Practicing Self-Compassion on Valentine’s Day
Maitri. This Sanskrit word (pronounced my-tree) translates simply as "friendship and goodwill." A deeper meaning, however, is "unconditional friendliness towards one's own experience." On this Valentine's Day, I invite you to...
Stretches to Help Relieve Aching Hands
Counteracting Wrist/Hand Pain Like most folks, I spend plenty of time using a keyboard. From the IBM Selectric typewriter I had in college (oops, did I just date-stamp myself?!), to the iMac I use now, to texting on my iPhone, I use my hands and fingers A LOT....
7 Simple Ways to Reduce Stress
As the calendar flips to September, I'm battling some late summer lackadaisical energy…you know, when trying to get something accomplished feels more like pushing string. For me one way to release "should-related" stress is giving myself permission to dig in to past...
Yoga at Home with The Yoga Decks
Cobra from The Yoga Deck “I want to tell you that I am so happy I have The Yoga Deck so I can do my yoga in safe isolation!” My friend Sue emailed that unsolicited (scout’s honor!) comment when things began shutting down due to the coronavirus. Her wonderful...
Smiling Meditation (aka, Mouth Yoga)
We’re not grateful because we’re happy; we’re happy because we’re grateful. Studies show that when we smile, we relax hundreds of muscles in our body. The body sends a positive message to the mind and we feel calmer, happier, and more at peace. · Sit...
All Movement Counts as Exercise
With the current mitigation efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, gyms are shuttered; yoga and group fitness classes are suspended. Maintaining a consistent exercise regimen can be a challenge. Some people stay disciplined enough to exercise regularly on their own;...
The 7 Chakras: A Brief Explanation
Within the body lie 7 vital energy centers. We can’t see them; they won’t show up in an X-ray or MRI. Yet, for thousands of years, Eastern cultures have recognized their importance to our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Through these centers, known...
Open Your Heart Chakra to Love and Compassion
In honor of Valentine’s Day, I invite you to focus on your Heart Chakra, the energy center located in the middle of the chest. Representing love & compassion, it is considered the bridge between the three lower – more physical – energy centers (representing safety...
The Gift of Wellness
About a month ago, I received an email: “I am the Chair of Toy Purchasing for the Rockbridge Christmas Baskets program,” it began. “We provide food and gifts to over 3,000 people at Christmas time. For our 16- and 17-year-old-girls, we have purchased 70 yoga mats and...
End the Day With Relaxing Yoga
Sometimes it can be challenging to calm down and relax, especially after a busy day with barely a moment to yourself. Yoga is the perfect way to wind down, helping to release stress, anxiety and tension. Bring your day to a close with these calming breaths, gentle...
Olivia H. Miller
