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{"slug":"we-support-black-lives-matter","recentPosts":[{"id":"cl8kb5f23jq1w0ciscs2h2bxw","slug":"benefits-of-yoga-for-pregnancy","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What are the Benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga for Pregnancy is excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor. Read more to understand the benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:42:36.767798+00:00","coverUrl":"kvvlqndsbow5dsckhw7i.jpg","content":{"text":"When you get pregnant, people come out of the woodworks with advice, remedies and old wives tales. Everyone’s got an opinion on how you should spend your pregnancy. But the one thing we know for sure is, yoga is great for mom and baby alike. If you’re curious about prenatal yoga, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down why this type of yoga is excellent for moms (and babies).\\nWhat is prenatal yoga?\\nPrenatal yoga was designed for women who are expecting. Rather than taking a regular class and having to worry about modifications or safety, this class is specifically designed for pregnancy. The practice can help women with common pregnancy aches and pains, ease hormonal and emotional stress and help women’s bodies prepare for birth and their postpartum journey. A regular yoga practice when pregnant has tons of amazing benefits!\\nBenefits of Prenatal yoga: \\nWe asked women who’ve done prenatal yoga while pregnant for their reviews, one said “ It’s excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor.” And they all said they’d recommend it to friends! \\nSo let's break down the benefits: \\nRelaxation : \\nPregnancy can be very stressful! But yoga will help you to relax physically, mentally and emotionally and create a safe, relaxing environment for birth. Prenatal helps you with coping and breath techniques for all stages of your pregnancy.\n\\nPreparation for birth : \\nFor first time moms, and even sometimes vets, labor can be scary. This practice will help you to learn birth techniques so you’re relaxed and ready to go!\n⁠\\nYoga can Help with Labor : \\nIn a 2015 study\\n, It was found that a regular yoga practice in the last 10-12 weeks of pregnancy can improve the mother's comfort during labor and help facilitate the labor process. The “yoga group” in this study on average was in labor two hours less than those who didn’t practice. Past your due date? Prenatal Yoga is also known to help induce labor\n⁠\\nCommunity : \\nYoga classes have always been known to help us build community but during pregnancy, it's so important to have a group of women who understand what you’re going through. Taking part in a prenatal class puts you in a group of women who get it. You’ll have a built in support system and maybe even first friends for your baby!\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Prenatal Yoga:\\nIs Yoga for Pregnancy safe?\\nYes. Yoga is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, you should always consult your doctor & make sure you’re practicing with a teacher who understands the prenatal experience and can keep you safe. Our teachers are experts in yoga and are ready to help you on your journey. If you’d like to check out our offerings, you can get started today with a two week free trial! \\nWhen during pregnancy can you practice yoga?\\nDuring your first trimester, you can stick to your regular practice with some modifications. \\nYour second trimester is a GREAT time to start prenatal yoga! At this point, you’ll be starting to officially come into your “pregnancy body” and you’ll need to be practicing poses more specific to prenatal. The second and third trimester are considered the “prep period” for your body to prepare for labor. So it's a great time to keep moving and stretching in your new skin as you make room for the baby to grow! \\nWhat yoga poses should you avoid doing? \\nFor the most part, yoga is considered safe during pregnancy. You really only need to focus on any poses that put pressure on your abdomen. You should avoid any and all twisting poses, backbends and inversions.. \\nYoga for Pregnancy Poses you can perform at Home :\\nIt’s important to stay active during your pregnancy for both mom and baby! You should try to get in some sort of movement daily for at least 30 minutes. You can stick to low impact workouts or walks but if you want to do some yoga at home, it’s a great way to end your day. Yoga while pregnant can help with pain, help you sleep better and fight tiredness and fatigue. \\nHere are some poses you can practice at home to keep you moving! And as a bonus, most of these poses will also help your body prepare for giving birth!\\n1. Bound angle pose (Baddha Konasana) :\\n\\nBaddha Konasana pose will help you open your hips, releasing any pain in your back. It can also help to reduce swelling\\nHow it helps with labor: Opening the hips will help you to stretch the muscles needed to open the birth canal.\\n2. Cat-cow pose (Marjaryasana Bitilasana) :\\n\\nMarjaryasana Bitilasana pose release back and shoulder pain and also reduce pressure from the belly\\nHow it helps with labor: Back pain is a common occurrence during the birth process. This pose will help to keep your muscles limber and help to avoid muscle spasms and pain in your back during labor. \\n3. Yogi squat (Malasana) :\\n\\n\\nBeen sitting too long\\n? This is a great hip opener and will also release lower back pain. \\nHow it helps with labor: This pose will widen the pelvic floor making the birth easier,which may help to reduce injury during birth.\\nRemember, if you’re practicing at home, it’s always best to consult your doctor and make sure yoga is safe for your pregnancy.\\n\\nOther ways to practice self-care during pregnancy\\nBeing a mom is the hardest job in the world. And there are no days off. Starting with pregnancy, we feel out of control of our body, its growth and the way we feel. Remember to take time during this beautiful process to practice self-care so you can be present, happy and relaxed. \\nBook a prenatal massage :\n\n⁠⁠A prenatal massage is GREAT for mom and baby. It can help reduce stress and swelling without meds, help you to sleep and get your body ready for labor and delivery. \n⁠ \\nTake a bath :\n⁠\n⁠Taking a warm bath while pregnant can also help to reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. It’s a great way to relax and rest your growing body. If you’re feeling pain or swelling, it can be very beneficial to relax in a warm bath. \n⁠\\n\\nAyurveda for Pregnancy :\\n\n⁠\n⁠This week, MyYogaTeacher has a special Ayurveda event running where you’ll learn how to align with your best self through nutrition and health changes. This specific class is designed to help you have your most healthy pregnancy with nutrition guidelines for a mom and foods to help with baby's development! \\n\nYou can also choose to work 1 on 1 with an instructor of your choice through your MyYogaTeacher membership! Let us help you have your healthiest pregnancy possible! \\n\\nGet started today!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"cl8ka13l4ionz0ck2fe0pme7l","slug":"chronic-neck-pain-relief-yoga-poses","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Are you suffering with Chronic Neck Pain? 10 yoga poses to find relief!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:11:15.683866+00:00","coverUrl":"rbh6duxy7hy3y207sg1c.jpg","content":{"text":"Do you suffer from chronic neck pain? Nearly 30-50% of adults suffer from recurring neck pain. \\nNeck pain can be a common occurrence for people who:\\nhave long commutes or sit at a desk all day\\nwho have issues with posture \\nwho have chronic sleep issues\\nOur neck and shoulders can also be a place where we may carry tension or pain due to stress. In any case, the good news is yoga can help you to relieve your neck pain and move on symptom free! \\nDaily changes you can make to avoid neck pain\\nStay in alignment. Keep good posture and try not to carry heavy bags on one side of your body. Also, if you sit at a desk and work on a computer, move your monitor to eye-sight so you’re not looking up or down. Need help finding your center? \\nWe can help here at MyYogaTeacher! \\n\\nStay active! It’s important to stay mobilized.  If you sit all day, take breaks to move around and give your body a break from being stuck in one position. Can’t take breaks at work? Try to go for a walk on lunch or maybe before or after your workday. \\nCheck your sleep environment. Make sure your mattress and pillows are still in good shape. Look into the best pillows for your sleep type or body. Getting quality sleep will help you avoid tossing and turning and can be your remedy to wake pain free. \\nIf you’re feeling like you need to move, starting with any slower yoga practice will help! Yin, hatha and restorative classes will all leave your body feeling relaxed, renewed and free of pain. Want to flow on your own? Here are our top ten poses to try! \\n10 Yoga Poses to relieve Chronic Neck Pain :\\n1. Easy seat with ear to shoulder stretch\\nThis pose releases your neck and shoulders and helps relieve tension and stress.\\nStart by sitting with your legs crossed and a straight back. Shoulders down. Bring your ear down to your shoulder. To deepen the stretch, bring your opposite arm overhead. \\n\\n\\n\\n2. Child’s Pose\\nReleases tension in the upper body including the neck and chest.\\nBring your knees as wide as the mat and sit into your heels. You can bring your chest to the mat and extend your arms forward or come to rest on a pillow or bolster. Try to hold this pose for up to 5 breaths. \\n\\n\\n\\n3. Downward facing dog\\nHelps to relieve neck pain by strengthening the upper body and releasing the spine. \\nStart by coming onto all fours. Check your alignment- make sure your shoulders are over your wrist, and your hips over your knees. Without changing the position of your hands and feet, push up and back to bring your heels into the ground. Relax your head, neck and shoulders down. \\n\\n\\n\\n4. Bridge Pose\\nReleases chest, neck, spine and hips.