I am thrilled to introduce you Katherine Alfredo. When I am in Coronado, California I go to Katherine’s class at Bamboo. This is a small and intimate yoga studio on the second floor right off of Orange Ave. Katherine brings a clear intention to class with a huge, open heart ready to assist and guide her students into exploring where they are at on their mat that day. The last time I was with her she suggested we ask ourselves during our practice, “Is this true?” It was a great invitation to go deeper into what I was searching for that day. I strongly urge you to find Katherine the next time you are lucky enough to be in San Diego and Coronado, CA.

And at the request of Katherine (and we always do what teachers ask, right?) I looked up Ana Forrest’s videos on YouTube and wanted to share a couple of those with you too. I’ve done a workshop with Ana and think she is one fierce, amazing woman. Anyone who has a pose called Road Kill gets a vote from me!!

What is your favorite style of yoga and why?

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Warrior II

veer-ah-bah-DRAHS-anna

I was just reading in my notes from teacher training that this is a standing hip opener. Although this is correct, the first thing that comes to my mind in this asymmetrical pose is the joint action of the front and back leg with the spine in neutral extension. I remember when I first started practicing how challenging it was to hear that I should be attempting to place my back (slightly turned in) outside of my foot on the floor. Interesting, isn’t it, our individual interpretations of each pose? Of course we are all fully aware of how this is a fierce mythical warrior that we are positioned in and it certainly feels like that on some days!

Some things to think about:

In your back hip joint there is abduction and extension at the same time so it is a challenging position for the ligaments and capsule of the hip joint. The work of the abductors is important because they lift the back knee. If the glutes are weak or tight, other muscles will be recruited – which is what is the inability to ground the back foot.

In the front hip joint gravity creates the flexion at the knee and hip. The more extended stance creates deeper actions at all the joints of the lower extremities, but caution because it will  place extra stress of the joints of the connective tissue.

As I am sure you hear a lot, remember to keep your knee over your ankle. Tuck your tailbone slightly and gaze out over your extended middle finger. In this photo, I was looking at Point Loma — happily. Because of this I gained a new appreciation for my lifelong challenge to “settle into” some poses and breathe into the experience and absorb my surroundings. All too often I use a open focus, and move inwards. Here, out in nature, I really enjoyed the view! ~ Namaste

Where have you been lately in Warrior II that you gained an insight into your practice?

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Tales of the Traveling Yogini, Interview with Aadil Palkhivala

August 5, 2010

I am thrilled to introduce you to what is, right now, my favorite author who wrote an amazing book on yoga that has special segments for yoga teachers. Aadil Palkhivala explains here that “true yoga is not about the shape of your body, but the shape of our life.” This much sought after speaker has [...]

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Virabhadrasana I – Yoga Pose of the Day, Warrior 1

August 2, 2010

In Warrior I, the lower body is providing effective support (sthira) for the upper body, so that there is enough freedom (sukha) for easy breathing. When there is vinyasa (dynamic movement into and out of an asana) it is important to remember the positioning and maintenance of the pelvis in relationship to the legs and torso. Strong contraction of the abdominal wall is important.

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John Meredith interview

July 20, 2010

I’m thrilled to personally introduce you to John Meredith of Onlyoga in Atlanta, Georgia. Ashtanga is my first love.

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Garudasana

July 11, 2010

I encourage you to experience yourself in many spiatial planes in Eagle Pose – and imagine yourself in multiple actions. This is where you experience flight. The combination of compression, working arms and legs, lengthening through the arms, legs and spine create the multiple actions and when you consider that you are also balancing it is amazing. The combination of all of the above, aligning with the energy of your chakras will give you a whole new insight into who you are.

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Women Saving The World, Interview with Tom Blue Wolf

July 8, 2010

The Tales of the Traveling Yogini will highlight and focus on WSWnow.com for the month because working on this has given me a great sense of purpose.The following interview (and the subsequent ones we are uploading today) gave me chills as Tom Blue Wolf talks about how women are the life givers and how we all come from spirit. I was captivated by his eloquence and profound wisdom. “Our elders tell us it’s our duty, our obligation and our responsibility to move through this world as though the woman we love most in the world is about to give birth” Tom stated.

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Women Saving the World

July 7, 2010

Just got to Atlanta, GA to work with Women Saving The World. We interviewed Tom Blue Wolf today. This Traveling Yogini is going to tell you some brand new tales from the road, so stay tuned!!Tweet Share and Enjoy:

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Tales of the Traveling Yogini – Interview with Jenni Fleming

June 28, 2010

Grayhawk Yoga is right around the corner from my house. I popped in before leaving tomorrow for my summer internship. The owner, Jenni Fleming, led a great class and I’m thrilled to share her with you! Tweet Share and Enjoy:

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Tales of the Traveling Yogini – Interview with Cora Wen

June 25, 2010

After looking at everything you are doing, Cora, I love your energy. What I think is amazing about you is you have a lovely balance of grace and purity and honesty mixed with a wicked sense of humor. Your sirsasana challenge is hilarious. I am going to submit to that for sure in the future! I do think you are someone with “less dust in their eyes”

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