Archive for December, 2007

By: Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga often helps us to carefully examine logical and illogical mind chatter. Fear can be caused by either, logical or illogical, thoughts. Sorting out our fears, and categorizing them, will give us a rational view of, an often, irrational emotion.

Logical thoughts, which strike fear into us, have been learned over time, such as: Putting our hands into a fire. We have all learned to respect extreme heat, because of our life experiences, but this is a logical reaction.

Illogical thoughts, such as phobias and unreasonable fears, which we perceive to be real, can program us for failure, or cause a state of panic. The reaction to phobias and unreasonable fears can raise the pulse rate, shorten the breath, increase perspiration, result in trembling, and in extreme cases, cause death.

If someone you know is suffering, as mentioned above, from phobias, counseling should be sought. Reactions to phobias can become an automatic conditioned response. A person who suffers with extreme reactions to phobias may no longer be able to control his or her response to it. This is why counseling will be so helpful.

In the case of Yoga being prescribed for phobias, it will help, but a doctor, therapist, or counselor, should be working in conjunction with Yoga practice. If a Yoga teacher has one of these qualifications, everything should be fine. If this is not the case, two individuals may be needed. Self-prescribing, in the case of extreme reactions to phobias, is definitely not recommended.

Yoga therapy for phobias consists of pranayama, mantra, asana, meditation, and more. The mind can be re-programmed for success, but face-to-face Yoga guidance, and professional counseling, should be sought.

Let’s look at a common fear that most of us take for granted, which might be a phobia in some, but leaves its traces in many of our personalities. We might call it “fear of rejection.” This is a fear we learned as children. We wanted to be accepted by our peers, give the right answer to our teacher, or make our parents proud of us.

For one reason, or another, we discovered disapproval. We buried it in our personality, and now we hesitate to take chances. We learn to “play it safe” and avoid taking risks for fear of rejection. This one fear has held back many creative personalities. Some artists stop producing beautiful pieces, because they imagine disapproval or listen to the wrong feedback.

How can Yoga help? All forms of Yoga bring about a state of inner tranquility. Within Jnana Yoga, the practitioner learns to see reality. One reality, which we should all learn at a younger age, is to see the truth. You cannot base the truth on the opinion of one person or even one country.

The truth is felt deep within your heart. In the case of an artist: If an artist is producing pieces for his, or her, own gratification, and it is appreciated by a small group, then this is a form of therapy for the artist. He or she is doing no harm to anyone, and does not need the approval of everyone.

One more truth to realize: You will not receive the approval of everyone you meet, but do not suppress the Albert Einstein, or Leonardo da Vinci, within, because of it.

Adults see far too much bad news in the newspapers and on television. As a result, it programs us to consider failure first. We can afford to take a calculated risk in 2008.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Recently, a Yoga teacher intern asked, if it would be better to avoid action, so that no bad reaction would occur as a result of the initial action. In Yoga classes, many of us have learned that Karma means “action.” Sometimes, the simple American explanation of the Law of Karma is, “What goes around comes around.”

To say it in another way: The results of our actions will produce effects, which will be good or bad. Most people do not stop to think: Inaction will also produce effects, which will be good or bad. If we “sit still” all of our lives, we will still create a good or bad situation.

With that said, why should we ever give up? In this life, successful outcomes usually require action. If we sit on our hands as a lifestyle, we should not be surprised if all of our wishes do not come to pass.

The Yogic formula for actions, you take, is quite simple. Every thought, in your mind becomes an image. You describe the images you visualize in words. At this point, it is helpful to write them down the old fashioned way or on a computer. Ponder a few the words until they become a mantra.

When you ponder the words, which you have written, or think, long enough, you will begin to take action. When you repeatedly take the same actions, toward the same objective, you will create a new habit. Habits change your personality and your daily routine.

Your personality will determine the outcome of your destiny. This entire process requires action. Constant inaction can change your personality, but who wants to make laziness a major part of their character? Who wants to establish a reputation as a lazy person?

