Yoga Enriching Your Mind, Body and Soul

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2006-10-25T23:34:00.000-07:00

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Using Yoga to Manage ADD

2006-07-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Exercise is a powerful tool for ADD management. Medical professionals
recommend that adults get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise
(such as running or biking) 3-5 times per week to improve their
general health. For ADDers, this type of exercise is particularly
beneficial, because it may balance production of neurotransmitters
and reduce stress levels. Another form of exercise that ADDers are
finding valuable is yoga. When practiced regularly, yoga offers
numerous health benefits, such as increased strength and flexibility,
and decreased blood pressure and cholesterol
levels. However, the greater benefits of yoga are arguably the
psychological ones. Yoga combines physical activity with self-
awareness, which promotes a mind-body connection that many ADDers
lack.

When ADDers report challenges with impulsivity and hyperactivity,
they often describe feeling like they don't have control over their
own bodies. They find themselves speaking before thinking their
thoughts through, and often regret their words. They constantly
fidget, unaware that their bubbling energy can be disruptive to
others in work and social situations. And they feel as if they simply
cannot stop the whirlwind of thoughts spinning in their heads.

Yoga can help ADDers learn how to forge a mind-body connection that
promotes self-awareness and self-control. Yoga practitioners are
taught deep breathing and relaxation techniques that help center the
mind in the present moment. Practitioners are also guided into
holding different postures, called asanas. Each asana is held for an
extended period of time, as the practitioner focuses on holding the
best posture that they can, while breathing calmly and deeply. The
asanas promote stretching, strengthening, and balancing, as the deep
breathing promotes relaxation and
mental awareness.

It is important to remember that yoga is not meant to be stressful or
taxing on the body. People should be encouraged to concentrate only
on themselves and not the others in the class, and to do only what
feels comfortable. A practitioner should never feel pressured to
perform. If an ADDer finds him/herself at a yoga class that moves too
quickly, or focuses heavily on strength training, they will not reap
the
intended benefits, and may find themselves overwhelmed. The best
place to find yoga instruction is at a yoga center, where the
instructors practice yoga as a way of life, and teach both the
physical and psychological components.

Yoga can help ADDers feel calm, centered, in control, and in touch
with their bodies. Practiced regularly, ADDers will find that yoga is
a powerful mental and physical refresher that they can retreat to
when feeling out of control or overwhelmed.

About the Author:
Jennifer Koretsky is a Professional ADD Management Coach who helps
adults manage their ADD and move forward in life. She encourages
clients to increase self-awareness, focus on strengths and talents,
and create realistic action plans. She offers a 90-day intensive
skill-building program, workshops, and private coaching. Her work has
been featured in numerous media, including The New York Times
Magazine and The Times (UK). To subscribe to Jennifer's free email
newsletter, The ADD Management Guide, please visit
http://www.addmanagement.com/e-newsletter.htm

Yoga Creates A Balance Between The Body, Mind and Soul

2006-04-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

Yoga is an ancient science that aims to create a balance
between the body, mind and soul, thereby curing physical mental
and spiritual disorders that are caused by this imbalance. In
common language, yoga means union; it’s a union of the
individual consciousness with the super-consciousness. To be
exact, yoga aims at reminding the individual of this union that
already exists and has merely been forgotten. To put it simply,
yoga is experiencing and knowing what already exists, not
inventing anything new.

At the physical level, yoga can create a balance and harmony
among the various organs and systems of the body, allowing the
healing powers inherent in the body to work and cure physical
ailments. At the mental level, yoga is the harmony between
mind, heart and hands or between thought, speech and action. At
the spiritual level, yoga aims to destroy the individual ego
that stands between the individual and the cosmos, thus
attaining to the ultimate truth.

Yoga is basically a set of systematically devised physical
exercises that lay emphasis on balance and posture. Combined
with breathing exercises they have the capacity to cure almost
any ailment of the body and mind. The underlying concept of
yoga is to create the situation in which the human body can
function at its optimum capacity.

Yoga Asanas or positions are simple and effective body
movements that massage the muscles lubricate the joints and
tone the whole body. Yoga postures help to keep the body
healthy and the mind peaceful. Asanas exercise the nerves,
glands, ligaments, and muscles. These exercises increase
flexibility and balance in the body.

Yoga poses refer to the sequence of exercises which is
extremely important to get the best results. They are
scientifically graded to move from the simple to the complex,
to cure the body first and then move on to mental and spiritual
goals.

Though it is best to begin yoga practice under the guidance of
a trained yoga teacher, you can now learn to do these exercises
at home with the help of videos and yoga software. Once you have
learned the basic exercises you can make it a part of your daily
routine. It’s best to fix a time and place for doing yoga so
that you can be regular and reap rich benefits from it. After
some time you will see a sea change in yourself. Your body will
become shapely, attractive and healthy; you will have a positive
attitude and your worldview on life will become beautiful. You
will feel blessed!

About The Author: Visit our site Online Yoga Source
http://www.online-yoga-source.com

Is Yoga For You?

2006-04-14T23:07:00.000-07:00

Yoga is the most popular and fast growing exercise trend of
all. Over the last few years this form has really taken off and
more and more people are choosing it among all other forms of
exercise. Yoga is healthy and it is fun. Your entire body will
get a total workout and a great stretch when you use yoga each
day.

If you are ready to take your life in a whole new direction,
one that is healthy and well balanced then toga is probably for
you. There are enough different kinds of yoga out there for you
to try that you are sure to find one that suits both your
fitness level and your pain tolerance.

There is an idea floating around among the populace that yoga
is a painful experience. This is simply not the case. Yoga, if
done correctly, can stretch your muscles but not hurt them.
There are different forms so that everyone can find just the
right kind of yoga for them. The best way to get involved in
this fabulous exercise regime is to try a few different kinds.
Start slow and do not push yourself too hard. That is how so
many people get hurt.

Yoga helps to exercise not only your body but your mind as
well. This is a spiritual exercise that will do wonders for
your state of mind. You will find yourself much less stressed
and more and more relaxed the more you do yoga. Everyone
deserves to feel good and strong and that is exactly what yoga
is going to do for you. It is like a natural fountain of youth.
In no time people will be asking you if you got some work done,
because you look so great!

If you are ready to finally get on track as far as your health
is concerned then give yoga a shot and see what a difference it
can make to your life.

About The Author: Dana Goldberg is the owner of Fitness Tip
Blog. On her website you will find nutrition, health, diet and
fitness tips, information, support, advice for all ages.
http://www.fitnesstipsblog.com

Yoga and Meditation Meets Science - Anatomy of Yoga

2006-03-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

Everyone learns differently, learning about yoga and meditation is no
different. Some people try out yoga because their friends are trying
it - word-of-mouth is enough to get them started.

Others choose to start yoga and meditation driven mainly by a health
scare, or a chronic health condition such as back pain, arthritis -
even temporary conditions such as weight loss and pregnancy can
benefit from yoga and meditation.

Then, there are those (and I happen to fall into this camp) who like
to understand WHY something works. Not necessarily a scientist, but
we would like to know enough about the premise of yoga and meditation
to be able to satisfy our own minds and more important, any skeptics
out there, why yoga and meditation has an impact on your mind and
body.

I just finished reading "Anatomy of Hatha Yoga" by H David Coulter,
and let me say, this was a perfect level of explanation and detail
that helps me to better understand (in lay man's terms) how the
various aspects of yoga impact our bodies.

One of the most common problems I've experienced is tight shoulders
or shoulder "kinks" and stiff necks. Early on, it became obvious
that yoga and meditation helped tremendously with this chronic 20+
year-old problem.

Yoga helps back, shoulder and neck pain in two main ways: reducing
stress leading to chemical build-up in your muscles and joints and
stretches that keep muscles loose and limber. A combinaton of
meditation, breathing and yoga asanas that focus on upper body
stretching are extremely effective in reducing this pain.

