Author: Tammy Lawrence-Cymbalisty
Giggles and chuckles can make a body feel extraordinary! There are times in yoga class when I encourage people to laugh outloud for no particular reason. It's very interesting to watch as some people grow very uncomfortable, while others jump into the giggle-fest with their entire being.
I remember the first few times I taught laughter yoga. I recall exactly how challenging it was. At that time I wondered how I would allow myself to laugh on que? Plus, I had already decided it would be challenging to do so. Something very interesting started to happen, once I started I realized how silly all of us looked, the process began to simply unfold. Even now sometimes it is very hard to begin the process either while in class or alone.
Instead of observing my own discomfort with the laughter process, I simply got out of my own way and allowed the process to unfold. Now I spend time observing others working through similar feelings.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." -Aristotle
Allow yourself to explore your excellence; perfect just as you are. Besides human beans are pretty funny!
Technique:
Sometimes it helps to think of a funny joke or situation that you recall. Yet having something funny on your mind is not a prerequisite. Allow yourself to relax and then begin to laugh. It will feel forced, weird and uncomfortable at first. Shortly you will find something interesting begin to occur. You will actually be laughing. Not a fake pressing yourself forward laugh, but a real belly laugh. (If someone walks into the room you WILL laugh even harder!)
Laugh for 30 seconds, one minute or as long as it feels comfortable (laughter after all does make the belly sore and the facial muscles hurt).
When you are finished, sit quietly and observe the effects of the laugher on your body. Instead of being mindful that the belly is sore, you will notice a warmth and glow; almost as if you did 10 minutes of abdominal strengtheners. The facial muscles will feel similar, warm, smooth and relaxed.
Try it today! You'll thank yourself for the secretion of your wonder-filled laughter essence.
Benefits of Laughter:
Laughter boosts the immune system.
Laughter increases immunoglobulin A which fights upper respiratory infection.
Laughter decreases stress.
Laughter benefits mind and soul.
Laughter is good for the cardio vascular system.
Laughter encourages the body to release endorphins (the bodies natural stress-reliever); great for pain relief and relaxation!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Understanding Patanjali's Yoga Sutras - 16-18
By Paul Jerard
Yoga teachers, from all the Hatha sub-styles, should reflect on the Yoga Sutras of Maharishi Patanjali. Perhaps, beginner students will not gain much from them, without the guidance of a Guru, but an experienced Yoga teacher should be able to transcend the physical plane of Hatha Yoga practice.
Remember that Asana (posture) practice is the third of the eight limbs of Yoga. Asana practice is very valuable, but it is just one of the eight limbs of Yoga.
1:16 “Tat param purusakhyater guna vaitrsnyam.” This particular Sutra deserves to be looked at in its natural state, before looking at an English translation.
“Complete freedom is a result of a spiritual quest, which will reveal an inner self, without limits, by transcending the three Gunas (the qualities of nature).”
The three Gunas are: Sattva (purity or light), Rajas (activity or vibration), and Tamas (inertia or darkness). When energy takes shape, one of these three qualities will usually be dominant. However, when a person becomes unattached to outcome, he or she would go beyond the natural limits or the limits of nature.
1:17 “To experience a settled mind (Samadhi), one must go through four steps. These four steps are: Self-analysis, insight, bliss, and the awareness of I am.”
These are very big steps. Real self-analysis, requires honesty, and is quite difficult for most people to accomplish. Insight is hard work and usually requires some significant life experience or guidance from a Guru. Bliss can be learned, but some people are never happy.
Lastly, “I am” is your spiritual connection with the supreme consciousness, Supreme Being, or God. This is the final step to Samadhi, but many people are confused because of thoughts about the correct path. Sometimes intolerance holds us back from taking the right path.
In truth, all noble paths lead toward God. Mankind wastes too much time judging each other over “small stuff,” but God is the final judge. Why waste time on earth? Our time on earth is limited. Know your place in the universe, make peace with your fellow man, and actively open your connection to God.
Patanjali was way ahead of his time to cover these four steps to Samadhi. Yes, I have elaborated about the concept of “I am,” but this is the hardest of four very tough steps to Samadhi. This is also a reason why only a handful of enlightened souls exist each century.
1:18 “There is another plane of meditation where only the Samskara is left.” Samskara is latent impression of the unconscious mind, which affects our natural tendencies, and molds our character. To settle the mind, in this way, requires much practice, but upon observation of our Samskara without judgment, we learn who we are and what we are made of.
Some may regard this as a lesser plane of meditation. This is highly debatable, because this meditation method sounds easier than it is.
This particular meditative practice will also reveal another form of Samadhi. Many people have the greatest difficulty “coming to grip” with their natural tendencies. This may not be a “pretty picture.” This meditation practice will truly settle the mind.
To find one’s true nature, and possibly learn why we instinctively react, is a gift. Within all of us are characteristics, which we might want to purge, but some are for self-preservation. The opinion of others has only a small effect on your Samskara.
Here are just three profound Yoga Sutras, but you could easily spend much more time reflecting, meditating, and taking Maharishi Patanjali’s advice.
© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard
Yoga teachers, from all the Hatha sub-styles, should reflect on the Yoga Sutras of Maharishi Patanjali. Perhaps, beginner students will not gain much from them, without the guidance of a Guru, but an experienced Yoga teacher should be able to transcend the physical plane of Hatha Yoga practice.
Remember that Asana (posture) practice is the third of the eight limbs of Yoga. Asana practice is very valuable, but it is just one of the eight limbs of Yoga.
1:16 “Tat param purusakhyater guna vaitrsnyam.” This particular Sutra deserves to be looked at in its natural state, before looking at an English translation.
“Complete freedom is a result of a spiritual quest, which will reveal an inner self, without limits, by transcending the three Gunas (the qualities of nature).”
The three Gunas are: Sattva (purity or light), Rajas (activity or vibration), and Tamas (inertia or darkness). When energy takes shape, one of these three qualities will usually be dominant. However, when a person becomes unattached to outcome, he or she would go beyond the natural limits or the limits of nature.
1:17 “To experience a settled mind (Samadhi), one must go through four steps. These four steps are: Self-analysis, insight, bliss, and the awareness of I am.”
These are very big steps. Real self-analysis, requires honesty, and is quite difficult for most people to accomplish. Insight is hard work and usually requires some significant life experience or guidance from a Guru. Bliss can be learned, but some people are never happy.
Lastly, “I am” is your spiritual connection with the supreme consciousness, Supreme Being, or God. This is the final step to Samadhi, but many people are confused because of thoughts about the correct path. Sometimes intolerance holds us back from taking the right path.
In truth, all noble paths lead toward God. Mankind wastes too much time judging each other over “small stuff,” but God is the final judge. Why waste time on earth? Our time on earth is limited. Know your place in the universe, make peace with your fellow man, and actively open your connection to God.
Patanjali was way ahead of his time to cover these four steps to Samadhi. Yes, I have elaborated about the concept of “I am,” but this is the hardest of four very tough steps to Samadhi. This is also a reason why only a handful of enlightened souls exist each century.
1:18 “There is another plane of meditation where only the Samskara is left.” Samskara is latent impression of the unconscious mind, which affects our natural tendencies, and molds our character. To settle the mind, in this way, requires much practice, but upon observation of our Samskara without judgment, we learn who we are and what we are made of.
Some may regard this as a lesser plane of meditation. This is highly debatable, because this meditation method sounds easier than it is.
This particular meditative practice will also reveal another form of Samadhi. Many people have the greatest difficulty “coming to grip” with their natural tendencies. This may not be a “pretty picture.” This meditation practice will truly settle the mind.
To find one’s true nature, and possibly learn why we instinctively react, is a gift. Within all of us are characteristics, which we might want to purge, but some are for self-preservation. The opinion of others has only a small effect on your Samskara.
Here are just three profound Yoga Sutras, but you could easily spend much more time reflecting, meditating, and taking Maharishi Patanjali’s advice.
© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Bikram Yoga Positions
By Michael Hawkins
Bikram Yoga is a form of Yoga which consists of a series of 26 poses performed in a hot room. When we say Bikram Yoga positions that is the same as calling them postures, poses, asanas or something else. Bikram is also commonly referred to as "Hot Yoga".
Bikram Yoga was created by Bikram Choudhury, a self-styled Yoga entrepreneur who moved from India to the US to teach yoga. He developed his own version of Hatha yoga that consists of a tightly scripted sequence of 26 positions and two breathing exercises. The temperature of a Bikram Yoga studio is usually at 105 degrees or even higher! The idea behind it is that the heat will help to loosen your muscles, improve flexibility, and increase your heart rate. And, although quite to state the obvious, the heat also makes you sweat - a lot!
Bikram's 26 hatha yoga postures are, like most other styles of hatha Yoga, designed to stretch your muscles, compress your cardiopulmonary system and improve your circulation. The practise can be uncomfortable or mildly painful at first and you may get lightheaded or nauseous during the session. These sensations are often symptoms of detoxification taking place in the body, but be caution is appropriate as they may also be signs of dehydration.
The first 60 minutes of a practice session is usually spent doing standing exercises, followed by 30 minutes of floor exercises. The routine includes Bikram Yoga positions such as the Half Moon Pose that strengthens your abdominals and helps with back pain. The Awkward pose that strengthens calves, thighs, and hips. And the Wind Removing Pose that straightens the spine and increases flexibility. The last mentioned one also exerts pressure on your colon, which perhaps is the origin of the name of the position.
The only copyrighted Yoga?!
On an interesting side note, one can mention that the entrepreneur in Choudhury wants to have monopoly on who can teach this form of Yoga. He has made it clear that he thinks Bikram is "his original version of yoga". He claimed copyright protection for this particular set of Yoga positions and even sued some yoga studios that taught Bikram Yoga without paying his franchise fee. His argument was that "just as a sequence of musical notes or dance steps can be copyrighted - so can Yoga". Others claim that this is nothing else than pure greed, stemming from Bikram's want to make a lot of money, and that Yoga has it's firm roots in the public domain.
Be that as it may, if you are considering to take up Bikram Yoga for yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, due to the intense heat, Bikram yoga can be tough to endure for certain people. Those who have low resistance to heat, have high blood pressure, heart problems or any other serious health condition, should check with their doctor before trying this form of exercise.
Even if you are in top shape, you need to mentally prepare yourself for the heat. The room is between 105 F and 110 F degrees Fahrenheit (although some instructors keep it high, but under 100 F) and classes usually last about 90 minutes, so you will be sweating a lot. You need to drink plenty of water throughout the day - both before and after the class. During the class you should only sip small amounts of water though, as gulping it down may cause nausea or other discomforts.
If you attend a class to get some first hand experience with this series of poses, and notice that you start to feel ill - sit down cross legged on your towel (remember to bring one, you will need it anyhow). If that doesn't help you may lie down for a bit until you feel strong enough to continue. You may then take a sip of water and continue doing your Bikram Yoga positions.
About the author:
Michael Hawkins is the author of a guide called No Nonsense Yoga. Read more about this guide as well as about Bikram Yoga positions on his website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Hawkins
Bikram Yoga is a form of Yoga which consists of a series of 26 poses performed in a hot room. When we say Bikram Yoga positions that is the same as calling them postures, poses, asanas or something else. Bikram is also commonly referred to as "Hot Yoga".
Bikram Yoga was created by Bikram Choudhury, a self-styled Yoga entrepreneur who moved from India to the US to teach yoga. He developed his own version of Hatha yoga that consists of a tightly scripted sequence of 26 positions and two breathing exercises. The temperature of a Bikram Yoga studio is usually at 105 degrees or even higher! The idea behind it is that the heat will help to loosen your muscles, improve flexibility, and increase your heart rate. And, although quite to state the obvious, the heat also makes you sweat - a lot!
Bikram's 26 hatha yoga postures are, like most other styles of hatha Yoga, designed to stretch your muscles, compress your cardiopulmonary system and improve your circulation. The practise can be uncomfortable or mildly painful at first and you may get lightheaded or nauseous during the session. These sensations are often symptoms of detoxification taking place in the body, but be caution is appropriate as they may also be signs of dehydration.
The first 60 minutes of a practice session is usually spent doing standing exercises, followed by 30 minutes of floor exercises. The routine includes Bikram Yoga positions such as the Half Moon Pose that strengthens your abdominals and helps with back pain. The Awkward pose that strengthens calves, thighs, and hips. And the Wind Removing Pose that straightens the spine and increases flexibility. The last mentioned one also exerts pressure on your colon, which perhaps is the origin of the name of the position.
The only copyrighted Yoga?!
On an interesting side note, one can mention that the entrepreneur in Choudhury wants to have monopoly on who can teach this form of Yoga. He has made it clear that he thinks Bikram is "his original version of yoga". He claimed copyright protection for this particular set of Yoga positions and even sued some yoga studios that taught Bikram Yoga without paying his franchise fee. His argument was that "just as a sequence of musical notes or dance steps can be copyrighted - so can Yoga". Others claim that this is nothing else than pure greed, stemming from Bikram's want to make a lot of money, and that Yoga has it's firm roots in the public domain.
Be that as it may, if you are considering to take up Bikram Yoga for yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, due to the intense heat, Bikram yoga can be tough to endure for certain people. Those who have low resistance to heat, have high blood pressure, heart problems or any other serious health condition, should check with their doctor before trying this form of exercise.
Even if you are in top shape, you need to mentally prepare yourself for the heat. The room is between 105 F and 110 F degrees Fahrenheit (although some instructors keep it high, but under 100 F) and classes usually last about 90 minutes, so you will be sweating a lot. You need to drink plenty of water throughout the day - both before and after the class. During the class you should only sip small amounts of water though, as gulping it down may cause nausea or other discomforts.
If you attend a class to get some first hand experience with this series of poses, and notice that you start to feel ill - sit down cross legged on your towel (remember to bring one, you will need it anyhow). If that doesn't help you may lie down for a bit until you feel strong enough to continue. You may then take a sip of water and continue doing your Bikram Yoga positions.
About the author:
Michael Hawkins is the author of a guide called No Nonsense Yoga. Read more about this guide as well as about Bikram Yoga positions on his website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Hawkins
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Why Zen Yoga Poses Can Improve Your Health
By Rebecca Prescott
Zen yoga poses are part of an Oriental system that combines the practice of asanas with Traditional Chinese and Japanese Medicine. Postures are categorized according to the primary meridian they affect. A meridian can be understood as similar to a blood vessel, in that it has an energetic structure that corresponds with the human body, but which is instead a channel for energy to circulate (instead of blood).
The alignment of these exercises with specific meridians is what makes zen yoga such a powerful healing modality. In fact, teachers of this Oriental system emphasize its' capacity to help treat the basic causes of illness.. This article will explore what is meant by that, and provide some illustration on how zen yoga poses can be adapted to an individual's problems.
Meridian exercises work by facilitating the natural flow of energy in areas where we experience blockages and stagnation. We may feel those areas of blockages as stiffness, aching, tension, pain, or simply a feeling of being uncomfortable. Zen poses open up their primary meridians, and as a result, they dispel 'ill' energy, and allow healthy energy to flow instead.
A little background on meridians may be helpful. There are 12 meridians, and they are named after different organs of the body. So, we have the Lung meridian, large intestine meridian, Heart constrictor, triple heater, liver, gall bladder, spleen, stomach, heart, small intestine, kidney, and bladder.
It's important to note that although these meridians each have an energetic relationship with the organ after which they are named, they are not just referring to the organ when we speak about them. Their primary meaning is an energetic reference, to a type of energy that runs along a specific channel, which just happens to be associated with a physical organ as well. So, when Oriental practitioners and yoga teachers talk about a particular meridian being out of whack in some way, this definitely does not mean that our organs are! I emphasize this because a lot of people tend to get alarmed by some of the terminology, and it just stems from a misunderstanding of the context in which it is being used.
By understanding how important the energetic aspect is in Oriental philosophy, it is easier to understand how they look at the symptoms of disease, illness, or any problems we feel in our bodies. Instead of focusing on the symptom itself, Oriental diagnosis looks at what is going on in the meridians, and a healing approach is based on this, instead of a rigidly defined solution for a set of symptoms. What this means in practical terms, is that one person's ideal solution to a bad back, or a stiff neck, may be very different to another's.
The good news is that you don't have to know a lot of theory to do zen yoga successful. And neither do you need to understand the intricacies of Oriental diagnosis to apply zen yoga exercises for your own specific problems. Masunaga offers this useful guide: "first find the exercise which is hardest to do... and then look for another one which is the easiest... If doing the easiest exercise causes an improvement in the performance of the most difficult one, or relieves a ... symptom, it is effectively reinforcing the Ki [energy] in the Kyo [deficient] meridian".
Masunaga was a leading shiatsu teacher in Japan who organized meridian exercises into a system that people could use themselves. He actually wrote that the best way to learn about zen yoga poses, was to practice them! Zen yoga seems more difficult in theory than it is in practice. It's actually a very fun, playful and gentle style of yoga that can readily be adapted to any level of fitness and health. Like tai chi, it has great health benefits, which can be explored in more detail through classes or publications.
References: Zen Imagery Exercises by Shizuto Masunaga
For more articles on different yoga types, click here. Rebecca presents yoga tips and articles here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Prescott
Zen yoga poses are part of an Oriental system that combines the practice of asanas with Traditional Chinese and Japanese Medicine. Postures are categorized according to the primary meridian they affect. A meridian can be understood as similar to a blood vessel, in that it has an energetic structure that corresponds with the human body, but which is instead a channel for energy to circulate (instead of blood).
The alignment of these exercises with specific meridians is what makes zen yoga such a powerful healing modality. In fact, teachers of this Oriental system emphasize its' capacity to help treat the basic causes of illness.. This article will explore what is meant by that, and provide some illustration on how zen yoga poses can be adapted to an individual's problems.
Meridian exercises work by facilitating the natural flow of energy in areas where we experience blockages and stagnation. We may feel those areas of blockages as stiffness, aching, tension, pain, or simply a feeling of being uncomfortable. Zen poses open up their primary meridians, and as a result, they dispel 'ill' energy, and allow healthy energy to flow instead.
A little background on meridians may be helpful. There are 12 meridians, and they are named after different organs of the body. So, we have the Lung meridian, large intestine meridian, Heart constrictor, triple heater, liver, gall bladder, spleen, stomach, heart, small intestine, kidney, and bladder.
It's important to note that although these meridians each have an energetic relationship with the organ after which they are named, they are not just referring to the organ when we speak about them. Their primary meaning is an energetic reference, to a type of energy that runs along a specific channel, which just happens to be associated with a physical organ as well. So, when Oriental practitioners and yoga teachers talk about a particular meridian being out of whack in some way, this definitely does not mean that our organs are! I emphasize this because a lot of people tend to get alarmed by some of the terminology, and it just stems from a misunderstanding of the context in which it is being used.
By understanding how important the energetic aspect is in Oriental philosophy, it is easier to understand how they look at the symptoms of disease, illness, or any problems we feel in our bodies. Instead of focusing on the symptom itself, Oriental diagnosis looks at what is going on in the meridians, and a healing approach is based on this, instead of a rigidly defined solution for a set of symptoms. What this means in practical terms, is that one person's ideal solution to a bad back, or a stiff neck, may be very different to another's.
The good news is that you don't have to know a lot of theory to do zen yoga successful. And neither do you need to understand the intricacies of Oriental diagnosis to apply zen yoga exercises for your own specific problems. Masunaga offers this useful guide: "first find the exercise which is hardest to do... and then look for another one which is the easiest... If doing the easiest exercise causes an improvement in the performance of the most difficult one, or relieves a ... symptom, it is effectively reinforcing the Ki [energy] in the Kyo [deficient] meridian".
Masunaga was a leading shiatsu teacher in Japan who organized meridian exercises into a system that people could use themselves. He actually wrote that the best way to learn about zen yoga poses, was to practice them! Zen yoga seems more difficult in theory than it is in practice. It's actually a very fun, playful and gentle style of yoga that can readily be adapted to any level of fitness and health. Like tai chi, it has great health benefits, which can be explored in more detail through classes or publications.
References: Zen Imagery Exercises by Shizuto Masunaga
For more articles on different yoga types, click here. Rebecca presents yoga tips and articles here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Prescott
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Breath Awareness
By Donna Visco
The act of breathing is so natural we often take it for granted; I know for sure that I did for many years. Over the last three years of my life I have come to really appreciate the act of breathing in a way that has made a difference in how I approach every day of my life.
I remember the first time I was really aware of my breath in a way that it consciously made a difference. It was about 3 years ago when I was taking a yoga class and I was in the head to knee pose called Janu Sirsasana intending that my head touch my knee while reaching for my left foot. I’d been taking this yoga course for a while and progressively had moved closer and closer to my toes, so much so that I could actually grab my foot. The ability to touch and then hold the bottom my foot took a couple of months to accomplish. On this particular day something different happened. I was looking at my knee, deep in this forward bend, holding my left foot, and I could hear the instructor softly and encouragingly saying, “breathe into the pose, allow your breath to take you more deeply, more gently into the pose, stretch yourself just a little further”. In that moment, my nose touched my knee, and I remember a welling up inside me, and thinking to myself, “My nose is touching my knee… for the first time in my adult life I am having face to knee contact!” As the tears welled up in my 51 year old eyes, I thought… “Wow! If I can do this, what else could I possibly do?” This accomplishment was a first for me, and all I had to do is simply BREATHE into it.
Around that time in my life I had begun to meditate regularly as well, which also calls for breath awareness. In learning to focus on my breath and the flow of it into and out of my body, I started to realize how different I felt as my breath slowed down. I became more relaxed, and a more settled peaceful feeling came over me, all by simply slowing down my breath! I found this interesting and I loved these wonderful side effects. Many times this relaxed peaceful feeling would carry into daily activities.
I’ve come to rely on breath awareness to assist me in moments of stress and challenges. “Just Breathe.” I say to myself and I recall that special time on the yoga mat and I hear my instructor’s voice softly saying, “Just breathe into the pose”, softly, gently…. just breathe into the pose” and I think … “Yes, Donna, just breathe into it… that’s it…just breathe.” And I find myself immediately feeling more peaceful, more clear in my thoughts and I am able to approach the physical or emotional challenge from a much calmer state of mind. I also find when I am more focused without mental friction I am more open to receive; solutions come more easily and very often I even see the blessing in what originally felt like frustration or irritation.
Today, I am fortunate to teach others how to create more balance and harmony in their lives and I’d love to share with you one of my favorite breathing exercises called Ujjayi Breathing, also known as ‘sounding or ocean sounding breath’. If you follow the simple steps below so you can begin to experience the healthy benefits of breath awareness. Ujjayi breath is known to clear and calm the mind, balance the heart rate, increase mindfulness and reduce internal heat caused by frustration or irritation.
Here are the simple steps:
1. Sit comfortably with your spine erect, or lie down on your back. Begin by taking a long, slow, and deeper than normal inhalation through your nostrils.
2. On the exhalation, slightly constrict your throat muscles so as you breathe out it sounds as if you are snoring. The outflow of your breath is through your nose with your mouth closed. The result is that you should sound like “Darth Vader”.
To get the hang of this practice is to first exhale the “haaah” sound with your mouth open...imagine you are fogging up a mirror in front of your mouth. Now make a similar sound with your mouth closed, directing the outflow of air through your nasal passages. This should result in the desired breathy snoring sound. Once you have mastered it on the outflow, imagine you are fogging up a mirror in the back of your throat as you inhale gently constricting your throat.
It is very simple really and the beautiful thing is that whether or not you don’t have to practice yoga or meditation to reap the healthy benefits. Just relax and breathe easily and notice the changes your awareness on your own breath brings into your life. While you practice this simple exercise take a moment to look around you and enjoy your surroundings, acknowledging how much you are a part of what is happening around you.
When you start to become more aware of the simple things you may find that in that moment you realize what a gift life is, and you can more fully enjoy the present moment of what life presents to you.
So the next time you find yourself in a state of confusion, anxiety, frustration or irritation whether in the office, on the road or at your local super market, etc. give yourself the gift of Ujjayi breathing! Happy Breathing!
Donna Visco is the author of Divine Spark that is you - a compendium of simple truths, she is a Teacher of Meditation, Yoga and How to Live Life Fully Expressed, as well as a Pranic Healer.
Her unique presentation style is a combination of passionate belief and earthy inspiration. Donna LOVES seeing the lights in peoples eyes TURN ON when the realize that they CAN create the life they desire! She is co founder of Joyful Evolution facilitating live seminars in the United States, she is also a co founder of Building Momentum which provides a teleclass environment program with her two partners, Jennifer Connell and Laura Nash.
Her passion and dream is to get her message out there however she can. She believes Life is a party, a gift, an amazing experience, and feels it's important to make sure we invite everyone to really see it for what it is!
Donna has Yoga, Meditation and Perfect health Certifications from the Chopra Center in California.
The act of breathing is so natural we often take it for granted; I know for sure that I did for many years. Over the last three years of my life I have come to really appreciate the act of breathing in a way that has made a difference in how I approach every day of my life.
I remember the first time I was really aware of my breath in a way that it consciously made a difference. It was about 3 years ago when I was taking a yoga class and I was in the head to knee pose called Janu Sirsasana intending that my head touch my knee while reaching for my left foot. I’d been taking this yoga course for a while and progressively had moved closer and closer to my toes, so much so that I could actually grab my foot. The ability to touch and then hold the bottom my foot took a couple of months to accomplish. On this particular day something different happened. I was looking at my knee, deep in this forward bend, holding my left foot, and I could hear the instructor softly and encouragingly saying, “breathe into the pose, allow your breath to take you more deeply, more gently into the pose, stretch yourself just a little further”. In that moment, my nose touched my knee, and I remember a welling up inside me, and thinking to myself, “My nose is touching my knee… for the first time in my adult life I am having face to knee contact!” As the tears welled up in my 51 year old eyes, I thought… “Wow! If I can do this, what else could I possibly do?” This accomplishment was a first for me, and all I had to do is simply BREATHE into it.
Around that time in my life I had begun to meditate regularly as well, which also calls for breath awareness. In learning to focus on my breath and the flow of it into and out of my body, I started to realize how different I felt as my breath slowed down. I became more relaxed, and a more settled peaceful feeling came over me, all by simply slowing down my breath! I found this interesting and I loved these wonderful side effects. Many times this relaxed peaceful feeling would carry into daily activities.
I’ve come to rely on breath awareness to assist me in moments of stress and challenges. “Just Breathe.” I say to myself and I recall that special time on the yoga mat and I hear my instructor’s voice softly saying, “Just breathe into the pose”, softly, gently…. just breathe into the pose” and I think … “Yes, Donna, just breathe into it… that’s it…just breathe.” And I find myself immediately feeling more peaceful, more clear in my thoughts and I am able to approach the physical or emotional challenge from a much calmer state of mind. I also find when I am more focused without mental friction I am more open to receive; solutions come more easily and very often I even see the blessing in what originally felt like frustration or irritation.
Today, I am fortunate to teach others how to create more balance and harmony in their lives and I’d love to share with you one of my favorite breathing exercises called Ujjayi Breathing, also known as ‘sounding or ocean sounding breath’. If you follow the simple steps below so you can begin to experience the healthy benefits of breath awareness. Ujjayi breath is known to clear and calm the mind, balance the heart rate, increase mindfulness and reduce internal heat caused by frustration or irritation.
Here are the simple steps:
1. Sit comfortably with your spine erect, or lie down on your back. Begin by taking a long, slow, and deeper than normal inhalation through your nostrils.
2. On the exhalation, slightly constrict your throat muscles so as you breathe out it sounds as if you are snoring. The outflow of your breath is through your nose with your mouth closed. The result is that you should sound like “Darth Vader”.
To get the hang of this practice is to first exhale the “haaah” sound with your mouth open...imagine you are fogging up a mirror in front of your mouth. Now make a similar sound with your mouth closed, directing the outflow of air through your nasal passages. This should result in the desired breathy snoring sound. Once you have mastered it on the outflow, imagine you are fogging up a mirror in the back of your throat as you inhale gently constricting your throat.
It is very simple really and the beautiful thing is that whether or not you don’t have to practice yoga or meditation to reap the healthy benefits. Just relax and breathe easily and notice the changes your awareness on your own breath brings into your life. While you practice this simple exercise take a moment to look around you and enjoy your surroundings, acknowledging how much you are a part of what is happening around you.
When you start to become more aware of the simple things you may find that in that moment you realize what a gift life is, and you can more fully enjoy the present moment of what life presents to you.
So the next time you find yourself in a state of confusion, anxiety, frustration or irritation whether in the office, on the road or at your local super market, etc. give yourself the gift of Ujjayi breathing! Happy Breathing!
Donna Visco is the author of Divine Spark that is you - a compendium of simple truths, she is a Teacher of Meditation, Yoga and How to Live Life Fully Expressed, as well as a Pranic Healer.
Her unique presentation style is a combination of passionate belief and earthy inspiration. Donna LOVES seeing the lights in peoples eyes TURN ON when the realize that they CAN create the life they desire! She is co founder of Joyful Evolution facilitating live seminars in the United States, she is also a co founder of Building Momentum which provides a teleclass environment program with her two partners, Jennifer Connell and Laura Nash.
Her passion and dream is to get her message out there however she can. She believes Life is a party, a gift, an amazing experience, and feels it's important to make sure we invite everyone to really see it for what it is!
Donna has Yoga, Meditation and Perfect health Certifications from the Chopra Center in California.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Are Yoga Balls Helpful for Doing Poses?
Foras Aje
I’ve been doing yoga for years and never actually had the need for or even used props such as blocks, belts or even the common yoga balls.
However that changed when I recently attempted some yoga poses using the big ball nestled in the corner of my girlfriend’s apartment.
Turns out that when doing yoga poses with an exercise ball, there are many benefits that it can add to your practice.
Being as though it is a versatile prop for many postures, the 30 inch diameter ball is a terrific tool. These air-filled balls give support in poses such as backbends hip openers and restorative poses.
Balls are shipped un-inflated and include a small hand-held pump. Moreover, they are made from durable vinyl and can support up to 600 pounds.
For Moms, kids being kids, they naturally tend to gravitate towards the prop as they too, like you, may be trying to practice their favorite yoga poses.
Well, in spite of all the fun that I’ve said it could add to your practice, let’s remember it’s not to be abused (per-se) as you need to remember to keep the order of the poses as suggested in your yoga class or literature you may be using as a road-map.
Going back to the fun part of using exercise balls for yoga, what's even better is you can add simple calisthenics like the yoga-esque Hindu Push-Ups and several other core exercises to have one knockout of exercise routines for your yoga ball.
Hey, one more thing, if you simply need a place to keep your jacket after a hard-day’s work, you could drop yours right on the prop too…
All in all, here’s to making Yoga even more fun folks.
In Friendship,
Aje
Foras Aje is an independent researcher and co-founder of BodyHealthSoul LLC. Stop by His Yoga for Beginners Blog today for more information on exercises with yoga ball.
I’ve been doing yoga for years and never actually had the need for or even used props such as blocks, belts or even the common yoga balls.
However that changed when I recently attempted some yoga poses using the big ball nestled in the corner of my girlfriend’s apartment.
Turns out that when doing yoga poses with an exercise ball, there are many benefits that it can add to your practice.
Being as though it is a versatile prop for many postures, the 30 inch diameter ball is a terrific tool. These air-filled balls give support in poses such as backbends hip openers and restorative poses.
Balls are shipped un-inflated and include a small hand-held pump. Moreover, they are made from durable vinyl and can support up to 600 pounds.
For Moms, kids being kids, they naturally tend to gravitate towards the prop as they too, like you, may be trying to practice their favorite yoga poses.
Well, in spite of all the fun that I’ve said it could add to your practice, let’s remember it’s not to be abused (per-se) as you need to remember to keep the order of the poses as suggested in your yoga class or literature you may be using as a road-map.
Going back to the fun part of using exercise balls for yoga, what's even better is you can add simple calisthenics like the yoga-esque Hindu Push-Ups and several other core exercises to have one knockout of exercise routines for your yoga ball.
Hey, one more thing, if you simply need a place to keep your jacket after a hard-day’s work, you could drop yours right on the prop too…
All in all, here’s to making Yoga even more fun folks.
In Friendship,
Aje
Foras Aje is an independent researcher and co-founder of BodyHealthSoul LLC. Stop by His Yoga for Beginners Blog today for more information on exercises with yoga ball.
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Ancient Wisdom in Modern Yoga
By Adam Johns
Having just begun a new career as a Realtor, I know as well as anyone the benefits of a regular practice of mind and body. Life is quick paced when it is slow, which means when times are busy, they really move, and… well, we need to remember to breath.
Thankfully, our modern society has realized its need for peaceful breaks in between cell phone calls. Especially in the last decade or so, perhaps after first stumbling over our own two feet, we have willingly reached into the past to scoop up what was once understood by the ancients—the mindful practice of yoga.
Mary Dunn, who began yer yoga studies with B.K.S. Iyengar in 1974 and is now senior teacher and director of the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York, elaborates: “Yoga deals with timeless questions so it is relevant whether we are speaking of the contemporary world or a historical context.”
According to http://sanscrit.org, the term, yoga, is “derived from the Sanskrit root, yuj, to join, to unite, to attach.” A further implication is that a practitioner of yoga, a yogi, is one who joins with “the soul” or “the soul of God.”
Let’s cover our bases here—modern practitioners of yoga may not feel dedicated enough to consider themselves yogis, but still may seek and discover the benefits of healing and fitness from the practice.
Yoga, Healing, and Fitness
Those who seek improved health do satisfy one requirement similar to the yogis: they apply the principle of consistency to their practice.
With regular practice, yoga is bound to improve all areas of a practitioner’s life. One will become physically stronger while also attaining an increased awareness of relaxation and peace of mind. Again, the Sanskrit root, yuj, says it all and speaks of a body, which has all its multitudinous aspects united and functioning as one.
“I benefit from yoga because it puts a broad framework around the way I live,” says Mary. “It provides a philosophical structure that includes ethical behavior and psychological well-being, and is a practice that provides for a healthy lifestyle.”
Physiological Benefits
Some of the most common benefits of yoga are physical in nature, such as increased flexibility, enhanced performance of the joints, ligaments and tendons, toned muscles, and a higher degree in purity of blood through the elimination of bodily toxins.
How are these effects achieved? Yoga is a science both complex and simple, depending on the perspective of the observer. With that said, for a beginner exploring yoga, it is best to assume a perspective of high regard and patience. Because, yoga, if practiced correctly and regularly over time, has the potential to strengthen, stretch and heal the body from its surface to its core.
Psychological and Spiritual Benefits
“The states of meditation which were practiced in the past and said to benefit the practitioner are now scientifically verifiable as to their effects on the brain,” adds Mary.
In our modern society, one of yoga’s most sought after results is its ability to quiet the nervous system. We fast-pacers enjoy yoga because it provides a healthy contrast to our lives, as it is slow and gentle. Certain forms of yoga such as pranayama (yogic breathing) especially assist in gaining a calm mind.
To most, achieving a calm mind seems impossible in this world. Nevertheless, it is a virtuous and respectable goal, and yoga offers us hope.
Experienced practitioners can tell the difference, as yoga teaches a person how to properly relax when there is an opportunity to do so, as well as how to endure difficulties and stress when there is no break.
Spiritually, yoga encourages a positive mentality. It boosts confidence and the ability for self-acceptance. For most, yoga offers a feeling of oneness with others and the world around.
Adam Johns writes articles and music reviews for The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times web version may be accessed at http://english.epochtimes.com The author is currently promoting New Tang Dynasty's Chinese New Years Spectacular. He hopes you will visit: http://newyeargala.ntdtv.com/2007/en/
Having just begun a new career as a Realtor, I know as well as anyone the benefits of a regular practice of mind and body. Life is quick paced when it is slow, which means when times are busy, they really move, and… well, we need to remember to breath.
Thankfully, our modern society has realized its need for peaceful breaks in between cell phone calls. Especially in the last decade or so, perhaps after first stumbling over our own two feet, we have willingly reached into the past to scoop up what was once understood by the ancients—the mindful practice of yoga.
Mary Dunn, who began yer yoga studies with B.K.S. Iyengar in 1974 and is now senior teacher and director of the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York, elaborates: “Yoga deals with timeless questions so it is relevant whether we are speaking of the contemporary world or a historical context.”
According to http://sanscrit.org, the term, yoga, is “derived from the Sanskrit root, yuj, to join, to unite, to attach.” A further implication is that a practitioner of yoga, a yogi, is one who joins with “the soul” or “the soul of God.”
Let’s cover our bases here—modern practitioners of yoga may not feel dedicated enough to consider themselves yogis, but still may seek and discover the benefits of healing and fitness from the practice.
Yoga, Healing, and Fitness
Those who seek improved health do satisfy one requirement similar to the yogis: they apply the principle of consistency to their practice.
With regular practice, yoga is bound to improve all areas of a practitioner’s life. One will become physically stronger while also attaining an increased awareness of relaxation and peace of mind. Again, the Sanskrit root, yuj, says it all and speaks of a body, which has all its multitudinous aspects united and functioning as one.
“I benefit from yoga because it puts a broad framework around the way I live,” says Mary. “It provides a philosophical structure that includes ethical behavior and psychological well-being, and is a practice that provides for a healthy lifestyle.”
Physiological Benefits
Some of the most common benefits of yoga are physical in nature, such as increased flexibility, enhanced performance of the joints, ligaments and tendons, toned muscles, and a higher degree in purity of blood through the elimination of bodily toxins.
How are these effects achieved? Yoga is a science both complex and simple, depending on the perspective of the observer. With that said, for a beginner exploring yoga, it is best to assume a perspective of high regard and patience. Because, yoga, if practiced correctly and regularly over time, has the potential to strengthen, stretch and heal the body from its surface to its core.
Psychological and Spiritual Benefits
“The states of meditation which were practiced in the past and said to benefit the practitioner are now scientifically verifiable as to their effects on the brain,” adds Mary.
In our modern society, one of yoga’s most sought after results is its ability to quiet the nervous system. We fast-pacers enjoy yoga because it provides a healthy contrast to our lives, as it is slow and gentle. Certain forms of yoga such as pranayama (yogic breathing) especially assist in gaining a calm mind.
To most, achieving a calm mind seems impossible in this world. Nevertheless, it is a virtuous and respectable goal, and yoga offers us hope.
Experienced practitioners can tell the difference, as yoga teaches a person how to properly relax when there is an opportunity to do so, as well as how to endure difficulties and stress when there is no break.
Spiritually, yoga encourages a positive mentality. It boosts confidence and the ability for self-acceptance. For most, yoga offers a feeling of oneness with others and the world around.
Adam Johns writes articles and music reviews for The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times web version may be accessed at http://english.epochtimes.com The author is currently promoting New Tang Dynasty's Chinese New Years Spectacular. He hopes you will visit: http://newyeargala.ntdtv.com/2007/en/
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
The Benefits of Yoga for Children
By Elizabeth Morgan
Various trends and fads have come and gone with fitness and exercise which makes it very easy to be cynical about any new developments in this field. However, because of the believed benefits of both mental and physical health yoga has been able to endure and become a favorite.
Having children practice yoga is becoming an increasingly popular trend. Like adults, children do not get enough exercise according to studies by experts and they can also exhibit tension and stress - therefore the perfect solution for overworked children is yoga.
Finding the Right Place
It is important to research the yoga class you are thinking of having your kid join as with any class or group. Talk with the instructors and ask them how spiritual their classes will be since some parents may be put off by the very religious nature of the Eastern/Buddhist influence.
It is also a good idea to find out how physically demanding the class is. The more strenuous positions may be dealt with by children that are natural athletes, but children who are beginners might need to be signed up for a more basic course.
For some parents, just the thought of sending a child to a yoga class is seen as too trendy. However, there are some organizations out there that are working to make the idea of yoga for children not so foreign. Converts out of skeptics can happen if your read up on the information available.
Just as much as adults, children need to find balance and peace of mind. Since yoga is so successful with adults, a natural progression seems to be developing and adapting it for children Yoga Fitness Exercises. The benefits of yoga in young children’s health is promoted by a group called YogaKids International. The website of this large organization is www.yogakids.com where people can get information on their mission as well as locations, teachers, equipment and accreditation.
Is it Right for Your Kid?
There is a pensive, spiritual side to yoga in addition to the physical part which is the most important part of the exercise. Yoga might be a problem therefore if your child’s attention span doesn’t allow them to sit still longer than the average commercial break.
This don’t mean hyperactive children can’t benefit from yoga, it just means that you need to have a patient instructor who has prior experience in dealing with children - particularly those who are antsy at the thought of sitting on a mat and concentrating on breath when they would rather be in front of a television screen annihilating galaxies. It is this children who will benefit the most from yoga Yoga for Beginners.
Elizabeth Morgan is an expert on the Yoga for Children. Yoga Fitness Exercises and Yoga for Beginners.
Various trends and fads have come and gone with fitness and exercise which makes it very easy to be cynical about any new developments in this field. However, because of the believed benefits of both mental and physical health yoga has been able to endure and become a favorite.
Having children practice yoga is becoming an increasingly popular trend. Like adults, children do not get enough exercise according to studies by experts and they can also exhibit tension and stress - therefore the perfect solution for overworked children is yoga.
Finding the Right Place
It is important to research the yoga class you are thinking of having your kid join as with any class or group. Talk with the instructors and ask them how spiritual their classes will be since some parents may be put off by the very religious nature of the Eastern/Buddhist influence.
It is also a good idea to find out how physically demanding the class is. The more strenuous positions may be dealt with by children that are natural athletes, but children who are beginners might need to be signed up for a more basic course.
For some parents, just the thought of sending a child to a yoga class is seen as too trendy. However, there are some organizations out there that are working to make the idea of yoga for children not so foreign. Converts out of skeptics can happen if your read up on the information available.
Just as much as adults, children need to find balance and peace of mind. Since yoga is so successful with adults, a natural progression seems to be developing and adapting it for children Yoga Fitness Exercises. The benefits of yoga in young children’s health is promoted by a group called YogaKids International. The website of this large organization is www.yogakids.com where people can get information on their mission as well as locations, teachers, equipment and accreditation.
Is it Right for Your Kid?
There is a pensive, spiritual side to yoga in addition to the physical part which is the most important part of the exercise. Yoga might be a problem therefore if your child’s attention span doesn’t allow them to sit still longer than the average commercial break.
This don’t mean hyperactive children can’t benefit from yoga, it just means that you need to have a patient instructor who has prior experience in dealing with children - particularly those who are antsy at the thought of sitting on a mat and concentrating on breath when they would rather be in front of a television screen annihilating galaxies. It is this children who will benefit the most from yoga Yoga for Beginners.
Elizabeth Morgan is an expert on the Yoga for Children. Yoga Fitness Exercises and Yoga for Beginners.
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