Yoga Teacher Training

Is Bikram Yoga a Good Idea?

2011-06-25T10:16:00.001-04:00

By Faye Martins

Bikram Yoga is a type of yoga in which 26 poses and two breathing exercises are done in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, at 40 percent humidity. Developed in the early 1970s by Bikram Choudhury, Bikram Yoga has gained a lot of popularity in the past few years. Beginner’s classes run for exactly 90 minutes, and each class is performed in exactly the same way, every time. Bikram Yoga is often called “hot yoga.”

There are some definite pros and cons to this type of yoga. Some of the benefits include weight loss due to the large number of calories lost during each session. The profuse sweating that happens with each session helps to cleanse the body of toxins, and the warmth allows for more flexibility and deeper stretching.

Some other pros are that Bikram Yoga offers a great cardiovascular workout that is especially challenging during the first half of the class. Since each session will not vary at all, there can be a certain repetitive comfort to it. Bikram Yoga is often less expensive than other flavors of yoga as well, since many people don’t enjoy it at all.

Some of the controversy that has come out of this style of yoga includes the possible safety hazards of doing such strenuous exercise in such a hot room. Some practitioners actually have spells of nausea and dizziness, which could be related to a sudden loss of potassium and other electrolytes. If one is taking medication for high blood pressure it would be wise to consult with your doctor prior to practicing yoga in a hot room. Additionally, there is also a component of competition with Bikram Yoga, which is unheard of in other types of yoga.

Some other cons are that the classes can become quite monotonous as there is never any variation to look forward to, and the 26 poses are done three times through the 90 minutes. The series of poses have been copyrighted by Bikran Choudhury, so deviance from the series is strictly forbidden, and there is also a reputation for Bikram Yoga instructors to be rather draconian. There is little attention given to the upper body with these poses, and there is a lot of standing, especially during the first half of the class.

Bikram Yoga is one of the most controversial styles of yoga in practice. There are those who believe that it is simply unsafe and those who believe that it is more of a brand than something that will bring the body, mind and spirit together as one. Some believe it is a physical style that makes one pay for the sins of bad health. It is certainly not a style of yoga that’s for everyone.

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

Yoga Techniques for Spinal Stenosis

2011-06-14T13:32:00.003-04:00

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal column that puts pressure on the spinal cord, or narrowing of the openings where spinal nerves leave the spinal column. The condition typically occurs with age, as a person’s spinal disks become drier and begin to shrink. Symptoms include numbness, cramping, or pain in the back, thighs, buttocks or calves, neck, shoulders, or arms.
Unfortunately, arm or leg weakness, and difficulty walking, are common with spinal stenosis. If left untreated, the condition can result in bone spurs and severe debilitation, including complete loss of mobility.

The best cure for spinal stenosis is, of course, prevention: regular Yoga practice insures continued flexibility and strengthens core muscles, which help reduce pressure on the spine. However, if the condition has already occurred, there are several poses, which are very effective for addressing spinal stenosis.

Hatha Yoga postures (asanas) that lengthen the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves are recommended for pain relief. On the other hand, those asanas that compact the nerves, like backbends, are contraindicated. Some excellent Yoga poses for sufferers of back pain include:

• Mountain pose or Tadasana

• Staff pose or Dandasana

• Downward Dog or Adho Mukha Svanasana

• Happy Baby pose or Ananda Balasana

• Bound Angle pose or Baddha Konasana

• Half Spinal Twist or Ardha Matsyendrasana

Additionally, any Yoga posture that is a form of an active back extension should reduce or eliminate pain. One example is: the Forward Bend (Uttanasana), which can be modified by a competent Yoga teacher.

Warming up the muscles properly is important for people with spinal stenosis. It must be remembered that rushing into exercise can aggravate the condition. Poses should be held for 60-90 seconds, and then the body should gently relax. Spending time in Shavasana, at the conclusion of each practice, is very important, to relax the muscles and allow the spinal column to settle into its increased length. For those following an Ayurvedic diet, pitta-stimulating foods should be avoided, with a condition such as spinal stenosis. These include spicy, pungent, sour, salty, hot, light, or oily foods, and some fruits and vegetables.

Yoga, as an intervention for spinal stenosis, is so effective that in February 2011, Dr. Anand Gandhi, a physician at the Laser Spine Institute in Scottsdale, AZ, published an article on “Yoga and the Aging Spine,” detailing the benefits of Yoga therapy for an aging spine as it “promotes a full range of motion, restores flexibility, and improves circulation.”

Given that surgery for spinal deterioration is the most common treatment for advanced cases, advocacy from a physician in a surgery clinic is praise, indeed. It must be understood that there are times when surgery is the only option. Yet, even in these cases, Yoga can be a good adjunct therapy, before or after, surgery.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

Research About Breast Cancer and Yoga

2011-06-12T19:12:00.002-04:00

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500
Any claim regarding Yoga and specific ailments is subject to medical and scientific scrutiny. It is not enough to know that therapeutic Yoga works. Most of the motivation behind scientific research concerns why therapeutic Yoga works. Once again, the benefits of Yoga regarding cancer recovery are being carefully researched; but this time, two research groups from east and west are working together.

According to University of Texas MD Anderson Center’s new study about breast cancer and Yoga, the practice of this ancient healing art not only increases the quality of life for breast cancer survivors, but it also helps to balance hormones and fight fatigue in women undergoing radiation treatments. In findings to be presented to the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, in June 2011, researchers will attempt to establish the validity of claims that alternative and complementary medicine can benefit the health of cancer patients.

The clinical studies at MD Anderson – in conjunction with the help of Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (VYASA), a therapeutic Yoga research foundation and university in Bangalore, India, and a well-known organization in India – used a combination of asanas, breathing techniques, meditation, and other methods of relaxation, to create a therapy regimen.

Results included better physical health, improved functioning, and a greater acceptance of the experiences with breast cancer. The program also helped patients gradually transition from close medical supervision to more independent lives. While practicing Yoga, obviously makes breast cancer patients feels better, another study showed that results can last as long as 12 weeks after the exercise program ends.

There are several ways that Yoga benefits breast cancer patients:

• Allows the body to relax (different from sleep)
• Calms parasympathetic nervous system
• Drains stagnant lymphatic fluid
• Regulates glands and releases “good” hormones
• Decreases depression by as much as 50%, based on clinical studies
• Massages organs so that they work more effectively
• Aids in reduction of hot flashes
• Teaches control of the breath, reducing pain, and oxygenating blood
• Reduces fatigue and joint pain
• Improves quality of sleep
• Promotes meditation and visualization techniques

Although Restorative Yoga – a gentle Yoga that relaxes the entire body – is frequently chosen, many Hatha styles can be therapeutically modified to help women during or after treatment. In 2010, researchers at Rochester University Medical Center, tested the results of specific types of Yoga techniques for breast cancer.

These included gentle poses in sitting, standing, reclining, and transitional positions, as well as meditation and visualization. While these are effective, doctors advise against rigorous exercises, or Yoga, done in heated rooms.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

How Can I Improve My Confidence with Yoga?

2011-05-24T17:58:00.002-04:00

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Confidence is defined as the state of feeling certain about the truth of something. When a person is self-confident, he or she appears calm and at peace, and trusts his or her own decision-making ability, allowing one to deal with stressful situations and difficult interactions. Confidence is a self-fulfilling prophecy: The more confidence one has, the more confident one feels.

Self-confidence and self-esteem are closely linked; and according to the “Harvard Mental Health Letter,” from Harvard Medical School, there is “convincing evidence that people with high self-esteem are happier, as well as more likely to undertake difficult tasks and persevere in the face of failure.” Dr. Michael Miller, Editor in Chief of the publication, has stated that “…self-esteem will come as a result of accurate self-understanding, appreciation of one’s genuine skills, and the satisfaction of helping others.”

Yoga provides an excellent outlet for gaining self-understanding and life skills. Regular Yoga practice gives students many increased physical capabilities and a calmer mental state. The benefits of Yoga are available to anyone who allows time to enjoy them. For Yoga teachers: Sharing some confidence-building asanas with one’s students will inspire them and help them to feel better immediately.

Here are three Yoga asanas to improve self-confidence:

1) Vrksasana, or Tree pose. Balance poses provide a challenge that can be adjusted to every skill level. Students build skill by bringing the foot higher and higher up the leg, or by closing the eyes, or bringing the arms overhead. The totality of balancing should banish negative thoughts and allow the practitioner to experience clarity of attention.

2) Ardha Chandrasana, or Half-moon pose. This side stretch and balancing pose literally opens up the body to the room, and gives students practice with feeling self-confident, while holding an open posture. The pose can be done against a wall or with a block if the student feels unstable.

3) Virabhadrasana I, or Warrior 1. Standing poses also inspire self-confidence, and this pose is named after an incarnation of Shiva. Standing tall, and feeling muscles at the ready, should help practitioners feel assured in the physical self.

After practice, reviewing the bodily sensations experienced during the different movements can be productive. For those of us who struggle with self-image, we may feel uncomfortable during poses that draw attention to our midsections or areas we might regard as less attractive.

Unlike many forms of exercise, Yoga is not focused on improving appearance. Practitioners enjoy a healthier body and appearance, of course, but the major benefits of Yoga practice relate to internal, rather than external changes. This can be a new and constructive change for practitioners.

To see our complete selection of Yoga teacher training courses, please feel free to visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Teacher-Courses/

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Dedication to the Art of Yoga

2011-04-30T12:40:00.001-04:00

By Faye Martins

Dedication to the art of Yoga is one of the most important keys to realizing the fruits of your practice. Traditionally, a Yoga student or aspirant was required to do selfless service for a decade or longer, before being offered Yogic teachings and techniques from a Guru. In today’s world, these teachings and techniques are readily available to any interested student.

Yoga practices will bear the most fruit if a student receives Shakipat or spiritual initiation from his or her Guru prior to beginning Yogic practices. There are a few living Yoga masters who are available to students today. Spending time with an enlightened master will ignite and nourish your Yoga practice.

The art and practice of Yoga is a life-long journey of awakening, exploration, discovery, healing, and divine joy. The art of Yoga consists of a variety of different practices such as selfless service, study of the scriptures, asanas, meditation, pranayama, self-inquiry, and mantra. As a student engages with the practices on a regular basis, the inner energy of meditation will become stronger and will begin to permeate his or her life.

As the energy awakens and ascends up through the chakras, many different thoughts, emotions, and experiences will rise to the surface. This will give the student an opportunity to process and integrate these different experiences and thoughts from a place of compassion and love.

In order to complete the path of Yoga and become united with the divine energy residing within one’s own heart, the student must be dedicated and steadfast in his or her practices. The Yogic path is not always easy or fun. It can be very difficult and painful as all sorts of memories, thoughts, and emotions are stirred up by the increasing inner fire (tapas). We also may be challenged to let go of unhealthy behaviors and attachments as our vibration level is raised higher. This inner fire or tapas can be daunting and requires true dedication on the part of the student.

After some time dedicated to the art of Yoga, a student will experience the fruits of his or her ardent study. These “fruits” can range from a stronger body to a clearer mind, all the way to experience the feeling of, or vision of, the essence of God within each of us. It is said that when we are able to behold Divine love within our own being and focus on it, great knowledge and bliss will arise. This is the greatest fruit of a steady dedication to the art of Yoga.

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

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The Origin of Hot Yoga

2011-04-29T13:31:00.003-04:00

By Amruta Kulkarni, CYT 250

The original creator of Hot Yoga is a great Yogi by the name of Bikram Choudhary. Bikram Choudhary is an Olympic champion in weight-lifting. In the 1960′s, he won Olympic Gold in his class. For personal health reasons, Bikram sequenced traditional Yoga poses in a very specific way, in order to promote the health and healing of the physical body and mind.

One of the main aspects of Hot Yoga is that the Yoga asana sequence is performed in a very hot and humid room. Ideally, the temperature is to be set at 105 degrees and the humidity level between 40-50 percent. Performing Yoga asanas in a heated room helps the elasticity of the muscles and ligaments and also enhances the detoxification process.

Bikram Choudhury was born in Kolkata, India in 1946. He began to learn and practice Yoga asanas at the age of three. When Bikram was five years old, he began studying Yoga techniques with his teacher, Bishnu Ghosh. Bishnu Ghosh is the brother of Paramahansa Yogananda, a beloved Yoga instructor and meditation teacher. This lineage focuses on bringing ancient Indian scriptural wisdom to the Western world, while maintaining the integrity of the original manuscripts.

By the age of 14, Bikram was known as an exemplary Yoga practitioner. Within his lineage, he was declared to be a Yoga Raj, or King of Yoga. Unfortunately, or fortunately as the case may be, at age 20, Bikram suffered a severe weightlifting accident that crippled him. Bikram was told that he would never walk again.

With the expert guidance and support of his guru, Bikram created a series of 26 yoga asanas that ultimately restored his health. To the doctors’ amazement, he made a full recovery in six months through the ardent practice of this 26 asana posture series. Several years later, Bikram opened up Yoga schools in Japan and India. In 1972, he traveled to the United States and opened up the Bikram Yoga College of India that is flourishing today.

The practice of Hot Yoga has grown out of Bikram Yoga. Bikram Yoga outlines a set practice of Yoga asanas, in a specific order. Hot Yoga utilizes Bikram Yoga as a framework from which to build a powerful and effective Yoga practice. The use of a heated and humid room is also a core element of any Hot Yoga practice. Truly, Hot Yoga practitioners and teachers owe a debt of gratitude to Bikram Choudhury and his teacher, Bishnu Ghosh, in the creation of such a powerful and healing Yoga practice.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

Low Cost Yoga Teacher Training Courses

2011-02-18T17:26:00.002-05:00

By Sanjeev Patel, CYT 500

Please be prepared to laugh because I call it like I see it. Once in a while, I read an advertisement with a headline that states: "Free Yoga Teacher Training." This makes all of us curious! I'm jumping out of my seat like I drank a quad mocha latte! I teach Yoga classes regularly, but I believe in continuing education for life. Meaning no disrespect to my Guru, I click on Free Yoga teacher training in anticipation.

When reading the small details, I learn that I must spend over three thousand dollars for the course and I have to travel (more money). The lodging is going to cost me another three thousand dollars. When I call up, they tell me I'm going to pay extra for my study materials.

All of this is making a long and expensive flight back to India look really appealing! At least, I can stay with family and friends while I'm there, but where can I find this "FREE" Yoga certification course? I mean, they said, "free" and I really want it. It turns out that most North American ashrams have seva programs and I'm willing to work for free while I learn more about teaching Yoga.

After talking to a dozen of these ashrams, I learn that seva means I work for free, but I can't be accepted into a Yoga teacher training program, while I'm doing seva. Do you see the big picture? I'm a Yoga teacher already, and I'm good enough to sweep the floor, peel potatoes, and clean toilets, but no free yoga instructor course for me.

I didn't like their food anyway. How many days do they expect me to eat kale soup and go without a coffee? It was a five mile ride to the nearest Starbucks and I'd have to do it on a bike through ice, rain, and snow, because I can't afford to keep my car if I'm going to work for free for a whole year.

Uncle! I give up already. There is no free course for continuing education or for somebody who wants to become a Yoga teacher. I fell for the free deception. This is what Paulji meant by "Maya." He talked about how maya is the primary aspect that manifests illusion and duality. So, "free" is an example of the practical application of maya.

Now, I'm willing to go for low cost Yoga certification. There isn't one until I search for online and correspondence Yoga teacher courses. Well, I've come full circle and back to the arms of my Guru. Thank you, Paulji and Aura Wellness Center, for creating a low cost solution to my need for continuing education.

Hari Om Tat Sat

Sanjeev Patel is a certified Yoga teacher and an exclusive author for Aura Wellness Center.

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

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Questions about Yoga Teacher Training Online

2010-10-26T14:32:00.005-04:00

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are many Yoga certification courses available for those who seek to teach. Among the programs, for someone who seeks to become a Yoga instructor, are online, home study, and correspondence programs. We could easily classify all of the above-mentioned programs as Yoga teacher distance learning courses. Below are some of the most common questions about correspondence courses, for students who wish to become a Yoga teacher.

Q: I found a Yoga course that will make me a teacher over a weekend. How many training hours do I need for it to be acceptable for potential employers?

A: The most common International standard for Yoga instructors is the 200 hour minimum. Almost every potential employer will want to know how many hours were devoted to your training.

There are many different courses, with training from 200 to 750 hours, of study. When you look at the variety of training available, to those who aspire to teach, two hundred hours is the absolute minimum. Anything less is not enough to establish a foundation of knowledge.

Q: Why are practical exams necessary? Can't I just send a stack of photos of me doing poses?

A: Think about it. Your practical exam is designed to demonstrate your teaching skills. Still pictures cannot demonstrate your cueing, observation, or assisting skills. How you teach your own self-created lesson plan tells volumes about your ability to teach Yoga classes.

With technology as it is today, a video of you teaching a 60 to 90 minute Yoga class is not a tough requirement. Many people have video cameras in their laptops and have access to a separate camera. An examiner cannot determine your level of teaching skills from a still photo. In addition to this - Hatha Yoga is not just asana practice.

Q: Why should Yoga teachers have to be concerned with continuing education?

A: Yoga liability insurance companies like the idea of continuing education and the re-certification process. The reputable Yoga organizations, which determine the licensing of Yoga instructors, believe in continuing education courses and the re-certification process to enhance teacher competence and experience.

Therapeutic Yoga, Medical, Physical Therapy, and Sports Medical knowledge is moving forward at a rapid pace. All of these fields pertain to you as a Yoga teacher, if you want to design safe classes and prevent potential student injuries.

To see our complete selection of Yoga teacher training courses, please feel free to visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Teacher-Courses/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

Practice Yoga for a Clear, Stress Free Mind

2010-09-08T20:23:00.003-04:00

By Piper Cox

Yoga is a good way to clear your mind. A busy lifestyle can lead to stress and when you let the pressure build up, the small things can accumulate and create an imbalance in your system. Yoga for fitness is important to release the stress and maintain the homeostasis in your body. It started in India and for several years, it became widely known worldwide. It works on the principle of meditation, deep breathing and proper exercises. The combination of these three will lead to a better and peaceful life.

Learn the Basic Positions

You can start clearing your minds from the stresses of your daily life by doing yoga for mental health. Start the meditation through proper body positioning. Assume the sun salutation position every time you feel pressure in your body. When you do it several days a week, you will feel relaxed and energized after the training. The corpse pose is another way to start and end your day with the calming effects of yoga.

Practice Meditation

The few moments you spend relaxing your mind can prepare your body for fitness yoga. The precious 30 to 40 minutes of silence and focusing on your breathing will lead to an effective way of healing your body and mind. After a few days of practicing the meditation, you will feel the difference in your energy level and body balance.

Find a Spacious Area

Yoga is best done in a spacious area. You can do your meditation better if you free your mind from the distractions of thinking where your mind and arms will go during the yoga for fitness. Allow at least an arms' length of space to ensure that you can move around during your yoga for mental health.

Listen to Good Music

Yoga for stress relief calms your mind. By freeing your brain from the thoughts around you and allowing it to concentrate on the air coming in and out of your lungs, you can achieve a higher level of relaxation. Listening to soothing music while you are practicing yoga can help to promote the meditation. The gentle sound of nature, like splashing water or ocean waves, soothes your tired muscles to achieve the much-needed rest.

Yoga is an ancient practice for keeping the balance in your body. By doing it on a regular basis, you can discover a stress free mind while improving your body.

Piper is a freelance writer who enjoys fitness, and the outdoors. She believes in the health benefits of wheatgrass and uses it daily to make great, fresh healthy juice. She enjoys nature, reading and fitness. She uses a juice maker to help her family get the benefits of fresh produce every day.

IDLENESS OR LAZINESS

2010-08-30T07:09:00.003-04:00

By Dr. Rita Khanna

Idleness, or laziness, means working half-heartedly, without alertness, unknowingly, or unconsciously. It is a lack of action or activity. It is as if the work is done during sleep. Unfortunately, our condition has become such that our morning arises to welcome idleness, only. Some people are so lazy that they don’t like to get up on time. They don’t like to bathe for two to four days, or they don’t take a bath at all. After waking, they take tea, read newspapers, listen to the radio, watch TV; and then again, they lie down. They have lots of excuses for all lazy attitudes.

THREE GUNAS OR QUALITIES

The mind has three Gunas, or qualities, born of nature. These are known as:

• Sattwa or light, bliss and goodness

• Rajas, or passion and motion;

• Tamas, or inertia and darkness.

There are three Vrittis, or modifications of the mind, corresponding to the three Gunas.

• Shanta Vritti or peace, equilibrium and balance come from Sattwa Guna.

• Ghora Vritti or anger manifests from Rajo Guna.

• Moodha Vritti or carelessness, laziness, and drowsiness come from Tamo Guna.

Tamas binds the living beings by idleness, laziness, and sleep. Due to idleness, we cannot imagine of healthy thoughts. Idleness is the gateway to death.

HOW TO ELIMINATE LAZINESS OR IDLENESS

Laziness must be eliminated with activity. To get rid of idleness, Tamas must be conquered, with Rajas first, and then Rajas with Sattva. Swami Sivanandji used to say – do not depend on others. All work should be done, by the body, to leave laziness. When we make a habit to do all possible work by ourselves, we get its reward, also. The health remains best. We remain healthy. The intellect becomes sharp, pure, and alert.

Our scriptures say to exist with awareness – wakefulness while awake, wakefulness during dream and during sleep. There should be awakening during eating, drinking, speaking, and walking. Bhagvan Shri Krishna has said that the person is a Yogi when he does not sleep – even while he is sleeping. It means that his inner mind is awake when he is sleeping. So, he does not have binding of Tamoguna. He is free. Once you try to live with alertness and full awareness, you will be able to experience new life and will be free from idleness.

WHAT ARE THE METHODS

There are lots of methods to remove idleness. One of them is Yoga. Normally, what happens when we are not well – the doctor advises us to do some activity, such as Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation. However, it is better if we get up early by ourselves and do some Asanas. By this, we get the benefit of prevention – before the problem occurs.

Asanas, such as Suryananmaskar, Halasana, Paschimottanasana, Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana, Chakrasana; and Pranayamas, such as Sheetali, Kapalbhati, and Bhastrika are very beneficial. All these Asanas open up the vertebrae, increase elasticity in the spinal column, and the blood circulation in the whole body. These exercises will remove laziness and will give you energy and vitality for the whole day. After this, there is no will to lie down in the bed. In the beginning, the Tamasa is destroyed, and then Rajas increases. The active life, proper thinking, and social dealings will lead towards Sattva completely. So, do the Asanas, which are possible for you, out of the above-mentioned Asanas.

For those who can’t do the above-mentioned Asanas, there is a very simple Asana named – Setubandha Asana. Having the shape of fly over bridge, this Asana has numerous potential.

By the practice of this Asana, the vertebrae of the spinal column, shoulders, upper arm, both forearms, elbows, wrists of the hands, palms, fingers, neck, back, waist, thighs, knees, and the calf muscles of the legs, experience energy and vitality.

TECHNIQUE OF SETUBANDHA ASANA (FLY OVER BRIDGE)

• Spread mat or double folded blanket on a flat ground.

• Now, lie down straight on your back.

• Then bend each leg at your knee one by one.

• Both knees should touch each other.

• The heels and the toes should also touch each other.

• Take the heels quite close to the buttocks.

• Feet flat on the floor.

• Keep your hands, by your sides, parallel to the ground.

• By pressing the palms on the ground, lift the waist up.

• The middle part of the body should be lifted up as much as possible, and it should be supported by both hands.

• The fingers of the hands should remain on the outer side and the thumbs should point inwards.

• The waist should be supported with the hands.

• The arm, between the shoulder and the elbow, remains parallel to the ground; and the forearm, between the elbow and the wrist, remains vertical to the ground – as a pole.

• Now, very slowly straighten your legs – one by one; the right leg first, then the left leg.

• Both thighs, both knees, calf muscles, heal, and the toes of the feet should touch each other.

• There should not be any angle at the knee joint.

• This way, the shape of the whole body will be like a fly over a bridge.

• Hold this pose for as long as comfortable.

• When releasing the Bridge Pose, slowly fold the legs – first, one by one, remove the hands, and put them on the sides of the body – then, slowly put the body down back on the floor.

• Relax.

BENEFITS

By the practice of Setubandhasna, the body experiences the big tide of energy. The muscles of the legs, hands, and the joints become strong. By its regular practice, one becomes free from psychological abnormality, and obtains the life filled with good thoughts, hopes, and joy.

Do not forget this formula, rest is rust. Always be engrossed in one or the other activity, such as sports, swimming, skiing, learning, or research – so that one should be free from idleness.

AUM SHANTI

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: -

Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio.

A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: yogashaastra@gmail.com

Website: http://www.yogashaastra.in/

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh (India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

How to Find an Affordable Yoga Teacher Certification Course

2010-08-28T07:30:00.005-04:00

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

It is true that not all Yoga teacher training programs are created equal. The reason for such a wide variety of difference is based upon the individual needs of potential Yoga instructors. Some interns are seeking spiritual knowledge. Some future Yoga teachers want to share a science that has improved their lives; while other interns may want to teach an alternative health maintenance system.

