Your Karmic A1c
"Your Karmic A1c" is a light comparative metaphor for accumulated patterns over time revealing unintentional habits and their outcomes. Just as the A1c test measures the accumulative average of your blood glucose levels over a few months, your karmic accountability can also be observed in actions over time. Call it your Karmic A1c. A1c or hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a popular in-office blood test to monitor your blood sugar usually over three months. Widely used to detect possible diabetic trends, it's not about what you ate yesterday, but the cumulative effect of your glucose control. This medical framework is useful [Read More]
The Hidden Power of Friendliness (four positive attitudes to try)
The nature of consciousness to know itself is the subject of the Yoga Sutras. How this formless, untraceable entity is capable of perceiving itself and its own ability is phenomenal. Studies in physics, neurobiology and psychology affirm the unique dynamics of consciousness as a causal influence. According to Patanjali, author of the Yoga Sutras, consciousness and its earth-moving potential is uncomplicated. Simply light up your grin and feel “the hidden power of friendliness.” Good Vibrations Friendliness from the heart is transformative. Patanjali extracted this revelation from earlier Vedic texts around 200 BCE. Like a universal tuner, dialing into a smiling channel becomes [Read More]
The Happy Pee: Real Talk on Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Health
Have you ever been greeted by a wagging puppy only to notice a sprinkle of “happy pee” by your shoes? A common term for dogs that I used to gleefully warn my sister that she was making me laugh so hard it could spring a leak of good cheer. Innocent enough and hardly a worry, who knew as a teenager the happy pee would turn into a little monster later in life? To my surprise, I had no idea what the happy pee really meant. My female elders kept the leaky secret to themselves. In retrospect the signs were there. [Read More]
Mobilize the Lymphatic System with Yoga and Massage
Yoga’s influence in the function of the lymphatic system may be one of the least known and under appreciated benefits of a regular asana practice. Healthy lymph flow is a key component to healing as well as building a strong immune system. Gentle twists and bends can encourage lymphatic networks to flush stagnant material from the body. Known as a lymphatic drain in the field of massage, both depend on gravity to move fluid through lymph vessels for cleansing. Assisting this part of the immune system with gentle yoga or simple techniques in self-massage protects the body from the challenges [Read More]
Lessons in the Language of Energy
The proverbial underpinnings of an Eastern saying like, “When the student is ready the teacher appears,” suggests a catalyst for change. A beckoning of sorts to finally act on something not entirely potentiated. As a student of yoga, the rich ontological practice and philosophy of the Yoga Sutras has been my introspective springboard if not a neurological adventure I’ve yet to fully comprehend. So when an opportunity avails, guidance is appreciated. I keep my finger on pulse of such things because as a teacher in my own right, I have a responsibility for the sake of reporting. From getting on [Read More]
Find Wholeness by Intensionally Welcoming Opposites
Life, the beautiful dichotomy. No matter where you are, who you’re with or what you experience, there is a simple inner resource to help cope with the changing nature of reality. Taking the time to explore the opposite of what we’re feeling can be the difference between obsessing and the restoration of ease and grace. Divisiveness is unnerving. Hostility, within ourselves and between others has its costs. The price we pay is with our health and well-being. Sensing that pulse within us, we are sometimes caught by those feelings, emotions and thoughts. The mind can paint our inner landscapes with the [Read More]