Author Archives: shelly

Vrikshasana

Posted on July 2, 2012 by shelly

In Sanskrit, “Vriksha” means tree.  For much of the history of mankind, the tree has been revered as a sacred symbol.  When you look back at the ancient civilizations we find that the Sumerians saw the tree as a temple, a bond between heaven and … Continue reading →

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Triangle Pose

Posted on May 3, 2012 by shelly

Triangle Pose:   Trikonasana — Tri konas or three angles The triangle is considered to be one of the strongest and most stable shapes in nature.  The quality of a triangle is strength and its capacity to support weight and resist pressure.

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Lotus Pose

Posted on April 18, 2012 by shelly

When we think of Lotus pose many thoughts might come to mind all starting with the letter “P”, Padmasana, pain, pretzel, possible in the next life, purity etc.  Padmasana is considered the quintessential seated mediation posture.  What must be understood … Continue reading →

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Slow Activities

Posted on April 16, 2012 by shelly

Our culture heralds and promotes the fast paced life.  We are immersed in the need to be busy accomplishing projects, making agendas, setting up projects, achieving goals,  slaying the dragon, multi-tasking, and multiplying our lives with detail.  I believe that … Continue reading →

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The legend of Bharadvajasana

Posted on March 26, 2012 by shelly

The tradition of yoga includes the teachings and wisdom of wise men called sages.  They sought to understand the mysteries of life and the universe.  Often the poses associated with the sages are difficult and challenging.  It takes patience, diligence … Continue reading →

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Best friend– Downward Facing Dog

Posted on February 27, 2012 by shelly

The poses in yoga are named in groups: animals, plants, birds, structures, yogis, Gods and sages.  In the very name of a pose we can begin to look for its symbolic meaning.  As we move into the pose and take … Continue reading →

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Virabhadrasana

Posted on January 17, 2012 by shelly

In the world of Gods things can happen almost instantly including the actions of Gods, sometimes not well thought out.  Virabhadra is a great warrior who rose out of the ground from a lock of hair of the God Shiva. … Continue reading →

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The Second Limb of Yoga

Posted on May 31, 2011 by shelly

The Niyamas The second limb of yoga is the niyamas.  These are observances that when followed are designed to create a code for living that encourages well being for ourselves and others.  It is the inner discipline and resolve that … Continue reading →

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Aparigraha

Posted on May 2, 2011 by shelly

The last of the yamas, Aparigraha means “nongrasping” or “non-greed.” It is the freedom to be content and take pleasure in what you have and to genuinely be happy for others in what they have acquired. 

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The fourth Yama–Brahmacharya

Posted on April 4, 2011 by shelly

                                                The Parable of the Robin As I am writing this blog, I can hear my little robin friend downstairs outside my dining room window.  He spends all day there.  He sits in the branch of my quaking aspen tree … Continue reading →

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