Holding Space

Why You Aren’t Good At “Holding Space”

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The only space we can truly hold is our own. Our own bodies, our own breath, our own thoughts… When we facilitate another person’s process, we can practice being an impeccable host. Hosting space is very different than holding space. Knowing the difference lessens the burden and takes the weight off our shoulders. It’s much less exhausting. But to be a host of space is a great responsibility. To be done well, it must be done actively and consciously. To play the role of host requires the upmost care and consideration…

Are Generalists Healthier Than Specialists?

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There’s a movement system within us, that was built in and that our body craves. It doesn’t result in resistance and shut down. The code is already hidden deep within the molecular structure of our human body – our primal memory. We just need to remember and reawaken it. Finally something refreshing that makes sense, the fitness trend of natural movement (which includes Primal Vinyasa and other primal movement methods) takes the emphasis back to the very thing that we are best at doing: being human. “Movement” is really just the brand of the “unbranded”. We can’t truly call it a brand if it always existed – it’s just what humans are supposed to do.

Movement as Nourishment

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Nowadays, everything has been made easy. Our environment does not offer as much novelty or complexity, we don’t need to move as much to get through our day. Movement has been replaced by convenience. But at what cost? For the first time the biology of our species is slowly degenerating.

Yoga Challenge 2017

Secrets Of a Successful Challenge

Blog, Wellness, Yoga tips and hints, Yoga Training1 Comment

The tenth annual Yoga Union Yoga Challenge begins April 1st, 2017. We host the yoga challenge every April. We do it primarily for the three reasons:
1. It reminds us of the joy that consistent yoga practice brings into our lives.
2. It motivates us to emerge from winter hibernation into the glory of spring.
3. It builds community through a common goals.
The Yoga Challenge is meant to be empowering. The last thing you want to do is set a goal you can’t attain and then beat yourself up for failing. I’ve been participating in the annual yoga challenge every year running. I haven’t always completed it, but I have received some valuable lessons along the way. I’m happy to share some of what I’ve learned. Below are my essential secrets to ‘success.’

Why do this teacher training? / Yes, you are brilliant.

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The main reason why I felt so sure in choosing this training was the fact that I’ve done private sessions with Annie. That she’s shown me true healing happens from someplace deep inside, someplace nameless. I knew I wasn’t signing up for a teacher training to be able to get into crazy instagram-worthy inversions or “be super flexible.” I signed up to witness the magic that is as simple as breath. To study the interfaces of the body, the skin of language, its texture, quality, effects. To connect these threads.

Portland Yoga Studio

Yoga and The Study of One’s Self

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So … here we are, midway through the challenge and the nourishment program. Now we are in the depths. This is the hardest part, the middle. Not close enough to the end to see the light and far enough from the start to quit at this point. Relearning our bodies, minds, and spirits. Cleansing is actually a difficult process. We have to go through the hard part to get to the good part.

Yoga Community in SE Portland, OR

Community – Support for Personal Transformation

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When I am in yoga, and I look around at all the people practicing, my heart is filled with joy! This is one time in life when I feel truly happy. The community that has blossomed at Yoga Union is a phenomenon. This intentional community keeps growing and I believe it is because the intention for a better world is at the core of it. Yoga Union is filled with the energy of everyone holding each other up. Holding up and pushing up. A safe place where your heart can be full and your energy big. On the days when we aren’t feeling so full and big, it is also a safe place for reflection. So, we can also just be!

Signs of Spring at The Hive!

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Hello everyone! We are seeing signs of spring in the lovely blooming trees and gardens of our neighborhoods. Here at the Hive, we are collaborating with egg and nest themed collages. Younger children practice choice and manual dexterity through coloring and gluing. While older children experience planning and self expression through cutting, drawing, painting, and collage.…

Why I stopped going to Yoga – And Why I’m going back

Blog, Ethics, Life and Yoga, Philosophy, Teacher Training, Wellness, Yoga Training3 Comments

The problem with yoga and all this self awakening shit is that you are aware of your own mental tricks. The things your brain used to do to get you out of bad situations and make you feel ok with yourself and justify that the way you are is perfect and needs to alternation, they don’t work anymore cause you’re “enlightened” or whatever buzzword is popular this week. Really, it’s because you’re being honest and relatively aware of your own consciousness. Enlightened sounds entirely too graceful for what is really happening.