In the early morning light, the desert reveals itself—not as an empty wasteland, but as a living teacher of patience, resilience and hidden abundance. As yoga practitioners in this unique environment, we have the opportunity to learn from one of nature’s most profound classrooms, where survival itself is a masterclass in adaptation and mindfulness. Patience:… Read more »
Like the desert wildflowers pushing through the sunbaked earth, awakening from winter’s quiet slumber, we too might feel an internal stirring. This annual rhythm of renewal can inspire us to emerge and bloom. As a yoga teacher, I’ve witnessed countless students recognize this moment — when something within them is ready to emerge and expand.… Read more »
In today’s fast-spinning world, the ancient practice of yoga offers three transformative gifts that extend far beyond the mat: strength, balance and peace. While many newcomers seek yoga for its physical benefits, long-time practitioners discover that these elements contribute to overall well-being and transform both body and mind. Strength: more than muscle When we think… Read more »
As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of activities, expectations and emotions. While this time of year can bring joy and connection, it can also bring stress and overwhelm. But what if we could approach the holidays with the same mindfulness and balance we cultivate on our yoga… Read more »
Thoughts of yoga often invoke extreme flexibility, contorted limbs, yoga pants, messy buns and mala beads. The practice itself is much deeper, much richer, and can be a tool for living a more mindful life; a life where you never need to touch your toes but only the depth of your own heart. Yoga is… Read more »
As the air begins to cool and sun’s intensity subsides, autumn invites us to shift our energy inward, reflecting the natural world’s preparation for the cooler months ahead. In our modern, fast-paced lives, it’s easy to miss these subtle cues for renewal and introspection. However, by embracing yogic principles and practices, we can align ourselves… Read more »
As the summer heat bears down upon us, it can be tempting to retreat into the comfort of air-conditioned spaces and put our active lifestyles on hold. However, this is precisely the time when we need the benefits of movement, breathwork and mindfulness the most. Yoga helps us cultivate a deep sense of mindfulness… Read more »
As we usher in 2024, let this be the year that the rhythm of life is not dictated by its pace but by our deliberate actions—where each step is a conscious choice. By embracing “Stop, Challenge, Consider, Choose,” we create thoughtful intention guiding us towards a more purposeful and hopefully, more peaceful existence. Stop: The… Read more »
Let’s say you’ve been feeling really down lately and can’t seem to shake it. You go to your primary care physician and he recommends a prescription for an anti-depressant, or referral to a psychiatrist for further evaluation. It’s what you’d expect. Now imagine walking away with a prescription for an over-the-counter herb coupled with yoga… Read more »
Over the years, I have heard Deepak Chopra speak and was recently treated to another one of his nuggets. He said that a key aim of our yoga practice is to be able to “observe ourselves, without judging ourselves.” When we can drop into that inner space of self-reflection and inquiry, we begin to release… Read more »
Shay Moraga is a triple negative breast cancer survivor and shares her journey with Desert Health® readers in an ongoing column… Do you ever wonder why so many people turn to yoga after a life changing experience? It is because yoga heals us in so many ways. Yoga and cancer both teach us to accept… Read more »
Wanderlust, the world-renowned yoga lifestyle festival, is coming to Palm Springs with their latest innovation, Wellspring. The 3-day gathering will take place October 26-28 and feature leading health and wellness speakers and a large expo, as well as yoga, meditation and other participatory activities that CEO Sean Hoess calls the “Wanderlust magic.” For those already… Read more »
When teaching my yoga classes, I often say, “Pay attention to the experience you’re creating in this moment.” I say this to encourage people to recognize what they are feeling as they undertake different poses, practice conscious breathing, or notice their thoughts. So often, we assume that the instructor is the person who will create… Read more »
Once thought of only as the obscure practice of hippies and gurus, yoga is now being recognized by all as a healing modality for that which ails you. Whether you have physical, mental or spiritual deficiencies, yoga can – and will – enhance your wellbeing. Since the 2016 report in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings gave… Read more »
According to the 2016 Yoga in America Study, conducted by Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance, over 36 million people are currently practicing yoga in the U.S. with 34 percent (more than 80 million of us) reporting they are “somewhat or very likely” to do yoga in the next 12 months. However, with so many options… Read more »
Yoga is a spiritual science that has been practiced for thousands of years in India and for over a century in the United States. While the ultimate goal is to achieve a transcendental state, the tools of yoga can be used to alleviate ailments of the body and mind and to improve the day-to-day lives… Read more »
Hormones are essential for every activity of life! This includes the processes of digestion, metabolism, growth, reproduction, and mood control. Many hormones, such as neurotransmitters, are active in more than one physical process. These chemical messengers play a vital role in optimal health and well-being. Chakras are energy centers located within the human body that… Read more »
Here we are, in the peak of our local high season. We welcome the influx of snowbirds from the cooler climates and recognize that all the Coachella Valley has to offer is in full flight! As a health and wellness professional, I see many people with commitments to activities, fundraisers, galas, tournaments and all sorts… Read more »
In an ocean of choices, yoga is no exception, and for so many it can also be an ocean of confusion. The media has done a fantastic job of portraying yoga as a practice for a certain person: typically a young, white female, who is lithe, wearing a fabulous two-piece outfit and exhibiting extreme ranges… Read more »
“Most people have no idea how good their body is designed to feel.” – Kevin Trudeau About 20 million Americans have found that yoga is a fabulous way to feel good. I often wonder about this “magic” and how it works. The convergence of the experience of yoga – which has driven its popularity –… Read more »