It also seems that a significant number of graduates have no intention of teaching Yoga at all. The primary reason for taking a Yoga teacher course, and not teaching, is self-improvement. While this may appear to be unique – it is not. In fact, I would venture to speculate that one out of five graduates is seeking Yogic knowledge for personal growth.

Therefore, those who take a Yoga certification course are seeking the best possible program, that matches their needs, at an affordable price. This search, for the right Yoga course, may turn out to be an Internet quest that lasts days, weeks, or months. You may also want to research if there are any student complaints against the training center.

After that, you want to find a training facility which picks up the phone, returns your calls, or answers your Email inquiries. Regardless of how long it takes, one can always find the right course. If you are open to online and correspondence courses, there are many more affordable options.

However, you will want to take the time make sure that an online, or correspondence course, was designed by an actual Yoga teacher trainer. If the prospective school has courses in pet grooming, child day care, and electronics – do they have a teacher trainer on staff for Yoga?

In addition to this, research the school, studio, ashram, or center. Is your prospective school a mail box or a wellness center? What is their track record with graduates? Does the Better Business Bureau, or the town clerk’s office, know who they are? If you have difficulty getting a live person on the other end of the telephone line, during business hours, you may want to think twice before entering a course.

Take the time to explore each of the Yoga teacher training facilities on your list. For some of us, affordability is an overriding factor, but we should also consider all of the possible options available to us. Sometimes, inexpensive options are available, if we research just a little bit deeper.

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Teaching Hatha Yoga – Safe Yoga Class Openings

2010-08-24T11:02:00.002-04:00

By Sanjeev Patel, CYT

Sometimes the opening of a Yoga class is very much like a brief blip on a radar screen. Some Yoga teachers are in a big rush to get going with the class, but where are they going to? As a Yoga teacher, you must have an intention to make your class the best and safest experience your students ever encounter.

Based upon student feedback from over 650 classes, which I have already instructed, I have come to realize that it is the physical and relaxing aspects of Yoga that most appeal to westerners. With that in mind, among the many steps which I would suggest teachers incorporate into a Yoga class would include an initial period of relaxation.

Here you could introduce diaphragmatic breathing and invite students to continue, throughout the practice, inhabit their bodies, practice present moment breath awareness, and maintain a mind-body connection, while using their breath as the vehicle for this connection.

You would then lead them through a series of limbering and warming up postures, however I may not use all of the same warm ups suggested by a typical Hatha Yoga teacher training, since I have found that most students prefer more active postures even for limbering up and warm up.

I did find my foundational teacher training useful in regard to warm ups very effective for a beginner’s class as long as modifications are included for those students that are stiff, out of shape or older. Since the classes that I am instructing at the present moment are all levels classes at local health clubs and morning classes at the beach, I have found that modifications, which also make the postures more possible or more challenging, make the classes themselves more interesting, engaging and appealing to a wider range of students.

I have yet to introduce beginners to any of the muscle controls or bandhas into any of the classes. Although I do practice bandhas myself, teach advanced students the same techniques and find them complimentary to the postures. I also include a few basic balancing postures in all of the classes that I instruct.

In general we start with the centering, setting an intention, and relaxation (Yes, relaxation). After that we move on to warm ups, then sun salutations, and limber ups. This is followed by all body stretches, standing poses which would include forward bends and minor back bends and some minor twists, sitting poses which would also include forward bends, deeper back bends and deeper twists, kneeling poses, and basic inversions.

© Copyright 2010 – Sanjeev Patel / Aura Publications

Sanjeev Patel is a certified Yoga teacher and an exclusive author for Aura Wellness Center.

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

Questions about Yoga and Meditation for a Worldwide Economic Recovery

2009-02-06T22:39:00.005-05:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

We received many questions today from Yoga teachers, studio owners, and students, about practicing collective meditation, positive affirmation, and prayer, with the intention of global economic recovery. Therefore, let me share the information discussed with you.

Q: When will the first collective meditation, positive affirmation, and prayer session meet?

A: As stated yesterday, we will meet on the second day of April, June, August, October, and December of 2009. At Aura, our first session is open to the public at our 21 Park Street, Suite 202, location in Attleboro. We will meet from 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2009.
Q: Will a donation be required?

A: No, there is no donation required at all. You should arrive early, as our center has limited space, but we have many chairs outside the studio in the enclosed hallway (between the offices and the main studio). We will do our best to accommodate those who arrive. My suggestion would be to arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Q: What good will meditation, positive affirmation, or prayer, do for the global economy?

A: You have a choice. You can do nothing and let the world happen around you, or you can take action by cultivating positive energy through the power of attraction. If we can create enough positive energy, we change ourselves and the world around us.

Q: Are you actually going to pray as a group?

A: Due to the fact that my students are from a variety of faiths, any prayer would be in silence. I have no desire to impose my religious beliefs on anyone else. However, there will be some time for silent prayer. With that said, I have never met a Yoga practitioner who was an atheist; but if an atheist showed up to this session, he or she is welcome to meditate in silence.

Q: What if I have a Yoga studio in Mumbai or California – should we do a simultaneous meditation session at our location?

A: As long as you organize your session on April 2nd, your positive intention will have an impact.
If there are any further questions, please feel free to contact me by posting in the comments at the bottom of this post. You are also welcome to contact me directly at my AOL address or by contacting: info@yoga-teacher-training.org.

© Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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What Can Yoga Do to Help the Global Economy in 2009?

2009-02-06T22:28:00.003-05:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

What can Yoga do to turn the world economy around? Do you feel helpless, when you see or hear the daily news? Does your heart sink when you see your new credit card interest rate? We hear a lot of pessimism from financial experts, which leads to much negativity in the stock markets.

People are losing their homes, jobs are being lost, and suicides are becoming an option to poverty. We could blame corporate greed, banks, and Wall Street; but what good would it do? We cannot afford to waste time blaming those who our tax dollars support. Now is the time for real solutions, and each of us has a silver lining of creativity.

What can Yoga teachers do?

In our classes, we should maintain optimism. Make stress management workshops available to your students and the general public. Teach meditation sessions which focus on positive outcomes. Proliferate positive energy, so that your students carry the seeds of hope to the rest of your community.

What can Yoga practitioners do?

Visit your local Yoga studio and cultivate positive energy. Give everyone you know a dose of optimism. Help anyone you can. Each of us has limitations, but collectively, we have the ability to help those who need it most. Keep your dreams alive and move forward, without taking financial risks.

This action requires an International effort among Yoga practitioners of all styles. This is much more than wishful thinking. There are Yoga practitioners in every country, of every religion, and every color. It is time to unite and take action.

How can Yoga practitioners help?

We can start with collective meditation, positive affirmation, and prayer. Here is a proposal for positive change in 2009. On the second day of each even month, we will practice collective meditation, positive affirmation, and prayer, with the intention of global economic recovery.

Why should you care?

The Great Depression was followed by World War II. Massive poverty is a breeding ground for hate, blame, and warfare. Without funds, many charities are already at risk. Local communities cannot support themselves, with thousands more unemployed people each month.

The economic downturn may not be your problem now, but if this economy keeps sinking, it will be. In truth, poverty is a social problem for all of us - no matter where you live.

Here is the plan of action. Join together and practice collective meditation, positive affirmation, and prayer, with the intention of worldwide economic recovery on the second day of April, June, August, October, and December of 2009. When the economy turns around, we can focus on world peace in 2010.

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) - Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul

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Teaching Hatha Yoga Contraindications For Standing Asanas

2009-01-31T19:38:00.004-05:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There seems to be no single text that lists the contraindications for each Yoga technique; the reason being - the monumental task of listing, categorizing, and matching up each technique, with a corresponding contraindication, would be a feat that would take years to complete.

Therefore, let's look at techniques, in groups, and match them to corresponding advice. Standing Postures seem easy enough for most of us, but can still be quite challenging for your legs, regardless of age or physical condition. Many commonly seen standing poses are Warrior (Virabhadrasana) postures.

Here are some cautions, which will open your eyes to modify your practice and that of your students. At the same time, always research and remain current in your knowledge of Yoga posture contraindications, because medical and sports medical research changes by the day.
General Guidelines for all Standing Postures

If pregnant, do not stand for prolonged periods of time. If you are in your third trimester, please use a chair and modify your standing and warrior poses. Most of all, unless you are an expert teacher, please work with a certified and competent prenatal Yoga teacher specialist.
Never stiffen, or apply extra isometric force, to the muscles in your legs and arms. These postures give wonderful results without pushing the limits. People can collapse from over exertion while performing standing asanas; especially when practicing on warm days, in hot rooms, and in the sun.

Never lock the joints. Hyperextension of any joint tends to lead to premature skeletal wear. Who wants arthritis earlier? You should not be locking joints in any activity, especially Hatha Yoga practice, which is designed to enhance long term health.

If you have high blood pressure, or heart problems, you should be moderate in your practice of standing postures and consult your physician or cardiologist. Why are there precautions here?

People often hold their breath when practicing strenuous postures. Never hold your breath if you have high blood pressure. Be cautious about keeping the hands over the head for prolonged periods of time. The heart, of a person people with high blood pressure, pumps less blood with each beat, than someone without high blood pressure.

When performing Warrior I, do not look up at your hands if you are experiencing neck problems or have a pre-existing neck injury. Warrior II: Avoid if you have diarrhea, and do not force your head or neck forward, if you have neck problems.

Warrior III and all Standing Postures: Use your core muscles, rather than place excessive stress on your joints. Proper head, neck, shoulder, spinal, back, hip, knee, and ankle alignment is essential. Never place excessive stress on any joint. When in doubt, always consult with a physician or specialist.

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/

He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit:

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

How Can Hatha Yoga Help your Heart Health?

2008-11-08T09:09:00.006-05:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

During the course of a week, Yoga teachers may work with students who have a variety of physical ailments. Among those ailments are the many forms of heart disease and heart conditions. There are many differences, and many causes, of heart problems.

Some heart problems are caused by risk factors, such as: Lack of exercise, poor diet, smoking, obesity, and a combination of these conditions. At the same time, high stress levels and genetics can also play a role in poor heart health.

While physical forms of Yoga can change the lack of physical exercise factor, how can it be a remedy for all of the other factors mentioned? When looking into the personal histories of dedicated Yoga students, there is one common denominator: All of them make a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

If a Yoga student has a poor diet, or smokes, but keeps practicing, he or she will eventually give up bad habits. If a student is obese, years of Yoga practice usually will change his or her approach to life and diet. Some people eat without thinking. Yoga teaches us to be mindful of every action.

In the case of stress levels being too high: Everyone has stress, but Yoga teaches students to cope and to think clearly. The job that sends you over the edge today may be the cause of your hyper-tension tomorrow. Knowing this, one might ask how much more can he, or she, take before the job becomes a health risk.

Yet, how could Hatha Yoga compensate for genetic heart conditions? No form of Yoga can change a lineage of heart disease, but a healthy lifestyle should be able to extend your life, beyond the age of relatives, in your bloodline. In this case, a strict vegetarian diet may be a matter of necessity.

There are some people who will never change their lifestyles; even if, they know the consequences. Doctors deal with this every day, and it can be discouraging. One of the greatest gifts of life is the ability to change for the better. Practicing Hatha Yoga does not require you to turn your life upside down, but you have the power to eliminate health risks by priority.

Luckily, Hatha Yoga gives you all the tools for clarity of thought. It is up to you to take action for your sake and for those who love you. Time spent meditating will give you rational thought and life-saving solutions. The physical postures will develop a body that is the best it can be. Yogic breathing techniques require time and practice, but the rewards are inner calm and a method for coping with high stress levels.

To maintain one’s heart is a matter of choice - even if our ancestors did not leave us the best of genetic score cards.

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Two Benefits of Yoga Meditation

2008-08-15T08:09:00.001-04:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

In a typical Yoga session, you may practice meditation at the beginning of class, at the end of class, or both. There are many methods of meditation, but Yoga practitioners usually learn breath awareness, visualization, or focusing on an object.

All forms of meditation lead to a tranquil and trained mind, so to claim that one particular style of meditation is superior to all of the rest, would not be correct. Some methods may be more “user friendly,” than others. This could lead to opinions about one style of meditation being better than another, but opinions are only a matter of preference.

If there is one solid benefit that we can observe from a meditation session, it is a state of concentration during meditation, and a state of relaxation after the session has ended. How can this be useful to a person and the community at large?

A mind that is trained by meditation will tend to concentrate on finishing tasks during the course of an average day. With all of our technology, attention deficit disorders flourish. Diet and lifestyle also play a role, but gadgets put everyone “on call.”

Meditation and Yoga classes make it possible to unplug from all of the technical hardware and software we encounter on a daily basis. Yet, there is one very important and powerful way in which Yoga lessons and meditation can help all of us.

What is the number one cause of a poor quality lifestyle? In a word, it is “stress.” High levels of stress can cause long-term health problems and premature death. With that said - the combination of Yoga and meditation, work toward creating a tranquil mindset within each of us.

We know that emotional problems can cause illnesses. Clarity of thought allows one to make rational decisions during stressful times. Let’s face it, you cannot have a life without stress, but with meditation, you can learn to solve problems, which are stress-related.

Once a person learns to meditate, there is much less reason to consume intoxicants, which are often used to cope with high stress levels. If you talk to any addict, he or she will often admit to abusing alcohol, tranquilizers, and illegal drugs, as a result of overwhelming levels of stress.

This may not seem to be a rational solution, but look at the number of customers, who go to a liquor store in the course of a day. Compare that number to how many students attend a Yoga class in the same day. Keep in mind: This will only track alcohol consumption. There are many more ways to numb the senses.

The bottom line: Yoga and meditation offer rational solutions with no negative side-effects, but the community at large has to be educated to see the value.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) - Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Yoga in Practice - The Secret Arts of Yoga and Meditation

2008-06-26T07:40:00.000-04:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Would you like to learn the secret arts of Yoga? The real truth is - there is no secret to: "Study, practice, study more, and practice again." Yoga is a lifelong journey, which for some Hatha Yoga students may start much like a gymnastic event. Then, over years of study, Yoga training evolves into self-realization and transformation. Below is a question and answer session, with a student, who is seeking to find the answers to the mysteries of Yoga and meditation.

Q: Is doing meditation by oneself safe?

A: Yes, meditation alone is fine, provided you receive some basic foundational instruction from a teacher or Guru. Books and DVD's can also be very instructive. Please research the style of meditation before taking up the practice.

It should be noted that a student of meditation should preferably practice one style with one teacher long enough to understand the basics. Impatient beginners do too much hopping around from teacher to teacher.

Invest time in research and practice for ten to twenty minutes per day for a month. You could always practice longer, but beginners have a tendency to "burn themselves out." Meditation is preventative medicine for a balanced mind.

Q: How can negative thinking be minimized?

A: The only way to keep negative thinking under control is to fill your mind with good thoughts. Mantra, japa, prayer, and positive affirmations will help. Instead of focusing your mind on what you should not be thinking, fill your mind with positive, happy, and compassionate thoughts. It is impossible to be a happy pessimist.

Q: Can I stay completely free from stress with Yoga?

A: No, stress is a part of life. Too much stress is not healthy and must be reduced. Every style of Yoga is capable of reducing stress levels. Please remember that moderate stress can be healthy, but overwhelming stress is potentially harmful.

Q: Are there any internal powers in our body?

A: Yes, there are internal powers within all of us. If you spend time with the right teacher, you can find it, and feel it, within the same lesson. For some students it may take longer, but your Yoga teacher is a helpful guide.

Q: How can we feel it and in how many days?

A: A feeling of empowerment without ego can easily be felt. There is no specific time frame for this process to take place. If time is a major concern, you should train under the guidance of a competent Yoga teacher or Guru. In this way, your teacher will guide you through the "learning curve."

Q: Is there any spiritual link between meditation, Yoga, and God.

A: Yes, there is definitely a healthy spiritual link between meditation, Yoga, and God. Yoga is filled with information for spiritual health and growth. It is true that some people do not believe in the concept of God. In this case, spiritual growth will still be realized with regular practice.

Some Yoga teachers only address Asana for the physical body, but there is much more. All you have to do is continue your meditation practice, while putting the concepts of non-harming, compassion, patience, mindfulness, tolerance, and happiness into practice during your daily life.

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA.

He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995.

To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit:

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

The Relation Between Yoga and Health: How Yoga Works You

2008-06-17T20:31:00.000-04:00

Written By Kristin L. Gilbert

Yoga has a fast-growing following and there are as many possible explanations for that as there are asanas within the Yoga practice. Most people would contend that the most important reason why Yoga seems to be growing in popularity, (especially in its newest market; the Western World) is due to its astonishing and well-recorded effects on stress relief and relaxation. While many people think Yoga is nothing more than a strange and foreign concept, left only up to “Indian rubber men” (Hewitt 167), those daring enough to attempt the practice have found far-reaching rewards of the mental, spiritual and physical kind. I will discuss these benefits in depth in the following essay divided into three sub-categories: I. Spiritual Health, II. Mental Health, and finally, III. Physical Health Benefits of Yoga.

I. Spiritual Health Benefits of Yoga—Seeking Inner Peace on a Turbulent Earth

The spiritual health benefits are, for some, either the most powerful, or, the least noticeable effects felt with consistent practice. Because Yoga in itself is not a religion, not all Yogis choose to explore a spiritual path with their practice, but those who do can look forward to many worthy benefits. Regardless of whether one specifically seeks spirituality through yoga or not, all yogis seek the same greater whole, the unity within the self, or that “Oneness” as the ultimate goal. This sought connectedness within itself is a form of spirituality: a connection of all parts of self with the whole earth that surrounds us in happy symbiosis, a connection, a blending and a cooperation that can be described as nothing less than peace.

This promotion of tranquility or purification is similar to many religious practice’s goals. James Hewitt describes it as “Absolute, Brahman, God, Reality, Ultimate Reality, Cosmic Mind, Cosmic Consciousness, Universal Sprit, Over-Soul, Over-self, Void, Buddha Nature, It, That – to name but a few” (The Complete Yoga Book, p. 371) and Swami Vishnu-devananda explains that, “as long as one’s wandering mind moves externally toward objects, one cannot come face to face with truth or God,” (The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga, p. 4).

Therefore, the most spiritual of benefits received from regular Yoga practice is that quieting of the mind which allows the yogi to feel peace and come to a still point of contemplation within the Self, to take an objective stance on the events around them…and then to let go of all unnecessary, superfluous thought. It allows the yogi to release control over what one cannot rationally take control of (death, circumstance, the meaning of life, life after death) and leave it to the powers that be. This sort of blind trust is the sort of material a religious foundation is built upon.

No, Yoga is not a religion, but Yogic practices can certainly pave the path toward spiritual understanding, and for some fortunate souls, spiritual enlightenment. Vishnu-devananda simplifies the theory stating, “the science of Yoga gives a practical and scientifically prepared method of finding truth in religion” (p. 5). Perhaps the most valuable, spiritual practice which Yogis will experience is that this type of truth, this spirituality, is not the form which requires convincing, preaching or converting. It is a quiet journey, as yoga is a quiet practice. Slowly, but steadily, quieting the questions, quieting the mind and making the way for very private, transcendental spiritual experiences, opening us to intuition and allowing for deeper understanding of our Selves and the universe surrounding us. In short, Yoga provides the means for finding Oneness.

II. Mental Health Benefits of Yoga—Proving it is Mind Over Matter, After all

The mental and spiritual health benefits of yoga blend together quite nicely. The Unity sought though the practice of Yoga allows for spiritual clarity, as does it facilitate mental and psychological strength and centering. A person with mental clarity will be more at ease, make decisions with confidence, know themselves, experience less anxiety, feel more relaxed and happier, and overall, feel confidence and strength from the inside out.

The practice of meditation is perhaps the most important aspect when discussing the mental health benefits of Yoga. Hewitt mentions that Yoga has a “supreme goal of intuitive enlightenment” (p. 371) which in itself could be said to be a superior form of mental health.

He also describes the act of meditation quite simply and accurately as “mental hygiene”. In an ever-growing world where things move faster by the day and one can barely keep up with the latest crazes, gadgets and gimmicks, it is more important than ever that we are able to clear out the mental clutter that gathers day by day. Yoga gives us one tool for shoveling out such mental clutter. In fact, perhaps the most popular calling for those entering newly into the Yoga practice is their search for the oft-described ability of Yogic meditation to “cleanse the mind, refine and clarify consciousness, lighten the spirit, and foster mental poise and equanimity” (Hewitt, 372).

Everyone in the crazy-paced world wants a little piece of mental peace and quiet. Yoga offers this to everyone; no matter how hectic their schedule! Yoga meditations may even be adjusted and catered to specific mental “issues” focusing on the various chakras and where an individual needs more or less opening.

Meditation is not the only route toward mental health and stress relief. Reduction of stress is probably the number one reason why people in modern society are flocking toward Yoga practice. Timothy McCall M.D. says that stress can “make life less enjoyable and contribute to such bothersome symptoms as headaches, insomnia, and back pain, but it’s [also] linked to many of society’s killers, including osteoporosis and heart attacks.”

McCall goes on further to describe stress as “endemic in our society” (yogajournal.com). So what is Yoga doing to lessen the effects of this endemic felt by so many people today? Well, aside from the aforementioned benefits of meditation, the practice of Pranayama is yet another aid for brighter and better mental health. Appropriate supply of oxygen to the system strengthens the nervous system and brain and gives the yogi something to focus on other than daily stress creators. Simply lengthening and focusing on each exhale and inhale can almost instantly create a calming effect.

A large variety of Yoga asanas also assist in the calming of the mind. Physical activity alone is known to reduce a number of stress hormones and release those happy “feel good” hormones, but in Yoga we see an added punch: it is actually relaxing to perform the postures! Child’s Pose and Shivasana or Corpse Pose are perhaps two of the most well-known and most relaxing poses of the Yoga practice. Both serve to calm the brain, relieve stress and mild depression, relax the body, reduce fatigue, headache and insomnia, and even lower blood pressure while also relieving back and neck pain. All of these benefits from sitting still and calm for a few minutes—but perhaps the only few minutes a day for sitting still to some students of yoga!

Swami Vishnu-devananda discusses what is known as the “autosuggestion,” or the body’s ability to relax its own muscles and internal organs. The restorative postures of yoga, such as Child’s Pose or Corpse Pose, pave the way for the autosuggestion to begin and the body is given the green light to begin its’ own natural healing and restorative process; filtering out the unnecessary clutter from the day and leaving the Yogi with a feeling of mental and emotional clarity.

III. Physical Benefits of Yoga—Strength from the Inside, Out

The physical benefits of Yoga are undeniable, however, seemingly less sought after as a primary motivator for the practice. While most Yogis begin their practice initially seeking spiritual or mental clarity, stress relief or simply out of curiosity about the yoga “craze”, it is often not long before one is able to see the physical effects which come with regular yoga practice.

The range of the physical effects felt from regular Yoga practice is astonishing. Swami Vishnu-devananda explains how it “acts as a lubrication system to the joints, muscles, ligaments, [and] tendons…by increasing circulation and flexibility” (preface xi). The focus on the spine within yoga leads to improved posture and freedom from aches and pains. It also encourages a healthier nervous system and therefore, brain—this all results in the promotion of a more youthful (looking and feeling) total being. Overall, “Yoga exercise can be compared to no other system for its complete overhauling of the entire being” (xi). Yoga works in the promotion of physical health from the inside out, increasing circulation, stimulating the nervous system, strengthening muscles and promoting flexibility; it is a complete physical health package.

The Pranayama, or breathing exercises of Yoga jumpstart many beneficial reactions within the body. In Pranayama, the breath “increases vital capacity, energizes, exercise the lungs and the respiratory muscles, oxygenates and purifies the bloodstream, removes phlegm, cleanses the nervous system, improves thoracic mobility and broadens the chest, improves digestion, massages the abdominal viscera, and calms and concentrates the mind” (Hewitt, p. 109).

As if these benefits were not vast enough, breathing practice also helps establish the healthiest natural breathing patterns over time and trains for breath efficiency, along with assisting in the gathering of the life force, prana. It is also said that pranayama awakens the coiled kundalini within us.As with pranayama, the Yoga asanas, or physical poses, offer an extensive variety of physical benefits. The most obvious and most sought after is improved flexibility, but this improvement does not come unaccompanied. Utilizing a system of slow, steady and gradual movements, the Yogic system cause the heart to beat more strongly due to activation of muscles. This causes in increase in circulation and therefore, oxygen to the entire body system. This increases body temperature, allowing the muscles to be stretched and “a stretched muscle can…perform more work than one only normally relaxed” (Vishnu-devananda, 50). This allows the slow and steady practice of Yoga to, yes, actually build muscle! However, the muscle tissue produced is of the strong, long and lean type, not the large and bulky type seen through activities such as body building. Held postures strengthen and lubricate joints improving flexibility, mobility and coordination and improving ligamentous and cartilage stiffness.

Improved blood flow and flexibility of the spine aids in healthy nervous system function, improved flexibility, resiliency, better balance and coordination and ensures proper curvature of the spine. The endocrine system is also greatly affected. The variety of glands affected aid in healthy growth, emotions, metabolism, anabolic and catabolic processes, mental and sexual maturity and weight. And who could look over the fact that Yoga has been credited with contributing to a youthful glow and demeanor amongst its followers?

