Archive for October, 2007

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT

There are many ceremonial aspects, within a Hatha Yoga class, which make up the entire class. These are necessary components such as: The greeting, bringing your presence into the room, rooting, mantra, mudra, Pranayama, warm- ups, Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations), Asana, relaxation techniques, meditation, and the closing ceremony (which may end with a reading, Udgeeth Pranayama, Japa, Namaste, Thank You, a combination of these, or something else).

The value of warm-ups, before Asana (Yoga posture) practice, cannot be understated in Yoga, and in life. Warm-ups reduce the chance of injury to the practitioner. The time spent doing warm-ups can vary due to the purpose.

The age of the students, the time of day, the outside temperature, and the purpose of the warm-up, can be factors, which determine the time frame. When I teach a Chair Yoga class, the warm-ups may take 30 minutes or more because the median age in the class is 70 years of age.

In relation to this, and for safety’s sake, warm-ups, before personal Yoga practice, exercise, or any sport, tend to be longer as we age. Morning warm-ups should be longer than evening, if we are on a “regular day time schedule” (rising in the morning and sleeping at night).

Muscles tend to contract as we sleep, so we should be careful not to strain them in the morning. The muscles also tend to tense up in the winter, therefore, the time of year and the region where you live can be a factor.

Finally, the purpose of the warm-up may also differ. Older students, who practice in Vinyasa or Power Yoga classes, should warm up, a little more, than younger students. Older students should be aware of pre-existing injuries and take care of them.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of the Greater Attleboro Area,

The Fall Yoga / Pilates session is in progress, 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
Tuesday: Private Sessions by Appointment Only
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Friday: Private Sessions by Appointment Only

The New Winter 2008 Class Schedule is coming soon. Winter Session starts on January 7, 2008

Private sessions in downtown Attleboro for Yoga, Stress Management, Holistic Weight Control, Chair Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Pilates, Life Coaching, Personal Fitness Training, and Yoga Teacher CEC’s for Yoga Alliance, must 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
——————————————–

By Jennifer Beckman

I am sure most of you reading this either go to a yoga class once or twice a week or know of someone who does. It’s the new fad, there is a yoga studio on every corner. But, did you know that Yoga has a sister called Ayurveda. Not as dynamic and in your face as Yoga, Ayurveda, the quieter and more reserved sister has been waiting her turn for the limelight and now that time has come.

Ayurveda and Yoga are essential parts of an ancient system from India called the Vedas. Ayur or ayus translates from the Sanskrit to mean “life”, and Veda is knowledge or science. Literally ‘The Science of Life’, Ayurveda is now emerging as one of the most important preventative forms of holistic medicine in today’s modern world. Ayurveda, like yoga, is concerned with balance. It offers a unique system of treatment, explaining true health of the mind, body, senses and spirit and their proper alignment. Ayurvedic practitioners offer lifestyle adjustments that include diet, herbal formulas, color and gem therapy, massage, Yoga and meditation. They prescribe specific asanas or postures that help balance the energies in the body and mind. Our environment, our relationships, the food we eat, our work, the climate we live in, our faith and how we function within our own small universe is of great importance as this will determine our state of physical, mental and spiritual happiness and fulfillment.

Energy and vibration are the basis of Ayurveda. The universe is made up of pulsating energies, cosmic elements that together, make all material creations. Everything around us, ourselves included are made up of these elements; earth, water, fire, air and ether that are constantly changing and transforming. Ayurveda categories these five elements into three doshas or metabolic types.

Vata is the combination of ether and air and has the same characteristic of these elements: dry, flighty and irregular. When fire and water combine it is called Pitta, its main characteristics are hot, quick and decisive. Kapha is the combination of earth and water: strong, slow and methodical. These three doshas are present in every living cell. They not only affect us on a physical level, but also on subtle mental and emotional levels as harmony, energy and inertia. They influence all that we are and do. The choices we make and have made since the time we were born. In fact they make us who we are, unique individuals.

Every one of us has a dosha that is more predominant or stronger than the other two, one secondary and a third, which is much less prominent. This combination of the three doshas is determined when we are in the womb.

