I learned a little factoid over the weekend about a profesional basketball player.

Ron Artest, a Los Angeles Lakers player, changed his name to Metta World Peace last September.

That immediately got my attention. "Metta? Wait, what?"

If you're not familiar, the word metta is Sanskrit for lovingkindness. Apparently, Artest has a bit of a temper and is known for acting on that temper. He gets vicious on the court and starts fights in the crowds at games.

I hear he made the change in an effort... Read more...

Sometimes, I have to admit, I love me some Facebook. I've turned my news feed to the light, and have subscribed to lots of wonderful, positive and inspirational sources that update stories i'm actually interested in. One of them is Spirituality and Health Magazine.

They recently ran a contest, and advertised it on Facebook. The question was:

"How do you tap into your innate creativity?"

The prize included a free subscription to the magazine and part of the winning comment featured in their... Read more...

I could be shooting blanks in the dark, but I would swear to you yoga helps me uncover new memories.

Ever since my yoga practice began about six years ago, I find myself remembering new bits and pieces from my childhood and teens. I wish I could say my 20s, too, but I think those are blocked from access right now. It probably has a lot to do with all the wine I unfortunately anesthetized myself with.

At any rate, I attribute the new memories to my asana practice. Yoga teachers, therapists,... Read more...

This morning I wondered if animals have doshas, specifically my dogs.

There are three doshas, according to ayurveda, which translates to “science of life” and is considered the sister science of yoga. Doshas are body types: vata, pitta and kapha. You are typically one, often two and rarely tri-dosha.

I sat on the bed next to the sprawled out body of my 13 year-old pug Lando. He was reluctantly coming to life after a long night of sleep. I rolled him on his side to scratch his belly, and he... Read more...

I've taught yoga for about four years now, and I still can't always tell if students had a good experience in class or not.

Some days it's clear they enjoyed their time with me. They stop by the desk on their way out and chat me up enthusiastically, offering gratitude. They expound on the class theme, a pose they finally held or how good their body feels post-practice.

Other days, students just kind of wander off into the night or day. They barely make eye contact with me or mumble a... Read more...