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Posted on December 12th, 2011

 Inspiring. Warm. Loving and kind. We were honoured to talk yoga with Judith Lasater.

Judith has taught yoga since 1971. She holds a doctorate in East-West psychology and is a physical therapist. Judith is president of the California Yoga Teachers Association, and has been an advisor on three NIH studies on yoga and health. She’s also one of the co-founders of Yoga Journal.

Her yoga training includes study with B. K. S. Iyengar in India and the United States. She teaches ongoing yoga classes and trains yoga teachers in kinesiology, yoga therapeutics, and the Yoga Sutra in the San Francisco Bay Area. Judith also gives workshops throughout the United States, and has taught in Canada, England, France, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Peru, and Russia.

Other articles about you mention your defense of what might be called the integrity of yoga. Can you talk a bit about this?

I think the basis of the practice of yoga is about respect. If we cannot act with respect we cannot practice yoga. It is the bottom line: to treat each person, each object, each animal, each yoga prop, everything we encounter, with respect.

My inspiration is the Dalai Lama. He does treat people with respect. I know that from friends.

It’s that attitude that I want us to bring to the mat, first to ourselves. When we feel respect we will experience a space in which we can evoke compassion, and kindness and humility. I don’t even like people to toss props to each other in class. Respect is respect.

How did you get into yoga?

It’s a combination of chance, or karma, and recognition. I was a teaching assisting in graduate school, and decided I wanted a new part-time job for fall. I was walking down the street, saw the Student Y and felt called to go in. I went in and asked if they had any part-time jobs. They had just decided they needed another program assistant. I got the job. There was  a new yoga program there, and it was a staff perk to take the class. It was a deep soul-level recognition, a deep sense of coming home. I got up the next morning and practiced what I remembered. Ten months later I took over a 200-student yoga program.

It was a recognition for me. Everything made sense. My whole body, and mind and heart and soul said yes.

What have you gotten out of yoga?

Friendship. A living.

But most importantly I have gotten the continuing unfolding of my tiny understanding of the nature of what life is about. The practice of yoga—asana, pranayama, meditation and study—has been a window that has helped me see inside myself.

It has given me joy and travel and a continual pleasure in being alive. It has been a friend. It has shaped the way I regard myself and others, has shaped the way I parented, the way I’m moving into getting older, shaped my language, my thinking and my heart.

When you talk from what you know, there is an intrinsic integrity to what you say. And if effects people, not just their pose.

If you want to be a teacher with something to offer to the world, you have to live the practice, you have to embody it, you have to become it. 

You mentioned that you “have gotten the continuing unfolding of my tiny understanding of the nature of what life is about.” What is the nature of what life is about?

Laughs: You think I know? Life is mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved. What guides us is our deepest values and to continue in every moment to live those values. To use our practice, whatever it might be, to create a space to let compassion arise in our heart.

What I hold in high value is contributing back to the world. I believe we are all on a metaphoric Titanic, that life is a sinking ship. The question is not “Are you going to drown?”; the question is “What are you going to do with the life you have?”

Being aware is not hard. Remembering to be aware is hard.

Practice is a process of reminding yourself of your divinity. When you are connected to your own divinity, you see it everywhere.

I think the job of a yoga teacher is to mirror back the inner radiance and inherent goodness of each human being. The only way we can do that is to find it within ourselves.

If you could share five yoga asana tips with readers, what would they be?

1. Lie down on the floor and relax every day for 20 minutes. There is nothing in your life that won’t be better if you’re relaxed.
2. Do one pose every day that you don’t like, with equanimity.
3. Do one pose every day that you love, just because you love it.
4. Spend some time sitting quietly. Be still and alone and present with your breath.
5. Find enjoyment and beauty in as many places as you can every day. Because that will make your life rich.

If you could share some philosophy-related tips with readers, what would they be?

Nobody has a clue. No one knows the answers to the most important questions, because the answers don’t come from the intellect. Science can tell us what, but it can’t give meaning to our lives. All of the philosophies and religions that I’ve studied all point to the same thing: treat everyone with respect including yourself. See unity instead of division. Don’t be afraid—you’re going to be ok, even if you’re not ok.

More on Judith, including where she’s teaching next is at www.judithlasater.com.

Tags: Judith Lasater, Yoga Journal, Co-Founder Yoga Journal, yoga workshops, yoga training Judith Lasater, yoga teacher immersions, Judith Lasater workshops

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Posted on December 6th, 2011

Question: What mini moments make your day?

