Jade Lizzie Contributor Bio

Articles by Jade Lizzie

Discover the Best Time of Day for Your Yoga Practice

Traditionally, first thing in the morning has been viewed as the best time of day to practice yoga. However, if that doesn't work for you, here are some drafts for alternate times of the day to schedule your yoga practice.
Yin Yoga: 4 Benefits of Surrendering to Your Yoga Mat

In a goal-orientated, success-obsessed culture, Yin yoga provides the answers on how to surrender and why you should even bother.
How to Safely Practice Headstand

Headstand is known as the king of all yoga poses for the many benefits it brings. However, practicing a headstand safely is the key to achieving the benefits of this pose.
Balancing Your Ajna: How to Realign Your Third Eye Chakra

Ajna, or third eye chakra, is our source of inspiration, insight and intuition. When it's unbalanced we can feel a lack of clarity and indecision. These asanas and practices will help you realign your ajna and find the clarity you need.
The Power of Vinyasa

Vinyasa yoga teaches us to find peace in a sea of constant change, on and off the mat. Here's how.
Unlocking the Stress in Your Body

Tense shoulders, clenched jaw, chest pain: these are all signs of stress in the body. Learn how to let go of habitual patterns that keep your body locked in stress.
A Vinyasa Sequence for Beginners

Want to try a Vinyasa yoga class but aren't sure where to start? Try this easy beginner sequence.
Why We Do Cat-Cow Pose

Cat-cow pose is an integral point of many yoga warm up sequences. Here's a look at why this pose is beloved by so many yogis.
The Perfect Bow: How to Reach Dhanurasana

The magic of dhanurasana is more in its felt experience than the way it looks. Here are our five top tips to find the bow pose that’s perfect for you.
Pigeon Pose: 6 Variations of Yoga’s Popular Hip-Opening Posture

One of yoga's most popular hip openers, pigeon pose has many variations depending on your level of flexibility. Here are six to suit yogis from beginner to advanced.
Chakrasana: How to Perfect Your Wheel Pose

Chakrasana (wheel pose) is more than just a pretty shape. It's a powerful backend that needs to executed properly. Here's how to master yours.
Hanumanasana: How to Reach the Splits

Reaching hanumanasana (full-splits) is a dream goal for many yogis, but it's a pose that needs to be approached with caution. Here's how to do it safely.
Why Yoga and Surfing Are a Great Pair

Ever wonder why there are so many surfing and yoga combo retreats? Here's why surfing and yoga go together so well!
The Power of Chaturanga

Do you hate every time you move through chaturanga in yoga class? Here's why you should love it (and how to love it)!
Take to the Air: An Introduction to Aerial Yoga

Considering branching into Aerial Yoga? Here's what you can expect from an aerial yoga class and why you should go for it!
Yoga Is for Every Body

Yoga has worked itself into the narrow niche of thin, white females. But that's not what yoga is meant to be. Here's what we can do to change that.
Yoga for Everyone: The Top Organizations Making Yoga Accessible for Every Body

Yoga is supposed to be for everyone, but it's often not. Here's a look at some of the top organizations trying to make yoga more accessible for everyone.
Top 5 Reasons to Practice AcroYoga

AcroYoga can seem intimidating and daunting, but it's a dynamic and playful style of yoga. Here are 5 reasons you should give it a try.
Embrace Partnership: Top 5 Yoga Poses to Try With a Partner

Partner yoga is a great way to expand your physical practice and your connection with your partner. Here are 5 poses to try with a partner!
How to Balance Effort with Surrender for a Better Practice and a Better Year

Finding the balance between effort and surrender is the key to a getting the most out of your yoga practice. Try these tips to help find your sweet spot.
Top 6 Yoga Poses for Runners

Yoga isn't just for yogis. Here are 6 top yoga poses to help runners stretch, build flexibility and develop whole body awareness.
What to Expect From a Yoga Retreat

Yoga retreats are great experiences to help deepen your yoga practice and expand your comfort zone. Here's what to expect from your first yoga retreat.
Top 5 Tips for a Stronger, More Stable Garudasana

Garudasana has great benefits for both body and mind. Here are our top 5 tips to help you ground into garudasana and find better strength and balance.
A 15-Minute Yoga Sequence for Core Strength

