While prana literally means “to breathe forth”, it is commonly defined as “life force” or the underlying energy behind every single vibration in the universe.

The physical practice of yoga, or asana, is only one of the eight limbs of yoga. It’s important to understand asana as part of a greater whole.

Whereas the Yamas are expressed as ethical restraints—or actions to avoid—the Niyamaas are expressed as practices to enact—actions to help guide an ethical, authentically-lived life. Together, these practices help to create a lifestyle guided by ritual, intention, and clarity.

The Yamas are not a checklist or another thing to perfect. They are invitations—gentle guideposts for how we might choose to live each day with more compassion, balance, and integrity.

At its heart, yoga offers an ancient, yet practical roadmap for everyday life, providing guidance for how we work, lead, approach our own wellbeing, and relate to others.

Shanti Bhavan, which translates to “Haven of Peace,” is a boarding school outside of Bangalore that provides an exceptional education, a safe home, and loving care to children from families who face the harsh realities of discrimination and economic oppression.

A yoga practice is a little laboratory where we move mindfully, breathe deeply, come back to the present moment, and settle into rest. It is a time set apart, a time to  practice what matters. Our yoga practice does not take the present moment, the next breath, nor the body for granted, and in doing so, it is a recipe for finding gratitude, regardless of whether we came to the mat looking for it. 

Cueing in yoga is a meaningful conversation as it not only creates an interesting dynamic between the one cueing and the one receiving the cues, but it also goes far beyond the asana (the physical practice of yoga) and holds space for agency and accessibility in our practice.

“Watch your thoughts. Let them guide your words and actions. Let them transform you into a walking offering of peace. Be gentle with yourself as you practice this. It’s a tough one and requires patience with yourself.”

“As yogis, we grow to understand that the path of life is ultimately a return to the true self. The Creative Act echoes this beautifully. It’s a quiet, profound reminder that both you and your life are ever-evolving acts of creation.”

“…in striving to "get it right" when practicing an asana, I often held unnecessary tension in my body. I began to feel the urge to break free from that rigidity, to infuse each shape with more free movement.”

Utthita Tadasana, or Five-Pointed Star Pose, is an expansive, joyful pose for strengthening the legs and ankles and opening the chest.

Padangusthasana, also called “big toe pose,” “broken toe pose,” or “fire toes pose,” can feel very intense, as it provides a deep stretch across the bottom of the feet.

Sukhasana, or easy pose, is a meditative sitting posture that tones the spinal muscles, opens the hips, and promotes focus.

A mini-backbend, Sphinx pose strengthens the back and opens the chest and shoulders.

A powerful, heat-building posture, Goddess pose strengthens the legs, hips, glutes, and ankles, and may help promote balance and stability.

The story behind Jaclyn Jewitt’s sound baths—from a love of music to healing with sound.

Deepen your experience of Janu Sirasana, or head-to-knee pose, a posture that lengthens the hamstrings, strengthens the back, and calms the nerves.

An exploration of the work of Elena Brower, yoga teacher, painter, and writer.

Virabhadrasana III, or Warrior III, is a standing balance pose that energizes the body and promotes better balance and posture. Here's how to take flight in this posture.