Its a great book worthy of anyone who is still skeptical or simply
just interested in a psuedo medical explanation of how yoga impacts
your body.

Yoga and Meditation is taking the world by storm. Here's a surefire
way to beat the stress, anxiety, negativity and overwhelmed feeling
most of us experience in today's life. Visit us at:
http://www.yogasuccess.com to learn how Yoga and Meditation can
help you live happier, healthier with more energy

Paths Of Yoga I

2006-01-31T18:43:00.000-08:00

By: Alma De La Cruz

With dozens of Hollywood celebrities following in their Guru's lotus footsteps and the sick Western commercial behaviour exploding Yogas popularity to a system that simply enhances people's health, Yoga remains a system of spiritual unity of mind, body and soul among millions of Indians and many others from Eastern beliefs, as it has been for over five thousand years. As a result, some forms of yoga have gained significant popularity outside India, particularly in the West during the past century.

Yoga is a form of mysticism that developed on the Indian subcontinent in the Hindu cultural context. The origins of Yoga are difficult to track due to the lack of recorded testimony. One of the closest meanings of Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" which it is generally translated as "union" or "integration" of the individual soul with the cosmos, or higher self.

Since the goal of Yoga dwells above any bodily consciousness, it has both a philosophical and a practical dimension to achieve that ideal state. On one hand, the philosophy of yoga manages the relation of both the individual soul and the cosmos. This universal philophy enjoins the practitioner to pursue his or her own path to enlightenment. And on the other hand, its practice can be any exercise or activity that approaches the yoga practitioner to self-realization.

Four Paths of Yoga

Special practical yoga techniques have been developed by experts in yoga. Traditionally, they have been classified into four categories or paths: the path of meditation (Raja Yoga), the path of devotion (Bhakti Yoga), the path of selfless service to the Divine (Karma Yoga), and the path of intellectual analysis or the discrimination of truth and reality (Jnana Yoga).

These Yoga techniques cover a broad range, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual activities.

Raja Yoga involves psycho-physical meditational techniques to attain experience of the truth and finally achieve liberation described in Hindu thought to be moksha. The basis of ashtanga yoga is the Yoga sutras (Sanskrit Verses) of Patanjali. We will consider the different aspects of yoga while remaining under the guiding principles of Patanjali's Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga). Raja Yoga is a comprehensive yoga system which deals with the refinement of human behavior and personality through the practice the Yama (restraint) and Niyama (disciplines); attainment of physical health and vitality through Asana (postures) and Pranayama (pranic breathing techniques); management of mental and emotional conflicts and development of awareness and concentration through Pratyahara (sensory withdrawal) and Dharana (concentration); and developing the creative aspect of consciousness for transcendental awareness through Dhyan (meditation) & Samadhi (absorption in the universal identity).

Bhakti Yoga is the Hindu term for the spiritual practice of fostering of loving devotion to God, called Bhakti. Traditionally there are 9 forms of bhakti yoga.
Sravana (hearing of God\'s Lilas and stories), Kirtana (singing of His glories), Smarana (remembrance of His name and presence), Padasevana (service of His feet), Archana (worship of God), Vandana (prostration to Lord), Dasya (cultivating the Bhava of a servant with God), Sakhya (cultivation of the friend-Bhava) and Atmanivedana (complete surrender of the self). The nine modes of Bhakti are the ways in which a devotee attains the Supreme Ideal of life. A devotee can take up any of these paths and reach the highest state. The path of Bhakti is the easiest of all and is not very much against the nature of human inclinations.

Karma Yoga focuses on the adherence to duty (dharma) while remaining detached from the reward. Karma means to do, action, including those acts done by the individual from birth to death. "Karma Yoga is the selfless devotion of all inner as well as the outer activities as a Sacrifice to the Lord of all works, offered to the eternal as Master of all the soul?s energies and austerities," the Bhagavad Gita says. Following the practice of Karma yoga, an individual becomes true spiritual seeker and realizes his true nature as Atman and he lives in this world, works for this world and still stays untouched from the grossness of the mundane pleasures, thus doing immense good to the society while on his path to salvation and spiritual freedom.

The Swami Sivananda Yoga Venanda Center sums up karma yoga into five actions:

Right Attitude
It's not what you do that counts, it?s the attitude while doing it that determines if a job is a karma yoga job, i.e. a liberating job, or a binding job.

Right Motive
Same as attitude. It is not what you do that counts but your real motive behind it.

Do your duty. Give your best. Give results.

Jnana Yoga. This is the most difficult path, requiring tremendous strength of will and intellect. Taking the philosophy of Vedanta the Jnana Yogi uses his mind to inquire into its own nature. We perceive the space inside and outside a glass as different, just as we see ourselves as separate from God.

Jnana Yoga leads the devotee to experience his unity with God directly by breaking the glass, dissolving the veils of ignorance. Before practicing Jnana Yoga, the aspirant needs to have integrated the lessons of the other yogic paths - for without selflessness and love of God, strength of body and mind, the search for self-realization can become mere idle speculation.

Jnana yoga teaches that there are four means to salvation:

Viveka - Discrimination: The ability to differentiate between what is real/eternal (Brahman) and what is unreal/temporary (everything else in the universe.)

Vairagya - Dispassion: After practice one should be able to "detach" themself from everything that is "temporary."

Shad-sampat - The 6 Virtues: Tranquility (control of the mind), Dama (control of the senses), Uparati (renunciation of activities that are not duties), Titiksha (endurance), Shraddha (faith), Samadhana (perfect concentration).

Mumukshutva - Intense longing for liberation from temporal limitations.

About the Author: Alma De la Cruz is a staff mystic employed by http://www.psychicrealm.com Check out her bi weekly metaphysical column http://www.newagenotebook.com

Branches Of Yoga

2005-12-19T21:31:00.000-08:00

Yoga is a discipline with a history of over two thousands
years, which is why it has greatly developed over the centuries
resulting in a variety of yoga practices and branches.

Each yoga branch is developed to serve different needs and
purposes, but, as a general rule, they all serve the purpose of
harmonizing and identifying the equilibrium between body and
mind. In what follows, we are going to take a closer look at
different yoga branches.

* If you are interested in increasing your well-being state,
you should direct yourself to the practice of hatha yoga, which
is considered to be one of the primary forms of modern physical
therapy. Apart from meditation, which is the common practice
for all yoga branches, hatha yoga teaches you a series of
important postures (known in yoga terminology under the name of
asanas) and breathing exercises (entitled pranayamas).

* Another common and highly appreciated branch of yoga is the
karma yoga, which promotes the principle according to which
everything that happens to us in our present existence is a
direct consequence of our previous actions. As a result, karma
yoga encourages its practitioners to try to eliminate all the
negativism and the selfishness from their present, in order to
avoid having to deal with them in the future. Actually, karma
yoga should be practiced everyday, including when being at
work, and activities carried out with the precise goal of
helping other people, such as Peace Corps, can be easily
associated with the karma yoga path.

* Another branch of yoga, which, this time, places a great
accent on the meditation, is the raja yoga. Known also under
the name of classical yoga, raja yoga is a more complex form of
training, which is why it typically starts with hatha yoga, in
order to prepare the body for more advanced training stages.
Studies have demonstrated that the persons attracted by this
form of yoga are, as in general, more introspective people,
interested in profound meditation. Moreover, various religious
groups devote themselves to this yoga path, which is close to a
monastic or contemplative lifestyle.

* Jnana yoga is a branch of yoga directed mainly to the
scholars and it implies a development of the intellect through
the study of yoga tradition scripts and texts. It is also known
to be the yoga of the yoga of the heart and wisdom. Although it
is described as the most difficult of all yoga practices, jnana
yoga is also one of the most direct and challenging paths.

