Krista Oakes
What does Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti mean?

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti is something we chant together at the end of every one of my classes. But what does Om Shanti mean? In this short video I created for my Mindful Monday series I offer my explanation for this chant.

What does Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti mean?

Postures

Find Calm Anywhere: Practicing Seated Sun Salutations

Find Calm Anywhere: Practicing Seated Sun Salutations

Starting the day with a grounded intention can set the tone for everything that follows. Today, let’s explore a gentle, seated Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskara that allows you to connect with your breath and create space for calm—right from where you’re sitting. This accessible variation of the classic Sun Salutation brings all the benefits of yoga without needing to stand, making it a wonderful way to ease into your week, especially if you’re dealing with an illness or injury or just opting for more support.

A Soft Approach to Sun Salutations: Embrace the Chair Variation

A Soft Approach to Sun Salutations: Embrace the Chair Variation

Today’s practice is all about balance—both physically and in the way we nurture ourselves to show up. We’re diving into a familiar sequence, the Sun Salutation, and adapting it with the powerful addition of a chair. This gentle variation transforms the flow, making it accessible to all, no matter where you are in your practice or how you’re feeling.

Satisfy Your Soul With Sun Salutations

Satisfy Your Soul With Sun Salutations

Imagine starting your day with a practice that not only energizes your body but also sets the tone for a mindful, intentional day ahead. What if just a few minutes could offer you clarity, focus, and strength, both physically and mentally? That’s the power of the Sun Salutation—an ancient flow that’s as much about inner connection as it is about movement.

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Savasana: Keeping Relaxation With You Throughout Your Day

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Savasana: Keeping Relaxation With You Throughout Your Day

It's all too common to spring out of Savasana, eager to get on with the day. Maybe you’ve been there: you finally reach a state of deep relaxation, and then you jolt upright, tightening muscles as you go. Sure, this method gets you up quickly, but it also undoes the very relaxation you worked so hard to achieve. And, let’s be honest, it can feel a bit ironic to stress out your body right after a relaxation pose!

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Savasana: Discovering True Rest and Relaxation

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Savasana: Discovering True Rest and Relaxation

Savasana, often referred to as the “resting pose,” seems deceptively simple. After all, it’s just lying down, right? But anyone who's tried it knows that even in stillness, the body can hold onto tension. We often don’t realize that the subtle tightening of muscles or the closing off of our posture can prevent us from fully relaxing.

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Savasana: Make Time for Wakeful Rest

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Savasana: Make Time for Wakeful Rest

Have you ever found yourself attending a yoga class just for Savasana? I know I have! Many of us crave that moment of deep rest and relaxation at the end of practice, where we can finally let go and feel completely at ease. But here’s the good news—Savasana doesn’t have to wait until the end of a yoga class. You can practice this restorative pose anytime, anywhere, in whatever space allows you to recharge.

Simple Chair Yoga Pose for Upper Body Freedom

Simple Chair Yoga Pose for Upper Body Freedom

As a yoga teacher, one of the things I cherish most is helping my students find ease and comfort in their practice. We all have unique bodies, and modifications can make a world of difference in how a pose feels. A few weeks ago, I shared a chest-opening pose using a strap in yoga mudra, which is incredibly powerful. But I also know that for some, it can feel a bit intense. That's why I’m excited to share a gentler variation that I’ve come to love—an accessible way to achieve that same sense of openness and freedom in your upper body, using a chair.

Embrace Stability With Mountain Pose

Embrace Stability With Mountain Pose

Do you ever feel like life is pulling you in a million different directions? When your mind is scattered and your energy feels fragmented, it’s easy to lose your sense of stability. That’s when returning to the basics can be profoundly grounding. One of the most powerful tools for finding your center is the Mountain Pose, known as Tadasana in Sanskrit. 

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Release Everyday Tension in Minutes

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Release Everyday Tension in Minutes

Do you ever catch yourself feeling tense and tight in your upper body, especially around your neck and shoulders? If you're anything like me, it happens more often than you'd like. That nagging tension can make even the simplest tasks feel painful. But don't worry, I've got a simple and effective tip to help release that physical tension and bring you some much-needed relief.

Strengthen Your Core and Flexibility With Bridge Pose

Strengthen Your Core and Flexibility With Bridge Pose

Bridge Pose, or Setu Bandha Sarvangasana in Sanskrit, is a very accessible pose that offers a variety of significant benefits. Think of it as a prep position for a full wheel, but without the intimidating backbend. Many of us stop at lifting our hips, but there's a deeper experience waiting. This pose can elevate your practice, allowing you to feel both grounded and open. In today’s blog, we’ll discover how to do it.