Rachel Bilski Contributor Bio

Articles by Rachel Bilski

From Resistance to Acceptance and Resilience

Is resistance blocking you from accepting the present moment? Develop resilience and face life's challenges without becoming stuck.
Truth Through Hinduism’s 6 Pramana

Learn how the mind functions through the lens of Hindu philosophy and the six pramana.
Cultivating Yoga Community During the Pandemic

Offering ourselves and others support is the key to getting through this with our spirits intact. Here's how the yoga community is sticking together.
The Power to Transform Stress & Anxiety into Resilience

Yoga reminds us that the body can influence the mind as much as the mind influences the body.
The Lost Art of Concentration

By practicing concentration, we can overcome the distractions of modern living and observe the patterns of our minds that make up our habits.
Chanting: Align With Life

The power of chanting is not only to be found in the impact of vibration on physiology, but in the cultivation of concentration and focus.
The Power of Community in Yoga

In practicing yoga, you become part of an ancient and sacred sharing circle, and taking part in this communion reminds us that we are never alone.
How to Maintain Your Yoga Practice While Travelling

Yoga is one of the easiest practices to continue enjoying when you're on the road. Here's four tips to help bring your practice on the road with you.
The Eighth Limb of Yoga: Samadhi

Achieving samadhi, the last limb of Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga, is easier than it sounds. Here's how to reach it.
The Sixth Limb of Yoga: Dharana

Dharana, the sixth limb of yoga, is all about focussed concentration. Here's how you can master dharana and how it can elevate your practice.
The First Step of Yoga: Yama

The five Yamas provide social codes of conduct necessary for a true understanding of the spirit of yoga. Here's an introduction to the five yamas.
Yoga & Relaxation: 3 Practices to Reset & Restore

Stress and tension are all too common in today's society. If you're feeling overworked, over-tired or overwhelmed, try these 3 yogic practices to help bring you back to balance.
Meditation & Mindfulness: What’s the Difference?

Mindfulness and meditation get a lot of attention, but what's the difference between these two practices? Here's what these two techniques really mean.
Stress vs Self-Care: How to Elicit the Relaxation Response

Our bodies are equipped with an exceptional counterbalance to stress: the relaxation response. Here's how to trigger it and find natural relaxation.
The Meaning of Moksha

What is moksha and how do we reach it? Here's a look at what moksha really is and how we can possibly reach it in today's day and age.
Dirgha Pranayama: An Introduction to Three-Part Breath

Feeling anxious, stressed or even just a little short of breath? Dirgha Pranayama, a simple, 3-part breathing technique can help. Here's how to do it.
Namaste and Namaskar: Greeting the Divine

Why do yogis greet each other with a bow? Here's a look at the history of Namaste and Namaskar, and what these traditional greetings mean.
Mindful Consumption for a Joyful New Year

Learn how to use mindfulness as a second skin to mindfully manifest a more joyful, positive and meaningful New Year
Is Your Chi Blocked?

Chi, or energy, is driving force of all life. When it is blocked, your physical and mental state can suffer. Try these tips to unblock your chi.
Why We Twist in Yoga: The Benefits of This Simple Action

Twists are an integral part of yoga, but why do we do them? Here's just some of the reasons twists are so good for your body.
Suffering & Sweetness: Understanding Duhkha and Sukha to Deepen Your Practice

Understanding duhkha and sukha can help deepen your yoga practice and help you find contentment in the present moment.
Think Headstand Is Scary? 3 Tricks to Help Conquer Your Fears

Conquer your fear by learning about all of the benefits of headstand (and inversions), how to safely practice it and 3 tips to help you finally get your feet off the ground.
Satsang: Gather in the Company of Truth for an Uplifting Spiritual Practice

If your spiritual cup is feeling a little empty, you’re probably yearning for satsang. Learn what this Sanskrit word means and why it's important to your spiritual growth on the yogic path.
Brahman and Maya: A Yogic Explanation of Reality Versus Non-Reality

Explore the concepts of Brahman and maya, as well as how yoga can be used as a tool to lift the veil of reality.
New to Yoga Teaching? Allow Me to Dispel 5 Common Doubts

It's normal to have doubts if you're new to teaching yoga. Here are five common ones addressed from a rational, positive perspective by a fellow yoga teacher.
Cultivate Confidence in Your At-Home Practice With These Sequencing Tips + Template

Be inspired to create your own sequence with these tips and gain confidence in your at-home yoga practice.
We Must Ask the Deeper Questions

Explore curiosity, questioning and contemplation. And get practical advice on how to connect with your innate inquisitiveness.
Lost in Noise? Find Yourself in Silence and Reboot Your Connection With the World

Silence is a practical (and spiritual) means of improving well-being, finding clarity and re-engaging with the world around you.
A Call to Action: Karma Yoga’s Origins and How to Practice This Selfless Lifestyle

Karma yoga is known as the yoga of selfless action. Delve deeper into its philosophy, origins, practices and some guidance on if it's the right path for you.
Know More About Jnana Yoga: The Path of Wisdom

Jnana yoga is the yogic path of wisdom, but maybe not in the sense you're thinking. Learn more about this classical school of yoga and decide if it's the right one for you.
Bhakti Yoga: How the Path of Devotion Connects Us in a Disconnected Modern World

As the path of devotion, Bhakti yoga helps connect us to our community, universal consciousness and God, despite the disconnectedness of our modern world.
Dharana and Dhyana: Misconceptions of Meditation Explained

Seemingly so similar, dharana and dhyana should be understood as different stages in a process in order to realize true meditation.

Q&A by Rachel Bilski

What should I do after I meditate?

With meditation, often comes clarity. Imagine shaking up a bottle of water that’s half full of sand; the constant motion creates a murky cloud of sediment, making it impossible to see anything. Now imagine setting down that...
Can yoga help me reboot? How?

We’ve all heard that classic question when technology starts playing up; “have you tried switching it off and on again?” If your body and mind start playing up, it is possible to take the same approach. Yoga can help to...
How do I use mala beads?

Most meditation practitioners use objects of concentration to help focus the mind on the present moment; whether breath, drishti or mantrachanting, stilling the mind is a little less daunting with something to centre the...