy to help you do the Triangle Series. When you do these asanas naked, you can see and feel your body flexibility on a deeper level.
In this video you will learn the following asanas: Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), Chandrasana Prep Stretch/Chandrasana (Passive Stretch/Crescent Moon), Trikonasana Prep Stretch/Parsvakonasana/Trikonasana (Triangle Bend/Side Triangle/Triangle), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) + Marjaryasana/Bitilasana (Cat/Cow Pose).
