The Shakti School Blog
Welcome to the Shakti School blog where we offer you direct access to resources and wisdom that support you in being a balanced, juicy, happy, successful lover in the world.
The Brain, Gut, and Heart
Our Gateways into Resetting for the New Year Every year around all parts of the globe there are celebrations of a new year. In America, it falls on the first of January with the common expectation to set some sort of a resolution for the new calendar year ahead. As I’ve mentioned in my monthly […]...
She’s The First
Today I’m super excited to share with you something that’s lightening up our hearts. It is our hope to advance the cause of educating girls in South Asia specifically, given our love for ancient Indian medicine and our longing to give back to a culture whose rich history has given so much to humanity. Now, […]...
How to Find Purpose In Your Life
Making Lasting ChangeFor More Joy + Fulfillment The Buddha said that the whole world lives on the tip of intention. How aware are you of your intention? At the end of it all the outer world fades and we are only left with our inner world. How is your inner world serving you? What is […]...
The Physical Body, Social Media & Your Brain
It’s understood in the Yoga Tradition, and has even been scientifically proven, that simply moving and stretching the body with breath awareness as an anchor can begin to shift the habitual patterns of our brain. Therefore, the state of our brain can be directly related to so much of what is ailing our physical body. […]...
All About Coffee
How to Biohack Your Morning Cup of Coffee, Caffeine Alternatives That Actually Taste Good, & Why Cutting Out Caffeine Could Help Save Your Hormones Did you say Coffee? Heck yes, of course I love coffee. I don’t know many people who don’t. Especially when it’s paired with your favorite creamy frothed nut milk, full fat […]...
Resources for Anti-Racist Education & Movement
How to Become Wiser and More Awake to Making Change In a world that is currently struggling to fight against viruses, environmental pollution, and economic decline, perhaps the most important struggle we face is how to dismantle the racial divide that is so prevalent in this country (and around the world) and how to best […]...
Letter from Katie
This is a major time for change. The Solstice is coming. Can you feel the quickening weather changes? The tides turning? That SOLAR energy asking us to burn the old and snake-skin shed into our BECOMING? Yeah, me too. And it’s not always easy to shed our skin. When I heard of the murder of […]...
Wellness Inspired Interior Design
How to fine tune your Home to suit your Ayurvedic Life For many of us, our home is the space where we spend the majority of our time. And if not, it’s at least the space where we return to for rest, comfort, rejuvenation, and joy. That’s why it’s essential for overall wellness that the […]...
What are EMFs?
How to Limit Your Exposure to EMFs and Avoid The Potential Health Risks During the Coronavirus epidemic we’ve probably all spent more time on our phones and computers than we would care to admit. And while these devices help to keep us connected and informed through such a troubling and uncertain time, we’ve mostly likely […]...
10 Books to Read When You’re Feeling Lousy
We all go through periods of ups and downs. It can be really difficult at times to pull your spirit up when it feel as if you’re being challenged or tested from all directions. Reading is the perfect way to take a break from the negative mental spirals that could be swirling around in your […]...
Tips for Sanity
We have shifted into a new way of living. Being forced with no other choice than to embrace the uncertainty of each day, it’s not always easy to feel motivated or excited about staying at home and keeping “distance”. That’s why it’s helpful to call up your best friend, your mom, or your neighbor to […]...
Ayurveda in the Spring (antiviral tips included)
The beginning of spring is such a magical time of the year. For many of us there is a feeling of relief having survived another winter when there is less sunshine and blue sky to keep our moods elevated. During this time, most of us are overjoyed with the sight of the newly forming buds, […]...
Finding Light and Hope During Global Crisis
“We make things and seed them into the world, never fully knowing — often never knowing at all — whom they will reach and how they will blossom in other hearts, how their meaning will unfold in contexts we never imagined.” PICO IYER It is no secret that we are currently living through a global […]...
A love note from Katie — Staying Healthy and Calm in Chaotic Times
March 16, 2020 Oh man. They say this era is the Kali Yuga — the time of great tribulation and great LEARNING. When times are seemingly at their darkest, there is the greatest potential, the teachings say, for LIGHT to come through. I just wanted to connect personally with the community here at Shakti School […]...
