Archive for December, 2006

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Are you ready to make a life changing resolution? What is a daily Yoga plan? How can a daily Yoga plan reduce stress and change your life?

You can make a change at any time of the year, but New Year’s resolutions are the most popular. Yet, we often see that New Year’s resolutions do not make it past Valentine’s Day. So, if you are ready to make a change and add Yoga to your life – let’s look at a way for you to be successful for the long-term.

Get a journal and prepare it for writing. I prefer to write things down, but you may prefer a lap top, personal digital assistant, or your computer. Either way, you should write your goals down – especially the amount of time you plan to practice Yoga in a studio, at home, or on the way to and from work.

You can practice Yoga all day long. When you consider the many aspects of Hatha Yoga, you can easily incorporate them into your life. Here are some examples, but remember to incorporate these habits gradually. Do not make Yoga into a task, but take the time to enjoy the aspects, which help you deal with stress and add quality to your daily life.

In the morning, upon waking, you can practice Pranayama in bed. There are many Pranayama techniques to choose from, but you may find Dirgha breath or natural breath to be easier at this time of the day. You could practice meditation upon rising, for ten to twenty minutes, if you have the time.

Once you are up and about, you could practice asana warm-ups or Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar). If you do not have time, you could be mindful of what you eat by eating in moderation and making wise choices.

You can work on your posture as you sit, stand, walk or perform any physical task. Is your back straight when you eat? Do you take the time to enjoy your food? Are you breathing correctly or are you already short of breath? Does coffee make you short of breath? Which foods cause you adverse reactions?

This self-observation is just another exercise in mindfulness, but will cause you to open a form of consciousness, which will improve your daily life.

In order for us to make changes, we must first want, plan, observe, take action, and practice each day. Yoga is not a physical exercise to be counted by the minutes you practice on a Yoga mat. Physical exercise is just one aspect of Hatha Yoga.

To bring your life in balance, you must identify what you do that causes your stress. This will not eliminate all of your stress, but it will identify stressful situations, which you can prevent.

This is just one example of Yogic methods applied toward better health and a less stressful life. Writing down your Yoga plan is just the start of a good habit for positive change.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes – January Schedule
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Dear Yoga Enthusiasts,

Below is our January – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

We will be closed December 25, 2006 to January 1, 2007, for Christmas and the New Year.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

After spending time in a class with your Yoga teacher, for an hour or two, the commute home is more tranquil. You left anxiety back at the entrance of your Yoga class and have discovered inner peace again.

How do you keep that feeling of tranquility? Would you like to order “Yoga to go” or package some “piece of mind?” If only it were that easy, but here are some tools that will help you re-discover that “Yogic high,” until your next Yoga class.

Listening to music that soothes your inner being is a start. It does not matter which style you choose. Only you can determine which form of music brings out the best in you.

Music has the ability to make negative distractions fade away. This will enable you to focus on your daily tasks. Be aware that some people may find the music you listen to irritating. A good set of headphones, or playing your music at a low volume, is a considerate gesture to others, but remember that playing music requires the right time and place.

There are many Yoga and meditation books available. There are also many useful CD’s and DVD’s, which can teach you new things about Yoga. It is advisable to take notes on the Yoga techniques demonstrated, before jumping into an at-home Yoga or meditation practice.

Before you ever learn to meditate, you must first learn to relax. Many Yoga students want to get straight to meditation, and are upset, with themselves, for relaxing. There is no need to make Yoga meditation into a goal, a problem, or a stressful situation.

Even if you fall asleep – who cares? No one is counting score. Self-study with Yoga books, CD’s, music, DVD’s, or Yoga teacher certification is at your own pace. Too many of us are in a rush without having a purpose. Enjoy the journey and smell the flowers as you go.

Another tool for happiness and focusing is a warm bath. This is simplistic, but it is a wonderful relaxation method before Yoga practice, meditation, or bedtime. Beside the fact that bathing makes us feel clean, we are focusing on the pleasure of bathing and living life in the moment.

Self-affirmations create a positive mind-set and build self-confidence. When you have self-confidence, positive thought becomes reality, and happiness is your companion.

Pranayama is a powerful method for expelling stress, anxiety, and daily pressure from your system. Sometimes, Pranayama can have an instant and positive effect on your mind and body. You can practice Pranayama anywhere, therefore, you are not limited by time or space.

