I spent this past weekend again at the incredible Bhakti Fest in Joshua Tree: Four days of chanting, yoga-ing, and dancing in the desert. It was an amazing, loving, exuberant, and healthy atmosphere. But it was also, like many large yoga events these days, a bit of a fashion show. Read More »»
Regular Posts
Do You Have (or have something against) Yoga Fashion?
Posted on September 14th, 2011 by Karen Macklin — Write a commentDoes Your Yoga Tradition Matter?
Posted on September 1st, 2011 by Karen Macklin — Write a comment
In modern culture, choosing a style of yoga is akin to strolling through the ice cream section at the local co-op natural foods grocer. The choices are many and everything looks good. But why are there so many styles of asana these days? And does it truly matter which one you do? Read More »»
Is Asana Enough?
Posted on August 16th, 2011 by Karen Macklin — Write a comment
I read an article once in a magazine that had this headline: “Is Asana Enough?” The article was about whether or not practicing yoga was enough for someone to stay in prime physical shape. But that’s not what this piece is about. I’m wondering if asana is all one needs for a yoga practice. Read More »»
Should Your Teacher Be Your Friend?
Posted on August 2nd, 2011 by Karen Macklin — Write a comment
In the early traditions of yoga, your teacher was your master, and you’d sit at his feet and obey what you were told. The teacher was the guru, someone who had reached a higher level than you, someone you revered and, to a degree, probably also feared. The guru and the student probably did not go out for lattes and discuss their respective romantic relationships. Read More »»
Attached to Your Practice—Or Just Disciplined?
Posted on July 16th, 2011 by Karen Macklin — Write a comment
We practice yoga and meditation for many reasons, one of which is to let go of our attachments to emotions, relationships, and habitual patterns and addictions. But what if we start to develop an attachment to our practice? And how do we know if it’s an attachment—or if it’s discipline? Read More »»
A Vacation … From Yoga?
Posted on July 4th, 2011 by Karen Macklin — Write a comment
It’s Fourth of July … or Christmas, or spring break. You’re leaving behind your job and your daily routines to take a pause from life and your myriad responsibilities. Yes! It’s a good thing to do, no doubt. But temporarily letting go of your regular routine may also mean letting go of your regularly scheduled yoga classes or home practice. For most of us, a vacation from work can also mean a vacation from yoga. Read More »»
Are Yogis Self-Absorbed?
Posted on June 17th, 2011 by Karen Macklin — Write a comment
Over the years, as I have become more deeply steeped in my practice, my circle of friends has grown to include amazing, wonderful human beings who are engaged in a process of self-knowledge and self-care. And I, too, have been on this journey. Whether I am on or off the mat, I am often considering every subtle aspect of my life and existence. Read More »»
Solo or Group Practice: Which is Better?
Posted on June 4th, 2011 by Karen Macklin — Write a comment
A well-respected senior teacher that I’ve studied with says that Hatha yoga shouldn’t be practiced in a group setting. He teaches elements of the practice to groups of students, but believes the real practice should happen at home, when students practice on their own. (He’s actually called practicing with friends a “yoga gang bang”—some of you reading this will know who he is!)
What Does Gender Have to Do With Yoga?
Posted on May 17th, 2011 by Karen Macklin — Write a comment
From an Eastern perspective, the practice of yoga is often thought of as having both masculine and feminine qualities. The “masculine” qualities are thought to be physical mastery, mental discipline, and the drive for knowledge. The “feminine” qualities are thought to be intuition, receptivity, and compassion. It is said that we all have masculine and feminine qualities–but that they are not always in balance in our practice. Read More »»
Do You Do Caffeinasana?
Posted on May 2nd, 2011 by Karen Macklin — Write a comment
It’s 5:30 in the evening and you’re leaving a crazy day at work to try and make a 6 o’clock yoga class. Or maybe it’s 6:30 in the morning and you’re heading to Mysore before work—just barely awake. Regardless, you want to practice but you feel like going to sleep. What do you do? Throw some cold water on your face and pray that by the second downdog your blood will start moving? Or grab a double soy mocha and pound it before taking your position on the mat? Read More »»
