Author: ajf56

How gentle somatic learning in yoga can support recovery and continued active living By Alan Franzi, MS, C-IAYT When pain persists or familiar activities become difficult, it can feel as though age has finally caught up with us. Discomfort comes and goes in seemingly mysterious ways. We understandably seek relief, sometimes with a growing fear…

By Alan Franzi, MS, C-IAYT “Sthira Sukham Asanam.” Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, 2.46. In this article, I explore the phrase through the qualities of steadiness and ease in a pose. Text and commentary at the Centre for Yoga Studies. Many people first meet yoga through asana, the practice of poses. They may come to work…

By Alan Franzi, MS, C-IAYT As we approach Thanksgiving, we can take the opportunity to celebrate the power of gratitude to help us grow as a practice and a way of being throughout the year. Through our day-to-day navigation of the stressors, challenges, gains, and losses of our lives, it is easy to lose sight…

By Alan Franzi, MS, C-IAYT Movement Wellness From Inside Out Are you curious about what a familiar yoga pose could teach you? Somatic movement brings attention to the experience of moving: how you use effort, coordinate different parts of your body, and respond to what you feel. You might make a movement smaller, slow it…

By Alan Franzi, MS, C-IAYT Every year at this time, when summer activities wind down and our fall schedules and obligations resume, we can re-assess our needs and approaches to self-care. So it is with our work here as the evolution of our teaching and what we offer to help you on your journey continues.…

By Alan Franzi, MS, C-IAYT A familiar movement can become an opportunity to learn. In class, we take time to notice how we move, try a different amount of effort or support, and pay attention to what changes. The aim is to explore options you can bring into your yoga practice and the activities that…

By Alan Franzi, MS, C-IAYT I hope you are doing well and enjoying happy times with those you love. Thank you all for another year together on this journey! As we approach the end of the year, it’s a natural time to reflect on our lives and experiences. For those of us on a self-care…

By Alan Franzi, MS, C-IAYT As the longer and brighter days of spring unfold, so many of us are inspired to embrace life’s activities anew. To create a healthy foundation for these activities, we can step onto our yoga mats with renewed intention and heightened awareness. In this article, we’ll explore how a somatic approach…

By Alan Franzi, MS, C-IAYT Changing Brain, Changing Lives The brain and body interact in response to what we do, feel, and think. This is an automatic process of which we are largely and happily unaware under normal circumstances. Pain, movement difficulties, and emotional distress can draw our attention to something that needs care. We…

By Alan Franzi, MS, C-IAYT Why Breathwork Matters Breathing is a familiar place to begin paying attention. In yoga, it can give you something simple to notice as you settle into practice or move through a pose. Yoga brings together movement, poses, relaxation, meditation, and breathing practices. Breath awareness is one part of that mix,…