Lastly, prayer is a powerful tool for happiness. It does not matter which religion you practice. Prayer has therapeutic value for everyone of any religion.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes – December / January Schedule
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Dear Yoga Enthusiasts,

Below is our December / January – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

We will be closed December 25, 2006 to January 1, 2007, for Christmas and the New Year.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092
Web: http://www.riyoga.com

By Ryan Cote

Often the most effective ways to lose weight and stay fit involve some extra time and effort. Yoga positions, stretching and meditation require no specialized equipment and little more than your time and the desire to learn, relax and feel healthy.

Hatha yoga is the most commonly practiced type of yoga in western civilizations. Yoga is a combination of breathing and positions that encourage harmony between the mind and body. By practicing conscious breathing and various postures, you tone your body and build muscle while relieving stress and improving your memory. Yoga also strengthens your back, reduces your need for sleep and increases your lifespan. For women, yoga is effectively used to prepare for birth as well as relieve painful menstruation and menopause. The benefits of yoga for men, women, children and senior citizens are promoted by many physicians today. However, a key element to remember when doing yoga is to take your time because it takes awhile to learn the positions correctly and coordinate your muscles, mind and energy.

Many of the positions used in yoga involve stretching, which relaxes your muscles and reduces tension. Basically, there are two types of stretching – dynamic and static. Dynamic stretching involves motion and static stretching requires no motion. Stretching makes you more limber and reduces the risk of physical injury to your joints, muscles and tendons, which is a great advantage when embarking upon other forms of exercise. Stretching also reduces soreness and tension in your muscles and tendons and increases suppleness, lubricates connective tissues and even relieves dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) in women.

Meditation is used to get in touch with your higher self and unify your consciousness to create optimal mental and physical health, enabling you to realize your full potential as a person. There are two types of meditation – active and passive. Active meditation involves use of a mantra, which is the repetition of a particular word, syllable or sound. Passive meditation involves observing your breath, much as you do during yoga. Benefits of meditating include lower blood pressure, decreased heart and respiratory rates and an overall feeling of calmness and well-being.

By developing a regular routine of yoga positions, stretching and meditation, you can keep your weight under control while enjoying a lifetime of mental and physical fitness.

Ryan Cote is the owner of WeightLoss-Programs-Reviewed.com, a website that reviews the top 5 best weight loss programs. A large directory of health and fitness articles is available as well.

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Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes – December / January Schedule
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Dear Yoga Enthusiasts,

Below is our December / January – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

We will be closed December 25, 2006 to January 1, 2007, for Christmas and the New Year.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092
Web: http://www.riyoga.com

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Do you ever wonder how you could bring your Yoga practice into the work place? Perhaps the company you work for scoffs at the idea of Yoga in work. Here is a way to be at peace with yourself and practice Yoga without drawing attention to it.

In some companies mentioning meditation, Pranayama, and mindfulness practice, during work hours, might get you called into the “front office” for a lecture on company policy. This is a shame because these Yogic practices would help many companies become more productive, focused, and create an atmosphere of harmony for everyone.

The largest causes of production loss, at work, are daily distractions and absenteeism. As we know many employees need a break from work and the more stress, within the work place, the more time employees will take off.

Some forward thinking companies have installed Yoga classes, during lunch or during an extended break. However, if your company does not have a Yoga program for its employees; let’s think about practicing Pranayama alone. The concepts of natural breath are understood more easily than mindfulness for many students of Yoga.

Natural Breath is a Yogic form of Pranayama, where your stomach rises on the inhalation, and the navel draws inward during exhalation. This sounds simple enough, but practicing this Yoga breathing technique during stressful situations, and being mindful of it, is a task within itself.

What is the benefit of Pranayama during work? Your blood pressure will be more stable and you will be able to function more rationally during work hours. Once your breath becomes steady you can make a regular habit of being mindful about it. There are other forms of Pranayama, but it may be wise to avoid the noisy variations, which management, and your co-workers, might not approve of.

Let’s consider distractions, at work, that take you out of the present moment. Is there a negative person who changes the atmosphere of the office, just by showing up for work? Is there a person who dresses provocatively? Each of these situations can be bothersome, but you can change them by practicing Pranayama and being mindful of it.

When you stare at a co-worker, whether you approve, or disapprove, it is a waste of productive time. If the person is negative, you should be kind, but firm. If the person is attractive, you should be mindful of your situation. You are in work and ethics should be taken into consideration.

If we disapprove of a co-workers behavior or dress; do we have a right to make it an issue? We cannot expect everyone to behave or dress according to our standards. If upper management does not take action, what can any of us do?

