Yoga Training & Lifestyle Blog

This recipe is shared by Meredith Hudson (Sri Devi), Kitchen Manager at the Sivananda Ashram, whose approach to cooking is rooted in Karma Yoga and the principles of Ayurvedic nourishment. I arrived at the Sivananda Ashram over a decade ago with no pro …

How do we truly find ourselves?  In today’s nonstop world, most of us crave time away – not to escape, but to reconnect with ourselves, our bodies, our sense of purpose in life. We long to see the world, to meet people from different walks of life who …

A Simple Ayurvedic Tea to Support Digestion & Ease Holiday Stress During busy seasons—or anytime life feels a little overwhelming—Ayurveda reminds us that small, daily rituals can help reset the mind and soothe the body. One of the simplest and mos …

Feeling exhausted, drained, irritable, overwhelmed, burnt out from work, caregiving, or just constantly doing? Feeling disconnected from yourself, and not sure where to go from here? With the amount of busy-ness and chaos there is in the world these da …

This simple baked pear dish is perfect for autumn and early winter, when Vata dosha is high and the body craves warmth and moisture. Soft, sweet pears and raisins gently nourish and hydrate the tissues, while cinnamon kindles digestion and honey adds a …

This essay by Swami Sivananda depicts his life’s journey of God-realization. Starting from his childhood, he describes how God came into his life in many forms. From his fencing teacher, to the sick people he cared for as a medical doctor, and even as …

Yoga has become a global phenomenon, with millions embracing its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. As its popularity continues to grow, so does the demand for qualified yoga instructors. Whether you are passionate about deepening your practice …

This nourishing stew is a beautiful example of sattvic eating—calming to the mind, supportive to digestion, and deeply grounding to the nervous system. From an Ayurvedic perspective, the combination of sweet potatoes and lentils provides both stability …

Packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and essential vitamins like A, C, and K, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious. The combination of sweet potatoes, black beans, and avocado provides a perfect balance of complex carbs, healthy fats, and p …

There’s something irresistible about the combination of rich, nutty flavors and dark chocolate indulgence. These Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups are a delightful treat, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing as a thoughtful, homemade gift. …

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dave Stringer and Suzanne Sterling, both internationally acclaimed musicians and sound healers. In this interview, they share their deep insights into the transformative power of chanting and sound healing, …

What makes a relationship truly divine? For spiritual teachers Matt and Joy Kahn, a divine partnership is far more than a union of hearts—it’s a sacred commitment to grow together, anchored in mutual respect, emotional freedom, and spiritual alignment. …

There’s something magical about the holidays that calls for cozy, homemade treats. These Vegan Pecan Sandies are the perfect addition to your dessert spread or as a thoughtful gift for loved ones. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, rich nuttiness, …

Grammy-nominated devotional singer, teacher, and author Snatam Kaur has inspired millions with her luminous voice and profound teachings. Her latest album, Heartflow, invites listeners to connect deeply with the energy of the heart through mantra and m …

Looking for something healthy, hearty, and warming for dinner tonight? This simple Potato and Pea Curry, served with fluffy basmati rice and warm chapatis, brings comfort and nourishment in every bite. With warming spices, tender vegetables, and wholes …

In this inspiring interview, we sit down with Jeff Warren, celebrated meditation teacher and author, to explore his accessible approach to mindfulness. Known for his lively style and humor, Jeff—co-author of Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics and founder …

Gratitude is more than just a polite “thank you” or an expression of appreciation when things are going well—it’s a transformative way of viewing life that has the power to uplift, heal, and bring deeper meaning to our existence. It’s a practice that t …

In this insightful interview, we sit down with Tama Kieves, bestselling author and visionary career coach, to explore the journey of finding purpose, embracing passion, and navigating life’s transitions. Tama, a former attorney who courageously left th …

In today’s fast-paced world, the mind is constantly bombarded by stress, distractions and endless streams of information. This mental overload often leads to feelings of fatigue, anxiety and emotional turmoil, much like how a buildup of toxins in the b …

Ingredients (Serves 3-4) 2 ¼ cups sugar pumpkins (or pumpkin puree) 2 cups vegetable broth 1 cup light coconut milk 2 Tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar 1/4 tsp each of: sea salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees …

In recent years, scientific research has increasingly validated what ancient wisdom has long taught—that spirituality is not just a personal journey, but also a powerful tool for improving overall health. Spirituality, when integrated into daily life, …

With the upcoming celebration of Navaratri, we invite you to take this opportunity to celebrate the Divine Feminine. What is Navaratri? Celebrated in October/November, Navaratri is a nine-day long festival honoring the Shakti (power) of the Divine Femi …

As the year winds down and the weather cools, a warm cup of golden milk is the perfect way to slow down and nourish your body and mind. This beloved Ayurvedic drink blends turmeric and warming spices with milk for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and di …

In our fast-paced world, where distractions abound and stress seems inevitable, the practice of mindfulness offers a pathway to serenity, clarity, and deeper spiritual connection. But mindfulness is more than just a method to calm the mind; it’s a sacr …

Creativity is a fundamental part of our humanity. Our creativity is a river that flows within us, and our only task is to move out of our own way, past preconceived ideas and judgments to let our creativity flow out into the world. There are many ways …

How did you first discover your passion for writing? I have always been called to express what is inside me through writing and music. The real issue was moving through cultural and familial blocks so I could more freely express what was within. Growin …

