Practice, philosophy, and embodied living — narrated.
Daily yoga briefing — practice, philosophy, breath, and the embodied life — narrated by Yui for your morning commute or evening wind-down.
yoga and wellness · the day's top 5 · june 8th
storyflo · yoga and wellness·1 min__DEGRADED__ From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief for June 8th. Here are today's top 5 yoga and wellness stories. Let's get into it. First, from Yoga Journal. This Yoga Pose Is One of the Few Shapes That Offers a Serious Side Stretch. Gate Pose is one of the few yoga poses that offers a true side-bend, allowing the shape to address unsung muscle groups. Here's how. The post This Yoga Pose Is One of the Few Shapes That Offers a Serious Side Stretch appeared first on Yoga Journal. Next. Second, from Mindful.org. Addiction, Recovery, and How Mindfulness Can Support Emotional Sobriety. When people hear the term “sobriety,” they often assume it’s just about stopping an addictive behavior. But as recovery coach Stephanie Hazard observes, sobriety is a practice that extends to every area of our lives, including our emotions—and can hold the key to long-term healing. The post Addiction, Recovery, and How Mindfulness Can Support Emotional Sobriety appeared first on Mindful. Up next. Third, from Yoga Basics. Why Chicago Loves Puppy Yoga. Ask any Chicagoan what their favorite wellness activity is, and you'll increasingly hear the same answer: puppy yoga. What started as a curious trend has become a genuine Chicago phenomenon. From busy professionals to families to friend groups, Chicagoans of all types have fallen in love with puppy yoga — and they can't stop talking about it. And then. Fourth, from Aura Wellness Center. Practicing Yoga For Inner Peace. Practicing Yoga for inner peace can prepare one for many challenging situations in life. That it can be difficult to get along with everyone you meet goes without saying. Some of the people we encounter in the course of our daily lives are wholly unreasonable, unable to compromise over the slightest issues, and insisting on having their way about everything. These interactions can be trying because they test the limits of our patience and temperaments. Next. Fifth, from Yoga Medicine. 168: Yoga & the Natural World: Community Conversations with Emily Long. Most of us instinctively understand that we feel better when we spend time in nature. But our relationship to the natural world is perhaps even more powerful than we appreciate. On today’s episode, host Rachel is joined by Emily Long—licensed clinical social worker, certified nature-informed therapist, and yoga teacher. That's today's yoga and wellness brief. Subscribe at storyflo.com to get this delivered to your private podcast feed every morning.
Today's curated set
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storyflo · yoga and wellness·16 minyoga and wellness · launch edition · june 5th
The storyflo daily brief for June 5th. This is our launch edition of the yoga and wellness show, featuring 10 recent stories curated from our wellness publisher network.
Storyflo Daily·2 minYui Yoga Brief — Jack Kornfield on the Eightfold Path, Dipa Ma's teaching, and the feminine in Buddhism
Welcome to Storyflo Daily Yoga. The teaching I want to lead with this week: per Jack Kornfield's piece "Where Does the Eightfold Path Go?
Pinchamayurasana: The Practice of Patience, Failure, and Inner Balance
Achieving Pinchamayurasana, or forearm balance, took two years of persistent effort and numerous falls. Each attempt highlighted not just the physical challenges of the pose but also deeper mental struggles, including frustration and self-doubt. Over time, the practice shifted from a focus on success to a journey of self-acceptance. The realization emerged that true contentment and transformation come from within, rather than from external validation or achieving a perfect pose. The practice of yoga is about cultivating a relationship with oneself, where patience and presence are key. The body learns and evolves at its own pace, and what may seem like stagnation can actually be a vital process of integration. Forcing progress can hinder this natural unfolding, while allowing time fosters a more genuine transformation. Technical elements can support the practice, but they should not overshadow the essence of yoga. Beginners may not achieve a perfect shape immediately, and that's acceptable. The focus should be on exploring balance and stability, rather than striving for an ideal. Engaging the core and maintaining a steady gaze can enhance stability, while a single-leg approach can help build awareness before moving into the full pose. Ultimately, the journey in Pinchamayurasana is about more than just mastering a physical shape; it’s about learning to meet oneself with patience and compassion. The real achievement lies in the quiet transformation that occurs through sustained practice, emphasizing that yoga is not just a technique to master but a lifelong relationship to nurture.
