 By Danielle Schwartz The winter solstice, rooted deeply in pagan mythology, marks the point at which the Earth's axial tilt is farthest from the sun in the Northern Hemisphere. Occurring on or around December 21st, it heralds the longest night and shortest day of the year. Many ancient cultures perceived this astronomical event not just as a celestial phenomenon, but as a powerful spiritual juncture. The return of light following the solstice was often seen as a reason for celebration and hope, symbolizing rebirth and the rejuvenation of life. Stonehenge in England and Newgrange in Ireland stand as timeless testaments to the reverence ancient peoples held for this pivotal moment in the annual solar cycle.
0 Comments
 By Danielle Schwartz Svadhyaya is an ancient Hindu concept, which refers to the practice of self-study or self-observation. The term ‘svadhyaya’ is made up of two words, ‘sva’ and ‘adhyaya,’ which mean ‘self’ and ‘study’ respectively. Therefore, svadhyaya, in its simplest form, can be understood as the process of learning about oneself.
In Hinduism, svadhyaya is considered as one of the five niyamas or self-disciplines prescribed to lead a fulfilling life. According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which is a foundational text of classical yoga, svadhyaya is one of the key components of spiritual growth. The text, in the second book, defines svadhyaya as ‘the repetition of sacred words, accompanied by the search for their meaning.’  By Danielle Schwartz Many of us suffer from back pain. Whether it’s your low back, mid back, or up around your shoulders and neck, stretching - and practicing yoga - has many benefits including relieving back pain. With yoga, like any physical activity, it’s best to enter into the poses slowly and not to push yourself to your limit. If you feel like you’re at the peak of your stretch - then release the pose about 10%. This is a marathon, not a sprint!
 FREE Printable Guide! See the bottom of the post!Yoga, originating in ancient India, is a practice combining meditation and physical postures that have been used as a healing practice for thousands of years. It is a practice of self-realization, self-awareness and personal transformation that helps one to achieve inner peace, harmony and eventually enlightenment. One of the aims of yoga is to lead one to a more fulfilled spiritual and physical life. Yoga has four main paths of practice, each offering a unique approach to its practice: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Raja Yoga.
 Props are my favorite! Most yoga poses can be accessible to most people with the assistance of props. Using props can not only guide you into a pose, but it can help you with your alignment in a pose. Check out below how to incorporate Blocks into your yoga practice.
Here are 8 ways to use Blocks in your Yoga Practice!  The physical practice of yoga is a form of meditation, and its purpose is to unite the body, mind, and spirit. During the practice, the practitioner works to move into a deep and meaningful state of mindful awareness. By focusing the power of mindful attention, yoga encourages its practitioners to tap into an innate source of self-healing wisdom. Through the process of regular practice, practitioners learn to identify and regulate emotional states, foster resilience and cultivate balance in their relationships with themselves and others.
 Kundalini yoga can be an extremely rewarding and beneficial practice for people looking to maximize their physical, spiritual, and mental well-being. This form of yoga combines traditional yoga postures and exercises, along with meditation and a commitment to self-awareness and personal growth. Many practitioners consider it to be a form of holistic healing, as it focuses on bringing together the mind, body, and soul to promote balance and harmony.
 Reiki is a form of energy healing that has been used for centuries to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual health. The word Reiki is derived from two Japanese words – “rei” meaning “universal life energy,” and “ki” meaning “vital energy flow.” Reiki is a combination of these two making it a form of energy healing. It is a holistic modality aiming to balance energy centers in the body. There is a common misconception that Reiki is based on supernatural forces, but it is more accurately understood as a system of natural healing
 For thousands of years, meditation has been an integral practice for many cultures around the world. From East Asia to the Middle East, meditation was and still is seen as a way to reach enlightenment, happiness, spiritual insight, and increased concentration. This ancient practice can help people de-stress and increase their level of happiness.
 by Danielle Schwartz Meditation is the practice of focusing one’s attention inward, sometimes on a particular thought or sensation, in an effort to alter or improve mental functioning. Meditation has been practiced for centuries throughout the world and has many health benefits. It can be done sitting, standing, walking, or lying down - but it is often most effective when done without distraction.
|