Four principal causes are responsible for an individual’s metabolic type:

1. The fathers metabolic type.
2. The mothers metabolic type.
3. The condition of the womb.
4. The food and drink the mother takes before and during pregnancy.

Our metabolic type should stay the same, but of course does not. Without knowing our particular type, inadvertently we cause disharmony by eating the wrong things, doing the wrong exercise, even living in the wrong environment.

In Ayurveda, nine types of combinations can manifest:

1.Vata
2.Pitta
3.Kapha
4. Vata-Pitta
5. Pitta-Kapha
6. Vata-Kapha
7. Pitta-Vata
8. Kapha-Pitta
9. Kapha-Vata

Famous people and their metabolic type:

Vata-Pitta – Gwyneth Paltrow, Celine Dion
Pitta-Kapha – Drew Barrymore, Princess Diana, Nick Hucknall
Kapha-Pitta – Oprah Winfrey, Michael Moore
Pitta-Vata – Prince Harry, Tom Cruise
Vata-Kapha – Bono, Lulu

VATA TYPE
Vata displays itself as a light, slim physical body, very tall or very short. The muscle tissue is not strong and the veins often protrude through the skin, which in turn is dry and thin, as is the hair. The hands and feet tend to be cold and there is intolerance for cold foods, weather etc. The digestion is not good and the appetite is not strong, consequently nutrients are not absorbed properly and constipation is often a problem. The nails and the teeth may be irregular and protruding. The joints are often unstable and a cracking of the joints can occur. The voice is hoarse and dry. Vata, when aggravated, often causes insomnia and confusion. Vata is mobile and produces the need for constant change, vigorous exercise and talkativeness. Vata produces a quick, alert and creative mind. The swiftness of Vata manifests in restlessness moving from one place to another, changing things and friends frequently. It causes a subtle feeling of insecurity, fear, loneliness and worry. Dreams may often be fearful. The memory is not long-term, but the capability to do many things at once is good.

TOO MUCH VATA?

To keep that Vata energy balanced and happy:
Get into a daily routine.
Eat cooked foods, stay away from raw foods.
Treat yourself to a massage using warm oils.
Have long baths with lavender oil, dim the lights and light the candles.
Stay away from ice cold drinks.
Try not to consume too much alcohol.
Eat regularly.
Go to a relaxing yoga class that includes breathing and meditation.

PITTA TYPE
Pitta displays itself as a medium physical body of average height. Throughout life, the weight of the individual remains pretty much the same. The hair may be reddish or blonde, and the individual may show signs of premature graying and a receding hairline or hair loss in men. The skin has a reddish hue, and is warm and oily. The eyes are bright, often green or gray. There is intolerance for heat, the face often looks flushed and there are many freckles and moles on the skin, with perhaps a port-wine mark on the skin. Pitta exhibits good physical strength and digestive power. The appetite is strong, as is the thirst, copious amounts of food and drink are consumed and elimination is good. Overheating means pitta is aggrevated and perspiration is prevalent, which emanates a sulfuric odor. Pitta individuals can have a short fuse, and get angry quickly, but have a keen and alert mind. Their memories are sharp and they enjoy solving problems. The sexual desire is low in general, and the semen count is also often low. Pitta is perfection, competitive and controlling.

TOO MUCH PITTA?

To keep the Pitta energy balanced and in harmony:
Stay away from hot spicy foods, less of that Vindaloo!
Don’t sit and bake in the sun.
Try to turn the temperature down in the shower or bath.
Eat your food slowly.
Go for long walks in the country.
Try not to be so controlling, believe it or not they can make decisions without you!
Remember nothing is perfect in this world, find the beauty in imperfection.
Join a yoga class that includes breathing and meditation (not a studio that is heated to a 100 degrees!)

