Yoga
Posted August 21, 2008 10:00 AM
Why do we tune in before starting a Yoga class?
Different types of Yoga may use different types of mantras at the beginning of the class, but the goal it’s the same.
The mantra has a meaning, but the real goal is to open the space for that class as a reminder of our connection between our physical bodies and our infinite self.
It’s like changing the channels of the TV to see another channel. Tuning in change the channels of your attention. It makes you conscious of that moment.
What is the best type of yoga for me?
All Yoga types have the same goal, which is to raise the Kundalini energy up through the spine. As the Kundalini energy raises up crosses the Chakras. Each Chakra makes you feel different emotions. I.e.- Root Chakra- grounded, security, survival; Heart Chakra- pure love, kindness, compassion, etc. I have to say that all Chakras are needed, and no one is no superior to another one. But as the Kundalini rises up to the higher Chakras you start to feel more elevated states of being.
Each type of Yoga has a particular method to raise the Kundalini energy. Same styles use more energetic and fast flow than others like Asthanga Yoga, or Power Yoga, others hold positions for longer periods of time, like Tantra Yoga, or Kundalini Yoga. Others use a slower version of practice the Asanas, like Hatha Yoga. Others only use the repetition of sounds (mantras), like Laya Yoga. Others use pure breathing techniques (pranayama). Others use pure meditation. Others use heat, like Bikram Yoga.
There is no doubt there are many different types of Yoga. The best bet is to try a few different types and see which one suits your needs best.
I personally started with Asthanga Yoga. I always loved a good work out, and the challenge in the most advance positions. For a few years I practice it with amazing results. I even become an Asthanga Yoga teacher. I loved it!
But after a few years I started to miss something. My practice was great, my flexibility too, but I was missing the spiritual side of it.
Then, Kundalini Yoga found me. Every class is different; it works with pranayama (breath control) techniques, a yoga set (asanas), a meditation, and relaxation in the same class. In one hour you feel great, and you can do it every day without being physically exhausted. I also become a Kundalini Yoga teacher.
And I truly can say I found the spiritual connection I was missing. I believe that at the beginning I really need and like more Asthanga Yoga, and provably wouldn’t like Kundalini so much. At that time I was looking for a vigorous practice, physically challenge, and as the time passed I needed to fill up another part of my being.
Through the years I tried almost all the different types of Yoga, and I like them all, some more than others. Here and there I like to try different types than the ones I regularly practice. It keeps me fresh.
I believe the best type of Yoga for you it’s directly related with where are you at that particular time in your life.
Mantra to find lost things.
Guru Amar Guru Siri Sat
Kalijug Rakhee Pat
Raj Jog Takhat Dheean
Guru Ram Das
Ardas Bhaee Amar Das Guru
Amar Das Guru Ardas Bhaee
Ram Das Guru Ram Das Guru Ram Das Guru
Sachee Sahee
Add Comment |
Ask a Question |
Permalink |
Comments [3]
Happiness Comes Pretty Cheap
Posted August 21, 2008 9:59 AM
 |
|
According to a University of Nottingham study, happiness does not necessarily mean owning a luxurious car or earning a ton of money. While of course they can enhance your quality of life, researches point out that the simple pleasures—enjoying a hot chocolate, walking on the beach or taking a leisurely bubble bath—really impact one’s sense of well-being. On the University of Illinois’ Satisfaction with Life Scale, the study compared the happiness level of lottery jackpot winners with a control group. People were asked about the elements of happiness in their lives, their moods, and how often they treated themselves and how. Surprise! The unexpected result was that lottery winners weren’t that happy with owning sports cars, jewelry or big houses. Quite the contrary, reading a book, listening to music or taking a warm bath really spiked their happiness quotient.
Conclusion? Happiness is found in life’s simpler pleasures, and most of these are free.
Add Comment |
Ask a Question |
Permalink |
Comments [1]
The Effects of Yoga on Eating Disorders
Posted August 21, 2008 8:39 AM
It has long been theorized that eating disorders were caused by mental disorders alone, but doctors have found this conclusion to be false. Through numerous studies and a deeper look into disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, it has been discovered that other factors contribute to eating disorders. Social, psychological, and biological elements have a great deal of impact on people with these types of food issues.
