Ayurveda and Ashtanga Yoga: Balance and the Ego

Image © Robin Ellen Lucas

the study of inner space

Ayurveda is the sister science of Yoga. Mysore-style Ashtanga yoga is based on the principles of Ayurveda, since it is customized for each person. It is the study of the inner space within you and so too is a self-led Ashtanga practice where you listen to your inner voice.

The main goal of both Ayurveda and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (Mysore-style self-led practice) is to bring yourself to a balanced state. Each individual is unique, leading to varying definitions of what it takes to come into balance.

Click to read more ...

Digestion and emotions: Which brain do you use?

Galavasana (Image © Robin Ellen Lucas)Digestion and emotions are connected. The belly holds a lot of power. The power center is accessed by activating mula bandha and uddiyana bandha.

The vagus nerve connects digestive system / enteric nervous system in the gut to the central nervous system. Read more here about the digestive system and its anatomy. It's important to have optimal digestion to practice Ashtanga yoga, but also in life as its dysfunction can cause a ricochet effort on other anatomical systems and optimal subtle body health.

what you cannot see

Having said that, in this pose, Galavasana,

Click to read more ...

How essential oils have enhanced my Ashtanga yoga practice and life

Image © Robin Ellen Lucas

why essential oils and ashtanga yoga?

When I first started to experiment with essential oils, I thought of their scent which brought to mind the emotional sparks that would be kindled within me. I began with the more well-known oils mixed in with my bubble bath. Lavender, Patchouli, Sandalwood, to name a few... When I was going through a challenging time, a friend insisted that I put some Frankincense on the bottoms of my feet and top of my head. I did as instructed and I didn't know why. I trusted.

Fast forward to years later... I now am quite the essential oils investigator extraordinaire. After stumbling upon a close friend's website while I was buying some of her artwork, my intuition clicked on the "essential oils" tab to dive into this deeper. What else was there to know? Why was I drawn to these little brown bottles of elixir and how could they shape my holistic health practices?

Click to read more ...

Sahasrara Chakra: Find spirit connection with seventh chakra

Crown Chakra, you are unspeakable.You connect me to the infinite world, where I know that your moments are made just for me.

Physically located at the crown of my head, you are like the candle flame that always burns, the one I cannot tell is you or me or we. ‪#‎chakrahealing‬ ‪#‎emotions‬ ‪#‎sahasrarachakra‬

(excerpt from "You Transfix Me: You Are My Chakras" Part 7 of series of 7.

Namaste.

~ Robin Ellen Lucas, MA

Ajna Chakra: Find intuition with sixth chakra

Third Eye Chakra, you are my intuition.

Clairvoyant you are. When I look through your third eye, my questions seem mysteriously answered. I know before you know. I am looking through you toward the sky. ‪#‎chakrahealing‬ ‪#‎emotions‬ ‪#‎ajnachakra‬

(excerpt from "You Transfix Me: You Are My Chakras" Part 6 of series of 7).

Namaste.

~ Robin Ellen Lucas, MA

Vishuddha Chakra: Be articulate with fifth chakra

Throat Chakra, you are in my throat. You affect my communication, both inside my mind and through words articulated through my voice.

Are you hearing my own words before I speak them? How did you hear through my silent fog? It's ok, I know how. ‪#‎chakrahealing‬ ‪#‎emotions‬ ‪#‎vishuddhachakra‬

(excerpt from "You Transfix Me: You Are My Chakras" Part 5 of series of 7).

Namaste.

~ Robin Ellen Lucas, MA

Anahata Chakra: Open your heart with fourth chakra

Heart Chakra, you are love.

In the heart, lungs, circulatory system, shoulders and upper back, you easily hide gems in the dark within me if I don't keep them free. With you I know how precious the teardrop is. ‪#‎chakrahealing‬ ‪#‎emotions‬ ‪#‎anahatachakra‬

(excerpt from "You Transfix Me: You Are My Chakras" Part 4 of series of 7).

Namaste.

~ Robin Ellen Lucas, MA

Manipura Chakra: Be self-assured with third chakra

Solar Plexus Chakra, it is time for you now.

I'm fascinated by what's on the other side of you. Impatience is my path to you, but you are my drive to make things happen. You feed my self-esteem on the way to our edge, the place we usually travel. You're my personal power. ‪#‎chakrahealing‬ ‪#‎emotions‬ ‪#‎manipurachakra‬

(excerpt from "You Transfix Me: You Are My Chakras" Part 3 of series of 7).

Namaste.

~ Robin Ellen Lucas, MA