In conclusion, the health benefits of Yoga are endless and the list shows no signs of stopping. Every Yogi would describe a variety of benefits received depending on their level, desired results and own personal body. While some focus on the mental and emotional escape and stress relief, others look for the desired flexibility and lean strengthening of the physical effects. Still others may turn to the Yoga of meditation for a spiritual experience. And many use the health benefits in a combined goal of overall spiritual, mental and physical health. It is not surprising that the Yogic practice gains more followers by the day. The world has today its largest population of Yogis ever, and those numbers are only bound to grow—this fact alone can attest to the healthful benefits felt by all of those who have fallen in love with this amazing practice. To continued health and lifelong practice, Namasté.

Sources

Hewitt, James. The Complete Yoga Book. Schocken Books; New York, New York, 1977.

Kaminoff, Leslie. Yoga Anatomy. Human Kinetics; USA, 2007.

McCall, Timothy M.D. “Yoga for Stress and Burnout,” http://www.yogajournal.com/. Cruz Bay Publishing, Inc. an Active Interest Media company; 2007.

Vishnu-devananda, Swami. The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga.

http://www.yogabasics.com/, “Yoga Postures,” Timothy Burgin and Yogabasics.com; 2007.

Kristin L. Gilbert is a 25-year-old “retired” high school Spanish teacher from Maine. She is a massage therapist / Reiki practitioner / Yoga teacher and enthusiast and also an aspiring meditation teacher. Kristin will be making a move in July 2008 to Costa Rica in order to open her own massage and yoga studio (and continue working on her surf skills). The Caribbean beaches of Costa Rica are her favorite spot in the world for Yoga practice and for finding inner peace.

She studied massage under Donna Kraft Smith LMT of Guilford, Maine, was attuned to Reiki with Master Teacher Liza Bishop of Bangor, Maine and completed her Yoga Teacher Training studies through Aura Wellness Center with Paul Jerard in Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Kristin finds Yoga to be a perfect fit for her life with its mental, physical and spiritual rewards and looks forward to a lifelong practice and being able to share her love of Yoga with others.

SACRED TREE ANNOUNCES SUMMER SOLSTICE RETREAT

2008-05-29T22:55:00.001-04:00

“EARTH CYCLES: A PATHWAY TO HEALING”

JUNE 19-22

NEW event to kick-off signature series of wellness retreat workshops
May 29, 2008 (Breckenridge, CO) - Sacred Tree, a holistic health and wellness center in Breckenridge, announced today that it will launch a line of signature health and wellness retreats beginning with a summer solstice celebration, Earth Cycles: A Pathway to Healing - June 19-22, 2008 in Breckenridge, Colorado.

Participants in Earth Cycles will discover the meaning and significance of the four winds and the four directions, which are interrelated to the birth, growth, dissolution, regeneration, and returning of life on the earth. The experience will also include Qigong and Yoga, interactive presentations, indigenous ceremonies, outdoor nature activities, organic breakfast and lunch. The foundation for the retreat celebrates the four seasons, marked by the solstices of winter and summer and the equinoxes of fall and spring.

Joel Proctor, Dipl. L.Ac & CH, founder of Mystic Warrior School for Martial and Cultivation Arts, Practitioner of Indigenous Healing and Traditional Pipe Carrier, and Brigette Schabdach, owner and founder of Sacred Tree, along with additional practitioners, will present and lead these wellness health spa retreats. Both Proctor and Schabdach have been integral in the development and growth of Sacred Tree since its opening in June, 2003.

“A retreat or getaway allows people time away from their daily routines and spheres of influence,” says Proctor. “They are able to find deeper levels of relaxation for their bodies, more clarity for their minds, more time to nourish and rejuvenate their spirits,” he adds.
More than 15 wellness health spa retreats are currently offered within the next six months.

Earth Cycles (Summer Solstice and also Fall Equinox) is one of two featured signature retreats, with the second being Return to Spirit: Transformational Healing Session. Future destinations include Breckenridge, Aspen and Tulum, Mexico. Visit sacredtree.com for an ongoing schedule of wellness retreat workshops, such as Female Health and Vitality, Family Wellness and Qigong Retreats.

“We invite you to join us in our discovery of the body’s natural, inherent and powerful capacity for restoration, regeneration and vibrant, energetic health,” says Brigette Schabdach, owner and founder of Sacred Tree.

Registration for Earth Cycles is open, and availability is limited. The fee to attend this signature four-day retreat is: $550. Discounted spa services and lodging rates are available for all participants. All ceremonies are offered freely under traditional perspectives of spiritual responsibilities and reciprocal agreements.

For more information surrounding Sacred Tree retreats and for registration information, visit: http://www.sacredtree.com/ or call 970-389-9968.

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About Sacred Tree: Sacred Tree is a holistic health and wellness center founded in Breckenridge by Brigette Schabdach in 2003. The center supports an integrative approach to health and wellness, addressing the physical, psychological, social and spiritual components of well-being. Skilled practitioners help people of all ages and fitness levels live healthy lifestyles, reduce health risks and grow personally, with the ultimate goal of Sacred Tree being a place of protection, peace, relaxation, nourishment, contemplation and centering.

The center offers acupuncture, massage therapy, natural skincare, chiropractic and naturopathic medicine, Rolf Methodology, iridology, ear candling, thermographic scans, ionic cleanse, nutritional counseling, women’s exams, skin cancer screenings and body treatments, free wellness talks, yoga, tai chi, qigong and kung fu programs. Sacred Tree features two Breckenridge locations with an on-staff naturopathic doctor, chiropractor, acupuncturist, massage therapists and Rolf Method practitioners.

The History Of Yoga - An Overview

2008-05-20T08:25:00.001-04:00

Written By Terrine Pearsall

The history of yoga can be traced back as far as 1500 BC to the Vedas. These are literary texts that lay down the framework of the Hindu religion and are divided into four main groups.
Patanjali is often considered as the father of yoga and his yoga-sutras still strongly influence all styles of modern yoga. In Patanjali, the art of yoga is divided into an "eight limbed path" that contain the steps to obtain the enlightenment. Patanjali is considered to be the father of yoga.

Hatha Yoga was then created because of this exploration on the physical-spiritual connections as well as body centered practices. Hatha yoga is one of the styles of yoga that the westerners of today are practicing. It is a very good style of yoga to start on the path of yoga. Hatha Yoga is perhaps about 1000 years old. Its purpose is also beyond the body, it too has a spiritual purpose.

Hatha Yoga masters also later utilized the yoga sutras for still meditation. Hatha yoga is only one of the two concepts of yoga that concentrates on the physical culture and the other yoga is the Raja yoga but both of these are referred to as Ashtanga yoga. The main difference is that the Raja yoga concentrates more on the "asanas" or postures to get the body ready for a prolonged meditation that concentrates mainly on the meditative "asana" poses. Hatha Yoga follows in that vein and thus successfully transcends being particularly grounded in one religion.

The hathayoga developed mostly during the period of 14th century. Hatha and tantra yoga , the major branches of yoga, were both developed in the Post-Classical Period, around 1000 CE.

Tantra taught students how to cleanse the body, mind and spirit and to break the ties that bind us to any form of physical existence. Hatha yoga attempts to balance mind and body via physical exercises, or "asanas", controlled breathing, and the calming of the mind through relaxation and meditation. Asanas teach poise, balance & strength and were originally (and still) practiced to improve the body's physical health and clear the mind in preparation for meditation in the pursuit of enlightenment .

Yogis on the other hand focused almost exclusively on Meditation and neglected the Asanas. They were attempting to exit the mortal coil and merge with the ultimate reality through contemplation. Yogis usually think of God as an impersonal, spiritual substance, coexisting with all of reality. This doctrine is called pantheism which is the view that everything is God.

Yogi Matsyendranath taught that before taking to the practices of meditation, the body and its elements need purifying. One of the most outstanding authorities on hatha yoga, Swami Swatmarama wrote the Hatha yoga pradipika, or 'Light on yoga' in Sanskrit, which describes the various Asanas and breathing exercises, which forms the foundation of the modern practice of yoga.

Yogic attitudes, simple Asanas, Pranayama, relaxation and health orientated techniques were systematically devised to help people solve the problems of daily living. Yogi is not a religious title. Most modern people associate the word "yoga" with Hatha yoga, in one of its many style variations.

Ashtanga, which means 8 limbs in Sanskrit, is a rhythmically fast, intense set of yoga practice always performed in the same order. Ashtanga Yoga is physically demanding and it is meant for people seeking body strength, flexibility and workout including challenging series of postures with Ujjayi Breathing and vinyasas. Ashtanga is the Sanskrit name for what is referred to as the eight fold path of yoga. Ashtanga Yoga is another type of yoga which is also known as 'power yoga'. This type of yoga comprises push ups, which increases strength and stamina in human body.

Modern evolutionary approaches to yoga have created clear delineations between the Hindu religion and the practice of yoga. Modern yoga positions and principles have evolved from these earliest meditative practices and continue to be fused by modern practitioners.

Terrine Pearsall is the owner of Wonderfully Fit. Terrine has been working in the fitness industry as a Long Beach personal trainer, yoga teacher and pilates instructor servicing Long Beach, Seal Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and San Pedro.

Terrine thrives on custom designing interesting, creative and fun programs for individual needs. She uses a variety of tools - from conventional weight training with machines and free weights to core focused workouts utilizing: stability balls, BOSU, and medicine balls.

Terrine is constantly networking and scanning the internet for the latest fitness and health information and attends an international fitness convention annually to stay on the cutting edge. Terrine is a member of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, the world's leading membership organization of health & fitness professionals.

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A Premium Yoga Teacher Course for an Affordable Price

2008-05-18T08:44:00.002-04:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Does an affordable Yoga teacher training option, for interns, exist anymore or is it pure fantasy? With the price of everything, except a house, going up; how can we expect to find a reputable training for an intern, who wishes to become a yoga instructor, at a reasonable price?

Some interns apply for “seva” programs (community service) in the larger ashrams. Any large facility needs cooks, housekeepers, office help, and a maintenance crew, so this is a good arrangement for the student and the ashram.

Seva is a form of selfless service, where one may be asked to perform a variety of tasks that will maintain the ashram. In some Yoga ashrams, all students seek to perform “guru seva,” in the spirit of selfless giving toward the head teacher and the facility.

This exchange of work for housing, meals, and learning, is a traditional one. The idea of giving of one’s self to a larger cause is noble and a form of Karma Yoga. Not every applicant is accepted, and some centers do not have seva programs at all.

Yet, it should be realized that a seva agreement between a student and his or her guru may last years. If you have obligations, such as children, spouse, family, job, or a significant other, the concept of seva may not fit your lifestyle.

Interns, with obligations, may seek a Yoga certification course, which gives them the independence to meet their obligations at home or on the job. In this case, a
home study option is your most affordable and flexible choice.

Correspondence courses have been around for years. With technology advancing to its present level, every skill can be studied at home. If you are not sure about techniques, and desire some hands on experience, you may want to seek out a local Yoga teacher or search for a mentor.

Some interns have years of previous experience. This is obviously significant, when approaching any intensive learning program. Therefore, experienced Yoga students will progress much faster, than those who have less experience.

The Internet has made it possible for anyone to learn about Yoga instantly. Just a few decades ago, you would be lucky to find a Yoga book in a small town library. We now live at a time when any subject can be learned in an instant.

With the use of CD’s, DVD’s, e-Books, streaming video, and the ability to ship anywhere, learning to become a Yoga instructor, at an affordable cost, is much more common than in the past.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) - Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste
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The Benefits of Yoga

2008-05-17T07:11:00.000-04:00

Written By Sarah Russell

Yoga and meditation are terrific ways to bring the mind and body together as one and improve youra mental clarity. How often do you find yourself stressed out and unable to carry out your duties or responsibilities, just because you have feelings of uncertainty and clashes of thought? Performing yoga regularly can help reduce stress and negative feelings, leading to a healthier mind and body.

Stress takes an incredible toll on our bodies, affecting our endocrinl and emotional systems in a negative way. Excessive stress has been linked to high blood pressure, heart attacks and a host of other nasty illnesses. Practicing yoga can help put this right and bring our physical systems into balance by reducing stress.

Yoga and its purification practices have been long established as successful methods to improve a variety of disorders and health issues. The following are some of the many benefits associated with yoga.

1. Yoga is known to boost suppleness; with positions utilizing the different joints of the body - including those which are not always used in ordinary workouts. When you first start to perform yoga, you may feel stiff and sore. But with continued practice over time, you'll discover a new flexibility in your joints and muscles.

2. Yoga also increases the lubrication of joints. The positions used in yoga exercise the muscles and tendons within the body, which may help relieve chronic joint-related pain.

3. When you perform yoga, you're actually massaging all the organs in your body. This improves circulation throughout the body and helps process bodily wastes more efficiently. Yoga is thought to be one of the few forms of exercise to do this.

4. In addition to helping shield off disease, yoga helps practitioners become more aware of their bodies. Many people who perform yoga regularly in the long term find that they can tell when a health issue or infection is looming, allowing them to attend to the issue before it becomes more serious.

5. Yoga offers a complete detoxification of the whole body. Stretching the joints and muscles of the body and massaging the internal organs guarantees the best possible blood flow to all parts of the body. This, in turn, helps to flush out toxins, making us much healthier overall.

6. Not to be vain, but yoga helps you look better! Yoga stimulates flabby and frail muscles, toning them up and encouraging excess fat to disappear.

All of these wonderful changes are merely side effects of the powerful practice of yoga. The harmonization between the mind and body is the real gain, resulting in extraordinary and life-changing benefits. It is no longer a secret that people are able to will themselves into attaining astonishing goals. Yoga gives you the strength and power of will to achieve your dreams.

Yoga and meditation work together to reach unity with the mind, body and spirit, guiding the way to a blissful experience that can only be achieved by the practice of yoga. Through the practice of yoga, you'll achieve an emotional balance that creates a serene calmness and positive attitude and improves your physical health at the same time!

Want to learn more about how yoga can change your life? Check out Sarah Russell's new book - The Beginner's Guide to Yoga and Meditation - at:
http://www.mind-body-connection.com/

Hatha Yoga Benefits

2008-05-16T22:20:00.000-04:00

Written By Sarah Russell

Hatha Yoga is descended from a 5,000 year old system of movements and meditations meant to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It's made up primarily of a series of stretching exercises known as asanas, combined with breathing techniques and methods of concentration. You're probably familiar with the classic Lotus position, which is one of the basic meditative positions in Hatha Yoga.

The main goal of Hatha Yoga is much the same as other forms of yoga practice. It attempts to blend the spirit of the individual with the greater spirit of the universe, improving the health of the spirit, mind, body and emotions. Hatha Yoga has been said to help practitioners attain inner peace and a feeling of oneness with the universe. Remember that no matter what type of yoga you choose to perform, concentration is a very important factor.

All types of yoga have some similarities. However, they differ in methods or intent in other areas. Hatha Yoga's main focus is the preparation of the body, so that the spirit will be able to perform its function in bringing the practitioner to enlightenment. A great deal of confusion can arise, as many people don't realize that it's important to have a healthy, fit body in order to successfully attain spiritual enlightenment.

Hatha Yoga practice is applied to the body in order to strengthen it and the spirit inside. Its physical techniques are often used by people who aren't interested in spiritual advancement, but who would like to receive the physical benefits of Hatha Yoga as well. This is the most commonly taught form of yoga, and is thus the type that comes to most people's minds when yoga is mentioned. Other styles of yoga, some of which are derived from Hatha Yoga, include Kundalini, Bikram, Ashtanga, and Power Yoga.

In addition to the physical benefits of Hatha Yoga, there are also mental ones. It's been said to assist in the development of greater concentration and focusing abilities, in addition to reducing stress and anxiety. For many people, this is an important benefit, and something they need in their lives. If you're being distracted and need some time to relax, Hatha Yoga might be the right solution.

For those who are looking for a spiritual benefit, Hatha Yoga allows you to find your own divine light. It can help you become stronger, more flexible, and more relaxed. Performing Hatha Yoga allows the energy of your spirit to flow more freely, since the mind, spirit, and body are more closely in harmony. If your body is weakened, this weakness also affects the mind and spirit. Skeptical? Consider how hard it is to concentrate when you have a headache.

Practicing Hatha Yoga can help you cope with stress, and can relieve some of your tension and pain. If work is leaving you exhausted, you need to find time to relax and rejuvenate yourself. Hatha Yoga is an excellent remedy, that can help you release built up worries and anxiety.

Want to learn more about how yoga can change your life? Check out Sarah Russell's new book - The Beginner's Guide to Yoga and Meditation - at:
http://www.mind-body-connection.com/

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HydroYoga

2008-05-15T07:25:00.000-04:00

Written By Dr. Ganesh Kumar

I am Dr. Ganesh Kumar & a member of Indian Medical council. At present I am staying in Malaysia.

“LIFE IS A GIFT OF GOD”, we should handle the GIFT with care.

“9 % of the children, teen age group, student’s death caused by water accident (drowning, flood.)

For the last 3 years
--- Loyola survey 2005-07.

For this, I have introduced “hydro yoga” in star hotels after 3 years Research

HYDROYOGA

Doing yoga in water is called hydro yoga. This is a miraculous yoga as normally human body sinks in water.

We can’t swim continuously for half an hour.

We can do hydro yoga in water for more than 6 hours.

We can do 3 yoga postures in water.

This is a miraculous medical technique.

Anatomy & physiology during hydro yoga:

Our lungs and spinal cord help in the hydro yoga. Diaphragm is the most important muscle in our body-that powers breathing. Contraction of the diaphragm increases the vertical dimension of the thoracic cavity resulting in inhalation. In hydro yoga thoracic cavity acts as an Airbag that help to float our body in water.

I wish to give the hydro yoga formula to all international yoga centers through you.

If you are interested,

Contact me at: yog agk@yahoo.com

A Holistic Approach to Yoga

2008-05-14T06:37:00.001-04:00

Written By Tania Bloch

Yoga is a unified approach to self-development which is designed to balance and harmonize physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and well-being. While some practitioners of Yoga display extreme flexibility, the heart of Yoga is less dramatic and can be practiced by people of all ages and all levels. Yoga has its roots in the Hindu culture of India. However, the practice of Yoga is nonsectarian promoting health and harmonious living.

The word "Yoga" means to join together" or "unite". Thus, Yoga is a process of integrating and balancing body, mind and spirit. Many of us live in a disjointed manner as our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs struggle with each other creating frustration and confusion rather than fulfillment.

To achieve this union, Yoga combines physical postures, movements, mental concentration, deep breathing, meditation, relaxation and good nutrition. In practicing Yoga, the body is consciously moved with utmost care into various specific poses (asanas) accompanied by deep rhythmic breathing. The word "asana" comes from a word that means "easy". The purpose of the posture is to bring you to "ease" in your body through a combination of stretching, holding, breathing, balance, resistance and mindfulness.

Various poses may help reduce and in some cases relieve various physical symptoms. These symptoms include arthritis, asthma, breathing disorders, back/neck problems, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, headaches, heart disease, infertility, insomnia, pain, PMS, menopause and weight management.

Yoga benefits both the external and internal physical body. Muscles develop tone and strength while flexibility, balance, coordination and energy levels are increased. Glands, nerves, tissues, internal organs and the nervous system are affected in a positive and healthy manner.

One of the muscles Yoga benefits is the heart. Increasing blood volume through the heart reduces blood pressure. Typically in the West we increase blood flow through aerobic exercise. However, certain inverted postures e.g. shoulder stands, and headstands cause more blood to pass through the heart when upside down. Other postures use and squeeze the muscles by crossing the legs, arching the back, kneeling and twisting. Using muscles in this manner demands oxygen from the blood and circulatory system. Yoga improves blood circulation bringing more oxygen and nutrients to every cell, tissue and organ. Poor circulation leads to under-oxygenated, malnourished, polluted cells and as a result poor organ function.

The poses, accompanied by deep breathing, stimulates regeneration and rejuvenation retarding the aging process. The manner in which these movements are performed is an essential element. Yoga is never goal-oriented, forceful, judgmental or competitive but rather a process or life-long journey. In essence, Yoga is a positive approach leading to enhanced fulfillment, self-awareness, peace and quality of life.

http://www.beeunlimitedyoga.com/

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) - Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste
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Is Ashtanga Yoga Practice Right For You?

2008-05-13T15:34:00.000-04:00

Written By Sarah Russell

Founded by K. Pattabhi Jois, Ashtanga Yoga is also called Eight Limb Yoga. In this form of yoga, the road to purification is said to be formed of eight different spiritual practices. The first four "limbs" of Ashtanga Yoga are Asana, Pranayama, Yama, and Niyama. These practices are meant to cleanse, and are called external practices. The other four spiritual practices in Ashtanga Yoga are internal practices.

It is said that only properly applying the method of Ashtanga Yoga will enable the practitioner to fully utilize these eight spiritual practices. It's also been said that improper practice of this kind of yoga can be mentally dangerous. It's necessary for practitioners to be strong in body and mind. If bodies are weak, or sensory organs damaged, this type of yoga practice will not be useful. It's vital to make sure that your body is strong and healthy, so that the maximum benefit can be received from Ashtanga Yoga practices.

Vinsaya is one element that differentiates Ashtanga Yoga from other types of yoga practice. Vinsaya refers to movements and breathing exercises used in the process of internal cleansing. Each movement must be accompanied by a single breath. It's important to remember that sweating, in this context, is good. Sweat is an important feature of Vinsaya, since the production of it means the practice is being applied successfully.

The performance of the asanas causes your body to produce heat. This heat allows the toxins that have built up inside us to be excreted, in the form of sweat. Thus, the more we sweat, the better we're able to release those toxins and cleanse our bodies.

Yoga poses are used to help improve bodily health and develop strength. There are three basic postures used in Ashtanga Yoga, and they're categorized into three different levels. The first is called the Primary Series. This series concentrates on aligning and detoxifying our bodies. The second category is called the Intermediate Series. It focuses on the opening and cleansing of our energy channels. This is important for the purification of the nervous system. The last series is referred to as the Advanced Series, and helps to improve strength and grace.

Another important principle is Tristhana. This represents the union of the three locations of attention and action: posture, breathing techniques, and "Dristhi of the Looking Place". Dristhi are described as points of focus or attention, used while performing Asana. They enable the purification and stabilization of the mind. These three locations are meant to work together to perform a function.

Techniques for breathing are both synchronized and simultaneous. Remember, each movement comes with only a single breath. In Ashtanga Yoga, the primary breathing technique used is Ujjayi Breathing. The application of this technique gets longer each time you practice. This means making sure that you can hold each pose, and your breath, a little longer. These breathing exercises add strength to our nervous systems and increase willpower and the "internal fire". Practitioners of Ashtanga, or Eight Limb Yoga, state that this is the best, or only way to clear and cleanse the mind.

Want to learn more about how yoga can change your life? Check out Sarah Russell's new book - The Beginner's Guide to Yoga and Meditation - at:
http://www.mind-body-connection.com/

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Yoga Supplies - How To Choose The Best

2008-05-12T16:59:00.000-04:00

Written By Bertil Hjert

Yoga supplies are really important when it comes to practicing yoga. Yoga supplies help in focusing on your art well and also protect you from getting injured while practicing yoga.
Yoga is a specialized form of meditation. It works towards providing you the serenity that you actually require in order to keep stress away in this chaotic world.

When practicing yoga, it is important to relax as well as meditate with absolute comfort. No distraction should come your way if you want to enjoy the real benefits of this unique form of exercise. Hence, you need to follow certain guidelines when practicing yoga.

First and foremost, you should feel extremely comfortable in the position you are, in the clothes you are wearing and the place you are in at present. Second matter to take into consideration is sweat absorbance. Keep your body away from too much of sweat. You should have something that lets you absorb your sweat.

For fulfilling the above mentioned conditions, you must purchase some of the important yoga supplies. These supplies are widely available these days and extremely affordable.
You need to know the kind of yoga supplies you should purchase prior to setting out for accomplishing the task.

Here are certain yoga supplies you should focus on purchasing:

- Yoga mat
- Yoga footwear
- Sports Bra
- Yoga clothes
- Yoga music
- Yoga DVDs

Once you have a list of yoga supplies you need to purchase, it is time to choose the best of skippers that's available. You should consider your own comfort level when purchasing yoga supplies.

When purchasing yoga supplies, you need to understand that comfort is the main consideration here. When choosing yoga clothes or yoga shoes, make sure that these are comfortable to wear.
The yoga clothes you purchase should let you move every joint of your body freely. Remember that while moving your body, you should not have any fear of hindering blood flow.

Loose clothing is a good option. However, it has a tendency to slide down when performing certain bending positions.

A good yoga clothing is one that provides you easy motion and capability to leave parts of the human body lift and move in varied positions and postures.

Remember that when performing yoga, you need to perform a lot of twisting and strengthening. Unfit clothes will prove to be a problem to you. The best choice would be elastic materials such as spandex. Pure cotton is also a great option.

Another thing that you need to consider when purchasing yoga supplies clothes is sweat absorbance factor. Make sure that you choose fabrics made of cotton that breathes and absorbs sweat easily.

Make sure that the clothes you purchase are of the right fit. This will ensure the best yoga experience to you.

Remember that in order to practice the best and benefit to a great degree, you must focus on purchasing the best of supply.

Keep all the above mentioned points in mind when purchasing yoga supplies.

For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about YOGA and MEDITATION please visit YOGA TIPS and MEDITATIONBUZZ

Why Is Yoga Identic With Women?

