Amplify Yoga

03/10/2024

Thank you Mickey Bakum / Mickey Sunshine for launching our studio! Great experience.

03/03/2022

We'd like to add tree pose legs when you're cooking, brushing teeth, folding laundry, etc. to the list. ;)

But really it's about returning to the moment, especially when your "to do" list is long. It's easy to lose sight of the task at hand when mentally you're too far into the future. And even at our busiest we can find peace in the present.

It can be very difficult to fit yoga into a busy schedule. One yogini and mother shares her tips for incorporating more mindfulness into a busy life.

08/05/2021

If you've ever "smudged" your home using palo santo or sage, you're already familiar with the next niyama we're exploring—tapas. One of the five niyamas that make up the second limb of yoga, tapas is the discipline of clearing impurities.

It literally means "to burn" and it's about fueling your inner fire, and stoking drive and determination. Like the manipura chakra and summer's heat, tapas is transformative.

It's present when we determine to take a deep breath before reacting in anger, when we meditate in agitation, when we find gratitude even at our low points. Tapas is the drive that empowers our intention. We can transform how we interact with
world, burn away negativity and find santosha (contentment).

We might be inspired to keep challenging, keep growing, keep fueling that drive and passion; and as long as ego doesn't get in the way that's a good thing. We'll parse that out more when we get into Svadhyaya or self-study next week.

07/13/2021

The second limb of yoga — the niyamas — is our self-care guide. Follow it and make peace with yourself.

The first niyama, saucha, translates to purity (the lotus flower symbolizes purity) or cleanliness, and it’s about taking care of your body and mind. Saucha can be found in the physical practice of yoga, where we work to release tension and strengthen muscles in joints. It’s also found in the food we eat and the moments we stop to simply breath.

Saucha is also about cleaning out the mind and letting go of strong emotions, making space for clarity. Meditation helps us sit with our thoughts without judgement, untethered to the past or the tyranny of a future not yet lived. Through saucha we begin to find santosha — contentment. More on that next week.

07/09/2021

Starting next week, we'll be taking an in-depth look at the niyamas—the second limb of yoga. But first let's review the first limb—what we call the yamas. Together the yamas
and niyamas serve as guidelines to bring the mindfulness we create on the mat into all aspects of our life.

The yamas are our code of ethics; they guide us on how to treat other people.

Ahimsa: Do no harm.
Satya: Tell the truth, without harm.
Asteya: Do not steal, this includes both the physical and nonphysical. One can steal time or security, for example.
Brahmacharya: Live consciously and use your energy wisely.
Aparigraha: Accept impermanence; change is the only constant.

Remember, the yamas begin inward. If you're harming yourself, you might be hurting others. Rob yourself of your own time, and you are likely not being present with others.

The journey is long and will be imperfect, but it's always worth taking, especially when you find yourself taking breath and mindfulness off the mat.

Starting next Thursday, we’ll journey into the niyamas.

04/14/2021

Brahmacharya — another yama (the first limb of yoga’s 8) — is often associated with celibacy and the path to God, or the divine.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a post on abstinence or religion.

More importantly, brahmacharya is about living consciously; not driven by desire. It’s a reminder to use our energy wisely, whether it’s for personal growth or social justice — and having a healthy relationship with yourself will leave you primed to take care of others.

Restraining from comforts that we’ve grown accustomed to, especially the ones that don’t contribute to the greater good, is another way to practice brahmacharya. This isn’t about repression, but reevaluating and restraining from the things that don’t serve you or others.

04/08/2021

Mindfulness changes your brain, moving activity from the reactionary and emotional portion to the rational prefrontal cortex.

We call it taking yoga off the mat and it really does give you an edge. In a breath of space we think clearer and make better decisions.

Put it on your calendar.

03/30/2021

Fish pose, matsyasana, is one of the antidotes to desk work, undoing the body’s naturally tendency to fold forward as we work at computers and look at phones.

Often, matsyasana is used as a counterpose to shoulderstand for the same reason — it opens the front of the body. And like shoulderstand, neck safety should be considered when practicing fish pose.

Lengthening out the neck and gently lowering the head will decrease the risk of hyperextension. And along with stretching the chest, matsyasana should be strengthening the back. Keeping the upper back engaged will build that strength and support the spine.

Adding props (blocks, bolsters or a rolled up blanket as pictured) to the pose can be a great way to prepare to take an unsupported fish, and can also offer longer holds in this heart opening and confidence-building release.

03/17/2021

Need help making space for new beginnings?

We'll be creating cleansing heat and welcoming spring 🌸 and all the newness it brings with 108 sun salutations on Sunday at 11 a.m.

It's not about how many sun salutations you complete — you can pause at any time and we'll be taking regular breaks throughout. It's about setting an intention, embracing a challenge and letting go of thoughts and feelings that limit you.

Use the video below 👇 as a sun salutation refresher and to explore variations. Sign up here: https://metroyogachicago.com/classes/

A sun salutation refresher.