As an SEO, I’ve used a lot of different blogging platforms with a mix of different SEO tools. I’ve tried everything from a drag and drop website builder to a headless CMS, and I know what “website maintenance” really looks like. So when Brett...
Just as we make shapes with our bodies in yoga—asana, we can make shapes with our hands—mudras! Mudras, also referred to as seals or locks, are another interesting way to use your physical body, to direct energy and intention. Just as we are deeply affected by the way...
You’re obsessed with yoga or teaching yoga (me too!). If you’ve already been teaching yoga and want to learn more and go deeper, perhaps you’ve considered becoming a yoga therapist. What’s that all about? When I was researching the difference between being a...
Trigger Warning: This article contains reference to sexual assault. If you’re a survivor or loved one of a survivor seeking support to heal from an experience of sexual abuse, me too can help. I want to start this article by stating complete and unconditional...
Once you start to dive deeper into the world of energy healing and yoga you’re bound to have heard of the term Shakti or Kundalini energy. Shakti means ‘power’ in Sanskrit and is also used to describe feminine energy and life force energy. In the...
Congratulations, you’re having a baby! Now is the time for questions that lead to research that leads to… TA-DA! More questions. I’ve been there! You’re probably here because you’re caught between two worlds; you’re considering a...
At some point, every aspiring Kundalini yogi wonders what’s up with Kundalini clothing. Why the all-white outfits and head coverings? Before diving into why wearing white yoga clothing is an integral part of Kundalini Yoga, it’s important to understand the essence of...
If you have a monthly cycle, then you already know that the planets influence us on a daily basis. Maybe you’re like, next level about it, and know enough to wonder if Mercury in retrograde is causing another computer glitch (ugh!). What you probably don’t know...
After completing both my 200-hour and 300-hour yoga teacher training programs, I hired YTT graduate Andrea as an Uplifted Mentor to share her remarkable journey to becoming a yoga teacher – while in rehab following multiple surgeries. This is her story. -Brett...
If you’re reading this, you’re likely considering an online yoga teacher training. You’re doing your research (GOOD!). Now that you’re here, considering joining our Uplifted campus, you may be wondering… What makes Uplifted YTT better?Why is it so expensive?How is it...
Do you need an instant fix of calm, cool and collected? Who doesn’t these days! Lucky for you (and – literally – all of humankind) – there’s a breath practice to help you out. Yogis have used calming pranayama practices to get out of high gear and...
In yoga, we often talk about stoking our internal fire to awaken prana. This is in part why people love vinyasa flow so much. You know – the same people who love a daily 5-mile jog and core work. We -(yes, I am one of you) love to feel the burn and know we’re...
You’ve done all the thinking, crunched all the numbers, and you’re finally ready to take the plunge—you want to create your own yoga business! With that comes managing cash flow and profit. If running and starting a business is relatively new to you, you might not be...
Dear New Yoga teacher: I feel you.You’ve just finished your yoga teacher training and are preparing to launch your career. And yet, when graduation finally comes, you find yourself drowning in a waterfall of what ifs as you grapple with the biggest fears of new...
Mantras are spiritual formulas that alter the pattern of your mind. Really, you ask? Yes, really! Chanting mantras with your daily yoga practice instantly connect you to divine vibrations. Chanting may be one of the most widely misunderstood practices, often falling...
If you’re hooked on yoga, it’s only a matter of time before you get curious about the benefits of yoga teacher training. How do you know when you’re ready for YTT (it’s different for everyone)? Can you go through training if you don’t want to teach (absolutely). And...
A great yoga playlist is a lot like avocado on a veggie burger. Can you get by without it? Sure. But the right yoga playlist (like the perfect avocado) just makes everything better. 😌 Am I right? A good playlist can help you set the tone for your class,...
Teaching private yoga classes is a great way to boost your income as a yoga teacher and gain experience with one-on-one teaching. The ONE thing you need to get started? A private yoga intake form. Here’s why: A private yoga intake form is a simple, all-in-one admin...
Logo design, branding, marketing…if you’re reading this article, you already know that this customer-facing side of your yoga business is important! Learn how to make a logo to use in all of your marketing materials in this guide, compiled specifically for...
We aaaall have them once in a while 🙄 Those difficult, conflictual conversations that are over before they begin and make you wish for an ‘easy button’ to help you gracefully exit before you blow a fuse. Vitarka mudra is just about the closest thing yoga has to that...
