Archive for July, 2007

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Within Yoga practice is a secret, which should be easy enough for the public to grasp. Meditation and visualization could advance all of human kind. The power of visualization is enough by itself, but meditation teaches us to focus on one thought at a time. This is such a challenge, that most of the public would rather practice Yoga postures, and forget about meditation.

If you have practiced Yoga for one session, you realize that Yoga postures are much easier to focus on than it is to control your mind. Many people feel very uncomfortable trying to harness their minds. No wonder the ancient Yogis compare the mind to a monkey. The mind is restless and resists the concept of self-mastery.

Yet, the ancient Yogis were also concerned about combining Yogic meditation, with visualization, for egotistical purposes. It has commonly been thought that some people would misuse this aspect of Yoga for acquiring material, power, and fame.

The ancient Yogis had nothing to fear, because a Yoga practitioner would need much practice to reach Samadhi (The eighth limb of Yoga – Complete Meditative absorption); there are many levels of Samadhi.

However, Samadhi, and the eight limbs of Yoga, described by Patanjali, are largely ignored by many Hatha Yoga practitioners around the world. Many Hatha Yoga practitioners have developed a “ranking system” for Yoga. Ask most students what advanced Yoga is, and they will mention a difficult Asana (Yoga posture).

It is not their fault, because their Yoga teachers think the same thing. Many Yoga teachers do not really understand the concept of Samadhi, and they do not reflect on the Yoga Sutras.

For a Yoga practitioner to achieve Samadhi, his or her heart must be true. On top of that, his or her mind would have to be disciplined. This would require much time and a coordinated effort, but most people do not take a calculated approach to life. Most people want or wish for “things” without focus or action.

It is much easier to sit on a couch, and want to lose 20 pounds, than to change your lifestyle toward better health. It is much easier to buy lottery tickets than it is to invest your money wisely over time, and still give to charity. It is much easier to wish for better health than it is to practice Yoga.

Here is an example: It has been estimated that five percent of all people are successful in life. How do you measure success? People who take action have a much better chance to find success than those who do not. In life, success is a state of bliss, happiness, or gratification. Success is Santosha (contentment and inner peace), which means “appreciating what you have.” The person who is content with knowledge, peace of mind, good health, a happy family, and good friends is “truly rich.”

These are people who wake up happy with their lives. What makes them happy; are they rich? Some of them are, but all of them sleep at night without guilt and look forward to success each day. They are giving people who enjoy the company of good friends, family, and associates.

When we realize that the best things in life are free, we are rich. To visualize the good in our lives is the beginning of a change toward empowerment. If we choose to think otherwise, we become slaves to pessimism.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of the Greater Attleboro Area,

The Summer Yoga / Pilates session started on Monday, July 16, 2007

The Summer session will end on August 30, 2007.

Each month the Tuesday night class will show case a different class. There will be no Tuesday classes in July.

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM – No Class in July
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga

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

Phone: 508-222-0092

——————————————–
Yoga Teacher Training in Massachusetts: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
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
——————————————–

The next Aura Yoga Teacher Training will be held in our Attleboro, MA facility, located at 21 Park Street, Suite 202 in downtown Attleboro.

Orientation night for Yoga teacher training will be Friday, September 7, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

——————————————–

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Could Yoga have all the answers to anxiety? Why is it that anxiety, stress, and unhappiness take over so many people’s lives? If you listen to a “doubting Thomas,” nothing works, but if you read below, you will see some solutions.

In fact, all forms of Yoga are good for our mental health. This does not mean that anxiety will disappear, but Yoga gives us the tools to put anxiety in the “back seat,” while we determine a positive direction in life. The struggle for direction is within our minds. We must be aware of the struggle from within.

Pessimistic thought is not productive, yet there are many pessimists ruled by “the dark side.” For them, nothing will work because they already have the “Why me” attitude. Everything is against them, or so they think, and that is where the problem lies.

Unless you can master your thinking, you will not suppress negative thoughts. How does Yoga do this? The principle is simple. Let’s use 21st century jargon to give you a clear picture. Yoga is an ancient, but constantly evolving, science of life. The Yoga practitioner “reprograms” his or her thoughts.

Your mind is your best friend, and your worst enemy, at the same time. When you attend Yoga classes regularly, under the guidance of a competent Yoga teacher, your mind and body become charged with positive energy.