Core strength plays a vital role in yoga, but also in almost every aspect of our lives. Try this simple 15-minute sequence to give your core a boost!
From Kakasana to Bakasana: Top Tips to Help you Advance from Crow Pose to Crane Pose

Bakasana and Kakasana look very similar, but are very different postures to master. Here are our top tips on how to advance from Kakasana to Bakasana.
My Greatest Lesson From the Mat

The lessons we learn from our yoga practice are powerful ones that can change the way we perceive our lives and the challenges we face.
Moving Beyond Failure: A Lesson From Ashtanga Yoga

Learn how to move past the fear of failure and tap into the joy of the moment with this example from Ashtanga yoga's primary series.
Take a Break in Silence for These 6 Self-Love & Spiritual Benefits

Making time for silence is a simple way to reconnect to yourself throughout the day. Learn more reasons why silence benefits you and your spiritual path.
Vinyasa Yoga: A Flowing Introduction That’ll Have You Falling in Love With Creative Sequences

Also known as Flow yoga, Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic flowing style that increases your strength, flexibility and balance. Explore more of what it's all about and why you might just find yourself falling in love with Vinyasa.
Six Signs You’re Already More Yogi Than You Think

You don't have to be a master of headstand or meditate for hours on end a day to share this title with your fellow yoga community. Here are six signs that you may already be more yogi than you think!
How To Prepare Yourself for Yoga Practice

If your life resembles less like a dreamy retreat lifestyle and more like a modern-day busy yogi, read on for five steps to take to make sure you arrive on your mat ready to practice.
How to Open Your Mind to a Healthier and Happier Life

What is open-mindedness and why is it important to our happiness and well-being? Find out how to open your mind and the benefits you'll enjoy.
The Art of Mindfulness Is a Masterpiece of Moments in the ‘Now’ (5 Tips on How)

How do we practice mindfulness in a sea of constant change? Learn about some daily practices you can do to help connect with the present moment.
How Forrest Yoga Helped This Yogini Grow in Self-Knowledge

A Forrest Yoga Advanced Yoga Teacher Training course became much more for yogini Jade Lizzie. It became a journey of self-reflection with a breakthrough from a personal struggle.
A Time for Reflection: Contemplate This Season for These Three Reasons

There are many types of contemplative activities, but the end goal is the same: to reconnect with our true Self. Discover which contemplative practice best suits you and enjoy the calm and renewed energy it brings.
Cultivating Power in Your Practice With Warrior Two Pose

Practicing warrior two pose builds both physical and mental strength. Learn how to invoke your inner warrior and master your life goals.
3 Yogic Techniques for Mental Muscle Building

Yoga can strengthen our bodies, but what about our minds? Learn the tools to strengthen your mind and why it's an important part of your daily yoga practice.
A Busy Person’s Guide for Practicing Yoga

Love yoga but struggling to find time to practice? Don't worry! Here are four ways you can be more yogi throughout your day no matter how long your to-do list is.
A Year End Self-Reflection of One Yogini’s Yoga Journey

The end of another year offers the opportunity for calm reflection on your yoga journey and spiritual path. Yogini Jade Lizzie shares with us how yoga has taught her to live better, laugh louder and be in the moment more.
How Often You Should Practice Yoga Depends on You

How many yoga classes per week are draftl? Once a day? Twice a week? Discover what's right for your schedule, your body and your goals.
Who Is Yoga For?

For those who think yoga isn't your "thing," here are some ways in which you can effortlessly dip your toes into a new yoga practice.
Find the Mind’s ‘Off Switch’: 3 Ways to Rein In Your Brain During Meditation

Instead of obsessing about your wandering thoughts, use the following techniques to help you re-focus and learn about the Self throughout the process.
Getting Grounded: What It Means and How to Get It

You often hear about getting grounded. But what does that mean and how do you get it? Learn what this term means and four techniques to attaining this state of mind (and body).
Patience Really Is a Virtue: One Yogini’s Daily Struggle to Practice It More

Yoga instructor and author, Jade Lizzie, discusses her struggles with patience as well as advice on how to practice it more in your daily life.
Yogapedia Does Wanderlust