Old school yoga meets modern energy work when we use yoga mudras, aka energy seals, with intention to elevate our consciousness. Shakti mudra is a beautiful, empowering hand gesture that invokes the Goddess of divine life energy; Shakti. With the proper...
The eagle is used across cultures and traditions to symbolize ultimate freedom, and yoga is no exception! Garuda mudra – the mudra, or energy seal, of the eagle – is a powerful gesture that evokes our ability to rise to any challenge and soar far beyond it...
Did you know there’s a mudra specifically for channeling the kick ass femme within? Meet: kali mudra. The goddess Kali is perhaps one of the most fascinating and fierce deities in the whole Hindu mythology. She embodies strong feminine energy in its purest form,...
Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Like a balloon that’s about to explode? According to Ayurveda, yoga’s sister science, these symptoms indicate you need to decrease the space element in your body. Practicing shunya mudra is a great place to start! Mudras, yogic...
Mudras are a powerful addition to any blossoming yogi’s practice. When we use mudras (yogic hand gestures that seal and direct energy), we infuse a deeper level of intention into our practice. Some mudras, like varuna mudra, help regulate the elements within the...
Our first response to dramatic change is often exhaustion. If we stay present and welcome the change, though, it’s actually possible to charge your energy as the new unfolds before you. Today, we’re exploring this theme through the hot topic in astro-spiritual...
Sometimes it seems like there are as many types of yoga as there are yogis in the world: A LOT. If there is ONE THING we all like in the yoga world, though, it’s balancing the complex aspects of the human and spiritual existence to create harmony in our being...
What is Japji? The Sacred Ritual, Explained Japji is a universal prayer that brings wisdom, blessings, and peace to anyone who chants it. It’s the most effective incantation 🪄 I know of, but it involves less magic than you might think! This beautiful prayer is...
Looking for an online yoga teacher training course, but flooded with listicles and promises that this yoga school is “the best”? Yeah. I see them too. And for a long time, I didn’t want to enter that space. I just wanted my online training to speak...
I know, I know. Ego Eradicator sounds like the name of a video game character or Metaverse persona or something. Surprise! It’s a Kundalini yoga pose. If you practice Kundalini regularly, you’ve probably stumbled across this Kriya at least once on your yogic path. The...
Kundalini yoga is a form of yoga focused on spiritual awakening and balancing of the chakras. Sometimes called “the yoga of awareness or consciousness,” Kundalini engages our vital energy by removing blockages throughout our subtle body and releasing tension in the...
The Golden Chain is the energetic wisdom of all our teachers – past, present and future. In Kundalini yoga, the Golden Chain connects students and teachers across generations as far as the imagination can reach. Like the universe, it has no clear beginning or...
In daily life, we often talk about the soul as if it’s buried deep within us – a powerful force or hidden treasure within the body / mind. But what if the soul was really the origin of our being? The seed that gives life to our mind, form to our body, and...
So… Why am I blogging about a negative mind? That sounds super scary and dark YIKES! 😬 Aren’t yogis supposed to be all love and light and everything? The answer is this: We don’t know light without darkness. This is built into our very...
We all know them. Those people who seem to radiate confidence, direction and charisma like they were literally born to glow in the dark ✨ Sooo…where does that magic fairy dust come from? According to the ten bodies philosophy in Kundalini yoga, this...
For newbies to Kundalini yoga, the chanting can be a *bit* overwhelming at first. Truth be told? I thought the chanting was a bit culty before I learned more about the why behind it. Chanting mantras not only focuses the mind and oxygenates the brain (you’ll...
I like to say that the little things we do every day are more important than the “big” things we do every once in a while. If you’re a yogi, you know this is true! Just think about how it feels to get on your yoga mat after a couple of busy weeks where you just...
(You, 2016): What. A. Year. (You, 2020): What. A. YEAR! (The World, 2020): We’re just getting started! 😶 Words can only come close to what it’s like to be human on Earth these days. And do you know why? We are all in the midst of an energetic shift into...
We’re deep diving into feminine mysticism today as we uncover the ancient tradition and meaning behind the Shakti symbol. You may have heard your yoga teacher encourage you to channel ‘Shakti’ when you’re deep in goddess pose with no sign of relief, but,...