Granted, there are times, in life, when we must be silent and stop taking action. When our children learn to take responsibility, we must let them. We cannot “tie their shoes” for their entire lives. The principle is the same in any organization.

In companies, we learn about delegating authority. This may seem harsh, if you are sweeping the floor, but the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) does not have the spare time to sweep the floor, and it is doubtful that he or she monitors the person who does sweep the floor. In fact, the person who sweeps the floor has usually taken action without much coaxing.

The main reason for inaction is fear of making a mistake. Yet, mistakes will enhance our learning process, and make us stronger for the experience. Whether you teach Yoga, or are a Yoga student, each day of your life, decisions have to be made by you. Use your best judgment, get advice from people of good character, make morally sound decisions, and take action.

You do not have to live a stressful lifestyle over decision making. Learn from each situation and move forward. This is just one aspect of the Law of Karma.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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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
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

It is true that there are some Hatha Yoga classes, which resemble “exercise classes.” There has been some mixing of Pilates and Yoga, within the past two decades. In the West, some styles of Hatha Yoga, teach very little about Pranayama, Mantra, Japa, Mudras, Bandhas, Meditation, Shatkarmas, Doshas, the Subtle Body, the History of Yoga, or Yogic Philosophy.

As a result, some Yoga classes have become more like calisthenics classes. So, why has Yoga changed so much, when it left India? Why is the practice of Bhakti Yoga so popular in India, and is scarcely known in the West?

Quite simply, Yoga has transcended cultures, and it is going through another evolutionary phase. Many people “try” Yoga, but the serious practitioner continues to practice for decades. A Yogi, or Yogini, has decided to continue his or her practice for life, because of the benefits.

When we are young, we experience the physical aspects of life to their fullest potential. We challenge our bodies to their limits. No matter what age we are, being physically aware of our bodies, comes first. This same awareness happens in a Yoga class.

For most of us, the mental, emotional, and spiritual, planes of existence are developed as we age. The same is true within Yoga practice. As we continue to practice Yoga, and the years go by, we begin to realize the many benefits, which are not physical.

If we practice Yoga for decades, we are at peace with ourselves and our surroundings. The many benefits of Yoga are not visible to the human eye. If a person has stress under control, good health, peace of mind, self-confidence, or a stronger relationship with God, we cannot detect it at a glance, and that is the deception, which most people make.

Yoga has so many benefits, which a superficial person would miss. If you want instant results, you will not have the patience to practice Yoga for years. The impatient person, who is quick to judge everything, and wants to instantly lose weight, should find a liposuction surgeon. The mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of Yoga will be missed, but this person would not appreciate them anyway.

Getting back to the spiritual aspect – It is part of the Yogic package; if you continue to practice Yoga – spiritual health will reveal itself to you in the form of the religion you are most comfortable with. For those who say spiritual health is a bad thing, I am sorry they have tunnel vision. It is a shame, when people cannot live in harmony with other people and the world around them.
Intolerance has caused many wars, holocausts, and witch hunts. The intolerant person needs Yoga more than any of us.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
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Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.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
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Those, in search of the latest weight loss secrets, have started to look deeper into a 5,000 year old science of life (Yoga) for solutions to obesity. Does Yoga really have solutions for those in search of a remedy to lose weight, or is this all just a bunch of “hype?”

Firstly, Hatha Yoga was not designed for an inactive culture.

Thousands of years ago, most people worked very hard to survive. Physical labor was a regular part of daily existence. People gathered, hunted, and cultivated, for survival. The possibility of starving to death was very real, and still is, in some parts of the world.

However, the average amount of daily physical activity, which people participate in, has drastically changed over the past 20 years. Many jobs now require computer skills, instead of physical labor. It is normal for children, and adults, to be less physically active in the evening and weekends, as many activities revolve around a home PC or television.

All of this has led to worldwide obesity in developed countries. The formula is simple: More abundant food, and less active humans, creates a larger person. Can Hatha Yoga evolve fast enough to help humankind’s present weight control needs?

