Mindfulness, or present moment awareness without commentary, is a way to fully participate in the experiences of life. We may be present with our actions, thoughts, emotions, or sensations. Here are five simple practices that can be done throughout the day in either a formal or informal setting.
Read moreBringing FEAR to the Cushion
Are we allowing space to feel fear? Can we sit with it like an old friend? Bringing kindness to those dark places and inviting fear to the cushion may ease its grip on our lives.
Read moreYoga & Counseling: A Podcast Interview →
Recently, I had the pleasure and honor to be interviewed on the Practice of the Practice Podcast with Joe Sanok. After listening to an interview he did on meditation, I was excited to share with him how yoga and mindfulness can enrich the healing process. I am thankful to Joe for inviting me to share the work that I am passionate about!
As I share with Joe during the interview, I sought yoga and meditation due to personal needs; I was struggling to cope with severe anxiety and panic attacks related to travel. At the time, I was living in Brooklyn, a place buzzing with rapid transit. My aversion to travel was so strong that I began to limit my outings to places I could walk or ride my bike. The world became smaller and smaller.
Through a combination of talk therapy, yoga practice, and deep breathing techniques, I was able to lean into my aversion. Over time it became easier to ride the subway or call a cab. Remarkably, the benefits of these practices weren't exclusive to my travel anxiety, they seeped into other aspects of my life. Suddenly I was more content waiting in long lines. I wasn't ruminating over little things. I actually noticed the sound of birds chirping and the smell of fresh bagels in the air. I was living life in a more open, aware, and present way.
Through my own experience of working with fear and anxiety, I believe that integrating contemplative practices and psychotherapy is a powerful way to accelerate and deepen personal growth. These practices, which are a staple in my everyday life, naturally flow over into my work with others. As you can hear in the interview, I'm so excited to share them with you and hope they bring you peace and joy.
Namaste!
Be the Mountain: Thoughts on Equanimity
"Flowers fall with our attachment, and weeds spring up with our aversion." - Dogen
Equanimity arises when we accept things as they are without attachment or aversion, thereby working to eleviate suffering. Without judement, aversion, or attachment the self is free to fully experience life in balance, without grasping or pushing.
Read moreInsert Yoga Mat Here
What does it mean to take yoga "off the mat"? This practice helps us to ride the waves exactly as they are, whether that wave is anxiety, depression, trauma, or a phobia. It's mindfulness, it's acceptance, it's compassion. And most importantly, it is the relationship with the reality of each moment that enriches the experience of life.
Read moreAcceptance: Being With What Is
Yoga helps us confront the urge to run away, distract, or hide from discomfort. It also brings light to the clinging, grasping nature of pleasure. Can we learn to meet both with curiosity and acceptance? These are valuable skills for "yoga off the mat" and learning to accept whatever life brings you in the present moment.
Read moreSelf-Care - How Yoga Can Help
What is self-care and why is it important? Practicing yoga can help us identify when our self-care is lacking and rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.
Read moreYOGA & DEPRESSION
Research from Stanford, Harvard, and Boston University suggests that yoga does more for you than stretching and strengthening your muscles. Yoga can help alleviate symptoms of mild depression and anxiety, as well as ward off panic attacks and calm racing thoughts.
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