Entries by melissa

A Meditation to Cultivate Peace, Ease, and Wellbeing

Recently someone asked me if I have always been so calm. I struggled with the answer because while I am much calmer than I used to be, ‘calm’ is not how I would describe myself. I have struggled with anxiety throughout my life and it manifests as worry, fear, attention difficulties, social exhaustion, difficulty thinking […]

Benefits of Meditation

If there is one thing that has truly changed my life, it is meditation. I’ve struggled with controlling my emotions, fear of public speaking, social exhaustion, brain overload, absentmindedness, holding my attention, thinking clearly, and self doubt. At one point a wise advisor told me that if I wanted to help people, I had to […]

Benefits of Embodiment, Mindfulness & Compassion

As a firm believer in the power of yoga to increase the quality of life, I am constantly on the lookout for research studies that support the practices I teach and love. I came across a 2022 study from the Well Center at Stanford. A survey of 19,743 individuals across three different global regions shows […]

Joy as a Constant Companion

As the chill of December has settled in and it’s more difficult to get outside, I find myself sitting at my desk (which doubles as the dining room table) basking in the warm winter sun. It’s the perfect time of day to be working here and I am feeling joyful. Joy—this intense, deep connection to […]

Enhancing Presence and Improving Posture

In the whirlwind of life, it’s a common challenge to stay grounded and truly present. The demands of work, the delicate dance of family life, and the pursuit of restful sleep create a cacophony that can make mindfulness seem elusive. But what if I told you that the ancient practice of yoga could be the […]

Autumn Wellness: The Many Benefits of Yoga Therapy for Fall

Autumn, with its colorful tapestry of falling leaves and brisk winds, invites us to embrace change and transformation. Just as nature transitions gracefully, it’s an ideal time to consider the profound benefits of yoga therapy. Whether you’re already on a wellness journey or just taking the first step, let’s explore how yoga therapy, in particular, […]

Yoga for Happy Knees

Yoga is a powerful practice that offers numerous benefits for both the body and the mind. Yoga can reduce knee discomfort and promote overall joint health. In this practice we’ll explore seven yoga poses that can make your knees happy. Please remember that it is essential to approach yoga mindfully. If you are experiencing knee pain […]

The Healing Power of Yoga Nidra

In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety have become a common part of our lives, finding effective methods to relax and rejuvenate is crucial. One such powerful practice is Yoga Nidra, a deep relaxation technique that goes beyond ordinary relaxation methods. Known as “yogic sleep,” Yoga Nidra is an ancient practice that has gained […]

Yoga for Menopause

Menopause is the time where many of us transition from the reproductive to post reproductive stage of life. The term menopause is classically defined as the 12 months after we have our last period and then we are considered post menopausal (there is evidence that suggests menopause can last longer than 12 months so use […]

Did you know? Yoga Therapy can Reduce Pain in the Muscles and Joints

Pain in the muscles and joints can be due to an old injury (herniated disk for example), compensation for a body structure (scoliosis for example), habit (sitting incorrectly at a computer for example), or stress (lifting the shoulders to the ears for example). We can also have pain with no diagnosed cause. How does yoga […]