If you look at the facial expressions of Yoga students after a class, you will notice they are in a state of bliss. If this is not the case, they have not found the right place yet. There is no need to be discouraged. We find what we seek in life.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

———————-

Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of the Greater Attleboro Area,

The Summer Yoga / Pilates session started on Monday, July 16, 2007

The Summer session will end on August 30, 2007.

Each month the Tuesday night class will show case a different class. There will be no Tuesday classes in July.

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM – No Class in July
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga

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

Phone: 508-222-0092

——————————————–
Yoga Teacher Training in Massachusetts: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
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
——————————————–

The next Aura Yoga Teacher Training will be held in our Attleboro, MA facility, located at 21 Park Street, Suite 202 in downtown Attleboro.

Orientation night for Yoga teacher training will be Friday, September 7, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

——————————————–

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

In Yoga, mindfulness is a basic principle for rational thinking. Mindfulness is when you are intentionally aware of your surroundings. You are “in the moment,” and judgment or intolerance will not distort your view.

Many people make excuses for temper tantrums and fits of anger. In some cases, there is a medical reason, and the services of a competent physician, or psychiatrist, should be sought as soon as possible.

However, the vast majority of people do make excuses. Here is an example of how people make excuses in regard to anger management. Let’s say, you are a dog lover and your dog is your most loyal friend in the world. You come home one day, and your dog ate your favorite suit.

Your particular reaction determines the amount of emotional control you really have. People will forgive their pets, loved ones, and their children for many things, but they will not control their anger out in public. They drive through traffic daily, with the mind set of a battle-hardened war veteran, and an “us against them” survivalist mentality.

Now, if you would have physically beaten your most loyal friend in the world for eating your favorite suit, you really do need professional help right now. This is a simple concept because your suit can be replaced, but a valuable friendship cannot be replaced so easily.

Anger, without control, will destroy friendships, families, and much more. You could even find yourself in prison over one fit of anger. Mindfulness teaches us to see the “big picture,” and the consequences of our actions.

Emotional health is addressed in Yoga classes, and a good emotional state exists in harmony, with physical, mental, and spiritual health.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

———————-

Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of the Greater Attleboro Area,

The Summer Yoga / Pilates session started on Monday, July 16, 2007

The Summer session will end on August 30, 2007.

Each month the Tuesday night class will show case a different class. There will be no Tuesday classes in July.

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM – No Class in July
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga

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

Phone: 508-222-0092

——————————————–
Yoga Teacher Training in Massachusetts: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
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
——————————————–

The next Aura Yoga Teacher Training will be held in our Attleboro, MA facility, located at 21 Park Street, Suite 202 in downtown Attleboro.

Orientation night for Yoga teacher training will be Friday, September 7, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

——————————————–

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

“Why has Yoga become so popular?” Newspapers, and local news reporters, often ask Yoga teachers this question, but what is the underlying truth? The fact is: Yoga classes are a sanctuary for Yoga students, from the every day stress and anxiety, which everyone feels.

There are so many matters for us to be frustrated over. Relationships, work, traffic, finances, children, personal history, and the fear of losing something, are just a few of the factors, which can trigger a panic attack. Our minds are racing around all day, and do not rest from worry, even when we sleep.

How do we stop the cycle of worry? How do we learn to calm down? One way to make progress is to practice Yoga in local classes, but you will learn to take your Yoga practice anywhere. You can breathe, sit up straight, walk in good posture, and be mindful at any time.

Now consider this: How many problems can you solve at once? You may be able to multi-task, but in reality, you must solve problems one at a time. As a result, you can write a list today and prioritize tomorrow’s challenges. You can even add hourly deadlines to them, if you wish.

This method will give you the “big picture.” You will notice that you stop worrying, when you start solving. Too many people worry about the “small stuff.” Take organized action, and let God handle the details. People who continually take action are a very small minority, so you will be in “good company,” as you progress toward positive solutions and objectives.

Lastly, accept that “Rome was not built in a day.” Do not stress yourself over goals, objectives, and progress. Yoga teaches us that each day is an adventure to look forward to. Do what you can, and move forward – even if it is just an inch at a time.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

———————-

Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of Attleboro,

The Summer Yoga / Pilates session will start on Monday, July 16, 2007

The Summer session will end on August 30, 2007.

Each month the Tuesday night class will show case a different class. There will be no Tuesday classes in July.

