Devon's Page

Laura Sygrove, co-founder of New Leaf Yoga, teaches in unusual circumstances. As the executive director of an organization dedicated to teaching at-risk youth the fundamentals of yoga and meditation, her work frequently takes to her beyond the cheerful, sunlit, incense-s… Continue

It is often said that Savasana is the easiest pose to do and the hardest to master. I know I’m often tempted to skip it altogether, especially after my morning practice, when my rejuvenated body and active mind are anxious to move to the next task. “Oh,” I tell myself, “I’ll do Savasana later, and make my WHOLE DAY my yoga practice”. Yeah right. Of course it’s a wonderful idea to work towards an entire day as conscious, mindful practice—and is one of my goals to make through the days without ber… Continue

General Preparatory Poses for Inversions
Inversions require a great deal of core strength, so if you want to spend a lot of time upside-down, you need to practice postures that develop your core. A strong, erect mid-body will help prevent banana curves and other lo… Continue

Remember when your mom used to tell you to “turn that frown upside down?” She may not have intended it, but she was highlighting one of the many benefits of inversions: the changed perspective we gain from putting ourselves in an unusual position.

One of my most cherished memories comes from doing inversions on a rooftop in a Chinese village. My teacher, Rico, a retired Peace Corps hippie, had invited me and my friend to practice on his roof, setting the mood for our class by pumping loud Bee G… Continue

After almost 80 years teaching yoga, renowned teacher Krishna Pattabhi Jois passed away last Monday.

K. Pattabhi Jois had gained recent international fame for teaching Madonna, Sting and Gwyneth Paltrow, but his students will remember him for “his heart, his smile, his humour and his devotion – both to his family and to ashtanga yoga". In the yoga community, he will forever remain the man who brought ashta… Continue