Biased observation: We throw the word yoga around because it is known, because it sells, because it’s catchy and alluring maybe even slightly exotic…

But as soon as one pulls back a layer (or 2) we discover that the yoga that we currently identify with is rather removed from its traditions and sometimes even contradicts itself. 

Whether it’s fresh off a yoga retreat or a much needed vacation with your favorite people or even just a perfect weekend, it can be challenging to get back into the work flow while holding on to a bit of that magic you may have (re)discovered.I used to be the type that would hit the ground running,

It’s wild to say but it’s been almost FOUR YEARS since I quit drinking alcohol. I wrote all about my decision and my first year of being alcohol free here.What started as a curious question has transformed into a lifestyle choice. My original  goals were twofold: detox from the 2020+ uptick in my

Question I’ve been asked often: “Are you a trauma informed yoga teacher?”(Awkward pause as my mind slips and more questions emerge)My short answer: Well I am very much informed by my own personal traumas, and I’ve taken my fair share of trainings, but I’m unsure if I should/could/would label mysel

The Yoga-world is not immune to the -isms of the Real-world. Moreso, it behaves like a microcosm often mirroring and at times amplifying these issues. Often, the teachers who are elevated and/or celebrated not only fit the mold of expected yoga teachers (white, skinny, flexible), they are likely to

**TW: I speak plainly about mental health, grief, death, and PTSD. Read when resourced.I’ve considered how to write this story for quite some time. Even while I was in the midst of things, I knew that one day I would need to sit and sort through - utilizing this expressive tool called writing.I ha

In one word: complicatedIn more words:Very complicated 😉This struggle has lived in my heart for a while now.Part personal and part collective.Plainly spoken, at times it feels trite to lead and market retreats when people are dying and rights are being taken and courts are deciding fates and an

And no - this blog isn’t switching up our focus - this post is still about yoga!While there are plenty of examples of teachers/leaders who have abused their powers and manipulated their students via power imbalances and promises of promotions, this post isn’t about that either.Instead, I want to s

Just in case no one has told you today, YOU are MAGICI used to start all my newsletters with this reminder, and even though it’s fallen away - it’s still one of my most favorite sentences. In fact, it’s one that drapes over my front door - streamer styler - so I must enter and exit through this inc

Before I begin - let me go ahead and admit my strong bias on this topic. 🙂I strongly disagree with the “all-levels” distinction for yoga asana classes. First, we would NEVER consider an all-levels math class so why would we pretend that we can conduct a physical-based practice for ALL?!What happen

Or is it an Affirmation?I am enoughI am loveI am worthyAUMLokah Samastah Sukhino BhavantuOm Gam Ganapati NamahaMantra is another example of Yogic practices being assimilated into mainstream popularity, and often striped of cutlure.Bracelets, sticky notes placed on bathroom mirrors, or repea

Quick story: I teach a weekly class in one of the government building in downtown Charlotte for the city/county employees. I go through security - which consists on a metal detector and a quick look through my belongings. Recently, when I walked through a random passerby made comments about not need

Note: this post was inspired by a conversation in my Yoga mentorship program and is mostly geared towards Yoga teachers. Although some probably still apply to showing up in life.In case you haven’t been paying attention….the world we live in is rather effed up!Sure - there’s still plenty of magic

Recently, a student asked me “how many hours a day do you do yoga?”I laughed because if we are just talking asana, I could quickly fall down the rabbit hole to feeling like a fraud because tbh….on average 5-20 minutes a day, with a goal of 1 community class a week.And then I remember the wise word

Y’all….owning a business ain’t for the weak!Caring about your job/profession/career is super awesome AND it brings with it a special kind of stress.Sometimes I think it would be nice to sell out...quit following my passions, go corporate or whatever “normal” folks do.Without going into all the de