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Lena Schmidt

It’s the holiday season—time for parties and play! Whether you’re feeling joyous or lonely, connection is what we all long for. In the book The Gifts of Imperfection, author Brené Brown reminds us, “A …

Fall is in the air and people can’t help but be thankful. From pumpkin spiced candles to the color of fall leaves, from kids playing in scarves to having a warm place to sleep, everyone around you is …

You’re 45 minutes into a great class, you’re in your vinyasa groove, or you’re grateful to be resting in child’s pose, and then the teacher utters the dreaded words, “Alright, let’s move into an inver …

Move through this asana sequence to prepare your body, mind, breath, and emotions for the upcoming year.Start by finding a comfortable seat and close your eyes. Position yourself on a bolster, blanket …

So, you’ve discovered the joy of yoga. Now it’s time to spread the love! Grab a good friend, a co-worker, your lover, that guy in yoga class you’ve always wanted to meet, your kids, a neighbor (you ge …

The best thing about yoga, besides that it seems to magically calm your nerves, is that you can do it anywhere. You don’t even really need a yoga mat or a teacher or that sweet, relaxing music. On a h …

Have you ever watched your dog stretch in the morning? If so, then you know why we call that iconic pose Downward-Facing Dog. Hang around a dog long enough and you’ll be reminded of some yoga-related …

The wind is mighty chilly. The heater is blasting all night. The smoke from the fireplace is lingering in the air. And perhaps you’re feeling a bit blue. Is it from the news or the cold, dark days? Wi …

The Spring, or Vernal Equinox, occurs in the Northern Hemisphere on March 20 this year (2017). Marking the end of winter, the equinox is indicated by the equal length of day and night all over the wor …

Ah, spring! The welcome change of season brings with it lighter and longer days, new life, and the excitement of a fresh start. With the new scents and brighter days, you may even notice a spring in y …

Setting out on a grand adventure can be incredibly inspiring. The wind in your hair. The sense that anything is possible. Wanderlust finally satiated!And…oh, that pain in your low back. And now that d …

Finding harmony and inspiration is a lifelong process, and the ancient medical system of Ayurveda can provide guidance and tips along the way, especially as the season changes.According to Ayurvedic w …

You know those days when everything feels difficult. Days when your sluggishness can’t be remedied with yerba matè, when the ad for baby diapers makes you well up, when the thought of checking off eve …

The days are longer and lighter, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to play outside! Whether you grew up camping every summer or you’re a nature newbie, everyone can use more Vitamin N these …

According to happiness researcher Gretchen Rubin, what you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while. Since you go to sleep every day (well, late-night study sessions, new parenthood, …

Warmer days make for lazy yogis. Whether you’re vacationing or working through the season, sometimes a regular yoga practice falls by the wayside in the summer months.As you move into the final months …

Have you sent this text to your best friend recently? “I just don’t feel like doing anything. I don’t want to deal with it. I’m so exhausted!” Or have you been feeling unhinged and ungrounded—like you …

Finding balance and happiness are lifelong processes. The ancient medical system of Ayurveda can provide guidance and tips along the way, especially as the season changes.According to Ayurvedic wisdom …

How many times have you tried meditation, but given up after 30 seconds because it’s just so uncomfortable? Why would anyone put themselves through the torture of sitting still! Maybe the thoughts in …

You don’t have to go to Bali, Costa Rica, or Italy to find solace, stillness, and sanctuary. Although a week-long yoga retreat or meditation immersion can be just what the doctor ordered (and doctors …

Solar Eclipse. Blood Moon. Harvest Moon. Ruler of the waves. Temptress of the tides. Mama Moon has gotten a lot of airtime lately. Do you ever notice you’re out of sorts around the same time each mont …

We’re all searching for happiness. We pursue passions and buy shiny things and seek out inspiration. But Hindu sage Ramana Maharshi said, “Happiness is the very nature of the Self; happiness and the S …

In her book, The Gifts of Imperfection, author Brené Brown defines spirituality as the following: “Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a …

Want to jump-start your life? Writing things down can help make them a reality.Use a pretty pen, take notes on your tablet, voice-record these ideas into your phone to listen back to, or grab a few pi …

As you know, a watched pot never boils. But a pot that’s been put on the stove or a microwave that’s been set to heat your water provides the perfect opportunity for a short gratitude meditation.Each …

As chilly winter nights cool the body, you may be looking for a way to warm up that doesn’t include turning up the heat. Heaters and layers can be drying and cumbersome. Thankfully, ancient pranayama …

Do you feel loved when your sweetheart rubs your feet before bed? Does receiving a congratulatory card brighten your day? Or do you feel the most beloved when you get to spend the whole day at the bea …

Getting back into the swing of things after the holidays or travel (or just dealing with life) sometimes lends itself to a case of the common cold. You know what it’s like: foggy head, stuffy nose, sc …

Whether it’s heavy-duty decluttering or regular upkeep, spring cleaning can take its toll on your body. This time of year often stirs a desire to release the old (things, habits, patterns, people) tha …

