The Joyous Fool

Short and potent, this practice effectively clears the mental congestion and overstimulation that may arise when one is inundated with ideas, planning, and details. A great practice for house-hunters and job-seekers!

Part of the Keep It Simple series on the Everything Elsa blog on Word Press, "Bold and Bright" will bring you into a vibrant physical and mental state. In less than 15 minutes, with just a few moves and powerful breath work, you will be left with a feeling of vitality and confidence.

This part-bodywork, part-small movement, and part-meditation routine explores the esoteric underpinnings of the body's joints. While the practice may temporarily assuage physical pain, the primary goal is to encourage physical and mental exploration: In so doing, you will usher in an overall sense of psycho-spiritual possibility.

The power of the mind is remarkable in its ability to provide both light and darkness in our lives. The practice and meditation here will help to settle and soothe distressing thoughts and emotions by restoring brain synchrony and balancing the nervous system.

In order for creative energy to flow and be expressed, the Second and Fifth chakras must align. From a physical perspective, this practice will free the neck and low back, while strengthening the lower abdominals.

After periods of high activity or stress (or conversely, too little stimulation), the body and mind can feel a bit off-kilter. Let this (newly named) PodClass practice help you restore balance and improve concentration. 

Although this practice was created in response to the racially motivated attack in Buffalo, NY, the movements and meditation will restore stability and agency whenever your inner or outer world is shaken. 

Shore up your inner peace and steadiness with this quick practice. With movements designed to promote openness and steadiness, followed by a closing meditation sequence, this routine provides a ready dose of calm and positivity.

Turn to this practice when your mind and/or muscles need some motivation. Whether you are dragging on a Monday morning, or simply don't feel like tending to your tasks, the routine will slowly, but surely impart renewed vitality and enthusiasm for what comes next.

This gentle movement and meditation acts as a salve for those days or periods when you are feeling down. Whether the cause of "gloom" is obvious or seemingly inexplicable, the blend of moves, breath, and mantra will help you rise up and out of the gray. Ease your way forward with renewed faith in the workings of the Universe, and in your ability to persevere. The mantra used is: Sa Ta Na Ma, Ra Ma...

Discover the hidden depths of basic fitness moves! From squats, to planks, to leg lifts: Learn about the subtler esoteric qualities that these and other movements can evoke. All told, the moves comprise a 10-15 minute practice that moves past physical strength into the power of mind and spirit.

This meditation practice introduces the profound benefits of silence as a discipline. Using a mudra to create a deep sense of peace and connection to the "source," or divine Universe, one takes the first step toward practicing silence on a regular basis. 

 "Evening Elixir" is the third in a three-part series from 2021, called, "Daily Doses." (Look for "Morning Medicine" and "Noon Nectar" in future episodes.) If you have had a busy day, this is a great way to unwind. If you are having a bout of insomnia, help yourself settle down with this short practice. Whatever your need, the tension-relieving movements and breath work will help you return t...

A short, flowing warm-up releases tension and prepares the body to sit for pranayama (breathing techniques.) This practice pacifies the heightened energy of the Full Moon, leaving you settled, refreshed, and focused.

In the first episode of the new series, "Treasure Trove," you will find a short practice designed to instill spark, motivation, optimism: a full dose of vitality for both the mental and physical bodies.

If you have been sitting at the desk, on the couch, or in the car for a while, this quick dose of movement will renew circulation and vitality. So, join in, and feel better in less than 10 minutes!

Today's episode helps to rid the body and mind of deep tension. It also helps to shed the "blues;" to ease your way into the day; and to invigorate motivation. This is a routine that begins gradually, and ultimately leads to a thorough unwinding and release of tension.

Today's episode rejuvenates and uplifts: no serious thinking, just a full revamp and reprieve. The practice serves as an excellent morning routine, as it releases stiff muscles, improves focus, and stimulates overall circulation. 

Whether grieving a person or situation, or feeling your way through a time of uncertainty, this practice will provide comfort. A series of gentle, sometimes unusual movements will activate the Heart and Root energy centers: In harmony, these chakras establish a sense of security and hope in the midst of a challenging time.

If you are caught in a Winter slump; worn by the ongoing pandemic; or just in need of a little change, this practice is the one for you. An accessible, rejuvenating variety of movements and therapeutic techniques allows you to experience a bit of Feldenkrais, qi gong, Pilates, and kundalini yoga. Have some uplifting fun!

This practice explores balance and vision, physically and metaphorically. Discover the full array of supportive abilities that the brain and body can supply when pitched "into the dark." Fringe benefits: strengthened core and relief from eye strain! 

In this episode, Sandy explores the side lobes of the brain: temporal and parietal. The practice hones in on hearing, sensation, and their relationship to Traditional Chinese Medicine and the chakras. 

In just 15 minutes, learn how to contend with the mishaps that Mercury loves to generate during its retrograde phase. By clearing the auric field and building intuition, listeners make peace with the planet's mischief; one can more easily roll with the likely communication and electronic frustrations likely to occur from Jan. 14-Feb. 3.

It's all about the brain! In today's practice, whole-brain synchronization is stimulated: uni- and cross-lateral moves, plus atypical breath work and oppositional movement. Further practices will hone in on specific regions, and their relationship to esoteric aspects of consciousness.

If your entry into the New Year finds you a bit down or contending with illness, this practice offers gentle help. A range of movements and breath work bring circulation, ease, and hope back into the emotional and physical bodies.