Yoga with Weights
Practice Deep Dives Samira Shuruk Practice Deep Dives Samira Shuruk

Yoga with Weights

Want to add a little extra to your yoga practice?  Just add weights!

For decades, health and wellness experts, healthcare professionals, and even scientists have researched and have proven the benefits of exercise and fitness.  Many of them even say movement is medicine. It can be overwhelming at times to choose what works best for you because of how many modalities of fitness there are.

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Yoga in the Wild
Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk

Yoga in the Wild

My nephew recently graduated from college. He went to James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, so we went down to help him celebrate with his family. It is an exciting time to see his promise and potential, and we drove home on Skyline Drive. Taking the scenic route home reminded me that we do not have to go far to have wonderful experiences. This summer, celebrate with the Yoga Center. If you are traveling somewhere near or far, snap a pic of yourself in a yoga pose, then follow and tag us on social media. We are @The Yoga Center of Columbia on Facebook and @Columbiayoga on Instagram.

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The Gentle Wisdom of Yin: A Path to Longevity
Practice Deep Dives Samira Shuruk Practice Deep Dives Samira Shuruk

The Gentle Wisdom of Yin: A Path to Longevity

In a world that moves fast and demands more, yin yoga invites us to slow down… and simply be.

So much of life today is yang in nature—busy, active, and outward-reaching. We chase deadlines, juggle schedules, and pour energy into constant motion. While this fire has its place, we are not meant to burn endlessly. Without moments of stillness, the body wearies, the mind scatters, and the spirit begins to dim.

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Steadfast and Strong in Spring
Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk

Steadfast and Strong in Spring

“I am beginning to despair and can see only two choices: either go crazy or turn holy.”

― Adélia Prado, The Alphabet in the Park: Selected Poems

What does yoga practice have to offer us in times of great chaos? Among other things, stability, grounding, connection, will power, and perspective.

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What IS Yoga Nidra, Anyway?
Practice Deep Dives Samira Shuruk Practice Deep Dives Samira Shuruk

What IS Yoga Nidra, Anyway?

Yoga nidra is a guided meditation that is based on the ancient yogic philosophy of the koshas. The koshas are the different layers of your whole being, starting with the body and moving inward to your core, unchanging Self. I like to use the metaphor of a lightbulb covered in multiple lamp shades to help explain how yoga nidra and the koshas work together.

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The Breath of Life
Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk

The Breath of Life

“You are not lazy, you are wintering”. These are the words of Donna Ashworth, helping us to recognize that the colder and shorter days of winter tend to lure us under a cozy blanket after feasting on a steaming bowl of stew. Winter is a time for deeper introspection, a time to slow down, hibernate and to learn to be still.

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25 Ways to Reduce Stress
Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk

25 Ways to Reduce Stress

In today's fast-paced world, stress management isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. As we embrace the new year, let's explore evidence-based strategies to reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing, and yes! We can help with most of them. From early morning rituals to evening wind-down practices, these 25 approaches will help you build resilience and find peace in your daily life.

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Slow Down for a Serene Summer
Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk Seasonal & Lifestyle Samira Shuruk

Slow Down for a Serene Summer

In the heart of summer, as the days stretch long and the air fills with the scent of blooming life, there’s a natural invitation to slow our pace and breathe more deeply. At the Yoga Center of Columbia, we recognize that slowing down is not just a seasonal suggestion, but a profound practice that enriches our well-being and deepens our understanding of self.

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You Belong Here
Community & Stories Samira Shuruk Community & Stories Samira Shuruk

You Belong Here

In our kick-off Yoga Teacher Incubation Space, Lauren Vint shared with us a quote from Yoga Teacher Max Strom, and I am paraphrasing here: a good friend is more healing than a chemist. I just love this because it is so true. Having someone you trust that you can talk to is so precious.

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Evolution
Newsletters Kelly Fisher Newsletters Kelly Fisher

Evolution

The Yoga Center of Columbia is a force of nature. It is one of the largest yoga studios on the east coast and its 31 year history is a testament to the power of these mindfulness practices and the strength of our community.

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