2020 Ayurveda School Scholarship Recipients
Inspired and deeply honored. That’s how Amaury and I felt after reviewing the 2020 Ayurveda School scholarship contest applicants. Thank you for all your soulful and love filled participation. Thank you for all the enormous vulnerability, honesty, and effort you poured into your submissions. We watched every single one! Making the selection is not easy. […]...
What’s Love Got To Do With It
Whether you are single or in partnership, we’re all in a constant state of relating to one another. Maybe it’s your lover, your husband, or your girlfriend, but it’s also your mother, your best friend, and your neighbor. The list goes on. Inevitably, as any relationship deepens, our emotions become more vulnerable, our fears and […]...
The Pelvic Floor & Pleasure
The pelvic floor was designed not to be a muscle you train, but rather a muscle that moves fluidly in connection with the muscles in your lower limbs and trunk of your body. The combination of these muscles working together in a feminine flow is what results in a healthy pelvic floor. Contrary to popular […]...
Aphrodisiac Sweet Potato Sex Bomb Brownie Bites
A treat for you and your loved one… My girl, ya know what’s missing in your kitchen today? Some of these sexy dark chocolate brownie bites. Every now and then (especially in my luteal phase) I start to crave a little bit of decadence, a little bit of mouth pleasure, and a little more magnesium […]...
The Best Beauty Secret: Clean Water & Why We Need It
Clean water is essential for good health. All of our cells need water to survive. It helps regulate our body temperature, flush out toxins, keeps our skin clear, and we literally cannot live without it. Dr. Jack Kruse, who is a highly respected neurosurgeon, CEO of Optimized Life, a member of the American Association of […]...
Fatty Balls Recipe
In Ayurveda, fat is seen as an important nurtient because of it’s role in keeping the body lubricated and hydrated. All the doshas can benefit from adding fat to their diet. You don’t want too much, but you don’t want too little either. Fat helps to fuel your brain, aids in keeping your internal organs […]...
The Secrets to Healthy Ovulation Part 2
Estrogen Dominance: Signs you may be estrogen dominant& What to do about it Estrogen is an essential component of being a woman. It’s because of estrogen that we ovulate, that we have breasts, that we have a libido, and that we maintain healthy bones and muscles. Estrogen is not the enemy. It actually regulates over […]...
How to do a Wintertime Cleanse
A Guide to Feeling Healthy After the Holidays (beetroot pizza recipe included) December brings on many indulgences (eggnog, cheese, pie, the list goes on). It can often make the start of the new year feel like you’re trudging through sludge while your digestive system is trying desperately to get back on track. As we finish […]...
Channeling Your Inner Dolly
What Dolly Parton can teach us about Acceptance, Fame & Feminine Wisdom During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season we thought it would be nice to offer you a cozy read into the life and lessons from one of our favorite Shakti Mamas, Dolly Parton. If you’re anything like our team, then you’re […]...
Adaptogenic Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Holiday Treats with a Twist Tis’ the season for gifts and treats, and who doesn’t love something slightly sweet and with a crunch!?! This is almost too simple to even call a recipe, but a buttery crunch + dark chocolate + sea salt is a damn good combo, that’s why we want to share it […]...
Holiday Gift Guide
Tis’ the season to love and to give. As we live the darkest days of the year, we all become little Santas in our own right. Making things cheery and bright with our spirit. Our entire society is based off the goodwill of neighbors and giving. Do onto others as you would have done onto […]...
How to Stay Radiant Throughout the Winter
At Shakti School we emphasize the importance of educating yourself as much as you can. Knowledge is power. One of the key factors in the evolution towards a more enlightened woman is her wisdom. But, just as the women of Shakti School believe inner beauty to be essential to evolution, we want to radiate on […]...
Blending Ancient Modalities with Modern Day Health Trends
In the modern health world, what is considered healthy or not is constantly in flux. One day eggs are good, the next day they’re bad. One day going vegan is the answer to longevity, and the next day animal fat is the key ingredient to health. So, What the F**k are we supposed to eat?? […]...
How to Keep a Healthy Belly During the Holidays
The holiday season is a wonderful time, but let’s face it, it can also be super stressful, physically taxing, and can leave us with that post-holiday belly bloat. Ugh ! There is nothing worse than starting the new year with your digestion in a funk. When you’re not able to digest your food you’re not […]...
