Journal
Here you'll find writing on mindfulness, neuroscience, mental health, physical wellbeing, and yoga.
These topics often overlap: attention, behaviour and embodiment are all part of the same ecosystem of experience, and the aim here is to explore those connections in a thoughtful and practical way. Some posts draw from research, others from lived experience and teaching. The intention is to share ideas that are useful, considered, and occasionally a bit different from what is typically said.
April 5, 2020
Metta, or lovingkindness, is a powerful meditative technique and universal virtue. It opens our hearts and minds when we feel lonely, stuck, or turbulent. It attunes us to the foundation of interconnectedness between ourselves and others. It reminds us that there is beauty, strength, and vulnerability in giving without the hope of gaining anything in return. It calls us to recognize suffering, and to persevere in peace. In this meditation, we practice through one perspective of metta. To be continued in future meditations.
April 5, 2020
In this flow class, we will work through a series of spinal twists and stretches, culminating in revolved triangle pose. Spinal twists stretch the muscles of our torso, stimulate the function of our visceral organs, and help stir the fires of metabolism and digestion. On an energetic and emotional level, twists help us move through times we feel stuck, and encourage us to release what is stale and stagnant.
April 4, 2020
Restorative yoga and sound healing are the perfect pairing to allow your body to de-stress and your mind to quieten. When we connect with our breath and become still we are able to consciously release tension, emotions, thoughts, and energy that are no longer serving us. As we create internal space, the opportunity is there to replenish our body, mind, and spirit by drawing life force energy into the body through our inhalation. Sound healing allows the mind to become still, inviting you into a deep state of relaxation.
April 4, 2020
The lower back can be a cranky place. It's the focal point of compression and a hub of movement, and when it's upset, regular day-to-day motions can be painful. In this yoga practice, you will learn a series a gentle movements to release compression, strengthen, and reset your lower back.
April 4, 2020
This short flow will get you moving (mindfully)! Warm your muscles, stimulate circulation, deepen the breath, awaken your energetic potential, and clear your mind through steady, guided movement.
April 3, 2020
The bija mantras are resonant syllables that are in tune with each of the six major chakras along the spinal channel (save the crown chakra, where the syllable is silence). The meaning of bija is "seed". In chanting the seed mantras, we are aligning with the source energy of each chakra, and balancing our attention between them.
April 2, 2020
Loosen up the stiff places in your body with guided movement and stretches. This class goes through a reclined joint mobilization series, followed by some gentle load bearing postures, and finishes with hip opening and spinal release poses.
April 2, 2020
This is a strong and well-rounded All Levels Hatha class that guides you through foundational postures. There is emphasis on slow, steady breathing (but don't worry about breathing at your own pace, if the guided breath feels too deep!). It's a class we teach to our Yoga Teacher Trainees, as it contains all the core postures we study in the program. It's perfect for a daily home practice!
March 28, 2020
In this class, we work with our connection to earth through grounding postures, and tap into the earth element in our bodies in a dynamic flow of expansion and release.
March 27, 2020
For the first time in Kushala history... Chris practices the infamous POWER HOUR with you! Expect to move and sweat in this potent yoga workout (he certainly did).
March 20, 2020
Our experience in the present moment can be likened to a ripply pond. Instead of getting stuck in difficult or distracting feelings (the ripples), we learn to see wider-lens view, and recognize the changing nature of conscious experience. In is the beginning a mindfulness meditation series to help guide you through the basic practices, give you tools to focus your mind, settle your nervous system, and open your heart.