How about a sip of soul-soothing tea? You can take your favourite loose-leaf, heart-warming tea anywhere you like with the Libre tea glass. Not only functional, the Libre Tea canister is also beautiful. Made of glass and poly—glass on the inside, poly on the outside—the ingenious design means your tea stays hot while your fingers stay cool. And the removable stainless-steel filter keeps your tea leaves in the glass, and out of your mouth.

Lots of our team members here at www.myyogaonline.com are already fans of the Libre tea glass, and we’re thrilled that Libre Tea has offered to give not just one, but two canisters to a member of our community.

P.S. These guys know their tea. Check out their article on the health benefits of the ancient brew.

Win your own Libre Tea glasses!

Libre Tea  is giving two large Libre Tea glasses plus a bag of tea to one lucky My Yoga Online member.

How to Enter: Just add your answer to the following question to the comments section below: What extra essentials do you carry in your yoga bag?

With apologies to our international friends, this prize giveaway is only available within North America (USA and Canada). Contest runs until the end of Tuesday, December 6, 2011 11:59 PST.

Enter on Facebook, too! Join your My Yoga Online community on Facebook and enter to win there, too. 

Share the love. Tell your friends about this great giveaway. Just click ‘SHARE’ at the top of this post.

The fine print: Click here to read the official contest rules. By submitting a comment on this blog or commenting on or ‘liking’ the Facebook post, you agree to the official contest rules.

Tags: Tuesday Giveaway, tuesday yoga giveaway, Libre Tea, libre tea giveaway, tea giveaway, gourmet tea, tea glass giveaway, tea glass contest, tea glass, Libre Tea glass

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Posted on November 22nd, 2011

Question: In what ways do you make use of natural ingredients?

When a product is clearly the result of someone’s passion, it usually comes across in quality. Such is the case with Naturopathica. The holistic health-inspired skin care line was founded by Barbara Close, clinical aesthetician, herbalist, aromatherapist, massage therapist and author, whose work has led her across the globe for the past 20 years in the search for simple, natural solutions to bring back home.

Naturopathica is crafted from certified natural and organic ingredients with Naturoceuticals, state-of-the-art skin care technology, and without harmful synthetics. The company integrates centuries-old traditions from around the globe with the latest breakthroughs in science. Cases in point: stimulating pear fig enzymatic masks that soften fine lines and warming arnica ointments that ease muscle soreness. All products are certified by ECOCERT and Naturopathica is recognized as the first American performance-based natural brand.

Win your own Plant Stem Cell Serum and Aloe Cleansing Gel!

Naturopathica is is giving one Plant Stem Cell Serum and one Aloe Cleansing Gel  to one lucky My Yoga Online member.

How to Enter: Just add your answer to the following question to the comments section below: In what ways do you make use of natural ingredients?

With apologies to our international friends, this prize giveaway is only available within North America (USA and Canada). Contest runs until the end of Tuesday, November 22, 2011 11:59 PST.

Enter on Facebook, too! Join your My Yoga Online community on Facebook and enter to win there, too.

Share the love. Tell your friends about this great giveaway. Just click ‘SHARE’ at the top of this post.

The fine print: Click here to read the official contest rules. By submitting a comment on this blog or commenting on or ‘liking’ the Facebook post, you agree to the official contest rules.

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Posted on November 17th, 2011

Question: Hi, next winter I'll go skiing for a week, but my legs are not trained for that. Can you advise me on some hatha yoga to help prepare me for skiing?

Answer: Thank you for your question.  Preparing for ski season (like any other vigorous physical activity) is essential. Without ample preparation, the muscles and joints can be jarred with 'sudden' movement-specific loading and forces that you have not been conditioned for.  With a moderate period of pre-season training, you can make the transition into the activity season more enjoyable and likely prevent the onset of acute or chronic injury.

Tags: Yoga, injury prevention, conditioning, ski, ski season, training

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Posted on November 15th, 2011

Question: How has yoga helped you live more dreams?

The fabric, the fit, the function. At MyYogaOnline.com headquarters, we completely understand why YogaHyde is the official clothier of Wanderlust Festival. The pieces we’ve worn are breathable, comfortable, and expertly designed.

