Foundations

No bolsters, blankets, and blocks? No problem. This simple restorative yoga practice uses just one strap to help you drop into bliss.

Turns out, there’s not actually an English equivalent for every Sanskrit word. Find out which common yoga words you may not be fully understanding.

Hate to break it to you, but if you find alignment of asanas more interesting than exploring their Sanskrit meanings, you’re missing out on some major benefits on the mat…

Here's how Yin Yoga could help you find more balance in your practice and your life.

When it comes to Sanskrit, there are at least two camps of yogis—those who use it and those who don’t. Here’s why we’re with the traditionalists on this one.

Sadness and turmoil are universal. Learn how practicing deep concentration during tough times can lift the emotional burden.

Who says you can’t relax and recharge at the same time?

Neal Goyal was riding on a wave of success after starting his own hedge fund at 24—until his lies caused investors to lose $10 million. Now in prison, he explains how the Purusharthas, or the four aims of life, are helping him make sense of his crime.

Relax and unwind with these divine, sultry tracks, ideal for mixing up your yoga practice.

This smooth collection of ballroom plus yoga beats will make you want to add a little tango to your yoga practice.

If you already have a steady SUP yoga practice, you might be eager to try more challenging postures on your board. Enter this sequence, which is filled with familiar postures that have unexpected variations.

It's World Oceans Day! To celebrate, yoga teacher Amy Ippoliti and photographer Taro Smith are highlighting one of nature’s rare success stories: Misool Eco Resort and Misool Foundation in Raja Ampat, Indonesia.

Learn how to master your desires and tap into creative forces through Tantric philosophy.

This rain-inspired playlist will put a spring in your step and add vigor to your yoga practice.

This tantric breathing practice from Sarah Platt-Finger can help you achieve a state of oneness, also known as samadhi.

Understanding where movement should originate is key to keeping the body safe in Yin Yoga and beyond. Here, Josh Summers workshops Swan Pose to help you explore.

This relaxing "fourth trimester" yoga sequence can help you reconnect with your body and calm your mind in those early months with a new baby.

The answer lies in an exploration of how the postures in Yin Yoga and vinyasa yoga impact your connective tissues.

Every yogi in a Yin class looks different in the postures, so it's a good question. Josh Summers explains the difference between aesthetic vs. functional alignment.

These simple postures from Josh Summers will also help enhance the circulation of this vital energy.

Improve your drishti (gaze) and deepen your practice with these 4 simple steps.

It will cultivate compassion and kindness. Plus, Josh Summers explains the key differences between Yin and Yang meditations.

Think Yin is easy? Josh Summers dispels the common misconception and explains why it isn't a restorative style of yoga.

Nine leading yoga teachers give us an inside look at how they pray, manifest what they want in their lives, and more.

Fueled by visions of a strong and sculpted ballerina body, our writer signed up for 30 days of barre classes at The Bar Method in NYC. Here's what she learned about her yoga practice, plus 5 barre moves every yogi should try.

In this sutra, the power or practice Patanjali describes is “samyama on the navel.” This concentrated meditation on your midsection opens the door to a vital understanding of your body’s constituent parts and subtle-energy channels (nadis).

It's more than a chart-topping song. Find out what the current astrological era means for you.

Finding clarity in a yoga or meditation practice is more difficult than ever, with thousands of teachers constantly inventing new systems and philosophies. These tips from an Indian yogi who grew up in a monastery will help you feel more grounded in your practice.

If you've tried to meditate and wound up feeling frustrated or disappointed, a Yin approach can help.

Crystal essences can be applied topically as part of a skin-care routine, ingested as a drink, added to a bath, or used as room spray.

Because crystals are conduits of energy and intention, it is important to cleanse your new finds to rid them of any previous intent.

We could all use a little magic in our lives. That’s why YJ is having a love affair with crystals—beautiful objects infused with the earth’s healing energy. Not a believer? Read on to learn more about their secret powers.

Straight talk about Yin Yoga and clear and safe instructions on how to practice it are part of our new Yin Yoga 101 course. In the meantime, here are seven of the biggest misconceptions out there about this yoga style.

Join Josh Summers, founder of the Summers School of Yin Yoga, for our new online course Yin Yoga 101—a six-week journey through the foundations and principles of Yin Yoga, along with asana practice and meditation.

Find out how YJ's May cover model Erika Halweil tapped the power of tapas and "came home" to Ashtanga Yoga.