2008-05-10T11:24:00.001-04:00

Written By Hengky Ongko

When we join a yoga class, you must agree that above 80% the members are women. Men always consider that yoga is for women. As we know yoga is designed to anyone who wants to get health not only women but also men. There are a lot of benefits by practicing yoga including if we want to build up our muscles. And have you noticed 50 % of yoga teachers and yoga masters are male.

But for a man who wants to concentrate on building up muscles, they think yoga is too feminine as an activity and they won't be able to build muscles by practicing yoga. Actually, a man can develop some muscles on his arms and his upper body had firmed up after practicing yoga for only about two months.

I suggest you to hold some pose such as chaturanga (plank pose) and vasishtasana (side plank pose) for several minutes every time when you practice. Of course each individual has his own body type and so one case may be different from another. Plus there are also other factors like one's diet, discipline and overall lifestyle.

I encourage every man to just try doing yoga. Everyone has his own goal in choosing an activity. But before you judge, figure out first the benefits you would get in doing yoga. It doesn't make you less of a man when you do yoga. Yoga has a lot of benefits than harm. You can also reduce your stress and tone up your muscles.

One more question: Have you noticed 50 % of yoga teachers and yoga masters are male? So what are you waiting for? Join and practice yoga for your health.

Hengky Ongko

http://1styoga.blogspot.com/

INNER BALANCE….YOGA & PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS)

2008-05-10T10:45:00.003-04:00

Written By Dr. Rita Khanna

WHAT IS PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is defined as a series of physical, emotional, psychological, and mood disturbance symptoms in women, which arises a few days before start of menstruation. About 80 percent of the ladies, when they reach the age of 30, experience sudden changes in their nature a few days before starting of menstruation.

Symptoms that occur around the time of menstruation are many. Some women are mildly affected, experiencing few symptoms, whilst for others PMS may seriously affect their lives every month. Different conditions and different problems arise in different individuals.

These include anxiety, irritability, depression, crying, oversensitivity, mood swings with alternating sadness, anger, headache, migraine, cramps, backache, weight gain, fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness, insomnia, acne, inability to concentrate, confusion, appetite changes with food cravings and lack of interest in usual activities. All these conditions obtain in premenstrual syndrome.

CAUSES OF PMS

Its cause is unknown, but PMS is probably related to changes in the levels of hormones, especially estrogens and progesterone (estrogens excess or progesterone deficiency), hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), vitamin B6 deficiency, abnormal metabolism of prostaglandin (hormone-like substances), excessive fluid retention, and endorphin (a substance in the brain that provides pain relief) withdrawal activities.

DIET & PMS

Reducing stress, increasing exercise, and making dietary changes around the time of menstruation can prevent PMS symptoms from worsening. Women should be encouraged to eat regular, well-balanced meals.

A diet low in salt and sugar, adequate in protein, moderate in fat, and high in complex carbohydrates (fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, good quality protein, nuts and seeds) will all help rebalance and maintain your hormones. Specifics dietary pattens like the following can be incorporated:

First thing in the morning

Lemon water (lukewarm) with one-teaspoon honey

Before breakfast

A glass of cabbage juice / carrot juice + spinach (add some honey into it)

Breakfast

Have Munacca (10-15 Nos.) and Figs (2-4 Nos), soaked in water overnight in a glass container. Chew it well and do not throw away the water, drink it. Also dates & fresh fruit

Lunch

Wheat flour chapatti with Soya flour + seasonal vegetables + curd / buttermilk of skimmed milk & salad

Evening

1 glass of coconut water / watermelon / cucumber / barley water / fresh coriander (dhania) water / buttermilk

Dinner

Mixed veg. soup , salad & steamed vegetables
Before going to bedLemon water (lukewarm) with one-teaspoon honey

Avoid

Sweets, sugar, cold drinks, fried, fatty, spicy, starchy and sugar containing food, tea, coffee cocoa, tinned fruit, white flour, refined cereals.

FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS

• Drink tons of water (of normal temperature)
• Eat small meals to maintain stable energy levels; this will also significantly reduce food cravings.
• Cut down on salt and salty foods to help reduce fluid retention.
• Wear a well fitting cotton bra if you suffer tense, painful breasts.
• Talk to your family about your PMS so they can have some understanding of the problem. Help them develop attitude to be supportive during this time.
• Make an effort to avoid extra stresses (mark your premenstrual time on the calendar so that you can avoid major activities).
• Adequate rest, relaxation & sleep is essential. A yoga class is ideal.
• Try to develop positive thinking & avoid excessive worry, anger, tension, jealousy and hurrying.
• Thorough overhauling of the whole system under expert guidance is very helpful.

YOGA AND PMS

The practice of regular Yogasanas, Pranayama, Mediation, Shavasana along with introspection and self-examination have their effects on physical, mental and emotional life. Yoga is beneficial in improving general health and helps relieve nervous tension, anxiety, blood circulation, maintaining muscle tone, weight control or reduction and flexibility, and increasing the levels of mood-regulating chemicals in the brain, decrease in fluid retention and increase in self-esteem.

While you are experiencing PMS, Shashankasana & a simple breathing exercise called Anulome Vilome can be performed at any time of the day to relax the muscles and nerves, which are under constant stress, strain and irritation. Both are helpful in regulating your hormones and balancing your system & state of mind.

SHASHANKASANA

1.This Asana is performed while sitting in Vajrasana. Keep back, neck and head in a straight line.
2. Sit with your legs folded behind in a manner similar to position occupied by Muslim friends while they sit for ‘Namaz’.

3. Take a deep breath and raise both the hands in one line with head up.

4. Now releasing breath and keeping the head steady in between the shoulders come down right up to the ground so that both the palms of the hands, the elbow and the forehead touch the ground.

5. Be sure that while bending down in this manner both the buttocks remain set between both the heels. They should not be raised.

6. As you go on bending forward, go on releasing the breath.

7. Breathe normally, when the head touches the ground.

8. Remain a witness of inhaling as well as exhaling of breath. 9. Stay in this position, as long as you are comfortable.

10. While you come up, breathe in.

NADI SHODHANA PRANAYAMA

Sit in a comfortable position steadily. Keep the palm of the right hand facing the face. Bend the first two fingers next to the thumb inside. Now put the right thumb on the right nostril and last two fingers of the same hand should be used to press the left nostril. Remember, for the practice of this Pranayama always start & finish the breathing from the left nostril.

TECHNIQUE

1. Breathe in through the left nostril slowly & deeply. Close the left nostril with the ring & little fingers and breathe out through the right nostril gently & deeply.

2. Breathe in through the right nostril. Close the right nostril with the thumb & breathe out through the left nostril.

3. This completes one round of Nadi Shodhana.

4. It can be done five to fifteen minutes according to the capacity of the body.

PLEASE NOTE

The above advice about Premenstrual Syndrome diet and eating habits is offered for general educational purposes only. If you suffer from severe PMS, please consult your physician for specific personal medical & dietary advice.

IN CASE OF ANY QUARRIES, CONTACT:

Dr. Rita Khanna2nd floor, Plot#22, Suman Housing Colony, West Marredpally Secunderabad-500026

Mobile: 09849772485 Ph:-040-65173344 Email: ritukhanna57@hotmail.com

WWW: http://yogashaastra.blogspot.com/The Yoga Studio is open 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into his discipline over two decades ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh.

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is teaching Yoga in Secunderabad. She has been treating and curing various diseases and disorders through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy and has been achieving tremendous satisfaction in disseminating this virtue.

Is Online Yoga Teacher Training Reputable?

2008-05-09T12:10:00.000-04:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

What are employers looking for in newly hired Yoga instructor? The needs of employers are straight forward: Any facility, which hires a Yoga teacher, is looking for safety, competence, and certification. When considering a Yoga teacher training program, a prospective intern must consider the depth of the course in the above-mentioned areas.

Online Yoga teacher courses are an outgrowth of recent technology and the demand for affordable training options. Home study programs exist for aspirants, who want to advance, and deepen their knowledge, in any given aspect of Yoga.

At a time when most new Yoga instructors are teaching a few hours per week, who wants to spend the monetary equivalent of college tuition to earn part-time wages? It is a fact that most instructors begin teaching Yoga on a part-time basis.

This is the most conservative approach toward breaking in to a new field, while you continue to earn your full time income. Although you may have been participating in Yoga for years, it is not the same as teaching classes, marketing, networking, advertising, and all that entails a small business.

If you find the concept of a business to be offensive, the best option to take is working for someone else as an independent contractor or a part-time employee. In this way, you work for an agreed rate and do not have to be concerned with expanding your student base.

That is, unless your student participation suddenly drops, and the facility cannot afford to keep you on. Sometimes companies cut back programs permanently, or temporarily, during a slow season. Therefore, if you are teaching Yoga you have a vested interest in learning all you can about marketing, networking, advertising, and business skills, to keep your classes going.

This is why most veteran Yoga teachers do their best to learn many skills which apply to the business world. There is also the choice to operate as a non-profit, but you still have to file taxes and make sure you are within the guidelines of the law.

Now, let’s get back to: Is an Online Yoga Teacher Certification Reputable? In short, yes it is, as long as you become certified to teach. Make sure you will receive a teacher’s diploma upon successful completion of your course. Of course safety, competence, and some basic business survival skills are a pre-requisite to a comprehensive course, which would prepare you for the world of teaching Yoga.

Do you still feel that business and Yoga is not a good mix? Consider this: Some Yoga teacher graduates have spent over ten thousand dollars for their training. In the process, they never learn anything to prepare for interviews or business survival. There is no harm in preparing for success as a certified Yoga teacher.

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Yoga Teacher Training

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.

Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html

On-Site Training: http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/

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Yoga Teacher Seeking Employment Abroad

2008-01-11T23:45:00.000-05:00

Name: Rita Khanna

Title: Certified Therapeutic Yoga Instructor

Category: Naturopathy Doctor, Fitness Expert, Dietician

Telephone: 09849772485, 04065173344

Email: ritukhanna57@hotmail.com

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Dedicated and innovative instructor with a wealth of experience, who understands individual needs and the breadth and depth of Yoga. Arranged Workshops, Seminars and Teacher’s Training Courses. Expert in effortless weight reduction through Naturopathy and Detoxification and curing of ailments through Yogic therapy. Teaching by personal example and personal touch. All teaching leads towards mental robustness, stress reduction and physical well being. Testimonies of curing chronic ailments by exercises and naturopathy in a matter of weeks if not days, in abundance.

Has been successfully conducting Preventive Health Care Workshops focusing on fitness and providing preventive health care solutions for ailments include heart , high and low blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, arthritis, back problems, thyroid etc., Has been a regular contributor of articles and columns for various Magazines and News Papers. Has also done II degree in ZIN-SHIN DO REIKI.

Education and certification

B.A, B. ED

Series of Certificates for Teaching in Army Schools.

PROFILE

Dr. Rita Khanna is a certified senior yoga instructor from International Sivananda Yoga Ashram. After an intensive training, she was certified in Integral yoga in 1983. She is a well known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over two decades ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda Ji of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh.

Since then, she has pursued this activity vigorously and has attained a wealth of experience in Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation and Naturopathy. She further sharpened her skills in Ahmedabad at Sivananda Ashram under Swami Adhyatmananda Ji and got another Teacher’s training Certificate recognized by Gujarat University. She has been teaching Sivananda based techniques.Her career includes teaching yoga at a lot of places in India.

Being an Army Officer’s wife, she has traveled extensively through the length and breadth of the country and has done loads of good to the humanity through this noble art. She has been deeply involved with the soldier’s families wherever her husband has been commanding units and formations. During one of the tenures, she has been in Uttaranchal for more than two years.

During this time, she had the opportunity to interact with some famous Rishis and Swamis in Rishikesh, Haridwar and in the interiors and has been able to further polish and hone her skills. To keep abreast with this science, she has been regularly attending and conducting a lot of Yoga camps, visited a number of Yoga Centers, interacted with various experts in the field and has made in-depth scientific studies about the effects of Yoga on human ailments.

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succor to several chronic and terminally ill patients. She spreads the message that good health is the birthright of every human being and everyone can enjoy a perfect and disease-free life by living in harmony with nature.

She has opened Yoga Shaastra Studio in Secunderabad in 2003. At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is teaching Yoga in her own studio in Secunderabad. She has been treating and curing various diseases and disorders through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy and providing preventive health care solutions for obesity, diabetes, spondylitis, arthritis, constipation, stress, insomnia, heart problems, mental tension and depression.

Thousands of people have availed the benefits of Yoga Guru Rita Khanna’s Yoga Techniques and she has been achieving tremendous satisfaction in disseminating this virtue. She has, in the process, grown fond of this place and its people and has decided to make a permanent home here along with her husband, who has retired from the Army recently, even though their roots are in the North. Presently, she is spending 12 to 14 hours daily in interacting with people and improving their lot. She loves introducing beginners and seniors to the joys and benefits of yoga, as well as working with continuing and experienced students. She has been featured in newspapers and magazines as well as television broadcasts.

Dr. Rita states, “Yoga has always had a profoundly positive effect on my life physically, mentally and spiritually, and it is my privilege and delight to continue to teach Yoga to people of all levels and abilities. Yoga helps us to transcend our limitations, both real and imagined. Health is wealth. Peace of mind is happiness. Yoga shows the way!”

Yoga in the News

2008-01-08T08:37:00.000-05:00

30 Days To a New You -- Bikram Yoga Inland Empire Joins Workout ...
PR Web (press release) - Ferndale, WA, USA

The Inland Empire's all new Bikram Yoga studio begins a 30-day challenge to optimal health. Proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. ...

GENTLE YOGA - AND LIVELY IDEAS
This is Nottingham - Nottingham, England, UK

A Gentle yoga course starts in Bingham tomorrow at the WI Hall in Station Street. Classes are every Tuesday, 10-11.30am, for nine weeks and the course costs ...

C-News Article: Yoga Offered
Concordia College - Moorhead, MN, USA

A gentle, absolute beginners' class will be held for faculty and staff in the Park Region Lounge every Tues. and Thurs., 11:30-12:30, starting Jan. ...

Infomercial, new studios help Yoga Shelter growth
DetNews.com - Detroit, MI, USA

More than 11000 people a month visit three Yoga Shelter studios in Oakland County to tone the body, quiet the mind and kindle the prosperity of its owners ...

Soul survivors
Sydney Morning Herald - Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Sun poses ... stretching out with a bit of yoga on the beach before a surf lesson. Kate Cox discovers her inner Gidget with a touch of Ghandi on the side on ...

Yoga provides locals with relaxing workout
Carthage Press - Carthage, MO, USA

Yoga instructor for the Fair Acres Family YMCA, Helen Kunze, explains positions to her 10 students Friday morning. By Rebecca Haines Inhale forward …

ECU offers focus of Yoga
Ada Evening News - Ada, OK, USA

For those looking toward a lasting lifestyle change that will last past a few weeks, yoga is a great solution. Yoga is an ancient practice that is both ...

Wellbeing in focus: yoga classes - bending the rules
PersonnelToday.com - UK

Providers of 'corporate yoga' classes claim to improve work-life balance and staff health levels, but could they offer productivity benefits too? ...

889 Yonge - Can Yoga Get Any Greener?
blogTO - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

If yoga can get any greener, Christine and Emily Russell might have found a way. Last March the sisters opened 889 Yonge, an environmentally conscious urban ...

Shilpa's Yoga DVD released in UK and Dubai
Business of Cinema - Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Shilpa's Yoga is designed to help improve posture through a series of calming poses that focus on slow movement and breathing control. ...

Healthy living can add 14 years to lifespan
By editor

Getting enough exercise and generally having a healthy lifestyle can add 14 years to the life of an average person, a new study has found. Major research involving 20000 people over ten years concluded that taking exercise, eating fruit ...

Kung-Fu vs Yoga - Best fight EVER

3.2 Rejuvenating Yoga
A short yoga lesson with Kelly James on how to relax with Yoga for the new year.

Yoga rocks! -

Online Yoga Certification and Continuing Education Courses

2008-01-05T08:40:00.000-05:00

Yoga Teacher Training Correspondence Courses: Economic Sensibility

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Here is a story, which has been heard a lot lately. It does not apply to everyone, but it has become a common theme. You have been practicing Yoga for six to thirty years. Ever since your Guru retired, you have noticed a sudden influx of young, unseasoned Yoga teachers.

Suddenly, young flexible gymnastic bodies have decided to “change careers.” As a bonus, you learn their brand of Yogic philosophy. After a few months of Yoga practice, and a three week instructor’s intensive, they have all the answers to why we wake up with stiffness in our bodies, and where we went wrong in life.

In truth, some of what they say makes sense, but who wants to hear it? After all, you have children who are your instructor’s age. If you are an experienced Yoga practitioner, you may have contemplated practicing at home. Yet, solo practice can be dull as the months and years go by. You know the benefits and don’t want to stop practicing - which is a possibility, if you go it alone.

You have considered going to an onsite Yoga teacher training intensive course, but the cost is daunting. The retreats to exotic locations are also cost prohibitive.

Your children are in college, you are in college, someone at home is adjusting to a job crisis, or something else. The bottom line is: You have financial obligations and you do not want to spend thousands of dollars on a teacher certification program.

Did you ever consider a specialized Yoga instructor training home-study course? The price of a correspondence course is a fraction of the price that an onsite certification would cost. Correspondence courses are designed for easy self-paced home-study, and you can go about your daily life without any hardships.

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Online Yoga Teacher Training Courses

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FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.

Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html

Sister Blog: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/blog

On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com/

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Yoga vs Gym Workouts - Which is Better?

2008-01-05T08:25:00.000-05:00

By Ezekiel Martinez

Can Wilmington Yoga replace going to the gym?

Even the most enthusiastic "yogi" will tell you that yoga doesn't do it all for them -claiming that they feel the strongest and healthiest when they combine yoga with high intensity cardiovascular and weightlifting exercise.

For most people, a solid yoga session is more beneficial than the "typical gym workout", which looks a little something like this...

Spend 30 minutes getting ready, making sure I look cute. Look myself up and down in the mirror. Take a deep breath before entering the loud, busy gym. Swipe my card on the machine. Compare myself to everyone else around me. Wait 5 minutes for this loud and obnoxious man to get off the machine on my checklist. Ok. Thigh Adductor Machine- 15reps. Check. Thigh Abductor Machine- 15 reps. Check. Ok. I see where this is going. Next machine...

Just imagine how disappointed you would be after going through this routine for months, only to see that your efforts produced little to negative results. So, here are 5 truths that will help you achieve that lean and taut body you desire in less time...

1. The Benefits of Yoga

The two most effective benefits of yoga are increasing flexibility and increasing lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons - yoga has positions that act upon the various joints of the body including those joints that are never really on the 'radar screen' let alone exercised.
Contact me if you want a recommendation to a great yoga instructor in Wilmington, NC.

2. The Redundancy of Long, Slow Workouts

The 60-90 minute lackadaisical workout you've been doing is redundant and useless because of your yoga training. Yoga is aerobic in nature. If you aren't pushing yourself hard enough during your workout, then that too becomes aerobic in nature.

Experts suggest supplementing yoga with short, intense workouts to build anaerobic capacity, which is not trained in most yoga classes.

3. The Truth About Anaerobic vs. Aerobic Training

What's the difference? Well, for the sake of keeping this article at a readable size - just Google it. What you do need to know is that anaerobic conditioning improves your performance in all areas of your life - including aerobic activities.

However, this does not work the other way around, aerobic exercise will not improve your anaerobic capacity- it actually produces a catabolic effect by tearing down the proteins in your muscles.

4. Accountability to Others

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to train in a group dynamic.
We've all done it - tried to work out in our home or at the park by ourselves. It doesn't work. You know deep down inside you don't push yourself as hard as you do in front of a group cheering you on. Outside perspective also plays a key role in developing good form - take advantage of constructive criticism by your peers. Ultimately, it comes down to being accountable for your work; make sure you find an instructor who cares when you miss a class/workout.

5. Short, High Intensity Workouts

The best supplement for yoga training is a strength and conditioning fitness program that focuses on functional movements performed at high intensity. This type of strenuous exercise is the perfect complement for a calm and relaxing practice such as yoga - implementing both into your routine will help you physically, mentally and perhaps even spiritually.

So, do you think yoga can completely replace going to the gym or just the gym you go to?

P.S. If you hate gimmicks for flat abs, treadmills, and advice without substance, then you might just love our free workout blog over at Crossfit Coastal

by Ezekiel Martinez

Rolando Ezekiel Martinez is the co-founder of Crossfit Coastal. CrossFit Coastal is a collective of dedicated trainers brought together by the belief in the Foundations of CrossFit. The stimulus provided is always varied and the results are dramatic. The atmosphere is one of support and camaraderie to anyone willing to put in the work.

Predictions for Yoga in 2008

2008-01-05T08:18:00.000-05:00

Written By Megan McDonough

As we begin the New Year, it's time once again to follow in Nostradamus's footsteps and play the game we've been playing for centuries: predicting what the future will hold. This year I'm taking a stab at yoga predictions-forecasting what's going to happen in this field for 2008 and beyond.

My predictions don't come from staring into a crystal ball or reading organic tea leaves. I came to these conclusions after reading and researching industry data, interviewing industry experts-including Ila Sarley, president of Kripalu Center, and John Kepner, executive director of the International Association of Yoga Therapists-and observing from my viewpoint as both a yoga teacher and a consultant in the wellness industry.

As you read my forecasts, see if they ring true for you. If yes, consider if and how you are positioning your business in response to what the future may bring.

1. Yoga's cup will overflow as growth continues. More teachers becoming certified and more venues offering yoga equals more competition between teachers and studios. In response to yoga's increasing availability and the wide variety of yoga options, consolidation and specialization will occur, with big players getting bigger and solo practitioners cultivating specialized niches.

2. You'll need to stand out to stay in. The yoga professionals who differentiate themselves with an approach or style that stands out will have a distinct advantage. While ten years ago people asked, "What is yoga?," the question now is "How is this yoga different from all other yogas?"

3. Yoga will be on the move. Yoga will continue to migrate into new territory beyond the standard studio or gym. Think yoga at your desk, for specific populations, or at out-of-the-box locations.

4. Yoga will step out of the waiting room and into the doctor's office. Yoga will continue to make headway in the health-care establishment as it becomes more and more widely accepted as a complementary alternative medicine. As this migration occurs, more structure will be needed, including peer-reviewed research studies to measure the efficiency for standardized protocols of yoga care.

5. Yoga will take up permanent residence on Madison Avenue. Companies looking to associate their products or services with a wellness lifestyle-even if it has nothing to do with wellness-will turn to yoga imagery. A sexy yogini sipping a glass of wine while sitting in lotus position on the hood of a car is not out of the question.

6. Asia will be the next growth market for yoga. More teachers will answer the call to bring yoga to Hong Kong, and you'll see more Asians attending yoga conferences and teacher training programs in the United States.

7. You'll want to think lifestyle, not just asana. Yoga's growth is part of a bigger wellness trend. Those who want to capitalize on this broader trend will add more ancillary services-such as nutritional programs, exercise routines, spa services, and wellness consultations-to their yoga offerings.
8. You'll see more yoga in cyberspace. Convenience is always an advantage in our busy lives. That's why yoga is moving out of the studio (see prediction number three) and that's why you'll see more options in the coming year for virtual yoga classes online.

9. Next-level training services for yoga and wellness professionals will be on the rise. With the overall growth of the wellness industry, new training programs to support practitioners will be in demand, including advanced professional development and business training.

10. Yoga will continue to touch and transform your life and the lives of your students in 2008.

Happy New Year!

For more information about Yoga's Evolution in America's Wellness Revolution, go to http://www.mindfulmarketing.net/evolution.htm

Megan McDonough helps you get clear so you can get positive results. Along with teaching yoga, she's the award-winning author of Infinity in a Box, a marketing consultant for mind/body organizations including Kripalu Center, and a corporate trainer to companies such as the American Cancer Society.

Yoga Teacher Training Correspondence Courses

2008-01-03T16:17:00.000-05:00

Yoga Teacher Training Online Correspondence Courses: The Inside Story

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Is Yoga certification online a new concept? Not really; correspondence courses have existed for decades - concerning a multitude of subjects. It was only a matter of time for correspondence courses to evolve into online courses. Higher education has learned to adapt to the needs of busy adults, who have many commitments at home and at work.

With the help of Email and telephone support, Yoga teacher interns receive much quicker responses, from their tutors, than ever before. Written assignments, completed exams, and critiques, can be sent back and forth via Email.

Some interns elect to send their practicum in a video format or by streaming video. The most popular way to send a practical exam is still by postal mail in DVD format. Of course, the large VHS tapes are also acceptable. However, the small Hi8 tapes, which resemble cassette audio tapes, can be erased by scanning equipment.

Sending a video taped practicum is a viable option, if travel for an onsite Yoga certification practical exam is a hardship. The cost of travel, time out of work, family obligations, and commitments to a higher college education, can make it impossible to complete an onsite practicum.

Interns of Yoga correspondence courses must be self-starters. It is best to have smaller specific goals in mind for successful completion of the ultimate goal - which is to graduate with a Yoga teacher’s diploma in hand.

Examples of smaller specific learning goals are: Reading ten pages per day, teaching for an hour per day, or a mix of learning methods, for a specific number of hours per week. The end result is a state of competence and successful completion of your Yoga instructor certification course.