About meditation in the work place: We are not considering deep meditation, while operating dangerous machinery. Anyone who operates machinery should be mindful of his, or her, tasks for the safety of everyone.

However, natural breath Pranayama, which is taught in any Hatha Yoga class, can become automatic, when it is practiced more often, during the day, and at night.

Yoga allows us to practice its methods, at any time, and apply the benefits to daily life. You can practice good posturing, proper breathing, mindfulness, and a moderate diet, without any difficulty, if you make it an intentional habit. Even, if our work environment is chaotic, Yoga practice, during work, allows us to find a quiet place to concentrate from within.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes – December / January Schedule
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Dear Yoga Enthusiasts,

Below is our December / January – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

We will be closed December 25, 2006 to January 1, 2007, for Christmas and the New Year.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092
Web: http://www.riyoga.com

By Andrew Regan

In the wake of films like Morgan Spurlock’s “Super Size Me” and increasingly worrying figures on the level of global obesity, the world seems to have been delivered a swift electric shock and told to get back into shape – or else. But if you think that keeping fit is all about bench-pressing and weight-lifting in soulless gyms, you might be surprised to learn that you’re more suited to a comprehensive Yoga or Pilates regime. A dedicated stay fit routine has to involve a lot of effort if it’s going to work; but, if you choose to take up fitness regimes like Yoga or Pilates, you’ll be sure to have a fulfilling spiritual experience as well as a physical one.

Yoga, for instance, has become an increasingly popular pastime of choice in America. Yoga itself is one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy and refers to a particular set of ancient spiritual practices that originate in India. Today, in India and across the world, Yoga is seen as a challenging discipline that requires physical and spiritual mastery. The four main paths of Yoga are: Karma Yoga (Yoga of Action), Jnana Yoga (Yoga of Knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion) and Raja Yoga (Yoga of Meditation). The benefits of Yoga are far-reaching and lifelong: not only will Yogic practices help people maintain their physical well-being, but they will also help towards the path of contentment.

As a physical fitness regime, Pilates has also become increasingly popular in recent years. While Pilates and Yoga are seen to have many similarities, Pilates was actually developed in the twentieth century by Joseph Pilates; the German physical fitness expert moved to New York in 1926 and began teaching his methods to dancers, including American ballet choreographer, George Balanchine. Pilates wrote at least two books on his method, including “Return to life Through Contrology” and “Your Health: A Corrective System of Exercising That Revolutionizes the Entire Field of Physical Education”.

Contrology is a method which refers to the way in which the mind is used to control the muscles; as a program, Pilates focuses on the way core postural muscles help keep the body balanced and how they are essential in providing support to the spine. Additionally, Pilates strengthens torso muscles and teaches good breathing techniques – so it’s is a fantastic exercise regime to take up if you suffer or are likely to suffer from back pain.

The beauty of physical fitness techniques like Yoga and Pilates is that you don’t need heavy sets of equipment or expensive appliances in order to reap their physical and mental benefits. Yoga and Pilates even make it easy to stay in shape when you’re on holiday, and many hotels provide complementary stay fit kits complete with Yoga Mats and Pilates bands. So you can rest assured that, if you choose to take up Pilates or Yoga, you’ll not only be on your way to a better body – you’ll also be shaping a more rewarding lifestyle.

Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist who enjoys keeping fit.

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Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes – December / January Schedule
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Dear Yoga Enthusiasts,

Below is our December / January – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

We will be closed December 25, 2006 to January 1, 2007, for Christmas and the New Year.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092
Web: http://www.riyoga.com

By Aasheesh Jain

There is no direct correlation between yoga as remedial measure and cancer. However Yoga has proved its efficacy in easing the stress and trauma that a cancer patient undergoes. Yoga could be even adopted as a preventive measure against cancer. Since Yoga happens to be a natural healer of damaged cells and tissues, it is considered to prevent cells from getting cancerous.

Regular Yoga practices tend to increase tissues capacity to overcome inner damages. Once you get this increased ability of resilience through yoga, you are less likely to fall prey to cancer. By enhancing your body’s overall capacity to fight diseases, it furthermore lessens possibility of severe maladies like cancer. Yoga has also been proved to be a direct combatant against cancer as it restricts growth of cancerous cells. By doing so, yoga happens to increase longevity of patients.

Your immune system gradually becomes stronger with constant yoga exercises. Once you become internally stronger to resist maladies, you are less susceptible to tumor and cancer.

Since cancer patients are very likely to be under immense stress as it is one of the lethal diseases, Yoga offers a solution to their stress. With the help of Yoga they may keep up with their spirit to fight against the disease.