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM – No Class in July
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga

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

Phone: 508-222-0092

——————————————–
Yoga Teacher Training in Massachusetts: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
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
——————————————–

The next Aura Yoga Teacher Training will be held in our Attleboro, MA facility, located at 21 Park Street, Suite 202 in downtown Attleboro.

Orientation night for Yoga teacher training will be Friday, September 7, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

——————————————–

Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of Attleboro,

The Summer Yoga / Pilates session will start on Monday, July 16, 2007

The Summer session will end on August 30, 2007.

Each month the Tuesday night class will show case a different class. There will be no Tuesday classes in July.

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM – No Class in July
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga

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

Phone: 508-222-0092

——————————————–
Yoga Teacher Training in Massachusetts: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
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
——————————————–

The next Aura Yoga Teacher Training will be held in our Attleboro, MA facility, located at 21 Park Street, Suite 202 in downtown Attleboro.

Orientation night for Yoga teacher training will be Friday, September 7, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

——————————————–

Second Limb of Yoga: The Second Niyama – Santosha
By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Santosha, the second observance, is contentment or happiness. What is the largest obstacle to contentment? Why is happiness so illusive for so many people? Let’s look closely at this very important Niyama.

To some people, happiness is a fantasy. This type of thinking is what makes contentment so hard for some of us to find. You must first see the illusion of life: Everything that brings true contentment is right in front of us. Our family, friends, spouse, health, skills, and knowledge, are all close at hand.

Yet, we want glitz, material, shallow relationships, power, riches, and fame. In life, true contentment or gratification, must have a purpose. When we find our true, and noble, purpose (Dharma) in life, we are filled with gratification.

Our true purpose, in life, can be felt from within our heart. Natural or “God given” skills will often open doors to our true destiny. Skills and practical application are a powerful combination.

All the riches, in the world, have no purpose, if we do not put them to good use by helping others. If we constantly spend money on “toys,” we will still be unhappy, until the next new toy is invented. The temporary feeling of contentment evaporates again, because this is just superficial happiness.

This is the continuing cycle of unhappiness we can easily observe in some of the “rich and famous.” The more material a person acquires, the more frustrated he or she becomes with life. Complete contentment is free for anyone to choose, but you cannot buy it.

Money and power are not evil. Both can be used to fuel worthy causes, feed the hungry, cure disease, stop violence, and save the planet. Worthy causes breed true contentment.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

The eight limbs of Yoga, as described by Maharishi Patanjali, in the Yoga Sutras, are a system of steps toward absolute bliss or enlightenment. The first four limbs (steps) are primarily concerned with ethical guidelines, developing awareness of the energy body, and physical mastery.

The last four limbs are concerned with development of consciousness through meditation. The physical body is a capsule for the soul (Jiva). The physical body has basic functional demands, and sensory demands, for pleasure. Transcending awareness beyond the physical senses grants us peace with ourselves.

If the general population of this planet would follow ethical guidelines, and transcend their awareness beyond the physical barrier of the body, we would have world peace. Just to listen, observe, and act, guided by our empathic sense, is a good start toward helping others.

When you contemplate the first two limbs of Yoga (Yama and Niyama), you will notice they flow in harmony with every moral code in existence. The principles of Yama and Niyama are universal laws for mankind.

You may have noticed that ten is a common number for moral codes. The Ten Commandments are another example of ethical guidelines. With ten fingers on our two hands, it makes it easy for humans to remember. Hence, we have five Yamas and five Niyamas, for a total of ten.

Yama are restraints, but are sometimes called “Thou Shall Not’s” by western Yoga teachers. It is not enough to observe them. It is much more important to live by them in our actions, words, and thoughts.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

——————————————–
Yoga Teacher Training in Massachusetts: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
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
——————————————–

The next Aura Yoga Teacher Training will be held in our Attleboro, MA facility, located at 21 Park Street, Suite 202 in downtown Attleboro.

Orientation night for Yoga teacher training will be Friday, September 7, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

——————————————–
Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes are closed for the first two weeks of July.
——————————————–

Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of Attleboro,

The next session will start on Monday, July 16, 2007

Each month the Tuesday night class will show case a different class. There will be no Tuesday classes in July.

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM – No Class in July
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga

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

Phone: 508-222-0092

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Meditation is a solution solving tool and can be integrated with writing. The power of writing ideas, down on paper, cannot be over stated. The discoveries of fire, and the wheel, were very important steps to the advancement of primal man. Painting ideas, on the walls of caves, was another very big step for humanity.