Yogini Jade Lizzie shares how a yoga festival, entirely unexpectedly, taught her a lesson in the value of community.
What Wanting to ‘Reach More’ Means to a Yogi

When I started yoga, I did not expect it to teach me how to reach more. As far as I was concerned, reaching more, which I measured in terms of achievement, accomplishments and promotions, was something I had no problem with....
How Yoga Helps You Keep an Open Mind in the Boardroom

Benefits of yoga are not only experienced 'on the mat.' Learn how you can transfer its positive effects into real professional results as well.
Befriend Your Chattering, Manic Mind & Meditate Through the Running Commentary

Meditation can seem impossible when your thoughts are always swirling about in your head, but here you can learn how with slow and nonjudgmental effort.
Your Go-To Yoga Sequence for Days You Only Have 10 Minutes or Less

Only have 10 minutes? Here’s a perfect sequence for first thing in the morning or an after-work way to shake off the day.
7 Self-Instructed Yoga Poses for Your Home Practice

Whether you're struggling to get to a yoga class or want to start your own self-practice, here are seven poses to get started with at home.
Holding Space’: What It Means for Yoga Teachers and You

To hold space is to create and maintain a place where one can exist, expand and grow. Here are five ways your yoga teacher helps you do this during class.
How to Make Every Day Your ‘Perfect Day’ With This Mindfulness Practice

We invite you to think twice about what your 'perfect day' looks like and then learn how to make this day come true with these yogic techniques.
Savor Your Sadhana: A Guide to Creating Your Daily Spiritual Practice

A sadhana is a daily ritual of yogic practices that gives you a chance to connect with yourself. Learn how to create one as unique as you are.
Stop Judging and Just Delight in Your Meditation Practice as It Is

We’re used to judging every aspect of our lives, including our meditation practice (or lack thereof). Learn why that's self-defeating & what to do instead
The 5 Virtues of a Good Yoga Teacher

Good yoga teaching is about far more than simply having an advanced asana practice. Learn about the five qualities you should be looking for in a good yoga teacher.
Get Comfortable During Meditation With These Popular Postures & Modifications

Do you find it hard to sit comfortably when preparing to meditate? Learn how to effectively take a seated posture for meditation here.
6 Steps to Starting a Meditation Practice for Beginners

The prospect of beginning to meditate can be daunting. Here are six simple steps to help start your meditation journey.
Turn That Yawn Into Yin and Relax Into This Style of Yoga

Yogapedia contributor and yoga instructor, Jade Garratt, explains the philosophy of yin and yang, and all about the style of Yin yoga.
Me and My Many Yoga Days

There are as many types of yoga as there are sides to you. Our team writer and yoga instructor, Jade Garratt, shares her experience getting to know yoga and herself.
Restorative Yoga: What to Expect On and Off the Mat

The purpose of Restorative yoga is to take time out of your busy day to relax and recharge your energy levels. Yogini Jade Garratt explains its origin, what to expect from a class, the benefits of its practice and if it's the right style of yoga for you.
Balancing Yin and Yang

Chinese philosophy states that all things have yin and yang polarities. Yin is feminine, dark, passive and deep; while yang is masculine, light, dynamic and superficial.
What to Expect From a Reputable Yoga Teacher Training

All yoga teacher trainings differ in the scope of their content, how it's delivered, and the style and structure in which the material is presented. There are, however, several key takeaways you can expect from a reputable teacher training curriculum.
20 Minutes of Yin Yoga

Practicing Yin yoga can be done in as little as 20 minutes. Explore this quick, yet effective, restorative Yin yoga sequence for a renewed sense of calm. Integrate Yin yoga into your Sadhana.
How 500 Hours of Yoga Teacher Training Changed Me

500 hours of yoga teacher training changed Yogapedia contributor Jade Lizzie's life. Her personal account of coming to yoga with an injured back to holding workshops worldwide illustrates the transformative powers yoga can have.
The Practice of Surrender

Learning to let go and surrender to what you are experiencing in the moment takes courage. Learn how Yin yoga can teach you how to surrender, and how the act of letting go can strengthen your ability to live a mindful life.
Number One ‘Rule’ of Meditation

For something so apparently innocuous, meditation can be intimidating. People worry that they aren’t doing it right, that they aren’t sitting right, or concentrating enough, or breathing properly, or using the right mantra....
Mastering Sitting Meditation

Mastering sitting still in meditation can be a challenge. Fidgeting, physical discomfort and boredom are just a few of the distractions we contend with. Learn how to use yoga props, chanting and asana practice to get you ready for seated meditation.
Yoga for Your Travels

How do we bring our yoga practice with us when we travel? Learn some tips and tricks to taking yoga on the road, even if you forgot your mat at home!