Yoga helps them shed their constant fear of death. Various relaxation exercises offer them much needed peace of mind. Cancer afflicted folks are made to learn basic asanas and breathing exercises that are of great help in keeping them in good physical and mental condition.

Cancer patients are also recommended to do Pranyama. Among cancerous folks Yoga also reduces side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.

A cancer patient is never recommended all yoga exercises. Seeing the severity and type of cancer they are suggested to perform selective yoga exercises. They are refrained from doing complex yoga asanas as it may affect them adversely due to their weak physical state.

Before taking up yoga, a cancer patient must consult an experienced Yogi. The yogi would suggest only those exercises that serve the patient’s purpose well.

So, yoga could prove to be a good companion for folks afflicted with cancer, a companion that would not only decrease trauma and stress associated with the disease but also help in increasing your life expectancy.

To get more information on yoga, yoga and health and yoga benefits visit http://www.therealyoga.com/

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Attleboro Yoga Classes – December / January Schedule
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Dear Yoga Enthusiasts,

Below is our December / January – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

We will be closed December 25, 2006 to January 1, 2007, for Christmas and the New Year.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092
Web: http://www.riyoga.com

By Rebecca Prescott

Hatha yoga is more commonly known as simply ‘yoga’. It’s a system of exercise originating from India. There are many branches of hatha yoga – you may have heard of Iyengar yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Kriya yoga, Vini yoga and Bikram yoga. They all involve postures or ‘asanas’. Some asanas are gentle stretching exercises which can improve flexibility, and others help to develop and improve strength and balance.

Hatha yoga was born in traditional Hindu spiritual practice, so it’s no surprise that it may also involve meditation and chanting, as well as philosophical and religious considerations. For those who purely wish to use it as a form of physical exercise, there are many completely secular versions available!

Why Is Hatha Yoga Such A Good Form Of Exercise

The first benefit is that it’s a fitness routine that can be used by people of all ages and levels of fitness. It can get you into shape and keep you that way if used regularly. Yoga differs from other forms of exercise in that it involves motions that don’t cause strain on the body. When performed correctly, the asanas have no negative effects on the body or mind.

It isn’t an aerobic exercise but it uses almost every muscle. It can help to develop and improve balance, coordination and a feeling of being centered. The limbs are used like free weights and the body’s center of gravity is moved to create resistance. Over time, the limbs become stronger and the focus then shifts to endurance as the asanas are held for increasing periods of time.

The aim is quality of movement rather than quantity. Regular practice of hatha yoga can bring peace and happiness to the mind and improved health and relaxation to the body.

How Hatha Yoga Can Help At Any Age

Yoga is great fun for children and teenagers and it’s easy for them to do, as they are already flexible. Yoga can help them retain that flexibility. It can also help to develop their self-discipline. Practicing asanas is good for developing coordination and can help to improve concentration – which many children and teens find difficult.

Yoga is the ideal exercise during pregnancy. Asanas can improve backache and help to lift depression. Many women who practice yoga have said that it helped to make their labor easier and shorter. Be careful to only do asanas that have been approved for pregnant women. The meditation side of yoga is also calming and centering during pregnancy.

Older people use yoga to improve and/or maintain flexibility, correct poor posture, strengthen the spine, and ease back pain. It can also improve digestion and elimination, facilitate circulation, improve breathing disorders, and lift mood.

Yoga Can Help You To Cope

Many of the problems suffered in modern life may be eased by following a regular yoga routine.

Asanas can release the tense muscles caused by hours of sitting at a desk. Breathing deeply can improve vitality by increasing the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain. Meditation can enhance the power of concentration and calm the mind. Yoga teaches full relaxation and encourages good sleep. It also helps digestion and improves circulation.

Used regularly, it can improve physical and mental health and is also known to enhance creativity. Give it a try!

Find out what classes are available in your area – a properly qualified instructor can ensure that you are doing the asanas correctly and safely. If you’d rather try it at home, get a DVD (again, with a qualified instructor). There are lots to choose from!

For more information on the other types of yoga, click here. Rebecca publishes information and tips on asanas.

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Attleboro Yoga Classes – December / January Schedule
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Dear Yoga Enthusiasts,

Below is our December / January – Yoga / Pilates Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Vinyasa Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Yoga / Pilates Body Sculpting

We will be closed December 25, 2006 to January 1, 2007, for Christmas and the New Year.

Aura Wellness Center
21 Park St.
Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: 508-222-0092
Web: http://www.riyoga.com