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The Yoga of Self-realization — Concentration

For all students determined to follow a spiritual path toward enlightenment, the first discipline Eknath Easwaran defines as a necessary ingredient is meditation. However, the practice of meditation not only involves such techniques as repeating a mantra but also requires…

Helen Maupin

The Yoga of Self-realization — Meditation

Eknath Easwaran, in The End of Sorrow, laid out a spiritual path that enabled him to “fulfill the supreme goal of life, self-realization. As he counseled, the following disciplines are available to everyone who embraces them willingly and with dedication.…

Helen Maupin

A Yoga Practice to Energize Hope

photo by Jeremy Williamson Hope inspires and expands; fear inhibits and implodes. When I saw these beautiful crocuses, I was immediately reminded of how Earth provides for and protects us from harm.  The hope of new growth exists even during…

Helen Maupin

The Big 6 Yoga Poses – a gift of vitality

When we move past a place of “just enough” into excess, our energy and vitality is replaced with lethargy.  Brahmacharya is the practice of using our energy wisely rather than over-indulging.  Whether we are eating, working, sleeping or exercising, there…

Helen Maupin

The Big 6 Yoga Poses — a gift of abundance (Asteya)

In yoga, the practice of Asteya or non-stealing strengthens an attitude of abundance rather than a belief that one is not good enough, smart enough, happy enough, wealthy enough, or worthy enough. If we are living in fears and lies,…

Helen Maupin

The Big 6 Yoga Poses — gifts of non-violence and truth

Last week, I encouraged you to take on a weekly practice of restoring and loving yourself through yoga.  To support you in your experience, I commit to designing a 10-week practice series utilizing the Big 6 Poses in their many…

Helen Maupin

The Big 6 Restorative Poses — a gift of self-love

All of life is a journey. We are carried along at life’s pace, whether we choose to run or sit still. Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson, Hunters of Dune The first half of my life, I spent my time…

Helen Maupin

The Big 6 Yoga Poses

Many years ago while I was beginning to practice at an Intermediate level, my Iyengar teacher of the day shared with me these six poses. His implication being — if you struggle with developing a consistent home practice, you could…

Helen Maupin

3 Poses for Peace

As Remembrance Day nears, I am reminded to give thanks to those peace-keepers who served and are still serving Canada. Whether on this shore or internationally, these individuals are in service to their nation, their families, their friends and their…

Helen Maupin

Restorative Yoga for Opening & Strengthening Your Heart

As yogis, we learn that physical sensations of tension or tightness indicate where in our bodies we hold pain and suffering. Alas, when we suppress our emotions, they don’t disappear, never to be seen again. Suppressed emotions are stored in…

Helen Maupin

Restorative Yoga for Everyday Enlightenment

The journey of enlightenment is a journey of the mind: from a focus on the body to a focus on spirit, from a limited sense of self to an unlimited sense of Self, from a sense of separateness to a…

Helen Maupin

Restorative Yoga for Pain & Suffering

Regular and steady blood supply is essential for good physical health. Eastern medical traditions suggest that the mind is the driver of subtle energy in the body and that blood follows that energy. If the mind is clogged (neurotic, anxious, upset), it…

Helen Maupin