Q&A by Jade Lizzie

How do you get into AcroYoga? What experience do you need first?

Great question, and the simple answer is, not a lot!Many people are put off acroyoga, because they think it’s only for experienced gymnastics-types who already have a willing partner to join them. The good news is, that’s...
What’s the difference between Partner Yoga and AcroYoga?

If you’ve been doing yoga for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of acroyoga, and possibly partner yoga too. These two types of yoga have a lot in common with each other, but a few crucial differences. Let’s explore...
Can I try SUP Yoga without any previous yoga experience?

SUP yoga, that is, doing yoga whilst balancing on a paddle board, is becoming more and more popular, and it’s easy to see why. It combines the excitement and unpredictability of paddle-boarding with the control and mindful...
Do you need special training to be an acroyoga teacher?

If you’ve been practicing acroyoga for some time, you may decide you’re ready for the next step. Perhaps you have a desire to bring more people to the practice, maybe you love the idea of teaching acro, or possibly you just...
Who discovered the chakras?

The chakras come from ancient tradition. In fact, they are referenced in the oldest written Indian tradition we know of, the Vedas, which date from 1500B.C. - 500B.C. Perhaps unsurprisingly, these don’t tell us who...
What is the most relaxing yoga practice?

Relaxation means different things to different people. For some, a relaxing activity after a long day at work might be a five-mile run. For others, that would be pure torture: Curling up with a cup of tea and a good book by...
What are the best yoga poses for the morning?

Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)Technically, more of a sequence than a pose, gently rolling your spine between cat-cow pose is a great way to wake up your body, release your spine after a night’s sleep, warm your core...
What is the process of letting go?

“Let it go,” is such a common piece of advice that it’s almost become a cliché. When something is really bothering you, or there’s something you’re particularly attached to, it rarely seems so simple. How exactly do you let...
How can I hear my inner voice?

You might have had people tell you to listen to your inner voice, tune into your internal guidance or channel your intuition. But what happens if your inner voice just doesn’t seem very chatty? Or what if your mind is so...
Where does anger come from?

Anger, that all-encompassing, powerful and potentially destructive emotion, tends to arise quickly and uninvited. It can leave us reeling in its aftermath, often wondering “Where on Earth did that come from?” Often, we can...
What is an awakening?

Generally speaking, when people talk about experiencing an awakening, they don’t mean that horrible moment when your alarm goes off far too early on a Monday morning. Usually, the term, “awakening,” has far more positive and...
What is the symbolism of the lotus flower?

Lotus flowers are everywhere in the yoga world, adorning yoga mats, props and even tattoos. Their beauty alone makes it easy to see why they’re so popular. But there's more to this flower than just it's physical beauty.The...
How does yoga soothe anxiety?

Anxiety is horrible, isn’t it? Whether you suffer from overwhelming, paralyzing panic, or mild yet persistent, nagging worry, it’s an extremely unpleasant experience.Like any mental health condition, anxiety is a complex...
How can we overcome having expectations of others?

“What’s so wrong with having expectations of others?” you might ask. Quite a lot, as it happens.Why Not to Have ExpectationsToo Much PressureWhen we expect something of another, we are presuming that they can, and should,...
What can the chakras tell us?

One way to think of the chakras is as areas for psychospiritual development. Have you ever experienced butterflies in your stomach when nervous, or a heaviness in your heart when sad? The chakra system is a powerful model to...
Why is growth uncomfortable?

To grow is to develop, evolve and change. Whether that growth is physical, mental or spiritual, it’s a natural process. From the moment we are born, we move through our lives having all these crazy, exciting, sometimes...
Why do we seek noise for reassurance?

When you’re home alone, do you: a) Relish the silence, enjoying a long-awaited opportunity for some peace and quiet?; or b) Turn on music, the TV or the radio and immediately fill the space with noise?If you fall into the...
What does the Gita teach us about leadership?