Turbans, chanting, meditation and worship of the feminine are just the beginning of the linkage between Kundalini Yoga and the Sikh faith. But, like, what is Sikhism exactly? In this article, we’ll uncover the wisdom of sikh dharma, examine what the beautiful Sikh...
Namast’YAY or namaste oh no? The list of Sanskrit words yoga teachers get wrong is looong yogis, but we’ll look at the top contenders in this article. The difference between pronouncing a Sanskrit term correctly and making up the closest thing that comes to mind (it...
Before you opened this article about the 5 sutras of the aquarian age, you were probably Googling a few random things, scrolling through Insta, or checking emails – or maybe, like many of us, you were somehow doing all of these things at the same time! LOL (as...
You’re wild about yoga and can’t wait to share your joy with students by becoming a teacher yourself! But you’re wondering; how long should you do yoga before teacher training? Is there some kind of rule? Spoiler alert ⚠️ There is no firm rule about how long you...
YTTs these days often appeal to students with the message that you can become a yoga instructor in under 30 days! Is that really true, though? How long does it take to be a yoga instructor – really? Depending on your goals, becoming a teacher can take anywhere...
From less than $1,000 to upwards of $8,000, the cost of yoga teacher training programs is all over the board. How much do yoga teacher trainings cost? is an important question to ask when doing your research before committing to a YTT, especially if it’s your...
There are sooo many good reasons to become a yoga teacher! To name a few… Help people embody their fullest potentialInvest in a truly fulfilling careerDrink more smoothiesetc. I can tell you honestly that when I ask my teachers in training why becoming a yoga...
To use Sanskrit or not to use Sanskrit… that is the big question for many yoga teachers these days! One of the most common questions we yoga teachers find ourselves asking is “do I need to use Sanskrit to teach yoga?” Does it really help students...
Congratulations! You’re pregnant! Your heart is probably overflowing with the joy of motherhood! ….Aaaaaand your mind is probably filled with at least a few oh crap types of thoughts as you embark on the most epic 40-week rollercoaster ride of your...
The life of yoga teachers and what it takes to become a yoga instructor is mythologized and misunderstood. The uninitiated often wonder, is it hard to become a yoga teacher? The myth: It’s super hard to become a teacher because you have to learn everything about...
Like the early days of a relationship that you know is right, getting really into yoga as a beginner is often a time full of excitement, reflection and awakening (though not always in the way you expect). So you’ve fallen head over heels in love with yoga and...
You are sooo ready for your upcoming YTT, but there’s just one thing…you’re injured and having second thoughts. Can I do a YTT if I have an injury? Cue the internal struggle: 😆 You really want to do YTT! 🤕 But you’re...
Just like studying at university where lectures follow a certain curriculum, a Yoga Alliance (YA) certified Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) offered by a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School (RYS) is required to cover specific topics. There is freedom within these...
Timing is everything. Especially when it comes to YTT! With literally thousands of yoga teacher trainings to choose from with all of the confusing standards, travel options, and formats, you might be wondering, how long is a yoga alliance certified training, really?...
Great news, y’all! Nowadays, even more companies are realizing the advantages of having a wellness program, and are eager to offer yoga to their employees. So if you’ve been on the fence about teaching corporate yoga, YOUR TIME IS NOW! If corporate yoga is not...
If you’re wondering, “Can I teach yoga if I’m overweight?”, you might be struggling with some of the expectations that just seem to keep piling up on yoga teachers these days. You’re not the only one! Yoga teachers are expected to juggle...
One very powerful aspect of yoga is the study of the five winds, or prana vayus. We’ve talked in-depth on the vayus before, and today we’ll dive into Samana Vayu. The vayus are a lesser-known energetic element of yoga. Whether you’re a teacher or...
Mudras may be the #1 most under-rated element in a balanced yoga practice. Can you even name one? Ahem. No points for venus mudra 🙄 Mudras are often used like rainbow sprinkles in yoga class; an exciting addition, but definitely not the main attraction. However, when...
So, you’re interested taking a yoga teacher training (yay!!)? Even if you’re more than ready to dive into your YTT, you may still be wondering … is 200 hours enough to teach yoga? As an expert teacher-trainer who has graduated thousands of students...
The increase in virtual yoga options has made online yoga more accessible than ever—fantastic! Aaaaand, there’s still something just so darn special about in-person classes, ammaright? Whether you’re a fresh-outta-training teacher, or an established professional who’s...
