The Joyous Fool

Neck tension is the bane of many. Try this soothing, effective self-treatment to relieve tension, and restore comfort and ease to the neck and head.

Break free of Winter rigidity and stagnancy! This practice opens the upper body, in order to benefit from a creative use of pranayama (breathing techniques). Get back into the "flow of you." Note: Practice begins at about 3:30.

After a gathering full of food and loved ones, a bit of physical and emotional release may be in order. Let his practice be the antidote!

When the news of the day threatens your inner peace, try this practice to restore physical and emotional stability. A brief warm-up for the spine and upper body paves the way for various pranayama (breathing) techniques; a uniquely soothing meditation closes the practice.

This gentle, but deeply healing practice takes all of the major joints in the body through a wide range of creative movement patterns. And, this routine is chair-friendly, so may be used by those contending with, for example, arthritis or injury recovery.

This episode honors movement from a variety of traditions, from sports and fitness, to dance, Pilates, and yoga. After an account of her own adventures in the world of movement, Sandy offers a highly active practice, yet one that is accessible for most healthy bodies. If you are short on time, feel free to skip to

Sandy opens with some surprising findings and thoughts with regard to the Fall Equinox, and the word "equal." The subsequent practice offers powerful breathing techniques, spinal movements, and techniques to rev up the body's processes of elimination. The session closes with a meditation bolstered by mudra and pranayama.

Sandy relates her inspiration for this episode, and then guides listeners through a gentle, yet thorough and effective practice to release feelings of depression and negativity toward oneself. Learn how to include mudras and pranayama with simple movements, in order to deepen the effects of your practice.

Sandy explores her use of the word "energy," and then connects it to the artistic concept of negative, or empty space. A brief pranayama practice of suspended inhalation and exhalation (empty breath) concludes the discussion.

Ease into this full pranayama practice with a short warm-up to release mental and physical tension. Then, experience the profound effects of harnessing and directing the breath. Learn techniques to center; clear; calm; and harmonize all aspects of self.

Rather than a "practice," Sandy guides you through an experimental "experience." A brief warm-up awakens the spine and deepens the breath; what ensues is an exploration of possibility and realms beyond physical existence.

Sandy introduces the newly named Wayvie site with a reading from her blog. The piece serves as an inroad to its associated practice, "Experiment with Meditation." Listeners may also find fodder for their own contemplation about how and why to meditate and pray.

Experience a feeling of wide-open freedom in the physical body, as you infuse your being with peace. This yin yoga-based practice provides a full-body deep stretch, while transitional movement sequences offer comfort and circulation.

With elements of Feldenkrais and yoga, this short, yet comprehensive routine will keep your body and mind ready-and-steady during especially busy times. Done entirely on the ground, the routine offers full-body alignment and range of motion: The result is one of peaceful strength and openness.

Let this practice serve as your recourse when external demands create anxiety, tension, and self-doubt. This routine will guide you through the formula, "Clear and assuage; root and fortify." With just a few breath patterns and movements, motivation and confidence will be restored.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the side body houses the Gall Bladder meridian. This practice offers a movement and stretch flow that stimulates the channel, which is responsible for clear decisions and sound judgment. Fringe benefit: the gift of lateral movement for the spine, and a dose of digestive power!

Whether you have not been feeling well; are easing back from injury; or simply have not moved purposefully in a while, this practice will help you get back on track. Creative and thoughtful movement patterns harmonize the whole body, while fostering physical and mental awareness. An unusual pranayama technique provides relief from both anxiety and congestion.

Make a big difference to your heart and mind in just 15 minutes. Especially beneficial for anyone facing the first round of holidays after the passing of a loved one, this practice will gently ease the body, calm the heart, and soothe the soul.

Replace confusion or distraction with centeredness and clarity. Eliminatory and refreshing pranayama (breath work) accompanies simple movements for a thorough physical overhaul and renewed focus.

This is a gentle, yet comprehensive routine that is exceptional for the joints and freeing for the muscles. The practice will leave you feeling fluidly mobile, focused, and motivated for the day ahead.

Whether you are experiencing a shift of spiritual consciousness; need to shift your perspective; or want to shift from work to relaxation, this practice will help you get there. An overall release of muscle tension and stagnant emotional or mental energies is followed by a meditation to hone the powers of discernment. 

After a brief account of her own recent "dark time," Sandy offers a short practice to help one get one back on track. Calming and uplifting, the routine honors the shared human experience of moving from darkness into light.

This routine summarizes the series, "Whys and Wherefores of Ancient Practices," which can be found in its entirety at: everythingelsa.online. The full practice is done seated and requires less than 15 minutes: great for the office, when injured or unwell, or when the mind needs a profound reset.

Turn to this practice when mid-day slump arrives. With simple movements, you will release tension, mobilize the spine, and stir circulation. Then, "tricky" moves help to refresh focus and synchronize the hemispheres of the brain. A closing mudra pattern helps to seal the deal: You will feel clear and revitalized for the rest of your day. 

If you feel mired in mundane concerns, use this practice to help you wriggle free from earthly binds. In just a few subtle, gentle moves, you will create the optimal state to align with Higher Consciousness and the divine realm. This is the final piece in the Keep It Simple Series: Parts 1 ("Calm and Cool") and 2 ("Bold and Bright") are also available for follow-along practice.