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Online Yoga Teacher Training Courses

——————————————–

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.

Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html

On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com/

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Meditation

2008-01-02T20:45:00.000-05:00

Written By

Dr. Rita Khanna

Imagine your mind to be a lake and your thoughts the ripples that disturb it. If the lake is still, you can clearly see the life thriving within. Similarly, when your mind is free of thoughts and calm, you can see your inner self, your hidden potential, which you didn’t know even, existed.

Meditation can help you calm your mind, it stills mental activity which relaxes you. It helps you discover your dormant talents and improve your memory. Once you begin meditating, you will feel better and look better. You will be more productive and happy.

However, meditation is not always easy. The fluctuations of the mind do not like to be calmed. It is amazing how many thoughts, how many stories, how many little movies can run through your head in the space between two breaths – especially when you are trying to meditate.

The mind is active all the time with movements as swift as they are uncontrollable. By its very nature, it does not fix on any object for a long time. This fleeting movement of the mind dissipates its energy. If one takes a decision, the mind will find so many excuses to counteract it.

Suppose, one decides to join Yoga class the next morning, the mind will do its best to defeat this idea by several excuses. If these arguments of mind are rejected in the first instance, it will weaken its hold.

Essential for Meditation:

There are certain essential conditions for meditation that you should know about. Given below are some general suggestions that may help as you embark on the journey of meditation.
Creating a Meditating Place:The place should be peaceful with plenty of fresh air. You can sit on a blanket, a mattress, or a carpet. Those who find it difficult to sit on floor may use a chair.

Body Condition:

The body should not be heavy with food, but at the same time, an individual should not be hungry at the time of meditation. A gap of two hours should be given after breakfast and a gap of three to four hours after lunch or dinner. The practitioner should wear loose fitting and comfortable clothes and should not be in any sort of hurry.

Time:

For most people, setting aside time for meditation on a regular schedule is very helpful. Mornings and Evenings are good times. But in special circumstances it can be practiced at any time according to the convenience of the individual.

Duration:

Begin by sitting for meditation for 20 minutes daily. Then add a few minutes everyday, finally increasing your time to one hour. For this period, you must try to forget about the past, the present and the future. Request the mind to be quiet, but do not force the mind, as this could create unnecessary tension.

General Information:

The practitioner should remain sitting in the chosen meditative pose from the beginning to the end of the session. There should be no disturbance. If for some unavoidable reason, one is disturbed while meditating, the session should be terminated. In other words, when you sit for meditation, remain undisturbed for as long as you are meditating.

Meditation Postures:

Sit in Padmasana or in crossed legs. Put the palms on the knees in a relaxed manner. Hands may be kept on your lap also. The left hand should be brought to the lap first and then the right hand put on the left or you can alternately clasp the hands by loosely interlocking the fingers.

Keep your head, neck and back straight. Both these poses provide a firm base and a triangular path to contain the flow of Prana. If your knees don’t reach the floor, put a pillow under your buttocks ; under the knees. You may also choose to lie on the ground while keeping head, neck and back straight. You may select some other posture, which is more natural and comfortable for you. The most important thing is your physical comfort. Though the body is erect but it should neither be strained nor limp.

Preparing for Meditation:

(a) Sit quietly in a comfortable position.
(b) It is easiest to meditate when your body is relaxed. So first practice some of the Yoga postures or carry out deep breathing exercises.
(c) Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed by other people or by the telephone.
(d) Commit yourself to a specific length of time and try to stick to it.
(e) The spine is the central core of your nervous system, must be kept straight.
(f) Close your eyes, this makes it easy to concentrate and explore your inner being.
(g) Breathe slowly and naturally repeating your focus word or phrase silently.
(h) Assume a passive attitude. Don’t worry about how well you are doing.(j) Relax your mind sequentially from head to toe. This helps to break the connect between stressful thoughts and a tense body.
(k) Continue for 10 to 20 minutes. Do not use an alarm. After you finish sit quietly for a minute or so, at first with your eyes closed and later with your eyes open.

Testing Concentration:

Whether you have gained concentration or not, you can test it yourself, according to the following guidelines. While practicing, when do not see anything through the inner eye, you have not gained concentration.

While practicing, when you see some other objects through your inner eyes but not the one placed before your outer eyes, you are improving but still have not gained concentration. But while practicing, when you see the shape of the actual object, you have gained concentration.

When object will remain before the inner eye, in any form and shape, for upto five seconds, you have gained good concentration. When you can hold the same shape or image for upto ten seconds, you have gained a very high level of concentration. And when you have gained concentration, your mental sickness or disorders are cured and you fully enjoy normal life.

MEDITATION METHODS:

There are a number of popular methods to attain the state of meditation all over the world. The ultimate aim of all the methods of meditation is to unite the Aatma (soul) with Pramatama (the supreme soul).

The foundation of all the methods of meditation is the awareness of breathing that helps in attaining the concentration of mind. Asanas, Pranayamas, viewing the thoughts, giving up the thoughts, focusing the sight, merging in the sound, chanting the mantras and concentration are the major means that facilitate meditation.

The following method is simple and easy to remember as well as being safe, practical and normal.

Watching the Breath and the gaps between the two breaths

This meditation lasts for 45 minutes. It is a sitting method but in the third stage, one can lie down also in Shavasana. Keep the eyes closed throughout.

Position of Readiness:

Sit in a relaxed position with eyes closed.

First Stage – 10 Minutes – Be Empty/ Emptying the mind

It means empty the mind from all the thoughts causing disorders to you. It also means remove all the filth and dirt from the mind. For that one can do Aumkar, Brahmari, kapalbhati pranayamas or one can do dance also.

Second Stage - 20 Minutes – Open Windows

It means open yourself, open your heart and see the mind is getting free from all the undesirable thoughts.

What are undesirable thoughts?

All those thoughts make you sick, make you uncomfortable, decrease your energy level in the body, just let them go.

But how?

Do not get friendly with them, do not fight with them, do not argue with them. They will go away.

Second stage is very important or you can say this is the main stage.

So be still in this stage.

How to do:

1. Start watching you breath at the entrance of the nose…
2. Become aware of the breath coming in….going out… Watch the passage…
3. When the breath touches your nostrils, feel it there…….
4. Now you are becoming aware of the breath and the passage….
5. Again, feel the touch of the breath……….
6. Let the breath move in and out freely, you move with the breath fully consciously…. Do not go ahead and do not follow behind. Just go with it.
7. Remember - do not go ahead… do not follow it like a shadow… be simultaneous with it……
8. Let the breath and the awareness become one…………
9. Let the mind and the body become one…………..
10. When the breath goes inside, a point comes where breath stops become aware of the point or watch the point………
11. When the breath goes out of the nose, a point comes again where breath stops, watch that point too……….
12. Observe that at that point, you are not breathing——–you become still……That moment is a very short moment…..
13. If you are not moving with the breath, you will miss it….
14. But if you are keeping your attention on the breath you can feel the gap…… because it is always there…. expect a certain awareness….
15. There is no need to become concerns with the gaps, it will follow automatically… if the gaps are not happening do not worry .but don’t try to create the gaps. Let them happen on their own.16. You will soon become aware that there are two gaps between the two breaths…..
17. Now keep your attention between these two gaps……..
18. Slowly, you will see that the gap is increasing and becoming bigger. It means the mind is becoming still…………..
19. Finally, it happens that for minutes together the gap remains. It means the mind has become still…………………

Third Stage: - 15 Minutes- No Entry

It means your mind is clean now so put a fence around the clean mind.How we will put a fence around the clean mind.Do not let your negative emotions, you tensions, your worries, your undesirable thoughts come back into the mind.Therefore, in this stage, we will keep the mind busy through visualization or just observing the body / body parts.

1. Lie down in Shavasana with closed eyes. Remain still.
2. Just concentrate on your whole body and nothing else.
3. Become aware of your whole body from the top of your head to the tips of your toes.4. Look within and try to become aware of the one who is looking.
5. Try to see the whole body as if you are seeing yourself in a mirror.
6. Become aware that you are observing yourself
7. Introduce youself to yourself
8. Just witness everything without responding, if you still react just observe you reactions.

To come back………..
Draw your mind outside, become aware of the breathing….
Become aware of your surroundings, the room you are in…..
Slowly move your toes, fingers……
Open your eyes close your eyes….
Draw your legs together gently, inhale and stretch your arms over the head…
Start stretching yourself out from both sides as though someone were pulling your head away from your feet….
Relax.

Slowly fold the knees, turn to left / right side, Keep the left hand palm just underneath the head, right hand on the right leg and relax for few more seconds. Then sit up as slow as possible please. Keep the eyes closed.

Rub your hands and just cover the face with warm hands and feel the warmth and energy from the hands into the eyes. Gently open the eyes while keeping them covered with palms. Now take the hands off and feel the freshness of the environment around it.

In the end, laugh loudly, as loud as you can.

For more information contact:

Dr. Rita Khanna
2nd floor, plot#22, Suman Housing colony, West Marredpally, Secunderabad-500026 India

Mobile: 09849772485
Ph:-04065173344
Email: ritukhanna57@hotmail.com
Dr. Rita Khanna’s YogaShaastra Studio
A Yoga & Naturopathy Centre
Over 20 years of Teaching Yoga
The Studio is open 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m

Kids Yoga Teacher Training Issues

2008-01-01T21:05:00.000-05:00

Teaching Hatha Yoga: Obstacles to Instructing in Western Public Schools

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

You have experienced the benefits first hand, and decided to become a Yoga instructor. Now you want to spread the word about the benefits to children in public schools. After all, children are not getting enough physical education, they are very stressed out, and they are bigger than ever.

It seems like a perfect fit, but there are obstacles, which you should be aware of. Most people are educated enough to realize that Yoga will improve any child’s health and well being. However, there are some exceptions in the case of religious fundamentalists, who insist that Yoga is clearly a religious instruction.

Granted if Yogic philosophy were part of a class, it would result in a deeply moral and spiritually connected practitioner, but even in this case, religious instruction is a rarity in a Yoga class. You already know that Yoga does not exclude any group, because of religion, gender, age, color, ethic background, or social status.

Yogic philosophy does not preach intolerance, judgment of others, or that everyone else is going to hell, because they are not one of us. What a stark contrast to fundamentalism, which preaches intolerance, judgment of others, everyone else is going to hell, and in some extreme cases fundamentalism preaches, “It is justified to kill anyone who does not believe the same thing.”

Granted there are some people who you cannot reason with. Especially, those who believe they can commit crimes against humanity, and also believe, they will go to heaven for it.
So, how do you explain the benefits of Yoga for children in public schools? If two thirds of the adult population in the west has never practiced Yoga, you must assume that you have to thoroughly explain what you are teaching.

Before you talk to anyone to promote Yoga in public schools, please take the time to film your children’s classes. In this way, you will be able to demonstrate exactly what you do. It might be wise to have a duplicate DVD prepared; so that educators can show it to the school committee, other teachers, and concerned parents.

Do not be surprised if your Yoga classes are monitored closely to make sure you do not discuss Yogic philosophy or meditate. In the US, we live at a time when a different form of fundamentalist has successfully worked to ban Christmas trees, decorations, and carols, from pubic schools and government buildings.

Whether you feel it is right or wrong; this is only the “tip of the iceberg,” as the US government has “bent over backwards” to prove there is a separation between any religion and the state.
Therefore, if you teach Yoga in public schools demonstrate posturing (Asanas) and breathing (Pranayama) only. This will help you avoid being drawn into the “gray area” of debate.

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Prevent Conflicts with Yoga

2008-01-01T20:56:00.000-05:00

Yoga Teacher Chronicles: Yogic Methods for Diffusing a Conflict

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

How can Yoga help us maintain our composure during a potential argument? The following Yogic methods are designed to help anyone keep their cool in the worst of times. We know that losing our temper in business, family, or public matters, tend to hurt relationships and prevent successful outcomes. So, let’s look at some solutions to diffuse conflicts.

Learn to recognize the “triggers,” which make you feel defensive or angry. This can be performed through careful observation of yourself and others. Carefully practice mindfulness each day, and observe yourself without criticism. In life, we tend to be our own worst critics. Self-observation has nothing to do with self-criticism.

Self-observation is an honest view of your daily life, as it is. Once you see the truth and document it, then you can take action to alter it. Although, you have been taught the principles of Santosha (contentment), and you should be happy for what you have, you have the ability to make changes.

There is also a Sanskrit word: “Sankalpa,” which means resolution. This is not the common shallow promise, which is made on January 1st, and disappears by Valentine’s Day. This is a vow to perform a particular practice for a specific length of time. The act of observing, documenting, and taking corrective action, to diffuse conflicts, is a noble path, and full of gratification.

Through this method, some people completely learn to shut anger out of communication. For example: If a person is having a bad day, and makes an accusation toward you, he or she is often caught off guard, when you try to understand their point.

Empathic listening skills are rare, but the best diplomats have practiced and learned them well. If you are rational, and stick to the point of the conflict, by asking sincere, concerned questions about why someone is upset, you will sometimes resolve the conflict before it can escalate.

When you stop, and repeat what someone says, you demonstrate concern about the issues. At the same time, you show respect because you are pondering his or her point. This also prevents side issues, by maintaining focus on the main point of contention.

Lastly, if something makes you upset, and you need to “cool down,” you should not be negotiating. It is human nature to have mind clutter. We practice, or teach Yoga, to organize the mind. Most of us cannot maintain a focused mind all the time.

With that said, there is a time and place for negotiations. Choose your “ground,” make composure your ally, show poise, and then resolve conflicts peacefully.

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2007-12-29T07:31:00.000-05:00

Yoga Myth: Yoga is not a Spiritual Practice

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

It is true that there are some Hatha Yoga classes, which resemble “exercise classes.” There has been some mixing of Pilates and Yoga, within the past two decades. In the West, some styles of Hatha Yoga, teach very little about Pranayama, Mantra, Japa, Mudras, Bandhas, Meditation, Shatkarmas, Doshas, the Subtle Body, the History of Yoga, or Yogic Philosophy.

As a result, some Yoga classes have become more like calisthenics classes. So, why has Yoga changed so much, when it left India? Why is the practice of Bhakti Yoga so popular in India, and is scarcely known in the West?

Quite simply, Yoga has transcended cultures, and it is going through another evolutionary phase. Many people “try” Yoga, but the serious practitioner continues to practice for decades. A Yogi, or Yogini, has decided to continue his or her practice for life, because of the benefits.

When we are young, we experience the physical aspects of life to their fullest potential. We challenge our bodies to their limits. No matter what age we are, being physically aware of our bodies, comes first. This same awareness happens in a Yoga class.

For most of us, the mental, emotional, and spiritual, planes of existence are developed as we age. The same is true within Yoga practice. As we continue to practice Yoga, and the years go by, we begin to realize the many benefits, which are not physical.

If we practice Yoga for decades, we are at peace with ourselves and our surroundings. The many benefits of Yoga are not visible to the human eye. If a person has stress under control, good health, peace of mind, self-confidence, or a stronger relationship with God, we cannot detect it at a glance, and that is the deception, which most people make.

Yoga has so many benefits, which a superficial person would miss. If you want instant results, you will not have the patience to practice Yoga for years. The impatient person, who is quick to judge everything, and wants to instantly lose weight, should find a liposuction surgeon. The mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of Yoga will be missed, but this person would not appreciate them anyway.

Getting back to the spiritual aspect - It is part of the Yogic package; if you continue to practice Yoga - spiritual health will reveal itself to you in the form of the religion you are most comfortable with. For those who say spiritual health is a bad thing, I am sorry they have tunnel vision. It is a shame, when people cannot live in harmony with other people and the world around them.Intolerance has caused many wars, holocausts, and witch hunts. The intolerant person needs Yoga more than any of us.

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2007-12-29T07:01:00.000-05:00

Teaching Hatha Yoga: Explaining the Law of Karma to Yoga Students

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Recently, a Yoga teacher intern asked, if it would be better to avoid action, so that no bad reaction would occur as a result of the initial action. In Yoga classes, many of us have learned that Karma means “action.” Sometimes, the simple American explanation of the Law of Karma is, “What goes around comes around.”

To say it in another way: The results of our actions will produce effects, which will be good or bad. Most people do not stop to think: Inaction will also produce effects, which will be good or bad. If we “sit still” all of our lives, we will still create a good or bad situation.

With that said, why should we ever give up? In this life, successful outcomes usually require action. If we sit on our hands as a lifestyle, we should not be surprised if all of our wishes do not come to pass.

The Yogic formula for actions, you take, is quite simple. Every thought, in your mind becomes an image. You describe the images you visualize in words. At this point, it is helpful to write them down the old fashioned way or on a computer. Ponder a few the words until they become a mantra.

When you ponder the words, which you have written, or think, long enough, you will begin to take action. When you repeatedly take the same actions, toward the same objective, you will create a new habit. Habits change your personality and your daily routine.

Your personality will determine the outcome of your destiny. This entire process requires action. Constant inaction can change your personality, but who wants to make laziness a major part of their character? Who wants to establish a reputation as a lazy person?

Granted, there are times, in life, when we must be silent and stop taking action. When our children learn to take responsibility, we must let them. We cannot “tie their shoes” for their entire lives. The principle is the same in any organization.

In companies, we learn about delegating authority. This may seem harsh, if you are sweeping the floor, but the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) does not have the spare time to sweep the floor, and it is doubtful that he or she monitors the person who does sweep the floor. In fact, the person who sweeps the floor has usually taken action without much coaxing.

The main reason for inaction is fear of making a mistake. Yet, mistakes will enhance our learning process, and make us stronger for the experience. Whether you teach Yoga, or are a Yoga student, each day of your life, decisions have to be made by you.

Use your best judgment, get advice from people of good character, make morally sound decisions, and take action. You do not have to live a stressful lifestyle over decision making. Learn from each situation and move forward. This is just one aspect of the Law of Karma.

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2007-12-29T06:55:00.000-05:00

Yoga in Practice: Yogic Solutions for Fear

By: Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga often helps us to carefully examine logical and illogical mind chatter. Fear can be caused by either, logical or illogical, thoughts. Sorting out our fears, and categorizing them, will give us a rational view of, an often, irrational emotion.

Logical thoughts, which strike fear into us, have been learned over time, such as: Putting our hands into a fire. We have all learned to respect extreme heat, because of our life experiences, but this is a logical reaction.

Illogical thoughts, such as phobias and unreasonable fears, which we perceive to be real, can program us for failure, or cause a state of panic. The reaction to phobias and unreasonable fears can raise the pulse rate, shorten the breath, increase perspiration, result in trembling, and in extreme cases, cause death.

If someone you know is suffering, as mentioned above, from phobias, counseling should be sought. Reactions to phobias can become an automatic conditioned response. A person who suffers with extreme reactions to phobias may no longer be able to control his or her response to it. This is why counseling will be so helpful.

In the case of Yoga being prescribed for phobias, it will help, but a doctor, therapist, or counselor, should be working in conjunction with Yoga practice. If a Yoga teacher has one of these qualifications, everything should be fine. If this is not the case, two individuals may be needed. Self-prescribing, in the case of extreme reactions to phobias, is definitely not recommended.

Yoga therapy for phobias consists of pranayama, mantra, asana, meditation, and more. The mind can be re-programmed for success, but face-to-face Yoga guidance, and professional counseling, should be sought.

Let's look at a common fear that most of us take for granted, which might be a phobia in some, but leaves its traces in many of our personalities. We might call it "fear of rejection." This is a fear we learned as children. We wanted to be accepted by our peers, give the right answer to our teacher, or make our parents proud of us.

For one reason, or another, we discovered disapproval. We buried it in our personality, and now we hesitate to take chances. We learn to "play it safe" and avoid taking risks for fear of rejection. This one fear has held back many creative personalities. Some artists stop producing beautiful pieces, because they imagine disapproval or listen to the wrong feedback.

How can Yoga help? All forms of Yoga bring about a state of inner tranquility. Within Jnana Yoga, the practitioner learns to see reality. One reality, which we should all learn at a younger age, is to see the truth. You cannot base the truth on the opinion of one person or even one country.

The truth is felt deep within your heart. In the case of an artist: If an artist is producing pieces for his, or her, own gratification, and it is appreciated by a small group, then this is a form of therapy for the artist. He or she is doing no harm to anyone, and does not need the approval of everyone.

One more truth to realize: You will not receive the approval of everyone you meet, but do not suppress the Albert Einstein, or Leonardo da Vinci, within, because of it.

Adults see far too much bad news in the newspapers and on television. As a result, it programs us to consider failure first. We can afford to take a calculated risk in 2008.

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2007-12-13T19:45:00.000-05:00

Yoga in Practice: The Organized State of Mind

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are many methods for organizing thoughts, but the oldest of them is the science of life, which we call Yoga. The mind could be easily compared to any other structure or machine. For example: Have you ever tried to work in a messy office or operate a machine which is not maintained? The clutter within, and around it, creates a lack of productivity.

Our state of mind is affected by clutter from within, and, of course, by unorganized surroundings. If you stop to clean, production comes to a halt, but taking the time to clean up an office will result in more productivity. After that, you will need to develop a maintenance system to prevent excessive clutter from getting out of hand, repeatedly.

The mind operates within parallel circumstances, when compared to an office. This is why we should also take the time to practice Yoga and meditate daily. It is true that we will not be producing, while we are practicing Yoga, or meditation, but we are very productive after our session.

Spare time seems like a distant memory to many of us, since the world became computerized. We clearly understand the dog who tries to catch its tail. No matter how hard the dog tries to spin in a circle, the tail is always out of reach.

Yet, time has not really changed at all. Time still runs at the same pace. Taking the time out of your day, for a Yoga session, allows you to organize your mind. You come back to your daily tasks refreshed, renewed, and happy. How can a little Yoga or meditation session have this much impact?

The truth is - any perceived objective must be accomplished in steps. To build a house, you need equipment and it must arrive in the proper sequence. If the roofing shingles arrive first, you cannot build a foundation with them.

This is a major key in life: Do not worry about the whole project, but look only for the solution to solve the next step. In the case of organizing the mind, the first step is to contemplate each solution – one at a time. If you have time, after a Yoga session, make a habit of writing ideas on paper, or enter them on your PC.

The act of writing about a perceived solution will more likely result in taking positive action. Rather than, finding a solution, and then forgetting it. The world’s greatest inventions required a person to think, write it down, refine the concept, and take positive action toward the objective.

When the mind is in a state of clutter, all of the great ideas, within, are usually forgotten. The solution is to make a daily Yoga appointment with yourself. If you want to start soon, but cannot attend a regular class, set up a five to twenty minute session, to begin with. Just a short Yoga session, per day, will result in more organized thinking.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) - Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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About YogaShaastra Studio

2007-12-11T02:57:00.000-05:00

· The studio offers an interesting variety of classes that teach methods along with therapies to increase vitality and well-being whilst reducing stress. These techniques once learnt will be of use all through life.

· Classes designed to enhance self-awareness, while increasing your physical flexibility, strength and endurance. To begin to study Yoga is to begin a journey into self-acceptance, balance and love.

· You will receive personalized adjustments and attention in a safe and supported atmosphere.

· Our hope is that as you walk through the studio door, you will sense an environment free of competition and filled with tranquillity and a common purpose of community, fellowship and tradition.

· The only way to know more about whether this studio is worth your time and money is to visit yourself. All in all a good place where you can tone your body, relax, get peace of mind and of course, laugh!

· Classes are open for gents, ladies and children of all ages.

· Dr. Rita Khanna undertakes classes.

Dr. Rita Khanna:

Dr. Rita Khanna is a certified senior yoga instructor from International Sivananda Yoga Ashram. After an intensive training, she was certified in Integral yoga in 1983. She is a well known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over two decades ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda Ji of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh.

Since then, she has pursued this activity vigorously and has attained a wealth of experience in Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation and Naturopathy. She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life.

She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients. She spreads the message that good health is the birthright of every human being and everyone can enjoy a perfect and disease-free life by living in harmony with nature.

She has been treating and curing various diseases and disorders through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy and providing preventive health care solutions for obesity, diabetes, spondylitis, arthritis, constipation, stress, insomnia, heart problems, mental tension and depression. She also provides natural health boosters (food supplements) made of fruits, vegetables and herbs, which are curative and anti-ageing in nature.

Dr. Khanna’s treatment is simple and mainly comprises diet control and water therapy, which includes hipbath, spinal, and steam bath including yogic massages. An appropriate diet is also expected to be followed then. As far as weight loss goes, by opting for a ten-day package, you will not only end up losing about five kilograms but a few inches also.

Thousands of people have availed the benefits of Yoga Guru Rita Khanna’s Yoga Techniques and she has been achieving tremendous satisfaction in disseminating this virtue. Presently, she is spending 12 to 14 hours daily in interacting with people and improving their lot.

She loves introducing beginners and seniors to the joys and benefits of yoga, as well as working with continuing and experienced students. She has been featured in newspapers and magazines as well as television broadcasts.

Dr. Rita Khanna’s YogaShaastra Studio,

2nd Floor, Plot # 22,

Suman Housing Colony,

West Marredpally,

Secunderabad, India – 500026.