\\nLay down on your mat, bring your feet as close to your glutes as possible. Bring your hands to the sides of your body palms down. Push into the feet and hands while you lift your core and back to the ceiling. Try to relax and breathe here. \\n\\n\\n\\n5. Wide Leg forward fold\\nReleases spine, neck and back. If you’re in pain perform this stretch slowly, and come up one vertebrae at a time. \\nBring your feet as wide as you can, feet facing forward. Hinge at the hips and slowly bend forward and down towards your feet. You can hang here or grab yogi toe lock around your big toe. \\n\\n\\n\\n6. Cow face pose\\nStrengthens core and spine.\\nSit up tall and stack your knees directly over one another. Reach one arm back around your waist and one arm over your shoulder with your palms reaching towards one another. If you can, clasp your hands. If not, rest them on your back, you will still benefit from the pose. \\n\\n\\n\\n7. Sphinx pose\\nThis pose will help to physically open up the shoulders and neck. Looking side to side slowly is a great addition to the pose. \\nLie on your stomach and bring your hands next to your chest facing down. On your inhale press into the ground and lift your upper body. \\n\\n\\n\\n8. Thread the Needle \\nIncreases mobility and releases tension in the upper body. \\nCome on to all fours. Check your alignment, make sure your hips are over your knees, shoulders over your wrist. Reach one arm out to the side and thread it through the opposite side under your ribs. You can stay here or open up the opposite side by reaching the hand to the back or straight up and over. Make sure to do both sides. \\n\\n\\n\\n9. Legs up the wall\\nReleases tension and stress from the upper body by reversing blood flow. \\nFind a wall near your practice space and sit next to the wall as close as possible. Lower your head, neck and shoulders onto your mat, then roll onto your back and stretch your legs up the wall. You can stay in this restorative pose for up to 10 minutes. \\n\\n\\n\\n10. Savasana\\nSavasana releases any stress, lowers heart rate and calms the body. \\nCome onto your back on your mat, and release your body down. This is known as corpse pose because it is a full and final rest at the end of our practice. Release and let go of any and all tension. \\n\\n\\n\\nClasses to help relieve neck pain \\n\\nYoga fusion for joints \\n- This class will help you roll out your joint pain and stretch your tight limbs and joints. \\n\\nYoga for Back Pain\\n - Sometimes, neck pain can be caused by tightness in the spine. Experts say yoga helps soothe muscle pains. Try this class to strengthen and lengthen your neck and back for pain relief! \\n\\nYoga for Neck and Shoulder Pain\\n - Do you sit all day at work? Struggle with your posture? This class will help relieve upper body tension. \\n\nSo if you’re ready to make your neck pain a thing of the past, join us today. Our trial includes two free weeks of group fitness classes, one on one classes and so much more! \\nGet started on your yoga journey now!\\n"},"category":["yoga_poses"]},{"id":"cl8cuq5nnh5860biyek2vhu2w","slug":"reproductive-rights-for-women-yoga-workshop","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop - Supporting Women Through Yoga","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-22T09:28:27.679552+00:00","coverUrl":"dkjwcigamkavxe0yziwq.jpg","content":{"text":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s first ever Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop!\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we believe in the wisdom of women to make their own choices about their health. \\n\\nThat’s why we’re excited to offer the\\n Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop on October 2 from 9 AM - 11 AM PST (12 PM - 2 PM EST) for only $10!\\nIn the past, our community events have been free. So why are we charging a nominal fee for this one?\\nBecause ALL proceeds from the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop go to support the \\nCenter for Reproductive Rights\\n charity, a nonprofit organization, the \\nonly\\n global legal advocacy organization dedicated to advancing reproductive rights.\\nIn the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs Wade and on the day before the new term of the Supreme Court begins, we think this workshop is a perfect way to silently protest this new ruling through self-care and donations to an organization like the Center for Reproductive Rights.\\nThis will also be a time of healing and processing with a couple of awesome expert yoga instructors!\\nHow to join the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop\\nWhether you’re a member or not, \\nJust click this link and register \\nas you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nIntroducing a very special guest yoga instructor coming just for this event!\n\\nMeet Harpinder Mann, RYT-500!\\n\\n\n\\nHarpinder is a yoga, meditation, mindfulness teacher, and decolonizing activist based in Los Angeles. She works with women of color who want to reclaim their power and intuition through the lens of a spiritual, joyful, and sustainable path. Her studies have spanned from reading the Japji Sahib since she was 3, to over 700 hours of yogic training within the traditions of Raja, Vinyasa, Kundalini, and Prenatal Yoga. \\nWe’re super excited to have her lead the beginning of the workshop. Afterwards, MyYogaTeacher yoga instructor, \\nTrupti Parikh\\n, will lead us in asanas, and a discussion session will follow.\\nAre you ready to experience a workshop where we solely focus on supporting and advocating for women’s health \\nwhile\\n improving our mental, emotional, and physical health?\\n\\nJoin us for the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop!\\n\\nTogether, we make a difference."},"category":["workshops"]},{"id":"cl8a9804vy5de0biznpg4ai2t","slug":"yoga-benefits-for-runners","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga For Runners : Why Runners Should Incorporate Yoga Into Their Training?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Adopting an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Read now to learn more","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-20T13:50:56.406936+00:00","coverUrl":"tbdacuzob0fuqml8dyjd.jpg","content":{"text":"Training for a big race? Setting some goals you want to crush before the year ends? No matter what your reasons, yoga can be a great way to cross train for running from a 5k to a marathon! Running is great for your heart and body but can also be a huge strain on the muscles. Having an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Let’s dive into how yoga can help!\\n1. Breathing\\nProper breathing and breath stabilization are both incredibly important principles in Yoga and Running. If you can practice proper breathing while running, you can maintain speed longer because you will take long deeper breaths to match your long strides, instead of short breaths which cause instability and speed decline.\\nPracticing Pranayama for runners - \\nAdding a pranayama breath practice before a run can help you to maintain focus as well as speed. Even if running is a release for you, and feels relaxing, Using breathwork to relax and focus can help you clearly see the physical and mental road ahead. Pranayama can also help if things are going off course on your run. If you need to regain control, you can come back to your breath and refocus. With these practices together, your run really can be a religious experience, or a way to relieve stress! \\nTo start a pranayama practice, all you need to do is focus on controlling your inhale and exhale. Start by standing tall and relaxed, or sitting tall and calm if you prefer. Close your eyes and focus inward. Start by breathing in for two and out for two. As you continue to grow your practice, you can  build up to breathing in for six and out for six. You can even play with pausing for two to four breaths in between your inhale and exhale. When you finally build a practice you’re confident with, you can start to set intentions and visualize your success. With this practice, you’ll begin to see your running dreams come true!\\n\\n2. Flexibility/Strength\\nIt would be great if in life, we only ever needed to do one thing to get to our goals. But in reality,just like we can’t have cookies for every meal, cross training for runners is essential to maintaining a long term healthy routine. While you could easily just add weight training or stretching a la cart into your week, yoga gives you more by going deeper and getting into those smaller, harder to access ligaments and tendons you might otherwise miss with strength training . Adding yoga into your running routine can reduce the risk of injury and help to maintain your goals. The more flexible your muscles are, the less likely they are to tense up or be stressed during running so you can move with more confidence and ease. Not to mention, it’s always great to look forward to a nice long stretch after a run. \\n\n3. Conditioning \\nWe all know running is GREAT for your cardiovascular health, can add years on to your life and keep your heart pumping at its best! But it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a veteran, running can make your body sore. Yoga is great for conditioning those tired and fatigued muscles without having to “take a day off” to rest. In between your runs or on conditioning days, you can take a class focused on your back or knee health, or even a class to open tight hips after a long run. There’s nothing the magic of yoga can’t do! \\n\n4. Balance/Posture\\nEven though running is a “walk in the park” compared to ballet where balance is concerned, you still need to do your best to focus on alignment while you move.