Melissa Mercedes, Author at Power Yoga

The Power in Unlocking the Chakras

Yoga & Health ● Melissa Mercedes

Chakras represent the main energy centers of the body. They are essentially the container that holds your body’s energy (or prana.) Our behaviors—from what we eat to what we say to what we watch—can directly influence the health and aliveness of this intricate system.

The General Benefits of Yoga

Yoga Benefits ● Melissa Mercedes

We are living in unprecedented times, both domestically and globally. With uncertainty stemming from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) swirling around us on a daily basis, now, more than ever, is a potentially transformational opportunity for us to implement our “spiritual skills” that we work so diligently to nurture and strengthen. Regardless of what your spiritual practice […]

What is Intermediate Yoga?

Yoga & Health ● Melissa Mercedes

Aloha yogis! I wanted to share with you some information on a topic in the yoga world that does not garner much attention, but it is always nice to have as a reference point to guide and support you on your journey into yoga! Especially if you are completely new to yoga, class offerings through […]

New Year Resolution Yoga

Yoga & Health ● Melissa Mercedes

Wow…where do I begin? The topic of “New Year’s resolutions” can seem on the face of it, vast and daunting! For those of us who are driven and Type A personalities most likely have this innate desire to push, accomplish, thrive at whatever it is we set our minds to. Even if this presents as […]

NOURISHING THE HEART SPACE: Mental Health Benefits of Yoga

Yoga Benefits ● Melissa Mercedes

I recently had an experience in which I was confronted with toxic and negative communication that was directed towards me and my family. Being a human being, my initial reaction was to “fight back” and to partake in similar, unhealthy communication. Thankfully, though, my yoga and meditation practice (as well as my training as a […]

Yoga for Emotional Eating

Yoga & Health ● Melissa Mercedes

When I was in graduate school writing my dissertation, I would sit at my computer for long periods of time in the “writing zone.” During this time, I often had within arm’s reach a six-pack container of gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. I would inhale these cookies within an hour (usually 30 minutes!) and […]

Yoga for Pregnancy

Pregnancy ● Melissa Mercedes

As a clinical psychologist with an interest women’s health, I am a big advocate for integrative approaches to support emotional and physical well-being in pregnant and postpartum women. Pregnancy is life-altering for women, both psychologically and physically. As we are unique individuals, pregnancy can manifest itself in a variety of ways, when it comes to […]

Best Pregnancy Yoga Poses

Pregnancy ● Melissa Mercedes

NOTE:  Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting a practice for pregnancy yoga. My pregnancy was a yoga practice in itself. When pregnant, I had so many expectations around what my practice “should” look like. And, I had a strong practice prior to pregnancy so did not think for a moment that I would […]

What Yoga Poses to Avoid When Pregnant?

Pregnancy ● Melissa Mercedes

Disclaimer: As always, consult with your healthcare provider before engaging in any type of exercise program during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life that is ripe for nurturing, slowing down, and reflecting. Practicing yoga during pregnancy can prepare a woman’s mind and body for the wild, magical journey of pregnancy and […]

What Are The Benefits of Yoga & Meditation?

Yoga Benefits ● Melissa Mercedes

Should I begin a yoga and meditation practice? Will I experience true benefits? The quick answer is yes. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and chronic stress are prevalent in the United States, and are considered serious health conditions alongside heart disease, cancer and asthma. Integrative and holistic mind-body practices such as yoga and […]

Yoga for Stress Relief, Anxiety, and Depression

Yoga Benefits ● Melissa Mercedes

The confluence of Western psychology with Eastern mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation creates a ripe environment for working with emotional and psychological issues. As a result, the mental health field has witnessed an upsurge in these mind-body healing modalities to address issues ranging from mood and anxiety disorders to stress relief. What are […]

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