KAPHA TYPE
Kapha manifests as strength, with a well-developed body. The bones are large with a tendency to be overweight. The metabolism is slow, as is the digestion. There is slow talking and slowness of actions. Sinus congestion, coughs and colds are all manifestations of aggravated kapha. The skin is thick, smooth, cold, oily and clammy, with a dense padding of fat underneath the skin. The hair is thick and curly and the eyes are large and beautiful with an overall pleasing appearance. The voice and complexion are soft with facial expressions of happiness. Hunger, thirst and perspiration are minimal. The joints are firm and compact, the organs plump and compact. Although kapha individuals are blessed with constitutional strength, they shun exercise and would rather be sitting and daydreaming. They have a tendency to feel sleepy after a large meal and would love to nap in the afternoon, if they could. In fact, kapha induces long and deep sleep, often-sleeping 8 hours and more at night. Kapha people make wonderful parents, nurses and teachers. They are patient, compassionate, peaceful and forgiving and they love to hug! Their minds are calm and stable and they are generally well grounded. Their faith is strong and consistent.

TOO MUCH KAPHA?

To keep that Kapha energy balanced and happy:
Get up early in the mornings and go for a brisk walk.
Eat before 6pm in the evenings and try to have your main meal at lunchtime.
Be spontaneous sometimes and do something completely different. Eat more raw foods, salads and fruits.
Remember the world is not always a beautiful place, but you are a beautiful person and can help to make it better.
Join a yoga class that offers power yoga.

Used in conjunction with one another, Ayurveda and Yoga, culminate into the art of balancing the subtle energies within us. This allows our physical, mental and emotional selves to perform at their best. We feel good, see the world in a different light and can go on, if we wish, to develop and experience a deeper inner understanding.

Remember that most individuals are a combination of doshas, with two predominating. So the manifestations would be some of one dosha and perhaps a little more of another.

Jennifer Beckman (Yogamaya) is a director of the Vedic Cultural Fellowship and Pecos Valley Yoga and Ayurveda Center. She was born in North Africa, and raised in the UK, where at a very young age was introduced to yoga asana and pranayama by her aunt. During the 1990’s she studied homeopathy, massage, reflexology, nutrition and became a certified instructor by the British Wheel of Yoga. Inevitably, with her knowledge of yoga, she was drawn to the sister science of Ayurveda and has studied under Doctors Vasant Lad and David Frawley. In 1998 she returned to the US with her husband Howard Beckman, to establish the Vedic Cultural Fellowship and in 1999 they moved to their present location, New Rishikesh, in Pecos, New Mexico. In 2003, she was certified as a Planetary Gem Advisor, by the Planetary Gemologist Association in Bangkok Thailand due to her advanced working knowledge of using gemstones in accordance with Vedic astrological principles. Today she and her husband, together with Dr. David Frawley, are developing the VCF’s New Rishikesh as a major teaching and retreat center.

By Jennifer Beckman

It goes without saying that a large percentage of us take breathing for granted. It is one of those things that just happens without us noticing, like blinking, or swallowing. Even while we sleep, this simple act of life quietly continues, day in and day out, throughout our lives. We are never taught how to breathe properly, it just happens instinctively. A new born baby for example takes deep belly breaths, expanding their little abdomens fully as they inhale and as they exhale they pull their abdomens in to release the stale air. This is yogic breathing. Most babies will breathe through their noses and not their mouths, unless congested. This is also the correct way to breathe. Our noses filter and warm the air before it enters the delicate lungs.

So, if we all knew how to breathe properly when we were babies, how come we messed it up? Well, in today’s modern world it has to be our every day living. As babies we don’t have a care in the world, we grow and start to interact with family and friends, then school and the pressure that brings with it. Trying to fit in and be liked and wanted and needed and loved brings a tremendous amount of stress into our lives, and stress affects our breathing. Your breathing directly reflects the level of tension you carry in your body. Under tension, your breathing usually becomes shallow and rapid, and occurs high in the chest. When relaxed, you breathe more fully, more deeply, and from your abdomen. It’s difficult to be tense and to breathe from your abdomen at the same time. So vital is proper breathing to physical, mental, and emotional health, that it is a primary component to many yoga practices. Pran means “life force”and yama means “control”. Pranayama then is “control of breath”. The ancient yogis noticed that when the breath is slowed down, then the agitated mind begins to calm down also.

Breath not only provides the oxygen so necessary to life, it enhances heart, lung, and brain function. Oxygen flow is also necessary for cell reproduction. Natural, healthy breathing is essential to good health, it connects our body to our mind and emotions. Taking the time to learn to breathe properly makes us conscious of our breath, calling us to be present in the moment. Simple breathing techniques can relieve stress and help us work through anger and even depression.

