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Lokāḥ Samastāḥ Sukhino Bhavantu: A Mantra of Universal Well-Being
In yoga traditions across India, mantras have long been used to steady the mind, open the heart, and harmonize our inner world with the greater universe. One of the most beloved and widely shared mantras today is: Lokāḥ Samastāḥ Sukhino Bhavantu (Pronounced lo-kah ha sa-ma-stah ha su-khi-no bha-van-tu ) This mantra has become part of the soul of our community at Oxford Community Yoga—offered at the end of classes, workshops, retreats, and moments when we gather in collective
Jessica Lohrey
2 days ago4 min read


Bhakti, Kirtan & Sangha: Many Paths, One Heart
At Oxford Community Yoga, we talk a lot about practice—how it shapes our bodies, calms our minds, and opens our hearts. But yoga is not just postural practice. It’s a rich, ancient tree with many branches, and each of us finds our way into it through different leaves, textures, and pathways. On Friday, November 21 from 6:30–8:00 pm , we’ll gather at the studio for something new to our space: Kirtan , a joyful expression of Bhakti Yoga , and a beautiful way to experience yoga
Jessica Lohrey
6 days ago3 min read


Why Join a Yoga Retreat Adventure?
Traveling the world is something so many of us dream of doing, yet the thought of going it alone can feel overwhelming. Some people are single and don’t want to travel with a group of strangers. Others may be married, but their spouse doesn’t share the same passion for travel or yoga. For women especially, the idea of exploring a faraway country alone can feel daunting.
Jessica Lohrey
Sep 183 min read


Beyond Goals: Discovering the Four Aims of Life
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself: What am I really aiming for in this life? Is it security? Success? Love? Freedom? Maybe a mix of...
Jessica Lohrey
Sep 83 min read


The Art of Letting Go: How Restorative Yoga Heals
Feeling stressed, tired, or stretched too thin? Sometimes the best thing you can do for your body and mind is… nothing at all. That’s where Restorative Yoga comes in.
Jessica Lohrey
Aug 262 min read


The Metaphysics of Mat Placement
Why we always roll out our mat in the same spot—and what that might be saying about us.
Jessica Lohrey
Jul 172 min read


Is Yoga Really About the Poses? Reclaiming the Depth of Asana Practice
In recent years, a growing sentiment has emerged in the yoga world — a tendency to dismiss asana, or postures, as merely superficial. In...
Jessica Lohrey
May 212 min read


Yoga, Conflict, and the Path of Practice
Even in the most committed yoga practitioners, there are moments—inevitably—when we find ourselves responding in ways that don't feel...
Jessica Lohrey
Apr 163 min read


Open-Air Yoga: Fresh Air, Fresh Perspective
Your body awakens to natural warmth, inviting openness without the need for artificial heat.
Jessica Lohrey
Mar 172 min read


Yoga for College Students: Finding Balance in the Chaos
College is an exhilarating time of newfound independence, late-night study sessions, and figuring out who you are. But let’s be real—it...
Jessica Lohrey
Feb 123 min read


Undistracted Devotion: Reflections from the Bhagavad Gita
This moment in the Gita is a powerful metaphor: we can only see our true and great potential when we are fully devoted to it.
Jessica Lohrey
Jan 134 min read


Shiva: The Eternal Consciousness Within
In the yoga tradition, Shiva is not a deity to be worshipped but a profound concept representing the essence of existence itself.
Jessica Lohrey
Dec 5, 20245 min read


The Quiet Revolution: How Yoga Subtly Transforms Your Everyday Life
Yoga is often seen as a practice for the body—a way to build strength, flexibility, and balance. But as anyone who has practiced...
Jessica Lohrey
Dec 3, 20243 min read


Tracing the Sacred Roots: Exploring the Pashupata Yoga Tradition and Its Living Legacy
The Pashupati Yogis, or followers of the Pashupata tradition, are among the earliest Shaivite sects devoted to Shiva, specifically in his...
Jessica Lohrey
Nov 26, 20243 min read


Ishwara Pranidhana: Surrender, Sovereignty, and Social Justice
In the yoga tradition, Ishwara Pranidhana —the practice of surrendering to a higher power or ideal—carries profound spiritual and...
Jessica Lohrey
Oct 24, 20243 min read


“The War Prayer" by Mark Twain (ca.1904-5)
The American writer Mark Twain wrote this satire during a time when the United States was involved in imperial actions around the world ....
Jessica Lohrey
Oct 10, 20246 min read


"Who Am I?" — The Timeless Teachings of Ramana Maharshi
Ramana Maharshi is widely regarded as one of the greatest sages of modern India, whose teachings continue to inspire spiritual seekers...
Jessica Lohrey
Oct 8, 20244 min read


All the Wild Fears People Have About Yoga (And Why They're Totally Unfounded)
You finally work up the courage to step into a yoga class, and instantly, all the anxious thoughts start spinning. “Will I break...
Jessica Lohrey
Sep 26, 20244 min read


Tracing the Roots: A Journey Through the Origins of Yoga in India
Yoga, as it is practiced today, has spread across the globe as a holistic practice for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being....
Jessica Lohrey
Sep 10, 20245 min read


Diversifying Yoga Land
Yoga, which has its roots in ancient South Asian traditions, was historically practiced and developed by people of color. However, the...
Jessica Lohrey
Nov 16, 20231 min read
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