It could be because founder Anne-Kerr Kennedy is herself an avid yoga practitioner. Over ten years ago, a running injury brought Kennedy to her first yoga class. As she incorporated yoga into her routine as a way to relieve a stressed out illiotibial band, Kennedy began to recognize that yoga was helping more than her physical body. In her words, “The experience of just being – engaging fully in what I was doing, became something I wished to extend to other areas of my life.”

Kennedy quit her corporate job, went to art school, and then went to work with a small rug design company. Soon, she decide to bring yoga together with all the rest of her passions, and YogaHyde was born.

We adore the cozy sweater, twisted legging, and divine drawstring pant, plus the OTM halter—10 % of proceeds support non-profit organization Off the Mat, Into the World.

Win your own Kelly Crop Pant!
YogaHyde is giving one lucky My Yoga Online member one pair of the Kelly Crop Pant.

How to Enter: Just add your answer to the following question to the comments section below: How has yoga helped you live more dreams?

With apologies to our international friends, this prize giveaway is only available within North America (USA and Canada). Contest runs until the end of Tuesday, November 15, 2011 11:59 PST.

Enter on Facebook, too! Join your My Yoga Online community on Facebook and enter to win there, too.

Share the love. Tell your friends about this great giveaway. Just click ‘SHARE’ at the top of this post.

The fine print: Click here to read the official contest rules. By submitting a comment on this blog or commenting on or ‘liking’ the Facebook post, you agree to the official contest rules.

Tags: Tuesday Giveaway, tuesday yoga giveaway, free yoga clothes, yoga wear, yogahyde, Hyde Yoga clothes, yoga clothes giveaway, yoga clothes

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Posted on November 9th, 2011

We’re excited when we come across good people doing good things—especially through yoga. So when we heard about New Leaf Yoga co-founder Laura Sygrove and what she and her team are up to, deciding to feature her with an interview on our site to help get the word out was an immediate ‘yes.’

1.  What inspired you to start New Leaf Yoga?

The reasons that motivated Jessica Robertson (co-founder) and I to create New Leaf www.newleafyoga.org  are simple, but powerful.  Basically, yoga has had a huge impact on our lives and we want to share that opportunity for personal transformation with others.  For me, yoga has served to help me feel more connected to and safe within my body, given me tools to work with anger, and provided me with the ability to know that I have options.  We’re acutely aware that many people don’t have access to this healing practice whether because of finances, feelings of exclusion, lack of access to studios within their communities, etc. and we feel really inspired to change that.  We specifically wanted to focus on youth because they are at such a pivotal time in their lives and it’s especially disheartening that so often people give up on youth who are faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges like community violence and incarceration, and so we decided that our mission would be to bring yoga to youth in some of the least serviced communities and facilities.

2.  What changes to do you see in the youth you work with and can you list some of the off-the-mat benefits that the youth you work with experience? 

Many of the youth we work with are surprised with the benefits that they notice.  For example, some may initially choose to attend out of boredom, to get out of their rooms (if incarcerated) or to stretch after they work out.  But after even just a class or two, they very often notice that they feel less stressed, that maybe something that they were angry about when they walked in is not getting to them as much, and then in the longer term they report being better able to work with their anger, sleeping better, feeling less agitated and less stressed out.  I very often notice a heightened level of self-awareness – the ability of the young men I work with to notice and verbalize how they feel and where they feel in their bodies.  This awareness goes a long way in contributing to self-regulation and being able to self-soothe when faced with challenges. 

3.  Your Warriors for Peace program enables businesses and yoga studios to support what you do. Can you talk about what these establishments are supporting when they sign up?

Our Warriors for Peace campaign was created to bring yoga-related businesses and studios together for a common cause: specifically to support the youth in our programs and also more generally to create awareness and intention around fostering peace in our communities and to find ways to make yoga more accessible beyond New Leaf’s work.  For the financial part of Warriors, the initiative is meant to foster regular monthly support as consistent donations establish sustainability and a solid foundation on which we can do the work we do.  Additionally, we’re asking studios to look within their own studio communities to see how they can commit to peaceful practices in how they work with students, staff, and teachers, and also to investigate ways in which their studios can implement creative ways to make yoga even more accessible to people who are not walking through their doors.

4.  What else can people do to support New Leaf Yoga?

There are lots of simple things people can do to support New Leaf.  Donations of any size can be made on our website.  Also people can help us to educate others and spread the word by joining our facebook page, attending events, talking to the directors of a yoga studio they may attend about getting involved somehow.  Every contribution is really valuable!

