We would like to turn our attention to Dhyāna, the seventh limb of Yoga. Often translated as “meditation,” Dhyāna is more than simply closing your eyes and trying not to think. This is the practice of resting awareness in a steady, calm place. In Yogic philosophy, the limbs before Dhyāna, movement (āsana), breath (prāṇāyāma), sense withdrawalContinue reading “The Art of Effortless Meditation”
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What Is Anāhata?
The Sanskrit word Anāhata translates to “unstruck” or “unhurt.” It refers to a state of inner clarity, untouched by conflict. Physically, this energy center is located at the chest, connecting the front and back body — lungs, heart, shoulders, and upper spine. Emotionally, it is the seat of balance, forgiveness, resilience, and compassion. When balanced, Anāhata allows us to: How YogaContinue reading “What Is Anāhata?”
Let The Lymph Flow
How Yoga Supports the Lymphatic System and Why That Even Matters Most people don’t think about their lymphatic system throughout the days but regardless of the neglect, it’s working for you all day, every day. Clearing out waste, moving immune cells, and trying to keep your body in balance. Unlike the circulatory system, which has a heartContinue reading “Let The Lymph Flow”
The Calm of Cold
❄️ Why Embracing Chill Moments Builds Strength from Within When most people think of healing, they think of warmth — cozy blankets, heated pads, steamy showers. But what if cold is the missing piece in your wellness routine? From nervous system regulation to tissue resilience, intentional cold exposure is emerging as one of the most powerful (and accessible) ways toContinue reading “The Calm of Cold”
A Focus on the Spine
When most people think of Yoga, they think of flexibility, strength, or stress relief. What often gets overlooked is one of the most important — and central — structures in the practice: the spine. Why Focus on the Spine? The spine is more than just a support system. It houses and protects the spinal cord,Continue reading “A Focus on the Spine”
What Is the Pelvic Floor?
The Power of the Pelvic Floor: What Everyone Should Know When you think of strength, flexibility, and control in the body, your mind might go straight to big muscle groups such as the abs or the glutes. But there’s one lesser-known muscle group that quietly supports nearly everything we do, from movement to breath toContinue reading “What Is the Pelvic Floor?”
The Bandhas
Unlocking the Power of the Bandhas in Yoga Practice In the vast and rich tradition of Yoga, the bandhas stand as some of the most powerful and transformative tools for practitioners. Known as “energy locks” in Sanskrit, the bandhas are specific muscular contractions that help control the flow of prana (life energy) throughout the body.Continue reading “The Bandhas”
Asteya: (Non-Stealing) and Its Role in Our Practice
Asteya: Non-Stealing and Its Role in Yoga Practice at Bakersfield Yoga At Bakersfield Yoga, we believe that yoga is much more than just the physical postures we practice on the mat. It’s a holistic journey that engages the mind, body, and spirit, and that journey extends far beyond the studio. One of the most powerfulContinue reading “Asteya: (Non-Stealing) and Its Role in Our Practice”
The Power of Yoga Asana for Hamstring Health
Why Care About Your Hamstrings? Hamstrings are often the unsung heroes of our daily movements. Located at the back of the thigh, these three muscles play a vital role in bending the knee and extending the hip, essential actions for walking, running, and jumping. Despite their importance, hamstrings are frequently tight and neglected, leading toContinue reading “The Power of Yoga Asana for Hamstring Health”
Chandra Namaskar
Honoring the moon in a yoga practice can be a deeply spiritual and rejuvenating experience. The moon represents the feminine energy, intuition, and the cycles of nature. Here are some traditional ways to honor the moon in your yoga practice: Chandra Namaskar Chandra Namaskar, or Moon Salutation, is a relatively recent addition to traditional yogaContinue reading “Chandra Namaskar”