Ask a Yogini
September 26th, 2009
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I am wondering which poses are best for balancing of hormones
Thanks
Sharleen,
Great question! Thanks for asking it here. I’ve written an article to explain some of the reasons why yoga is so great for balancing hormones, and how certain types of poses can affect our moods in different ways. You can read it here: Balancing Hormones With Yoga
Hi There,
I was wondering what are best yoga poses for relaxing before you go off to sleep?
Thanks
Sharleen
Another great question. Here’s an article all about Yoga For Sleep. I hope this helps!
I was wondering, why are we alive? What is the purpose of life?
Ha! Chuck, that’s a wonderful question.
Funny enough, Anusara® yoga founder, John Friend, asked this question at a training last year. We were to sum it up in a sentence or two. This made me laugh, and I was smiling as I put pen to paper to try to get it out in one succinct go.
Of course, this question has as many expressions of answers as there are people, each unique in their own focus. However, the essence can be explained as follows, which is a combined answer from myself, John Friend and other ideas at the training:
Life is a journey and discovery of who we are as individuals and the part of us that is boundless (an adventure of self and Higher Self). We’re here to artistically express the essence of the heart; to go within and be clear in order to share the delight of life.
Everything we choose, everything that happens along the way; all of it supports this discovery of the self as a journey and process of discovering the mysterious unfolding of the heart.
What’s your take on the meaning of life? (This question is open to anyone to answer.)
Super-Duper site! I am loving it!! Will come back again – taking your feeds also, Thanks.
Katrina,
When I am doing the head to knee pose I find I am able to touch my knee on my left side but not on my right side. I am left handed, is it because I am more dominant and strong on that side or is it because my lower back is tight on the right side so it does not allow me to bend forward with grace. Do you know what causes this and do you have any suggestions? Namaste
Shelly,
Janu Sirsasana, literally translated as head to knee pose, is a great one to be sure! Yet don’t actually worry about getting your head to your knee. Optimal alignment is far more important, and often trying to bring the forehead down causes us to over effort and can put strain on the neck and shoulders. That said, if you are aligned and your chest is very near your leg, by all means let your head rest. Think of it as ‘head to shin’ pose, though, to get the most extension through your torso out of your rooted legs and pelvis.
As for why one side is different than the other, I’d need to see you to give you a more specific reason. What I can tell you is that what you’re experiencing is very normal – I don’t know if I’ve met anyone who isn’t tighter on one side than the other. We’re all asymmetrical in our own special ways, and though you definitely want to aim towards symmetry in your practice, don’t expect your body to start there.
Remember that you are always moving with grace, both on the mat and off. Let your breath guide you and clear the excess tension. If ever you’re in confusion during your practice, turn to your breath.
I hope this answers your question. Enjoy your practice!
Namaste.