zen girl in maui
Natasha teaches Hatha Yoga in Edmonton, Canada, and runs Yoga & Spa Retreats in Maui, Hawaii.
mauispirityogaretreats.com
Ask me any yoga related questions by clicking "ask me anything" on the bar at the bottom of your browser. I try to answer everyone's questions in as much detail as possible.
Search
Additional pages
Twitter feed
Loading Tweet...
Tag Results
81 posts tagged meditation
On average, each human takes 60 million breaths in their lifetime.
Breathe slowly and make the best of your 60 million.
~*~ Embrace the Waves ~*~
Photo of Natasha Sklar in Paia, Maui
By Lauren Garceau
Buddha - I want to have your peace …
your wisdom, your serenity, and your divine nature,
AND your acorn hat!
Love, Squirrel.
Meditation is a lot like …
- Cleaning out the filter in your dryer so it doesn’t cause a fire.
- Pulling weeds from your garden so your plants can grow.
- Flossing your teeth to remove build up so your fangs stay healthy.
- Taking out the garbage so your kitchen doesn’t stink.
- Giving away old clothes to empty your closet.
- Ridding of negative people in your life to make room for lighter influences.
- De-fogging your windshield so you can see more clearly.
- Scrubbing your shower and bathtub so it is sparkly clean.
Just thinking about these moments feels so good - why not treat your mind to the same feeling and clean it out? Ahhh … more space, what a relief …
I have been practicing Bikram yoga for 7 years, 3 or 4 times a week, and in the past 6 months have become interested in exploring other types of yoga. I am fit, male, in my 50s, and curious about exploring this path further. Thanks.
balancepath
Hi balancepath,
Thank you for your question, and for patiently waiting for my response. I hope my advice can help you on your yoga journey.
First, You are a very dedicated student. I imagine you notice all kinds of changes in your body and mind over the last 7 years of consistent practice.
It is natural to want to evolve and try new forms of yoga. You are like a growing tree whose branches are shifting their direction to get closer to the sun.
I am a Hatha Yoga teacher, and will tell you more about the Hatha style since I am most familiar with it.
Hatha Yoga poses are the basis for all yoga styles. It is the oldest form, and is often referred to as “Classical Hatha Yoga”. Most styles borrow from these poses and change them slightly to suit their style.
For example, Vinyasa’s “upward facing dog” is their version of Hatha’s “cobra” pose. Since cobra is quite intense and takes more time to get into, they changed it in a way that is suitable for a faster-paced flow sequence.
So taking a Hatha class with an instructor who teaches classic style is like getting to the roots of yoga (in a historical sense). There is emphasis on meditation, and using the breath as a tool to get further into the mind and body. It is slower-paced, but is quite intense mentally and physically.
However, if the mind is caught up in trying to look fit, quick, and sweaty, this class will be the most challenging for you. Hatha students must let go of the ego to truly advance in their practice. For some, it’s hard to slow down and focus.
I must say that a man in your 50’s will benefit greatly from this style. I’ve taught men in their 70’s (very fit men) who are very grateful for the amount of introspection and quiet time they enjoy each class. You have time to get into the pose properly and focus your attention. You have more time to release and create space in both mind and body, and you become more flexible in many ways.
It is such a pleasure to teach men at your age and beyond, and I wish you nothing but the best as you continue on your path.
If you are ever interested in a class with me, I offer week long Hatha Yoga retreats in Maui. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the style and gives you a good sense of what to look for in your teacher at home.
Thank you, and Namaste,
Natasha
New Zengirl Event!