Find New Leaf Yoga on Twitter @warriors4peace!

Tags: Yoga, yoga community, New Leaf Yoga, charity

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Posted on November 8th, 2011

Question: In what other ways do you honour your body?

The founders of Prancing Leopard rock their yoga practice, then hit up a café, and then go straight to meetings or an evening out without changing their outfit.

So they created a clothing company that uses only organic fabric, and features pieces that are comfortable and look less like athletic gear and more like styles you’d want to wear all day long. We’re fans of nearly everything on their site—women’s, men’s, kids’, and pieces from their Women Artisan Project.

More than a clothing company, Prancing Leopard is dedicated to being of service to the world. Locally, a percentage of online sales goes to the buyer’s studio of choice. On a global scale, they offer handmade artisan pieces, in addition to our core line, to benefit underserved women’s communities who make them. To support their shared environment and community, a percentage of profit goes to the Snow Leopard Trust, dedicated to saving the rare and beautiful snow leopard from extinction.

Win your own Bahia Paradiso Tunic!

Prancing Leopard is giving one lucky My Yoga Online member one Bahia Paradiso Tunic.

How to Enter: Just add your answer to the following question to the comments section below: In what other ways do you honour your body?

With apologies to our international friends, this prize giveaway is only available within North America (USA and Canada). Contest runs until the end of Tuesday, November 8, 2011 11:59 PST.

Enter on Facebook, too! Join your My Yoga Online community on Facebook and enter to win there, too.

Share the love. Tell your friends about this great giveaway. Just click ‘SHARE’ at the top of this post.

The fine print: Click here to read the official contest rules. By submitting a comment on this blog or commenting on or ‘liking’ the Facebook post, you agree to the official contest rules.

Tags: Tuesday Giveaway, tuesday yoga giveaway, prancing leopard, prancing leopard, prancing leopard yoga wear, yoga wear, yoga wear giveaway, yoga tunic

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Posted on October 31st, 2011

Sometimes a visionary comes along and changes, well, pretty much everything.

Yoga teacher, musician, and inspirational force Will Blunderfield has been making waves since he first appeared on the yoga and music scene in Vancouver. Those waves are now so big he’s gone global.

Will Blunderfield will embark on his first headlining tour, a yoga and music spectacular, both theatrical and inspirational, that will give his thousands of fans something they'll love to breathe, flow and meditate to. "The Vega® Yoga Tour" kicks off November 10 in Malibu, CA. "My intention is to promote Love, health, self-empowerment, bravery and joy through yoga & music," Blunderfield says. "And I would love everyone to come away with a new appreciation for the music on my album."

Will's debut album Hallelujah (Nettwerk Music Group / Nutone Records) made its debut at #1 on the iTunes Top 100 World chart in July. Will's self-penned hit single "The River" as well as "Hallelujah," written by Leonard Cohen, have become Will's first hits on the world and new age music charts in Canada and Europe.

It's not just the single and album that have been international sensations in the yoga/world music scene; it's Will himself. He has led sold-out classes in Asia and New York, and was a media sensation in Japan, where he showed up in true Harajuku style with full makeup and mala beads. Switzerland fell in love with Will at first sight, and his single is now surging up the Swiss charts.

My Yoga Online and Vega® is proud to be supporting the "Vega® Yoga Tour" which launches November 10 in Malibu, CA and will work its way to eight more venues in November/December, with more 2012 dates to be announced for Australia and abroad.  Several of the events will be free to attend. For full event details including dates and locations go here. http://willblunderfield.com/events

Tags: Yoga, yoga community, vega, Will Blunderflied, music, yoga events, Vega Yoga Tour

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Posted on October 25th, 2011

Question: What gives you comfort?

A cup of hot tea. A hug from a friend. Settling down onto a meditation cushion.

Or, maybe, when we’re feeling a bit indulgent, the perfect pair of PJs. P.J. Salvage began transforming nightwear and then crossed over into loungewear and everyday wear. This company prides itself on superior quality, luxurious fabrics, great fits and chic style. We just like that their pyjamas feel good.

We’re not the only ones who’ve become fans. Gwen Stefani, Felicity Huffman and Jack Osbourne have all been spotted in them. The PJ’s have also been featured in ‘Ugly Betty’, ‘Desperate Housewives’, and ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’

Win the Capetown Cutie lace-trim chemise from PJ Salvage

One My Yoga Online member will win the size medium Capetown Cutie lace-trim chemise from PJ Salvage.