Some of the benefits of abdominal yogic breathing include:

* The brain requires much more oxygen, relatively speaking, than any other organ in the body. Proper breathing improves concentration, gives greater clarity of thought and increases you ability to deal with complex situations without suffering from stress.

* It brings better emotional control and balance and improves physical control and co-ordination.

* Yogic breathing also helps to keep a balance between the two sides of the brain, which deal with different aspects of our lives. The right side of the brain is associated with intuition, emotions and feminine attributes. The left side of the brain is concerned with logic, objectivity and masculine attributes. By developing the ability to calm and control breathing, you can learn to focus and balance your mind and manage your emotions.

* Yogic breathing exercises are a vital tool to help with meditation, simply because of the way they sharpen mental focus.

* Increased oxygen supply to the brain and muscular system.

* Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Your autonomic nervous system promotes a state of calmness and well-being. Exactly opposite to the sympathetic branch of your nervous system, which stimulates a state of emotional stimulas (fight or flight) and the very physiological reactions underlying a panic attack.

* Helps to improve mental focus and so enables us to free ourselves from the obstacles of negative thoughts and a wandering mind.

* Greater feelings of connectedness between mind and body. Anxiety and worry tend to keep your head spinning. A few minutes of deep abdominal breathing will help ground you.

* More efficient excretion of bodily toxins. Many toxic substances in the body are excreted through the lungs.

* Improved concentration. If your mind is racing, it’s difficult to focus your attention. Abdominal breathing will help to quiet your mind.

* Abdominal breathing by itself can trigger a relaxation response.

Shallow, Chest-Level Breathing

Many people suffer from phobias, panic or other anxiety disorders, if you do, check your breath. If you are breathing too high in your chest or too shallow this could be your problem. Shallow, chest-level breathing, when rapid, can lead to hyperventilation. Hyperventilation, in turn, can cause physical symptoms very similar to those associated with panic attacks.

Studies have found differences in the breathing patterns of anxious and shy people as opposed to those who are more relaxed and outgoing. People who are fearful and shy tend to breathe in a shallow fashion from their chest, while those who are more extroverted and relaxed breathe more slowly, deeply and from their abdomen.

Before reading on, take a minute to notice how you are breathing right now. Is your breath slow or rapid? Deep or shallow? Does it center around a point high in your chest or down in your abdomen? You might also notice changes in your breathing pattern under stress versus when you are more relaxed.

If you find that your breathing is shallow and high in your chest, do not despair. It is possible to retrain yourself to breathe more deeply and from your abdomen. Practicing abdominal breathing on a regular basis will gradually help you to shift the center of your breath downward from your chest. Regular practice of full abdominal breathing will also increase your lung capacity, helping you to breathe more deeply. If you would like help, join a yoga class that includes breathing techniques. You will find them very supportive and the additional exercise will be good.

Abdominal Breathing Exercise

These breathing exercises have been taken from the ancient art of yoga and can be done virtually anywhere; before a meeting, exam, presentation or just after a stressful day.

Yogic breathing exercises are divided into three phases – inhalation, breath retention and exhalation. Yoga places great emphasis on concentrating on performing these exercises slowly and accurately to ensure optimum results.

1. Sit in a chair with you back straight. Place one hand on your abdomen right beneath your rib cage. Make a mental note of the level of tension you’re feeling.

2. Slowly inhale deeply through your nose into the “bottom” of your lungs, or as far down as you can. If you’re breathing from your abdomen, your hand should actually rise. Your chest should move only slightly while your abdomen expands.

3. When you’ve taken in a full breath, pause for a moment and then exhale slowly through your nose. Try to keep your mouth closed. Be sure to exhale fully. At this time allow your whole body to just let go and relax.

4. Do ten slow, full abdominal breaths. Try to keep your breathing smooth and regular, without gulping in a big breath or letting your breath out all at once. Try and listen to the flow of the in-out rhythm. Remember to pause briefly at the end of each inhalation. Count to ten, progressing with each exhalation. The process should go like this:

Slow inhale … Pause … Slow exhale (count “one”) Slow inhale … Pause … Slow exhale (count “two”) Slow inhale … Pause … Slow exhale (count “three”) and so on up to ten. If you start to feel light-headed while practicing abdominal breathing, stop for thirty seconds, and then start up again.

