I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a lot of time to read labels when I shop. But I also don’t want to grab something I just know I won’t eat later, either. Well, hopefully the dash through the grocery aisle will become a lot simpler after today’s announcement that new front-of-pack nutrition labeling (although voluntary) called “Smart Choices” will soon be available on products in grocery stores across the U.S.
The criteria that will determine which products will and will not qualify for the new labeling system were set by a group of scientists, nutritionists and manufacturers, and were built on science-based nutrition data, in hopes of helping Americans make better …read more

Thanks to MyYogaOnline, after reading my post on Air Canada’s new service that offers in-flight yoga instruction, breathing exercises, etc., their content manager pinged me and offered my readers an opportunity to check out their site for a couple of weeks free! 
Follow this link, and enter promotional code RY097381 at the bottom of the page, some basic information (name, address, etc.) and you will be taken to a page that provides a selection of new classes available at MyYogaOnline.com. You can also cruise the site once you log back in. The free trial lasts a couple of weeks, after that, it’s up …read more

Yes, indeed.  This is where yoga and our chakras ultimately connect for the big payoff.  Chakra Seven,  Sahasrara, is located at the top or crown of our heads, and means “thousandfold.”  The element it represents is thought, and it is said to produce bliss and true knowledge.  The color associated with this chakra is a radiant, pure white, and as we are supposed to meditate in silence to elevate this chakra, there are no sounds linked to it.
The yoga posture used to stimulate this chakra is the simple headstand.  If you are unable to do a headstand, the traditional seated yoga position, the …read more

Chakra Six:  Tuning In
Chakra Six, Ajna, or “Third Eye,” can even further hone the mind-body connection of our practices.  The purpose and use of Chakra Six is to help us enhance our ability to “see” internally, and also help us to visualize the chakras during poses. 
Ajna, which means to perceive, is located on our forehead, between our eyebrows.  It is believed that this chakra improves our intuition, and on a more practical level, strengthens our ability to transition into a deeper meditative state.  The colors associated with Ajna are indigo blue and white, and the seed sound is “om.”
The most soothing and effective pose (I think) that …read more

Chakra Five: Let’s Focus 
Now we’re really zeroing in on the yoga-chakra connection. Chakra Five, the Vissuddha, focuses on moving with sounds, and allowing sound to help you move your body.  
For the Fifth Chakra, the color is a bright blue, using ether or sound as the element.  For meditation, this chakra focuses on resonance, harmony and vibrations–good vibrations, of course :-).
 First, let’s begin with a couple of warmups.
1) Breathe deeply, inhale and then exhale with seed sound.  The seed sound for this chakra is ham 
2) If you’d like to try a second warm-up, do a simple Apanasana.  Lie down on your mat, slowly bring your knees …read more

Chakra Four: Breathe Deep, Breathe with Love
Ironically positioned right in the center of the seven chakras is the fourth Chakra, Anahata.  Both ironic and important, because the fourth Chakra is located at the heart.  It’s primary function is love, it’s element is air (or breathing).  The verb for this chakra is “I love.”
The body parts tied to this chakra are the lungs, heart, arms, hands and thymus gland. When this chakra is not functioning properly, all types of diseases may potentially result, including high blood pressure, heart and lung disease. For meditation purposes, the color linked to this chakra is green, as are the concepts of love and balance.
The best …read more

Chakra Three–Take a Bow!
That’s right, take a bow, you deserve it!
But seriously, since we are navigating our way to discovering and opening up our chakras together, it’s time to take a look at the third Chakra in the chain.
The third Chakra is the Manipura, which means “lustrous gem.” This chakra is located in the area of the navel to the solar plexus. The verb that is most commonly associated with the third Chakra is “I can.” For meditation purposes, the color that is linked to this Chakra is yellow.
Now, the yoga connection, and which posture can help you tap into …read more

Because of the nature of our Chakras and the deep connections they can unleash between our minds, bodies and the universe, I am finding the cross-pollenation of yoga and releasing the energy of my chakras fascinating and stimulating. So, why not keep this topic flowing, if you will? J
Chakra Two: The Svadhisthana (Element-Water)
The Second Chakra is the Svadhisthana. The goal when working on this chakra is to move fluidly, much like water flows. The simple yoga moves and poses here will not surprise you.  They are basic and effective.
If you integrate your meditation with your practice as I do, the …read more

Interested in opening up your chakras, getting to know them a little better?  Well, yoga can help you there, too!
Let’s share a little knowledge first. “Chakra” is a Sanskrit word that means wheel or disk.  Each chakra signifies one of seven basic energy centers in the body. Each of these centers is linked to a major nerve ganglia that branches out from your spinal column. Chakras are also connected to levels of consciousness,  developmental stages of life, colors, sounds, body functions, and much, much more.  If you work to improve your chakras, you will ultimately improve your health and well-being.
The first chakra is Muladhara, meaning “root” and support, …read more