If you’ve been practicing yoga for a while you’ve likely heard the word Prana before. It’s an important Sanskrit term that translates to “life force.” But just like the rest of yoga practice, this is only the tip of the iceberg. As you...
Regardless of your level of expertise as a yoga teacher, chances are, you will have someone who is pregnant in your vinyasa yoga class at some point in your career. You don’t have to be a practicing prenatal yoga instructor to guide pregnant students but...
Pregnant women experience all sorts of changes to their body. Many of them encounter pain in areas that they never had problems with before pregnancy. One of those tricky spots is in the pelvis. If you feel pain in your pelvis during pregnancy or after giving birth,...
Our yoga practice is meant for more than fancy poses. When approached holistically, it can help you feel confident, centered and purposeful. To get to that place, we need to focus more fully on the energetic side of yoga. This is where the study of Prana Vayus, and...
One of my favorite teachers once told me that becoming an accomplished student is about knowing, without a doubt, what you don’t know. This is a hot tip (you’re welcome!) for studying “next level” yoga philosophy. And you’re in luck! That’s just what’s on the...
As you begin to dive deeper into your yoga practice, you may begin to pick up a few practices outside traditional asana. Those familiar with Kundalini yoga may already be well versed in the use of mantras and their benefits. However, even if you’ve never...
Let’s be honest, it’s no secret that the average yoga instructor doesn’t get paid much for teaching at a studio or the gym (the average rate is $31/per class). Factor in the pay, preparation time, and teaching the actual class; that equates to one...
So you’re about to bring a mini human into this world, but also can’t stop thinking about taking a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT)? You are not alone. If you’re wondering, “can I take a YTT while pregnant?”, rest assured there is something for you...
Have you ever felt that when things in life are going well for you, they go, like, really well? You may start with a delish, healthy breakfast, enjoy an uplifting yoga practice, be inspired to create something, and make a great decision at work, all in the same day?...
Before I sat down to write this piece, I wiped off my desk. I grabbed a glass of water, and I lit a candle. Earlier that day, I made time for my meditation ritual after I showered and brushed my teeth. These are all forms of the yogic principle known as saucha. What...
I think it’s safe to say that most of us are in need of some divine energy and healing these days. What if I told you that you’re already a divine being and the key to balance and feeling infinite wisdom is within your power? It’s true. YOU have the...
Are you connected with your intuition and creativity? If you are, you may already know something about the third eye chakra and how to activate its power with third eye chakra affirmations. It may even be your dominant chakra. (Psst, take my test to find out!) Even if...
Do you speak your truth? Are you in the practice of communicating clearly? Or… does the thought of speaking out fill you with anxiety, insecurity, and (doom notes) dread? Whatever your current relationship is with using your voice (shout out to yogis...
Affirmations are an effective way to inspire your journey of self-discovery in yoga. They complement the positive, calm mind we cultivate in meditation. Practice these 17 powerful heart chakra affirmations to awaken purest love toward yourself and others, and open...
Who wouldn’t want to manifest a life of passionate creation and joy? It’s not that far out of reach, my loves. As yogis, we all strive for balance and long to feel good in our life. Sure, your yoga and meditation may be strong, but have you used daily...
Have you ever come across somebody who seems to radiate light, joy and confidence with so much ease that you can’t help but be drawn towards them? Or better yet, have you experienced this feeling of invincibility and self confidence yourself? If so, the...
Root chakra affirmations are for everyone. Whether you’re a yogi or not, we all face times when we feel stressed, overwhelmed, or stuck – all feelings that can be linked to an imbalanced root chakra. Luckily, Yoga provides us with powerful tools to manage...
Have you ever been nervous about getting that new promotion, doing well on a test, or whether your significant other will stay with you? I think we’ve all done at least one of these, right?? Hey, it’s normal! We often spend a lot of time worrying about what might...
In the west we often equate Brahmacharya with celibacy. But the practice of Brahmacharya offers so much more than a lesson in how humans react without sexual intercourse. Unbroken Brahmacharya in any form, provides insight to how the mind works and helps us understand...
If you’ve spent much time in the yoga world, you’ve probably heard of the chakras. Those seven energy wheels that are always spinning inside you. BUT! Did you know there are more than just those seven major chakras connected to your body? There are! In fact, one...
If you are a yogi in need of a personal self challenge or some discipline to motivate you to become a better version of yourself, look no further: the principle of tapas in yoga can help you. After years of thinking about improving my crow pose (bakasana), an arm...
