Want to Get Yoga’s Life-Changing Benefits? The Key is Not What You Expect
The true gifts of yoga are byproducts of the practice
Author
Rina Deshpande
Rina Deshpande is a teacher, writer, and researcher of yoga and mindfulness practices. Having grown up with Indian yoga philosophy, she rediscovered its profound value as a New York City public school teacher. For the past 15 years, she has practiced and shared the benefits of yoga across the globe. After studying yoga and mindfulness as self-regulation at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, she designs curriculum for science research and K–12 education. She is the author of Jars of Space, a new book of handwritten and illustrated yogic poetry. Learn more at @rinathepoet or rinadeshpande.com.
My Stories
The Ancient Practice of Sauca (and Why It’s Still Relevant Today)
Embracing cleanliness—in more than just its most obvious expressions—can transform your life.
Feeling Stuck? Turn Up the Purifying Power of Heat
Here are three ways to practice Tapas in a balanced way—without burning out.
Rest Isn’t a Reward—It’s Essential
Yoga nidra helps prepare my body to claim the relaxation it so deserves.
Yes, You Can Control Your Thoughts. Here’s How
Yoga can help us modulate our minds so that we can consciously decide which thoughts to focus on—and which to let go.
Breathe Your Way to a Calmer (and Happier!) State of Being
Bookmark this practice for all of those stressful days.
How to Spot If Your Take on a Situation is Way Off—And How to See It More Clearly
Avidya—knowing something but misinterpreting or misunderstanding it—can lead to suffering. Here's how to boost your powers of perception.
Sthira-Sukham Asanam: Cultivating Comfort and Steadiness
If you're gasping for breath or generating pain to maneuver your body into a posture, ask yourself: Am I providing my body what it is asking for, or am I following a sequence of prescribed postures?
40 Sanskrit Words Every Yogi Should Know
Looking to expand your knowledge about this ancient language and take your yoga practice to a deeper level? This is the place to begin.
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Practice: The Draw of the Senses
On a beach trip, Rina Deshpande is reminded of pratyahara, the retracting of the senses.
Should Yoga Teachers Use Sanskrit?
Using Sanskrit is a personal choice for yoga teachers and students. Here's the complicated history you should consider while deciding whether or not to use it.
The Art of the Silent Bow
Yoga teacher and mindfulness researcher Riya Deshpande on expressing appreciation and humility through Namaskar.
Try This 20-Minute Sequence the Next Time You’re Recovering from Sickness
Move your body slowly and find stillness with Rina Deshpande.
What It Was Like Growing Up With Yoga in an Indian-American Household
It wasn't something that transpired on a mat—it was a way of life.
Try This Simple Tip to Build a Balanced Yoga Sequence
Yoga teacher Rina Deshpande shares her perspective on creating a holistic practice.
Why the Yama Transcend Simple One-Word Definitions
Yoga teacher Rina Deshpande explains how each of the yama—or yoga's primary tenets—relates to the other yama and broader yoga philosophy.
How Well Intentioned Untruths—Like Telling Little White Lies—Can Weigh You Down
Yoga teacher Rina Deshpande explains how practicing satya, or truthfulness, can help liberate you.
How Asteya (Non-Stealing) Can Empower You to Set Boundaries & Speak Up
Yoga teacher Rina Deshpande offers another perspective on non-theft.
Understanding Aparigraha: What It Really Means to “Let Go”
Feel like you're holding onto things a little too tightly? The yama aparigraha, or non-gripping, offers wisdom on how to release your grasp.
How the True Meaning of Yoga Can Help Us Reconsider Our “Yoga Clothes”
Rina Deshpande's perspective as an Indian-American yoga teacher may make you reconsider what you wear on the mat.
Yoga Isn’t Only Physical Yogasana—But Here’s Why Postures Are an Important Part of the Practice
You can modify and take breaks for recovery, but here's why the physical practice of yoga is so important.
What the Yama Can Teach You About Cultural Appropriation
Here, teacher Rina Deshpande reveals the multi-faceted meanings of asteya (non-stealing).
What is Ahimsa?
Ahimsa, or nonviolence, is one of yoga’s ethical principles. Explore its origins and how it might be interpreted and practiced in your everyday life.
How to Correctly Pronounce Namaste
You've probably been saying it wrong this whole time.
Let’s Break Down What Anjali Mudra Actually Means in Yoga
When we place our hands together at heart center and say "namaste," what are we really saying? Rina Deshpande explains.
A 5-Minute Meditation to Release Anxiety
Detach from anxiety and come back to the present.
What is Yoga? Understand The History Behind the Practice
A myriad of historical information exists, so let’s start with building a foundation.
What’s the Difference Between Cultural Appropriation and Cultural Appreciation?
A first-generation Indian-American yoga and mindfulness researcher and teacher reflects on what feels misrepresented and appropriative to her in modern yoga.