Category: Models & Metaphors

  • Yoga: Tuning & Change On and Off the Mat

    A recent conversation with Annelieke left me reflecting on the relationship between Yoga on-the-mat and  Yoga off-the-mat. How do life choices off-the-mat resonate with on-the-mat practice to form a continuous tapestry of change? I was surprised to recall a device I learned about many years ago in high-school when I was studying electronics (surprised because…

  • Yoga & Breath – Movement in Breath in Intent

    Intent is another step towards a more subtle asana practice.  As breath can be a sheath for movement, so can intent be a sheath for breath & movement.  My teacher introduced this model as “IBM – Intent, Breath Movement”. Intent comes first – for example “I am going to inhale and raise my arms” is…

  • Contents of Yoga Practice in Phases of Life

    This model offers a perspective on how the contents of a Yoga practice change as a function of age – from a practice that is dominated by asana (physical practice) at a young age to a practice that is dominated by meditation at an older age. In childhood and adolescence the practice is made up…

  • Learning Curves

    Shakuhachi is a challenging instrument to play because it only has 5 holes. The range of notes you can play depends on subtle variations of blowing technique. One of the challenges a beginning player faces is playing higher octaves. I can’t do this yet – but I do play around with it all the time.…

  • Yoga: Gross to Subtle

    My recent visit with Vedic Philosophy continues to resonate with me – leading to ideas meeting and interconnecting. Today I am trying to assimilate some thoughts around the subtle elements of ether, air, fire, water & earth as an overview map for the tools of Yoga. The subtle elements are presented in Vedic Philosophy as…

  • Energy – Kundalini

    Kundalini is a famous myth in the realms of Yoga & Energy – there’s even a school of Yoga named after it.  It is considered a majestic goal of Yoga, but it is by no means the end of the journey. Like Granthis, Kundalini is an obstacle/blockage – actually the king of all obstacles. It…

  • Heart of Matter

    Yoga is founded on a unique perspective on human life & existence. As a Yoga practitioner and teacher this knowledge paints my life with a sense of “coming home” – it inspires me, it directs me, it refines my experience and it resonates with my intuitive perception of what is happening in my life. This…

  • Yoga Sutra – Chapter 1 Sutra 17

    “Discernment follows the form of reasoning, reflection, joy & unity” Translation by Paul Harvey The process of meditations is a gradual movement from distraction toward containment. You can experience this on a gross level in a short meditation and you can experience this on a more subtle level over years of meditation. When you start…

  • Energy & Modes of Yoga Practice

    With a framework for relating to energy we can approach and create a framework for Yoga practice. There are 3 modes of practice: CIKITSA: recovery. This mode of practice is associated with dispersed energy. Dispersed energy can be felt as low or unstable energy. Yoga practice in this mode is a relatively soft practice –…

  • Yoga for a Murky Mind

    I carry with me a metaphor that very often provides me with inspiration and support. A glass of water is inherently clear, but if you introduce some dirt into it and give it a good stir – clarity will be reduced. Clarity is still a quality of the glass of water but something is now…