\\nYoga can improve your running form by elongating the limbs so you cover more ground in less time. You'll be PR’ing in no time! Proper alignment is also important when running because as you increase your speed, the level of impact (and injury) becomes greater. Maintaining your body's alignment during movement assures you arrive at the finish line aliment free! Love a tree pose? Want to learn to fly into a warrior? Lots of yoga poses force you to balance on one leg, which helps you to build a unilateral movement practice much like the ebbs and flows you take while running. \\n5. Stress and Mental Clarity\\nFeeling stressed before a big run? Worried about your PR? Yoga can help! Focus your breathing and set an intention. You’ve got this!\\nFocus and clarity are so important when running so you can know where you’re headed and stay on track. Add your yoga practice in before training or race days and you’ll feel your worries melt away. According to scientists at \\nHarvard,\\n adding just minutes of yoga to your week can improve your outlook, slow down the body and decrease stress. You’ll find your body will be more relaxed, focused and ready to run for those goals when you release your tension with yoga. \\nGetting started:\\nSo what do you need to get started? Simple! Yourself, a mat, some water and a quiet space are all you need! Are you ready to add yoga into your running routine? \\nGet started with a two week free trial of our classes and one on one sessions!\\n\\nLet’s figure out where your yoga practice would serve you best! \\nDoing yoga BEFORE your run will help you to warm up your muscles and ligaments. By fully warming up your body before you hit the pavement, you decrease the chances of injury, help with an easier recovery and can improve your PR as you continue to train! \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice before a run :\\nHigh Lunge - This pose stretches the legs from top of the thighs down to the ankle\\n\\nWarrior II - Helps with focus and stamina. Great before heading out!\\n\\nSide angle bend - This stretch helps to stretch the side body and release any tension in the shoulders and spine. \\n\\n⁠Prefer to do yoga after your run? That’s a great option too! Yoga is great for recovery after a run! Finishing your running routine with a yoga stretch helps you to rebalance. You can stretch muscles or limbs that became tight during your run and strengthen anything  that may have become fatigued. You can also refocus and deepen your breath to reset for the next part of your day. \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice after a run :\\nButterfly Pose - a basic hip opener to ease into your stretch\\n\\nHalf Pigeon - A great pose for multiple alignments! Working through the psoas and hip flexors. Make sure to practice on both sides.\\n\\nHappy Baby - This pose is great for finishing up your hip opener extension while giving a nice massage to the back and stretching the soles of the feet.\\n\\nWant to take a class? Try some of our favorite classes for runners!\\n\\nYoga for Strength and flexibility \\n\\n\\nYoga for Knee Pain\\n\\n\\nYoga for Back health\\n\\nReady to join us for class? \\nGet started with a free trial now! \\n\\nRemember, with a great training plan for your runs, and an ongoing yoga practice you’ll be ready to run to your greatest finish line feeling and looking your best! Just like peanut butter and jelly, yoga and running are great together!"},"category":["fitness","yoga"]},{"id":"cl81n0o6wh1g80ajz2gpco553","slug":"yoga-at-home","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"How to Start Doing Yoga at Home","subTitle":"Everything you need to know for an at-home yoga routine","seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Get a beginner’s guide to starting yoga at home with tips and suggestions for setting up your own practice, including online yoga classes and private lessons.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to perform yoga at home with this quick and easy guide","tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-14T13:07:13.39269+00:00","coverUrl":"cqivxw3vkrcihpumlny7.jpg","content":{"text":"There are lots of reasons for doing yoga at home instead of a yoga studio, some of which include distance, busy schedules, kids, financial concerns, and health issues. The good news is you can set up your own yoga practice at home, and still get all the benefits of a regular yoga routine — without the studio. It can also be a great way to integrate yoga into your life on a regular basis, and it’s easy to do in your own home.\\nCan Anyone do Yoga at Home?\\nAnyone can perform yoga at home, and you don’t have to be an advanced yogi to try. Even beginners can practice yoga in a home environment, all you need is adequate floor space, a few (optional) pieces of equipment, and guidelines for practicing the primary yoga poses. \\nIf you’re a beginner, it’s recommended to first learn from a certified yoga instructor, so you can progress with the proper technique and alignment to avoid injury. Thanks to online learning platforms like\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, you can still practice yoga at home with the help of a qualified teacher.\\n11 Tips on How to Perform Yoga At Home\\nThe idea of starting a yoga practice in your very own living room can seem daunting or intimidating at first, especially if you’re accustomed to attending classes in a yoga studio. But with a little bit of preparation and creativity, you can set up your own yoga space and develop a mindful yoga routine that can benefit your life.\\nHere are some suggestions to help get you started:\\n1. Make Space in Your Home for Yoga\\nIt’s easy (and fun) to make your own yoga space, and you can design it as a temporary space or a dedicated one, depending on your needs. All you need is enough floor space to move around and stretch out the full length of your body — a little more than the length and width of your yoga mat. This can be your living or bedroom floor, your kitchen, or your backyard. Just make sure there isn’t any furniture or objects lying around that could get in your way or cause injury.\\n2. Decorate With Calming Accessories\\nYou can also create a comfortable and inviting space for yoga by hanging calming or inspiring artwork on the wall, lighting a candle or incense, and keeping a few house plants nearby for a pleasing atmosphere. The more you can tailor and dedicate your space for yoga, the easier it will be to motivate yourself to keep up a steady routine. Hanging a mirror in front of your practice space is also helpful in maintaining the correct alignment while performing postures.\\n3. Be Prepared With the Right Equipment\\n\\nYou’ll want to invest in a yoga mat, and it’s wise to also keep modifying props on hand — like blocks, bolsters, blankets, and a strap. If you’re just starting out and you’d like to improvise for props, you can use pillows, blankets, and other items around the house to suit your needs. Just make sure your props are sturdy, supportive, and nearby for when you need them.\\n4. Practice Regularly\\nThe best part about practicing yoga at home is it can be done any time you want. The challenge lies in your dedication and commitment to the practice even when your couch appears more inviting.\\n \\nAccording to this study\\n, it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to create a new habit. It’s important to be patient with yourself and identify guidelines for your practice that you can realistically follow through with. \\n5. Schedule Your Yoga Session\\nSet yourself up for success by committing to your yoga practice at a certain time of day, and for a specified number of days per week. It’s best to start out easy with goals that are achievable and progress as you gain momentum. For instance, if you’ve never been an early riser, don’t expect yourself to suddenly start practicing yoga at dawn. If that’s the case, try scheduling your yoga session for late morning, afternoon or evening, and keep your existing schedule in mind when planning a time that works for you.\\n6. Keep it Simple\\nRegardless of your experience or ability level, practicing yoga at home means watching out for your own safety. Make sure you have props handy for when you need them, and avoid overdoing it with strenuous poses. When it doubt, keep your routine simple. Even if you’re an advanced yogi, those basic, primary yoga poses are still an important part of a holistic yoga practice, and may be less likely to cause injury.\\n7. Listen to Your Body\\nThe best way to avoid getting hurt while practicing yoga at home is to listen to your body. If any posture causes you discomfort or pain, stop practicing it immediately — no matter how easy or difficult the pose. Don’t push yourself too hard, and remember to focus on your alignment. If you are unsure of how to execute a specific pose, try learning it from a certified instructor before performing it on your own at home.\\n8. Take an Online Yoga Class\\n\\nBy far the best way to practice yoga at home is with an online class. This way, you get all the benefits of doing yoga at home in your own time, with the added help of an instructor who can make sure you’re performing poses safely and effectively. You can find\\n online group classes\\n for every type of yoga at\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, with over 42 classes offered throughout the day. Private, 1-on-1 instructors are also available for at-home yoga, giving you plenty of options to get the right kind of training while still practicing in the comfort of your own home.