Do you ever just get lost in the moment? Do you get so engrossed in a project or engaged with what’s in front of you that you lose track of time? If you answered no, it’s time for a change! Psychology …

Do you have a spiritual practice? What does it look like? Are there rituals and traditions? Is it a solo endeavor or a group practice? Whether your sadhana, a spiritual exercise that allows you to fee …

In The Willpower Instinct, health psychologist Kelly McGonigal explains that willpower is the ability to do what really matters, even when it’s difficult.Anoher way to think of willpower is taking con …

It’s no small thing that music affects your moods—it’s that feeling of nostalgia when the theme song from your senior prom comes on the radio. Or that burst of energy you feel when that jazzy tune pla …

It’s halfway through the year (already!), and it’s a good time for a personal check-in: Are you on a path of happiness? Are you following your bliss? Are you taking time to attend to your body, min …

As warm summer nights heat your body, you may be looking for a way to cool down. Fans and air conditioning can be drying and cumbersome, but ancient pranayama techniques can help create coolness from …

Writing down your thoughts, dreams, feelings, and ideas is a healthy and beneficial practice for overall wellness. Writing helps get to the heart of the matter by getting whatever you’re dealing with …

Whether you’ve got something major on your mind or you’ve eaten too much sugar, sometimes it simply feels impossible to sit still. You may be familiar with the feelings: antsy feet, jittery body, craw …

Stand up straight! Don’t slouch! These are reminders you probably heard growing up, but healthy posture truly is an important element of overall wellness. Harvard Medical School defines “good posture” …

It’s time to get out your yoga reading materials and dive in! Books about yoga are a beneficial addition to the library of any seeker. There are thousands of interesting, insightful, and inspiring boo …

Can’t fall asleep? Too much on your mind? Body won’t be still and let you rest? There are yoga poses that are known to calm the body to help you sleep better at night. Setting up the conditions for ca …

Adopting an outlook that life is a continual opportunity for growth, progress, and learning is a brave choice. Whether you are mending a broken heart, facing the painful wounds of childhood, or addres …

“Thank you.” “I’m so grateful.” “I appreciate you.” When spoken from the heart, these simple phrases express so much. Think about how good it feels to hear them! Sincerely thanking someone honors thei …

Are you feeling that urge to get away from it all? Longing for a reset? Do you have an interest in beginning or deepening your meditation practice? If your answer to any of those questions is yes, you …

And so it begins. You deck the halls, prepare the food, get gussied up, and … whoosh! There is that debilitating wave of anxiety, aggravation, and … dread? Even for those who enjoy celebrating with fa …

Whether you’re a fan of the holidays, you love fresh starts, or you happen to be of the opinion that January 1st is just another day, consider honoring the New Year with a special practice. Since we h …

Wintertime is a wonderful time to practice yin yoga. The darker, colder days make for wonderful opportunities to turn inward—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Yin yoga is a slow, grounding practi …

As the new year gets underway, you may think that the thaw of spring is well on its way. But winter has only just begun! In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice in December marked the beginnin …

Gracias. Thank you. Grazie. Merci. Arigato. Most learn early on the power of a simple expression of “thanks.” Besides just being good manners, saying thank you can transform your day and that of those …

Do you ever want to press the reset button? Start fresh and get back to you? If a little rejuvenation and renewal sound good right about now, then a wellness vacation might be just what you need. What …

Have you been feeling “off” lately? Are you making silly mistakes at work? Are you sick for the third week in a row? Although any number of things could be the explanation for these distressing circum …

The shelves of bookstores are lined with volumes related to self-help and personal growth. From how-to tips for mindfulness meditation and delicious recipes for cure-all, fad diets, to feeding-your-de …

First of all, you are perfect just the way you are. You are. Yes, you. With your self-doubt and body hang-ups and failures. With your temper and your sadness and your joy. You are fantastic. Simply fa …

“Creativity is sacred, and it is not sacred. What we make matters enormously, and it doesn’t matter at all. We toil alone, and we are accompanied by spirits. We are terrified, and we are brave. Art is …

Sun and moon. Light and dark. Day and night. Inhale and exhale. There are binaries that exist in nature. They are each essential and fundamental for the existence of the other. There is no daytime wit …

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, for those in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice marks the longest day of the year while for those who live in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the shortest d …

Are you on a solo holiday for a few days? Are you finally taking that much-needed family vacation? Do your summer vacation plans include travel? Whether your next vacation is a big trip, a weekend get …

One of the best things about meditation, that practice of quietly observing your thoughts and feelings in your mind without judgment, is that you do not need anything to practice. No gadgets or gear a …

Whether you are feeling the angst of back to school time, lounging by the pool for another few weeks, or counting down the days until you can rationalize lighting that pumpkin spice candle, it is impo …

You may feel sad sometimes. You may have had dark days. But if you have felt this way for a long time, then you may be experiencing depression. But the story can be changed because there are many ways …

Our thoughts are so powerful! They create our reality and amplify the quality of our days. Here are seven mantras to try to increase the positive vibes. Successful, happy, adventurous, safe—we’re all …