The Pumpkin Pie You Want To Eat
The Sugar Timeline, celebratory events, and why we eat more when we’re together(Recipe included) The Holidays can be frustrating when it comes to making healthy food choices. This should be a special time of year when your energy is centered around celebration, togetherness, and joy and where the focus is to spend quality time with […]...
The Secrets to Healthy Ovulation
What is ovulation? Why is ovulation important? How do I know if I am ovulating? And, what are the tips for healthy ovulation? Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovaries. The egg is released by a surge of hormones that is regulated by the hypothalamus (located at the base of the brain). […]...
Balancing Vata for Fall
As we shift into fall we are leaving the Pitta season and entering into the Vata season. The Vata element is associated with air and ether. It functions as movement and energy, and seasonally it is the time of year when the atmosphere is dry, cool, and rough (windy). It is easy to see how […]...
The BEST Summer Herb
Amalaki (aka Indian Gooseberry, aka Amla) is COOLING. It’s great for pitta tendency people like me who get overly heated (think menstrual related acne, or loose stool), especially this time of year. It’s one of the fruits in ayurveda’s digestive formula Triphala. It’s english name is Indian Gooseberry. But it’s also a potent external medicine for hair […]...
Sattvic Goodness Bowl
Dreaming of bowls packed full of Sattvic goodness. Sometimes all you need is a bowl of steamed veggies! ⠀ ⠀ Steamed carrots and spinach on top of quinoa spiced with mustard seed, fennel, and turmeric. Hidden below is an Avocado dressing! ⠀ ⠀ Avocado Dressing:⠀ 1/2 avocado⠀ 1 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar ⠀ 1 clove […]...
Instant Pot Kitchari
Kitchari is good for all doshic types and can be tailored to the seasons with seasonal-appropriate spices and veggies. Basmati rice and mung dal are sweet, cooling and easy on the digestion. It is a complete food, said to nourish the tissues, boost strength and increase our vitality. Kitchari is also the preferred food we […]...
What is Enlightenment?
There is a lot of talk about Enlightenment in the yoga & meditation milieu. If you haven’t experience enlightenment or a ‘spiritual awakening’, you may think of it as some disembodied state, or something too mythical, an unavailable state for us mere householders. While popular discourse makes it seem like enlightened individuals have something others […]...
3 Steps Toward Divine Feminine Ayurveda
Feminine form Ayurveda is the true Ayurveda of ancient India. You might wonder—what does it mean for something to be the true Ayurveda? There are two answers to that question....
Let’s Talk About Sex
I am so happy that as a society we’re talking about sexuality. Sexual assault, sexual harassment, weird-awkward-aggressive-sex-we-fled-from, etc. Yes, these are all convos about sex, our society’s relationship with it + with power and the dysfunctional social behaviors that manifest from that disintegrated relationship our society has with human sexuality. ⠀ Let’s rewind: Ayurveda teaches […]...
Who Am I?
Two big questions that most human beings will ponder at some point in their lives: “Who am I?” and “How can I get more of what I want in my life?” One of the things I love about the Tantric yoga tradition is its systematic approach to answering both of these inquiries. The Taittiriya Upanishad, […]...
Womb Wellness
It’s Cervical Cancer Awareness Week. Cervical cancer, although treatable, is the 3rd leading cause of death of women worldwide. Ayurveda has a lot to offer in terms of prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. I want to start with the emotional and energetics first… The womb area is our feminine heart. It is the seat […]...
Vitality Like A Goddess
The first days of January are associated with the Nativity of Inanna, Pagan Goddess of Sumer (later she appears as Ishtar in Babylon & Asherah in the Levant) Inanna is a goddess of love, beauty, fertility and war. Graced with a stream of lovers, including the ill-fated Dumuzi, she is cognate to Venus. The celebration […]...
Self-Love? How About We Start With SELF-LIKE
The biggest epidemic we face right now is the sickness of our lack of loving ourselves. I hear about it all the time in my line of work. And as I read the millionth blog post about self-love, I take pause. I think a much better place to start is self-like....
The Four Glorious Goals of Life
When our digestion is good, our sleep is deep and our emotions and sexuality are being channeled properly, we have more energy to engage in our passions and pursuits in life—in Ayurveda, our foremost pursuits are known as the four goals of life....
