The word ‘stress’ is used in physics to refer to the interaction between a force and the resistance to counter that force. Without stress we would not grow/adapt and with too much stress we break down and fall apart.

You may notice you give in to a lot of “shoulds” that are influenced by outside pressure. So pause and notice: do you want to go on a 5 mile hike because that’s what you think you should do or would you rather watch Netflix and eat junk food?

What holds you back in your yoga practice? We can only do what we believe we can do. Notice your self talk in your every day life when faced with a challenge - setting boundaries can be healthy, but some are worth destroying!

Do you ever find yourself repeating bad habits or toxic patterns in relationships yet you continue the pattern expecting change? Umm…. guilty!

We live in a world that gives us the opportunity (thanks to social media) to compare ourselves to others every moment of every day.

There are so many distractions in life that can keep us from our practice and yet we know there are endless benefits to stepping on the mat. Most of us expect that if we work hard we might get something in return - meaning there is something to show for the hard work - i.e. recognition in some way, a trophy, a raise/promotion, a thank you card, etc. Or, if we are injured we expect to heal quickly because we follow doctors' orders. However, you know when you show up for your practice you won’t necessarily “attain” anything. As we practice next week the goal will be the EFFORT!

Ahimsa, or nonviolence, is one of yoga’s ethical principles. Ahimsa is part of the first of the eight limbs known as yama, or practices of self-control designed to free us from being victims of our own human urges.

Ever look back on difficult times and realize they were your greatest teachers? While hindsight can provide clarity for how we might do things differently in the future, what if we looked at each obstacle as the path to self-growth, our truest intention, our life’s purpose?

After practicing yoga for over 16 years and teaching for ~6 years I can honestly say that pausing to take a breath is still something I work on to this day. Every time I practice yoga I am reminded about the gift of my breath - its sound and rhythm and how it teaches my body to slow down and listen. My job is to guide you through the postures but the true teacher is the breath.

My Top 10 list of key learnings from teaching well over a year now.