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In the elusive Turiya state of consciousness, the usual boundaries of ego and identity fall away, revealing a profound non-dual awareness beyond the familiar realms of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. Turiya meaning “the Fourth” is often described as a state of pure consciousness untouched by the fluctuations of thought, where one awakens to a sense of unity…
As you enter the third trimester of pregnancy, your body and mind are in the final stages of preparing for childbirth. In the yogic tradition, this is a time to nurture yourself from the inside out, gently stretching, strengthening, and opening to create ease in labor. Combining prenatal yoga with mindful breath, nutrition, and self-care can…
Witness consciousness, or Sakshi, is something I’ve always sensed, even before I had the language for it. Since I was a kid, I’ve been drawn to the deeper layers of consciousness, often thinking about life not just from a logical point of view, but from a spiritual one. Meditation became part of my life early on,…
Pregnancy can be physically demanding and emotionally stressful. Restorative yoga offers a gentle, supportive practice to help expectant mothers relax and ease tension. It emphasizes slow, passive poses held with the help of props (bolsters, blankets, blocks, even exercise balls) so the body can fully release and rest. Unlike active styles of yoga (e.g. Vinyasa…
A sannyasi (ascetic) meditating by the Ganges; meditation is one path to higher consciousness. Have you ever wondered if there’s more to consciousness than the waking, dreaming, and deep sleep we experience every day? In the teachings of Advaita Vedanta and the Upanishads, there is indeed a “fourth” state of consciousness called Turiya (which literally means “the fourth” in Sanskrit)….
Introduction: The Path So Far Vipassana meditation begins with something deceptively simple: awareness. In our first article, The Art of Seeing Clearly, we explored how Vipassana, or insight meditation, teaches us to observe reality as it is. From the breath to passing thoughts, this foundational awareness cultivates clarity and calm. Next, we deepened our journey in How…
Introduction: A Month That Started with Curiosity When May began, I didn’t set out with a grand plan to dedicate the month to Metta meditation. In fact, I had never even heard of Metta May until some mutuals on Twitter started sharing their reflections and intentions. Their posts planted a seed — and on a…
What is Equanimity and Why It Matters Equanimity is the ability to stay calm and composed, even when facing challenges or changes. It’s about not overreacting emotionally, whether things go well or poorly. This quality is important because life is full of changes—success can turn to failure, praise to blame—and equanimity helps you navigate these…
In a world fixated on pleasure, comfort, and avoidance of pain, the Buddhist concept of dukkha invites us to turn inward and examine suffering not as an enemy to be eliminated, but as a teacher to be understood. Through the practice of Vipassana meditation, this understanding deepens—offering a direct, experiential insight into the truth of suffering and…
In the heart of Buddhist philosophy lies a profound truth: everything changes. This concept, known as anicca (impermanence), teaches us that all things, whether physical, mental, or emotional, are temporary and in constant flux. While this idea may seem simple, truly understanding it can transform how we experience life. Through meditation, particularly Vipassana, we can move beyond…
Introduction: Metta May – Exploring Loving-Kindness Meditation Welcome to the third installment in our meditation series. In our first two posts, we journeyed through the foundations of Vipassana practice. We began with “The Art of Seeing Clearly: An Introduction to Vipassana,” where we explored the practice of insight meditation as a pathway to understanding reality. We then…
As you and your partner journey through the second trimester of pregnancy, this time offers a unique opportunity to bond, nurture your connection, and prepare for the arrival of your little one. The second trimester, spanning weeks 13 to 26, often brings a renewed sense of energy and excitement as the initial challenges of pregnancy…
How Direct Awareness of Sensation Deepens Vipassana Meditation In our first article, The Art of Seeing Clearly, we explored Vipassana as the practice of insight, a meditation that reveals the true nature of reality through direct observation. Now, we step deeper into the heart of this practice by focusing on the body. It is here, in…
First Trimester Yoga Routines and Pose Suggestions With safety precautions in mind and an understanding of yoga’s benefits, the next question is how to practice yoga in the first trimester. The guiding principles are to keep it gentle, listen to your body’s cues, and adapt the practice to how you feel on any given day. Below…
Aerial yoga has transformed my practice, blending the grounding essence of traditional yoga with the playful, liberating support of a fabric hammock. Suspended in the air, I feel a unique mix of strength, stretch, and serenity that’s hard to replicate on a mat. The hammock acts like a partner, supporting my body to deepen stretches,…
The Path to Inner Clarity Vipassana, an ancient meditation practice rooted in the teachings of the Buddha, offers a profound path to understanding the nature of existence. Originating in India over 2,500 years ago, Vipassana, meaning “clear seeing,” cultivates insight through mindful observation of body and mind. It invites practitioners to experience life’s impermanence, interconnectedness,…
Themes in Nature, Yoga Philosophies, and Literature for Late Spring Spring is not just a season of external blooming but a profound metaphor for the inner awakening that yoga seeks to cultivate. Its themes—emergence, impermanence, and interconnectedness—echo deeply within yoga philosophies, offering a sacred lens through which to view our existence. Emergence and Satya (Truth)…
Yoga as a Tool for Emotional Resilience: Practices to Thrive Through Life’s Challenges Can yoga help you bounce back from life’s toughest moments? In a world filled with stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, emotional resilience—the ability to adapt and thrive despite challenges, is more vital than ever. The World Health Organization reports that one in eight…