Yoga is a man-made creation and has continued to evolve to meet the needs of people, regardless of the time period. There are many forms of Yoga, and all of them have evolved over the centuries to meet the needs of people. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika, is a classical text, which was written by Swami Svatmarama. Within its pages, Swami Svatmarama discusses dietary suggestions.

The foundation of the Yogic diet (Sattvic diet) is moderation. Yet, every New Year starts with a parade of fad of diets. By the middle of the year, the voice of reason comes back to moderation and the Yogic diet quietly takes its place of honor, even if someone changes the name.

So, what does the Yogic diet consist of? The Yogic diet, mentioned by Swami Svatmarama, contains a balanced combination of whole grain breads, vegetables, fruit, nuts, whole grains, legumes, and dairy products. Please bear in mind that allergies can eliminate, or change, the consumption of these foods. There are also low-fat choices for dairy products, which were not available in Swami Svatmarama’s time.

Whenever, a Yoga teacher is interviewed about the effects of Yoga, discussion of the Yogic diet is generally ignored. The media wants to know about physical feats of strength. Hence, Yoga has developed labels. For example: Vinyasa Yoga has also become known as Power Yoga. This is not a bad thing, but maybe this repackaging of names would help people to realize the voice of reason, in dieting, has been around for a long time. Maybe we should call the Sattvic diet, “The Secret Yoga Diet.” We know it is not a secret, but changing the label will help millions of people to eat correctly, while living a healthy, happy, and longer life.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Yoga Teacher Training
——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: 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

Within the practice of Yoga are the keys to happiness. Daily life is filled with what we think about. If we imagine a difficult day filled with problems, challenges, and obstacles, we will find what we seek. We are not in complete control of the universe, but our frame of mind has much to do with our happiness, and even more to do with the outcome of daily situations.

Consider this: What we perceive as problems, challenges, and obstacles, are life’s lessons – if we are willing to listen. We may find ourselves “thrown into” an unexpected situation, which challenges our ability to be happy.

So, how do we handle an inherent fear of the unknown? Fear of the unknown is a basic fear, which all people have, to some degree, and it is justified. We learn to fear those things that can harm us as children, and the unknown can sometimes cause us harm. We would be foolish to ignore fire once our fingers are burned.

The key to happiness, when facing problems, challenges, and obstacles, is to see the lesson. Of course, you want to find a solution, but you should enjoy the journey as a student of life. Sometimes, life’s lessons are too much for one person to handle alone.

This is why we have friendships, families, partnerships, and marriages. When a group of people band together, with the common goal to solve a problem, then a solution will be found. This practice is a concerted group effort to solve something, which we perceive as an obstacle.

Yoga has taught us to do much more than wishful thinking. When a large group of people band together, meditate, and discuss solutions, positive action will be a result of this effort. A large group may have difficulty working together in harmony. Smaller groups, or individuals, will have their own perception of an important agenda.

As an example of this, which of these issues do you think is more important: global warming, social injustice, world peace, good medical care for all, ending poverty, or putting food on the table? Chances are, someone right next to you, sees one of these issues, or one that I have not mentioned, more importantly than you do.

So, successful outcomes to finding solutions depend upon a state of mutual happiness and respect within a group. The concept of collective thought has always had people who object to it. Yet, a lone wolf may not survive, where a wolf pack can flourish.

Establish happy relationships, meditate upon happy thoughts, pray, and work in harmony with others. Your reward will be a successful and happy life.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

——————————————–
Yoga Teacher Training
——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: 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
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are many methods for organizing thoughts, but the oldest of them is the science of life, which we call Yoga. The mind could be easily compared to any other structure or machine. For example: Have you ever tried to work in a messy office or operate a machine which is not maintained? The clutter within, and around it, creates a lack of productivity.