A spiritual text is the last place you’d seek for leadership advice, right? Wrong. The Bhagavad Gita is arguably one of the earliest examples of a leadership text we can find. In the unlikely guise of a much beloved...
Can yoga help me stop over-analyzing?

First of all, you’re not alone! Over-analyzing is a classic response to any situation that makes us feel uncertain. It often comes into play when we are striving to take control. And the problem with that is that it can...
What can I expect from my yoga teacher training?

Despite the wide range of yoga teacher training programs, you can and should, expect the following takeaways from your training. Yogic PhilosophyMost teacher training programs will touch on traditional yogic texts like the...
How do I become a yoga teacher?

So you love yoga, you’ve been practicing for a while and you’ve decided that you want to share this incredible practice with others. You want to become a yoga teacher. What next? (Try a Guided Meditation to Finding Your...
What can I expect from a men-only yoga class?

On the surface, the answer to this is pretty simple: In a men-only yoga class, you can expect to find a class where all of the students are men. Why does this matter? Well, if you’re a guy who’s been avoiding trying yoga...
What is Office yoga?

Office yoga is a fantastic way to bring all the benefits of yoga into an office environment. There are few office-related health and well-being complaints that yoga can’t positively impact.In recent years, more and more...
What are the different kinds of yoga teacher training formats?

With yoga teacher training growing in popularity, there is an increasing demand for more flexible training formats. So, when you are researching which program is best for you, consider the different formats available. (Am I...
Am I qualified to take a yoga teacher training course?

I’ve had a lot of people ask me whether they should do yoga teacher training. They're curious about when they’ll be ready and how they’ll know, but there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer.First, most yoga teacher training...
What are some scientifically proven fringe benefits of meditation?

This is an interesting question, as the answer depends somewhat on what you consider to be the main purpose of meditation. For some people, they meditate purely to feel calmer; therefore, feeling calm isn’t a fringe benefit,...
Why do I lose my patience?

Do you ever completely lose your patience with a situation, person or event? For most of us, there are times when impatience bubbles its way up to the surface of our mind despite our best efforts to be calm and collected....
What is the purpose of patience?

This is a great question! We all know that “patience is a virtue,” but why is it a good thing to cultivate more of? What purpose does being more patient serve? I like to think of patience as a teacher. There is a lot that...
Why do I feel vulnerable when I practice yoga?

First of all, please don’t worry about feeling vulnerable when practicing yoga. It’s a common phenomenon and it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you. Yes, it can feel uncomfortable. Let’s face it, who does like...
What are the benefits of silence?

Given how little time most of us actually spend in silence, it can be quite an alien experience. Instead, we devote huge amounts of time and energy to talking, communicating and expressing ourselves. Even if we’re not...
When should I begin my meditation practice?

There are two ways to interpret this question. One, as a broader question about what stage of your life you should begin a meditation practice. The other, as a specific time of day to begin meditation. I’ll try to answer...
How can I experience contentment?

Before I discovered yoga, I thought I knew the answer to this question. Contentment? That’s simple. I’ll experience contentment just as soon as I’ve achieved all my goals and achieved everything I think I want. However,...
Is yoga a fad?

It is easy to see why yoga might be perceived as a fad. In recent years, its popularity in the West has surged with everyone from athletes to corporate types to celebrities catching the yoga bug. There’s a growing yoga...
How do I shift my perspective?

Sometimes it’s hard to take a step back and see things objectively. It's easy to become ensnared in the drama of our lives and entangled in the narratives of our minds. Changing our perspective, or re-framing our feelings...
Why do I get sleepy when I meditate?

Sleepiness when meditating is very common, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. So, why does it happen? Why is it that you can be feeling fine one minute, then as soon as you sit down to meditate, you’re overwhelmed...
Why is having the right attitude important?

One of the things that makes a yoga class stand out from an exercise or fitness class is the focus on your attitude. When you’re new to yoga, this might be unexpected and perhaps even seem a bit strange. After all, you’ve...
What is a sacred place?

The word, “sacred,” conjures up all kinds of ideas: an ashram in rural India, a Zen hideaway at a mountain retreat or a magical crystal-lined cave under a beautiful waterfall. And this sort of makes sense as being in any or...
What should my sadhana be?

