YOGA NAMASTACY

On the Blog

HOW YOU THINK

When I began studying under Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, founder of the Ashtanga Vinyasa method, I learned a foundational truth: in traditional yoga, agni — the heat that transforms the body — comes from within. It’s cultivated through rhythmic breathing, unwavering focus, and subtle energetic locks (bandhas) that generate warmth from the inside out.
Even in Mysore, India, where Jois taught, practice traditionally began in the cool, pre-dawn hours. The body’s warmth was earned through movement and breath, not given by the thermostat.

I could see he was seeking a deeper answer — one that made sense beyond the poses. Working at a resort, he witnessed countless western guests who, despite having material abundance, often seemed unhappy, stressed, or in conflict. It was clear he wanted to understand more.
I shared with him that many people believe their “home” is their house or their car — something external. But the only true home we ever have is our body.

    • A house can be lost and replaced.
    • A car can be taken and bought again.
    • But our body? It’s the only true home we are given.

Once the kid’s are back at school & the days get shorter, I see a surge of new students asking me advice about yoga & how to get started, so I thought I’d share three quick transformational tips to get your practice off to the right start.

Transformational Tip #1: Get Nich’d ~ There are many styles of yoga & there’s a style that’s perfect for you.  Your personality, your fitness level & your schedule will help determine what style of yoga & what type of teacher is the best fit for your needs. There’s lots of good yoga, but not every teacher or style will be good for you. Explore different styles & philosophies. When you find a teacher with the experience & education that connects with you become a devoted student & learn all you can from your teacher. A good teacher will take a devoted student from where they are to where they need to go.

Transformational Tip #2: Ease into it~ Just because you walked around the block, doesn’t mean you should run a marathon the next week. Yoga is no different. Whenever you start something new, ease into it. Give your body & your mind time. Yoga helps bring the physical body back into balance by strengthening the weaker, less frequently used muscles & elongating the stronger, over used muscles. Mentally it works on giving our brain a rest from redundant, recycled thoughts that constantly pass through our heads, judgment, criticism & competitiveness. Spiritually it helps us connect with the deepest part of our inner self. You may find resistance not just physically, but mentally & spiritually as well, so ease into your yoga journey & let it unfold at a rate that’s right for you.

Transformational Tip #3: Breathe ~ Yoga without the breath is like surfing without any waves. Breath is the invisible link between the body & the mind. Without the proper use of breath, yoga becomes much like some form of eastern callesthenics.

To learn more about the foundational principles of yoga & begin a regular practice try my Yoga Body Lean & Defined DVD. For more advanced students try Yoga Body Fat Burning & for the Ashtanga Vinyasa lover try Power Yoga Live.

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