Articles / Writings
The Trouble with Popularity
Thursday, May 10th, 2012
The Washington Post covers the business of yoga this week: “The Struggles of DC Area Yoga Studios.” What with the booming popularity of yoga as a practice, there has been a quick proliferation of yoga studios in our city. As a result, even some long-established studios are feeling the pinch of increased competition.
Continue...Teaching yoga because you love it
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012
I chuckle at the idea that teaching yoga is an escape from stress. One of the things I tell prospective trainees and employees at Unity Woods is that yoga does indeed help you deal with stress, but it doesn’t make it disappear. Running a center is a full time job with all the demands of any business. We’re not just om-ing the day away.
Continue...A Response to “How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body”
Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
The recent New York Times article, “How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body”, has certainly created quite a stir. My inbox had over forty emails on the subject. Some of the issues the article raises do warrant further examination and discussion.
Continue...Yoga and Meditation, Part 2
Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
The Yoga Sutras say, “Posture should be steady and comfortable” (Sthira sukham asanam). You may have noticed that your own poses often feel anything but steady or comfortable. How can you find steadiness and comfort even in the midst of struggle?
Continue...Yoga and Meditation
Wednesday, October 26th, 2011
Meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg tells a wonderful story about an experience she had while on retreat. She went in to meet with her meditation teacher, prepared to describe all the profound experiences she was having while sitting…only to be asked to recount every detail of how she put on her shoes that morning.
Continue...Yoga Benefits for Orthopedic Problems
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011
Those of us who practice yoga know well how it supports body, mind and spirit. It’s nice to see that the medical establishment is also coming around to the recognition of yoga’s many benefits for health. See this story from the NY Times.
Continue...Our Kind of Town
Sunday, July 24th, 2011
The August issue of Yoga Journal has a feature titled “10 Fantastically Yoga-Friendly Towns,” and Washington, DC made the list. In fact, the article singles out Unity Woods Yoga Center and John Schumacher for special mention.
Continue...Studying with the Iyengars in Pune
Friday, March 25th, 2011
In December, I traveled to Pune, India for two weeks to see my teacher, B.K.S. Iyengar, and participate in the celebration of his 92nd birthday.
Continue...How to Perform Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana
Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
The March Yoga Journal features John’s instructions for dwi pada viparita dandasana.
Continue...Quick Yoga Tips for Stress Reduction
Wednesday, December 1st, 2010
This brief article just appeared as part of a Washingtonian Magazine cover feature on ways to combat stress.
Continue...