A practice to help you live your truth.

The traditional Ayurvedic beverage is celebrated by the Kundalini Yoga community for its detoxifying, healing properties.

Kundalini Yoga is a powerful practice, but should its potency give you pause? Here, Karena Virginia demystifies the common concerns about this ancient practice.

Looking to feel inspired and motivated? This playlist from #YJInfluencer Denelle Numis has your back.

Everybody has the ability to awaken Durga, the Hindu warrior goddess. This playlist from #YJInfluencer Sofiah Thom will help you access your inner Durga.

If you practice Kundalini Yoga, you know you have 10 bodies, not one. Here's the lowdown on all 10 bodies, plus a sequence to awaken them.

While experiencing the near-death of his wife, Aadil Palkhivala channeled meditation to release ignorance, ego, and attachment.

Feel like you need a life change, or to craft better, healthier habits and a more consistent practice? Consider Kundalini. Here's why it really works.

Neuroscience now supports what yoga has taught for centuries—mantras are a potent tool for relaxation.

Searching for a meaningful mantra to use in your practice? Here are four powerful pieces to get you started.

Prenatal yoga teacher Allie Geer demonstrates a self-myofascial release practice to relieve tension and pain during pregnancy and enhance mobility.

In part 6 of this kriya yoga series, yoga teacher Laura Riley offers simple practices for surrendering to love—in order to feel everything else.

There’s no denying it: change is scary. In part 5 of this kriya yoga series, yoga teacher Laura Riley shares a 5-step process for using tapas to embrace the inevitable for internal growth.

Becoming a parent involves all kinds of big decisions and questions. Sometimes "I don't know" is the guiding answer.

With this sutra, Patanjali teaches that yoga practice is preventive medicine for our minds—a way to keep future pain and suffering from manifesting.

When it comes to planning a yoga vacation, most of us think retreats in the tropics or taking the ultimate pilgrimage to India. Yet there are so many other destinations that can inspire a deeper understanding this ancient practice. Here, YJ contributors share their experiences in some far-off places that have transformed their practices and their lives.

Do you feel stuck? In part 4 of this kriya yoga series, yoga teacher Laura Riley shares three stages of svadhyaya practice to help you live life as who you truly are.

Meditation Studio co-founder Patricia Karpas shares some of the best wisdom offered on her Untangle podcast.

Your relationship with self requires conscious nurturing. In part 3 of this kriya yoga series, yoga teacher Laura Riley shares how your communication with others can get in the way.

Take a closer look at seven subtle-body healing modalities, and how to find one that will help you boost the benefits of your yoga practice.

Once you begin to identify your obstacles through mindful yoga practice, you will be able to set better intentions and reset your karmic path.

New year, REAL you. If you’re ready to embrace authenticity this year, self-inquiry is a powerful place to start. Yoga teacher Tracee Stanley shows us how.

Wish you were better able to accept hot and cold, noisy and silent, joy and sorrow? Cyndi Lee shows us how.

Love Yoga studios owner Sian Gordon opens up to Yoga Journal about growing up at Yoga Zone, values, and discovering the Katonah practice.

Access Consciousness founder Gary Douglas explains how turning the standard self-help formula on its head could actually be a lot more helpful.

In Yoga Journal's upcoming course, Baron Baptiste will guide you through a journey of self-inquiry, revealing your potential on the mat and beyond.

Release tension with this restorative sequence from Rodney Yee for encouraging the flow of breath and prana.

Master teacher Rodney Yee shares his interpretation of Yoga Sutra 1.2.

In part two of this six-part kriya yoga series, yoga teacher Laura Riley explains how to elevate your self-communication to activate the feelings beneath the noise.

Want to ensure a healthy, pain-free yoga practice for years (and years) to come? Part two of our three-part plan for ultimate bone health is all about how to supplement your practice with cardio and strength training.

Long day? Feeling sluggish? Try these poses from YJ Influencer Meredith Cameron to create space in your upper body to soften, flush, and balance your organ system.

Celebrating your life is a game-changer.

Los Angeles-based teacher Sesa O'Connor talks to YJ about her spiritual upbringing, raising a little yogi solo, and the booming yoga industry.

You might want to kickstart this as a regular practice.

Bikram Choudhury's yoga business, which faces upwards of $10 million in liabilities, filed for bankruptcy last week. One lawyer calls the move another "attempt to game" the US judicial system.