Call at- 040-65173344/09849772485

Email: ritukhanna57@hotmail.com

Breathing

2007-12-08T07:41:00.000-05:00

Written By: Dr. Rita Khanna

You can have all colors of bulbs and miles of wire, but until you have electricity, your tree won’t light up. Similarly you can have a body, mind and soul but until you have energy, a life force, you are not alive. Pranayama (proper breathing) connects the body with its battery, the solar plexus, where enormous reserves of energy can be stored & retrieved. This vital energy flows through your body and gives you life. It is present everywhere around us, and is manifest in human beings in the breath. Yogic breathing regulates the flow of this vital energy. It cleanses you thoroughly and harmonizes the mind and the body. It relaxes and rejuvenates.

Importance of Healthy Breathing

Our breathing is too shallow and too quick. We are not taking in sufficient oxygen and we are not eliminating sufficient carbon dioxide. As a result, our bodies are oxygen starved and toxic build up occurs. Animals which breathe slowly live the longest; elephant is a good example. If we learn to breathe slowly we not only relax and calm the mind but can also extend the life span.

Know your Breathing Power

In 1 minute while walking we breathe 12 breaths to 18 breaths Averages 15 breaths. While sitting (battak) 12 times, While walking (chale) 18 times, While running (dour mai) 20 times, While lust and anger (Kama, krodh) 72 times. While doing Omkar or Brahmari Pranayama we breathe only 3 to 4 times in 1 minute. It means we are saving 11 breaths.

“A study conducted in early India showed that a tortoise breathes three times in one minute and lives for 300 years. An elephant takes five breathes in one minutes and lives for 120 years. A dog breathes 42 times while a human being breathes 15 times in a minute. Both lives for 14 to 65 years respectively. Kapalbhati Pranayama teaches one to control one’s breathing and prolong life.”

Respiration & Circulation

• By inhaling, oxygen absorbed in to blood stream. Oxygen rich blood returns to heart and pump to all parts of the body metabolism.

• Breathing techniques ensure maximum oxygen; thus more vitality to our organs.

• Brain cells require much more oxygen rich blood relatively. This is easy if more oxygen is available.

• Common to hear “Take deep breath” when you are stressed.• Net result all above is correct mental balance, concentration, clarity of thought & a stress free brain.

Breathe rightly to relax quickly

Spending long hours sitting at the desk and typing up reports, features, stories? You may not be aware of it, but you are accumulating stress in your neck, upper back and upper arms. Short breaks - even for a couple of minutes every half an hour or so, will make you feel much better and allow you to carry on longer.

Well, follow this simple yoga technique to relax stress instantly. You can do it anywhere without any equipment and it only takes five minutes to learn.

Body Posture

Just sit with your back straight.Try to loosen the clothing that feels tight around your waist.

Method:

1. Concentrate on your breathing.

2. Slowly inhale through the nose.

3. Exhale completely and very slowly through your mouth.

4. Place your left palm on your belly.

5. Observe that your hand is moving forward while breathing in and going inward while breathing out.

6. Breathe out twice the duration of breathing in.

7. Inhale and count 4 mentally.

8. Count 8 while breathing out. Next time, you do, increase the duration in the same ratio.

9. Do it at for least five minutes.

10. As you practice, you will find it more and more effective in keeping you relaxed, when you are stressed.

11. In the middle of the day, it’s nice way to give your self a small break.

For more information contact:

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna’s YogaShaastra Studio
A Yoga & Naturopathy Centre
Over 20 years of Teaching Yoga

2nd floor, plot#22, Suman Housing colony, West Marredpally

Secunderabad-500026 India

Mobile: 09849772485

Ph:-04065173344

Email: ritukhanna57@hotmail.com

The Studio is open 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Yoga for Health, Relaxation and Well-Being

2007-12-07T11:34:00.000-05:00

Dr. Rita Khanna’s YogaShaastra Studio

A Yoga & Naturopathy Centre

Over 20 years of Teaching Yoga

Yoga for Health, Relaxation and Well-Being

Small Changes In Attitude Can Go A Long Way To Make Life Better……………….

A car needs an engine, a driver and a fuel to run. If any of these isn’t working well, the car won’t run smoothly. It might even break down completely. In the same way your Mind, Body and Soul must be in Harmony, otherwise like the car you won’t run smoothly and you may even breakdown. Yoga helps to keep you in good working order. It is Science Meditation, Postures and Breathing for your Mind, Body and Soul. It also includes Healthy Eating, Cleansing and Healing for that extra advantage, so that you can live life to its fullest

Relevance of Yoga today

Environment and tensions have crushed us physically, psychologically and mentally. Yoga is a hope to overcome all this. Even a little yogic exercise practiced scientifically, systematically and regularly can bring immense positive results. Short term and long term benefits depend on efforts put in.

Various aims can be achieved such as:

• More focused, confident and relaxed

• Increase physical fitness

• Cure health disorders

• Calm and stressfree mind

• Increased awareness of the inter-relationship between body, mind and spirit.

Who can do Yoga

• Anyone, regardless of age, sex or physical disability.

• However, if having medical history, must get checked with your Doctor before taking up Asanas.

Before You Begin there are certain precautions to follow:

• Always breathe through the nose unless specific instructions are given to the contrary.

• Do not eat before a Yoga session. Wait at least 4-5 hours after a heavy meal & 2-3 hours after a snack. One should take a breakfast or meals at least half an hour after Yoga exercises.

• Wear light loose comfortable clothes that do not restrict your movements. Keep your feet bare.

One should not continue wearing spectacles, contact lenses, wrist watch or ornaments during the performance of Asanas.

• Always practice with full concentration and awareness. Do the asanas slowly and smoothly, paying attention to accuracy and alignment. Make sure you do not strain or force the body further than it naturally goes. Over a period of time and with regular practice you will become more flexible.

• Adapt your practice to take account of how you are feeling. For example, if you are tired and lethargic after a long day at work, incorporate more restful forward bends.

• Always end your session, however short, with five to ten minutes relaxation in savasana (corpse pose). This practice will allow any strain suffered by any part of body to get relaxed and the body will feel light.

• DON’T bring cell phones to class or switch them off. Leave socializing and business outside the studio.

• Regularity is the most important factor if you want to derive full benefits of the Yogasanas quickly.

Ten Practical Suggestions Regarding Food:

1. Always be mindful of the wholesomeness (or otherwise) of food combinations.

2. If you are not hungry, don’t eat.

3. Do not eat when you are under physical or mental tension.

4. Do not eat or drink anything that is too hot or too cold.

5. Chew your food well.

6. Do not drink water with meals.

7. Do not stuff the belly with food.

8. Eat at least one raw salad everyday.

9. Eat only one meal once in a week and take only fruit at least one day in a week.

10. Form a habit of laughing freely and loudly.

Miscellaneous

• Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water (normal temperature).

• Avoid fried, fatty, spicy, starchy and sugar containing food.

• Tea, coffee cocoa, tinned fruit, white flour, refined cereals and alcoholic drinks should also be avoided.

Daily Reminder:

For today only:

Anger not, worry not;

Be grateful and humble;

Do your work with appreciation;

Be kind to all.

Remember, that ultimately, you are the only person who can de stress yourself.
Make time for yourself and do things that you enjoy.

Interact with a child, play with a pet, sit andWatch a sunset, smell the flowers along the way,and remember that when all is said and done,You have the right stuff in place!

For more information contact:

Dr. Rita Khanna

2nd floor, plot#22, Suman Housing colony, West Marredpally

Secunderabad-500026 India

Mobile: 09849772485

Ph:-04065173344

Email: ritukhanna57@hotmail.com

The Studio is open 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.Trust us for good health

Yoga and Health

2007-12-01T16:52:00.000-05:00

by Jutta Dobler

Yoga is a very old, complex and well-designed system to bring us into unity with God. In Yoga we combine our breath, our posture and our focus, and through that we energize our body and let go of tension. Through deep, rhythmic breathing we release tension, through finding a focal point we still the mind and stay with the body.

Stress is the underlying cause of a lot of illnesses. We live in very fast, stressful times. Transport, communication and many other areas of our live are getting faster and faster, we are bombarded constantly with advertisements, music, and billboards. We even try to relax at a breakneck pace, with high-impact aerobics, or thrill-seeking sports.

Too much stress can destroy our mental and physical health. It can lead to heart disease, ulcers and hypertension, as well as depression and even suicide. Our hearts race, we become locked into anxiety and find it impossible to relax. The heart racing is caused by adrenaline kicking in.

In response to danger, our bodies operate on a ‘fight or flight’ response, pumping adrenaline through the nervous system which stimulates the muscles into action whilst temporarily shutting down secondary processes such as digestion.

In former times when we still ran away from sable tooth tigers this response was healthy, we would naturally disperse the adrenaline, and our digestion and heart rate would return to normal.

Nowadays, our adrenaline often gets released while we sit behind a computer. This unused adrenaline can be very harmful. All the blood sugar coursing through the veins to pump the muscles full of energy has nowhere to go. The results are congested, narrowed arteries, which force the heart to work harder at pumping blood through the body.

Yoga is one of the most effective methods to reduce stress. Yoga helps us to release tension and to let go. When we release and relax the body can heal. Yoga brings our body into alignment. That makes us a lot more conscious of other areas of our life that might be out of balance.

Through the yoga postures or asanas, we first of all align our muscular and skeletal structure. A conscious breathing pattern helps to circulate energy and blood, and brings balance to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which govern the function of just about every other system in the body.

Asana practice is the key to the body, which is the key to the mind, which is the key to the spirit. Through regular yoga practice we increase our flexibility. The yoga postures act upon the various joints of the body, including those joints that we are never really aware of and that don’t normally get exercised.

The postures also increase lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons.What is interesting is that it has been found that even people that were quite rigid before practicing yoga started experiencing a remarkable flexibility in even those parts which have not been consciously worked upon. The reason for that is that seemingly unrelated “non strenuous” yoga positions act upon certain parts of the body in an interrelated manner. When done together, they work in harmony to create a situation where flexibility is attained relatively easily.

Yoga also balances the glandular system, strengthens the nervous system and helps us to learn to control our thoughts and feelings, rather than being controlled by them. Yoga is perhaps the only form of activity which massages all the internal glands and organs of the body in a thorough manner, including those that hardly get externally stimulated during our entire lifetime. Yoga acts in a wholesome manner on the various body parts. This stimulation and massage of the organs in turn benefits us by keeping away disease and providing a forewarning at the first possible instance of a likely onset of disease or disorder.

By gently stretching muscles and joints as well as massaging the various organs, yoga ensures the optimum blood supply to various parts of the body. This helps in the flushing out of toxins and provides nourishment for the cells. This leads to benefits such as delayed ageing, energy and a remarkable zest for life. Muscles that have become flaccid and weak are stimulated repeatedly to shed excess flab and flaccidity, and we will start looking toned and fit.

Apart from the postures, the breathing exercises or pranayama form an important part of Hatha Yoga. Through conscious breathing, we decrease tension, increase energy, improve concentration, and promote physical and mental health.

Most of us have developed poor breathing habits; we only use a small percentage of our lung capacity. That leads to energy loss, respiratory problems, mental confusion and increased tension. Shallow breathing doesn’t properly oxygenate the system. If we don’t get enough oxygen, toxins build up.

Full, deep breathing floods the system with oxygen, nourishes the blood cells, and removes harmful toxins. This has a lot of advantages: Enhanced skin tone, better posture, fewer respiratory problems, higher levels of energy, improved concentration, and a feeling of overall well-being and health.

Our breath is also related to our emotions. When we are angry or stressed, we tend to breath rapidly or may even hold the breath, which increases our tension. Our muscles become tight and our pulse increases, which in turn shortens the breath even more.

Through learning in the yoga sessions to keep the awareness on the breath, we start becoming conscious of the way we breathe and how our body reacts to different ways of breathing. With time we will learn to carry that consciousness into the rest of our days outside of the lessons.

Another important aspect of Yoga is meditation. Through meditation and mantras, we can access the calm and tranquillity of our inner centre. If we are able to connect to this internal source, we won’t get as stressed as easily anymore and so avoid the damage being stressed does to us. Through getting in touch with that inner centre, and through regularly stilling the chattering of the mind, we become calmer, and more in tune with who we really are.

Through meditation we can achieve an emotional balance through detachment. With that I mean that meditation creates conditions, where you are not affected by the happenings around you. This in turn creates a remarkable calmness and a positive outlook, which also has tremendous benefits on the physical health of the body.

That shows that Yoga works on many different levels, the body, the mind, the emotions and the energy body. Through following a regular Yoga practice we can maintain physical health and flexibility, as well as mental and emotional well-being.

The yoga postures require that we pay attention - that we stay in the now, our mind is so diverted from sources of anxiety. With regular practice we will begin to know our true self, the essence of our being. This self-knowledge can lead to a deep-rooted confidence that will enable us to re-order priorities in a way that we are not permanently exhausted or missing out on the fun things in life.

Yoga can also bring increased communion with, and respect for, the body. Often, the desire for artificial stimulants will lessen; so does the tendency to eat whatever is convenient and skip exercise, because we are too tired. Yoga can help us to be less tired as its ability to reduce anxiety will result in more restful sleep.

This new well-being can help to reverse the effects of even serious complaints, like heart disease, and can reduce the signs of aging. Yoga can also lead to self-knowledge and a will to live with integrity. In other words: To be true to yourself. This does not simply mean not living a lie. It also means listening to oneself and having the courage to be who you are.

Through bringing the mind and the body in alignment we come a lot closer to expressing ourselves fully, to living out our full potential. Yoga through meditation works remarkably well to achieve this harmony and helps the mind to work in sync with the body. The will of the mind has enabled people to achieve extraordinary physical feats, which proves beyond doubt the mind and body connection.

Often we find that we are unable to perform our activities properly and in a satisfying manner because the confusions and conflicts in our mind keep distracting us. Yoga and meditation help us to ‘tame’ the mind, they work together in achieving the common goal of unity of mind, body and spirit.

Through yoga, we can ultimately achieve the sacred purpose of our life, we can learn to merge our consciousness with the universal consciousness and to express our full creative potential.
These are just some of the tangible benefits that can be achieved through yoga. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years; it is a powerful, well developed and sacred system. The ancient yogis performed yoga and the interdependence of yoga and meditation. The ultimate goal of the yogis was self realization or enlightenment. To achieve that they had to meditate for extensive spells of time.

This required tremendous physical fitness, energy and the capacity to subsist on next to nothing. Yoga positions or asanas provided them the fullest fitness with the least metabolism or stress, and meditation in turn provided them the strength and will to perform these asanas effectively – a virtuous cycle of cause and effect. This mutually symbiotic relationship helped them in their path, and it can help us in ours.

In conclusion:

Yoga has a lot to offer! Besides all the benefits mentioned above it is also a lot of fun, and a wonderful way to calm down and get refreshed at the same time. It really has a spin-off effect into the rest of our lives, and we do become a lot more conscious with relative ease.

What is also great about Yoga is that it is not a competition with others or with ourselves. Yoga is about focusing within and paying attention to how the body is feeling, how we are feeling, and what our breath is doing. All our bodies are different, all our experiences are different, and there is no such thing as a perfect pose. Yoga is about what feels right for us, it is about tuning into what works for our body and mind at this moment in time.

Through Yoga we learn to accept us as we are, with all perceived imperfections, and to work with the body we have. We learn that the best we can do is good enough, and that being connected and aware of the breath keeps us in the now, where our only point of power lies.

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Side Note by Paul Jerard: Jutta Dobler is a guest author, Yoga Teacher Intern, and soon she will be a Yoga teacher. She resides in Namibia. Hopefully, she will write another Yoga article in the near future.

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Yoga - Misunderstood So Far

2007-11-29T08:30:00.000-05:00

By Pratap Shree

Yoga is the only methodology available with the humanity which has anatomized the human existence without opening a human body. It is the oldest and the deepest psychology of the human existence. It is unlike the present day psychology which studies only the mind of the subjects. Yoga is not constrained to the personality, mind or any aspect of mind of people; rather it gives a complete description of the whole existence of the humanity, its mental fabric and a methodology to transcend it.

Yoga in itself has been a diverse field. In Indian philosophy many a schools attach themselves to Yoga. Ashtangik Yoga, Gyan Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Mantra Yoga and Tantra Yoga are a few schools attached to Yoga. This article constrains itself to the Ashtangik Yoga only. In this article term Yoga will refer to the Ashtangik Yoga as propounded by Patanjali in Yoga Sutra.

Whatever practical about a human being can be said about his physic, psyche, mind and Chetna (in English no better word than awareness is available for this) is there in Yoga Sutra. Yoga Sutra starts with the proposition that the mind’s expositions (Vritti) are attracted to the worldly objects (Vishayas) and by confining mind’s expositions from being attracted to the worldly objects a seeker can realize his existence and hence liberate himself from this world’s afflictions.

The difference in the approaches of the Indian Yoga and the modern psychology is because of the differences of visions of the two schools. The modern psychology begins with the hypothesis that the Psychology is the science of the mind; that the human mind is the most complex machine on Earth; that it is the source of all thoughts and behaviour. The modern psychology believes that there is a mind and it has to be in consonance with some prototype mind. The modern psychology believes that the mind can be and usually is sick; its sickness can be cured. The real minds have tendencies. These tendencies of a real mind can be molded. A mind can be trained and can be taken to some sort of proximity of that prototype mind.

Yoga views the mind differently. For it a mind can not be infected by sickness but it is a sickness in itself. It cannot be cured because it has this form of sickness as an essence for the physical existence. Physical existence is not possible without the mind. Yoga does not speak of ‘a mind’ rather its subject matter is ‘the mind’. Modern psychology studies, treats and cures an individual mind while Yoga is for the generality of mind. Psychology is particular in approach and it discovers generality from particularity. In Yoga the mind in general is explained and a particularity approached from the generality.

For Yoga the mind is an obstacle in the path of self realization. This obstacle of mind is very much intrinsic and an essential ingredient of the creation (the Srishti). To attain your absolute state you have to transcend the mind. Yoga does not prefer wasting its time in curing a sick mind to make it healthy. There is nothing like a healthy mind in Yoga’s vision.

Yoga’s vision starts with a proposition - confining mind’s exposition from being allured by the worldly objects is Yoga i.e. Yogashchitvritti nirodhah. For the self realization, the Yoga has proposed an Eight Fold Path called Ashtangik Yoga. Its Eight Fold Path consists of: Yama, Niyama, Aasan, Pranayam, Pratyahar, Dhaarna, Dhyan and Samaadhi. Non Violence (Ahimsa,), Truth (Satya), Not stealing other’s property (Asteya), Not retaining the surplus things (Aparigrah) and a good Sexual behaviour (Brahmcharya) are five Yamas. Practicing these five Yamas makes your surrounding healthy and peaceful.

By and large these five Yamas are the five cures of basic ulterior tendencies which cause disputes in your neighbourhood. Yamas provide a calm and serene environment around you. Next it is the Niyama. Hygiene (Shauch), Contentment (Santosh), Effort (Tapah), Introspection (Swadhyaya) and Surrender to God (Ishwar Pranidhan) - these five are the Niyamas. Once a calm environment is attained by practicing Yamas, the next step is the personal purification through these five Niyamas. The Yoga proceeds step by step.

First it prescribes for a healthy environment and then for the personal purification of the seeker.

The third stage of Yoga is Aasan. An Aasan is a posture in which your body becomes stationary. These days various gurus are available in the market, who prescribe these Aasans for a weight loss program. Yoga did not have any idea of weight loss in its conception. During the period the Yoga was compiled surplus calories was not a problem before the seeker.

The problem of surplus calories is the problem of modern life style. The originator of Yoga would have not given a solution to a problem which was unknown to his time. The Aasans are meant for a more subtle purpose. In Aasan you sit with your fixed and stationary body. Through these Aasans the Yoga master wanted you feel the presence of a restless thought process inside that stationary body.

Aasan is the most suitable form of practice which encounters you with the duality present ‘within you’. It makes you realize that you are not a body alone; that you are not limited to your physical dimensions; that “something” more subtle, more live, more pervasive is there inside your visible body. Thus Aasans for the first time makes you visualize your inner self.

Then it comes the Pranayam. The chief proponent of Yoga, Patanjali says - tasmintsati shvasprashvasyogargativichheda pranayam i.e. visualizing inhale and exhale separately and distinctly is Pranayam. Different forms of Pranayam made available by the modern Gurus were never described by Patanjali the great master. Pranayam is the beginning of the internal journey going to be attained through Yoga. Patanjali had a unique approach to go inside.

He chose the easiest route through breathing. The seekers who practice Yoga must have experience the relationship between your breaths and your thoughts. When you inhale your thoughts are more itinerant than you exhale. When a new seeker starts meditation and goes inside deeper often he feels his breathing as being stopped. This is the conjunction between your breathing and your thoughts. Yoga has termed your breathing as your Praña. Pranayam is the visualization of Praña. Hence it is the visualization of your itinerant thoughts.

Upto the end of this fourth stage Yoga has completed one half of the journey; the outer journey. Henceforth the Yoga enters inside the seekers. Next stages of Yoga are meant for an internal transformation. Pratyahar, Dhaarna, Dhyan and Samaadhi are four milestones on the internal highway. The part of mind which is enchanted to the outer worldly objects has been named as Chitta in Yoga. Chetna meaning something near awareness in English is derived from this Chitta. As body is the subject matter of the outer expedition of Yoga, Chitta is the subject matter of internal exploration through Yoga.

Eyes are to see, ears are to hear and so on. Yoga says it is the nature of the eyes to see the things in the world. It is the nature of the ears to hear the sounds from the world. The same is true for the other senses. The senses have a natural tendency of being attracted by the worldly objects. This is an outward flow; an outward flow of your Chitta. This is the tendency or affinity of Chitta which flows from inside you to the objects; the Yoga calls it the Vritti. Yoga says that the mind has a natural tendency or affinity to be attracted by the worldly objects.

This outward motion of your mind creates a bipolarity with you at one end and the world at the other. The Chitta is an abstract entity and is not perceivable as are the worldly objects. Hence out of the bipolarity only the worldly objects are visible. The viewer i.e. the Chitta forgets himself and keeps remembering only the vision i.e. the visible objects. The Chitta starts living in thoughts. These thoughts are nothing but either your memories or your imaginations about future.

Thoughts originate either from your past experience or from your mental permutations - combinations of your imaginations. The past is passed and is not existent. The future has not happened so far and hence it is also not existent. Both the past and the future are non existent. You live, through your thoughts only in past and the future. You try to exist in non existent entities. This is the only fallacy of the mankind from which Yoga wants you to get rid of.

You are never in your present. You usually do not observe you because of your sleep. You have forgotten of yourself. You are not aware of yourself. You know yourself only as much others know about you. You know your name; a few relationships; your office; your money and your thoughts etc. At night when you sleep all these particulars of you are forgotten but you still remain alive. It shows that you are more than your name, your relationships, your office, your money and your thoughts. What is that more? What is your essence? You are not aware of it. You are in deep sleep about your existence nevertheless your eyes may be opened. Yoga awakens you towards you.

It its early phase of journey, Yoga has shown you that in your common life, in your unawakened life you exist as a dichotomy or a bipolarity (as used in other articles in this section).
In Pratyahar Yoga speaks of getting rid of the psychological addictions of senses. A mirror shows you your image. It shows when you rose up from the bed in early morning, it shows when you are untidy, it shows when you comb hair, it shows you after your make up. It shows you all the times without any hesitation, without adding anything in you or subtracting from you. It has no hesitation of time, frequency or any other factor. You come in front of it and it shows you in return. No deference, no disdain; no temptation no escape simply a reflection. Yoga says your senses should reflect the world in the same way with No deference, no disdain; no temptation no escape simply a reflection of the world. This is Pratyahar.

Some thinkers have described it otherwise also. They say that seeker is to renounce the world. He has to withdraw his senses from the worldly objects. He has to take his sense away from the world. This view is difficult to be appreciated. Whenever you open your eyes they will receive the sensation of light. In jungle you may not be having houses, roads and vehicles but tress, grass, birds would be there. Sky is there. Your limbs are there. Yoga does not prescribe mutilation of senses. It speaks of non addicted senses. King Janak and Lord Krishna would have not attained the absolute knowledge (Brahamgyan) if this theory of mutilation of senses is resorted to. Pratyahar speaks of unaddicted vision.

This unaddicted vision i.e. Pratyahar liberates you of the dichotomy. You clearly see yourself and the world as two distinct and separable entities. Now the Yoga speaks of the potential of unification existing in you. Dhaarna, Dhyan and Samaadhi are the stages of existence. Dhaarna, Dhyan and Samaadhi are different in degrees and not in kind. The main difference among them is regarding the duration for which a seeker can stay in that state of existence. Therefore this article will discuss them under the common name - Dhyan. (However Patanjali has used a term Samyam for this)

To be continued …

http://www.lightinlife.com/

Top 5 Benefits of Group Yoga Practice

2007-11-29T08:16:00.000-05:00

By Anmol Mehta

Running a Yoga studio gives me a great deal of insight into the benefits of group yoga practice. From these observations, I have compiled below the top 5 benefits I see from doing such practice. This is by no means disparaging a home yoga practice. I am, as everyone knows, a huge fan of having a daily personal practice. In fact, for serious practitioners a daily home meditation and yoga practice is a must. In this article I am simply pointing out the best of what I find in doing a group yoga practice.

