The five basic obstacles below we will recognize through the variety of spiritual traditions. Kleshas are the familiar stories, emotions, self-images, beliefs, and patterns that keep us identified with an idea of who we are which is not who we are.  Through the practices of self-observation and self-inquiry, we can gradually increase our sense of self-understanding....Continue Reading

The nature of practice refers to any skill we want to learn, from how we treat our family members to developing a unique talent to the work we do in the world.  The Yoga practice is much like cultivating a garden. That which we’re attending to will grow with steady attention. Steady improvement comes from...Continue Reading

Child’s pose. Assuming the attitude of a child often frees us from the need to know everything. We are each individual eco systems, like little terrariums. For sustained well being, we need to understand how to feed and care for our unique selves.  This requires learning to listen. How it feels on the inside always...Continue Reading

The eight limbs of yoga are a constant companion in a life-long practice as a student of yoga. Most of the focus of yoga practice in America has been on one of the eight limbs, asana or postures. Without the other limbs, the practice is deprived of its power. Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga outline...Continue Reading

Practice and All is Coming ~Pattabhi Jois He didn’t say “practice anywhere you want and all is coming.” I’m saying that. For the record. A new teacher training student called this morning. She asked me a question I get asked a lot. She asked if it was ok if she practices at a another local...Continue Reading

Tonight on the way home from the Mexican restaurant, Liam asked me how babies are made. He has asked before but this time he insisted upon knowing. I asked him what he thought happened. He said, “there is an egg. And there is fertilization. And a baby is made by taking drugs.” I told him...Continue Reading

Acrylic on Paper – J.S. Prugh/2000 This time of year a great deal of emphasis is placed upon beginnings. All together, like a sea of fish, we move toward our own individual change and growth, but we start out together in it, which provides a bit of comfort. In the practice of yoga all of...Continue Reading

Happiness cannot be found Through great effort and willpower, But is already present, In open relaxation And letting go. Don’t strain yourself; “There is nothing to do nor undo. Whatever momentarily arises In the body mind Has no real importance at all, Has little reality whatsoever, Why identify with, and become Attached to it, Passing...Continue Reading

Yesterday I was dive bombed by a hummingbird ten times while walking down the front yard path to the car. I heard a ‘chip-chip-chip’ sound and looked way up toward a bright white cloud to see a tiny helicopter of a bird, like the helicopters that often fly over my downtown San Jose neighborhood, looking...Continue Reading

We are always capable of more than we think we are. We think we know a lot but we do this to protect ourselves from feeling so little control over all the things we don’t know. Living by a set of ethical guidelines reduces suffering exponentially. When relating with others, especially during challenging times, it’s...Continue Reading