Yoga retreats have always held a special kind of magic for me. As I write this, I’m preparing to leave for my next retreat in the Algarve, Portugal—bags nearly packed, itinerary double-checked, and a beautiful group of humans about to gather for what I know will be a transformative experience.

This pre-retreat moment is always a blend of anticipation and grounded intention. I want everything to feel just right—for the journey to be smooth, the connections to flow easily, and the practices to land deeply.

And it got me thinking: why are yoga retreats so powerful? Why do they feel so different from a regular vacation—or even our regular practice?

Every season invites a shift. A different pace, a new rhythm in the body, a fresh layer of awareness in our yoga practice. Lately, I’ve been exploring that rhythm through two things I absolutely love: myofascial release and seasonal living—especially how they meet at the front lines of the body.

This summer, my focus has landed on the deep and superficial front fascia lines—and how working with them helps us not only feel more vibrant and mobile, but more connected to the natural expansion of the season itself.

You might have heard the word "pranayama" before, but what does it really mean? Is it simply breathing? Yes—but it's also so much more. In yoga, "prana" refers to life force energy (think of it like the Force from Star Wars), and "ayama" means extension or control. So, pranayama is the intentional practice of controlling and extending our breath to harness our life force energy.

The beauty of pranayama is that it’s free, accessible to everyone, and profoundly impactful. If the benefits of breathwork could be bottled and sold, they'd be worth a fortune—but they belong to all of us. Learning how to work with your breath can help you feel more balanced, energized, or relaxed, depending on your needs.

Sun Salutations, or Surya Namaskar, are a foundational part of many yoga practices, particularly in Vinyasa yoga. Beyond being a physical warm-up, they hold deep historical, symbolic, and energetic significance. Whether you’re already incorporating them into your sadhana (spiritual practice) or are new to them, understanding their origins and purpose can bring a renewed depth to this flowing sequence.

For many yogis, crow pose (Bakasana) is the first arm balance that sparks the realization: I am stronger than I thought. That moment—when your feet lift, even for just a breath or two—can be empowering, transformative, and just plain fun.

Crow is a foundational arm balance, and for many (myself included), it marks a meaningful milestone in the yoga journey. It’s a shape that challenges balance, coordination, focus, and strength—but perhaps more importantly, it invites us to let go of perfection and embrace the playful side of practice.

Spring is here, and with it comes one of the most magical times of the year to practice yoga—outside. Whether you’re rolling out your mat in your backyard, a neighborhood park, or joining a group class under the trees, outdoor yoga offers something truly special.

Practicing in nature deepens your connection to yourself, the earth, and those around you. And it turns out, that’s not just a feel-good notion—it’s supported by both yoga philosophy and science.

Athletes and strength trainers dedicate countless hours to building power, endurance, and agility. But what if one practice could enhance all of those areas while also improving mobility, recovery, and focus? That practice is yoga.

Yoga isn’t just stretching—it’s a full-body, full-mind experience that builds functional strength, balance, and breath control, all of which improve performance and longevity in training. Whether you’re a runner, a weightlifter, or an athlete in any discipline, incorporating yoga into your routine can be transformative.

Yoga doesn’t end when class does. The effects of our practice—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—deserve reflection. That’s where journaling comes in.

Journaling your yoga practice is more than a record of what postures you did. It’s a mindfulness ritual that helps you turn your awareness inward, strengthen your personal insights, and carry the benefits of yoga into your daily life. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, creating a journaling habit can enrich your experience on and off the mat.

Yoga is often portrayed in mainstream media as a practice reserved for the flexible, strong, and able-bodied. This limited depiction can be discouraging for those who don’t see themselves represented in traditional yoga spaces. However, true yoga is for every body. Accessibility in yoga is about breaking down barriers, embracing choice and agency, and fostering an inclusive community where everyone can feel welcome and empowered.