1. ENERGY!!:

Without a doubt a group kundalini yoga class a has different level of Energy. It is palpable and easily noticeable. This energy serves to uplift and inspire all that are participating. This is most common feedback I get from students after a class. This energy not only helps all the yogis during the class, but, persists even after the class to keep your level of being raised. In fact, there are some classes where this energy is so high and so good that afterwards I can feel the after glow that it creates in everyone present. It is quite common that you enter the class feeling lethargic and down and leave the class fully charged and vitalized.
Interestingly, recently after a Gentle Yoga and Meditation class, a new student approached me and confessed that during the period of meditation, which we do after finishing our Kundalini Yoga practice, he saw fields of blue energy approaching him from all directions. If you have not participated in a group Kundalini Yoga class, I suggest you find one in your area and get ready for a memorable experience.

2. More Consistency & Intensity:

As I have said many times, one of the hardest things about a yoga and meditation practice is consistency. Many people know the well documented benefits of these giants of spiritual sciences, but, still not a significant percentage establish a strong regular practice. This is where group yoga practice can be especially helpful. Just get yourself to class. That's all. Don't allow the mind to deter you with its endless excuses.

The mind and body are probably going to resist your practice, because they are loosing their grip over you as a consequence of it. By practicing Yoga and Meditation you are allowing your spirit to emerge, which will then govern your life and usurp the strangle hold that the mind and body have been asserting on you. So just make it to class. Once you are there, you will be surprised how much you will be able to do. In a class atmosphere you will not only do your practice, but, you will do it with greater intensity. This will go a long way in helping you integrate yoga and meditation into your lifestyle and helping you to create a consistent deep daily spiritual practice.

3. Learn from Each Other's Experiences:

After each Kundalini Yoga & Meditation class we have a question answer period. During this time students get to ask and discuss common issues and problems they are running into. In addition to this, the students also often discuss amongst themselves their experiences and thoughts on Kundalini Yoga, Meditation, Living a spiritual life etc. This is a great way to make progress on the spiritual path. One can learn much from the knowledge another has acquired and a group class really facilitates this.

4. Share Resources:

Music, books, DVDs etc. are all valuable components for your yoga and meditation practice and practicing in a group allows you share these resources with each other. Give, give and then give some more. That should be your attitude in life and you tend to find more of that in those who have discovered their spiritual dimension. Thus, I find a group yoga class a great collection of fantastic people always willing to give and share their resources with others.

5. Make Friends With Like Minded People:

Yoga and meditation practice not only give you great benefits, but, in exchange require that you live up to a higher standard. This often means making changes to your social life and people you associate it. It all happens quite naturally actually. In the extreme case it can even lead to changes to your life partner or just changes to your friends and acquaintances.

What a group yoga class provides is an opportunity to befriend and share your life with those who are living at a similar wave length as you. Generally, you and your fellow yogis will have a similar high value system and will gravitate towards wholesome, holistic living. These important commonalities often lay down the foundation for great friendships to emerge.

Anmol Mehta is a Yoga Teacher & Zen Expert. His extensive site, Free Guided Meditation Practice & Chakra Kundalini Yoga Exercises, offers Free Yoga Breathing Exercises. You will also find articles & lively discussions on the Free Guided Meditation Practice, Kundalini Yoga Poses & Zen Meditation Blog.

This article is available for reprint on your website and/or newsletter, provided it is not changed and you include the author's signature.

2007-11-24T09:48:00.000-05:00

Yoga Therapy for Increasing Self-Worth with Mantra, Japa, Affirmation, or Prayer

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga practice has been an aide to mankind for thousands of years. In those thousands of years, many brilliant people, who had a lack of self-worth, have taken their innovative ideas with them to the next life. Their ideas could have advanced our species at a faster rate, but they did not take a chance.

You see - the most brilliant minds do not reach full potential, if they lack self-worth. Most of us are not born with self-confidence. Self-confidence and self-worth are usually a result of a particular learning method, and Yoga training is the 5,000 year old mother of all of these methods.

Right now, a lack of self-confidence could be critical to our species, as we keep heating up the planet by burning fossil fuel. If an inventor finds an environmentally safe solution, but lacks the self-esteem to follow through, a brilliant idea remains “locked up in the vault” of his or her mind.

Yoga has many solutions for restoring or creating self-worth. Yoga practice enables millions of practitioners to safely stabilize their mental and emotional health. Let’s look at mantra, japa, affirmation, or prayer, for building self-confidence and self-worth.

Depending upon which type of Yoga you study, you may learn mantra, japa, affirmations, or prayers, in class. These are very powerful filtering tools for the mind. When you practice mantra, japa, affirmations, or prayers, you allow only positive messages and images to enter your mind.

If you learn to practice any of these methods in your mind, your self-worth is restored, because they instill hope. There is always hope, if we are willing to look for it. Look at a depressed person, and you will see an inner lack of hope, which reflects outward.

If we say to ourselves: “I cannot do it,” how can we build our self-worth? Why should the outside world believe in us?

Here is an example of an affirmation for self-worth: I will change today with my first step. I will take chances. I will not fear criticism.

An inherent fear within all humans is the fear of being criticized. This one fear prevents brilliant ideas from becoming reality. Even some of the most brilliant minds had to overcome self-doubt. Yet, they believed in themselves, despite criticism from others.

There are many forms of mantra, japa, and prayer, but all of them develop self-empowerment. Each of these practices is different from the other. Through these practices, you can purge negativity, balance your emotions, build self-worth, and lower your stress levels.

If one practices mantra often enough, a state of “Mantra Siddhi” becomes realized. Mantra Siddhi results when the power of the mantra has come to fruition. It is said that 125,000 repetitions of a mantra will result in Mantra Siddhi.

To say the very least, the repetition of any idea, would result in positive action, on your part, toward your objective. Action, on your part, is required to build or restore self-worth.

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2007-11-23T10:30:00.000-05:00

Letters to a Yogi – Prana (Energy)

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

The following statements are excerpts from my talks with Yoga students, who have questions about Prana, Energy, Creation, and Life.

When, and how, does Prana (energy) enter into our body?

The energy fields, which are within each of us, have existed since the beginning of time. Energy (Prana) exists throughout the universe. If the Big Bang Theory is correct, Prana was once very condensed, but then exploded to be scattered throughout the universe as we know it.

Yet, the energy around you was not in the particular form of your being before. Many people believe the energy within each of us starts at conception, but a man and a woman each contribute one half of the energy, which creates a new and unique child. As the child grows, the energy field grows, pulling in Prana from the outside universe.

This is the way it is for all living beings, whether they are animals or plants. Life is a random formula of coincidences for which God has the only true answers.

How does our energy field know that we are old, and when it is the time for energy to leave our body?

Most likely, the energy field does not have a consciousness, as we know it, but it may operate more on an instinctive level. Even a rock is an energy field, because it is full of neutrons, electrons, and protons. Yet, it is doubtful that we will find a “thinking rock.”

If we live a full life, our energy field will gradually fade from our body, as we become weak and frail. The human body was not made to exist forever, so the energy field within, will then take shape as something else.If we suddenly die, due to trauma, such as - an auto accident, plane crash, or something very abrupt - the energy is propelled out of our bodies, but, again, it will take shape as something else.

The Yogic body is actually three bodies. The physical body, which we know as “sthula sharira,” is easy for us to comprehend. We can smell, taste, see, feel, and touch, with the physical body.

However, this is not the only reality. The causal body, which we know as, “karana sharira,” is the soul. The soul is not the energy body. Only God knows where our particular souls will go after this life.

The third body is the one we have been discussing today. This is the energy body, which we know as “sukshma sharira.” We often refer to this as the Pranic, subtle, vital body.

One last point to mention: Do not waste time by worrying about energy escaping from your body. It is guaranteed that you gained some energy today, but you also lost some, in the process of daily life.

Practice Pranayama and cultivate Prana, into your body, for your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. This will enable you to enjoy each moment of your life.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) - Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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THE SPIRIT OF COMPASSION

2007-11-14T08:41:00.000-05:00

by Leena Patel, E-RYT

I am frequently asked by students- ‘How can I feel good when there is so much suffering and hardship that exists the world?’ The spirit of compassion is central to Yoga and Buddhism and is the essence of my teachings. Rather than aiming for spiritual perfectionism that is free of pain, addictions, mistakes or loss, I counsel my student to embrace their human-ness with all their suffering, viewing it as a tremendous opportunity to open the heart and awaken compassion within. In truth, these trials and tribulations are necessary because they are a source of energy for our actions. If we were spared these difficulties it is likely that we would become a person that perhaps is less attentive to the needs of others or more oblivious to the gifts that life bestows upon us in every moment. Karuna Yoga, as I have pioneered it, is an invitation to open to pain, your own and others, without retreating or guarding your heart. We cannot, nor should we, feel responsible for making someone else’s pain go away- for at times the struggle is part of the natural evolution of things. In Buddhism, we liken struggles to the beautiful lotus flower that blossoms only by dwelling in the muddy waters. Empathy does not entail taking on someone’s else karma, but it does ask us to dive deep into our hearts and tap into that wellspring of compassion so that we may make choices that go beyond our own needs and take action that is in service of others- choices undertaken not from guilt, anger, or self-righteousness but as the spontaneous outpouring of our hearts.

Contemplation

Contemplate the plight of people that you don’t know or have never met before. Replace their names or faces with those of your family, friends and loved ones. How does this shift your connection with them?

Leena’s mantras for living yoga with compassion:

-Live like a lotus in the muddy waters

-There is more at stake than me and you.

-Embrace your humanity in all its varying shades of darkness and light

Let’s put compassion into action and make a global impact.

Leena Patel is yoga and meditation teacher to Celine Dion and A New Day in Las Vegas. She can be reached at http://www.leenapatel.net/.

2007-11-09T22:10:00.000-05:00

Yoga Myth: Advanced Physical Prowess

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are many myths which surround Yoga. Most of them are circulated by people who have never practiced Yoga of any kind. Yet, there are some myths about Yoga, which have been accepted as fact, by Yoga practitioners. It is difficult to shatter an “urban legend, but let’s look at one of them.

“An advanced Yogi can perform amazing postures and feats of physical prowess.”

While this can be true, and Hatha Yoga practice can lead to physical mastery, feats of physical prowess can be performed by young people, who never practiced any form of Yoga before. Please bear in mind that there are many forms of Yoga, which are not based upon physical exercise.

Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Karma Yoga, are primary forms of Yoga, which have advanced practitioners, who do not have to perform physical feats to be known as “advanced.” Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was an advanced Karma Yogi, who inspired non-violent civil rights movements within India, and around the world.

The flaw in all of this “labeling” of Yoga practitioners as advanced, intermediate, and beginner, stems from the idea that Yoga is a physical exercise. Pilates and weight lifting are physical exercise systems, and they require a mental presence in their practice. All forms of Yoga require a mental, physical, and spiritual presence in the practice.

Hatha Yoga (union by physical mastery) does not represent all forms of Yoga. If Hatha Yoga were the only style in existence, it still would require teachers with experience and deep knowledge on a vast subject.

Any child can perform amazing athletic feats of flexibility, but would you place your absolute faith in the ability of a child to teach you Hatha Yoga? Would you be concerned about your safety, your physical limits, and the teacher’s experience level?

“Experience” is a keyword, because experience is what really separates the advanced Yoga practitioner from the rest. An experienced Hatha Yoga teacher will guide you through the many aspects of Yoga, such as: Asana, Meditation, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha, Yama, Niyama, and much more.

If you are practicing in a Hatha Yoga class, which contains postures, but does not contain meditation or Pranayama, you are probably practicing “Yoga Fitness.” There is a saying: “Half a loaf is better than none.” This has never been truer than it is in the case of Hatha Yoga’s exposure to the world.

It may take generations before Yoga practitioners stop to read the Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swami Swatmarama. The Yoga Sutras, by Maharshi Patanjali, also deserve more contemporary attention. At this time, there are many Yoga books to read, but the classics are worthy of note, and should be “required reading” for advanced Yoga practitioners.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher
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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) - Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Practicing Mantra in every day activity

2007-09-02T07:28:00.000-04:00

By Joseph McNulty

Background

The mantra can be any positive affirmation but should be short and easily repeated. It could be Jesus, Buddha, Krishna - or a secular phrase my mind is free, -etc. Any suitable mantra is good and beneficial.

What the mantra does

The mind is in constant turmoil in most people's lives. You are thrown into a multitude of stress situations daily and are susceptible to react to these negatively. Quantity is not important but the devotee should aim for about 3000 to 5000 repetitions of the mantra over a day especially before meditation and retiring for the evening, this is called Japam. Japam is the cornerstone of all serious meditators. The mantra clears the thoughts of negative and destructive influences and is a wonderful de toxification exercise for the whole being.

How and when can I practice the mantra?

When I was in an ashram we practiced Japam in our every day work. For example washing the dishes one can complete 200 mantra or digging the garden etc. but of course you must be meticulous in your work and study. In general people washing plates do it automatically and think of many thoughts mostly negative and somewhere in the future or dwelling in the past.

Japam is for the present. When I am out jogging or cycling I repeat my mantra for every turn of the pedals or step in jogging. As a student I used to box and when punching the bag every punch was a mantra. You can use your imagination and planning to incorporate the mantra into your own particular activity. You will find after some time peace and a great benefit.

Missed the transport and have to wait 20 minutes to an hour

The normal reaction to this situation is to mutter a sigh of boredom. However, one who has as a daily habit meditation treats this as a great unhindered opportunity and acts positively to practice the mantra. Furthermore if you can have a seat whilst waiting you can practice Paul’s Aura Yoga Seat Yoga which is splendid as well. On a long train journey much can be accomplished. Forget your mobile phones and fidgeting with the keys. Yoga will refresh you in every way. Moblile phones do the opposite.

Counting of the mantra

You can count on the phalanges of the fingers using the thumb. Starting with the middle phalange of the ring finger of the right hand we progress to the lower phalange and thereafter proceed clockwise round the outside phalanges and we have ten mantra in this way. We can have a count of ten in the left hand. You may use beads or indeed just repeat over a time period.

Method of counting is not important JUST PRACTICE JAPAM

I do hope you give this a try and the results are not immediate but after some years the benefits accrue as is common to all Yoga Practices. Yoga is not a quick fix it is a slow percolation of practice with devotion and intensity.

Side Note: The Mantra should be done in quiet not audible just in the mental repetition, and it is a good idea to incorporate syllable AUM at the start and finish. Eg Aum Padmi Mani Aum is a well known mantra.

HAVE A GOOD PRACTICE AND KIND REGARDS TO YOU ALL

Joseph McNulty

2007-09-02T07:21:00.000-04:00

The Purpose of Yoga: Blissful Aging

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Hatha Yoga is often praised for its anti-aging effects. Seniors often remark how good their joints feel after a session of Hatha, Kundalini, or Chair Yoga. Yet, the phrase “anti-aging” is sometimes connected with scams and “quackery.”

In contrast, Yoga was intended to find the bliss in life right now. You do not have to wait until a certain number of years to go by, before you join “the blissful living club.” Never put off what you can do today, so make the most of each moment and practice Yoga along the way.

Over the years, Senior Yoga students have taught me many valuable lessons about living, even though I was teaching the class. One day, after I had finished teaching a Chair Yoga class, a student remarked, “I wish we had Yoga classes available, when we were children.”

Many Senior Yoga students take their practice home and continue throughout the day. Some of them teach their children, and grand children, which results in closer family ties. They also educate themselves with Yoga books, magazines, DVD’s, and CD’s, which keeps their minds stimulated, expands their knowledge, and gives them a deeper sense of purpose.

To reflect a bit deeper on this point – Yoga has never been more available to the worldwide public than it is right now; but distractions, poor eating choices, and fundamentalism, stand in the way of humankind’s progress. So, the Yogic gateway to holistic health is open, but you must be pro-active and educated enough to walk through it.

Let’s look at three major hurdles to blissful aging, and the solutions, Yoga has to offer. These hurdles are stress, poor eating choices, and fundamentalism.

Technology, financial worries, work-related stress, and unstable relationships, are the most common distractions, but they serve to “chew up our time” and “choke the life” out of us.

Challenges are healthy, but overwhelming stress is worse for your health than a bad diet, because it will literally kill you much quicker. Yoga teaches us to see clearly, rather than stagger through life without a purpose.

Poor eating choices have never been more abundant and affordable, but there is a price in the form of obesity, lack of mobility, disease, and a much shorter life span. Yoga has been preaching a healthy diet for thousands of years. We do not have to make every dietary change abruptly, but a gradual change toward healthier choices is an educated decision.

Whether it is political, social, philosophical, or religious based, fundamentalism is based on intolerance. It is the root of genocide and holocausts of the past. Fundamentalism is a trap based upon polarizing people into an angry mob, with a motto of “us against them.”

When we become part of the mob, we have been duped, and we lose our awareness. This is why fundamentalism has no place for Yoga. Self-realization would prevent you from joining an angry mob.

Blissful living requires complete awareness of all that is good in life. All of life’s treasures are at our feet - if we take the time to look closely. We cannot live forever, but we can take the time to enjoy our family, friends, health, and the common sense, we have gathered, up to this point. This is why Yoga practice is such a healthy choice to make; for anyone of any age.

Fear of old age is one of humankind’s most basic worries. Should you wait until next year to make a change in your lifestyle? Why wait? Let’s look at two Yogic solutions, for aging, right now.

Movement or stagnation is a basic decision, but we all know that movement is a healthy choice. If you are limited due to: Range of motion, physical condition, or something else - Chair Yoga, Restorative Yoga, or Yoga Therapy, will help you with mobility.

You may also realize that your pains and aches decrease with regular Yoga practice. While Yoga may not be a cure for your condition, Yoga does offer practical pain management solutions.

Healthy eating choices exist within the Yogic diet. We also call the Yogic diet the “Sattvic diet,” which has been copied for thousands of years. Sattva literally means: “Peace, balance, or light.” It can also be stated that the Sattvic diet brings about feelings of peace and tranquility.

The Sattvic diet has become known as a pure diet, because it is based upon whole and pure foods. The foundation of the Sattvic diet is fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, honey, pure juices, whole grain cereals, whole grain breads, legumes, seeds, nuts, sprouts, milk, butter, cheese, herbs, and herb teas.

Obviously, there are people who have allergic reactions to some of these foods. In this case, you should not consume them. Most common allergies would be to nuts or dairy, but allergies are serious and should never be ignored.

We also have more moderate or low-fat choices, available for dairy products, than in the past. Therefore, moderation is a key, and we should avoid over- consumption of any food - even if the choices are healthy.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher
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FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, "Yoga in Practice."
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com/
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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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Communication Skills for Yoga Teachers

2007-06-26T19:52:00.000-04:00

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

When Yoga teachers gather in a workshop to hear a lecture about communication - what is the first topic that comes to mind? Is it cueing skills, voice inflection, or when to ask a student for permission to assist? Those are important issues for anyone who teaches Yoga, but let’s take a look at many more areas that could use some work.

Communication is a two way street. How can we exchange ideas if students are made to feel “stupid” for asking questions? Granted, Yoga classes cannot operate like an open forum, if you have a lesson plan in mind, but a student who is experiencing pain should not have to feel bad for asking about it. Nor should he or she have to wait until the end of class to ask an impatient teacher about his or her pain.

Listen Empathically: When a student asks a Yoga-related question during class time, the Yoga instructor present, should listen to all of the details. There are times when a Yoga student asks questions, which are on the mind of many more classmates.

For some Yoga students, it takes a lot of courage to ask a question in a group setting. Some students ponder questions for days before asking them. Their heart rate may rise because it took courage to ask the question.

With all this said, listening is a primary communication skill. As a Yoga teacher, you are respected by your students, so do not violate a trust by bolstering your ego. The key is to listen intently, because you may have questions of your own, which will result in a deeper answer.

Who becomes a Yoga student’s best teacher during Hatha Yoga practice? His or her body, and mind, must eventually be the best Yoga teacher. If not, we have failed to give our students the gift of self-realization. To go further: Yoga students must learn to think for themselves. If they are dependent on a Yoga teacher, all the time, then our teaching method is flawed.

Why do I say this? If a student is not present for Yoga practice, we must make him or her gently aware of it. There is no need to make students dependent on us. Good students will always return to Yoga class.

Yoga must still be practiced after our students have rolled up their mats. Breathing, walking, talking, eating, posturing, and acting with mindfulness, is the sign of a Yoga practitioner. All of the amazing physical feats are nice, but any flexible Pilates student, dancer, gymnast, or martial artist, could do the same.

Who are some of the best teachers a Yoga instructor could have? The answer should not surprise you, but it is our Yoga students who create the best Yoga teacher from within us. Consider this: Random questions develop complete knowledge of any given subject.

Yoga students are full of questions, so let them ask, and you will find. Yoga students often have a “fresh view” of Yoga. We cannot easily absorb new ideas with a preconceived perspective of a given subject. Yoga students have no set of preconceived notions about Yoga

Socrates once said, “I know nothing, except the fact of my ignorance.” If he could be such a humble teacher about the subject of life, who are we to feel so comfortable with our knowledge on the subject of Yoga? Allow Yoga-related questions during class time, and everyone will be richer for the experience.

It is true that some Yoga teachers have found their niche by suppressing student thought, but this is not Yoga, and it is all about control. The sad fact is - Yoga students, who seek out abusive teacher / student relationships are magnetized to dogmatic personalities and have voluntarily chosen to be in the relationship.

These same primal behavior patterns run parallel to their relationships at home, in work, and in their social lives. This is unfortunate, but all of us have a place in this life, and some people crave the negative attention of an “alpha personality.” If you observe a wolf pack, you can see much similar behavior.

Getting back to communication skills - Yoga teachers, who masterfully explain concepts through cueing, voice inflection, demonstration, and assisting, have taken the time to practice the art of communication. Seasoned Yoga instructors are not good at what they do by accident. Time spent in front of a crowd, or a mirror, causes us to look within and communicate effectively.

Knowing the audience is a valuable skill every Yoga teacher should take the time to learn. What are the interests of your Yoga students? What parts of the lesson plan raise their level of motivation? Do you feel a stir of excitement or anticipation at certain points in your Yoga class? Even if none of them says a word, you can still read “body language.”

When students feel the beneficial aspects of your Yoga class, it is “written all over their faces.” Develop your intuition, but do not drive yourself crazy. If you are still not sure what motivates your students, it is time to ask them some tactful questions.

A sample question, about one subject, might be: “Do you see the benefit of practicing Revolved Triangle now?” If they do not give you an answer, you can list the skeletal benefits to the hips, spine, shoulders, and legs. You can list the muscles, which are strengthened and stretched.

You could also mention the particular internal organs, which are massaged and cleansed. Revolved Triangle (Parivrtta Trikonasana), like many Asanas, has many physical benefits, but it develops mental strength, as well. The student / teacher relationship is a “think tank.” Allow your students to participate completely, and the proficiency level of your entire school will be raised.

Ponder these words of Jesus: “Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” The answers to all of our questions are right in front of us, if we remember this.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

--------------------------------------------
How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher
--------------------------------------------
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, "Yoga in Practice."
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com/
--------------------------------------------
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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2007-06-02T20:19:00.000-04:00

The Purpose of Yoga: Finding Yourself

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Some people claim to find themselves after practicing Yoga faithfully - but how can this be? Yoga is an art of living. In fact, Yoga is a 5,000 year old archive of solutions for the many forms of suffering, which plague mankind.

What causes most of mankind’s suffering? A lack of “something” can cause suffering. Which is worse: Lack of food, lack of water, lack of a job, or lack of good health? All of them are bad, and some of these situations are potentially fatal.

We now know that lack of something critical can cause serious suffering. Lack of oxygen will shorten our lives in minutes.

Many people blame lack of money for all of their suffering. If they had a million dollars, then they would be able to enjoy their family and their life.

Yet, most of the world’s rich and famous do not really seem to be living in a state of bliss. For them, money and power can be the source of their suffering. True intentions in business, relationships, marriages, and friendships, can be murky when money and power are at stake.

However, lack of thought is a common thread in many types of suffering. If you fall into a lake, with water over your head, and think you are finished - you will be. If you think losing your job is the end of the world - it might be. The real problem is not having a solution to the problem at hand.

It is also very difficult to come up with solutions to problems, without the proper training. Yet, Yoga trains your mind and body for logical thinking in a variety of critical situations.

If you are able to handle any situation that “comes your way,” your mind and body have been trained, conditioned, and prepared, for most of what life has to offer. It is not a coincidence when someone responds to a stressful situation with logical solutions and answers.

Being able to react to problems, with solutions, will also help you find that a problem could be the gateway to a better life. How is that possible?

Here is just one example: Mary has a “dead end job.” She has worked for her company for three years. She never gets a raise. She shows up to work on time, every day, never takes time off, and she works overtime, when she is asked.

Mary is ethical, honest, respected by her fellow workers, and has positive suggestions, but management does not care, and they have promoted less qualified people “over her head.”
She has many choices, even if she does not see them. She could wait for her wage to go up. She could also wait for recognition. She could wait for an opening in another department. Do you believe Mary will be rewarded by waiting?

Based on the company’s performance, it is highly unlikely that Mary will ever be promoted, appreciated, noticed, or rewarded. Mary’s best solution might be to work at another company, which will appreciate her skills and work ethic - or work for herself.

