I may never make it to a high mountain in Tibet to sit in the presence of a cross-legged spiritual master. Yet, with this one phrase during yoga class and a different perception of an underused vocabulary word, I was offered my own mountain top to become the student of a wild haired, brilliant and sacred teacher.
Author: Dr. Erika Putnam
Dr. Erika Putnam is a chiropractic physician by trade, a writer at heart and a yogi by fate. She has practiced chiropractic for almost two decades and owns a yoga studio in Idaho. The two practices connect structural stability with the true core of well-being. As a doctor, she brings a hearty helping of nurturing nerdiness to her classes. Her venue is a colorful mix of teaching. She teaches anatomy to students at yoga teacher trainings, yoga for medical professionals’ classes, and creative writing classes with yoga-inspired exploration. She pines for a view of the Montana skies and the smell of Idaho mint from her road bike. Pedicures in the shade of Rocktoberfest are her favorite self-care indulgence.
How a Yoga Practice Can Take Your Health Up a Notch
Taking things up a notch seems to imply working harder, self-deprivation and increased effort. What if, instead, it could mean finding ease in the work, indulgence and trusting your body’s resources? Can you imagine a physical workout with a clear mind and a happy heart? Can you imagine delicious, satisfying meals that fuel instead of… Continue reading How a Yoga Practice Can Take Your Health Up a Notch
Samskaras, emotional eating & choosing your destiny
Sequentially, day eleven follows day ten. No big deal, unless it is the first day after the last day of a ten day cleanse. Day eleven then becomes ripe with choices and truths. Ten days ago I committed to omit coffee, alcohol, sugar, dairy and processed foods from my diet. Today, I get to decide… Continue reading Samskaras, emotional eating & choosing your destiny
The Dark Side of the Yoga Mat
On occasion my yoga practice turns into a messy throw down with an evil, two headed, mutant monster. I am surprised by the practices that go from a simple intention to ones that instead feel like wrestling with the beast, staring ugly in the face, or standing up to a relentless bully. I used to… Continue reading The Dark Side of the Yoga Mat
Yoga for back and joint pain, and a few food quips
Chiropractor and yogi Erika Putnam shares why a yoga practice is essential to healthy joints and mobility. “All joints must move through a particular plane with relative ease. The more restricted the motion of a joint, the less motion is allowed, thus decreasing the health of that joint. Think of joints like…”
A Feather Tipped in Glitter: Teaching Yoga as Creative Expression
I have been saving a particular picture of white feathers with their tips dipped in silver glitter as inspiration for my holiday decorations. I could envision their creation long before I had them dangling from a simple piece of string. I strung them as garland outside the entrance to my yoga studio. I decorate the… Continue reading A Feather Tipped in Glitter: Teaching Yoga as Creative Expression
The Gift of Gratitude: How to Apply a Theme to a Yoga Class
Our teacher started class by placing the heels of her hands together forming a small cup shape. Next she softly brought her fingers to touch leaving the middle space open. She said, “Anjali mudra is like holding a little bird between your palms”. The image was so light and childlike. I could imagine holding a… Continue reading The Gift of Gratitude: How to Apply a Theme to a Yoga Class
Compassion by Example: My Personal Story of Healing
Admittedly, my yoga journey began as an accident or possibly divine intervention. A writer that I admired was co-teaching at a yoga and writing retreat in Mexico and I planned to attend in hopes of practicing wordplay with like minds. It just so happened that my divorce became final two days before the retreat began.… Continue reading Compassion by Example: My Personal Story of Healing
Feather Shaped Forgiveness
Forgiveness. A word that instantaneously tastes bitter on my heart. When I was invited to write about forgiveness, I knew it was calling me. Despite every nerve ending that preferred not to have another go round with that particular healing opportunity. I love yoga and personal growth yet, sometimes, I really want to pass on… Continue reading Feather Shaped Forgiveness