Sister Sciences in the Vedic Tradition
Ayurveda is a complex and ancient system of well-being, and just as Western medicine is based on biology and other sciences that can take a lifetime to understand, Ayurveda has many foundational concepts and tenets that you can explore and deepen your understanding of for years and years....
Silence Envelopes the Voices of Insecurity
Our culture supports individual effort and perfection. In fact, I recently read about an experiment done on two groups of people, one from the United States, and another group from Japan. Each group was shown an image that included an individual scuba diver sinking into an ocean full of fish and other marine life....
You Are So Much More Than You Know
Two big questions that most human beings will ponder at some point in their lives: “Who am I?” and “How can I get more of what I want in my life?” Some of us may even ask ask them on a daily basis. One of the things I love about the Tantric yoga tradition is its systematic approach to answering both of these inquiries....
Fire and Nectar: Creating Balance the Tantric Way
Being a yogini means you can KNOW and to DISCERN when you need to be a wild African trance dancer. And when you need to sit in the silence of the present moment....
How to Get Sexy Skin and Feel Like a Goddess
Ayurveda says that self-massage is essential for radiant health and youthful glow. Why?...
Eat Well
That you are what you eat may be standard wisdom, but according to Ayurvedic tradition, the state of your mind, emotions, and your environment while you eat also has direct impact on the way you feel. These teachings (as well as modern scientific nutrition studies), show us that eating in the right way can reduce stress and promote calm....
Sex and the Three Doshas
We are all a composite of all three doshas. There are times when you may feel like making love like a bunny (vata style) or lounging about like a tigress (kapha style). Remember, you have all of nature’s gifts at your disposal, so don’t put yourself in a sexual doshic box. That said, we do […]...
How to Stay Warm, Wet and Loved Up Like a Tigress This Fall
My new plant-crush is on an herb called Kapikacchu. Its a natural source of levadopa (L-dopa) which is an essential precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. And um, can you say “in the mood?”...
Meditation for Building and Healing Sexual Energy
You can do this meditation sitting down, but I find it helpful to lie down with some support under my spine, such as a folded blanket or a bolster. Try working with this practice for at least 40 days, for 15-45 minutes daily. ...
Healthy Happy Sexy Bonus
Resources from the book Healthy, Happy, Sexy: Ayurvedic Wisdom for Modern Women...
People and Their Deepest Darkest Secrets
I get the honor of meeting with people in private sessions where they reveal to me their deepest, darkest secrets. Here is what most people are so afraid to admit. Its also what ALOT OF US SHARE. Ready?...
Why Other People’s Baby, Engagement Ring, Kick-Ass Job, and Even Deepak Chopra Have Nothing to Do With You
The other day I posted a heart-felt sentiment on Facebook. I think, in the history of my Face-Life, I have never gotten so many “likes.” My friend and student, Martine, encouraged me to write it up as a longer blog post. The comment: I think it spoke to what many of us feel whilst scanning the Facebook “I’m […]...
Ojas: The Power That Sustains Us
Ojas (OH-JUS) is one of the three subtle forces in our body. Think of ojas as the container that holds your abundant energy. It is the ultimate energy reserve of the body and mind. It is the purest essence of Kapha, and physically, it is related to reproductive, hormonal, and cerebrospinal fluids. I love the metaphor of ojas as […]...
Kick off the New Year with Delicious Self-Care – The Ayurvedic Daily Ritual
Alright ladies and gentlemen, it’s the New Year. We are all a-buzz with that excitement of new vistas and catalytic potentialities. And, wanna’ know the best way to super-charge your dreams? Start taking care of your body. Your mind will thank you. Here is my basic Daily Ritual, pulled straight from my soon-to-be-published book on […]...
Deep Listening – Balancing Your Weight With Ancient Ayurveda
The single most common complaint I hear from my students and clients? I don’t feel at home in my body. I want to offer you some simple Ayurveda-inspired, no-more-band-aid tips that will help you feel at home in your body again. And these techniques aren’t about imposing hard and fast rules – they are about […]...
Curb Unhealthy Cravings
When I feel the chill of winter near, I start to dream of warm, foamy chocolate; hot toddies; and long, luscious sleep. And this is a good thing. Naturally, the fall and early winter season season beg for more heaviness and warmth in both the foods we eat and in our lifestyle routines. The downside […]...
