by The Well | Sep 8, 2022 | General
For at least the past 2000 years, the two main practices of Yoga have been conscious breathing (prāṇāyāma) and meditation (samādhi). Meditation is the means of liberation and breathing is one of the quickest, most efficient means of shifting the state of mind and...
by The Well | Jul 18, 2022 | General
How to Practice Yoga on the Mat & in Everyday Life. WHAT IS YOGA? Yoga is often thought of as a physical exercise that happens in a gym or on a mat. This idea of Yoga misses a huge part of what Yoga is about. Yoga actually describes a way of being that...
by The Well | Jun 24, 2022 | General
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...
by Jess Demshar | May 16, 2022 | Foundations of Yoga Therapy, General
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...
by The Well | Aug 23, 2021 | Defining Yoga, General
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...
by The Well | Aug 10, 2021 | Defining Yoga, General
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...