The Vinyasakrama Yoga
Vinyasakrama yoga, taught by Sri Krishnamacharya, emphasizes the importance of breath synchronization with movement in yoga practice. This system integrates both static postures and dynamic sequences, or vinyasas, which prepare the body for achieving perfection in specific asanas. Krishnamacharya criticized modern practices that neglect the traditional vinyasa approach, highlighting that many practitioners merely move without understanding the foundational principles of breath control. In his teachings, Krishnamacharya insisted that every vinyasa movement should be paired with appropriate breathing techniques. He introduced breath control right from the beginning, demonstrating how inhalation and exhalation should correspond with specific movements. This method not only enhances physical practice but also connects the practitioner to the breath, which he described as essential for achieving asana perfection. The concept of "prayatna," often translated as effort, has deeper implications in the context of yoga. Krishnamacharya linked it to breathing, suggesting that the effort involved in yoga practice is fundamentally tied to pranic activity. This interpretation aligns with ancient texts that describe the relationship between breath and the practice of asanas, reinforcing the idea that controlled breathing is crucial for successful yoga practice. Krishnamacharya’s teachings also delve into the philosophical aspects of breath, relating it to concepts of infinity and cosmic energy. He encouraged practitioners to focus their mental energy on the breath, suggesting that a smooth, controlled breath enhances the practice and leads to a deeper understanding of the asanas. The integration of breath with movement is thus not just a physical practice but a holistic approach that encompasses body, mind, and spirit.
The Integration of Opposites in Practice
The human mind tends to categorize experiences into binary oppositions, creating a false sense of stability. However, yoga challenges this dualistic thinking by encouraging practitioners to embrace the complexities of existence, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of life. This approach requires an active openness and the ability to hold contradictions without judgment. The Yoga Sūtras emphasize the importance of balancing steadiness and ease, suggesting that these qualities should be harmonized rather than viewed as opposing forces. In the Bhagavad Gītā, the concept of equanimity is highlighted, teaching that true yoga involves maintaining balance amid life's fluctuations. This perspective invites a shift from rigid evaluations to a broader awareness that accommodates multiple truths. The tension between quality and quantity in modern life illustrates the pitfalls of dualistic thinking, where one is often sacrificed for the other. Instead, these elements should be seen as interdependent, contributing to mastery through consistent practice. Repetition plays a crucial role in personal growth, as it lays a foundation for sustainable change. Behavioral psychology supports the idea that small, consistent actions are more effective than sporadic intense efforts. However, mere repetition is insufficient; the quality of attention during practice is vital. Deliberate practice, which focuses on intentional and structured engagement, allows for meaningful learning and transformation. While consistent effort is essential, it can lead to burnout if not balanced with discernment. The pursuit of quality should refine quantity, emphasizing mindfulness and presence rather than perfectionism. In both yoga and work, embracing iterative processes fosters innovation and success. Ultimately, the relationship between quantity and quality is integral to progress, with each informing the other. In yoga, the journey is not about achieving perfect postures but cultivating a harmonious connection between mind, body, and breath. The true essence of yoga lies in this internal experience, which cannot be measured externally. The practice serves as a means to access a deeper state of connection, highlighting the importance of being present and engaged in the process rather than fixating on outcomes.
Ole Nydahl, Founder of Diamond Way Buddhism, Has Died
Ole Nydahl, an influential yet controversial Karma Kagyu teacher known to devotees as Lama Ole, died on May 18, 2026, at the Europe Center (the International Diamond Way Buddhist Center) that he found…
I Don't Want To "Get Through" This
Andrea and I spent ten Christmases together. We loved driving around at night, marveling at newly twinkling homes. We loved dressing our dogs in festive sweaters.
The Choreography of Care
Given the chance, I would have been Andrea’s caregiver for the rest of my days. The pre-dawn zoom appointments with doctors I attended alone so Andrea could sleep in.
What to Do When the Signs Stop
Shortly after Andrea left their body, something began to happen. “Signs” is the closest word we have for it, but “signs” feels flimsy, flat. Cosmic Valentines is the more apt phrase.
We Went to Mexico City
My friend Tess had lived in Mexico City for a stint, and told me all about the colorful city filled with delicious food.
I Watched and Read Some Cool Sh*t in Q3
The last quarter has been bursting with life changes so please excuse the complete radio silence.
One of Them Q1 Roundups
I’m seven months in to my production job and I have realized that no matter what I end up doing, inhaling all types of media is crucial to being well-rounded and reliable in this business.
