Blog – Wisdom For The Journey
Recovering from Burnout as a Yoga Teacher
Recovering from Burnout as a Yoga Teacher “Here is why you suffer, and here is what to do about it.” In my role with the Yoga Well Institute, I have heard Chase Bossart tell the story of how he first heard Mr. Desikachar say these words many, many times. And they are...
Mantra as a Support for Focusing the Mind
Mantra is commonly thought of as a special word or phrase repeated during, or as a support in, meditation. However, it is important to know that simply repeating the mantra, and hoping for profound change is insufficient. For a powerful impact, we need to visualize...
Importance of Lineage in Yoga
At the beginning of every Yoga Well Institute class we chant in a Vedic style in honor and remembrance of our teachers. We do this because we acknowledge Yoga’s long and distinguished history. And we value the Tradition and Lineages that have passed these precious...
Benefits of Oils in Ayurveda
Oils are fundamental in Āyurveda. They are used internally and externally to prevent, as well as treat, disease. Used on the skin, or in the body’s orifices like the mouth, nostrils and ears, oil protects our bodies from outside stimulus, impurities and antigens (that...
Different Approaches to Attaining the State of Yoga
If you’ve been studying Yoga with us at the Yoga Well Institute for any length of time, you are undoubtedly familiar with Patañjali’s Yogasūtra. These important teachings are known as raja yoga, which means the “Royal” or “Kingly” Yoga. Patañjali’s approach to...
Introduction to Haṭha Yoga Pradīpika
The Haṭha Yoga Pradīpika provides an excellent overview of the practice of haṭha yoga. This 15th Century Sanskrit text describes many of the principles and techniques that form the foundation of the practice of Yoga in modern times. Divided into four chapters, it...
Dinacharya: Āyurvedic Rituals for Good Health
Āyurveda’s main pursuit is a long, healthy life. In support of this, it suggests principles and practices that apply to almost every aspect of our life. Dinacharya (spelled dinacaryā in Sanskrit) are rituals that promote good health, both physical and mental. They...
East and West in Yoga Therapy
The Yoga Well Insitute’s Yoga Therapist Training Program educates from both Eastern and Western perspectives. The Eastern tradition of Yoga practices and principles (along with its complementary ancient Indian perspectives, such as Āyurveda) combined with Western...
Learning How to Think
Have you ever thought about how you think? About the tone and content of your inner dialogue? About the source of your “shoulds” and expectations? When I was in my 20’s, I really hadn’t. I had a job nannying two wonderful little girls in a family where kids were...
The Role of a Yoga Mentor
When we speak of Mentors at Yoga Well, we mean much more than professional guidance from someone with experience in the field of Yoga Therapy. In the first chapter of the Yogasūtra, Patañjali offers different practices for reducing agitation so we can see and act...