\\n9. Squeeze in a Short Practice\\nThe beauty of an at-home yoga practice means you can squeeze in a quick session when you just have 20-30 minutes of time. Even short yoga routines are beneficial for your body and mind, and performing a few of the primary yoga poses on a daily basis will change your life for the better. Try incorporating the Sun Salutation flow series into your morning routine when you first get out of bed in the morning, or practicing some relaxing poses like Legs-Up-The-Wall or Savasana in the evening. \\n10. Switch it Up and Make it Fun\\nYoga doesn’t always have to be serious, and you can make your home yoga practice fun and spontaneous for you and your family. Practicing with your kids is a great way to help them learn mindfulness and self-awareness, while stretching and strengthening their growing bodies. You can also take your practice to the backyard to enjoy sunshine and good weather, or invite friends over to share in the experience. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!\\n11. End Every Practice With Savasana\\nWhen practicing yoga at home, it can be tempting to skip important parts of the journey due to time constraints, distractions, or disinterest. If there is one element of yoga you should never skip, it’s Savasana, or otherwise known as Corpse pose. Always end your practice with 5 minutes of relaxation to help your body integrate the routine. Keep a blanket nearby to warm your body after it has cooled down, and consider an eye pillow to help you relax. Your body and mind will thank you as you move on to the rest of your day, having given yourself the gift of healthy movement to better your life."},"category":["yoga","therapy"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"cknrms0iwi8eo0b79spx1oakp","slug":"what-is-vinyasa-yoga","author":{"name":"Pamela","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Finding Your Yoga: Is Vinyasa Yoga Right for You?","createdAt":"2021-04-21T15:48:41.654072+00:00","coverUrl":"cknrms0iwi8eo0b79spx1oakp.jpg","content":{"text":"Just like you have a pizza preference, preferred workout location, or favorite type of toothbrush, you’ll definitely figure out that not all yoga is created equal. \\n\\nYou’ll find a preference. So how do you find the type of yoga that works for you?\\n\\nThere are so many yoga words floating around. Ashtanga, hatha, Iyengar, \\nvinyasa\\n. There’s power yoga, HIIT yoga, yoga for your core, yoga for flexibility. Aaaaaaaaaaall the yogas!\\n\\nSometimes, particularly if you’re just starting your yoga journey, you need guidance.\\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\n\\nThen you can come try out my class, \\nGo With the Flow - Vinyasa Yoga!\\n We have a lot of fun!\\n\\nVinyasa yoga is one you probably hear a lot. It’s almost a buzzword. Especially in yoga studios and gyms!\\n\\nSo let’s talk about what it is and if it’ll be the right fit for you!\\n\\nWhat is vinyasa yoga anyway?\\n\\nA vinyasa is a smooth transition between asanas (poses). The idea of vinyasa yoga is that you glide from one pose to the next seamlessly, using your breath to guide your physical movements.\\n\\nVinyasa yoga is a practice where many asanas are performed in what is called a flow. The practice is often not the same each time and fairly unstructured, which is nice because it creates new challenges each time. Plus, no one gets bored of the same old routine!\\n\\nWhile many instructors do make sure there are modifications in a vinyasa yoga class, there are a few things you should know before trying one out.\\n\\nVinyasa yoga isn’t for everyone right away.\\n\\nWhat is your fitness level?\\n\\nI am in no way saying that if you’re unfit, you should avoid vinyasa yoga. \\n\\nHowever, if you prefer a slower, relaxed yoga practice, vinyasa yoga isn’t for you. It’s usually a pretty fast paced practice and you’ll definitely get your daily dose of cardio by doing it! So be prepared to sweat.\\n\\nAlso, if you’re not familiar with matching your breath to your movements, and controlling your breathing (when you maybe feel like you’re dying...lol), then you might want to wait on this practice. \\n\\nUnless it’s specifically labeled for beginners. Then, by all means, go for it.\\n\\n\\nAre you an experienced yogi?\\n\\nI believe anyone can do any kind of yoga practice. But why make it more difficult than it has to be?\\n\\nNot knowing the poses when you’re in a big group of yoga enthusiasts can be pretty embarrassing. Which, I might add, is a benefit of taking myYogaTeacher classes. No one can see you but your teacher! And that’s only if you want them to. \\n\\nIf you’re not very experienced in the world of yoga, I recommend practicing common vinyasa yoga poses that you’ll encounter in a vinyasa yoga class. And practice them before taking the class!\\n\\nHere are some examples of vinyasa yoga poses you should be familiar with:\\n\\nUpward facing dog.\\nDownward facing dog.\\nChaturanga.\\nWarrior 1, 2 and 3 (three separate poses).\\nPlank.\\nLow lunge.\\n\\nAnd be prepared to quickly move from one pose to the next in your vinyasa practice. Because it can be challenging.\\n\\nSpeaking of challenges.\\n\\nWhat are the goals of your practice?\\n\\nDo you want to be challenged? Do you prefer focusing on core strength and posture or overall strength and flexibility? Do you want cardio or do you want slow and steady? Weight loss? Building muscle?\\n\\nIt’s important to examine what your goals are before you begin your practice. Even day to day.\\n\\nOne day your goal may be to get in some cardio and another day your goal may be to focus on stress relief. Whatever your goal is, make sure the type of yoga you’re going to practice that day matches your needs.\\n\\nVinyasa yoga can be extremely challenging or moderately challenging. Either way it’s not the easiest form of yoga to do. The focus will almost always be on overall strength, flexibility, cardio, and synchronizing the breath with the flow of movements.\\n\\nThat’s why vinyasa yoga is excellent for weight loss! It’s easy on your joints but also a vigorous workout. I just want to make sure you’re prepared for it!\\n\\n\\n\\nSo the truth is vinyasa yoga is right for anyone and everyone who wants to give it a go. But it’s always safe to go into something new well-prepared, right?\\n\\nThere’s a difference between being challenged in your practice and being so frustrated that you want to quit after the first sun salutation. I want you to feel like you are capable and empowered in whatever type of yoga you choose! So take these questions into consideration before jumping into your first vinyasa yoga class.\\n\\n\\nYou’re always invited to try out my Go With the Flow - Vinyasa Yoga class!\\n We have a lot of fun. I promise you’ll burn calories, sweat, and be challenged. And if you get frustrated, I’m right there to help and chat about how to make the class work for you!\\n\\nNot a myYogaTeacher member yet? You should check it out! There are 35+ different classes offered daily. Group and 1:1 classes. It’s such a supportive environment to practice yoga! \\nGrab your 2-week free trial here!\\n\\n\\n\\n"}},{"id":"cklkxgum87xl509314u5faawv","slug":"yoga-for-kids","author":{"name":"Sujit Tiwari","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"5 Reasons Why Kids May Need Yoga More Than Adults","createdAt":"2021-02-25T13:54:08.269963+00:00","coverUrl":"pexels-gabby-12-small.jpg","content":{"text":"In a world where parents are all hustle and bustle and go, go, go, it’s no wonder our children are stressed out, anxious, and have zero self awareness.\\n\\nThey don’t have time to be self aware!\\n\\nAnxiety and stress in little kids all the way to older teenagers can look like sleeping a lot, temper tantrums, crying over “nothing,” not eating, or eating too much. It can show up as hyperactivity, bad attitudes, poor mental focus, bad grades.\\n\\nOr it can show up as many more terrible things that no parent wants to think about.\\n\\nWe stress how important it is for adults to take part in selfcare, to stretch and move our bodies. Surely, at this point in history, every adult knows that selfcare is a thing we should all be doing. But what are we telling our children to do for selfcare? \\n\\nSports? After school activities? Clubs? More doing. Less being. More rushing around. Less stillness. Less quiet time to process their days, their emotions. And your days, your emotions. Because kids are subject to those too.\\n\\nDo we ever teach them how to just be? \\n\\nThis is why I offer a \\nKids Yoga class at myYogaTeacher\\n! Because kids with healthy bodies, minds, and spirits make for adults with healthy minds, bodies, and spirits!\\n\\nHere are some reasons I’m passionate about teaching kids the importance of yoga.\\n\\n1. Yoga improves a child’s mood.\\n\\nWe all know that happier \\nkids\\n make their parents, teachers, coaches, etc. happier. But the focus really needs to be more on the children and less on the adults!\\n\\nKids have fewer tools than adults to help them regulate their mood. \\n\\nJust like any other physical activity, yoga releases endorphins, those feel good feelings, which, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety. When children experience less stress and anxiety, they eat better, sleep better, act better, perform better. \\n\\nThey do everything better. Just like adults do.\\n\\nThey’re calmer. And all the built up negativity is released. Plus, yoga is fun! It’s not competitive, and kids are free to be themselves.\\n\\nSpeaking of being themselves...\\n\\n2. Yoga helps children self regulate\\n\\nHow can we expect kids to self soothe, regulate their behaviors and emotions, and regain focus if we don’t give them the tools they need for self awareness? Unlike adults, kids often have very little control over their lives. \\n\\nThey’re told what to do and when and how. \\n\\nA regular kids’ yoga practice will help children of all ages look inward and take time to examine why they feel or behave in certain ways and process that. With that information, they can discover how to change bad habits or behaviors, work through negative emotions in appropriate ways, and have a clear mind to make better choices in the face of challenging situations.