Some yogis study ancient texts. Some chant mantras. Some meditate. Like many, I enjoy a variety of yogic practices, but my passion lies in asana, the physical practice of postures. I’ve learned that through asana, I am able to develop not only a strong body, but also a strong mind.

A beaming example of inner and outer strength achieved through asana is the world-renowned yoga instructor, Ana Forrest. Ana has battled many challenges throughout her life including a physical handicap at birth, physical abuse, drug addiction, epilepsy, and bulimia. Today she is a strong woman and a beautiful yogini.

If you’re feeling weak in your body or your mind and looking for an inspirational boost, check out Ana’s yoga demonstration at the Yoga Journal conference a couple years back. –Michelle Laxton

Ana Forrest – Yoga Demonstration

While an exciting time of the year, the holiday season also tends to be a very busy one. We sometimes attend several gatherings in a single day. Holiday shopping can be time-consuming and stressful. Each day seems to pass by at a rapid pace and it’s no wonder you might find yourself feeling exhausted every evening.

It’s easy during the holidays to shelve your yoga practice for a few weeks in order to make space for the new influx of commitments. However, a break in your practice during a period of stress can do more harm than good. Time on your mat is time for you. You can release the thoughts and energy that burden your mind, body, and heart, making space for the part of you that you want to share most this time of year: the joy, love, and kindness that reside within. Next time you find yourself making plans for the day and crossing yoga class off your “to do” list, take a moment to consider what will best serve you, your family, and your friends. –Michelle Laxton

As a person first starts to practice yoga, everything is brand new to them. FIguring out all of the different styles of yoga, what works best and is the most enjoyable for that individual. As a person progress in their yoga practice, you begin to experiment with more challenging asanas (poses) such as arm balances and inversions. This is a wonderful progression with lots of amazing benefits both physical and mental, though one always needs to honor their body by finding their comfort edge and continuing to go within themselves.

Going Within: Listening to your body is one of the most important parts of a yoga practice. By going within, a person really beings to feel the benefits of a yoga practice. I love to start my yoga practice first by taking inventory of my body, I ask myself “How am I feeling right now?” Then your yoga practice may revolve around those certain aspect that you are now aware of. The practice will be either a relaxing restorative practice or a more challenging practice or somewhere in-between. When a person begins to find calmness and they are able to settle into a pose, that is the time to bring your awareness inward continuing the journey within.


Finding Your Comfort Edge: When you enter an asana, you build a foundation for yourself. After about two to three deep breaths, you being to feel a sensation in your legs, shoulders or arms. As you stay in the posture for a longer period of time the sensation or the energy begins to flow more intensely. This is where a person finds there comfort edge and you either deepen yourself, stay right there or ease out a little bit. Its always fun to tiptoe over the edge and explore this new world of sensations within an asana you have been practicing for the past week, month or years.

GIving yourself a challenge and always listening to your body is the best way to honor your amazing and very unique body throughout a yoga practice.

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