Dedicated to the practice of Yoga, A Moment of Bliss strives to bring you the latest thoughts, ideas, news, and musings about Yoga and the powerful influence this beautiful ancient practice can have on every aspect of your life.
In the realm of holistic health and welness, the ancient practices of yoga and Ayurveda stand out as pillars of wisdom. While both are widely practiced today, their roots extend deep into the annals of history, intertwining in a symbiotic relationship that continues to shape the wellness landscape.
Read MoreLife throws us lots of curve balls. Just when we think we are on stable ground, life hits us with unexpected events that have the potential to send us into a tailspin. That’s why flexibility is so important. Flexibility, in its essence, extends far beyond the ability to touch your toes or perform a perfect pigeon pose. It encompasses adaptability, resilience, and openness to change—qualities essential for navigating life's challenges.
Read MoreIn our fast-paced, modern lives, where stress and distractions abound, the breath serves as an anchor, a constant reminder to return to the now. Mindful breathing techniques have been integrated into mindfulness-based stress reduction programs, with research in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine showcasing their efficacy in reducing symptoms of depression and improving overall mental well-being.
Our breath matters, not only physically, keeping us alive, but it also matters on a mental and spiritual level as well.
Read MoreWe know how we feel when we leave a yoga class. Good, right? Some might even say they are a whole new person walking out of a yoga class compared to the person they were when they walked in.
We feel connected somehow, not only to ourselves but to the community around us. We realize that the connection to community happens through our breath, the poses, and the shared experience of yoga. It is almost as if we become one during the time we are in class with the teacher and the other yogis.
An awareness begins to happen, and this is where enlightenment starts. It is a product of practice, practice, practice.
Read MoreIn a world consumed by complexity and constant change, there is an inherent value in returning to the basics of any pursuit, be it a skill, a hobby, or even a lifestyle choice. The allure of simplicity is undeniable, offering a path to clarity, mastery, and a profound connection with the foundational principles that often get overshadowed by the noise of advancement.
One significant advantage of getting back to the basics in yoga is the opportunity for a fresh start. When we revisit the fundamentals, we strip away the layers of questions that might have accumulated over time. Going back to basics provides a clean slate, allowing individuals to build a more solid and enduring foundation.
Read MoreThis time of year, gives us an opportunity to pause, consider our blessings and gifts, and be grateful to the Universe for what it has given to us for our highest good.
This blog offers some sincere suggestions from a yoga teacher who has taken stock of the past year to acknowledge all the people and things that have contributed to a life that is content and peaceful. It is a thank-you note to the Universe for all that it has brought her way.
Read MoreWords have an extraordinary ability to shape our emotions, our relationships, and even our overall well-being. They can lift us up, inspire us, and provide comfort during challenging times.
Words that heal carry immense power and have a profound impact on our lives. Make no mistake, we are all healing from something whether it be a rough childhood, difficult relationships, or the everyday dents our self-esteem is subject to from a critical world. Keeping in mind that we are all fragile on some level could make all the difference in the world to someone.
Read MoreThrough the practice of yoga and mindfulness, we can develop a deeper appreciation for each season of the year, looking for those qualities of the season that make it special and a feast for the body, mind, and soul. Nature's vibrant showcase, especially during the autumn season captivates our senses and offers a profound sense of hope. Through resilience, reflection, abundance, and impermanence, nature's transformative display reminds us that even in the midst of change, there is always the promise of renewal and a brighter future. Some of us feel that same sense of hope every time we get on our yoga mats. Autumn and yoga provide us with the opportunity to be forever grateful.
Read MoreThe world is falling in love with travel again. No matter who I am talking to, it seems like the conversation centers around where they have been or where they are going. The website Booking.com must be running a million commercials right now with the exceptionally talented actress Melissa McCarthy singing her heart out about the need to get away - anywhere - she does not care. The ad jingle is a catchy little tune that is stuck in my head. In this blog, we will dive into the unusual rewards of getting away that extend far beyond the ordinary and see how the benefits of a travel getaway intersect with the practice of yoga.
Read MoreIn today’s world, finding inner peace and harmony is more important than ever. We know that yoga can help us surrender to the present moment and by letting go of control, we can unlock a profound sense of liberation.
Read MoreYoga provides a powerful antidote to perfectionism, offering us a path toward self-acceptance, self-compassion, and inner peace. It can help us create a more balanced and compassionate approach to ourselves and the world around us. Yoga gives us the permission we need to let go and accept ourselves - the perfect as well as the imperfect.
Read MoreSeeing the good in others is not always easy. This world gives us a lot of negative things to focus on but through the practice of yoga, we learn to cultivate a sense of compassion for ourselves and others, helping us to see that good can come out of situations and inherently people are good, it’s simply a matter of discovering the why of their actions.
Read MoreThe past is the past but for whatever reason, we feel compelled to label it "good or bad" based on our experiences. But truthfully, our past experiences, good and bad, make us who we are today. Focusing too much on negative experiences though can have a significant impact on our present and future. It can lead to chronic negative thought patterns, feelings of anxiety and depression, and even physical health problems. The constant replaying of negative thoughts about the past can lead to self-doubt, self-criticism, and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
Read MoreOur spines are an incredibly important part of the area of the body that we call, “the back”. Keeping it in tip-top shape throughout our lives is an important responsibility for all of us. Often years of neglect or abuse weaken this area of the body and if over our lifetime, we experience injuries - the cumulative effects can impact our overall health and the quality of our lives.
Read MoreThe practice of Yoga is powerful. Our bodies are challenged, our minds are expanded, and our spirits are lifted as we go ever deeper into the practice. During this season of Thanksgiving, let us pause and with grateful hearts, acknowledge that which is good and right with our families, our careers, our health, and our communities, and the environment. And while we may be experiencing hard times in some or all areas of our lives, let us get on our mats, soften our hearts, and acknowledge that the breath in our bodies, at the very least, is something to be grateful for and celebrated.
Read MoreWinter is seen by some as a time of year to be bored. We witness overcast skies, shades of gray and brown, and feeling like we are too far from the natural world. But by taking a more mindful approach, one can come to appreciate the season, seeing it as a time to reflect, consider and prepare. Through Yoga, we can come to see winter as an opportunity to be – truly be – in the present moment of the season.
Read MoreNature has an incredible sense of knowing and trusting. Just observing the incredible rhythm and cycle of the Earth and its inhabitants, makes me catch my breath at the miracle of it all. It’s such a beautiful thing to witness a gaggle of geese as they make their way south or the budding of trees in the spring as the sap rises to produce another season of leaves designed and destined to offer us shade.
Read MoreI was especially sad when I took a nasty fall the first week of June. When I came down on my leg, I heard a pop, and I knew right away I was in trouble. I headed to the ER for some X-rays and a diagnosis but I knew in my heart I was really hurt. Some of you saw me with my walker, then with my crutches.
Read MoreHeat and cold have the ability to transform our breath and our physical abilities—but using yoga practices we can make sure the transformation is one in alignment with our true self. Extreme heat and cold impact our intuition and wisdom too.
Read MoreLast time we spoke about letting go of habits, relationships, and fear. When you begin to let go, you get excited, unstuck, and begin to release. You begin to open your heart and your mind to possibilities that you may have not thought about before.
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