This solution may seem logical to you and I, but for Mary, this is a “great leap forward.” Unless her mind is conditioned, she will stay at her present job, hoping for success, but receiving only frustration and regret.

In truth, Mary will benefit from a Yoga class, where she will find self-worth, confidence, and build a better self-image. Yoga practice will create a true self-realization of her value at work, in life, and at home.

Mary decides to react to this situation, with a logical solution, and finding the right job, results in a 15% to 70% wage increase at a company, which appreciates her skills and character.
She saw going into business as too risky, but Mary is finding herself, and her family will benefit as a result of her solution.

--------------------------------------------

How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor

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FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.

Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, "Yoga in Practice."

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

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Visit Lynda Sirianni at the New Rice Lake Yoga Blog: http://www.ricelakeyoga.blogspot.com/ in beautiful Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

2007-06-02T19:05:00.000-04:00

The Purpose of Yoga: Building Self Image

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Many times, Yoga teachers refer to the inner self or the observer from within. In a Yoga class, you may be instructed to observe without judgment, but how can we stop judging? We judge things all day long.

If you drive a car, you are judging timing, distance, and speed. In this case, judging is a matter of life and death, which concerns you, other drivers, and pedestrians. You have to judge, whether you like it or not, but you are told not to judge yourself in a Yoga class or during a meditation session.

Who do we judge the most harshly in the course of a typical day? For most of us, self-criticism is a large part of the day. We call ourselves uncomplimentary names. We do not forgive ourselves for past mistakes. We forget that we learn from mistakes and we create a negative self-image.

So how does the Yogi or Yogini get in touch with the inner being? This is a journey toward spiritual clarity, where any person can travel. Look at yourself and observe the two sides of your inner being. You can use a mirror, but I would suggest you use a piece of paper and a pen.

When training Yoga teachers, I have found that compiling lists allow them to be impartial. We can classify our traits and qualities as negative or positive, but the “big picture” is not always so clear, because some negative qualities may bring about positive results. The opposite can also be said.

Some people may talk too much, but talking has put them in a prestigious position. Other people do not speak up enough, but they have always “played it safe,” and have no worries.

Karma is not always clear to see. Which trait or path is right, and which is wrong, is not crystal clear, but when you design your list, you may want to have three categories. These categories are positive, neutral, and negative.

Neutral allows for a “gray area,” because life is not simply “black and white.” It may look that way to a child, but as a child learns more, each issue takes on more gray area.

When you classify your personal traits and qualities, you can see what you lack, and you can praise yourself for what you already have. It is most important to see what you have and appreciate it, before going after what you do not have.

When you decide to make positive changes, you may want to focus on one change at a time. Most people cannot learn to appreciate themselves overnight, but you can be thankful for your good qualities and then go after a vital trait to build your self image.

Yoga teaches us to listen from within and to appreciate what we have right now.

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How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher

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Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, "Yoga in Practice."

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

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On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com

--------------------------------------------

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul

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Visit Lynda Sirianni at the New Rice Lake Yoga Blog: http://www.ricelakeyoga.blogspot.com/ in beautiful Rice Lake, Wisconsin

2007-05-25T15:54:00.000-04:00

The Purpose of Yoga – Taking Control of Your Life

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga teaches us how to make life changes from within. Within all Yoga styles are the tools of self-realization and transformation. Once a Yoga practitioner has managed to empower him or herself, a positive direction will become the easiest path to follow.

Everyone is subject to outside pressures, even adults. There is always somebody who is willing to give you advice you did not ask for. When we are children, we think that outside pressure will stop, when we are “grown up;” we will be independent and in control of our lives.

As young adults, we soon find out that we have limited control of our lives, when there is always someone to answer to, in the form of a parent, college professor, supervisor, customer, drill sergeant, or someone else. In fact, we have limited control because we do not control nature.

How can Yoga empower you to take control of your life? How can you stop others from attempting to control your life? Let’s look at how Yoga can help you to create your own manifestations and change your destiny for the best.

Do you ever have a co-worker who enjoys making others feel inferior? Consider this: We have to give permission to those who insult us, in order for them to make us feel less worthy. Without our permission, they hold no power over us.

If you believe that your existence is a problem, mistake, or error, then you really do have troubles. Self-doubt leads to self-defeat. Yet, all is not lost - because, in this case, the trouble can be found and purged from within you.

The solution to this problem is also within you. Once you understand that you have to respect your own self-image at all times, you will manifest positive energy from within. You must forgive yourself for past mistakes, make positive changes, and never speak poorly of yourself. You will receive nothing by thinking less of yourself, and you will leave the door open for those who feel gratification in your unhappiness.

About people who want to control you: Remember the saying, “Just say, ‘No’.” Many people feel that life is not so simple, but “No” can be a powerful word, which prevents complications and trouble. You do not have to feel obligated to every request - just because somebody asks you.

This is not a “free pass” to refuse people in need, but you should use your best judgment about how you will spend your time and energy. Yogic philosophy teaches us to live in the moment, while performing acts of mindfulness, loving kindness, and forgiveness.

It is easy enough to waste time and energy, without experiencing peer pressure along the way. The correct path is universal, and your heart is your best guide.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher
--------------------------------------------
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, "Yoga in Practice."
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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2007-05-25T15:35:00.000-04:00

Patenting Yoga - A Crime against Humanity

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

What’s next; will we have to pay a toll to meditate? How can it be morally correct to gain a US patent on a 5,000 year old system founded in India? Who should have the right to claim Yoga?
What about the “cultural heritage of the Indian people?” It is obvious to see, Yoga is definitely part of the heritage of Indian culture.

Most of us believe that the theft of intellectual property is wrong, but let us combine this wrong, with theft of someone else’s cultural heritage for profit.

According to the Times of India, “The US Patent and Trademark office has reportedly issued 150 Yoga-related copyrights, 134 trademarks on Yoga accessories, and 2,315 Yoga trademarks.”

As a result, the Indian government has organized a group to gather Sanskrit and Tamil texts, which will catalog Yogic techniques and Ayurvedic medicine in multiple languages, to prevent patents of Yoga and Ayurveda. This action would make information about Yoga, and Ayurveda, more accessible to patent offices around the world.

What can happen if corporations buy up every Yoga technique? It seems silly to think about, but would we be obligated to pay royalties, or negotiate rights, to perform an Asana or Pranayama sequence?

One Yoga teacher, Bikram Choudhary, copyrighted a 26 Yoga posture (Asana) sequence, which he claimed as his own. Yet, most “hot Yoga” teachers, and hot Yoga studios, around the world, perform the same sequence, without paying him a dime. How do you police an Asana sequence?

Consider this: If you buy the patent to Brahmari Pranayama, how do you manage to keep track of who is performing it in every corner of the earth? The idea is ludicrous, and the patent is not really enforceable.

Yoga is a complex subject and some people are still trying to grasp what Yoga is. Some people think Yoga is exercise. I suppose you could patent an exercise, but it has never been a successful business strategy to patent an exercise.

Every time you trademark an exercise, another person will label it as something similar, but not the same. You cannot stop everyone in the world from doing push-ups because you bought the trademark and patent.

However, Yoga is not an exercise. Yoga is the unity of mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health, for the improvement of all mankind. Yoga is a philosophy, a science, a health maintenance system, and the “Mother of all self-improvement systems.” Yoga is just too vast a subject to try to own it.

The purchasing of Yoga patents is a lesson in futility. Should we buy patents for mantras, breathing, good posture, and eating right? Those are also valuable components of Yoga, but one component of Yoga is not all of Yoga. Yoga is composed of many parts. Maharishi Patanjali wrote that Yoga is composed of eight limbs in his Yoga Sutras.

According to Swami Ramdev, "Yoga can't be owned and run like a company. Since there are attempts to patent this tradition (of Yoga) in America, the Centre and Yoga organizations should take measures to prevent it."

He is not the only Guru who is disturbed by the patenting of Yoga. This is disturbing to most Yoga practitioners and Yoga teachers. So, what can the rest of us do about it? We can take action by writing, Emailing, and faxing our law makers.

Stop the foolishness – Say, “No,” to Yoga patents.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor
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Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, "Yoga in Practice."
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2007-05-25T15:25:00.000-04:00

Teaching Hatha Yoga: Difficult Students and Fitness Centers

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

What would you do if you had to substitute your Yoga class for an Aerobic Step class? What if one of the Step Aerobics students gave you a case of misplaced aggression because he or she was disappointed the Step Aerobics class was canceled?

If you are considering teaching Yoga in a fitness center, or health club; imagine the following situation. A Power Yoga teacher is called, by the fitness center she works for - to substitute her Power Yoga class for the regular Step Aerobics Class; this is her story.

“This morning I substituted for another fitness class and had a woman
literally scowl, once she found out that Yoga was filling in the time slot for
the Step Aerobics class. She looked at me, and said, that it wasn't against me,
but she just didn't see the point in stretching. "I can't loose weight by
stretching. I need cardio."

I told her that she might be surprised and she might see Yoga in a
different light. She replied "Not likely," and walked away from me. Though she
said it wasn't personal, I took it so.

I really thought hard about all the things I wanted to say, but found
that everything I wanted to say had a negative tone. I told this person, as she
walked away that I was not going to argue with her because I saw no point in it.

I felt hurt by her attitude, what can be said to people like this? What
can I do to let it "roll off of me?" Can you respond in love and still get the
point across?”

Let’s find some realistic solutions for this Yoga teacher.

In a nutshell: This particular health club member is full of negative energy. You are doing your job by substituting for the Step Aerobics class. She decides to take it out on you, but it is all misplaced aggression. She would have acted the same way toward anyone teaching anything, except a cardio based fitness class.

Fitness centers are doing the best they can to serve their clients, on tight budgets. This particular fitness center wants to make sure there is a class for its members, because the Step Aerobics instructor is out. This is obvious, but, this person decides to attack what you do - just to lash out at somebody.

What you did is the best thing by avoiding an argument. Showing loving kindness was wise for many reasons. Management will usually back the members, no matter how obnoxious they are.
Many Yoga instructors currently teach Yoga in, or have taught Yoga at, fitness centers, in the past. When a racquetball court is in full swing, a fitness center is not always an ideal place to teach meditation.

My advice: Design a prepared handout, which highlights the researched benefits of Power Yoga. Some fitness center clientele don't understand what Yoga is or what it can do for them.

Pass them out with a smile. If the class wants to work hard, give them their money's worth (a serious challenge). They will believe Power Yoga can get them fit, when they can see and feel it.

Those scenarios are the reasons why some Yoga teachers do not teach in fitness centers anymore. When I teach Yoga to anyone, I want to make sure the students want to be there for Yoga.

In a health club, Yoga is just part of a big fitness menu - Like ice cream on an apple pie in a restaurant. So, very few of the members see it as something special.

Lastly, you are a Yoga teacher, but you are human too. Negative people do not think much before talking, but they do upset everyone all day and every day.

You did the right thing by displaying self-restraint. Remember the saying: “You cannot please everyone all the time.”

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor
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Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, "Yoga in Practice."
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2007-05-25T15:16:00.000-04:00

Teaching Hatha Yoga: Yoga on the Ball

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Where did this ball come from? Is the stability ball a legitimate Yoga prop or just a marketing gimmick for equipment sales? Who could benefit from the use of the ball in a Yoga class? When can the stability ball fit into a Hatha Yoga class?

Where did this ball come from? Stability balls have been around since 1963, originating in Italy. The first time I saw a stability ball, we called it a, “Swiss Ball.” Yet, the “Swiss Balls,” at that time, were all made in Italy. American Physical Therapists saw the ball, in use, within physical therapy Swiss units.

As a result, the ball was “nick named” the Swiss Ball by Americans for decades. The first balls we used at Aura Wellness Center were made by Gymnic Balls in Italy. We tried many brands, but my personal ball is an old Gymnic Ball, which has taken more abuse than it deserved.

Now, these balls are commonly referred to as stability balls, exercise balls, or balance balls.

They are used in physical therapy, Pilates, Yoga, and health clubs. Many elite and professional athletes use them for coordination.

Is the stability ball a legitimate Yoga prop or just an exercise marketing gimmick for equipment sales? Any piece of equipment can be termed an exercise marketing gimmick, but the stability ball has hundreds of uses.

In Yoga, you can perform a standing warm up, Sun Salutation, seated series, prone series, table series, supine on the ball series, and supine on the floor series.

Who could benefit from the use of the ball in a Yoga class? Beginners can use the stability ball for many poses. For example: In wheel posture (Chakrasana), holding this position is not for everyone, but the stability balls, and a wall, make it possible for everyone. With a stability ball, beginner Hatha Yoga students can gain the benefits of Chakrasana for minutes.

Just this one pose is fantastic for improving elasticity of the spine and your daily posture. It is also said that this posture gently stretches the heart, pancreas, liver, and kidneys.

Yet, this posture is classified as an inversion, and may not be advisable for Yoga students with high blood pressure. Students with back problems should get their doctor’s permission and study under the guidance of a competent Yoga teacher.

When can the stability ball fit into a Hatha Yoga class? To be completely safe, you should consult a physician before entering a Yoga class where Yoga postures or Yoga exercises are practiced. The same warning applies to the use of a stability ball in any class.

With that said, Yoga ball videos are great for Yoga teachers, but can be risky for the unsupervised public. So, if you want to learn to use the stability ball in your Yoga practice, you should join a Yoga class and seek the guidance of a competent Yoga teacher.

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Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, "Yoga in Practice."

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul

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2007-05-25T15:13:00.000-04:00

The Purpose of Yoga – Peacefully Co-existing with Others

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga has always contained ethical guidelines and methods for people to co-exist in harmony. The Yamas and Niyamas have changed a little over time, but the guidelines are there to keep humankind in place.

How often do you hear the following statements? “Relationships are not what they used to be.” “Dating is different nowadays.” “Nobody wants to make a commitment any more.”

Consider these words, “Children nowadays are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food, and tyrannize their teachers.” Does it sound like a 21st century problem? Guess who said those words? The answer is Socrates!

People have not really changed much over that past 2,000 years. The birth place of Yoga is India, which was, and is, heavily populated with people. It is said that in ancient times, the soil of the Indus River Valley was rich and produced heavily.

Yet, you must realize that crowds of people who live in the cities tend to be stressed. Stress is not something new to humankind and Yoga is the best answer for a holistic approach to life. Cities, all around the world, and in general, have stressed populations in comparison to the countryside.

Mohandas Gandhi once said, “Interdependence is and ought to be as much the ideal of man as self-sufficiency. Man is a social being.”

His words are true, but what is the Yogic formula for peaceful co-existence? The following are some of Yoga’s solutions for peaceful co-existence between all people and all societies.

Rules: Since the beginning, man has needed them. Every culture has them, because ethical guidelines for all, do establish mutual respect within families, organizations, and governments. The Yamas and Niyamas do not conflict with any religion or government.

Communication: When you combine mutual respect with communication, you display loving kindness. This has always been in short supply. Karma Yoga teaches you to give, but respect, courtesy, and showing appreciation to others, cost you nothing.

All you have to invest is time and take action. The positive results of your efforts will come back thousands of times. Every time mankind has “peace talks,” a little progress is made.

Tolerance: Unfortunately, there has always been a shortage of tolerance. Human beings have made a habit of killing the Enlightened, the Prophets, and the Saints. Use your best judgment and listen to your heart.

Except for self-defense - you know in your heart intolerance, and killing, for any reason, are morally wrong. Think upon this: If a Holy Man tells you to oppress or kill the innocent, he is not a Holy Man.

God does not discriminate, and God loves you, so do not listen to anyone who tells you to commit crimes “In the Name of God.”

Forgive: Start with forgiving yourself first. This is a very big step, but forgive others next; otherwise, you will become a prisoner to hate - and worse.

Pray: Talk to God and you will not be disappointed. Open your heart and your mind to God in prayer and meditation. Bhakti Yoga is the Yoga of devotion to God, which is no small matter.

Since the beginning, ancient man has struggled to define the creator of the universe. Thousands of years later, mankind is still struggling to define the creator of the universe. We have only our collective intelligence to define such power, so we are “handicapped.”

Yet, all religions and Yoga, teach us to peacefully co-exist with others.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor
--------------------------------------------
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, "Yoga in Practice."
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
http://www.riyoga.com
--------------------------------------------
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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2007-05-25T15:05:00.000-04:00

The Purpose of Yoga – Motivation for Better Health

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga, in all of its forms, creates positive energy. Positive energy will cause you to become successful, and live a life where powerful visions become reality. Your complete health will improve exponentially, as a result of regular Yoga practice.

Yoga has so many good health aspects for a person to benefit from. Yet, some people see it only as a “workout,” and as a result, Yoga has become classified, in the west, as an exercise. Although Hatha, Kundalini, and Raja Yoga contain many breathing exercises (Pranayama) and postures (Asanas); Yoga is not merely another physical exercise system.

Hatha Yoga is the most popular form of Yoga outside India. Hatha Yoga is also known as the unity of mind, body, and spirit, through physical mastery. The initial results of regimented Hatha Yoga practice are physical fitness, motivation, clear thought, and increased energy.

There are many more benefits from long-term Hatha Yoga practice. If I could make a “Hatha Yoga Pill,” I would be a billionaire! When some people hear the words, “physical fitness,” they think of torture, so they avoid Yoga of any kind.

Yet, the masses will gladly spend billions of dollars on ineffective over the counter drugs, fad diet products, ineffective exercise gadgets, and life endangering pills, to try to manage their body weight.
So, a Hatha Yoga pill, with no side effects, would “sell like hot cakes.”

However, the Hatha Yoga pill is only part of my imagination and the dream of “couch potatoes.” Yet, couch potatoes do not have to worry because Yoga is not physical fitness, but it is complete health on the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional planes of existence.

The benefit of motivation from Yoga practice is what makes Yoga so different from all other health maintenance systems. Yoga can become a lifestyle because there is no torture.

Why do most diets fail? Why do most exercisers quit? Lack of motivation is the reason for diet and exercise failure. People already know they should eat better, walk more, exercise, and drink more water, but they need to maintain their level of motivation, without “burning out.”

In Yoga practice, positive energy is all around the classroom. Positive energy creates motivation and creates powerful visions of success. The next step is to believe the powerful visions of success, which you see.

Some people have a fear of success. Maybe they inherently feel a lack of self-worth, but Yoga also works on improving this aspect of life. It is normal for people to feel apprehensive about change, but change is often one of the gateways to success.

Lastly, regular Hatha Yoga practice will lower stress levels, allowing you to sleep better, and feel energized the next morning. No wonder Yoga teachers and students are so full of motivation.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

--------------------------------------------
How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor
--------------------------------------------
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, "Yoga in Practice."
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
--------------------------------------------
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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What Is Pranayama - It Is Much More Than You Think!

2007-05-07T06:31:00.000-04:00

By Marcello Oliveira

PRÁNÁYÁMA

Expansion of Bio-energy through respirationPrána means bio-energy; ayáma, expansion, breadth, intensity, elevation. Pránáyáma designates techniques that are always of a respiratory nature and conduct to the intensification or expansion of prána in the body.

Prána is the general name that Yôga assigns any type of energy that is manifested biologically. In theory, prána is energy of a solar origin, but also possibly manifested after metabolization, that is, indirectly, when absorbed by air, water or food. Prána, of a generic kind, can be divided into five more specific types of prána: prána, apána, udána, samána and vyána. These can each be further divided into various subpránas.

Prána is visible. On any sunny day, execute pránáyáma and fix your eyes on the blue of the sky. Wait. When your vision adjusts itself, you will begin to see myriads of incredibly dynamic and brilliant minute points that glimmer, making their rapid circular and sinuous movements evident. When executing your respiratory exercises, mentalize that you are absorbing such image of energy.

The yôgi respiration should always be nasal, silent and complete, except when instructed otherwise. It should be executed with the full participation of the abdominal, intercostal and thoracic musculature, which promotes a more effective use of one’s lung capacity.

When breathing must be executed through the mouth, be it inspiration or expiration, or, when it must produce some noise, this will be explicit in the description of the exercise. Therefore, from now on, it should be clear that when instructed to execute pránáyáma that is not nasal, silent or complete, they are to be treated as exceptions.

Phases of the respiration

The phases of respiration have the following names:

• inspiration - púraka;
• retention of air - kúmbhaka;
• expiration - rêchaka;
• retention without air - shúnyaka.

PÚRAKA

Every time you breathe in, mentalize that you are absorbing the prána that is suspended in the air. Visualize the prána. Try to feel the intense joy in the act of breathing in this vitality, much like when you are sampling an exquisite food.

KÚMBHAKA

When retaining air, avoid holding your breath for an excessive amount of time to avoid causing anxiety or cardiac palpitations. Your progress should be gradual in order to be healthy. The retention of air in the lungs is easier and more comfortable if the practitioner does not fill the chest too much. The lungs should only be filled to their maximum when the pránáyáma’s objective is to raise the capacity of the lungs. When this is the case, the pránáyáma requires little to no retention of air.

Dizziness may occur when the practitioner is a beginner or when a practitioner executes many pránáyámas. This is natural due to the hyper-oxygenation of the blood. In theory, it is nothing to worry about as long as the health of the practitioner is normal. During ásanas, dizziness may also occur for the same reason, especially in the bhujangásana.

However normal as it may seem, it is always recommendable that one consults their teacher to know if it isn’t due to incorrect execution, which may come to have undesirable consequences. Techniques that include the retention of air or rhythm require the accompaniment of a teacher that has a formal degree from our institution.

In addition, it must be remembered that those pránáyámas with long retentions of air are not exempt of risks and require the orientation of a teacher who has reached the degree of Master in addition to the perfect health of the practitioner.

RÊCHAKA

Many teachers tell practitioners to mentalize their illnesses, problems, vices, defects and “everything that they have that is bad,” being expelled along with the air that is exhaled.

Personally, I don’t like this mentalization because it carries with it the suggestion that you have “bad things” within you. And, even worse, it demonstrates that it accepts to pollute the environment where one practices Yôga, excreting such undesirable vibrations, leaving them there for others to eventually contract. The place where you practice should be clean not only on the physical plane, but also on all other planes. Therefore, when exhaling, mentalize that you are exhaling the best of what you have within you, out into the universe: health, happiness, affection, companionship and everything that you can remember that is positive.

SHÚNYAKA

The prolonged shúnyaka (like a very long kúmbhaka) produces the intoxication from carbon dioxide, which can help the chitta vritti nirôdhah (Yôga Sútra, chapter 1, sútra 2), however, it should be practiced with great care and always under the direct supervision of a Master. In theory, it should never be executed with only the guidance of a book.

Article writen by Marcello Oliveira, Instructor of SwáSthya, The Ancient Yôga and member of The International University of Yôga.

http://ancientyoga.blogspot.com/

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Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes - May Schedule
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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of Attleboro,

Below is our May 2007 - Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga *
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga

Tuesday Night Yoga Classes will become a featured class of the month.

Starting June 5, 2007, Vinyasa will change to Introduction to Yoga on the Ball.

This class will focus on firming the mid-section, toning the body, enhanced coordination, and improving balance.

Regular Classes (for Yoga & Pilates students) at Aura Wellness Center will be closed for the first two weeks of July 2007.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St. Suite 202
Attleboro, MA 02703
USA

Phone: 508-222-0092

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Attleboro Yoga Lessons: http://www.riyoga.com
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2007-05-06T20:34:00.000-04:00

Office Yoga: Corporate Yoga for the Office

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Could Yoga increase office productivity? Can Yoga teachers help the corporate sector? What can Office Yoga programs do for large and small businesses? Let’s look at solutions that Yoga can offer to the business world.

The number of office workers has increased, with the invention of the personal computer. Working excessive hours in front of a personal computer can create a multitude of back, neck, shoulder, spine, hip, and wrist problems. Muscle groups, in all of these areas, respond with tension and a variety of long-term problems - if they are ignored by office workers and management.

Forty years ago, secretaries would have been patronized for their migraines, cluster headaches, back pain, hip problems, and sore necks. Now, times are changing, and there has been much progress with ergonomics and studies which reveal new insights about the relationship of prolonged sitting to specific health problems.

A recent study, by The Medical Research Institute, in New Zealand, has revealed that office workers may be at a higher risk of developing blood clots. As most of us know, these studies are worded very tactfully, and do not jump to conclusions; however, anyone who understands body mechanics would realize that this makes perfect sense.

With that said, let’s remember that blood clots can be potentially fatal as they travel to the heart and vital organs. Blood clots can, and do, cause stroke, chest pain, and heart attack.

With larger numbers of office workers putting in extra hours of work, some “forward thinking” companies have begun to respond with office Yoga programs for their employees. Even short Office Yoga sessions can release muscle tension and alleviate the routine pains and aches, which result from prolonged sitting.

Therefore, companies, which take pro-active measures, by installing Office Yoga programs, are taking positive action toward health solutions for employees – thus, increasing productivity, while decreasing sick time, tardiness, and medical leave.

Office Yoga creates an atmosphere of decreased anxiety, less stress, positive thinking, and raises morale. Nothing is more rewarding than feeling worthy and being treated with respect. Any small company can take such action by installing an Office Yoga program.

Some companies pay a percentage for a Yoga teacher to operate an Office Yoga class, while employees pay the balance. Other companies see this as a “win-win” situation and pay for the Yoga classes in full. Regardless of how an Office Yoga program is paid for, the benefits for the corporate sector are just starting to be realized.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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