Cool down this summer with a refreshing Cucumber Mint Cooler. This simple, delicious, and hydrating drink is perfect for balancing pitta and keeping you cool all season long. Ingredients: 1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves 2 …

With the hot months of summer upon us, it’s important to balance the fire element in your body. In Ayurveda, our body is composed of five elements: water, fire, earth, wind, and space. Each person has a unique mix of these elements, and when fire is pr …

These tender, little Italian dumplings are best when homemade, and make a delightful alternative to pasta dishes. You can use fresh or canned tomatoes. Serves 6. Ingredients: 2 1/4 pounds potatoes, chopped Salt 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil 1 1/2 cu …

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, sleep often takes a backseat. Yet, it’s one of the most crucial factors for maintaining optimal health and well-being. Both Yoga and Ayurveda emphasize the significance of sleep, known as “Nidra”, as essential f …

Will you tell us about your work and your journey?  My passion lies in using music to promote sound healing. As a pianist and vocalist, my repertoire draws inspiration from the classics, weaving themes of love, self-discovery, and compassion. These son …

Nobody likes to waste food. So when you have bananas about to go bad, make banana bread! Here is one of our favourite recipes for when we have extra bananas.   Wet ingredients: 3 medium to large very ripe bananas ⅓ cup coconut oil or vegetable oil …

Yoga is the bridge from unwanted dependency to  healthy and happy attachment in moderation. In reality, we are the masters of our minds and our bodies. Yoga shows us the way to regaining control of our thoughts and actions.

The Family Yoga Holiday Program at Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat gives families a chance to take a break from their busy lives and come back to themselves. Children get to experience kid-friendly yogic activities during the times when parents participa …

“Let medicine be thy food and food be thy medicine.” – Hippocrates of Cos, Greece, 460-377 B.C.   With so many fad diets flooding your mind with ideas like “all carbs are bad for you” or “you need more protein,” it can be confusing to know what to …

It’s no secret that the physical body is connected to the mind and spirit. When we overtax our muscles and bones, we start to wear down much more than our prospects for long term health and overall life span. The body is a vessel for experience and the …

The long use of Sanskrit mantras continues into the modern day; this ancient practice can bring incredible benefit to your own life and is easy to incorporate into the busiest of schedules. Read more to discover how to uplift yourself with mantra and how to use and incorporate mantra practices (such as kirtan, meditation with a japa mala, etc.) in your daily life so that you too can experience profound benefits for energy, concentration, and mental health. 

Hatha yoga involves gentle body postures and breathing techniques. Putting one’s body in these gentle postures helps to release tension and pain that could be holding you back from good sleep; breathing techniques center and calm the mind, helping to reduce the chatter that keeps you awake in bed.

Some people limit their fruit intake to just mornings or desserts. Yogis say, eat more fruit! This refreshing snack is filled with vitamins, antioxidants, and all the health-promoting properties of fruit.

Bhakti is unconditional love. People ask how can we love unconditionally? The answer is, we first need to love conditionally. We begin with selfish egoistic human love and gradually this love extinguishes our ego and matures into unconditional love.

Salads, among other raw, light, foods are especially well- received by the body during the warm, summer months. In Ayurveda, yoga’s sister science, you can use food to balance your own body. So when the temperature is hot outside, eating cooling meals brings balance.

This exercise is a combined process of Yoga asanas and breathing. It reduces abdominal fat, brings flexibility to the spine and limbs, and increases the breathing capacity; it is easier to practice asanas after doing Surya Namaskar.

In the practice of Bhakti Yoga, the aspirant becomes the lover and Iswara becomes the beloved. Eventually, through this process of love, the lover and the beloved become one. Bhakti is this process of union through love.

If you’re looking to make digestion easier and simpler for your system, zucchini noodles are the perfect pasta substitution. You can use a handheld spiralizer to curl your zucchini into noodles. Beets and carrots are also great vegetables to spiralize!

When the gods and the demons churned the milky ocean in days of yore, nectar came out of it. Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Mohini, a charming lady, deluded the demons and distributed the nectar only among the gods. But Rahu had disguised himself as a …

“Devi is the Mother of all. The pious and the wicked, the rich and the poor, the saint and the sinner—all are Her children. Devi or Sakti is the Mother of Nature. She is Nature itself. The whole world is Her body. Mountains are her bones. Rivers are He …

There are many reasons why Master Sivananda is considered a veritable sage by those in India and abroad. Beyond his exemplary behavior, cheery attitude, and the uplifting impression he left on everyone that met him, there is the sheer volume of writing …

How do we honor planet Earth? By honoring ourselves, each other, every living creature and Mother Nature. What does honoring look like? Honoring entails understanding that we are all connected to each other, that unity is the reality and that separation is the illusion.

The 5 Yamas (social ethics) and the 5 Niyamas (personal observances) are thought of as the 10 commandments of the yogic way of life.  The Yamas and the Niyamas build character and ensure a sturdy foundation, without which the house of yogic practice (postures, breathwork) and benefits (peace of mind, joy, good health) would fall.

Ayurveda is a natural system of medicine that originated in India more than 3,000 years ago! Derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge), Ayurveda translates to the knowledge or science of life. Knowledge of Ayurveda helps one to maintain general health and wellbeing long-term by allowing one to treat imbalances as they occur and before they manifest as greater problems to worry about (such as serious illnesses).