Archive for September, 2007

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Among its many other valuable treasures, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras mention the principles of Santosha, which can be defined as contentment, happiness, or peace. Sometimes, this seems to be an over simplification of a common pursuit, which humans have sought since the beginning of their existence.

After all, happiness is the goal of all people. Who does not desire to be happy? Most people, who are full of negativity, desire a state of for joy and happiness, even if they do not see how to find it. Where do we find happiness? Should we travel to a distant retreat, shrine, church, mosque, temple, ashram, holy place, or an exotic island, to find happiness?

Yoga teaches us, that a perfect state of balance comes from within. Happiness can be created on the outside, but it will not last. A trophy spouse, big house, fancy car, and electronic toys, seem to bring happiness, but how long will a state of contentment last from the acquisition of possessions?

One of the first steps, toward genuine happiness, is self-worth. To feel worthy of good luck, love of others, and love of God, is a major step toward contentment. Many people feel that they do not deserve to be loved. They have made mistakes, and they do not forgive themselves for the past.

Now, I ask you to consider this: We try our best, but we are not perfect. Do you think our creator does not realize humans are imperfect? Humankind’s imperfection is not a big secret. With that said, our mission is to wake up every morning, with anticipation, to do our personal best each day. You cannot help anyone if you feel unworthy, inferior, and a lack of purpose.

Lack of purpose is often a result of negative self-image. If you are physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, in a state of balance, you have healthy self-worth, and you will establish a worthy purpose in life. Purpose gives you a positive sense of direction, which leads to happiness.

We may be familiar with the Yogic principle of Santosha (contentment), but it is very human to want more from life. How many times have we heard that we should be content with what we have? Now, just take one look around you, and you will notice that people will naturally hoard anything – even during the worst of times.

During a snow storm, it is not uncommon to see someone buy a season’s supply of bread. Logical thought tells us that we will not be “snowed in” for the winter, when the forecast indicates two inches of snow. Is this panic buying, impulse buying, or the power of wanting, that drives a person to buy so much and waste it later?

Apparently, squirrels hoard acorns, nuts, fruit, and dried fruit all day, but they are exposed to the elements much more than humans. Squirrels cannot keep track of all the food they hide, so some of it must be lost, or discovered by another squirrel.

We can make the case that a squirrel does not have a complex mind or brain, but when humans copy the same behavior, we must realize that wanting is a powerful and primal driving force. It is true that wanting is much more powerful than having.

Unfortunately, squirrels do not practice Yoga, but we can. We can count our blessings for our friends and loved ones. We can also realize that wanting is a tremendous waste of energy; especially, if we want something to the point of hurting someone else for it. As the saying goes, “Be careful what you wish for.”

On another note, let’s look at how procrastination prevents happiness. How many times have you heard someone say, “If I lose 20 pounds, then I will join a Yoga class?”

What does 20 pounds have to do with starting your first Yoga class? Absolutely nothing! People practice this self-destructive method of restraint all the time, and not just in the case of Yoga.

People will think, “After I earn a million dollars, then I will be happy.” They see themselves enjoying life after going through an ordeal. The sad truth is – we unconsciously create our obstacles to sow the seeds of failure.

Whether you want to paint, write, sing, dance, or practice Yoga – Just do it as soon as you can. Do not wait, procrastinate, or make excuses. We have to take responsibility for our own happiness. Happiness clearly starts from within, so do not stop yourself from enjoying life.

If today was your last day on earth, would you place an obstacle in the path of happiness? Hopefully, you see my point. The path to happiness does not have to be a long and winding road. You can choose to surround yourself with happy people. You can choose to avoid the company of negative people.

This is not a complicated method for enjoying life. You will notice when you often think happy thoughts, positive and happy people are magnetized to you. Take the time to absorb the positive energy and laughter around you. In turn, your outlook on life will become an optimistic one.

You can create this positive cycle every day – through acts of loving kindness. Thank, love, forgive, and give to others. Notice that it always comes back to you, even if you do not seek a reward.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of the Greater Attleboro Area,

The Fall Yoga / Pilates session started on Wednesday, September 5, 2007, but spaces are still available.