\\n\\nKids yoga isn’t just about strength, flexibility, or getting the sillies out. It’s a portal for them to just be who they are designed to be! Let your kids check it out with a \\ntwo week free trial at myYogaTeacher.\\n\\n\\n3. Yoga improves sleep for kids.\\n\\nDid you know that school age children need anywhere from 9-12 hours of sleep every night? \\n\\nWith parents hurrying their children from one activity to another, the long hours of homework, or just being allowed to stay up too late, it’s no wonder kids are exhausted, moody and irritable. Not to mention late night screen time impacts their rest tremendously.\\n\\nThey’re simply not getting enough sleep! Not only that, but the quality of their sleep may not be all that great.\\n\\nPracticing kids yoga right before bed is an excellent way to help them have a really restful, restorative sleep.\\n\\nThe breathwork involved in yoga helps calm their minds and nervous system. The release of tension from their muscles helps them relax and ditch the overwhelm or negative thoughts. Yoga will help them fall asleep faster and sleep better.\\n\\n4. Yoga helps their brains work better.\\n\\nYep. It’s true. Yoga literally helps kids have better memory and cognitive function.\\n\\nKids who do yoga will learn how to focus on their bodies more and better and apply that mental clarity to other areas of their life. They’ll remember more of what they learn and have more self awareness.\\n\\nYoga actually requires you to use the same neural pathways in your brain that are responsible for memory. The practice itself is sort of conditioning your brain to work better, faster, and more efficiently.\\n\\nThe meditation aspect of yoga enables kids to focus on their breath and clear out all the mind junk that may be interfering with their memory.\\n\\n\\n5. Kids don’t have it easy, but yoga helps.\\n\\nAdults who say “kids these days have it easy” need to switch places with a 12-year-old in 2021. \\n\\nLong gone are the days of riding bikes safely (and even alone) along the streets of your home town. The days of simplicity and easy afternoons fishing by the local pond.\\n\\nCompetition is more fierce in almost every aspect of kids’ lives. There is more stress to have a career that makes well above minimum wage because cost of living is atrocious.\\n\\nParents are on the go or absent, and visibly stressed out when they’re not. There’s cyber bullying, drug trafficking, human trafficking. Terrorism. Political unrest. Social unrest. Children today are forced to overcome obstacles that older generations never thought of not even once when they were growing up.\\n\\nYoga for kids gives children a chance to unwind, detach from the world, and create their own safe space of peace. It’s a tool they can use almost any time, anywhere, and for any circumstance to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well being.\\n\\nSo why in the world wouldn’t we encourage them to use it?\\n\\n\\nDo you have a son or daughter in need of some time on the mat? \\nCheck out my Kids Yoga (10-12 years) class\\n when you sign up for your \\nfree two-week trial at myYogaTeacher! \\n\\n\\n"}},{"id":"ckuk2cit4qtvg0b809xa4kr39","slug":"the-ayurvedic-diet","author":{"name":"Hema","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"The Ayurvedic Diet: Why There is No Such Thing as a Bad Food","createdAt":"2021-10-09T17:20:19.353219+00:00","coverUrl":"pvpoevkzziolcsp1ajuh.jpg","content":{"text":"Ayurvedic medicine has existed for literally thousands of years. If you’re not familiar with it, Ayurveda medicine is a whole-body, holistic practice that encourages a balance between body and mind. \\nAyurveda uses diet, yogic breathing, and herbal treatments to accomplish a healthy, balanced body. This Hindu-derived practice enforces the idea that all diseases are caused by an imbalance in the physical body and stress in a person’s consciousness.\\nThe Ayurvedic diet promotes better physical, mental, and spiritual health. And unlike many other diets, the Ayurvedic diet gives personalized recommendations on what the best foods are to eat for your body type.\\nThat’s not to say there are any \\nbad\\n foods. It just means there are some foods that meet your body’s needs better than others!\\nAnd we’re going to talk about it all here!\\nIf you read this and want more guidance or information on how to integrate Ayurvedic medicine and eating into your life, check out my class on MyYogaTeacher, \\nAyurvedic Concept of Diet\\n! We’d love to have you, and I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about this lifestyle.\\nNot a member of MyYogaTeacher yet? \\nGet your free 2-week trial here and check it out!\\n No credit card required and you get access to all 35+ group classes taught by expert teachers from India.\\nWhat is the Ayurvedic diet?\\nThe basis for Ayurvedic medicine is that there are five elements that make up the universe — air, water, space, fire, and earth.\\nThese elements create different forms of energy called doshas, and each dosha has its own unique responsibilities within the body. There are three of them:\\nVata\\n - Also known as “king of the doshas,” Vata is responsible for all movement processes at a microcellular and macroscopic level. It’s also responsible for circulation, respiration and the nervous system. Vata combines the space and air elements.\\nPitta\\n - This dosha is in charge of digestion and metabolism in the body. It is located in the small intestines, stomach, liver, spleen, and pancreas. Pitta is responsible for all the processes that involve conversion and transformation throughout the mind and body.\\nKapha\\n - Water energy. Kapha aids in lubricating the joints and provides the body with its physical form. Kapha also helps the tissues in the body move smoothly.\\nThe Ayurvedic diet is a component of Ayurvedic medicine that teaches you to eat the foods that promote balance between all of your doshas.\\nIn doing so, you not only eat the foods that are best for your body specifically, but you also create and maintain a healthier mind, body and spirit.\\nHow the Ayurvedic diet works\\nWhile some may feel like eating according to Ayurvedic diet guidelines seems somewhat restrictive, the opposite is really true. \\nNo food is a bad food.\\nBut some foods are better for you than others and are perfect for your dosha, or body type.\\nHere are some of the main characteristics of each dosha so you can get an idea of which one matches you the best!\\n\\nPitta Dosha (Fire energy)\\n\\nMedium height\\nSlender frame\\nGood metabolism\\nCompetitive\\nGood leadership skills\\nVery intelligent\\nShort temper\\nMay suffer from indigestion\\nMay have high blood pressure\\nGoverned by emotions\\n\\n\\nVata Dosha (Wind energy)\\n\\nCreative\\nEnergetic\\nLively\\nThin, light frame\\nProminent joints/bones\\nFlat-chested\\nLittle/no willpower\\nNervous\\nFearful\\nShort term memory issues\\nKapha Dosha (Water Energy)\\n\\nEasy-going/relaxed\\nTolerant, compassionate\\nLoyal\\nHave weight issues\\nLarger frame\\nProne to diabetes\\nForgiving\\nPeaceful\\nGood stamina\\nGenerally happy\\n\nYour dosha determines which foods you should eat to promote inner balance. For instance, here are some Ayurvedic diet food recommendations to go with your dosha:\\n> \\nPitta:\\n Wheat, white rice, oats, barley. Fruits like grapes, mango, pineapple, oranges, melon, coconut, avocado, and plums help balance the Pitta dosha. Stay away from sour foods, salty, or pungent foods like garlic and onions.\\n> \\nVata\\n: Hot stews and soups are great for balancing the Vata dosha. Also, eating moist foods like yogurt, melon, berries, zucchini, squash. Seeds and nuts, ghee, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon are also great!\\n> \\nKapha\\n: Spicy, acidic, filling foods and most fruits and vegetables are good for keeping Kapha bodies in balance. Also unprocessed meats, grains, eggs, and low fat cheeses. Kaphas should avoid heavy foods like oils, fats, nuts, and seeds.\\nI really want to stress that this way of eating is not about restriction. It’s about eating for your body type!\\nWhich means there are tons of options and opportunities for you to eat and be full. We’re not about being hungry here at MYT!\\nBenefits of eating an Ayurvedic diet\\nBesides helping you feel and be your healthiest, most amazing self, there are lots of science-backed benefits of participating in an Ayurvedic eating plan or adopting the entire Ayurvedic holistic wellness lifestyle.\\nAyurvedic eating prevents disease\\nBecause the Ayurvedic lifestyle promotes the consumption of whole foods and the reduction or complete elimination of processed foods, there is a huge component of eating in this way that addresses disease prevention.\\nStudies show that eating processed foods and foods high in refined sugar or high levels of salt are associated with inflammation, chronic and acute diseases, higher risk for cancer, and even death.\\nEating whole foods high in fiber, vitamins and minerals can prevent and, in some cases, even reverse disease.\\nAyurvedic eating promotes weight loss\\nSeeing as the Ayurvedic diet focuses on nutrient-rich foods, studies show that eating for your dosha (particularly pitta or kapha) assists with weight loss. It can also help stave off cravings and prevent overeating.\\nMindful eating is a huge part of Ayurvedic medicine. This means people who adopt this lifestyle eat more conscientiously and become more aware of their body’s needs. Mindful eating helps people with issues like emotional or stress eating.\\nAnother benefit to mindful eating is enhanced self-control and the development of a healthier relationship with food.\\nThe gut biome and Ayurvedic diet\\nWe’ve discussed some of the health benefits of Ayurvedic eating, but I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t talk about how this lifestyle affects your gut!