How do you define yoga?
Basic textbook readings define yoga as a Hindu-derived discipline that promotes spiritual unity and awakening. The word yoga stems from the sanskrit root "yuj," which means to join, unite or yoke - with self, others, the world, and ultimately, Universal Divine Essence or God. This is a classical definition of yoga, and one that new yoga practitioners and teachers are most familiar with.

Taking the definition of yoga a little deeper, there are two very specific sutras... Read more...

The best part and the most challenging part about my job is travel.

The travel is a highlight 95 percent of the time. Time out of the cubicle gives me a chance to work with many of USA Hockey’s outstanding volunteers and young players. We stay in nice hotels, are taken care of with per diem and get to rack up frequent flier miles and hotel points.

I genuinely enjoy it, especially because my 6’4” inch frame that longs for movement and activity, and my generally restless nature make it difficult... Read more...

 

I discovered kundalini yoga during a hatha yoga teacher training. We were introduced to the teachings of Yogi Bhajan, who brought them to the west in 1969.

Yogi Bhajan was passionate about sharing these teachings that had previously been held secret, only available to sages and holy men. He felt it was his calling to bring these transformational practices to the common householder, to help them develop and allow shifts into their highest and truest selves.

I remember that first kundalini... Read more...

 

Among all the qualities of a sparkling yoga class, it’s atmosphere that can make you a regular customer. It can either make you feel right at home, like the class was made just for you, or it can have you running for the door.

Dubstep yoga is a class rich with atmosphere. This style of yoga blends an energetic electronic style of dance music with slowed, downtempo beats with fast and intense build-ups resulting in a cataclysm of sound. And when you add a talented DJ to the mix, the... Read more...

As part of the 200 hour teacher training at Manitou Yoga School we had to intern with an established teacher and help guide part of the class. It sounded reasonable. Little did I know I was in for quite an experience. Having been in different teaching roles earlier in life, I knew that we really begin to learn when we start to teach. We can’t continue to hide in mediocrity when we expose ourselves to teaching others. The responsibility is too great.  

So I prepared myself. I wrote a syllabus... Read more...

Manitou Yoga School's first graduating classManitou Springs celebrated a first on May 27, 2012: the graduation of 15 yoga teachers from the newly established Manitou Yoga School. The school was founded and directed by Manitou resident and yoga teacher Joy Vernon.

“Stepping into the role of yoga school instructor has been deeply rewarding. It has pulled something out of me that I didn’t know was there,” Vernon said. “I loved seeing people grow, not only in their yoga practice, but spiritually,... Read more...