The Fall session will end on Thursday, November 15, 2007.

Regular Fall Class Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga

Private sessions in downtown Attleboro for Yoga, Chair Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Pilates, Life Coaching, Personal Fitness Training, and Yoga Teacher CEC’s for Yoga Alliance, can be scheduled by appointment.

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

Phone: 508-222-0092

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

When studying Yoga under the guidance of a competent Yoga teacher, we learn many techniques, which enhance the qualities of daily life. All forms of Yoga have viable solutions for stress management.

Yet, stress is literally killing the masses, because chronic stress taxes the immune system. An immune system, which has low resistance, is an invitation to many of the diseases, which commonly plague humankind.

On the other hand, short-term stress can stimulate our immune systems. A little bit of stress can make us stronger, while overwhelming stress will surely shorten our life spans. Recent studies indicate that stress hormones, secreted from the adrenal glands, are the body’s natural response for protecting the immune system.

However, the over production of stress hormones, such as cortisol, can bring about many negative effects such as impaired learning, abdominal fat, blood sugar imbalances, reduction in muscle tissue, decreased bone density, and much more.

In fact, the list of potential health problems, from over production of cortisol, is quite large. Increased abdominal fat places us in a higher risk category, when considering a potential heart attack or stroke.

Therefore, a little cortisol, in response to short term stress is fine, but too much cortisol will most likely shorten our lives.

Getting a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night is a very big help for reducing cortisol production. So, how can Yoga help us? Solutions for insomnia, such as: Yogic breathing techniques (Pranayama), relaxation techniques, meditation methods, and walking meditation, are often taught in Yoga schools.

Regular Yoga practice will help anyone sleep better. Steady Yoga practice brings about many positive lifestyle changes. The physical forms of Yoga contain low impact exercises, which heal the body and mind.

Meditation, stage-by-stage relaxation, and body scanning techniques, are often taught at the end of Hatha, Raja, and Kundalini Yoga classes. These techniques result in peace of mind and create a state of inner-tranquility, within the Yoga student.

Regular Yoga practice will reduce daily stress, raise your immune system, and increase the quality of life.

Karma Yoga, which focuses on helping others through selfless service, can be very gratifying. When we help people in need, we often realize how small our daily problems are in comparison to others.

To live an extra ten years, in a nursing home, is not the prospect any of us envision for a quality life. The student, who practices any form of Yoga, for life, is often mobile and independent – well into the later stages of life.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of the Greater Attleboro Area,

The Fall Yoga / Pilates session started on Wednesday, September 5, 2007, but spaces are still available.

The Fall session will end on Thursday, November 15, 2007.

Regular Fall Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga

Private sessions for Yoga, Chair Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Pilates, Life Coaching, Personal Fitness Training, and Yoga Teacher CEC’s for Yoga Alliance, can be scheduled by appointment.

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
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Occasionally, Yoga teachers mention that the people, in the area in which they live, are “too conservative,” to see the value or need for Yoga. The very real need for stress management, pain management, self-confidence, happiness, and many more benefits, which Yoga has to offer humankind, is obvious; but we must explain the benefits and purpose of Yoga for the public to completely understand.

Let’s look at some of the contributions Yoga has made in the field of stress management over the past 5,000 years. With that said, we know that Yoga is the oldest existing form of stress management. People have always had stress, when gathered into cities, but why do we see higher stress levels in concentrated populations? Why do we see less stress, when we visit the countryside?

One problem is “collective thoughts,” which exist in larger communities. An accepted, but flawed, belief can become an “urban legend.” For example: Commuter traffic should always run perfectly. Commuter traffic on the highway, on a train, or in a subway, is fast paced; but when there is a delay, you can observe a state of collective anxiety. Negative thoughts race through our heads and “beat us down” physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Being late can cause us to feel like we live in a helpless “rat race.” The mind begins to race as we collectively think, “I might be late and my job is on the line.” The constant emotional turmoil, created from similar situations, will shorten our lives, unless we find inner solutions for tranquility.