* Another popular yoga branch, which promotes and sustains the
idea of devotion, is the bhakti yoga. The main message
transmitted by this yoga path is that there is something divine
in any form of creation. Thus, it is important to tolerate,
accept and respect any forms of life we come in close contact
with.

These are, without any doubt, only a few of the various yoga
branches or paths, but, nevertheless, the important thing is
that anyone can find a yoga practice, which is able to promptly
suit his or her needs of finding the inner equilibrium and
peace.

About The Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a yoga enthusiast and
teacher from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.onlineyoga411.com/
for more information on all styles of yoga and yoga and
spirituality resources.

Eating Disorders And The Use Of Yoga In Prevention And Treatment

2005-11-22T18:16:00.000-08:00

It was not so long ago that eating disorders, such as bolimia and anorexia, were thought to be purely the result of mental conditions. More recently, though, some physical factors have been attributed to these conditions. It is now thought that eating disorders can be triggered by a multitude of factors, in combination, including those of a psychological, behavioural, social, or biological nature.

How Can Yoga Help With Eating Disorders

As with many conditions, eating orders can better be dealt with through a calm and focused mind. Depression and low self esteem are problems often associated with eating disorders, and Yoga can help with both.

It has been proven that Yoga can reduce depression, restoring a state of balance and well being in the individual. Also, there are different yoga practices which encourage heightened levels of self esteem, and promote a positive view of your own body. These are crucial factors with eating disorders, and it has been shown that the application of yoga can significantly increase recuperation and healing. Through the elimination of self judgment, yoga establishes a strong connection between mind and body. This, of course, is the natural state of wellness. By re-establishing this strong connection, mind and body will work in harmony to repair the damage.

Regular yoga practice will increase the overall fitness level of the human body, improving the immune system and giving it a good chance of fighting illnesses. This is helpful with Anorexia, for example, because the sufferer's body will experience lower energy levels, and the condition reduces bone density.

In dealing with eating disorders, the yogic system identifies them as a problem related to the first chakra. There are different yoga poses that can be used to balance it: eg. staff, crab, full wind, and pigeon. By using grounding postures (eg mountain, goddess, standing squat and prayer squat) strength and courage can be increased. What these postures do is to re-establish the strong mind-body connections, and through that connection help overcome many physical obstacles. For anorexia sufferers, most of the yoga back bending poses help reduce depression, while forward bends can calm the spirit and reduce anorexia's effects.

Because the mental state has an important role in eating disorders, meditation can be used successfully to reduce negative and harmful thoughts and feelings. An active, well targeted, meditation practice should prove to be very effective. The yoga poses work best when external factors are shut out, and concentration is allowed to focus on your inner self. Giving special attention to breathing, and also to inner sensations, will transport you to a state of greater awareness and calmness. This new state will allow you to go on further to explore new concepts, and hopefully pursue new goals that may have been impossible before.

As with many medical conditions, being aware of the bulimia or anorexia problem, and showing a constant and strong desire to defeat it, is a great method to reduce their effect. It is likely that an early adoption of yoga practices would make the patient more aware of the problem, thus making a positive contribution to an early cure. However, these yoga techniques are more usually used in the recuperative stages of the illness. That is a pity because, as with all illnesses in which it can be beneficial, yoga works best in the prevention stage, when the negative effects are still low and easier to over come.

About the Author: Roy Thomsitt is the owner and part author of http://www.routes-to-self-improvement.com

Which Yoga Mat Is The Right One For Me?

2005-11-16T15:20:00.000-08:00

If you are just starting out with yoga, you already know that there are a number of different pieces of equipment that you may need and the yoga mat is one of them. But, how can you choose one that is right for you? There are several things to help you make that decision and knowing a little about each yoga mat will help you to make the right choice.

The most common type of yoga mat is the sticky mat. These mats are very thin and offer a little padding. This is the traditional type of mat. There are now those that have more padding and allow for a better feel being produced. What is important is to realize the point behind having a yoga mat at all. They do several things for you. First, they can help to brace you so that you do not slip and fall when you are in one stance or the next. They can also help to provide even a small bit of padding to the knees, the hips, and the back.

Here are some of the various types of yoga mats and what they can do for you.

The Meditation Mat: This mat is usually purchased with a pillow that goes with it. The combination offers for a better sitting meditation posture. It conforms to your body’s shape while allowing you to sit properly.

Universal Style Yoga Mat: This yoga mat is one of the most basic. It has a light texture to it and a high tack surface that will allow the hands to melts into it during poses.

Deluxe Yoga Mats: These are highly textured. They often are made of high tack foam surfaces and offer a better grip all around.

For those that are a beginner, a beginner yoga mat can be quite important. These are vinyl and have a sponge foam texture to them.

Others: There are also those yoga mats that can do excellent things for you. For example, some are thicker and denser than others. Some will absorb perspiration. Some are just tougher.

In order to know which yoga mat you should purchase, you will want to consider what you plan to do with it, your level and need for comfort while doing that and what budget you have. You can always ask your yoga instructor about which mats are appropriate for the type of yoga you will be doing.

Mike Singh is a successful webmaster and publisher of http://www.yoga-made-ez.com He provides more yoga health benefits and yoga sequences for your convenience.

Stress, Anxiety and Depression - What is the difference?

2005-11-12T16:17:00.000-08:00

Copyright 2005 Anne Wolski

Looking after your feelings and emotions is as important as
taking care of your body. Most of us take care of our
physical health far better than our feelings.

Stress is a normal reaction to what is happening in your
life, and it can be caused by good, as well as bad events.
A little bit of stress isn't always a bad thing; but being
over-stressed may cause a range of health problems
including headaches, upset stomach, high blood pressure -
even strokes and heart disease.

The changes that commonly follow a traumatic event can
affect your emotional wellbeing and your ability to cope.
If stress is disrupting your life in a bad way, it may be
time to learn new coping skills or to get extra help.

Anxiety is a normal feeling that everyone experiences in
day-to-day life. I can develop more strongly when faced
with something uncertain, difficult, embarrassing or
stressful. Anxiety feelings can range from being mild or
moderate to severe, and can bring on extreme physical
symptoms.

If your feelings of anxiety are causing disruption in your
daily life, you may have a more severe form of anxiety
called an anxiety disorder. If this is the case, you need
to seek professional help.

Depression is a common illness like diabetes or arthritis.
Many people suffer from depression at some stage of their
life and it can occur at any age.

A lot of people use the word ‘depression’ to describe
feelings of sadness and loss. These feelings often pass
within a few hours or a few days. During this time, people
are able to carry on much as usual. However, if you feel
sad much more intensely and for longer and your feelings
start to interfere with your work, social life and family
life, you may need to seek professional advice.

There are a number of symptoms of depression and it’s very
rare for all symptoms to occur in one person all at once.
You might feel it come on slowly, from sometimes feeling
blue to deeper feelings more often. It is hard to accept
that symptoms like sleeping badly or feeling worthless are
depression. After all, don’t we all feel that way
sometimes? That’s the key – sometimes. It’s not normal to
feel that way for a long time.

There are a variety of treatments for stress, anxiety and
depression available to assist you in getting through the
physical and emotional issues.

To live your life as you want, and be able to give to your
family, friends and work – it’s important to look after
yourself. Don’t be frightened to ask for help if you need
it. We all need someone to talk to at some stage of our
life.

About the Author:

Anne Wolski has worked within the health and welfare
industry for more than 30 years. Go to
http://www.magnetic-health-online.com to see many wonderful
health articles, many of them written by doctors and others
who have been involved in the health industry for many
years.

Yoga As An Aid To Weight Loss

2005-10-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

Yoga is wonderful for nurturing a state of mental and physical well being . It promotes a balanced and healthy lifestyle, and yoga techniques can be applied also to removing excess weight, thus bringing you an extra benefit, that is if being overweight is a problem to you.

