Has America's emphasis on freedom and bravery unintentionally influenced the way we think about health? As July 4th approaches, many of us will gather with family and friends to celebrate one of America's most cherished ideals: freedom. America proudly celebrates itself as the land of the free and the home of the brave. These ideals have inspired innovation, resilience, opportunity, and independence. They are among our nation's greatest strengths. Yet, for nearly ten years, t

One of the most common comments I hear from students when they're all set up this way in Shavasana is, "Wow... never realized how comfortable I could be." We become so accustomed to carrying tension that we don't even recognize it anymore. You may lie down to rest, yet your body continues working. Your low back holds on. Your hips grip. Your neck strains. Your nervous system remains quietly alert. This is why the way you set yourself up for relaxation matters. When your legs

I find this photograph endlessly compelling. A little girl stares back at me. I know her well. When I look into her eyes, I'm not remembering specific events or stories from childhood. What I am remembering is something much more subtle. I'm remembering a state of Being. Before life became organized around schedules, goals, and obligations, there was a way of moving through the world that felt effortless. There was wonder. There was curiosity. There was trust. When I look int

As we move into June, we are contemplating Asteya, one of yoga's foundational Yamas. Asteya is often translated as non-stealing. At first glance, it may seem like one of the more straightforward teachings of yoga. Most of us are not taking what belongs to someone else. We understand the importance of honesty, integrity, and respecting the property of others. Ah, and.... yoga always invites us to look beneath the surface. 😃 Asteya asks us to explore the subtle ways we steal f