Everyone can give yoga a try

A few years ago, when I started writing this column, I had some very specific goals in mind. Actually, one very specific goal in mind. I wanted to make everyone understand that yoga is not meant for a select few freakishly flexible, constantly blissful, effortlessly levitating, vegetarian tree-huggers. Read More

Find balance with some old favorites

When I'm practicing alone, as I often do, I have a tendency to stick to the same poses in my practices, depending on whether I'm focusing on backbending or hip-opening or restorative poses. The same ones stick in my mind, often in similar sequences. Read More

Key in yoga: Find a good instructor

This past weekend, I got to teach yoga to four of my friends. I was in Boston, finalizing details about my upcoming move to Tel Aviv at the Aliyah Center and applying for my visa at the Israeli Consulate. (FYI: If you think it's difficult to get on a plane because of security, try getting into the Israeli consulate. I practically had to submit a urine specimen.) Read More

Dedicating yourself to yoga practice

At the beginning of each yoga practice, no matter what type of yoga, what intensity or how long the practice will last, I dedicate my practice to someone or something. It is a small way that I try to throw a little positive energy out into the universe. I consider it good karma. A version of "you reap what you sow." And it takes the focus off me, me, me, and puts it to a higher purpose. Read More

Some like it hot to really warm up the muscles

For years, I have extolled the wonders of a hot yoga practice. I like the heat. Practicing yoga with cold muscles always has been a challenge for me and one that I have worked through in an effort to enhance my practice in general. But when it comes down to my choice of how I want to do yoga, it is in the heat. Read More

Sometimes yoga happens when you don't expect it

I was outside, looking out over the Mediterranean Sea, breathing cool sea air. It was even sunset. I started out doing my first kung fu form, 15 times. I am trying to get it just right. Then I did each of my karate forms. I felt physically worked, but I wasn't quite satisfied. Read More

Trying yoga makes sense for surfers

Yoga and surfing. If a coin could have three sides, they would be yoga, martial arts and surfing. All physical, all spiritual, all welcome mental challenges. Yoga and surfing go together like peanut butter and jelly, cake and ice cream, baseball and beer. They complement each other perfectly and are much better enjoyed when you combine them. Read More

Try out this short routine to start day

Greet morning with breathing, stretching

Sometimes you don't have time to get in a full yoga practice. Or maybe you don't have one at all. Either way is fine. But as we get older, our joints and backs and knees and things start to ache, often beginning as soon as we get out of bed and worsening throughout the day. Especially if you spend a lot of time at a desk. Then the hamstrings and back can get to you. Read More

Change, growth exciting

Lately, it seems that the subject of impermanence keeps coming up. First, I give credit to my therapist, who has been reading some books by a woman who is a Jewish Buddhist, and she talks a lot about impermanence. It is a huge concept in Buddhism. Read More

Easier to feel sorry for yourself than to be grateful

Sometimes, it is easy to feel like the world is an ugly place. Things happen, not just around the world, but in our own communities, that make us question our safety or happiness. We can wonder why so many bad things happen, and even ask "Why me?" Read More