Entries by derik

Better Health through Ayurveda: Changes Made

For my Ayurveda experiment I was not quite sure what to do so I chose to do several different ideas. I found out through taking the online test, Beth had us take in the class that I am a Kapha. So I decided first to give up coffee. I also tried new warming spices on […]

Better Health through Ayurveda: Observations

In giving up coffee for 3 days I truly found that it was not the coffee I was having cravings for. All the coffee I buy and drink is decaffeinated so it was not the caffeine I was craving. I have every day for as long as I can remember at least 12 years now […]

Better Health through Ayurveda: Conclusion

In conclusion I have found that I can drink hot tea with honey in it and instead of cream use warm soy milk. I’m going to continue cooking with ghee and warming spices to hopefully purify and balance my digestive track although I have the cravings for gluten, I can give it up and use […]

Replacing Unhealthy Habits with Yoga Tradition

The Axis Yoga Teacher Training Program opens the door to Yoga’s vast traditions to its students. Each student experiments with chosen yogic principles to see how they affect their lives. This student found access to a whole new healthy lifestyle that included some self-acceptance and mental clarity.

Replacing Unhealthy Habits: Making Changes

Being new to yoga, and I mean really new; only having practiced for a year and very inconsistently. I decided to go into Axis’s yoga teacher training program as a self-practice in hopes of it leading into a career change. I am seeking change in myself. I am seeking clarity and balance in my life. […]

Replacing Unhealthy Habits: Strong start

Day one was interesting. I woke up around 8:30am, which is very unusual for me because usually I’m hung over and sleep until noon. So this was good. I went for a run, but not so I can be skinny but so I can get the blood flowing and the juices going. I felt good! […]

Replacing Unhealthy Habits: Obstacles

By the following Sunday I was confused. I didn’t know what I was supposed to be feeling or thinking. I hadn’t had any “aha moments”. I didn’t feel enlightened or powerful. I felt…normal-ish. I think I let the doubt take over and by Tuesday I hadn’t done my morning asana in three days. My mind […]

Replacing Unhealthy Habits: New commitment

Through this experiment I have learned to not judge myself so harshly. I have learned that being sober and quiet is good for my mind and my well being. I have had moments of clarity when I can think back to when I started drinking so much and the reason why it became so prevalent […]

An Obsessed Exerciser Finds Self-acceptance

Each student experiments with yogic principles throughout their journey in the Axis Yoga Teacher Training program. This student found valuable insight and personal progress through the application of the yama (observance), aparigraha (no-harm).

An Obsessed Exerciser Finds Self-acceptance: Analysis

When we were first instructed to select a yama or niyama to cultivate throughout our first experiment, I found myself immediately drawn to the yama aparigraha.  Aparigraha is often translated as “non-possessiveness, or refraining from hoarding,” and it involves a letting of greed, attachment, wanting, and the desire to own.[1] For me, this idea of […]