Yoga classes should contain valuable Pranayama, Mantra, and Meditation techniques, for times of stress. Seek out Yoga classes, teachers, and workshops, which teach you coping strategies for stressful situations. The results will improve the quality of your life exponentially.

How can an ancient health maintenance system, such as Yoga, have stress solutions that apply to the people of today? Yoga has not stood still for the last 5,000 years.

In fact, Yoga is a living science, which constantly grows and evolves with each passing day. Therefore, Yoga has evolved to face humankind’s daily problems.

One of the problems is that technology has brought about a feeling of instant gratification. We anticipate a specific outcome because we believe technology to be perfect. When technology is not perfect, we are “stressed out.”

Look at the automobile, train, cellular telephone, personal computer, and the Internet. You could easily write an itemized list about why each of these technological advancements will not function perfectly. Yet, we start our cars and anticipate a commute within a specific time frame.

When we run late, some of us will speed up and take chances with our life, the lives of pedestrians, and the lives of every driver on the road. The chances taken are endless, and the consequences of road rage could change our lives in an instant.

Would a Yogi or Yogini drive a car in a state of anxiety and panic? In truth, this situation is the beginning of a separation between beginner and advanced Yoga practitioners. So many people observe Yoga postures (Asanas), and consider this to be the Holy Grail of Yoga.

Yet, they cannot control themselves emotionally in a simple daily situation. This is due to the illusion, which we may label as “superficial Yoga.” This concept of Yoga is physical only; Yoga is seen as an exercise class to tone the body, only.

We have to open our minds and put the superficial view of Yoga in its place. Yoga classes are much more than breathing and exercise techniques. To classify a Yogi or Yogini as advanced, because he or she can perform a difficult Asana, is an interesting concept. Over the years, some of my most exceptional students were extremely old or extremely young.

The older Yoga student is exceptional because he or she is living proof that Yogic principles will enable us to live a longer, healthier, and happier life. The younger Yoga student is also exceptional because he or she is full of energy and can often perform feats of physical prowess, which we might classify as advanced.

Having admired both age groups for their positive contributions to Yoga, which would you prefer to learn from? Children can be charming, but seniors can teach you volumes about coping with stress.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of the Greater Attleboro Area,

The Fall Yoga / Pilates session started on Wednesday, September 5, 2007, but spaces are still available.

The Fall session will end on Thursday, November 15, 2007.

Regular Fall Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
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
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Sorry – There are NO VACANCIES left for this Yoga teacher training.
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga offers many methods for increasing self-worth. Feeling worthy is a daily struggle for most people. Affirmations are much like Japa – in that they should be repeated mentally throughout the day. This can also stop the obnoxious craving many of us have for constant praise. Many people like to talk about themselves, but the true motive behind this is to seek outside approval.

It is only human to desire outside approval and to be liked by others. Yet, the foundation of self-worth comes from within. It does not matter how many pairs of shoes you buy, how many trips you make to the hair salon, or how many wardrobes you own; self-confidence will not permanently adhere to your personality by material acquisition.

The Yogic method of affirmation is based upon the ability to change you from within. This is perhaps the oldest and best method for building self-confidence. What’s more, you will not appear obnoxious or vain, by talking about yourself all the time. Due to the surplus of positive energy that affirmations create, you could even encourage people around you, with genuine compliments.

Observe what happens next. When you give heartfelt affirmations to others, they also come back to you. This should not be your primary reason for complimenting others, but praising others often has a “boomerang effect.”

Here is a sample affirmation for self-confidence: “When I believe in myself, others will follow my lead.” Affirmations do not have to be long, and should be kept simple. Just like Mantra or Japa in Yoga practice – affirmations should be easy to remember.

You should mentally recite your personal affirmation throughout the day. The Yogic approach to affirmations is an extremely valuable form of positive reinforcement. Self-esteem must be cultivated from within, in order to affix itself to your personality.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

———————

Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of the Greater Attleboro Area,

The Fall Yoga / Pilates session will started on Wednesday, September 5, 2007, but spaces are still available.

The Fall session will end on Thursday, November 15, 2007.

Regular Fall Schedule:

Monday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
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
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Sorry – There are NO VACANCIES left for this Yoga teacher training.
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