WISDOMS FROM
THE MAT

A studio for your body. A sanctuary for your soul. A school for your mind. All in one. Welcome to FORUM.

Join us in Lexington, Kentucky.

Indoor scene with tall and large leafy houseplants in black pots next to a white wall and window, with a small transparent table holding additional plants and decor. Dark wood floor.
Christina Morales Christina Morales

The Problem with “Alignment-Based Yoga” for Injury Prevention

Most alignment-based yoga doesn’t account for the simple fact that no two bodies are the same. Our bones are shaped differently. Our joints are structured uniquely. What feels aligned and stable for one person may feel restrictive or even painful for another. Yet the idea persists that there’s a single “right” way to do a pose, as if we all come off an assembly line with identical skeletons.

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Christina Morales Christina Morales

The Power of Discernment Through Yoga

One of the most profound gifts yoga offers is viveka - the Sanskrit word for discernment or clear seeing. In a world clouded by distractions, misinformation, and spiritual noise, this capacity to perceive truth becomes not just helpful, but essential. Through discernment, we cultivate the clarity needed to live with intention and make choices aligned with our highest selves.

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Christina Morales Christina Morales

The Importance of Being a Student First: A Guide for Yoga Teachers

Becoming a yoga teacher is a fulfilling journey filled with growth and transformation. However, it’s not uncommon for teachers, especially in the early stages, to inadvertently shift their focus away from their personal practice, sidelining their commitment to self-exploration and learning. At Forum and Nu School, we recognize the profound importance of remaining a student at heart.

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Christina Morales Christina Morales

Enhancing Asana with Mobility: A Dynamic Approach to Practice

At  Forum, we prioritize the integration of specific mobility techniques into our practice. This approach invites practitioners to move dynamically through different ranges, promoting an environment that nurtures both mobility and strength. Mobility cannot be attained through passive stretching; you develop it through training, under load, under tension and through the full range of motion for the specific joint you’re training.

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Christina Morales Christina Morales

The Greatest Teachers: Embracing Vulnerability and Encouraging Growth

The greatest  teachers are not those who have all the answers at their fingertips. Instead, the most effective educators are the ones who recognize their limitations and are not afraid to admit when they don’t know something. They possess the wisdom to refer students to alternative studios or instructors better suited to meet their individual needs. This approach fosters a supportive learning environment that prioritizes the well-being of the student above all else.

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Christina Morales Christina Morales

A Practical Approach to Asana: Bridging Physical Practice with Ethical Living

Yoga is often perceived as a spiritual journey, yet it can sometimes feel performative. With inspirational quotes and elaborate concepts that may seem distant from daily life, the essence of yoga can become obscured. One of the most powerful aspects of yoga is its physical practice, or asana, which provides profound insights into the other limbs of yoga, including the ethical principles known as the yamas and niyamas.

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Christina Morales Christina Morales

Why Yoga is the Key to Happiness

In a world that often prioritizes achievements and external validation, finding true happiness can sometimes feel elusive. For many, the answer lies in an ancient practice that transcends mere exercise: yoga. While it may sound cliché, I truly believe that yoga embodies the essence of happiness. It’s frequently said that yoga is more about inner work than physical exertion, and I resonate deeply with this perspective.

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Christina Morales Christina Morales

Embracing Sustainability in Your Yoga Practice

In the world of yoga, there is often a common misconception that extreme flexibility is the ultimate goal, with practitioners striving to achieve deep stretches and advanced poses. However, at Forum Modern Yoga, we approach the ancient practice from a different perspective – one that values sustainability over extreme flexibility. Our focus is on building strength and stability in the body, creating a practice that is not only physically beneficial but also ageless, mindful, and sustainable in the long run.

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Christina Morales Christina Morales

Finding Clarity in Advanced Practice

The concept of an "advanced practice" in yoga can often be subjective and open to interpretation. At Forum Modern Yoga, we view an advanced practice not as a measure of physical prowess or mastery of complex poses, but as a journey towards clarity in our movement, our breath, and our being.

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Christina Morales Christina Morales

Embracing Curiosity in Your Yoga Practice 

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in the routine and lose sight of the potential for growth and self-discovery that lies within each of us. But what if we approached our yoga practice with a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness? Music producer Rick Rubin once said, "The heart of open-mindedness is curiosity," and this simple yet profound statement holds true in the world of yoga.

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