So what exactly is stillness, and why is it important in our lives? The word stillness is usually associated with lack of movement, standing still, a quietness or calm, but in truth, stillness is a constant vibrational movement of energy that has a natural harmonious rhythm...
In AY, awareness of sensations and equanimity in our perceptions are critical tools to understanding the non-verbal realm of our somatic experiences. How we perceive often determines what we believe and what actions we take. Getting to know the “how” of perception is important to truly...
Gerry Lopez, Mr. Pipeline, is one of surfing’s most enigmatic heroes—a Zen Buddhist on land who built his early career on aggressive surfing. Patagonia Film’s The Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez—directed by award-winning filmmaker Stacy Peralta—follows one of the most influential surfers, stand-up paddle...
In AY, we believe that living in an awake way requires working from the inside out on a path of self-transformation. As we study ourselves through the lens of various wisdom perspectives—Yogic, Buddhist, Taoist, depth psychology—and apply holistic methods to an examined life, we become...
The AY Practice is a deeply personal journey of discovery. The main component of this integrated journey is deep sensation awareness with yoga asanas and subtle breathing exercises. The various phases of the AY Practice include development of the physical & subtle body, deep awareness &...
THE FIVE MAIN COMPONENTS OF AN AY PRACTICE Self-discipline AY asana practices Concentration Mindfulness Deep feelings of Oneness Self-discipline, AY asana practices and concentration are at the foundation of the structure. But mindfulness and the feeling of deep oneness are at the core. FOUNDATION OF THE...
We live in a world where asking for validation is seen as needy, yearning for a relationship is seen as non-spiritual, and hyper-independence is put on a pedestal. As human beings we are fragile, and our strength does not lie in trying to mask our fragility,...
As a yoga teacher, it’s important for me to keep my own personal practice. Not only does it fill my own cup, but it also becomes my teacher. I’m better able to see my own patterns and observe how I react to what arises in...
A philosophy of surfing that can be applied to our AY Practice is soul surfing. It’s the perfect art or icon of the peace that both Confucius & Lao Tzu taught. Soul surfing gives us the deep, peaceful stoke that both Confucians & Taoists seek...
We will soon be posting short Aqua Firma segments on our YouTube channel for your home practice! We will be using resistance bands, pilates ball and wobble pads for stability. Keep posted!...