As we step into spring, the shift in seasons brings a renewed sense of energy, growth, and transformation. For many, including myself, spring feels like the true start of the year—a time to embrace change, set fresh intentions, and align with nature’s rhythms. In Ayurveda, the ancient sister science of yoga, this transition is deeply understood and offers guidance on how to support our bodies and minds through seasonal shifts.

Warrior poses are some of the most iconic and foundational postures in yoga. It’s rare to attend a Hatha or Vinyasa class without encountering Warrior I, II, or III. These poses not only build strength and stability but also carry deep symbolism and energetic resonance. Understanding their origins, alignment, and energetics can elevate your practice, helping you cultivate both physical power and inner resolve.

Creating a well-structured yoga class is both an art and a science. Thoughtful sequencing helps students experience a balanced and transformative practice, whether the goal is energizing, grounding, or therapeutic. In this episode, we explore key principles of yoga sequencing, offering practical insights for teachers and practitioners alike.

Starting a yoga practice can feel both exciting and overwhelming. With so many styles, poses, and philosophies, where do you begin? Here are some essential tips to help you start your yoga journey with confidence:

Sleep is one of the most essential components of our overall well-being, yet so many of us struggle to get the rest we need. I’ve always loved my sleep, but I never realized just how important it was until I wasn’t getting enough. When my daughter was born, I experienced chronic sleep deprivation for the first time. Waking up multiple times a night left me exhausted, and I truly understood that sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Over time, as her sleep improved, I also became more intentional about creating habits that support deeper, more restorative rest.

Spring is a season of renewal, growth, and awakening. Just as nature sheds the stagnation of winter to make space for fresh energy, our bodies also crave release and expansion. One powerful way to embrace this seasonal shift is by working with the myofascial spiral line—a key component in our body's movement and stability.

In yoga, we often hear about the polarity of masculine and feminine energies, but there is so much misinformation and cultural propaganda surrounding these concepts. Today, I want to offer a yogic perspective to help open your mind and set the record straight, especially regarding the role of feminine energy. I explore this topic deeply in my book, Embody Your Inner Goddess: A Guided Journey to Radical Wholeness, which serves as a workbook for embracing and balancing these energies within ourselves.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s easy to focus on romantic love, but yoga offers us an opportunity to expand our understanding of love in profound ways. Beyond romantic notions, yoga encourages us to explore self-love, love for others, love for our communities, and even love for the divine. These expressions of love are deeply interwoven into yogic philosophy and practice.

At True Love Yoga, the concept of love is central to what we cultivate on the mat and in life. Let’s explore some of the beautiful ways love shows up in yoga—through bhakti yoga, metta (loving-kindness), the heart chakra, and self-love.

Chaturanga Dandasana, or Four-Limbed Staff Pose, is a cornerstone of vinyasa yoga. Yet, it’s often misunderstood or executed in a way that can lead to discomfort or injury. Let’s explore how to refine this posture, build strength, and approach it with mindfulness and compassion.

Trauma-aware yoga has become a buzzword, but what does it really mean? At its core, this approach prioritizes safety, empowerment, and inclusivity, fostering environments where all students can thrive. While trauma can manifest in various ways—big “T” traumas like natural disasters and little “t” traumas such as stressful life events—its impact on the nervous system can make it difficult to be fully present.

Trauma-aware yoga is not about diagnosing or treating mental health but about complementing therapeutic work. It creates a safe, supportive, and empowering space for everyone, recognizing that we all carry unique experiences. As a yoga teacher, it’s a privilege to cultivate this environment, and as a student, it’s empowering to find practices that support your well-being.

Have you ever felt a nudge, a sense of curiosity, or an intuitive call to deepen your yoga practice—or perhaps even become a yoga teacher? The True Love Yoga 200-Hour Teacher Training (YTT) has been designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re seeking personal growth, exploring the art of teaching, or simply yearning to live more intentionally. This comprehensive program weaves together the ancient roots of yoga with modern, trauma-informed practices, creating a truly transformative experience.