Eating disorders, as well as other problems that stem from the mind, should be dealt with through the mind. Additional mental issues such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder are associated with eating disorders, and may be the key to why they manifest from thoughts to impulses. Psychiatrists and doctors alike agree that the key to ridding one’s obsessive thoughts of food, sadness, or other things is to practice controlling one’s own thoughts. To calm the mind and assess the thought process, yoga is an essential tool in healing people from the inside as well as the outside. This may reduce or eliminate the need for people to act on their food related impulses.
Numerous studies have found that yoga practitioners who suffered from depression before they began yoga had decreased symptoms of depression after taking up yoga. The mind and body work together to create a healthy balance that is present at all times, not just while doing yoga. Yoga students are taught to accept one another as well as their own bodies by becoming aware of their movements and the ways in which the exercises affect their body parts. Yoga invalidates the need that people have to constantly judge themselves. This is a natural way to heal the mind, and the harmony of the body and mind is the first step to recovery. Meditation is also essential to practice to recognize debilitating thoughts and rid them from the mind.
Practicing yoga on a regular basis tones and strengthens the body as well as the immune system. Anorexia nervosa is a dangerous health problem that can affect the heart, bones, and stamina which yoga will improve. The constant reminder of balance also offers bulimics insight to maintain better eating habits and consuming as much as they need instead of large amounts of food.
In yogic terms, eating disorders are directly related to the first chakra, which is an energy level in the body that can become unbalanced. Certain asanas can help to return this energy level back to normal including Pigeon, Full Wind, Staff, and Crab. Other postures such as Goddess, Mountain, Prayer Squat, and Standing Squat allow a person to feel bold and courageous once again. Poses that can specifically help anorexics are back and forward bending poses for happiness and a steadier mind.
Add Comment |
Ask a Question |
Permalink |
Comments [1]
Yoga and Anger
Posted February 15, 2007 12:00 AM
Time and again anger is viewed as something tangible, as if it were a substance in our lives. The expressions “letting anger build” or “letting off steam” makes anger into something that can literally be built up, vented out, or fizzled out. The idea that anger holds a place in this world, in every human’s mind, is a nonexistent theory. Anger is an emotion that can be controlled, ignored, and separated from each person who the feeling affects.
Although there is no part of the body that harvests anger and it cannot technically build up, it is still necessary to discuss your feelings to release negativity from your body. Anger should be a thinking process, where you first decide what is bothering you and why, then how you ought to handle the situation. Anger can serve to be a dangerous emotion if not handled properly.
Anger can be an emotion on its own, or sparked by another such as jealousy, frustration, or hurt. There will never be a way to get rid of the things that cause negative emotions, but there are ways to control yourself when you have negative feelings. The tools that allow this control can be found through meditation and the teachings of yoga.
Many people view yoga as an exercise regimen, but it is so many other things: an ancient belief system, a method for positive thinking, mind-awareness, and the list goes on. Meditation is an excellent way to calm your nerves because you learn patience. It is not easy to sit quietly in one position while you try to free your mind of thought. If you learn to tolerate the difficulties your own mind creates, you are more able to tolerate the verbalized thoughts of those around you.
Meditation also teaches one to separate themselves from their emotions. You are not angry, it does not define you, but when the feeling is present you should immediately recognize it and send it on its way. There are so many other wonderful things that denote who a person is, and anger should not be listed as part of your make up.
Another great release of anger is through asanas. These yogic postures are held for specific periods of time, and require a lot of concentration which leaves no room for anger or other negative feelings. The pranayama, or special breathing, is essential during this time and relaxes the body if any tension is present.
Yoga refreshes a person’s entire being. This ancient practice has the ability to change people’s lives, and it does. If you are having a difficult time dealing with anger or negativity in your life, I urge you to try yoga.
Add Comment |
Ask a Question |
Permalink |
Comments [1]