5. Extend the exercise if you wish by doing two or three “sets” of abdominal breaths, remembering to count up to ten for each set (each exhalation counts as one number). Five full minutes of abdominal breathing will have a pronounced effect in reducing anxiety or early symptoms of panic. Some people prefer to count backwards from ten down to one on each breath.

Calming Breath Exercise

The Calming Breathing Exercise is a very efficient technique for achieving a deep state of relaxation quickly.

1. Breathing from your abdomen, inhale slowly to a count of five.

2. Pause and hold your breath to a count of five.

3. Exhale slowly to a count of five, through your nose or mouth. Be sure to exhale fully.

4. When you’ve exhaled completely, go back to your normal rhythm and take two breaths, then repeat steps l – 3 in the cycle above.

5. Keep up the exercise for at least three to five minutes. This should involve going through at least ten cycles of in-five, hold-five, out-five. Remember to take two normal breaths between each cycle. If you start to feel light-headed while practicing this exercise, stop for thirty seconds and then start again.

6. Throughout the exercise, keep your breathing in a regular flowing action, without gulping in breaths or breathing out suddenly.

7. Optional: Each time you exhale, you may wish to say “relax,” “calm,” “let go,” or any other relaxing word or phrase silently to yourself. Allow your whole body to let go as you do this.

The calming breath exercise can be a potent technique for halting the momentum of a panic reaction when the first signs of anxiety come on. It is also useful in reducing symptoms of hyperventilation.

Practice

Practice the Abdominal Breathing or Calming Breath Exercise for five minutes every day for at least two weeks. With practice you can learn in a short period of time to “damp down” the physiological reactions underlying anxiety and panic.

Once you feel you’ve gained some mastery in the use of either technique, apply it when you feel stressed, anxious, or when you experience the onset of panic symptoms. By extending your practice of either breathing exercise to a month or longer, you will begin to retrain yourself to breathe from your abdomen. The more you can shift the center of your breathing from your chest to your abdomen, the more consistently you will feel relaxed on an ongoing basis, with every breath you take…

Jennifer Beckman (Yogamaya) is a director of the Vedic Cultural Fellowship and Pecos Valley Yoga and Ayurveda Center. She was born in North Africa, and raised in the UK, where at a very young age was introduced to yoga asana and pranayama by her aunt. During the 1990’s she studied homeopathy, massage, reflexology, nutrition and became a certified instructor by the British Wheel of Yoga. Inevitably, with her knowledge of yoga, she was drawn to the sister science of Ayurveda and has studied under Doctors Vasant Lad and David Frawley. In 1998 she returned to the US with her husband Howard Beckman, to establish the Vedic Cultural Fellowship and in 1999 they moved to their present location, New Rishikesh, in Pecos, New Mexico. In 2003, she was certified as a Planetary Gem Advisor, by the Planetary Gemologist Association in Bangkok Thailand due to her advanced working knowledge of using gemstones in accordance with Vedic astrological principles. Today she and her husband, together with Dr. David Frawley, are developing the VCF’s New Rishikesh as a major teaching and retreat center.

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga, as well as other alternative therapies, has been practiced for the purpose of ending drug abuse with fair results. Many people ask how Yoga helps people quit abusing drugs. The Yogic method for ending substance abuse is very simple. Yoga gives the mind a useful daily purpose, which re-programs the practitioner.

Drugs fill a void in the mind and body. Even though we disagree with drug abuse, it must be noted that drugs either stimulate or dull the senses. This is one of the main reasons, why someone would try drugs in the first place.

Whether it is physical or mental, drug addiction is a result of habit. This habit had to be formed because the addict found the experience pleasurable. Many drug addicts feel they have nothing to live for, and they are not thinking about living for longevity.

In terms of holistic health, drug addiction is the exact opposite of all forms of Yoga. Yoga is a discipline based upon developing, and maintaining, optimum health. Serious Yoga practitioners tend to eliminate substances, which can be abused, because they do not need them.