Malas are growing in popularity and can be a great complement to your meditation practice. Learn about the benefits of using a mala and unique ways to use one.You can find mala necklaces and bracelets …

Have you ever cringed upon hearing the words, “Please find a comfortable seat”? These few words, often uttered at the start of a guided group meditation or group yoga class can trigger the desire to r …

As the fun, sun, and play of summer winds down, it can be easy to fall into the slump of back to school—and back to the couch. But autumn promises cooler temps and plenty of opportunities to embrace t …

Self-care is the best medicine for managing stress. Indeed, it may be the only medicine for managing stress. Stress builds up as you move through the world. Bills to pay, mouths to feed, dreams to fol …

A good night’s sleep is of utmost importance. Sleep influences your overall health. Sleep, and the unfortunate lack thereof, deeply influences the workings of your brain and the functioning capacity o …

Have you ever received a thank-you gift from a colleague or client? Been recognized or awarded for your hard work? Received a shout out for your contributions or input? Then you know how meaningful it …

“I just don’t want to go.”“Ugh, I’d rather stay home.” “Just thinking about going to that party is giving me so much anxiety.” “Maybe I’ll go for a little while and hide in the corner.” Though often c …

Chair yoga is for everyone. Using a chair as a prop for yoga can be an expression of creativity as well as a useful, supportive, and empowering tool. A chair of any kind is an excellent prop and can s …

Starting your day with a clear intention can make all the difference, helping you to stay centered, aware, and focused as the day unfolds. Read on to learn more about the power of intention—and gain v …

There are certain physical movements that are so beneficial to the body, mind, and spirit that they can be practiced daily or weekly. Gentle yoga poses that stretch the body and help to calm the nervo …

You are whole. You are perfect. You do not need to change a single thing about yourself. However, if there are some aspects of your life that you would like to change, the start of the year may be jus …

Have you ever gotten a song stuck in your head? You know how it repeats again and again? If you are going to have something repeating in your mind, it may as well be something that you have chosen int …

¿Alguna vez se te ha metido una canción en la cabeza? ¿Sabes cómo se repite una y otra vez? Si vas a tener algo repitiéndose en tu mente, puede ser algo que has elegido intencionalmente. ¿Y qué tal si …

Consider what you might say to yourself after spilling coffee all over your new outfit on the way to work. Consider what you might say to yourself after missing your latest deadline—again. Consider th …

It is understandable to be flooded with worry about the developing pandemic of the coronavirus (COVID-19). News and social media feed the frenzy and the world is abuzz with uncertainty. Preparedness a …

Yoga is a holistic approach to health and well-being and includes physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation practices, and concentration exercises. Yoga poses can be stimulating, grounding, …

Pets add so much to your life on a daily basis. Now, more than ever, they can help you combat the serious loneliness, depression, and isolation that potentially comes along with this pandemic. Dogs, c …

Quarantined. Working. Out of work. Feeling ill. Recovering. Home with kids. Home alone. Home with loved ones. Not at home. There are so many situations you are in during the days of the COVID-19 crisi …

While you may jump at the chance to celebrate, spend time with, or pay homage to your mother or motherhood, relationships with moms can be complex. If you are thinking of ways to strengthen or better …

According to motivational speaker Tony Robbins, productivity is, “...getting the results you want with less time and effort. When you’re trying to understand how to be productive, what you’re really s …

Your child is unique. Your child is incredibly special in ways no one else but you will ever know. There is, indeed, not one single person in the world like your child! That being said, if you have an …

In yoga teacher trainings around the globe, aspiring yoga teachers learn creative ways to use their spoken words to guide students into physical postures and into various states of relaxation. A yoga …

In honor of Father’s Day, you celebrate the love, wisdom, humanity, and compassion offered by fathers worldwide. While some jump at the chance to celebrate, spend time with, or pay homage to fathers o …

There is a Sanksrit word in the yoga world, sankalpa, which is often translated as intention, resolve, or heartfelt desire. Setting an intention at any point in your life can have powerful effects, su …

Comer intuitivamente puede nutrir su cuerpo, mente y espíritu y también invitar a la renovación. Honrar tu sabiduría interior es un acto muy fuerte. En un mundo que te dice constante y consistentement …

Eating intuitively can nourish your body, mind, and spirit and also invite renewal. Honoring your inner wisdom is an act of courage. In a world that constantly and consistently tells you that you are …

With generations of consistent movement of people all around the globe and the ever-increasing globalization of society comes the transference of goods, foods, traditions, languages, music, and people …

A staycation might not sound so enticing during the time of a pandemic. Staying at home certainly means something much different than it did just six months ago. Where you previously may have craved s …

It’s that time of the year—you probably want to make some changes and see some dreams come to fruition. Setting goals—and working towards them—can help you create the kind of life you truly want to li …

It is normal to find yourself feeling a range of emotions. The facts of unemployment, financial instability, personal loss of a loved one, social media, and general uncertainty can all wreak havoc on …