Our state of mind is affected by clutter from within, and, of course, by unorganized surroundings. If you stop to clean, production comes to a halt, but taking the time to clean up an office will result in more productivity. After that, you will need to develop a maintenance system to prevent excessive clutter from getting out of hand, repeatedly.

The mind operates within parallel circumstances, when compared to an office. This is why we should also take the time to practice Yoga and meditate daily. It is true that we will not be producing, while we are practicing Yoga, or meditation, but we are very productive after our session.

Spare time seems like a distant memory to many of us, since the world became computerized. We clearly understand the dog who tries to catch its tail. No matter how hard the dog tries to spin in a circle, the tail is always out of reach.

Yet, time has not really changed at all. Time still runs at the same pace. Taking the time out of your day, for a Yoga session, allows you to organize your mind. You come back to your daily tasks refreshed, renewed, and happy. How can a little Yoga or meditation session have this much impact?

The truth is – any perceived objective must be accomplished in steps. To build a house, you need equipment and it must arrive in the proper sequence. If the roofing shingles arrive first, you cannot build a foundation with them.

This is a major key in life: Do not worry about the whole project, but look only for the solution to solve the next step. In the case of organizing the mind, the first step is to contemplate each solution – one at a time. If you have time, after a Yoga session, make a habit of writing ideas on paper, or enter them on your PC.

The act of writing about a perceived solution will more likely result in taking positive action. Rather than, finding a solution, and then forgetting it. The world’s greatest inventions required a person to think, write it down, refine the concept, and take positive action toward the objective.

When the mind is in a state of clutter, all of the great ideas, within, are usually forgotten. The solution is to make a daily Yoga appointment with yourself. If you want to start soon, but cannot attend a regular class, set up a five to twenty minute session, to begin with. Just a short Yoga session, per day, will result in more organized thinking.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of the Greater Attleboro Area,

The Winter Yoga / Pilates Session starts on January 14, 2008.

Winter 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

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 Street
Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092

——————————————–
Yoga Teacher Training in Massachusetts
——————————————–
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

Some surveys claim that two thirds of the adult population, in North America, has never practiced any form of Yoga. Although Yoga is globally more popular than ever, it is still hard to get the vast majority of adults, to understand the many deeper benefits of steady practice.

Outside of India, the vast majority of public exposure to Yoga is in health clubs. Due to the exposure of Yoga as a “fitness system,” the main emphasis becomes a low impact form of weight loss. It is true that the flowing forms of Yoga can be boiled down to a low impact workout, but what a shame to miss the many deeper benefits, which the longest existing holistic health maintenance system has to offer.

Many physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits, occur when practicing Yoga. To list a few of the subtle benefits – it does not take long for a Yoga practitioner to realize improvements in self-esteem, happiness, concentration, stress management, anger management, memory, learning ability, and well being.

The list could go on, but let’s bring our attention to the benefits of focus and concentration. We live in a society of attention deficits. At every turn, something new is competing with something else, in the attempt to capture your attention.

Here is a paradox of our society: Competition breeds success. Competition does achieve goals, but competition also creates unreasonable deadlines, which lead to excessive stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, heart problems, and premature death.

Hence, the term “rat race” is quite fitting, when competition takes total control of our lives. One of the ironies of heavy competition is that, competitors fight with each other so much, that reality has changed and the main objective can be forgotten. This competitive mind-set can occur in organizations, where departments struggle with each other; and they often forget they are “on the same team.”

However, focused thought, revealed in meditation and higher forms of Yoga, also achieves success. Meditation sessions are seen as useless by the overly competitive personality. Yet, time taken to meditate, causes us to mentally regroup and look at situations from a new vantage point.

The focused mind does not forget the main objective. Meditation allows the mind the time to rid itself of all distractions from reality. Within the higher forms of Yoga, any student who invests time in steady practice comes to a point where the power of concentration is harnessed.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of the Greater Attleboro Area,

The Winter Yoga / Pilates Session starts on January 14, 2008.

