Koshas: Getting to Know Them Through Asana

by Juan Villegas, E-RYT® 500

Koshas: Getting to Know Yourself through Yoga Practice

Koshas are layers or sheaths that help us to move from the physical to the spiritual. There’s that moment at the end of an intense physical and mental practice, it could be running, yoga or chasing your nephews around a park for two hours, where you feel absolutely blissed out and serene. Have you felt that before? While your mind was focused and your physical body was working you managed to move into a state of peace. According to yoga philosophy, you have moved through the layers of the Koshas. Much like layers of an onion, the peeling of these layers helps us navigate to the core of who we really are.

Developing Mindfulness On & Off Your Mat

by Juan Villegas, E-RYT® 500

Connections in Yoga

There is a moment in a yoga practice when I awaken my body after savasana, sit up, open my eyes and enjoy the blissful connections between body and mind and the sense of peace this connection brings. I’ve heard this referred to as “yoga glow” and you can see it on the faces of others as they leave class, a gentle smile and relaxed eyes. A full mind-body connection achieved through the mindful movement of breath and body. I believe it is this feeling that keeps us coming back to our mats, in our hectic lives we need as much of this connection as we can find! For 60 minutes the mind has focus, the breath is full and you can’t worry about your phone or email, you are connected to yourself instead of devices.

Detachment Lessons & Mindful Living From my Dog

by Juan Villegas, E-RYT® 500

Detachment seems to come easily for my 20 pound yorkie Diego. I woke up early this morning, put his leash on and went outside into the -15 weather to the dog park. As I stood complaining about the weather, I watched Diego as he played in the snow, not caring about the cold.