How to Enter:
Just add your answer to the following question to the blog comments section below: What makes you glow from the inside out?

Enter a second time by posting on our Facebook page.

With apologies to our international friends, this prize giveaway is only available within North America (USA and Canada).

Share the love.
Tell your friends about this great giveaway. Just click SHARE at the top of this post.

The fine print: Click here to read the official contest rules. By submitting a comment on this blog, you agree to the official contest rules. 

Tags: Tuesday Giveaway, tuesday yoga giveaway, PJ Salvage, pyjamas, sleepwear, sleepwear giveaway, chemise, loungewear

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Posted on October 24th, 2011

Question: I have mild carpal tunnel from 10-12 hours a day in front of a computer. I have noticed that many flows here leave my arms/wrists feeling 100% rejuvenated even if they are not focusing on arms/wrists specifically. This of course is great but i was wondering if you have any suggestions for poses or flows i can go through that will specifically target the wrist?

Answer: Just a quick explanation of carpal tunnel syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the compression of the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve runs from the forearm into the hand and innervates some of the muscles in the fingers and thumb as well as controls some of sense receptors in the hand.

The carpal tunnel can be described as a narrow channel of ligament and bones at the base of the wrist through which the median nerve and tendons travel. When the tendons surrounding the median nerve become inflamed and thickened in this channel, the swelling compresses the median tendon.

As a result, various symptoms arise including pain, burning sensations, tingling, decreased grip strength, or numbness in the hand, wrist, and forearm. The symptoms usually begin gradually and can develop into a chronic state if there is no treatment.

It is important to have any health conditions diagnosed and treated by a qualified health practitioner. When symptoms arise, initial treatments generally involve giving ample rest to the affected hand and wrist, and avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms. Often, immobilizing the wrist is required to prevent further damage from twisting or bending movements. As with most inflammatory conditions, applying a cooling pack can help reduce inflammation. Once symptoms have subsided, specific stretching and strengthening exercises can be prescribed to rehabilitate the affected wrist. Again, these treatments should be provided by a qualified physical therapist.

The probable reason why yoga helped ‘rejuvenate’ your wrists is due to the stretching and toning of the forearm muscles from many of the hand placements in asanas. Asanas like Dandasana (Plank Pose), Marjariasana (Cat Pose), and Purvottasana (Table Pose) place the wrists in a deep extension, which stretches the tendons affected in carpal tunnel syndrome. Asanas like Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog) and certain Mudras (hand gestures) like Yoga Mudra lightly tone the forearm muscles and increase healing circulation to the wrists.

Before attempting any specific asanas or flows to target your wrists, consult a health practitioner or physical therapist to determine if yoga poses will be appropriate with your treatment. If you are cleared to practice yoga and feel that poses involving the wrists do not aggravate your carpal tunnel syndrome, you can try flows involving Cat Pose to lightly stretch the wrists. As mentioned above, hand gestures like Yoga Mudra (lightly interlacing fingers behind back) can add a gentle toning to the forearm muscles.

If you do experience symptoms or pain before or during your practice, you can easily continue your practice with modifications. Perform Cat and Plank Pose on the elbows instead of the hands. Replace Table Pose with Spinal Lift/Bridge Pose. Replace Downward Facing Dog with Child’s Pose. Avoid deep hand binds and Mudras. Avoid placing wrists in any deep bend, twist or load while tendons are inflamed as this may worsen the condition and prevent needed healing. Also, flows like full Sun Salutations and Power Yoga should be avoided due to high amount of wrist-loaded positions. If you are just returning to asanas on the wrists (ie Cat Pose, Downward Facing Dog, Table Pose), avoid fully spreading fingers as this will reduce the tension in the tendons as the wrists goes into extension. As always, listen and respect the body. Use the time without using the wrists to explore other variations of poses (standing or lying) or take some time to rest the body completely and deepen your meditation and pranayama (breath work) practice.

Click to watch our video on additional tips on wrist safety in yoga.

Expert Q & A provided by My Yoga Online teacher and Co-Founder, Kreg Weiss.

Tags: Yoga, Kreg Weiss, Wrists, yoga injury, injury prevention, carpal tunnel syndrome, yoga expert, hand

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