\\nIf you don’t know how your gut biome affects your mental, physical, and even emotional health, join my class and let’s talk about it! Your gut biome is the primary location for healthy bacteria, immune function and even the primary source of the feel good chemicals that our body and brains crave!\\nBecause an Ayurvedic diet improves your gut health, you also get:\\nImproved digestion\\nBetter metabolic processes\\nEnhanced detoxification\\nImproved fertility and sexual health\\nAll while still eating foods you love! \\nWhile the Ayurvedic diet is customized for each dosha, this doesn’t mean you will never eat some of the foods that may be listed for you to avoid. It simply means you may want to limit those foods and eat more of the foods that help harmonize your body, mind, and spirit!\\nThe goal of my class, \\nAyurvedic Concept of Diet\\n, is to help you discover the right combination of foods to eat for your body. You’ll learn all about Ahara, the best way to prepare and serve certain dishes, and the proper time to eat various foods. I invite you to join us on this Ayurvedic eating journey!\\nMyYogaTeacher is a great platform to learn about many different forms of yoga. There are many expert and highly experienced yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India, who really care about their students’ health and well-being! Whether you’re brand new to yoga or consider yourself an advanced yogi, there’s a class that’s a perfect fit for you! \\nGet your 2-week free trial here and try it out!\\n\\nNamaste.\\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[],"blogContent":{"id":"ckfqzo0w802df0178s0s5zd85","slug":"we-support-black-lives-matter","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"We support Black Lives Matter","createdAt":"2020-06-16T00:00:00+00:00","updatedAt":"2020-11-16T13:16:47.933534+00:00","coverUrl":"blm-123.jpg","seoDescription":"Thoughts, energy and words can transform the world. Yoga & meditation gives the strength needed to face, hold, and be with the most painful things inside of us","content":{"text":"Dear myYogaTeacher community,\\n\\nIt feels like every month this year is more intense than the last. This morning I woke up, checked Facebook and immediately started crying.\\n\\nLook, before you continue reading — this isn't a standard message from us, it's not a feature update, or a new class announcement.\\n\\nThis is about Black Lives Matter — supporting our brothers and sisters who need our help today!\\n\\nI wrestled with sending you this message because mYT is a sanctuary. It's your safe space to unwind, let go of your day, and recharge.\\n\\nI know for many of our students, your 1-hr class is the only time you get for yourself.\\n\\nAnd I want to protect that. So\\n please do not continue reading if you don't have the capacity to deal with this right now.\\n\\nBut if you do, \\nif you want to help and want to know what we're doing to help\\n — read on.\\n\\nWe're crushed by what's happening right now.\\n\\nI won't speak for the rest of the team, I'll only speak for myself… I spent most of my life avoiding my feelings, especially difficult ones. Yoga and \\nmeditation \\ngave me the inner strength I needed to face, hold, and be with the most painful things inside of me.\\n\\nBut today, I'm overwhelmed with sorrow.\\n\\nI don't know what I can do, what I should do, and to top it off I'm not even sure if it's safe to go out in public and join the protests.\\n\\nAs a small community myYogaTeacher is supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. We don't want to force politics, social activism, or any additional stressors into your life.\\n\\nBut we want to do something!\\n\\nSo I'm reaching out to ask you what we — as one human family, as a\\n community of yogis — can do.\\n\\nWhat can mYT with 60+ \\nyoga teachers\\n, thousands of students, and a beautiful platform for sharing virtual teachings and classes… \\nwhat can we do that will keep mYT your safe space and sanctuary while contributing to justice and equality for all?\\n\\nWhat can we do that doesn't turn your time for rest, relaxation and self-care into a burden?\\n\\nFor starters, we are going to donate $10 of every new Membership to the Black Lives Matter movement. (This will start today and continue for the next month.)\\n\\n\\nBut I really don't want to stop there. I want to do more, \\nall of us on the team want to do more!\\n\\nHaving lived in yoga communities and \\nat yoga and meditation retreat centers — we pray, we meditate, we believe that thoughts, energy and words can transform the world.\\n\\nWe also believe that true change starts with ourselves.\\n\\nAnd \\nwe do not believe it ends with these intangibles.\\n But activism is not our strength. Personal transformation, mindfulness, self-empowerment, self-awareness, and personal growth are our strengths.\\n\\nMe (and I believe many on the team) are not fighters. We're every-day people who care.\\n\\nSo I've also proposed things like \\nhaving our teachers lead \\ngroup meditations \\non compassion, love, and insight.\\n Meditations to focus on helping ourselves and all living beings let go of our fears and learn new depths of love.\\n\\nWould group meditations like this interest you?\\n\\nWe've also considered \\nsending you some of our favourite resources to deepen your understanding of the BLM movement and racial inequality today.\\n Is this something you might like to learn more about?\\n\\nMy personal view is that I don't hate those who are full of fear, hate, and aggression. And I don't believe hate is the solution.\\n\\nThe Dalai Lama, in response to George Floyd's murder said,\\n\\n\"If we as human beings do not harm one another, but help one another, serve one another and be compassionate with one another, then we will have a peaceful world.\"\\n\\nFor me, these are words to live by...\\n\\nIn case you want to \\nhelp save lives\\n in the US right now, I've \\nattached a few links at the bottom of this email\\n. You can do a couple easy things right now (from your sofa) to make a real difference today!\\n\\nLook, \\nthis isn't meant to be a one-way message\\n. I know very few people will read this entire email. And even fewer will respond.\\n\\nBut \\nI want to hear from you\\n. I want your help and guidance on how we, as a small community of yogis, can help our brothers and sisters who are desperately seeking the justice, love, respect, and equality they deserve.\\n\\nIt's time to overcome hatred and fear. To live with love, care, and mutual support. We are one human family.\\n\\nWith Love, Sorrow, and Hope — your friend,\\nWill\\n","html":"<p>Dear myYogaTeacher community,</p><p></p><p>It feels like every month this year is more intense than the last. This morning I woke up, checked Facebook and immediately started crying.</p><p></p><p>Look, before you continue reading — this isn&#39;t a standard message from us, it&#39;s not a feature update, or a new class announcement.</p><p></p><p><strong>This is about Black Lives Matter — supporting our brothers and sisters who need our help today!</strong></p><p></p><p>I wrestled with sending you this message because mYT is a sanctuary. It&#39;s your safe space to unwind, let go of your day, and recharge.</p><p></p><p>I know for many of our students, your 1-hr class is the only time you get for yourself.</p><p></p><p>And I want to protect that. So<strong> please do not continue reading if you don&#39;t have the capacity to deal with this right now.</strong></p><p></p><p>But if you do, <strong>if you want to help and want to know what we&#39;re doing to help</strong> — read on.</p><p></p><p>We&#39;re crushed by what&#39;s happening right now.</p><p></p><p>I won&#39;t speak for the rest of the team, I&#39;ll only speak for myself… I spent most of my life avoiding my feelings, especially difficult ones. Yoga and <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">meditation </a>gave me the inner strength I needed to face, hold, and be with the most painful things inside of me.</p><p></p><p>But today, I&#39;m overwhelmed with sorrow.</p><p></p><p>I don&#39;t know what I can do, what I should do, and to top it off I&#39;m not even sure if it&#39;s safe to go out in public and join the protests.</p><p></p><p><strong>As a small community myYogaTeacher is supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. We don&#39;t want to force politics, social activism, or any additional stressors into your life.</strong></p><p></p><p>But we want to do something!</p><p></p><p>So I&#39;m reaching out to ask you what we — as one human family, as a<strong> community of yogis — can do.</strong></p><p></p><p>What can mYT with 60+ <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp\">yoga teachers</a>, thousands of students, and a beautiful platform for sharing virtual teachings and classes… <strong>what can we do that will keep mYT your safe space and sanctuary while contributing to justice and equality for all?</strong></p><p></p><p>What can we do that doesn&#39;t turn your time for rest, relaxation and self-care into a burden?</p><p></p><p>For starters, we are going to donate $10 of every new Membership to the Black Lives Matter movement. (This will start today and continue for the next month.)</p><p></p><p></p><p>But I really don&#39;t want to stop there. I want to do more, <strong>all of us on the team want to do more!</strong></p><p></p><p>Having lived in yoga communities and <strong>at yoga and meditation retreat centers — we pray, we meditate, we believe that thoughts, energy and words can transform the world.</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>We also believe that true change starts with ourselves.</strong></p><p></p><p>And <strong>we do not believe it ends with these intangibles.</strong> But activism is not our strength. Personal transformation, mindfulness, self-empowerment, self-awareness, and personal growth are our strengths.