Yoga already stimulates the mind and body, but for the purpose of improving the practitioner’s health. This is where Yoga could save humanity from drug abuse. Instead of focusing on the “Drug War,” why not teach Yoga, to children, globally?

Yoga programs for children would prevent drug abuse and eliminate the need for stimulating, or dulling, the senses. In one generation, we could eliminate the need for illegal drugs and the crimes related to them.

Yoga practice does not have any harmful side effects. A drug addict, who wants to quit, will benefit from Pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques), Asana (Yoga Postures), Meditation, and many more aspects that Yoga has to offer.

Finally, when I mentioned that Yoga, and other alternative therapies, had fair results with helping people quit abusing drugs – it should be noted that this is a “new frontier” for Yoga teachers and Yoga therapists. Yoga therapy will be more accepted by traditional western medicine after the results are measured.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of the Greater Attleboro Area,

The Fall Yoga / Pilates session is in progress, 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
Tuesday: Private Sessions by Appointment Only
Wednesday: 6 PM – 7 PM Pilates/ Body Sculpt
Thursday: 6 PM – 7:15 PM Beginner / Gentle Yoga
Friday: Private Sessions by Appointment Only

The New Winter 2008 Class Schedule is coming soon. Winter Session starts on January 7, 2008

Private sessions in downtown Attleboro for Yoga, Stress Management, Holistic Weight Control, Chair Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Pilates, Life Coaching, Personal Fitness Training, and Yoga Teacher CEC’s for Yoga Alliance, must 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
——————————————–

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga has many styles, but they all lead to a state of inner peace. All forms of Yoga are natural solutions for panic attacks, anxiety, and stress. Over thousands of years, Yoga has been formulated, so that anyone is now able to harness their fears from within. Does this mean that Yoga will make all of your fears go away?

The truth is Yoga can teach you to rid yourself of panic attacks, anxiety, and stress, from within your inner-being, but fear is a part of life. In fact, fear can save your life. Primal fears, such as fear of death, teach us to cross the street at the right time.

People create their own realities. Unstable emotional health, in the form of panic attacks, is very real to the person who has heart palpitations, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Yet, Yoga has many energy cultivation techniques, in the form of Pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques).

Even if you are skeptical about the concept of energy cultivation, western medicine, and modern science, have performed enough studies to prove Yogic breathing techniques (Pranayama) can lower stress and anxiety levels. In turn, panic attacks will be prevented just by practicing Pranayama.

It is only human to find something new to worry about, but Yoga can stop the manifestation of worry “in its tracks.” When we think, focus, and concentrate, on our problems, we are practicing the exact opposite of meditation. A Yoga teacher will instruct you in the proper steps of meditation, but you would never be taught to dwell on negative thoughts.

Yoga, and Yogic meditation, are fueled by positive energy, which creates positive thoughts. To focus daily, on negative thoughts, is a sad existence. This is much like creating your own form of “hell on earth.” This negative state of mind creates a prison, which seems very real to the pessimist. Worse yet, most people who create negative thoughts are not aware of why so many people avoid them.

If anyone is in the company of a powerful negative thinker for too long, he or she will start to experience nausea, headaches, anxiety, chest pains, and more. This person drags the cloud of doom into every room he or she enters.

To sympathize will a person who goes through life asking “Why me?” will only manifest more negative energy. Sorry to say, negative thinking can only be stopped by a reality check. A pessimist will not usually take action without a “wake up call.” You can give this person information, and he or she will inherently resist taking “life saving” action.

Therefore, how do you help yourself, or someone else, who has created their own negative reality? The first action to take is to write a list of everything, which you are grateful for. Our family, friends, co-workers, pets, health, intelligence, common sense, job, life skills, and accomplishments, are reasons to be grateful for the life that we have.

If a person cannot think of anything positive to write on the list, he or she should seek professional counseling immediately. This is not intended as an insult or to make a joke of the situation. Someone who is a deeply negative pessimist has lost touch with reality and is pushing nurturing relationships away.

Hence, unchecked negative thinking can cause relationships to end, friendships to dissolve, job loss, divorce, or suicide. You now realize, there are an unlimited number of potentially harmful situations, which can occur, when negative thought is allowed to run free.