When modern man began to write on parchment, ideas could be reflected upon, problems could be solved, and solutions were found. To this day, writing allows us to consciously work on a solution with ink and paper, in “real time.”

For some of us, a lap top does just as well, because this strategy does allow us to concentrate at this moment. Then we can put the problem aside, and come back to it again, until we have a solution.

We can even sleep on an idea, which we had written down, and come up with a solution, when we awake. Writing also helps subconscious thought to find solutions. This does not always happen, but once you write and idea or problem down, you are at peace with it. There is no need to worry about a problem because you will come back to it.

In fact, another focusing method to try is to mentally walk away from a problem temporarily. This will allow you to focus on it better when you come back to it.

Any job that requires creativity can run into “mental blocks.” During a mental block, you can become too emotionally involved to focus on the solution.

Meditation can be integrated with “brain storming,” as a problem-solving method. In the workplace, a co-worker who is not emotionally involved in the problem, will come up with a solution right away. This is because the co-worker took a “fresh look” at the problem.

The same can happen to you. If you take a break from any problem, and come back to it later, you may also see the solution right away. At night, it is best to write a problem down and leave it on the kitchen table, where you usually sit.

When you wake up the following morning, you may have a solution or discover the problem was not that big after all. This is a great method to avoid non-productive worrying, and find solutions, if your subconscious mind successfully solves the problem while you sleep.

Here is another focusing method, which will cause rapid progress in any direction of life. Keeping track of records, statistics, or goals, is a written progress report. You can do the same thing for any aspect of life. This can be applied to your mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, or financial well being.

This progress report method measures results and causes people, and organizations, to break records. This same concept is used by elite athletes, who go after long-standing bench marks, with the power of visualization.

You do not have to make yourself crazy with competitive drive. All you have to do is refer to your own bench marks on a daily, weekly, or monthly, basis. By monitoring your progress, you will notice your measured results will improve.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

——————————————–
Yoga Teacher Training in Massachusetts: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
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
——————————————–

The next Aura Yoga Teacher Training will be held in our Attleboro, MA facility, located at 21 Park Street, Suite 202 in downtown Attleboro.

Orientation night for Yoga teacher training will be Friday, September 7, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

——————————————–
Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes are closed for the first two weeks of July.
——————————————–

Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of Attleboro,

The next session will start on Monday, July 16, 2007

Each month the Tuesday night class will show case a different class. There will be no Tuesday classes in July.

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM – No Class in July
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga

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

Phone: 508-222-0092

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Everyone can use the benefits of meditation and concentration. From school children to business executives, the world will reap the rewards of a focused population. With the gifts of Yoga, and meditation, humanity could reduce crime, hunger, and war.

Change starts with one person practicing meditation at a time. A more focused population will be more productive and reduce criminal behavior. Let’s look at some methods to help you drastically improve your focus and develop your meditation skills.

Look at life one task at a time. Plan your day with a list and allow some time for the unforeseen projects, which come into your daily life. Yes, it is true: this is a multi-tasking society, but how many tasks can you complete at one time effectively? You already know the answer.

Quality life is lived by taking every task one step at a time. This will also reduce worrying, stress, and anxiety – while raising the quality of your work and your ability to produce it. This does not just apply to work, but can also apply to your free time. Any hobby, or family time, can be much more rewarding when you allow the time to be present in the moment.

In fact, worrying about problems while performing another task can be dangerous; especially, if you are operating machinery. Worrying is not productive at all, but it is natural. Yet, you can turn worry into productive thought.

If you have a problem, which causes you to worry, allow time for reflection and “brain storming.” If you have a trusted spouse, friend, partner, or mentor, you can focus, and find, realistic solutions, much easier, within a group session.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

——————————————–
Yoga Teacher Training in Massachusetts: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
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
——————————————–

The next Aura Yoga Teacher Training will be held in our Attleboro, MA facility, located at 21 Park Street, Suite 202 in downtown Attleboro.

Orientation night for Yoga teacher training will be Friday, September 7, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

——————————————–
Attleboro Yoga & Pilates Classes are closed for the first two weeks of July.
——————————————–

Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of Attleboro,

The next session will start on Monday, July 16, 2007

Each month the Tuesday night class will show case a different class. There will be no Tuesday classes in July.

Monday: 6 PM – 7 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Tuesday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM – No Class in July
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga

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

Phone: 508-222-0092