</p><p></p><p>Me (and I believe many on the team) are not fighters. We&#39;re every-day people who care.</p><p></p><p>So I&#39;ve also proposed things like <strong>having our teachers lead </strong><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles\"><strong>group meditations </strong></a><strong>on compassion, love, and insight.</strong> Meditations to focus on helping ourselves and all living beings let go of our fears and learn new depths of love.</p><p></p><p><strong>Would group meditations like this interest you?</strong></p><p></p><p>We&#39;ve also considered <strong>sending you some of our favourite resources to deepen your understanding of the BLM movement and racial inequality today.</strong> Is this something you might like to learn more about?</p><p></p><p>My personal view is that I don&#39;t hate those who are full of fear, hate, and aggression. And I don&#39;t believe hate is the solution.</p><p></p><p>The Dalai Lama, in response to George Floyd&#39;s murder said,</p><p><em></em></p><p><em>&quot;If we as human beings do not harm one another, but help one another, serve one another and be compassionate with one another, then we will have a peaceful world.&quot;</em></p><p></p><p>For me, these are words to live by...</p><p></p><p>In case you want to <strong>help save lives</strong> in the US right now, I&#39;ve <strong>attached a few links at the bottom of this email</strong>. You can do a couple easy things right now (from your sofa) to make a real difference today!</p><p></p><p>Look, <strong>this isn&#39;t meant to be a one-way message</strong>. I know very few people will read this entire email. And even fewer will respond.</p><p></p><p>But <strong>I want to hear from you</strong>. I want your help and guidance on how we, as a small community of yogis, can help our brothers and sisters who are desperately seeking the justice, love, respect, and equality they deserve.</p><p></p><p>It&#39;s time to overcome hatred and fear. To live with love, care, and mutual support. We are one human family.</p><p></p><p>With Love, Sorrow, and Hope — your friend,</p><p>Will</p><p></p>"},"category":[],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>Dear myYogaTeacher community,</p><p></p><p>It feels like every month this year is more intense than the last. This morning I woke up, checked Facebook and immediately started crying.</p><p></p><p>Look, before you continue reading — this isn&#39;t a standard message from us, it&#39;s not a feature update, or a new class announcement.</p><p></p><p><strong>This is about Black Lives Matter — supporting our brothers and sisters who need our help today!</strong></p><p></p><p>I wrestled with sending you this message because mYT is a sanctuary. It&#39;s your safe space to unwind, let go of your day, and recharge.</p><p></p><p>I know for many of our students, your 1-hr class is the only time you get for yourself.</p><p></p><p>And I want to protect that. So<strong> please do not continue reading if you don&#39;t have the capacity to deal with this right now.</strong></p><p></p><p>But if you do, <strong>if you want to help and want to know what we&#39;re doing to help</strong> — read on.</p><p></p><p>We&#39;re crushed by what&#39;s happening right now.</p><p></p><p>I won&#39;t speak for the rest of the team, I&#39;ll only speak for myself… I spent most of my life avoiding my feelings, especially difficult ones. Yoga and <a\n            class=\"inline-cta\"\n            id=5e01bd1f-292c-4a11-a545-803cdd421cde\n            href=\"/signup?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckfqzo0w802df0178s0s5zd85&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=We support Black Lives Matter&entity_slug=we-support-black-lives-matter&page_or_popup=/articles/we-support-black-lives-matter&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n            onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"5e01bd1f-292c-4a11-a545-803cdd421cde\")\n            title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n            data-title=\"We support Black Lives Matter\"\n            data-slug=\"we-support-black-lives-matter\"\n            <u>meditation </a></u>        \n            </a>gave me the inner strength I needed to face, hold, and be with the most painful things inside of me.</p><p></p><p>But today, I&#39;m overwhelmed with sorrow.</p><p></p><p>I don&#39;t know what I can do, what I should do, and to top it off I&#39;m not even sure if it&#39;s safe to go out in public and join the protests.</p><p></p><p><strong>As a small community myYogaTeacher is supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. We don&#39;t want to force politics, social activism, or any additional stressors into your life.</strong></p><p></p><p>But we want to do something!</p><p></p><p>So I&#39;m reaching out to ask you what we — as one human family, as a<strong> community of yogis — can do.</strong></p><p></p><p>What can mYT with 60+ <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp\">yoga teachers</a>, thousands of students, and a beautiful platform for sharing virtual teachings and classes… <strong>what can we do that will keep mYT your safe space and sanctuary while contributing to justice and equality for all?</strong></p><p></p><p>What can we do that doesn&#39;t turn your time for rest, relaxation and self-care into a burden?</p><p></p><p>For starters, we are going to donate $10 of every new Membership to the Black Lives Matter movement. (This will start today and continue for the next month.)</p><p></p><p></p><p>But I really don&#39;t want to stop there. I want to do more, <strong>all of us on the team want to do more!</strong></p><p></p><p>Having lived in yoga communities and <strong>at yoga and meditation retreat centers — we pray, we meditate, we believe that thoughts, energy and words can transform the world.</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>We also believe that true change starts with ourselves.</strong></p><p></p><p>And <strong>we do not believe it ends with these intangibles.</strong> But activism is not our strength. Personal transformation, mindfulness, self-empowerment, self-awareness, and personal growth are our strengths.</p><p></p><p>Me (and I believe many on the team) are not fighters. We&#39;re every-day people who care.</p><p></p><p>So I&#39;ve also proposed things like <strong>having our teachers lead </strong><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles\"><strong>group meditations </strong></a><strong>on compassion, love, and insight.</strong> Meditations to focus on helping ourselves and all living beings let go of our fears and learn new depths of love.</p><p></p><p><strong>Would group meditations like this interest you?</strong></p><p></p><p>We&#39;ve also considered <strong>sending you some of our favourite resources to deepen your understanding of the BLM movement and racial inequality today.</strong> Is this something you might like to learn more about?</p><p></p><p>My personal view is that I don&#39;t hate those who are full of fear, hate, and aggression. And I don&#39;t believe hate is the solution.</p><p></p><p>The Dalai Lama, in response to George Floyd&#39;s murder said,</p><p><em></em></p><p><em>&quot;If we as human beings do not harm one another, but help one another, serve one another and be compassionate with one another, then we will have a peaceful world.&quot;</em></p><p></p><p>For me, these are words to live by...</p><p></p><p>In case you want to <strong>help save lives</strong> in the US right now, I&#39;ve <strong>attached a few links at the bottom of this email</strong>. You can do a couple easy things right now (from your sofa) to make a real difference today!</p><p></p><p>Look, <strong>this isn&#39;t meant to be a one-way message</strong>. I know very few people will read this entire email. And even fewer will respond.</p><p></p><p>But <strong>I want to hear from you</strong>. I want your help and guidance on how we, as a small community of yogis, can help our brothers and sisters who are desperately seeking the justice, love, respect, and equality they deserve.</p><p></p><p>It&#39;s time to overcome hatred and fear. To live with love, care, and mutual support. We are one human family.</p><p></p><p>With Love, Sorrow, and Hope — your friend,</p><p>Will</p><p></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"we-support-black-lives-matter","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"signup","redirectURL":"#","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Therapy – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Back Pain Safely &amp; Effectively Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitki4w2liz0b30tqpzhy4i","name":"[CTA-KRIYA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation <strong>and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong> Learn Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pranayama!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckykb6i2o1o7f0b368s1m7qow","name":"[CTA-LYMPHATIC]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong> for lymphatic drainage &amp; immunity enhancement. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group yoga classes</strong> (including daily yin-yoga) when you sign up today! No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions –  </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage &amp; Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"ckfqzo0w802df0178s0s5zd85","slug":"we-support-black-lives-matter","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"We support Black Lives Matter","createdAt":"2020-06-16T00:00:00+00:00","updatedAt":"2020-11-16T13:16:47.933534+00:00","coverUrl":"blm-123.jpg","seoDescription":"Thoughts, energy and words can transform the world. Yoga & meditation gives the strength needed to face, hold, and be with the most painful things inside of us","content":{"text":"Dear myYogaTeacher community,\\n\\nIt feels like every month this year is more intense than the last. This morning I woke up, checked Facebook and immediately started crying.