Practicing yoga will increase your metabolism. An increased metabolism leads to an increase in the calorie burning process, so combining yoga with a calorie burning program may bring you excellent results. Of course, the use of yoga is no rapid weight loss method. Used over a period of time, though, it can bring good results. If you keep to the rigours imposed by yoga discipline, you should gain a holistic, long term solution to balance your life style and help you reduce and prevent any surplus weight. In addition to losing weight, you will also experience an increased ability to concentrate and focus, higher resistance to stress factors, and overall a healthier way of life.

Let me just explain a little more about how yoga will benefit you. Your metabolism is regulated by the thyroid, a component of the endocrine system. The thyroid is responsible for the chemical processes in your body that transform food into energy. Yoga uses a series of twisting poses that stimulate the work flow of the internal organs, thus boosting metabolism. This in turn burns more calories, and reduces your body weight. Improved local blood circulation is another direct effect of the use of yoga postures, which leads to a healthier, more energetic body. When the calorie intake is lower than the calorie output, your body will start burning fat cells to acquire the necessary energy. A perfectly healthy and strong metabolism takes this process even further, and you may well see better results than traditional weight loss formulas.

To stimulate metabolism, various back bends and forward bends are used. Poses that affect the neck area, where the thyroid gland is situated, are particularly helpful if the weight problem is caused by a hormonal imbalance. These poses can be those of the camel, rabbit, plow, bridge and shoulder stand. Moving quickly between a series of poses can accelerate the process. To those who are well overweight, some of the bends may prove to be a difficult. If you fall into that category, don't despair. You should gradually increase the difficulty of the postures until you have the confidence to go to more complex exercises. This is not a test or a competition; you need to be relaxed and at ease, and just do what you can. Each time, you will probably find it that much easier, and you can do a little more.

To strengthen muscles, you use standing poses, such as the warrior. The use of standing poses will aid a higher level of endurance, and an increased caloric output. You may energize the body and increase your metabolism even more by using Kapalabhati and Ujjayi Pranayama.

A good diet should also be followed to support this holistic weight loss system. You should try to eat foods that are rich in fibre, vegetables, fruit, whole grains, while eating less high fat and processed food items. Balance is essential in all matters concerning your diet. variety is good, as is modest consumption.

A gradual approach is essential with all yoga practices. Do not expect results to be spectacular and immediate, but this is one of the best long term weight loss methods available. In addition to weight loss, you can also benefit from an increased protection against adverse factors through your improved immune system and sense of well being. Hopefully, too, you will feel an inner peace that will assist you in losing weight without succumbing to all the pressures and temptations.

About the Author: Roy Thomsitt is owner and part author of http://www.routes-to-self-improvement.com

Yoga For Pregnant Women

2005-10-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

Master your mind! Gain control over your body! Be relieved of your stress through the practice of gentle art of Yoga!

Pregnancy is a physical as well as mental experience. Women often becomes hyper aware of all the changes their bodies are going through. Yoga allows pregnant women to adapt to these changes more gracefully and to feel proud and a sense of appreciation for their bodies. Yoga exercises can increase flexibility, strength, circulation and balance. Many pregnant women find that regular yoga exercises help to reduce swelling, back and leg pain, and insomnia.

However, Yoga must be practised very carefully among pregnant women, as improper exercises will bring negative effect on both moms and babies. Here are some tips for pre-natal pregnancy Yoga practise:

1. The general yoga exercises are recommended for the first 2 months. You must consult your doctor and find very experienced Yoga teachers. With proper guidance, you can practice some yoga right into labor. If you new to yoga then you should start slowly.

2. Breathing exercises are beneficial if done twice a day. The breathing exercises provide more oxygen and energy both to the mother and the child.

3. Some yoga poses that can help a pregnant women dealing with the symptoms of pregnancy, ensuring smoother and easier delivery, and faster recovery after childbirth. Pregnant women should pay attention not to overstretch the body - the ligaments around the joints become loose and soft during pregnancy. The abdomen should stay relaxed at all times. Difficult and poses that put pressure on the abdomen and other should NOT be done during advance stages of Pregnancy. No any kind of pain or nausea should be felt during and/or after yoga. If this happens, you should stop yoga practise and contact your GP.

4. When carrying out standing poses with your heels to the wall or use a chair for support to avoid losing your balance and risking injury to both you and your baby.

5. Deep relaxation is crucial to give rest to body and mind, and you will benefit more from a good sleep. Deep relaxation helps the nerve system change from sympathetic to parasympathetic activity. Parasympathetic activity is associated with the restorative processes of the body, which is needed both by the pregnant woman and the child.

We also strongly recommend regular morning and evening walks. Yoga is very individual. For more great Yoga advice, and other pregnant women support services, e.g. domestic cleaning services, babysitter services, personal trainer, chef and many more great services just visit us at http://www.londonrate.com

About the Author: LondonRate.com is endeavouring to build an online emporium of staff service providers with online comparisons, bookings and ratings. Everything is designed to provide you with the best service, tailored exactly to your needs. visit http://www.londonrate.com

Yoga Beginner - Getting It Right

2005-10-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

When it comes to promoting relaxation and reducing stress, nothing beats yoga. Unfortunately this isn't the case for everyone. Most people who quit yoga think they fail because they are unable to get the positions and technique right. In fact, the reason they fail is that they put too much importance on getting the positions and technique right.

I do not profess to be a master of yoga. In fact, I am a beginner, with very little skill. However I have taught drumming for many years, and the pitfalls are similar. Here is my advice for yoga beginners.

Week 1 - Enjoy the activity:

Grab a beginner yoga video and set up your mat in a place that you can be comfortable and alone (there’s no room for self-consciousness in this step). Go through the exercises, but act as though you are a six year old having fun, rather than an adult worrying about technique. Try all of the positions, don’t worry if there are some you can’t perform right away, modify as necessary.

Week 2 - Examine the sensations:

By this time your body has probably memorized the routine (if you have been having fun and not obsessing about technique, your body will have learnt the movements quickly). Try to concentrate on your breathing. Be aware of how oxygen and energy are flowing to, from, and through the various body parts. Feel the release of tension and sensations in your muscles.

Week 3 and beyond - Observe the instructor

Most likely you have been improving your technique throughout, without even trying. You have probably figured out which yoga exercises are the easiest for you, and which are more difficult. Concentrate on the position you are most comfortable with. You are most likely so at ease with this position that you don’t even have to think about it anymore. The breathing and motions should be second nature by now, so you can begin to observe and emulate details in the instructor’s technique. Continue this step for each exercise.

Many people will try to learn yoga, and other activities, by only using the method I explained in week three. Many instructors are guilty of teaching this way. Unfortunately, beginners who start by obsessing about their technique may never enjoy what is described in week 1 or week 2.

About the Author: Mark Altman is the webmaster of http://www.soundsleeping.com, a website containing free relaxing music, sleep-aids, and tips for relaxation and stress reduction.

Why Has Yoga Become So Popular?

2005-10-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

Did you know that over fifteen million people practiced yoga in 2003, according to a landmark study by Yoga Journal Magazine. And the numbers are expected to increase dramatically in subsequent years. Your own experiences probably confirm this study – maybe you practice yoga, know someone who does, or just take a walk along any busy main street - your bound to see someone carrying a yoga mat. In fact you can’t even open a magazine or newspaper without finding an article about yoga. So, how does a 5000-year-old spiritual practice become today’s hottest mind/body trend?

Perhaps the best way to understand yoga’s popularity is to go right to the people who practice it. If you ask them why, some of the more common replies you might hear are “flexibility, increased energy, improved focus, reduction of the symptoms associated with stress, and an overall good feeling.” The fact is that yoga can have a rejuvenating effect on all systems of the body including the circulatory, glandular system, digestive, nervous, skeletal/muscular, reproductive system and respiratory system.

On a physical level – according to the U.S. Dept. on Aging there four components to good physical health: Strength, flexibility, balance, aerobic capacity. It is interesting to note that yoga can accomplish all these things and no fancy piece of equipment is needed – other than your own body and a yoga mat.

