This is the intro to the 2nd limb of Yoga, the Niyamas. Niyamas are self observances, personal self care practices. In this episode we explore saucha (cleanliness, purity). Saucha is practiced in our body, minds, hearts, environments, etc. It's how we keep our personal space as well as our body temple free of toxicity, clutter and the like.

One of the most cringe worthy lines in a movie is from Jerry McGuire. Renee Zelwegger says to Tom Cruise "You complete me". Ugh. The very act of believing that someone or something outside of yourself can complete you is the essence of the 5th Yama, aparigraha (non-hoarding). We grasp at external items, people, experiences to a degree that blocks us from truly cultivating a relations with the Self. Join me as we unpack the final Yama.

Practicing moderation, brahmacharya, helps us to lead a balanced and harmonious life. In this episode we take a look at the 4th Yama (moral restraint) and how excess shows up in our life.

Do you taste the grapes in the supermarket before you buy them? Guess what, that's stealing! This episode is all about asteya, non-stealing, the 3rd Yama in the 8 limbed path of Yoga. You might be suprised to see where stealing shows up in our lives.

Truthfulness, satya. The second Yama (moral restraint) deals with lies and truth telling. To lie is exhausting, the truth shall set you free.

Ahimsa, the first Yama (moral restraint) of the 8 fold path of Yoga, is defined as non-harming. Listen to your thoughts, are they hurtful, derogatory, bullying? Most likely they can be at times. The practice of recognizing when our thoughts, words & actions are harmful and shifting to a place of kindness and compassion leads us to love ourselves and others more fully. This is Yoga.

Let's climb the Tree of Yoga together! The Eight Fold Path of Yoga consists of Yamas, Niyamas, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana & Samadhi. What the heck does that all mean?! In this episode we will explore the 8 limbs of Yoga as a tool for harnessing the mind and being able to calm the fluctuations. This is an overview of Ashtanga Yoga as put forth by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras.

Part 2 of my Yoga Journey. In this episode I share my first big T trauma and how that led me to Yoga. My experience with Yoga teacher training and the opening of the first Yoga studio in Massapequa, Om Tara Yoga Studio.

I have been a seeker since a very young age. In this episode I share a bit of my story and talk about the importance of embracing our past in order to help heal the present. I also mention some books that were very influential to me at the start of my journey: Are you there god, it's me Margaret by Judy Blume; You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay; My Mother/My Self by Nancy Friday; The Path Not Chosen by M. Scott Peck and Whole Child/Whole Parent by Polly Berrien Berends.

You can Meditate! This episode is about the practice of meditation and how we can demystify it and bring it into our daily lives. Meditation is about being mindful, noticing when our minds become distracted and honing the skills of concentration. You can do this when you are washing dishes, waiting on line at a store or hearing your phone ring. Peace is in every moment once we learn how to still our minds and be fully present, even if for a second. This is Yoga!