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Why do 80 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail? It is not because people lack motivation, it is because most of us misunderstand how habits are built in the first place. We often think change comes from sheer willpower, when in reality the brain is wired to follow patterns, repeat routines, and conserve energy wherever…
As summer winds down and the school buses reappear, many of us feel that “back-to-school” energy creeping in. In fact, September is often called a second New Year for wellness a natural point to refresh and reorganize after a relaxed summer. Psychologists note that seasonal transition points like early fall serve as “temporal landmarks” that boost…
The Closing of Summer The final weeks of summer hold a certain magic.The air is still warm, but the sun hangs lower in the sky. The markets are full of late-season peaches, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Mornings feel a touch cooler, a hint that autumn is on its way. It’s a season in transition a…
Understanding Chronic Pain and the Mind Body Connection Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming. Whether caused by arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, or injury, chronic pain affects millions of people (an estimated 100 million Americans). It takes a toll on both body and mind, often leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. Yoga’s gentle mind-body approach focuses…
In meditation circles, people often talk about the “silent observer” or “witness consciousness” – a state of pure awareness underlying all mental chatter. This is the part of us that quietly notices thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. Tuning into this observer consciousness can bring profound peace, detachment, and clarity. Instead of identifying with every passing…
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…
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 the ever-changing landscape of physical sensations, that the…