Journal

  Introduction A well-curated bookshelf is a reflection of your journey—especially when that journey involves self-discovery, mindfulness, and personal growth through yoga. Whether deepening your practice, exploring philosophy, or seeking tools for inner transformation, this list has something for everyone. These 20 books cover breathing techniques, ethical principles, meditation, psychology, and personal narratives that will expand your understanding of yoga beyond the mat. In this guide, we’ll summarize each book and key takeaways so you know exactly what to expect and how these books can support your practice.  The Wisdom of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras – Ravi Ravindra The Wisdom of...

Have you ever thought about trying yoga but weren’t sure where to begin? Maybe you’ve admired the practice from afar but felt like it wasn’t the right time for you. Here’s the truth: the perfect time is whenever you decide to start. Yoga is for everybody—every age, every ability, every stage of life. No experience? No problem. Yoga meets you exactly where you are. If you’ve ever thought about trying yoga but felt unsure—maybe you believe you are not flexible enough, strong enough, or don’t have the right gear—let’s clear that up right now: yoga is for you. Just as...

Menopause is a transformative stage of life—a time of wisdom, growth, and newfound self-discovery. While it comes with changes such as hormonal shifts, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and joint stiffness, yoga can be a powerful ally in navigating this transition with grace and strength. By incorporating gentle movement, breathwork, and mindfulness, yoga helps to ease symptoms, improve energy, and cultivate a sense of balance and well-being. Why Yoga for Menopause? Yoga provides both physical and emotional benefits that make it an ideal practice during menopause: Balances Hormones: Yoga reduces stress, which in turn can help regulate cortisol and other hormone...

Imagine stepping into a space buzzing with creativity, where laughter fills the air, and every surface is covered with art in the making. Welcome to the "Pick Your Projects" Art Retreat at Big Raven Farm—a one-of-a-kind experience designed to spark your imagination, connect you with a community of makers, and leave you feeling energized and inspired. Create What Speaks to You This retreat is all about freedom—your creativity, your pace, your projects. Just check out The Amazing List of possibilities. Everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace and most participants finish three projects. If you’ve got the energy...

At Big Raven Yoga, we believe every mat is a piece of art, and every practice is a journey. Today, let’s talk about something essential—taking care of our backs! So many of us spend hours hunched over desks, staring at screens, and scrolling through our phones. We live with our arms and shoulders forward, which can leave our backs tight, weak, and aching. It’s no surprise that back pain is really common.  Strengthening the back isn’t just about aesthetics (though a toned back is a nice bonus!); it’s about moving with ease, maintaining good posture, and preventing discomfort and injury. Yoga...