Over the last 100 years our lives have become very fast paced: cell phones, computers, internet, television. This along with a strong work ethic often results in people out of balance – people experiencing a lot of stress. Consequently, there is a strong need to de-stress - to quiet our minds and rejuvenate our bodies. And yoga helps achieve this – helping us return to a state of balance and health.

Yoga brings us into the moment – it is very difficult to practice and be thinking about what happened at work today or the party tomorrow night. Becoming present in itself is a great release from stress. At its best, yoga meets the student where they are – so it is adjusted to the student’s level and capacity. That doesn’t mean it is particularly easy or particularly challenging – it can be either or both on any given day.

Then there is the therapeutic component. Yoga can be used successfully with conditions such as insomnia, back problems, digestion problems, asthma, improving circulation, anxiety, weight loss, just to name a few.

Basically yoga is non –competitive; it is not about winning or losing – you can go at your own rate. Of course people still compete with themselves though and compare their posture to others in class.

In addition many of us are yearning for something more. Many of us have shied away from organized religion yet seek a spiritual practice that connects us to ourselves as well as something larger – a spiritual practice that is non-dogmatic, without many rules. While most of the yoga practiced in health clubs is primarily the physical aspects of yoga – the philosophical side seeps in. And for those that want to learn more about the philosophy of yoga information and classes are readily available to them. At its simplest level yoga quiets the mind and opens the body – setting the stage for withdrawing deeper inside oneself – to a place of peace, a place of balance, a place of health. It is here where the divine within us can be more easily discovered.

There are many different styles of yoga and it never needs to be boring - it can be slow and gentle, it can challenge your strength, it can be aerobic or vigorous or it can be very introspective. There is as style to match most personalities. There is yoga for seniors, pre-natal yoga, postnatal yoga, power yoga, gentle yoga, etc. There are classes that focus on back care, yoga done in groups and one-on-one, privately with an instructor. The yogic scriptures say there are some 84,000 postures and variations. The field of yoga is huge and there is always, always something new to learn.

The media has also helped spread the message of yoga and the fact the celebrities like Madonna and Sting practice yoga doesn’t hurt either!

About the Author: Howard VanEs, M.A. has been studying and practicing yoga for over thirteen years and is a certified yoga teacher teaching in the East Bay area of San Francisco. He is author of "Beginning Yoga: A Practice Manual", co-creator of the audio CD "Shavasana / Deep Relaxation". He is also a former psychotherapist. http://www.letsdoyoga.com email: info@letsdoyoga.com 510-587-3399

Here’s What Yoga Can Do For You...

2005-10-17T03:50:00.000-07:00

You want to have a full life. You want to feel well. You want lots of energy, vitality, power, and stamina. Am I right so far? Well, the great news is that all these can be yours. Yoga applies age-old secrets to everyday life in a modern, fast-paced world. Its practical application can restore your lost youth, put new zest into your every step, and empower you to fully enjoy a sense of health, energy and creative living. All this will do wonders for your future happiness... Sounds good, huh? Well let me tell you a little about yoga...

Yoga is an ancient health-art developed and perfected over the centuries by wise men in ancient India. Yoga is not a religion, a metaphysical doctrine, or a philosophy. It is not magic, although the amazing improvements it can make in your health, your appearance and your youthfulness may often seem magical, even miraculous...

There are many different types of yoga. Contrary to popular belief, not all types of yoga involve difficult positions and postures, uncomfortable exercises or strenuous diets... Yoga can take years off your face and years from your body, and add years to your life. There are certain secret methods by which the Yogis keep the flexibility and "spring" of early youth in their joints and muscles and limbs well into the declining years...

It is a common sight to see, in the crowded, colorful streets of Bombay or New Delhi, Yogis well into their seventies and even their eighties, with the straight, graceful posture of a boy, walking with the elastic, springy step of youth... with firm, healthy bodies, their hair dark and glossy and un-streaked with grey. Firm, unlined faces ... clear, un-dimmed eyes...

Not only does yoga make you look and feel years younger, and years healthier, but it lends your body superb health. It works like magic because it enables the body to realize its full potential of great health...

You know that Nature has built into your body certain certain "defense mechanisms" for self-repair, natural safeguards against disease. Well, modern yoga helps the body's machinery function smoothly, efficiently, and at peak performance...

Yoga encourages your body to derive every last possible atom of nutritive value from the food you now eat (so different from the natural diet of your ancestors) ... to get every second of refreshment and rest from your sleep ... to attain regularity, relief from little aches and pains, the ability to sleep deep and wake refreshed that can make the difference from feeling "pretty good" to feeling "terrific"!

Yoga assists all your muscles and bones and organs to operate at their maximum potential. Yoga stimulates into peak performance the hidden abilities of your body to throw off the attacks of disease that affect so many people we know and love...

Do you suffer from insomnia and stress? Have you lost your appetite? Do you find it hard to relax? Do you smoke too much, feel "worn out" by the afternoon, find as you grow older that you cannot enjoy full life and day to day vitality? Yoga has the amazing power to relax and refresh you, soothe your nerves, calm your mind, give you the serenity and strength and inner stamina that is part of the "Magic of the East". Yoga prevents the premature grey in your hair, the ugly wrinkles in your face.... Yoga tightens those sagging muscles that give you that "tired look." It puts new zest in your appetite, brings back the sparkle in your eyes, and gives that wonderful sensation of feeling "fit as a fiddle"... If these benefits are important to you (and you’d be crazy if they weren’t) then its time you learnt about yoga!

About the Author: Dave Klein is the author of http://www.yogaology.com a site completely dedicated to yoga. Visit http://www.yogaology.com to find out how you can start applying yoga to your life to achieve maximum health and energy.

Time to Practice Yoga

2005-10-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

There are many things that we know, we should do, but there’s never enough time. Would you like to have more time for your family, Yoga practice, and some quality time, in your life? Maybe, work keeps you too busy, from doing the right things, for yourself, and your loved ones. So, what can you do?

After all, you need to put food on the table and work is a priority. In reality work is only a part of life, and you would realize that, if you lost your job. All of us go through a grievance period, after losing a job, marriage, or a loved one.

At that point, we must make a decision, to continue on, or give up. Now, I am assuming you are not the type to give up. After moving on, we look back at the pain and healing process. Our personalities are developed, and conditioned, from many components. These components help us "keep it together," such as: Family, friends, work, prayer, and hobbies.

Most of you know that Yoga means "unity," but do you realize you are practicing union, or unity, every day, even if you don’t officially practice in a Yoga class? Below is a list of things that you should do every day, or almost every day.

You will notice, that work should not be done every day, in order to live life in moderation. Everyone needs a day off, so enjoy your weekends, when possible, and don’t skip vacations.
Prayer is part of every religion and should be a part of every day. I don’t care what religion you practice, that is your business. Luckily, most of the religions on this planet have universal principles that apply to all. Don’t forget that, you need spiritual, physical, and mental health to be complete. By the way that’s a Yogic principle too.

Family time is so important that we have a dysfunctional generation growing up, due to lack of attention to our children. Some children don’t really know their parents, because they are sometimes brought up by someone else, or a day care center. Lack of bonding time creates inherent problems for parent and child.

Take the time to eat together without arguments and play with your children. Expose your children to religion, games, hobbies, humor, and Yoga practice. Give your spouse or partner a hug and tell them how valuable they are. Self-worth and recognition keep them going too.
Good friends should not be ignored. They are few and far between. You may find your Yoga friends to be valuable company too.

Be conscious of all the following every moment that you can. Breathing doesn’t have to be learned from your Yoga teacher and forgotten. You should practice proper breathing every moment you think of it.

Proper posturing should be practiced when you are sitting, standing, walking, eating, and using your computer. Exercise should be part of everyday and you should be conscious of your nutrition at all times.

