A monthly newsletter that explores all things Yoga – from adjusting your asana to discussing philosophy – and how to make all of it your own.

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Happy October!

Hello Reader,

I'm back in your inboxes, and planning to stay! Transitioning to two kids at home means I never get out the door quickly, my laundry has more than doubled, and "working" often happens with my laptop on the floor…but I'm committed to starting up these newsletters again. Here's to crumbs in my keyboard 😉

As always, I'm happy to hear from you if you'd like to drop me a line (and I DID resolve an email delivery issue from last month, so responses should get to me this time 😬). I don't have a return date for public classes yet, but plan to start scheduling private lessons before the year is out. If you want philosophy or recordings, instructions are below.

Enjoy the season of transition, and I'll see your inboxes again soon!

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Anatomy Spotlight: SI Joints

The sacroiliac joints, or SI Joints, mark the transition from your pelvis to your spine. The sacrum acts like the keystone, or uppermost part of an arch, in the transference of weight from the torso, through the arch of your pelvis, down to your leg bones. These joints don’t look like your classic hinge, nor your ball and socket style; they are bumpy, elongated ear-shapes, which move by sliding against each other a very little bit. I believe they are angled to fit front to back, like a jack-o’-lantern top…but it’s hard to be sure, as most renderings are 2D, and I haven’t personally done dissections. (Plus, few sources describe anatomy how I want them to! 🤷‍♀️ Zoom in on the skeleton image, lower right, to draw your own conclusions.)

Numerous ligaments stabilize this area – from the inside, around the back, across the front – which tells us that we have a Goldilocks situation going on. Although some movement here is essential if you want to keep doing certain activities (like, I dunno, walking 😐), the immense structural stabilization tells us that too much movement is probably unwise. Over time, these joints risk becoming too stiff; during yoga practices and pregnancy, they risk becoming too mobile. Either way, instability hurts! So keep awareness on this area feeling juuuust right.

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Pose Breakdown: Prasarita Padottanasana

One phrase I love to use when cueing forward folds is to “hinge at the hip creases.” Our goal in poses like prasarita padottanasana, or wide-legged forward fold, is to keep the spine as neutral as possible while targeting the backs of the legs. Another way to think of this movement, especially in this pose, is to let the tailbone lift while the heart lowers. Since the sacrum and the pelvis are so closely tied at the SI joints, the whole spine will tilt forward, targeting the legs and supporting the low back in neutral (mostly).

If you want to explore the range of motion in your SI joints (and remember, we don’t want a lot!), you can slowly shift your weight from foot to foot in this pose. The place that moves in the back of your pelvis is where you’ll feel these joints at work (see image, right column).

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Philosophy Snippets: Cultivate Peace of Mind with Just 5 Minutes a Day

How can you start defining your personal values so that your life is driven by choice instead of circumstance? One place to start is getting exposure to concepts and viewpoints to contrast against your own – turning over new stones, if you will.

If you want to follow your inner compass but aren't sure where to start calibrating, this 2-week series is for you.

It's a must subscribe if you:
- Want to bring yogic awareness into daily life
- Like challenging your automatic perspective(s)
- Are actively seeking more peace of mind

Just click below to add your email address, and you'll start getting my new, philosophy-rooted series this week. I've curated thought-provoking content from the Dalai Lama to the band AJR; there's something to learn and chew over every day!

Get me stoned! ...Wait 😶​ Just gimme the series already

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Yoga In Your Pocket

I know – recorded online classes aren't the same! But in case you just can't stand how much you miss me, you do have an option!

My online library has classes ranging from 20-60 minutes, which feature my signature anatomy focus and sparkling personality 😉

(Plus, the 2023 set has some pretty sweet editing magic. I figured out how to zoom the camera and everything!)

Videos are available to rent a week at a time for $10, or unlock unlimited views for $25/month. Every purchase will also help me buy sweet baby stuff! (And food. Breastfeeding a baby is hungry work.)

Rent a Video (or Two!)

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Thanks for joining me!

WHEN I TEACH RENT A YOGA CLASS PRIVATE LESSONS READ THE BLOG ​

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