Do you consider yourself an honest person? I did too. As a yoga teacher and lifelong student I aim to practice pure speech in my daily life as well as teach it in my yoga classes. However, there are times you might catch yourself telling completely...
Feeling off balance in your yoga practice or want to strengthen your pelvic floor? You should try mula bandha! Mula bandha, or root lock, is an important yoga practice, but its teachings are often left out of yoga class and saved for yoga training. Related to the root...
If you’ve ever found yourself with racing thoughts, unable to concentrate, off in your yoga practice, or fidgeting in meditation, you may wonder what you can do to bring more balance to the body and mind. Buddhi mudra can help! Often, we can use the...
You may be used to making sacred shapes with our bodies during an asana class but what about sacred geometry with our hands? ‘Mudra,’ is the Sanskrit word meaning hand gestures or hand position. Mudras can enhance our practice by guiding a subtle...
If you’ve been to any yoga class, you’ve probably encountered the simple gesture of joining the hands at the heart center. Even if you haven’t taken a yoga class, you’ve probably seen this movement in everyday life with movies, tv shows, or prayer positions. ...
Bandhas are what yogis call energetic ‘locks’ and the Jalandhar bandha is one of the 6 main locks. Let’s take a closer look at this specific bandha and why it can be so useful for us on and off the mat. What is Jalandhara Bandha? Jalandhara bandha is one of the...
Have you ever thought of your feet as a way to take in your surroundings? They’re like your ears, but for the ground. Just like headphones make it harder to hear and respond to what’s happening around you, shoes do a similar thing for your feet with their potential to...
I’m back, yoga fam! And with another often mysterious and misunderstood style of yoga: restorative yoga. If you’re unclear about what restorative yoga is, please read on because this type of yoga deserves a spot on your list of go-to yoga...
Hey, graduate! You just finished your 300 / 500 hour RYT, freshly aglow with wisdom and energy to share with students. Before you continue your teaching journey, make sure to upgrade your Yoga Alliance certification designation to 300 / 500 RYT. This post will show...
When you were a kid, did you ever try to take something from a store just because you wanted it? Maybe an adult in your life had to return it to the store and explain to you that taking something that wasn’t yours without asking or paying for it was stealing. We all...
So you’re officially a yoga instructor, yay! Now it’s time to get out there and start teaching yoga. For many, that means registering your certificate with Yoga Alliance. While I’m writing this for my students who will be registering their YTT...
Yoga’s five koshas offer a guide to understanding ourselves in-depth, and that’s what this article is all about. We’ll explore the energetic layers of your well being from a Yogic perspective covering what each layer means, the benefits of...
Applying certain teachings from yoga, such as the yamas and niyamas, can help you move through life with far more ease and far less self judgement. Practicing yoga requires constant self study (svadhyaya) to deepen your understanding of self, erase limiting thought...
You know how washing machines and dishwashers are like some kind of modern household miracle that does the dirty work for you while you binge on your favorite Netflix series? That’s kinda how SEO (search engine optimization) works. You input what you want from...
Ever heard the inspirational quote, “You only have one body, take care of it”? It’s meant to help us live healthy, intentional lives in our physical body and I’m all for that! But there’s also more to it. We tend to associate our identity and our physical...
If you’ve ever done a Yoga Teacher Training or are looking to do one, you’ve most likely heard about the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali as part of the teacher training. Hey, maybe you’ve even heard me mention them once or twice in past posts! (I talk about them a...
‘Tis the perfect moment for a revamp, no? As many of us are reinventing how we share yoga in the world, it’s an excellent time to give our Yoga Alliance profile a tender loving upgrade and share all the ways we’re growing as teachers! Read on to learn...
A while back in a yoga class I attended while living in New York, the yoga teacher cued us into Salamba Sirsasana II (Tripod Headstand). My heart sank a little. I knew I could do it, but every time I do the pose I end up with a huge pain along my thoracic spine no...
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been teaching for a bit and started to think…this is tougher than I thought! I mean, how am I supposed to actually support myself doing this?? I feel like something’s missing… Well, that something...
Hands up if your life is exactly perfect in every way and you have everything you’ve ever wanted and nothing bad has ever happened in your life. Yeah, me neither. But here’s the thing: That doesn’t mean I don’t like my life! It doesn’t mean I’m not happy with where my...