Consuming eight glasses of water per day minimum is important for digestion, elimination, your skin, your vital organs, and removing toxins. Please spare the excuses - many people have no problem drinking eight sodas per day. By the way, that’s not good, even if it is diet soda.
Work is a must, unless you are independently wealthy. Work should also help you keep your sanity. If this is not the case, look for a job that is rewarding.

Hobbies are good for your sanity too, but like all of the above they are part of a healthy life. So, how can you make all of this fit into your life? If you go to Yoga classes, you already do.
However, if you haven’t had the time to learn or practice Yoga, you must make the time. Once you do, you will wonder why it took you so long, to start learning Yoga. You will make new friends and live a happier life.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Yoga For Everyone

2005-10-14T00:56:00.000-07:00

Yoga For Women - Yoga can assist in weight loss as well as toning the body, building muscle and increasing your overall level of general fitness. Yoga can also be practiced during and after pregnancy. Certain yoga postures can help strengthen the back. Other postures will help to reduce stress and anxiety. Breathing exercises are always useful in preparing for the birth. Yoga postures can also help with menstruation and menopausal problems. Always consult a doctor and qualified yoga practitioner before undertaking any yoga practice.

Yoga For Men - men are often reluctant to start practicing yoga, but when they realise the huge benefits that regular practice can bring, they soon incorporate yoga into their daily or weekly exercise routines. Yoga can help men increase their muscle power, stamina and flexibility. There is no dispute that yoga can help men physically but it can also be extremely beneficial as a stress reducer. A combination of deep stretching, meditation and breathing techniques will aid relaxation, reduce stress and calm the mind.

Yoga For Seniors - the great thing about yoga is that you don't need any special equipment, clothing or footwear. Yoga can also be practiced at any time of the day. If you have never practiced yoga before, then taking things slowly is advisable. Always seek guidance from your health practitioner and local yoga teacher. There are also many good videos and dvds on the market with the aim of catering for the older generation. Regular gentle yoga practice will help to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and contribute to better circulation. Yoga will also promote improved memory and attention span.

Yoga For Children - Children's yoga can be great fun as well as being extremely beneficial to a child's health and well-being. Stretching will help children become more flexible as well as strengthening their arms and legs. Yoga will also improve a child's breathing and circulation. Regular yoga practice for children will make them calmer, more relaxed and much happier.
This is just a quick guide to the general benefits that Yoga can bring to people of all sexes and ages. As you progress with your practice you will also begin to learn that yoga can also promote healing of the mind and body. Yoga is often used as a complementary therapy alongside orthodox medicine in the treatment of many common ailments.

Rona Hamilton is the writer and creator of Yoga Review. To read more about yoga and it's benefits please visit http://www.yoga-review.com/index.html

What is Self Mastery? - Part 1

2005-10-09T23:24:00.000-07:00

Self Mastery, alone, sounds like a selfish term; but if you cannot help yourself, you will have limited ability to help others. Self mastery is the ability to make the most out of your physical, mental, and spiritual health. In other words, to be the best you can be.

As a result of your efforts, you will be able to help everyone around you. In order for you to change the world around you, for the better, you have to change yourself for the better, along the way.

You cannot sit on a mountain top waiting for perfection before you help your fellow man. The time to help is now, and we must look at ourselves as works in progress. Appreciate yourself for who you are, what you are, and what you have accomplished so far.

Appreciate your friends, family, and associates for who they are. Accept them, as they are, without expecting perfection. This is a common mistake for parents to make with their children, but it also happens in a variety of relationships. So, let go of demands on others - especially unrealistic demands.

Where do we start learning the secrets of self mastery? If you accept things around you, without demand, you already have taken the first step. There are two important factors here.

1. Once you accept people, and situations, for what they are, you won’t waste time and energy with frustration. This causes inner frustration, emotional turmoil, worries, and depression.

2. Once you change yourself, through positive self mastery, the world around you will change for the better, without much effort on your part.

You will not be able to make all of the changes to mind, body, and spirit, at once, but they are connected.

The first large component is physical. Your body needs constant maintenance in a variety of methods: weight resistance, flexibility, and cardio-vascular strength, require you to cross train. So, if you have been on the couch too long, it is time to get off. This one physical change, of daily exercise, will help you in all aspects of life. You will feel better about yourself.

If you don’t have enough time for three types of exercise - practice at least one that will give you maximum benefits. Hatha Yoga, swimming, and martial arts are good recommendations, as each of them cross trains the body with fair variety.

In many Yoga classes, Sun Salutations are a series of postures - and the ultimate cross training exercise. Once you are familiar with them, you can practice at home. They require very little space and no equipment, although many Yoga practitioners do use a Yoga mat, or sticky mat, at home.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Yoga - The Solution for Insomnia

2005-10-08T22:18:00.000-07:00

At one time, or another, all of us have experienced insomnia for any type of reason. There are times when lack of sleep just can’t be helped, such as: the loss a loved one, going through a divorce, and losing your job.

These are some of life’s serious crisis situations, where we have to let time heal, and try not to fall apart in the process. Some of the solutions below will help insomnia, but they will not heal grief.

However, if you are continually staying awake over trivial matters, these solutions will aid you to get a good night’s rest. Remember - not every solution will work for everyone, so try the easiest ideas and make them fit into your lifestyle.

Do you have one or more problems, on your mind, that are troubling you at bedtime? If so, write it down and leave it on the kitchen table where you sit in the morning. This is a form of compartmentalization, where your subconscious mind works on a solution, and you and your conscious mind get some needed rest.

You will be surprised what happens the following morning. The problem is much less important or your subconscious found the solution. This technique is so powerful that many successful people use it, even when they don’t really have a problem. This keeps you organized, on a daily basis, and you will get more accomplished in life.

That leads into the next idea, which is establishing a daily routine. Your body has a natural cycle, and most of us ignore it. Modern humans are more out of tune with their bodies than ever before, so we have to get back to basics and design a schedule for all tasks - including sleep.
You should exercise every day, but your exercise routine should end two hours before bedtime, at the latest. This allows your body and mind “cool down” time. If you can exercise earlier in the day, feel free to do so.

Exercise will give you extra energy during the day, and help you get a good night’s sleep, when you need it. If you don’t exercise, don’t feel alone, but do take action. Gentle Yoga postures are a great way to start.

If you find the right Yoga teacher, you will learn controlled breathing (pranayama), stage-by-stage relaxation, and meditation. Each is a powerful technique for winding down before bedtime. You always practice controlled breathing with either, stage-by-stage relaxation, or meditation. Some people practice stage-by-stage relaxation in bed and fall asleep in the process. This is not a bad thing, if your ultimate goal is to fall asleep.

Now let’s look at a few other ideas, such as alcohol and hidden caffeine. Alcohol has a way of getting you to sleep, but sleep is often interrupted during the night. One suggestion, if you enjoy drinking: Have one small drink; preferably wine, with your meal.
Caffeine is in coffee, many teas, many sodas, and a variety of other drinks. Drink water later in the day, and give your body a rest from caffeine.

Here are a few actions to take before bedtime: Eat very light, read a book about something peaceful, and take a shower or a bath. You don’t have to do everything, but one of the above-mentioned ideas will work for you.
Sweet Dreams.

Paul Jerard, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? - for Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

Yoga for Every BODY

2005-10-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

We all want to feel loved, open, free and peaceful. We all desire to let go of the ideals and expectations of the “world” and be simply still. What if you had permission to be anything your heart wanted you to be? What if there was no right or wrong way of doing yoga poses, just simply YOUR way. The way that feels good for your body, mind and spirit. That is yoga to me.

