yoga is universal

Accepting Change

Accepting Change

Yoga invites an exploration of positions and movements you don’t always do. This opportunity to experience something different allows you to embrace the discomfort of change. You learn to notice when your mental imprints, known as samskaras, shape your perceptions, reactions, and understanding of the world. Exploring new thoughts, habits or routines cultivates mental resilience and openness.

The Inner Stages of Yoga, Meditation’s Continuum of Practice

The Inner Stages of Yoga, Meditation’s Continuum of Practice

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras outline 8 stages for the practice of Yoga, the Eight Limbs of Yoga. The later stages describe how to cultivate a practice of meditation. Meditation offers an opportunity to integrate your experience and notice what is in your Awareness. It is a journey of training the mind to stay present and focused. Identifying where you are in the meditation continuum of practice (Dharna, Dhyana or Samadhi) allows you to find greater awareness.

Service Week, June 2023: Benefiting LGBTQ Center of Durham

Service Week, June 2023: Benefiting LGBTQ Center of Durham

Service week is one way that Dogwood Studios practices seva. Seva is “the practice of selfless service.” It is acting with heartfelt intention to make the lives of others better without expectations for the outcome of that action. We offer service through kindness and compassion with no expectation of personal gain.

You Are Unique: A Functional Approach to Yoga

You Are Unique: A Functional Approach to Yoga

In the simple words of Bernie Clark, “you are unique – so is your yoga.” This uniqueness is defined by an array of biological strengths and limitations that constitute who we are. When we practice yoga from a functional approach, we recognize and honor our anatomical differences to move safely and effectively and minimize the risk of injury. Rather than limiting ourselves by the notion of what we think a pose should look like, functional yoga emphasizes the felt experience that arises when performing a pose. When we focus on the intention of a posture, as opposed to its aesthetic appeal, we develop a practice that will support us in maintaining healthy movement patterns for the duration of our lives. 

Lead with Compassion using G.R.A.C.E.

Lead with Compassion using G.R.A.C.E.

The news lately has been filled with tragic stories describing marginalized groups facing himsa (violence or harm). When we see injustice we might be compelled to react. However, when we react rather than respond, we might not act with ahimsa, non-harm in thought, word and deed towards all. Joan Halifax, PhD from Upaya Zen Center suggests we have G.R.A.C.E. Roshi Joan created this model for bringing compassion into interactions with others.

Mindful Movement: A Key Component of Resiliency

Mindful Movement: A Key Component of Resiliency

Resiliency includes mindful movement, stretching, humor, service and pranayama!

What exactly is mindful movement? And why does Dogwood Studio have a class called Mindful Movement and Yoga? We see the word mindfulness thrown around when referring to meditation, yoga, tai chi and qi gong. It has been part of popular culture for meditation, but the nuances of what a mindful practice entails is often overlooked. Mindfulness is the English translation of the Pali (ancient language from the Indian subcontinent used to write some of the oldest Buddhist scriptures) word sati.

August at Dogwood Studio and focusing on Building Self-Compassion

August at Dogwood Studio and focusing on Building Self-Compassion

We care about ourselves. We eat things that we like and do things that we enjoy. But do we take the time to cultivate a true appreciation of ourselves; to recognize that no matter the circumstance we are human and deserve our own unconditional love? We can develop understanding, support, care and comfort for ourselves with self-compassion.