In the fast-paced world we live in, finding moments of calm is essential for maintaining mental and physical well-being. One practice that has gained significant popularity for its deep relaxation benefits is Yoga Nidra. Often referred to as "yogic sleep," Yoga Nidra offers an easy and accessible way to practice meditation.
Read MoreFall is a magical time. As the season changes from long, sun filled days, we get a chance to reconnect with the slower pace of life. In our society, and especially if we are parents, we are often too busy to pause and notice the subtle shifts of nature.
Read MoreThe Metta 2023 YTT was truly a journey into the depths of yoga. But just as you delve deeper into anything, you also realize the “iceberg effect” of how much you don’t know - - how much more there is to learn under the water’s surface. I can confidently say that all of us as trainees deepened our practices, gained invaluable resources that we can lean on for years, and fostered a new community for ourselves within our group and among the Metta studios.
Read MoreMetta Yoga is launching a new business, Metta Mama this June! Learn how you can find the support you need as you journey into new parenthood - and why it’s so important for new families to build community.
Read MoreDo you surrender to a higher power, or do you stand in your own way? Keep reading below to learn how to invite the divine energy of Source into your everyday rituals. Transcend the daily limitations of duality by learning more about the crown chakra.
Read MoreHave you ever wanted to tap into the innate wisdom inside of you? Are you ready to learn the difference between the outer noise that stimulates ego and the inner stillness within your depths that soothes the soul? Honor your intuitive knowing by learning more about the third eye chakra below!
Read MoreCat got your tongue? Do you have a crippling fear of public speaking, or do you fear that people will misinterpret your words? Keep reading below to see how unblocking and cleansing your throat chakra helps you deliver your very special message to the world AND gives others permission to use their voices for good, too. Get ready to march yourself on stage to speak your truth. Which words from your soul does the world need to hear today?
Read MoreHave you ever tried to heal a broken heart? Do you know that you must love yourself before loving others? Keep reading below to see how embracing your self-care practices for filling your own cup (or smoothie bowl!) first creates a positive ripple effect for the rest of your day. Get ready to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. Love yourself first by learning more about the heart chakra.
Read MoreHave you ever wanted to tap into the source of your personal power? Do you know that you are the only person who can empower you to exercise your will, but you worry that you’re leaking energy? Protect your vital energy by learning more about the solar plexus chakra!
Read MoreHave you ever wanted to get crystal clear on the things you wanted to manifest in your life? Do you know deep down that you are a creative soul, but you aren’t really sure about the vision you’re looking to bring to life? Gain clarity around your creativity by learning more about the sacral chakra!
Have you ever wanted to begin a yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practice as part of your healthy holistic lifestyle? Lay down your spiritual foundations, and begin your journey at the root chakra!
Read MoreWhat is the difference between regular (Yang) yoga, Yin yoga, and Restorative? The poses are mostly the same; the difference is the intent behind the practice. What follows is a comparison of six yoga poses: Paschimottanasana, Prasarita Padottanasana, Baddha Konasana, Virasana, and Upavistha Konasana expressed as Yang, Yin, and Restorative versions.
Read MoreIt is essential to retreat. Here are the top 10 reasons why.
Read More“It felt natural to sign up for the YTT after finding a studio in Marin that resonated soundly with my own yoga practice. Signing up for this teacher training offered the opportunity to deepen my practice once again, reconnect with teaching, build community with the other teacher trainees and gain mentorship from the faculty.”
Read MoreDo you find yourself looking around the yoga room when your teacher tells the students to come to utthita hasta padangusthasana? Curious about the difference between chaturanga and ashtanga? Then look no further than the list below, which has ten Sanskrit words to help you learn many poses that are often found in yoga classes.
Read MoreThe last three segments (limbs) of aṣṭāṇga yoga - dhāraṇā, dhyāna, and samādhi - are considered the subtler, inner limbs of yoga… three stages in a process called saṃyama or ‘integration’. The five outer limbs serve as preparation for this internal practice: concentrating awareness on something (dhāraṇā), maintaining complete and objective awareness of it (dhyāna), and staying with it until one merges with it (samādhi).
Read MorePatanjali’s 5th limb, is often explained as a ‘withdrawing the senses.’ Think of the idea of plugging your ears, closing your eyes, and singing ‘la la la’ when you want to avoid knowing something. But pratyhara is actually much more complex than just shutting everything out. The literal translation means to ‘draw toward the opposite.’ It is an act of redirection, as opposed to removal. A discipline, rather than a deprivation.
Read MoreUjjayi Pranayama is called the victorious breath because of the expansion in the belly and chest. Practicing this type of breath perks up one’s confidence in a way that is reminiscent of a victorious warrior. It can also mean to gain mastery. On a deeper or more spiritual level, Ujjayi Pranayama is about achieving freedom from bondage.
Read MoreSitali Pranayama, often called “the cooling breath,” is a breath practice that cools the body and has a calming effect on the nervous system. This breath is going to be particularly helpful for those of us in California and the West effected by the deteriorating air quality from the current wildfires.
Read MoreKapalabhati is a rigorous practice of the breath and body; it is intended to build heat in the deep core and radiant heat out the skull. Game to give it a try? Have a sense of humor with this one and keep at it.
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