\\n\\nLook, before you continue reading — this isn't a standard message from us, it's not a feature update, or a new class announcement.\\n\\nThis is about Black Lives Matter — supporting our brothers and sisters who need our help today!\\n\\nI wrestled with sending you this message because mYT is a sanctuary. It's your safe space to unwind, let go of your day, and recharge.\\n\\nI know for many of our students, your 1-hr class is the only time you get for yourself.\\n\\nAnd I want to protect that. So\\n please do not continue reading if you don't have the capacity to deal with this right now.\\n\\nBut if you do, \\nif you want to help and want to know what we're doing to help\\n — read on.\\n\\nWe're crushed by what's happening right now.\\n\\nI won't speak for the rest of the team, I'll only speak for myself… I spent most of my life avoiding my feelings, especially difficult ones. Yoga and \\nmeditation \\ngave me the inner strength I needed to face, hold, and be with the most painful things inside of me.\\n\\nBut today, I'm overwhelmed with sorrow.\\n\\nI don't know what I can do, what I should do, and to top it off I'm not even sure if it's safe to go out in public and join the protests.\\n\\nAs a small community myYogaTeacher is supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. We don't want to force politics, social activism, or any additional stressors into your life.\\n\\nBut we want to do something!\\n\\nSo I'm reaching out to ask you what we — as one human family, as a\\n community of yogis — can do.\\n\\nWhat can mYT with 60+ \\nyoga teachers\\n, thousands of students, and a beautiful platform for sharing virtual teachings and classes… \\nwhat can we do that will keep mYT your safe space and sanctuary while contributing to justice and equality for all?\\n\\nWhat can we do that doesn't turn your time for rest, relaxation and self-care into a burden?\\n\\nFor starters, we are going to donate $10 of every new Membership to the Black Lives Matter movement. (This will start today and continue for the next month.)\\n\\n\\nBut I really don't want to stop there. I want to do more, \\nall of us on the team want to do more!\\n\\nHaving lived in yoga communities and \\nat yoga and meditation retreat centers — we pray, we meditate, we believe that thoughts, energy and words can transform the world.\\n\\nWe also believe that true change starts with ourselves.\\n\\nAnd \\nwe do not believe it ends with these intangibles.\\n But activism is not our strength. Personal transformation, mindfulness, self-empowerment, self-awareness, and personal growth are our strengths.\\n\\nMe (and I believe many on the team) are not fighters. We're every-day people who care.\\n\\nSo I've also proposed things like \\nhaving our teachers lead \\ngroup meditations \\non compassion, love, and insight.\\n Meditations to focus on helping ourselves and all living beings let go of our fears and learn new depths of love.\\n\\nWould group meditations like this interest you?\\n\\nWe've also considered \\nsending you some of our favourite resources to deepen your understanding of the BLM movement and racial inequality today.\\n Is this something you might like to learn more about?\\n\\nMy personal view is that I don't hate those who are full of fear, hate, and aggression. And I don't believe hate is the solution.\\n\\nThe Dalai Lama, in response to George Floyd's murder said,\\n\\n\"If we as human beings do not harm one another, but help one another, serve one another and be compassionate with one another, then we will have a peaceful world.\"\\n\\nFor me, these are words to live by...\\n\\nIn case you want to \\nhelp save lives\\n in the US right now, I've \\nattached a few links at the bottom of this email\\n. You can do a couple easy things right now (from your sofa) to make a real difference today!\\n\\nLook, \\nthis isn't meant to be a one-way message\\n. I know very few people will read this entire email. And even fewer will respond.\\n\\nBut \\nI want to hear from you\\n. I want your help and guidance on how we, as a small community of yogis, can help our brothers and sisters who are desperately seeking the justice, love, respect, and equality they deserve.\\n\\nIt's time to overcome hatred and fear. To live with love, care, and mutual support. We are one human family.\\n\\nWith Love, Sorrow, and Hope — your friend,\\nWill\\n","html":"<p>Dear myYogaTeacher community,</p><p></p><p>It feels like every month this year is more intense than the last. This morning I woke up, checked Facebook and immediately started crying.</p><p></p><p>Look, before you continue reading — this isn&#39;t a standard message from us, it&#39;s not a feature update, or a new class announcement.</p><p></p><p><strong>This is about Black Lives Matter — supporting our brothers and sisters who need our help today!</strong></p><p></p><p>I wrestled with sending you this message because mYT is a sanctuary. It&#39;s your safe space to unwind, let go of your day, and recharge.</p><p></p><p>I know for many of our students, your 1-hr class is the only time you get for yourself.</p><p></p><p>And I want to protect that. So<strong> please do not continue reading if you don&#39;t have the capacity to deal with this right now.</strong></p><p></p><p>But if you do, <strong>if you want to help and want to know what we&#39;re doing to help</strong> — read on.</p><p></p><p>We&#39;re crushed by what&#39;s happening right now.</p><p></p><p>I won&#39;t speak for the rest of the team, I&#39;ll only speak for myself… I spent most of my life avoiding my feelings, especially difficult ones. Yoga and <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">meditation </a>gave me the inner strength I needed to face, hold, and be with the most painful things inside of me.</p><p></p><p>But today, I&#39;m overwhelmed with sorrow.</p><p></p><p>I don&#39;t know what I can do, what I should do, and to top it off I&#39;m not even sure if it&#39;s safe to go out in public and join the protests.</p><p></p><p><strong>As a small community myYogaTeacher is supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. We don&#39;t want to force politics, social activism, or any additional stressors into your life.</strong></p><p></p><p>But we want to do something!</p><p></p><p>So I&#39;m reaching out to ask you what we — as one human family, as a<strong> community of yogis — can do.</strong></p><p></p><p>What can mYT with 60+ <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp\">yoga teachers</a>, thousands of students, and a beautiful platform for sharing virtual teachings and classes… <strong>what can we do that will keep mYT your safe space and sanctuary while contributing to justice and equality for all?</strong></p><p></p><p>What can we do that doesn&#39;t turn your time for rest, relaxation and self-care into a burden?</p><p></p><p>For starters, we are going to donate $10 of every new Membership to the Black Lives Matter movement. (This will start today and continue for the next month.)</p><p></p><p></p><p>But I really don&#39;t want to stop there. I want to do more, <strong>all of us on the team want to do more!</strong></p><p></p><p>Having lived in yoga communities and <strong>at yoga and meditation retreat centers — we pray, we meditate, we believe that thoughts, energy and words can transform the world.</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>We also believe that true change starts with ourselves.</strong></p><p></p><p>And <strong>we do not believe it ends with these intangibles.</strong> But activism is not our strength. Personal transformation, mindfulness, self-empowerment, self-awareness, and personal growth are our strengths.</p><p></p><p>Me (and I believe many on the team) are not fighters. We&#39;re every-day people who care.</p><p></p><p>So I&#39;ve also proposed things like <strong>having our teachers lead </strong><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles\"><strong>group meditations </strong></a><strong>on compassion, love, and insight.</strong> Meditations to focus on helping ourselves and all living beings let go of our fears and learn new depths of love.</p><p></p><p><strong>Would group meditations like this interest you?</strong></p><p></p><p>We&#39;ve also considered <strong>sending you some of our favourite resources to deepen your understanding of the BLM movement and racial inequality today.</strong> Is this something you might like to learn more about?</p><p></p><p>My personal view is that I don&#39;t hate those who are full of fear, hate, and aggression. And I don&#39;t believe hate is the solution.</p><p></p><p>The Dalai Lama, in response to George Floyd&#39;s murder said,</p><p><em></em></p><p><em>&quot;If we as human beings do not harm one another, but help one another, serve one another and be compassionate with one another, then we will have a peaceful world.&quot;</em></p><p></p><p>For me, these are words to live by...</p><p></p><p>In case you want to <strong>help save lives</strong> in the US right now, I&#39;ve <strong>attached a few links at the bottom of this email</strong>. You can do a couple easy things right now (from your sofa) to make a real difference today!</p><p></p><p>Look, <strong>this isn&#39;t meant to be a one-way message</strong>. I know very few people will read this entire email. And even fewer will respond.</p><p></p><p>But <strong>I want to hear from you</strong>. I want your help and guidance on how we, as a small community of yogis, can help our brothers and sisters who are desperately seeking the justice, love, respect, and equality they deserve.</p><p></p><p>It&#39;s time to overcome hatred and fear. To live with love, care, and mutual support. We are one human family.</p><p></p><p>With Love, Sorrow, and Hope — your friend,</p><p>Will</p><p></p>"},"category":[],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":null}