Practicing Yoga, in the form of Pranayama, meditation, Asana (Yoga postures), and Mantra, allows us the time to find the source of panic attacks from within, while taking preventative action. This does not mean you should avoid visiting your family physician, or a professional counselor, when you need help.

Standard western medicine has many solid solutions for panic attacks, anxiety, and stress. Many physicians and counselors will gladly refer you to the nearest competent Yoga teacher. The reason for this is that Yoga works in harmony with medicine and psychotherapy. Many people, who do not practice Yoga, believe the misconception that Yoga practitioners must practice an “all natural” lifestyle.

All natural, to some people, indicates refusing prescription drugs. While prescription drugs have received much deserved “bad press” for negative side effects, the fact is – prescription drugs have saved, and continue to save, millions of lives. Yoga is an evolving science of life, which peacefully co-exists with other sciences and philosophies.

Anxiety is a normal reaction to daily stress, which occurs in everyday life. Stress and anxiety can be healthy at low or tolerable levels. Each of us is different, so one person’s “breaking point” will not be the same as someone else. This breaking point occurs when anxiety is out of control and turns into an irrational state of mind. When stress builds up to this point, we have some form of an anxiety disorder.

Panic attacks are classified as a form of anxiety disorder, under the listing “Panic Disorder.” There are many other forms of anxiety disorder, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, to name a few.

Panic attacks surface for no apparent reason and with no warning. They suddenly appear with hot flashes, chest pains, racing heart beat, shortness of breath, chills, and many more stress-related symptoms, which can commonly last five minutes to thirty minutes.

When you are experiencing a panic attack, Pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques), can give you instant relief. Proper Pranayama instruction should be sought from a competent Yoga teacher.

Meditation, Asana, and Mantra, should be practiced daily for prevention of panic attacks. This requires a person to take preventative action and to attend Yoga classes on a consistent basis.

Lastly, if you, or someone you know, have panic attacks, preventative action is the largest part of the solution. You should consult with your family physician, which will result in your road to recovery. Your family physician may have a list of preferred Yoga teachers in the area.

Ignoring panic attacks will not make the situation go away. If you decide to make prevention a lifestyle, regularly attending Yoga classes will be a cost-effective solution. Visit and talk with your local Yoga teacher and explain your needs.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

——————————————–

Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of the Greater Attleboro Area,

The Fall Yoga / Pilates session is in progress, 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

The New Winter 2008 Class Schedule is coming soon. Winter Session starts on January 7, 2008

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

——————————————–
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

There are many useful purposes for mantra and japa (the repetition of mantra). We often think of mantra as a way to shut out the constant noise of the world around us. It is true this method works effectively, and serves us as an aid for meditation. Mantra and japa will guide you toward the gateway to inner peace, but there are many more uses.

Mantra and japa can be practiced in silence any time you start to think negative thoughts. Mantra, japa, and prayer, are positive forms of communication. You cannot recite a round of japa in your mind and hold onto a negative thought at the same time. Negative thoughts disappear, when we practice japa.

Some people will tell you to express yourself loudly and vocally, when you are confronted by anything, which causes you to be irritable. They will advise instant retaliation to everything, otherwise you will appear weak. Retaliation always inflames arguments, makes enemies, and displays a lack of restraint – even if you perceive that you have “won an argument.”

Japa allows you to collect your thoughts without hostility. You might even ask someone to explain their point again, because you want to completely understand. As a result of your willingness to listen, the other person becomes less tense. You now have time to absorb the point of conflict and seek a mutual solution.

There is a saying, “Those who live by the sword die by the sword.” How many friends are attracted to a personality which advises instant retaliation? Not many, because this person has “burned a ring of fire” around him or herself.

Look at some of the most well-known dictators of the 20th century. The people in their entourages had no illusions of friendship, love, or compassion. Dictators rule by instilling fear into everyone around them. This is the most extreme example of relationships, based upon the fear of instant retaliation, but what does it have to do with mantra?

Every day we face situations, and we make choices, but basically we have a choice of conflict or peace. Do we love or do we hate? The choice comes from within. Practice mantra for the tranquility of your mind, and you can enable others to find bliss.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of the Greater Attleboro Area,

The Fall Yoga / Pilates session is in progress, 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

Among its diverse methods, Yoga has many viable solutions for anger, and anger management. If you look at anger as a form of energy, and Yoga as a method for channeling uncontrolled energy, you can see a new horizon, which is the beginning of the solution to anger management.