There’s a smorgasbord of yoga labels all around us. Each having its own fancy term or cool yoga gear. It’s a bummer to see yoga magazines or videos with the same types of bodies representing yoga. This sends a message to the world that yoga is about looking a specific way. Instead of getting lost in the confusion, I chose to start really looking at my responsibility in this. Most of my clients share with me that they don’t feel comfortable going to a yoga studio. One, they don’t look like a yogi, two they might not do the poses “perfectly”, and finally, they don’t know where to even start. So many labels to choose from, so little time!

This is a very common experience with the people I teach or know. It is extremely challenging to go to a studio and relax when immediately you have to get your legs in lotus position. How uncomfortable is that? Yikes. Or you are so busy doing power yoga that you forgot to breathe or relax, feeling sore as you walk out the studio. Since I have experienced both being uncomfortable as a student and teacher I feel it is my duty to spread some of my truth around.

There is no label or box to fit yoga in. When I first began teaching yoga, I felt as if I had to “be” a certain way. Speak in a particular soft tone, and know all the right terminology. I’ve realized it’s the total opposite. The more authentic I am, which means, giving myself permission to be Jenny, giggling, hugging, singing, sharing, being as transparent as possible, gives the student permission to choose to do the same.

Yes, poses are a part of yoga, and they do wonders for your body! But yoga is not about the poses or how long we can balance. The body listens when its given an opportunity to connect with your true self, and not edit what comes out.

Releasing the need to force your body into poses that hurt and allow yourself to explore what DOES feel good. To make your yoga practice, like life, all about you.

Instead of wishing for the world to change their box on what yoga should be, I decided to create and be the difference. Teach yoga from my heart, and allow it to guide each class. Whenever I share with my students that it’s perfect to be exactly the way they are, my eyes well up. It feels good to share what I have yearned for in a yoga class.

If you feel uncomfortable going to a yoga studio, you are not alone. Listen to your heart, and listen to what your body is sharing with you. Start investigating and asking around for guidance on what form works for you. You are worth it. Give yourself permission to BE yourself no matter what. That is yoga.

About The Author
Jenny Ward is the owner of PLAYWARD. PLAYWARDS mission is to celebrate the magnificence of being alive. Jenny is a licensed coach, speaker, author and PLAY ACTIVIST!
http://www.playward.com/
jenny@playward.com

Yoga, Do Not Knock It Until You Try It

2005-10-08T03:38:00.000-07:00

Are you one of those folks who have never tried yoga? How about one of those grown up teenagers who likes cow tipping and thought you might knock over your sister when she was doing yoga? Yes, I know that is fun isn’t it? I have done this on many occasion and watched the silly looking humans fall right over indeed.

Not bad, it is easy too; a little push and see ya, over they go. But really we should be very serious yoga is quite good for the soul, relaxation and de-stressing too. So, do not knock yoga until you try it. Now I have tried it so it is okay for me to make jokes, but if you have not tried it, you are barred from laughing or tipping over your friends who you think are looking quite silly while they do their “Yoga Thing.”

So, why do yoga in the first place? Well for one it makes you feel good and practicing breathing is good for cardiovascular improvement. Such meditation makes you feel healthier and does wonders for your displacement and personality. There are many reasons why people who do yoga are healthier and it runs the gamut of reasoning from brain wave cycles to nerve response; temper management to handling stress; cardiovascular to healthy hearts. Some try it and do not like it, I for one. I am a long distance runner and would rather go run ten miles and get into a deep rhythm and I can tell you that is about the healthiest thing one can do. Now then when I describe this to friends who do yoga, they describe some of the exact same sensations.

Interesting indeed, perhaps they have a better idea. After all jarring your knees and running up hills is not easy and they are said to get a greater benefit to the body without even going anywhere or exerting any energy? Wow, maybe yoga is not such a bad idea after all.

Many men will say; “Yogo is for girls” yet the professional athletes I know who do yoga are some of the top in their endeavors; why? Well because it works. So before you knock yoga, go read some books, try it out and see for yourself. Yoga is for everyone who is smart enough to understand why it works so well. Think on this, while you try it.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

Yoga Position – What Does Each Type Do?

2005-10-08T03:35:00.000-07:00

I often wondered what the value of each type of yoga position is, so I did some research to find out. All yoga positions help to develop strength and flexibility. Yet the type of yoga position that you do also offers some very specific benefits.

Standing Poses

They are included in many poses and they help to align your feet and body. This type of yoga position is especially useful in improving your posture. Standing poses strengthen your legs while simultaneously increasing flexibility in your legs and hips. They add to the mobility of your neck and shoulders and they increase the flexibility in your pelvis and lower back. One of the most basic standing poses is Mountain Pose.

Seated Poses

These poses help increase flexibility in your hips and lower back, while also strengthening your back. They add suppleness to your spine and elasticity to your hips, knees, ankle and groin. They also encourage deeper breathing, which contributes to you feeling calm and peaceful.

Forward Bends

This type of yoga position helps stretch your lower back and hamstrings. Forward bends also release tension in your back, neck, shoulders, and increase the flexibility in your spine. They often promote a sense of calmness. I find forward bends particularly challenging since I have a considerable amount of stiffness in my neck due to an old gymnastics injury. This is the type of yoga position where I often use a prop such as a strap or block.

Back Bends

They open your chest, rib cage, and hips. They strengthen your arms and shoulders, while simultaneously increasing flexibility in your shoulders. They help relieve tension from the front of your body and hips and they also increase spinal stability. You should always do back bends as a complement to forward bends in order to maintain balance in your body.

Balance

Although balance poses can be challenging, I find them to be some of the most fun poses to do. They help you develop muscle tone and coordination and also strength and agility. They help improve your posture because you really need to elongate your spine in order to keep yourself from falling over. This type of yoga position helps train your mind to focus your attention; if your attention if not focused, you will not be able to do the pose.

Twists

I love to do twists. Twists release tension in your spine and increase shoulder and hip mobility. They also help relieve backaches by stretching and opening up your back muscles. I often experience tightness in my upper back and twists help me loosen up this area. It is important to always do twists on both sides of your body in order to ensure alignment and balance.

Supine and Prone Poses

Supine poses are done on your back. They help stretch your abdominal muscles, they open your hips, and increase your spinal mobility. They release tension and strengthen your back, arms and legs.

Prone poses are done facing the floor. They strengthen your arms and back and open up your hips and groin. They relieve tension and increase flexibility in your spine. One of my favorite prone poses is Extended Seal because I find it very relaxing and it helps stretch out my shoulders and upper back.

Inversions

This type of yoga position develops strength and stamina, particularly in your upper body. It also increases circulation because since your legs are higher than your heart, it reverses the normal flow of blood. Inversions help pull fluid out of your feet and legs, so they are great to do after you have been standing up for a long time. Advanced inversion poses require a great deal of strength and alignment and should only be learned under the guidance of a certified teacher.
People with glaucoma, pregnant women and those who are menstruating should avoid inversion poses.

Relaxation Poses

Relaxation poses are usually done at the end of a yoga practice. They calm your mind and body and encourage a deep feeling of relaxation. This type of yoga position is often one of the most challenging poses to do, particularly for Westerners who often have a difficult time letting go. One of the most well-known relaxation poses is Corpse Pose.

There are hundreds of poses in yoga and they all provide wonderful benefits for your mind and body. By understanding each type of yoga position, you can choose a well rounded practice with asanas from each type or do those that meet your body’s needs at any given time.

Della Menechella is a yoga and fitness enthusiast who has been involved in fitness for over thirty years. Here website http://www.beauty-fitness-yoga-source.com/ is filled with practical information about how you can make yoga and fitness a positive part of your life.

Yoga and Meditation - That Leads to Gaining Enlightenment in this Life?

2005-10-08T03:33:00.000-07:00

Every process of Yoga... neigh Meditation that frees us from the clutches of Attachment... Bondage or Moha, whatever we may call it... Is the right process on the path of gaining Enlightenment.

