YOGA

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, I find myself reflecting on who we are as a nation. The stories we tell ourselves about our history shape how we understand ourselves and one another. Yet one of the greatest challenges facing our country today may be the same challenge that has existed since the beginning: the tendency to divide the world into "us" and "them."

People are often surprised to learn that I was afraid to go to a yoga studio for the first time. Not just a little nervous. Truly afraid. I was 30 years old when I began practicing yoga. My husband worked evenings and nights, and I would come home from work completely exhausted. Even so, I still felt out of shape and knew I needed some kind of exercise and stress relief in my life. The last thing I wanted to do, or so I thought at the time, was fight through the insane Atlant

Yoga is often portrayed as something that happens on a mat, in flexible bodies, performing increasingly complex shapes as we "progress." But at its heart, yoga was never meant to be exclusive, or limited to a particular body type, age, or ability. Chair Yoga brings the essence of yoga back to its original purpose: supporting the well-being of real people living real lives. What Is Chair Yoga? Chair Yoga is a form of yoga practice in which poses are done seated in a chair, sta

Practicing yoga is about self-discovery, not so much about flexibility. It is about the intentional and mindful conduct of actions that pave a path to self-realization. As a yoga instructor, I am always intrigued by how the specificity of cuing can lead to my own moments of meditation and discovery.

At Oxford Community Yoga, we talk a lot about practice. .. how it sha pes 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 experienc

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.

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 all of these? Most of us inherit our aims without much reflection. Family, culture, religion, and society all leave strong impressions about what matters most. Maybe you were taught that achievement and hard work are the highest goals. Or perhaps you grew up hearing that family, faith, or service to others should always come first. But if you

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.

Why we always roll out our mat in the same spot—and what that might be saying about us.

In recent years, a growing sentiment has emerged in the yoga world: a tendency to dismiss asana, or postures, as merely superficial. In some circles, there’s an unspoken (or very spoken) assumption that the real work of yoga lies only in meditation, pranayama, or philosophy, and that asana is somehow less valuable. But is that really true? Let’s start with the obvious: no, yoga is not just about the poses. Yoga is a vast, ancient system designed to lead us to the truth of who

Even in the most committed yoga practitioners, there are inevitably moments when we find ourselves responding in ways that don't feel especially yogic. We might snap in irritation, shut down in silence, defend our position fiercely, or stew in resentment. It’s easy to forget the teachings when we're triggered or hurt. After all, our identities are strong. They’ve been shaped over a lifetime for survival, often built to protect and defend us in a world that doesn’t always feel

Your body awakens to natural warmth, inviting openness without the need for artificial heat.

College is an exhilarating time of newfound independence, late-night study sessions, and figuring out who you are. But let’s be real, it can also feel like you're running on fumes, trying to juggle classes, work, social life, and everything in between. You’re expected to perform at your best academically, maintain friendships, explore dating, and somehow still take care of yourself. No wonder coffee and energy drinks are practically a food group! So how do you find balance in

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.

In the yoga tradition, Shiva is not a deity to be worshipped but a profound concept representing the essence of existence itself.

Yoga is often seen as a practice for the body, a way to build strength, flexibility, and balance. But as anyone who has practiced consistently over time can attest, yoga has a way of working its magic far beyond the mat. It’s not about suddenly becoming a new person overnight. Instead, it’s about subtle, meaningful shifts that deepen your connection to yourself and the world around you. Here are some of the life changes you might notice after practicing yoga regularly for a w

The Pashupati Yogis, or followers of the Pashupata tradition, are among the earliest Shaivite sects devoted to Shiva, specifically in his...

In the yogic tradition, Ishvara Pranidhana, the practice of surrendering to a higher power or ideal, carries profound spiritual and philosophical implications. Ishvara, often interpreted as the divine or universal consciousness, can also be seen as a personal ideal or higher purpose to which one is devoted. This concept is outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, attributed to Patanjali, where it is presented as one of the key niyamas supporting the path of yoga. Alongside t

The American writer Mark Twain wrote this satire during a time when the United States was involved in imperial actions around the world ....

Ramana Maharshi is widely regarded as one of the greatest sages of modern India, whose teachings continue to inspire spiritual seekers...