Tattooing Yogini

The final Niyama, Ishvara Pranidhana, invites us into surrender—trusting the flow of life and offering ourselves to something greater than the individual self. The Sanskrit translates to “surrender to the Divine,” and it asks us to release control, soften our ego, and rest in faith. This is not passive resignation. Rather, Ishvara Pranidhana is an active choice to live in alignment with grace, to recognize the sacred in all things, and to trust that we are held. Yoga Practice for Surrender On the mat, we practice Ishvara Pranidhana when we stop striving for perfection and instead breathe into presence. A few postures to embody surrender include: Balasana (Child’s Pose): A bowing posture of humility and release. Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Leg Forward Fold): Encourages grounding and letting go. Savasana (Final Rest): The ultimate act of surrender, releasing all effort into the earth. In each of these shapes, notice where you can soften—muscles, breath, expectations. Meditation: Trusti...

The final Yama, Aparigraha, is often translated as non-grasping or non-possessiveness. It reminds us that clinging—whether to things, people, or even old stories—creates heaviness and suffering. When we soften our grip, we open ourselves to receive life with ease and flow. Aparigraha is not about rejecting everything; it’s about cultivating trust. When we release what we don’t need, we make space for what truly serves our growth and joy. 5 Yoga Poses for Opening the Heart Center These postures help us soften, open, and release the tendency to cling: Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge with Heart Opener) Lift the chest and arms skyward, inviting openness and surrender. Ustrasana (Camel Pose) A deep heart opener that teaches courage in vulnerability. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) Expands the chest while grounding the body, balancing effort and release. Matsyasana (Fish Pose) Opens the throat and heart, encouraging receptivity and trust. Savasana (Final Resting Pose) The ultimate practice of release—...

In the Yamas, yoga’s ethical guidelines, Satya—truthfulness—asks us to align our words, actions, and thoughts with authenticity. Satya is not just about avoiding lies; it is about living in a way that reflects the truth of who we are at our deepest level. Truth is not always comfortable. Sometimes it means setting boundaries, speaking with honesty, or admitting what we’ve been avoiding. Yet Satya is always balanced with Ahimsa (non-harm), reminding us that truth should be shared with compassion, never as a weapon. Authentic Yoga vs. Impressive Yoga In modern yoga culture, it can be tempting to chase the “impressive” pose—the perfect handstand, the deepest backbend, or the longest practice. But Satya invites us to ask: What is true for my body today? Practicing Satya on the mat may mean choosing Child’s Pose instead of pushing into pain. It may look like honoring your breath over achieving a posture. It is the practice of authenticity—meeting yourself as you are, rather than performing ...

The Sanskrit word Tapas means “heat,” referring to the inner fire that fuels transformation. It is the discipline that helps us stay committed to our practice—even when it feels uncomfortable or challenging. Tapas is not about punishment or rigidity. It is about showing up with consistency, cultivating resilience, and trusting that the fire of practice purifies what is no longer needed while strengthening what truly matters.  Yoga Practice for Tapas A strong, focused practice helps us embody Tapas on the mat: Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations): Build heat, awaken the body, and cultivate focus. Utkatasana (Chair Pose): Hold with steady breath to build endurance and inner fire. Navasana (Boat Pose): Strengthens core and teaches us to stay present in discomfort with equanimity. Savasana (Final Rest): Remember that discipline also means honoring rest and integration. Off-the-Mat Practices for Tapas Consistency Over Intensity: Commit to small daily rituals (meditation, movement, journaling) ...

Among the Niyamas of yoga, Santosha—contentment—invites us to rest in the present moment as it is, rather than grasping for what we do not have or wishing things were different. It does not mean complacency, but rather cultivating peace with what is, even as we continue to grow and evolve. When we practice Santosha, we soften the restless pull of desire and discover joy in simplicity. It is a practice of presence, gratitude, and acceptance. Pranayama for Santosha: Sama Vritti (Equal Ratio Breath) Sama Vritti, or equal breathing, calms the nervous system and anchors us in balance. Inhale for a count of four. Exhale for a count of four. Continue for several rounds, allowing the breath to smooth and steady. Feel contentment arise in the even rhythm of your breathing. Meditation: Resting in Enough Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and place your palms on your heart. Bring to mind one simple thing you are grateful for today. With each inhale, silently repeat: This moment is enough. With eac...