Throughout history, and in many societies – young, angry people have often been “channeled” into military service. This is a good thing, when young people have constructive leadership, as they can give back to society and to those less fortunate.

On the other hand, under a destructive leadership, military service can be devastating, and scar one for life. This happens when young people are motivated by propaganda, conquest, intolerance, hate, and greed. The universal moral codes of Yoga are based upon truth, tolerance, loving kindness, giving, and forgiving.

Let’s look at how Yoga can take angry energy and channel it down a constructive path. The rewards are self-control, purpose, and a completely healthy lifestyle. We know that you cannot bury negative emotions, but this energy we know as anger, or rage, can be reconfigured.

Asana (Yoga posture) practice is a good place to start putting energy to use. Whether you hold an Asana for a few minutes, or flow from one posture to the next, you will still release negative emotions, while making your body healthy, strong, and flexible.

Nervous, and angry energy, can literally be squeezed out of the body through the practice of Asanas. Very often, students, who are emotionally upset, before a Yoga class, leave the class feeling balanced. Remember that asana practice is only one component of Yoga.

Raja Yoga (Ashtanga), and Hatha Yoga, have diverse sub-styles for channeling energy – by posturing. A few of the many more popularly known Hatha sub-styles are Iyengar Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Kripalu Yoga, and Hot Yoga. Raja Yoga, also known as Ashtanga Yoga, has popular sub-styles (which we know as Vinyasa Yoga and Power Yoga).

Yogic methods vary, and there is some mixing going on in contemporary styles; therefore, you may want to try a “walk-in” Yoga class before making a commitment. If you search, you will find the right school, and Yoga teacher, for you.

Pranayama is another Yogic method for harnessing, or restraining, energy through breathing. Many Yoga teachers explain the concept of Pranayama, in detail, to the public, because breathing is often taken for granted. To put it quite simply, most people do not breathe properly, but many of them claim to know how to breathe, and they see Pranayama practice as a waste of time.

After all, everyone has been breathing throughout life, right? If a Yoga practitioner, with decades of experience, has to remind him or herself to control breath on a daily basis, how is the rest of humanity breathing?

Most people breathe in a short, choppy, and uncontrolled manner, without filling the lungs to capacity. This cycle repeats itself daily, which contributes to the development of many ailments, health conditions, diseases, and emotional problems.

In relation to anger management, a short, choppy, and uncontrolled breath will encourage temper tantrums. It will enhance an environment of irritability. This is like walking around with a loaded, “hair-trigger” revolver, without a safety mechanism, and expecting it not to go off some day.

In fact, improper breathing is a recipe for emotional disaster. Pranayama has many purposes. Pranayama is able to control anger and emotional turmoil. We instinctively take a deep breath or sigh during stressful times, but how often do we really listen to our instincts? If people listened to instinct and intuition more often, the lines at the doctor’s office would be shorter.

One way to test this method of anger management is to practice Pranayama the next time you feel anger. Before you say a word to retaliate, practice Pranayama. Which method you choose depends upon how many people are around you. If you are being “taken to task,” in a business meeting, you may want to practice a slow and deep breath, which does not indicate your level of stress. One example of a slow and deep breath is “Dhirga Pranayama” (three part breath).

If you are alone, Brahmari, Udgeeth, Ujjayi, Kapalabhati, Bastrika, or Sitali Pranayama are options, which make a bit more noise, but each has its place, when considering a method for mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Each of us is emotionally different, but one or two of the above-mentioned Pranayama techniques will relieve anger, frustration, and irritability.

The best choice can be determined by practicing Pranayama, on a daily basis, and finding out which method is the most effective for you. So, why do people spend millions of dollars on prescriptions to make them feel less angry? Air is free, and when anything is free, people see it as worth nothing.

What a shame – because common sense, intelligence, love, and friendship, are free too. These are priceless treasures and so is air. Without air, the earth, as we know it, would not exist.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of the Greater Attleboro Area,

The Fall Yoga / Pilates session is in progress, 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

——————————————–
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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