Golden Yogini Milk = Guardian-Angel Medicine
Ancient plant-medicine traditions encouraged students to meditate on, and with, the plants that made up herbal medicines. In this way, the student could identify her “spirit plant,” or “plant ally.” Think of your plant ally as a Guardian Plant Angel. I’ve got one – and her name is Turmeric. I positively adore this plant (my close friends know […]...
Dr. Claudia on Using Love, Focus, and a Morning Practice To Re-pattern Our Energy
I am so delighted to share this love note and contribution to the Healthy, Happy, Sexy bonuses from Dr. Claudia Welch, my all-time fave Ayurveda Trailblazer. Dear Katie, I hope this finds you well, and send my congratulations on your book, and best wishes for your endeavors. May your work inspire many to good changes and […]...
10 Ways to Improve Your Sleep and Love Life Immediately
Whether you suffer from insomnia or sleep like a log, the ancient teachings of the Vedas tell us that the way we set up our bedroom can have a powerful impact on the depth and quality of our sleep. It can also boost the sensuality-factor for deeper connection with our loved one. Vastu shastra (literally the ”science of construction […]...
Sharon Gannon Writes a Special Essay for Shakti School!
Jivamukti Yoga founder, Sharon Gannon, wrote a special essay for my book, Heathy, Happy, Sexy. It didn’t make the final edit, but it was so beautiful, I wanted to include it here in our blog. Enjoy! Ayurveda and Yoga by Sharon Gannon My first experience with ayurvedic healing happened in the early nineties. I am in […]...
How Real Deal Christians Schooled This Yogini on Love and Forgiveness
Yoga-mat-carrying-chics could learn something from bible-carrying chics. I should know. I got schooled by some sassy, suit-wearing lady-preachers this past year when I moved back down south to Virginia, land of the notorious Bible Belt. A few months back I had a big ole’ fat case of the poor-me’s. A mind gremlin had actually wrapped her […]...
The Real Fountain of Youth – Oil Your Machine
Despite the ancient Charaka’s beautiful promise of trimmed, strong, charming bodies, the western woman seems intent on buffing, exfoliating and dermabrasioning oil from her skin. As I work with women, I keep pleading with them, “Please mama, oil your body,” and yet it seems like one of the hardest premises to integrate into the daily routine. […]...
Ayurveda Can Change Your Life – Ten Things You May Not Know About Yoga’s Sister
The yoga world has a lesser-known sister and her name is Ayurveda. For thousands of years, yoga and Ayurveda were seen as necessary compliments to one another. But somewhere along the way, we fell in love with yoga and yet forgot about Ayurveda. And although some famous mamas like Madonna, Christy Turlington, and the Grand Priestess of […]...
Recipe for Getting More Core Vitality
Here’s my go-to list for getting more core vitality – essential for being healthier, happier, and a whole lot sexier! Go organic: Eat foods that are seasonally-aligned, organic and when possible, local. Cleanse and purify, then rebuild and renew: If you are full of toxic gunk from over-indulging in meat, sugar, drugs, alcohol or processed/fried foods, don’t […]...
A Morning Ayurvedic Routine for Lasting Change
It’s so easy to get excited about a new lifestyle change at the beginning of the year. But once February hits, that bright fire of desire may start to burn out, leaving our new life goals a bit cold. Ayurveda understands this, and encourages us to work slowly and consistently with our life changes. Its […]...
Fierce Mother Goddess of Love
Thank you sweet Sianna, for your contribution to The Shakti School and Healthy Happy Sexy – Here is Sianna Sherman’s take on the mythic story of Durga – Fierce Mother Goddess of Love The Story of Durga Once upon a time long ago, and not so long ago, because its happening right now, there […]...
Sleep Like A Baby
“There are three supports (pillars) of life. They are food, sleep and observances of bramacharya. Being supported by these, the body is endowed with strength, complexion and growth, and this continues up [until] the full span of life, provided that the person does not indulge in regimens detrimental to health.” Charaka Samhita This Ayurvedic quote […]...
How to Fall in Love Yogi Style
If you have ever been in love, you know that there is an incredible amount of power, or shakti, behind falling into the wild rapture of delighting in someone else. There is so much power in the experience of love, in fact, that we have created a whole culture and consumer landscape around trying to get […]...