Are Yoga and Meditation two different words with different meanings? No, the truth is not so... we need to understand that it is the path of yoga which shall lead us to gaining Enlightenment within this life. And what does yoga itself mean? The word yoga has been derived from the Hindi root yog and which in Hindi means synthesizing two things. In Hindi two plus two equal four... and the effort of our soul (the atman within) to merge with the super soul (the Parmatman, the Almighty God) is known as yoga.

Yoga in other words is the effort of every soul to merge with the Almighty God at the earliest. And for this to be achieved we need to follow a routine of yogic exercises and also meditate (perform yoga) on the Almighty God. This process of meditation can be best understood once we are able to understand the meaning of Meditation. Meditation in Hindi means yoga. Never otherwise or vice versa!

To be able to rightly perform Yoga (Meditation) we need to concentrate on the basic belief of life and that is... the basic building block of the total Cosmos is an atom. A cluster of atoms grouped together are called as molecules and a cluster of molecules is what the whole complex Cosmos comprises of. Truly speaking... the whole Cosmos is built up of clusters of atoms and molecules and there is nothing solid in the whole Cosmos. Everything in the Cosmos has a gaseous formation... a form of energy. As we have seen in the Star Trek serial during the deportation of human beings from one place to another... they get transformed into pure energy for a temporal phase.

This is the only vital truth of life we cannot get away with... seeing from the senses point of view... things appear to be gaseous and also solids but in the cosmic domain it is only the gaseous formation which holds good. Once we are clear with this issue in respect of every human being and every living being (Jiva as we call it in Hinduism) living on mother earth being gaseous formations... we need to understand that it is only after having gained control of the senses and the mind shall we be able to transcend the earthly plane and be able to truly visualize whatever was pictured in the telly serial Star Trek.

Performing Yoga (Meditation) is the process which enables us to cut across the shackles of the senses and the mind and to be able to come free of the senses and the mind... one needs to perform yoga (meditation) in a manner that the dross within our soul (atman) reduces at a faster pace. The complete dross having removed... one would have gained absolute control over the senses and the mind! This is the stage of Nirvikalpa Samadhi as we know it in Hinduism. The stage of Nothingness... it is when the senses and the mind have lost their entity and the purified soul engages itself in one to one dialogue with the Almighty God, the super soul.
Now... the question arises is how-to perform the Meditation (Yoga as we call it in Hinduism). And the meditation can best be performed by lying in Shavasana pose (the death pose) and following the path of Neti (not this... not this). And by doing this what are we trying to achieve? Is it possible to gain Enlightenment by this process? Yes! It is a foolproof process which shall gain us Enlightenment in the end.

What is the Shavasana pose? In yogic exercises the Shavasana pose carries the most importance for one on the path of gaining Enlightenment. It is this process of Shavasana in which one can lie down in the death pose and concentrate on the process of breathing. While lying down in the Shavasana pose as we gradually realize the ultimate truth of life that it is not the body which is inhaling the requisite essentiality (the pure air) but it is our soul (the real self within) the body which needs the pure oxygen... the body tends to lose its meaning.

We become more and more aware of the real truth within us and that truth is our soul (atman) which resides within our body. Slowly one more fundamental of life shall dawn upon us and that it... it is not the body which has taken the soul but it is vice versa which is the absolute truth. As we realize that our existence as a body is merely a covering... a garment for our real self... our Soul (Atman) within us... we would ultimately come to the conclusion that why not retain our true real self alone. What of the body then? Is it to be discarded? And if the body is discarded... the manifest self of us... our existence in this world would die!

Proceeding on the path of spirituality through logical conclusions as in the dialogues of Plato... cutting one untruth after another leads us towards higher planes of spirituality. Becoming freer from the clutches of the senses... we find a gradual change within our personality. The ultimate truth having dawned upon us that the present body is merely a garment for the inner real self of us... our desire of gaining Enlightenment within this life becomes stronger.

What is Neti? The path of Neti as practiced and followed by Maharishi Ramana! While lying down in the Shavasana pose is it not worthwhile to concentrate on the existence of God. We have come to a conclusion earlier that everything is gaseous in nature and what then? We would slowly realize that the only existence in this gaseous formation is of different souls and the Karta, Parmatman (as we call it in Hinduism) the Almighty God himself. There is nothing else apart from the souls, the Almighty God, the ether which comprises of the vast Cosmos.

Now if we desire to gain Enlightenment in this life... then we have to negate the existence of everything in our physical manifested world. The process of Neti (not this... Not this) is the process of negation as practiced and advocated by Maharishi Ramana... the one and the only path to cut across the shackles of the senses and the mind. It is only following the path of Neti while lying down in Shavasana pose that I realized God one-day. Having traversed the path... I can with hundred percent certainties say that the Shavasana pose and the process of Neti is the best form of Meditation one can ever imagine of.

Summarizing all... I can only quote of whatever I have personally experienced... I have nothing more to say!

May God bless all those on the path of Enlightenment!

Vijay Kumar... The Man who Realized God in 1993 explains role Yoga and Meditation play on path to Enlightenment. subscribe free Newsletter "Spiritual Secrets Unveiled" - Explore hidden cosmic truths- more here Yoga

Vijay Kumar started in search of God at the age of 13 years. It was in 1993 that he was graced with the vision of God, the Almighty. Since then the hidden truths of all Scriptures of all Religions of the World have become like ABCD to him. Providing Free Spiritual counseling to the World Community through the medium of internet through websites Meditation and Yoga and Meditation

Discover How Yoga Will Help You Reach Your Goals – Part 1

2005-10-08T03:31:00.000-07:00

Time is valuable and there are a number of successful methods for goal realization. Yoga will cross train your mind and body for maximum potential. Imagine being able to optimize your attitude in one hour, per day, or less. Every day, people attend Yoga classes for physical or mental health, and walk away with the tools, to be masters of their own destiny.

How is this possible? Regular attendance to Yoga classes, will result in a positive attitude adjustment for the student. Many of us walk around with a “perceived handicap.” We blame everything for our set backs and lack of opportunities. Society, your boss, and your family, are all easy targets to blame, for lack of opportunities.

It is true that age, financial status, gender, and ethnic background, are factors in success. However, these factors can all be overcome by working toward your goal on a daily basis, and taking life one-step-at- a-time. Remember, that if you think you situation is a disability, it will be.

How can Yoga do anything for you? For one thing, you will appreciate life to it’s fullest. You will stop wasting time, by letting daily opportunities go by. Many of us have opportunities, but we think it won’t work, we don’t have what it takes for success, or we lack the drive to carry a plan through.

Yoga and meditation teach you to supervise your mind. Your mind has been allowed to work against you. Much like a “back seat driver,” the mind is good at “second guessing,” fearing, doubting, and discouraging new ideas. The mind would prefer to stay in one place, and let the world go by. Leaving you in a deeper state of frustration, by worrying about making a mistake.
You have to cultivate a positive relationship with your mind, through practicing Yoga postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation. You can find all this, and much more, in your local Yoga class. All you have to do is make it a regular routine. Yoga classes are everywhere, from corporate health clubs to senior centers. Whether you practice before, or after, work is not important, and you will start to feel the mental benefits, right away.

Many Yoga students walk away from their first class feeling guilty, that it took so long to start. They anguish over the fact they procrastinated so long. However, the important part is to start and continue your Yoga practice. There is also a common feeling of euphoria during and after Yoga classes. The group support, classroom atmosphere, and the endorphins, will make your day a much better one.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Amazing Yoga - Enriching Your Mind Body And Soul

2005-10-08T03:24:00.000-07:00

Discover The New 3 Volume Yoga Package Just Released. This 3 Set Total Package Contains 1. An Introduction To Yoga Techniques 2. Lessons In Yoga Exercises and 3. The Guide To Advanced Yoga Techniques. This Package Is A Total Guide And Is An Amazing Introductory Opportunity. To View This Complete Offer Simply Visit: http://www.sitepromotionnow.org/poweryoga.html