" ... There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness."

What does a yogi look like?

Some ideas probably come to mind when we think about it.

The wonderful thing about the practice is that you don't need to follow any specific belief or dogma to be a practitioner (when I discuss yoga philosophy in my classes, I tell students that they can take it or leave it.) You needn't buy expensive or trendy clothing, have a specific body type, be ready to join the peace corps or quit smoking to practice yoga.

Over time, however, you may find that certain things about you might change through the practice (hopefully for the better.) My feelings, as a teacher, are that whether you practice yoga for fitness or to manage stress, almost any motivation that brings you to the practice is a good thing.

Shanti.

Inverted poses help to strengthen and tone the upper body. When the legs are in the reverse position above the torso, it can also help improve circulation and alleviate swelling in the lower body.

Inversions, literally, give you a change in perspective, as you view the world upside down.

As I enter Spring, a season of change and renewal, I look to get a new perspective on things through inverting.

Namaste.