Author Archives: taoyogakatie
Bringing the Mind into the Body with Alignments
In LB Yoga class, we talk about bringing the mind into the body. Basically, this is an instruction to bring your attention inside and feel what’s happening in your body. In this culture where so much emphasis is placed on thinking … Continue reading
Using props to get into the flow
Moving from pose to pose can be a challenge. For example, transitioning within the Japanese style sitting poses, props are often necessary, and in moving from one pose to the next, you may feel unsteady as you navigate a new … Continue reading
Focus on a Pose – Lying Down
Lying down is easy and relaxing – it’s also a pose where the mind can wander or we might doze. In Tao Yoga we practice keeping a relaxed and alert awareness in this pose by paying attention to alignments. The … Continue reading
Focus on breathing
As we learn new poses, much attention is on remembering what to do, getting any necessary props situated and getting comfortable. Once in the pose, sometimes we still feel mental distraction from the process of getting there, and usually the … Continue reading
What does it feel like to be aligned?
In Longevity Breathing Yoga we begin most classes going through specific areas of the body to feel and, when necessary, adjust alignments. Getting into alignment is an essential foundation for gaining the most benefit from the yoga postures. Working with someone else … Continue reading
Start with What’s Easy
You may recognize the BTC mascot in this photo, demonstrating a good attitude for getting into your LB Yoga practice – start with what’s easy. It’s much more enjoyable and useful to start in your poses with enough propping, whether on … Continue reading
What if it hurts just to sit?
In Longevity Breathing Yoga, one of the basic principles is that all the postures derive from physical, mental and emotional relaxation – we talk about practicing without strain – but what if it hurts just to sit? This question is a common … Continue reading
Week 8 – Putting it all together
Last week we practiced exercises to help open the breath in the torso. Using variations of sitting postures and arm positioning, we brought attention to specific areas of the front, sides and back of the torso. These exercises are a … Continue reading
Week 7 – Focus on Breathing
Last week we added in the last “seat” of the routine, sitting with the legs apart. We worked with this pose both in a chair and on the floor, pivoting and bending forward, then added in the arms. This week … Continue reading
Week 6 – Focus on Legs
Last class we worked with stretching the arm over the head, while pivoting and bending the torso in the cross-legged position, turning to the right and the left. These poses are added to the beginning of the practice routine. This … Continue reading
