“Without firm foundations a house cannot stand. Without the practice of the principles of yama and niyama (social and self discipline), which lay down firm foundations for building character, there cannot be an integrated personality. Practice of asanas without the backing of yama and niyama is mere acrobatics.”
- B.K.S. Iyengar, the 1st Requisites of Yogasanas, Light on Yoga

Finding balance in sari. Tamil Nadu, December 2007

While we were out for a drive the other day, my mother mentioned that her physical therapist friend has been treating a rising number of patients with yoga related injuries. This brought to mind something a very wise teacher of mine once said. It was something along the lines of, “Yoga has and can never hurt me. I have only hurt myself by misusing (misunderstanding) yoga.”

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Here are a few links to other important sites.

Energy 4 Orphans
E4O is a 100% non-profit organization that raises support for orphans and destitute children in Asia and elsewhere. E4O are an ever-expanding, energetic group of yoga teachers, artists, and other friendly people.
E4O is currently trying to raise $7,000 to construct a much needed girls’ campus at the Deenabandhu Trust Children’s Home in Chamrajanagar, Karnataka, South India.

As E40’s New York coordinator and web designer, I invite you to please visit the website and find out more about how you can nourish yourself through yoga while helping other’s, too.

DeenabandhuTrust.org

Orphanage, school, and more. An incredible institution. They have become like my second family and home.

Christopher Dylan Herbert

My amazing brother’s music site (that I design and manage– that’s probably why it has to be updated!)

David Hollander: Sun and Moon Arts

My mentor and dear friend David Hollander’s site.

Maggie Converse
My longtime friend and fellow New York yoga teacher.
Also, please her new blog, Converse with Yoga.

Thomas Spencer’s Consulting Blog
My dear Aussie friend’s blog… info that I need to read!

East Yoga
The lovely studio in New York’s East Village where I’m now teaching. Please see the schedule on their website.

Yoga Hale
My friend and fellow yoga teacher Christina Sarich’s site. If you’re in Hawaii or want a great yoga resource!

SophieHerbert.com

My art website… in need of an update…

Yoga Journal
Wonderful and informative

Body & Soul Magazine
A fantastic publication

Sarvangasana, or shoulderstand, is considered one of the eight most important yogasana in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Even this inverted posture’s name suggests its power. Sarva means “all” in Sanskrit and anga means “limb” or “part”. Sarvangasana truly can benefit almost all parts of the body. (Continue reading by clicking on the link below Sundar.)

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose) is a great preparatory asana for sarvangasana . Thanks to Sundar for demonstrating at his family’s home in Tamil Nadu.

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Swara yoga is the ancient yogic science that focuses on how prana, or vital energy, can be controlled through the breath and awareness of one’s pranic body rhythms. The roots of swara yoga are traced back to the ancient text Shiva Swarodaya, a dialogue between Lord Shiva and his disciple Parvati (also referred to as Devi). In this 395 aphorism text, Lord Shiva insists that the incredible wisdom of swara yoga be kept highly secret and sacred. To this day, swara yoga remains a mysterious and complex science that very little has been written about. It is believed that through the knowledge of the swara (flow of breath), one can become a perfected yogi. While this many centuries old science is highly complex and, at times, incredibly specific, following some aspects of it can have a beneficial impact on day-to-day life as breath awareness will always improve one’s state of wellbeing. (continue reading by clicking link below Lord Shiva)

Lord Shiva in an ancient temple near Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. photographed by Sophie in December 2007.
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I promised to write about a few more yogic techniques that can alleviate seasonal allergies (and more). I must apologize, however, for my tardiness in doing so. Figuring out how to use this new blogware has taken more time than I imagined and I still have a ways to go!

a little demonstration… I know it’s not the most flattering shot!

Jal neti, or nasal irrigation, is a beautiful cleansing process that removes excess mucus and pollutants from the nasal passage and sinuses. Read the rest of this entry »

From April 23rd, 2008

It is refreshing to report that each time I return to New York after a few months away, the city seems to be greener and more eco-aware. While progress is still confined in very specific places, such as the farmers market, organic restaurants, and health food stores, the fact there is a notable transformation is comforting. Of course, we still have a long way to go.

At first, I thought this post would be most appropriate on Earth Day, but realized that it is important and fitting for everyday. I just wanted to re-enforce some age-old wisdom: It’s the small things that add up.
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From April 21st, 2008

Spring is in full bloom! As beautiful as it may be outside, however, some of us have inevitably fallen victim to seasonal allergies. Over the next week, I would like to present a few yogic techniques that can help alleviate spring congestion. If you suffer from severe allergies, it may be best to consult a medical practitioner or naturopathic expert before performing these practices. (Click below the photo to continue reading)

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April 19th, 2008

Over a wonderful South Indian dinner last night at Tamil Nadu Bhavan (27th & Lexington), my beautiful friend Catherine suggested I write a little about my personal relationship with yoga.

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