Why Yoga Works
By Silvia Mordini Yoga literally means union, this is one of the first things we hear our teachers tell us when we start practicing yoga. And even before that we’ve already been bombarded with the cliché mind, body, spirit. But in real people terms what is the connection between the poses (asanas), breathing (pranayama), philosophy, energy and Western psychology? Formally David Frawley, author of Yoga and Ayurveda says “Yogic methods cover the entire field of our existence – from the physical, sensory, emotional, mental, and spiritual to the highest Self-realization. It includes all methods of higher evolution in humanity – physical postures, ethical postures, breath control, sensory methods, affirmations and visualizations, prayer and mantra, and complex meditative disciplines. Yoga understands the nature and interrelationships of the physical, subtle and formless…
Complain-Free Diet
By Silvia Mordini Gluten-free, Lactose-free, Low-Carb, Fat-Free, MSG-Free. For a long while I spent more time on my physical diet and didn’t give much consideration to my mental diet. I could tell you why not to eat “empty” calories but I did not understand the mental equivalent of empty calories, otherwise known as complaining. Science shows that our thoughts impact us physically. Even the causes of stress eating and increases in cortisol, the stress hormone are related to the habits of our thoughts. And like the bad habits we can fall into in our eating patterns, the same can be said for mental habits like complaining. The good news is that we can unlearn both. We have no more right to put our discordant states of mind into the lives…
3 Reasons to Go on a Yoga Retreat
By Silvia Mordini One of the best reasons to go on a yoga retreat is no reason at all, you just want to. So in that case just do it! The one key thing that is not on this list is making sure that you are not basing your decision on what everyone else wants you to do. Do this for you. However, it you’re looking for affirmation of 3 key reasons why you should go on retreat read on below. 1. YOU ARE TIRED OR BURNT OUT. As Americans we spend a lot of time thinking about physical digestion (what we eat, when we eat, what we’re not going to eat, how many calories stuff has) but what about mental digestion. When we have poor mental digestion we experience…
5 Ways to Create a New Perspective
By Silvia Mordini “It’s dark and hairy! says the first one. “No it’s bright red and soft!” says the second one. “What are you talking about? It is completely white and juicy!” says another one. Amazing how perspective can change when you go around a simple apple! Imagine going around the world!” -Dr. Danie Beaulieu, PhD, Psychologist and Author Trying to change our perspective on ourselves is not easy. After all, the way we think mirrors how we see our lives. Yogically this process of self-reflection is known as vichara. It starts by asking outside the box questions to change the habits of our minds. Habits keep us from living up to our potential as we get stuck in seeing things just one way. We can make a difference by…
Aren’t You Tired of Being Perfect?
By Silvia Mordini While out walking last week, I saw a handwritten sign someone had posted on the sidewalk. It read, “Please forgive them, they are doing the best they can.” On the other side it read, “Everyone has something they want to be forgiven for.” This sidewalk philosophy was a great reminder of a lesson in Don Miguel Ruiz’s book, The Four Agreements. The lesson is that we should always strive to do our best. And our best is going to change from moment to moment. Which is a very different idea that some people have regarding doing their best, and being perfect. Aren’t you tired of being perfect? So what is the difference between doing our best in a spiritual way and perfectionism? One is always the same…
AWAKE
You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup – #SelfCare First By Silvia Mordini I’m a recovering workaholic who used to be totally ignorant of my most valuable resource, my health. I wore my workaholism like a badge of honor. I was in constant competition with myself and didn’t even consider there was another way to exist. I was winning! But it came at a cost. I did everything “right.” I proved myself successful in the ways most people define success like making more money and fancy job titles. What happened next was not just one thing but a series of moments of enlightenment that made me realize I had everything I was supposed to want, but I wasn’t happy. One of those moments that woke me up was being in…
Key Question: What Kind of Yoga do we Teach in Alchemy of Yoga Program?
In learning to teach yoga there is a delicate balance between consistency and creativity. One the greatest challenges we face as teachers is adapting Yoga to make it accessible for everyone in our class. The practice we offer students is for THEM, and about them as an act of service. Therefore in Alchemy of Yoga Teacher Training what I offer is our Alchemy Fundamental Series of 3 Class Plans based in Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Alchemy with supporting materials and inspirations to help your teaching be more consistent and comprehensive. This allows YOU to have both form and formlessness. It is not meant to be overly prescriptive, quite the contrary. These lesson plans hold space for you as a NEW Teacher to immerse yourself into the world of teaching with…
The Alchemy of Yoga Program: Key Questions Answered
4 KEY QUESTIONS I GET ASKED ABOUT ALCHEMY PROGRAM: 1. What Kind of Yoga do we Teach? We prepare students to teach intelligent vinyasa mindfully sequenced with an emphasis on breath, meditation, poses and a philosophical theme, which serves as the intention of the class. We are not just teachers of poses, we are inspiration leaders. We are Happiness Ambassadors who together are committed to #TeachPeace. 2. What are the Practicum Requirement for Graduation and Certification? A key requirement for certification from our program is practice teaching culminating in a “teach out” to our tribe using the Grounding Flow Alchemy Class Plan. We practice this together and break it down for you to teach from learning the adjustments and techniques you need to adapt to all levels of students. 3….
You Have To See Bodhi Tree | Come Transform With Us In Costa Rica
We have found the BEST place for teacher training in Costa Rica for YOU! We love it so much, we keep going back year after year. We are offering your home away from home to be Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort in Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula. Here are 5 Reasons Why Bodhi Tree is the Best 1. Connection with Nature: Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort was creatively designed with the natural wisdom of the jungle in mind. Soothing fountains and waterfalls guide you through the local fauna on your way to your bungalow. Open the door to find a star-lit shower. You always feel connected to nature. The alchemy of elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether) are your teachers too. 2. State of the Art Facilities: Bodhi Tree’s Balinese-inspired accommodations and…