Before we talk about what your sadhana should or shouldn’t be, it’s perhaps worth clarifying what a sadhana actually is. Simply put, a sadhana is personal spiritual practice, usually a daily practice, which allows you to...
Why meditate daily?

Judging by the question, I’m guessing you’re already sold on the idea of meditation, and rightly so. Meditation is proven to reduce stress, boost your immune system, improve your focus and keep you happy. But why do it every...
Do I need a guru?

This is a great question, and a controversial one! I had to think long and hard about it, and I’ve come to the conclusion that yes, you need a guru. We all do. But there’s an important caveat: that guru can be you. Let me...
What kind of yoga can I do when I travel?

I spend a lot of time traveling and teaching yoga around the world. When you’re moving around a lot, it can be a challenge to find the time and space to keep up a regular practice; however, it’s definitely possible. Travel...
What can meditation tell me about myself?

This is an interesting question. When I started meditating, I wasn’t expecting it to teach me anything about myself. Like most people, I thought meditation was about “switching off” my brain, “clearing my head” or just...
Which yoga mat should I buy?

Yoga mat shopping is so exciting! Whether you’re just getting into yoga or you’ve been practicing for a while, the sheer volume of options out there can be overwhelming. A yoga mat is an investment in your practice, and...
Why are coconuts symbolic of the ego?

Symbolism is a funny thing, isn’t it? We use symbols all the time to help us to represent abstract or intangible concepts in a more everyday manner. Wedding rings can symbolize a lifelong commitment that we enter into with...
What are the most relaxing yoga poses?

It’s worth having a few great “go-to” yoga asanas to help you to chill out. Here are my top five asanas for relaxation. (Learn more about yoga for relaxation in Restorative Yoga: Relax and Recharge.) Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose...
What should I wear to yoga?

Yoga clothing is a multi-million dollar industry with a whole array of clothes available that claim to be specifically designed for yogis. From crop tops with intricate straps, to vibrant printed leggings, bamboo toe socks,...
How do I cool down my mind?

Have you ever been described as hot-headed? This can be a really good thing, at times. Having fire and passion at the right times can help you to express yourself, to change things and to get things done. But there are times...
What is the best yoga practice for insomnia?

There are few things as frustrating, exhausting and lonely as being awake in the night when all you want to do is sleep. Insomnia is a complex problem and can have many causes. Thankfully, yoga can help with a lot of them....
What do I need to bring with me to a yoga class?

The beauty of yoga is its simplicity and the ease with which you can just show up and get practicing. But the question of what to bring to class is one that really worries people sometimes. So, here’s a little checklist for...
Why do I get emotional during yoga class?

Have you ever ended up sobbing in savasana? Or been filled with irrational rage as you pushed up into wheel pose? Or found yourself choked with grief while surrendering into pigeon pose?Me too.And its not an uncommon...
Why does the quality of our thoughts matter?

One of the magical things about meditation and yoga is that they can make you far more aware of your thoughts, their content and nature. This in turn can give you greater control over those thoughts. You can develop the...
What’s a good energizing yoga sequence?

yoga as their go-to activity for when they want to relax, unwind and chill out. And it’s fantastic for that. But what about when what you need is a shot of energy pepping you up for your day? Is it possible that yoga can...
Can yoga change my outlook on life?

Yoga Helps You to be Presentyoga teaches you is how to be in the present moment. By bringing together your mind, body and breathing, you learn how to anchor yourself in the moment. You learn to experience whatever is going...
How do I perfect my “down dog?”

It’s a rare yoga class that doesn’t include downward-facing dog pose at least once. But how do you perfect "down dog" to get the maximum benefits from it?For starters, you can mentally work through a list of alignment...
How do I get comfortable in lotus pose?

Ah, lotus pose. That much-admired meditation pose in which yogis are depicted in serene contemplation; their legs effortlessly and beautifully folded around each other and their spine elegantly lengthening from this...
What is the best way to observe my ego?

Spiritual teachers have in the past talked about killing or destroying the ego. But, increasingly, many people are coming around to the idea that actually the ego is a necessary part of us, and one that we need as we grow...