Author Archives: Michelle

About Michelle

Michelle Stortz, C-IAYT, RYT500, MFA, is a certified yoga therapist specializing in yoga for cancer and chronic illness. She teaches in numerous medical settings throughout the Philadelphia area. Michelle also teaches mindful meditation. She has been studying in the Theravadan Buddhist tradition for the past 15 years and has also trained in the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction curriculum. She leads retreats and group classes and works with individuals in private sessions. www.MichelleStortz.com

Did You Reflect?

Posted on September 2, 2018

Here we are at the transition – summer into fall. How was your summer? Did you get some time away? Did you have time to reflect – time to step back and think about your life and work, your projects, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized

Is Night Chatter Keeping You Up?        

Posted on May 1, 2018

I recently heard someone describe the mental chatter that keeps you awake as “night chatter.” I think that’s a very appropriate term. Many people talk to me about their struggles with sleep and most are complaining about night chatter – … Continue reading →

Posted in Awareness, Mind-body, Sleep

Guess What’s in Your Saliva!

Posted on April 16, 2018

Guess what’s in your saliva! A lot of good stuff, that’s what. And it turns out that when we do our breathing techniques in yoga class, we are stimulating saliva production. We know this thanks to the research of Dr. … Continue reading →

Posted in Breathing, Cancer, Yoga

Why I’m Grateful for My Problems

Posted on March 20, 2018

I’m grumbling about my challenges today: too many things to do, not enough time, not enough money, can’t make headway on my projects, gaining weight, menopause weirdness, sprained my ankle . . . but then I pause. I take a … Continue reading →

Posted in Awareness, Mind-body | Tagged ,

Can You Feel Your Feet? Thinking vs. Feeling

Posted on March 6, 2018

  Many people have difficulty quieting the mind when they settle into meditation or savasana, the resting period at the end of yoga class.      What do you mean, “watch the breath?” Really the intention is to feel the breath. … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Meditation

ChallengeCancer.com interviews Michelle

Posted on January 27, 2018

(click on image to listen to podcast)

Posted in Uncategorized

For Those with Breathing Challenges

Posted on January 12, 2018

If your lungs have been compromised by treatment or other conditions, here are a few ways I can work with you to improve your ability to breathe. First, work with your diaphragm. Your diaphragm is your main breathing muscle and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized

How is Yoga for Cancer Different Than Other Types of Yoga?

Posted on September 17, 2017

I’m often asked this question: “How is yoga for cancer patients different than other types of yoga? “ There are many ways we’ve adapted yoga to serve cancer patients. Here are the main points . . . Physical Ability. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized

Loving Kindness for Donald Trump

Posted on February 13, 2017

For this Valentine’s Day I intend to spend the day, to the best of my ability, in Loving Kindness. Loving Kindness is a practice of developing compassion and friendliness toward yourself and others. It’s a mindfulness practice that comes out … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Renunciation

Posted on December 16, 2016

This week I had my first colonoscopy. Wow, what an experience! As some of you may know, the hardest part is preparing which involves some fasting and then an uncomfortable period of evacuating. The interesting piece for me is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized