Archive for July, 2010
Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti Yoga is more of a spiritual concept of the practice of Yoga. Whereas many Yoga techniques orient themselves towards the physical and mental improvements, Bhakti focuses mainly on the spiritual relationship between the individual and God.
The basis of Bhakti can best be summed up as a string. This string starts at the foot of God, Himself, extends throughout all reality, and ends at the heart of the individual. This string is always strong at the point of Gods’ feet, as God is omniscient and never changing. On the individuals end, but, life can wear at the string, weakening it. The individual, through Bhakti Yoga, cultivates the nature of the string, bringing it new life and strength. The effect is that of a stronger spiritual relationship with the Maker.
Through this ancient form of Yoga, we come to the realization that God’s like is the purest form of like possible, never hurtful, never deceitful, never failing, and never, under any circumstances, vindictive in any way. It is the ultimate like. Bhakti teaches us that man can achieve this like as man is made in the image of God. It is simple to deduce that, with these facts in mind, man can learn, through Bhakti, to like God as He likes us, purely and unselfishly.
The actual word, Bhakti, originates from the word Bhaj, which translates loosely into ‘attachment to God.’ In the actual practice of this format of Yoga, there are a number of very effective and desirable outlets, such as Sakamya, Nishkamya, Japa, and Upasana, to name a few.
Sakamya is probably the least chosen, in that it is a self-centered form of Bhakti. Sakamya is a quest, through Bhakti, to achieve greater material gains here on earth, and less oriented towards the pleasing of and relationship with God. Japa is also a self-centered type of Bhakti, yet not so much for material wants but for physical needs. For example, if a man suffers from cancer and wants God to heal him, he performs a daily ritual of Japa Bhakti Yoga.
The basic principles of Bhakti are that if you are sincere in your prayers and are willing to go through the process of Bhakti to achieve them, then God will grant your requests as he has promised. But, without a excellent carved in stone moral standpoint, to perform Bhakti is pointless.
By: Sarah Freeland
About the Author:
Yoga For Pregnancy
Yoga is a low impact exercise. This is vital during pregnancy in order to keep both you and your baby safe. High impact forms of exercise are generally not safe for you or your baby while you are pregnant. Yoga for pregnancy can still give you a fantastic workout without putting you or your baby in harm’s way.
Yoga teaches proper breathing techniques. This is excellent for both your mind and your body. The unique form of breathing that is done during yoga (in some practices called ujjayi breathing) can help cool the mind and the body. In any yoga for pregnancy video you get, there will be a focus on your breath. It can focus on how to cool your breath, how to breathe into different parts of your body and how to breathe away tension and stress. This kind of focused breathing is also fantastic for helping you prepare for childbirth.
Yoga stretches your body. This aspect of yoga for pregnancy is fantastic for helping you get rid of any tension and stress in your body. As your body grows and changes during pregnancy, you will have aches and pains in places that you never have before. The stretching that yoga provides can help you work out these kinks and relieve the tension in those areas that get particularly stressed. Your back, legs and feet are certainly areas that will need some extra stretching during pregnancy.
Yoga incorporates relaxation techniques. At the end of most yoga classes and videos, you will find a relaxation section. When you are doing yoga for pregnancy, this is can be an especially wonderful time to connect to your baby and to let your body fully relax. Focused relaxation is always vital but even more vital during pregnancy when your body is undergoing so many changes. It also gives you a chance to shut off your mind and just be. When you do this fully, there are no worries or concerns, you are simply in the moment with your baby, which is a magical and wonderful experience.
By: Jill Borash
About the Author:
Related Blogs
Yoga For Digestive Disorders
Yoga is a very ancient form of exercise which has fantastic abilities to provide solutions to several health related problems even today. This is the reason why fantastic many numbers of people have been practicing yoga regularly for years and living a healthy life, not just healthy body but also healthy mind.
Yoga aims at working towards bringing a balance in mind and body of a person, ‘yoga’ the word itself means union, i.e. union of body and mind for a healthy living. There is no organ in the body that yoga exercises do not address. Yoga exercises can give relief virtually from any ailment, relating to any organ of the body.
This applies even to gastrointestinal problems faced by us regularly. Yoga for digestive system has a set of exercises or positions, ‘asanas’ that can provide you complete relief, be it the ‘IBS’ or irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, heartburns, etc.
Yoga and ayurveda in combination can not just give you relief but also provide you with perfect medication and complete cure from several stomach and digestive order related ailments.
Yoga for digestive disorders is a set of exercises; your yoga instructor will teach you. These ‘asana’ require to be done exactly as taught by the instructor so that you can get complete relief from your problems, the instructor will teach you how long you require to remain in a certain position, the breathing during this position and the way to bring yourself to normal position.
Yoga exercises are not like allopathic medicines which generally provide you small term but instantaneous relief, these exercises will take a week to become completely effective, but you can be assured that you will be completely cured from your gastro-intestinal problems. As a beginner you will have to work towards perfecting your asanas once that it done, you are allowed to practice yoga all by yourself at home.
Yoga therapy prescribes several asanas that might affect your digestion problems, these range to deep breathing exercises to increase oxygen in blood as well as bring breathing in sync with the metabolic system (pranayam) as well as several asanas that address stomach problems directly like the ‘Dhanurasana’ which makes you place entire weight on your stomach, thus toning stomach muscles and making these stronger as well as to digest food better and cleanse system of left over food, etc. for beginners there are asanas like the ‘ardha dharnurasan’ half of the dhanurasan where you require to lift only the upper torso to rest its weight on stomach.
Nearly all gastro-intestinal ailments like the ulcers, indigestion, GERD, digestive disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, etc. everything can be treated by yoga exercises. You can start feeling the change within a day or two of starting the exercises.
By: Kevin Pederson
About the Author:
Related Blogs
Yoga for Kids
Yoga is becoming a very well loved way for adults to learn how to relax. Yoga helps to stretch the muscles that become uptight and tense during the day under normal or extreme stress. Everyday is stressed in some way. Yoga teaches you how to deal with this stress. With different stages of yoga it will help anyone, beginner, intermediate or advanced. Yoga has had a positive effect on people, including pregnant women. It helps them to handle the pain of pregnancy, labor and childbirth as well as proper breathing techniques. But what about yoga for kids? It makes since that they are stressed with school, peer pressure, sports, and all the other everyday stress that comes with life.
Yoga has also been well loved for kids lately and it is having a positive response. With yoga kids learn new techniques and ways to deal with stress. Instead of reacting before they reckon it out yoga is teaching them how to deal with it mentally and physically before they handle the situation. Yoga is helping the kids become more in touch with their self. They learn how their body and mind reacts to everything and then they are taught to handle it in a very positive way.
Yoga for kids may be offered as an after school activity or as a special class. If you can take your child to dance class or karate class you can squeeze in a yoga class and maybe you can join them. The support of a parent lets the child know that it is okay. It also helps to boost their confidence when they start. If you don’t have access to a yoga class for kids you may want to buy a CD or DVD that your child can use at home or with friends. There may be something that you can do to get yoga for kids in your community.
Our kids are our future. If we can’t help them when they are small to deal with everyday life then how can we do it later?
By: Karlise Amerson
About the Author:
Related Blogs
Can You Lose Weight With Yoga?
Yoga is revered for its power to relieve stress, increase flexibility, and build muscle tone. It is not, but, well known for promoting weight loss. So you might be surprised to learn that it can really help us burn calories.
Traditional yoga is not an extremely active pursuit. It works our muscles, but we rarely break a sweat just by holding a pose (unless it’s really hot in the room). But the muscle-building effects of yoga do allow us to burn calories more efficiently. So if we participate in a excellent aerobic workout, we will see greater results than we would if we weren’t doing yoga.
Yoga can also give us the discipline we need to stick to a diet and exercise program. It enhances the relationship between the mind and body, giving us the motivation to take better care of ourselves. Lack of motivation is a frequent problem among those who want to lose weight, so this is a very vital benefit.
New Incarnations of Yoga
Those who want to lose weight solely through yoga might find what they’re looking for in non-traditional yoga classes. There are a number of yoga styles that can give us the traditional benefits of yoga and a cardiovascular workout at the same time. These include:
* Vinyasa yoga – This type of yoga is based on movement from one pose to another while practicing yoga breathing techniques. Sun Salutations are frequently used, but other poses are usually included as well. This is sometimes done in a hot room to increase sweating.
* Ashtanga yoga – Ashtanga is a complex style of yoga that includes six different series of poses. Each serious is more complex than the previous one, so it is vital to start at the beginning and work your way up.
* Power yoga – This is an Americanized version of yoga. It combines quicker, more active movements with traditional yoga breathing techniques.
These types of yoga are more likely to increase our heart rate and work up a sweat than traditional yoga. While they may not give us as much of a workout as aerobics, they combine weight loss and cardiovascular benefits with the muscle building and flexibility training of yoga. And for those who do not have the time to participate in two separate workout programs, they can be fantastic options.
Other than being forms of exercise, yoga and aerobics seem to have small in common. But traditional yoga can enhance the effects of more intense workouts, and these newly well loved styles of yoga can give us the best of both worlds. If other workout routines have left you disappointed, adding or switching to yoga might be the answer you’re looking for.
By: Kanye Robin
About the Author:
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on Can You Lose Weight With Yoga?
- Free Yoga at Home Natural Weight Loss Program
- The Incorrect Way To Lose Weight…The Right Way to Lose Weight | Weight …
- Hcg Weight Loss: Manage Stress So You Can Relax And Lose Weight …
Yoga For Prosperity – Define and Cultivate Abundant Energy
Why do some Yoga Gurus frown on the concept of prosperity? What does a prosperous life mean to them? How do you define prosperity? If you want to be prosperous, how would you go about cultivating abundant energy? Let’s take a journey into Yogic philosophy and the energy surrounding the cultivation of prosperity.
Is a prosperous life terrible? Is abundance the reason for a miserable existence? The reason prosperity is scorned by some is based upon what a person does with it. Will a person become greedy or generous, when faced with a sudden windfall of wealth? It all depends on the person. Greed and selfishness are the right roots of the problem.
There seems to be an ageless conflict between spiritual growth and economic growth. Some people see prosperity only as material wealth. This is how the dividing line between Yoga and money was arrived at. Yet, all of us wish a newborn child and a newlywed couple a long and prosperous life.
Prosperity has many definitions, and the most vital qualities of a prosperous life are not tangible. Prosperity can be defined as any of the following: Comfort, joy, inner peace, like, an simple life, or fortunate financial circumstances. The opposite of prosperity is misery, inner turmoil, sadness, rage, or poverty.
Only a person, who is consumed with intense hatred, would wish misery, sadness, rage, or poverty, on another being. Therefore, look at abundance and prosperity for what they are. Prosperity and abundance are tools to help everyone.
If you want to be prosperous, how would you go about cultivating the energy of abundance? Firstly, you should realize that you deserve prosperity as much as anyone else. So many people feel that they are not worthy of a comfortable life. This sort of change in your thinking requires you to re-program your mind and envision success.
The second step is to engage The Law of Karma by taking positive action. Do not wait for your dreams to happen by wishing for them. You must go forward, toward your dreams, with a plot of action. Just by making small changes each day, you are on the path to prosperity.
Your meditation or Yoga practice time should be filled with positive energy. You could view meditation and Yoga as time spent “charging your batteries.” The ancient Yogis realized that the cultivation of energy, which we know as Prana, was time well spent. Complete presence in the moment, during meditation or Yoga practice, allows you to draw positive energy from your surroundings.
© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
By: Paul Jerard
About the Author:
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on Yoga For Prosperity – Define and Cultivate Abundant Energy
Pilates vs Yoga
Over the past two decades, both of the arts, and/or practices of the equally promoted Yoga and Pilates have become exceedingly well loved. Those who have never had the chance to really practice either one are left out in the dark on which one that would be more suitable for them. Some individuals even reckon that the practice of Pilates is an actual derivative of the ancient art of Yoga. Due to several similarities, the state of confusion is really quite understandable, until you look beyond the surface.
There is really quite a considerable amount of differences between the two ancient arts of meditation and exercise. Ancient documents tell us that yoga likely started in South Asia while Pilates was made in Germany, a really different continent. Another rather extreme difference is that Pilates was founded in 1880 and Yoga has been traced back as far as the Indus Valley civilization. While the individual or individuals who founded the practice of Yoga is unknown, it is well documented that Joseph Hubertus Pilates was the originator of Pilates. While Pilates mostly focuses on the physical body, Yoga concentrates on a unity of mind, body, and spirit. Lastly, some practices of Pilates require actual equipment to perform while the only form of outside resources required for Yoga is that of a Mat and a Yoga Bolster, both of which are optional.
There are some similarities between the two, though vague at best. The two forms both require controlled bodily movements, breathing techniques, and a certain amount of balance.
One advantage of Pilates seems to be quicker and more obviously effective from the visual point of view. On the other side of the metaphorical coin, Yoga is equally effective in the long run without spending a lot of money on the necessary equipment that is required for Pilates. At this point, you can see why the arguments between the practitioners of the two could go on for eternity.
Overall, if you were even vaguely interested in either the practice of Pilates or Yoga, finding out the difference between the two is quite simple with a very small amount of research. Some prefer Pilates, while others prefer the older techniques of Yoga. The truth is, both are very effective for their own purposes. Study the two, find out which one fits you best, and go for it.
By: Sarah Freeland
About the Author:
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on Pilates vs Yoga
- The Cheap Girl » Blog Archive » Toronto Yoga Deal: $40 for 5 …
- Pilates Exercise » Blog Archive » Get Flat Abs With Pilates
Top 5 Yoga Myths
It is not surprising to those of us who are long time yoga practitioners that the popularity of this profound spiritual science is now exploding on a world wide scale. Unfortunately though some of the authenticity and truths about yoga are being lost and some myths are creeping in with regard to what yoga is and how it is to be practiced. In this article I will look to clear up what I find to be the top 5 myths about yoga.
Top 5 Myths About Yoga:
1. Yoga is a Form of Physical Exercise:
This is perhaps the most common view of yoga. That it is a form of physical exercise. This certainly needs to be clarified and I am going to provide some details about right yoga practice in order to do this.
Yoga is really has 8 parts to it, with the physical aspect being just 1. These 8 parts, include yoga dos, yoga don’ts, physical exercises (asana), breathing exercises, sense control, concentration, meditation and divine union.
So you can see from above that although the physical aspect of yoga, which is called asana, is an vital part of yoga, yoga as a whole is certainly more that just a series of postures and movements. Yoga is essentially a spiritual science whose objective is to still the mind of thoughts, so that the truth of Oneness hidden behind the waves of the mind can be clearly seen and embraced.
2. Yoga is a Religion:
The other extreme and incorrect view on yoga is that is it a religion. Commonly yoga is considered part of Hindu religion, but yoga is not a religion. It is a time tested spiritual science with the goal of revealing the right nature of reality. As indicated above, yoga practice is a step by step process with the end goal of calming down the thought waves in our mind and thus prevent them from distorting the truth.
3. To Practice Yoga You Must be Vegetarian:
There is a notion floating around that in order to practice yoga you must not eat meat and be a vegetarian. This is not right. Although there are tremendous benefits to being vegetarian and this is being more and more validated by the mainstream medical community, there is no requirement of vegetarianism in order to practice yoga.
One point I want to add here is that, vegetarianism is consistent with the non-violence which yoga advocates and it certainly would be to your benefit to reduce meat intake, nevertheless, you don’t have to be vegetarian in order to be a fantastic yogi.
4. You Need to be Initiated by a Guru:
I have also come across this notion that many believe you need to be initiated and have a guru in order to learn and practice yoga. This is not right. According to yoga, the right guru is within and although it would be to your benefit to learn yoga from an accomplished teacher, this is not a requirement.
5. You Have to be Flexible to do Yoga:
Not so. No doubt yoga will improve your flexibility, along with your strength, balance and overall health, but in order to practice yoga you do not have to be flexible. Yoga is designed to be practiced by all.
Different bodies have different degrees of flexibility and in this case one size does not fit all. For most of the complex yoga posture which require fantastic flexibility to do, there are plenty of modifications which allow you to get the same benefits for those who are less flexible. In fact one of the original reasons I took up yoga because I was not flexible and wanted to improve this aspect of my physical dimension.
Summary:
So there you have the top 5 myths about yoga. Essentially, what these myths do is prevent people from taking up this wonderful science. So if you feel you will have to change faiths, find gurus, stop eating meat or are too inflexible to take up yoga practice, you are incorrect. Don’t pass up the wonderful opportunity to learn and practice this incredible science, which helps you learn your right divine and eternal nature.
By: Anmol Mehta
About the Author:
This article is available for reprint on your website and/or newsletter, provided it is not changed and you include the author’s signature.
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on Top 5 Yoga Myths
- Top 5 Yoga Myths spread laid bare
- TOP 5 YOGA MYTHS EXPOSED SPREAD
- Top 25 graduate schools.
- Plus Sized Pregnancy
Yoga Clothing Guide – Always Buy the Best Yoga Clothes
Comfortable and breathable clothes that are usually worn at the time of yoga are known as yoga clothes. They should let you to go freely in different yoga poses. Yoga tops, sweat clothes, and leotards are the best clothes that should be worn at the time of yoga practice. Loose fitting yoga clothes allow you to do different yoga poses easily.
Women should wear supportive sports bra so that they can easily perform all yoga activities. You can easily set alignment of your knees, feet and anklets by wearing shorts. Yoga clothes should be sweat absorbent that make you moist during your practice. You shouldn’t include tight fitting clothes that will prevent you from moving freely, in your yoga apparel.
You will delight in your yoga practices with right yoga apparel. Really yoga is a fantastic combination of different body poses and its main motive is to make your body healthy & fit. You shouldn’t wear jeans and tight fitting shirts because they’ll not allow the body to breathe freely. You should take sufficient time to choose best yoga clothing.
Here are some prime factors that should be kept in mind while purchasing yoga apparel. Don’t choose form fitting clothes because they restrict to perform right breathing techniques. Buy some best yoga shorts; sweat clothes, and yoga pants. You should feel comfortable whatever you choose for your yoga practices.
Sometimes you’re allowed to wear yoga shoes and socks so try to buy comfortable shoes. With a terrible set of yoga clothes you’ll not be able to do hard yoga poses. It is right that yoga clothes should be comfortable but they should be attractive also. Try to choose best yoga clothes according to your personality.
By: Sardool Sikandar
About the Author:
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on Yoga Clothing Guide – Always Buy the Best Yoga Clothes
Hot Yoga Therapy
Hailed in the US as one of the most well loved yoga styles among movie stars, Bikram yoga has now found its way to Thailand. The instructor is Benjaporn Karoonkornsakul, a former investment banker who learnt Bikram yoga while working in Hong Kong.
Benjaporn, 31, followed a training course and received certification as a Bikram yoga instructor in New York earlier this year.
Introduced to the Western world for the first time in Los Angeles in 1974 by Bikram Choudhury, this form of yoga immediately differentiated itself from other schools.
Bikram yoga does not require the numerous and complex asanas (postures). A 90-minute session is composed of just 26 simple postures and is carried out in a room heated to about 34 degrees Celsius. Thus, it comes as no surprise to hear that many people have nicknamed Bikram yoga the “hot yoga”.
“That’s the main way in which Bikram differs from other types of yoga. I personally feel it’s a perfect combination of yoga, a work out and meditation. And that makes it even better! You get to stretch, meditate and sweat a lot. It gets rid of all the pain and aches in your muscles and also clears your mind,” says Benjaporn.
Its inventor drew up new postures and drew upon some basic yoga poses to help strengthen his muscles after a severe childhood injury crippled him. Benjaporn says that all the 26 poses of Bikram yoga are simple yet offer maximum muscle strengthening.
“You won’t find any compromising poses in Bikram yoga. That’s because Bikram himself wanted to make yoga poses that were simple for him at that time, but I assure you that all enable the same maximum muscle build-up, stretching and strengthening effect. And during the 90 minutes of our class, we want to make sure that you can complete all 26 poses without skipping or compromising any particular one to make it simpler on yourself. It’s simple and I’m sure everyone will be able to follow it. Here, we encourage you to work at your own pace and stay within your own limits. But we also make sure that you don’t small-change yourself,” says Benjaporn.
Benjaporn recommends Bikram yoga to anyone in excellent health aged 10 and above. She also stresses that beginners should come to classes regularly – she suggests three or four times a week – to see and feel the improvements in their well-being.
“Most people will experience an improvement in the knee and back area. Many also say that they’ve shed some unwanted kilos. During and after class, I encourage my students to drinks a lot of fluids so they won’t dehydrate.”
By: Benjaporn Karoonkornsakul
About the Author:
Related Blogs