Winter 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

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 Street
Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092

——————————————–
Yoga Teacher Training in Massachusetts
——————————————–
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 you leave your Yoga class, you go out into the real world. Maybe someone says something rude, you get cut off on the highway, or you feel someone is taking advantage of your good nature. It is only human to feel a need for retribution, if an injustice has been done to you; but at what cost to you?

The cost of carrying a grudge causes you stress, anxiety, and wears on your health. A person who carries the need for revenge, over a long period of time, is also carrying a huge burden. Revenge is a “slow burning” form of anger and hatred, which becomes our personal baggage. The pain of carrying a grudge can ruin mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

So, how can Yoga help you in this situation? Yoga has many ways to purge tension, stress, and anxiety, from the body and mind. One method might be to practice a small sequence of physically-challenging Asanas and focus on Ujjayi Pranayama.

As you inhale, draw forgiveness into your being. As you exhale, release your anger, tension, and frustration. You should practice this for a minimum of twenty minutes. A standing series, Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar), or any sequence of postures, which you find challenging, is good enough.

Some people claim that forgiving another person is very difficult, but to hold a grudge, and wait for revenge, is even more difficult. It takes so much energy, and is such a strain on your health, to maintain angry thoughts, over a long period of time. It only makes sense to let go of resentment for your own health.

We are in control of the entire situation. Forgiveness is a virtue, and you can easily grant pardon for a fault. We forgive our pets, children, friends, and family members, for their imperfections. After all, none of us is perfect.

Forgiveness is as abundant as air, and eventually, it should come from the heart. Even though logic tells you to quit bearing a grudge, your heart might desire a little revenge. Usually, the heart is accurate, but in matters of anger and revenge, let logical thoughts dictate your actions.

Within Yogic philosophy, are many solid principles and virtues, which create happiness and well-being. Forgiving, acts of loving kindness, tolerance, and mercy, are universal principles, which improve the lives of everyone who practices them.

Taking positive action is much more powerful than talking about it. We do not need to wish for the ability to forgive, perform acts of loving kindness, become tolerant, or show mercy. All we have to do is practice these principles – daily.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of the Greater Attleboro Area,

The Winter Yoga / Pilates Session starts on January 14, 2008.

Winter 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

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 Street
Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092

——————————————–
Yoga Teacher Training in Massachusetts
——————————————–
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

For those who regularly practice, or teach, Yoga, the idea of letting the mind wander into the world of addictions may seem far away; but all of us know someone who has been engaged in some sort of battle against addictions. Many times, we think of tobacco, alcohol, and drug dependency.

There are many more bad habits, which have become deeply imbedded into our society. As state-sanctioned gambling became readily available, at the local convenience store, it is now possible to see your neighbors spend their entire paychecks on scratch tickets. Gambling can cause bankruptcy quicker than a “bad economy.” As a result, families suffer or fall apart.

In children, over consumption of food, television, excessive video game play, and over use of the Internet, can result in poor social skills, obesity, and a negative self-image. Of course, this can also happen to adults, but it is more easily noticed in children, because they are monitored at home or in school.

Where do we start to help a society, which accepts addictions as somewhat normal? Institutions, which offer therapy, and counseling, can easily be found in any community. It is up to Yoga teachers to network with them. Yoga instruction offers anyone the opportunity to focus the mind.

When we are not in charge of our mind, it is easy to become addicted to something. We no longer see moderation as a reality. The mindset of an addict has lost any sense of moderation. The vice, or substance abuse, may also stem from a lack of ability to cope with a challenging situation. Life is full of challenges, but the death of a loved one, job loss, financial hardship, or divorce, can potentially cause anyone to have difficulty coping with the situation.

Yoga sessions offer many solutions for those who need coping skills. Beyond the ability of focusing one’s mind, a good habit can easily take the place of a bad one.

There are a few steps to consider, if we want to eliminate an addiction. The first step, “on the road to recovery,” is recognition that a real problem exists. Then, a plan of action, in the form of a firm resolution, to change, is the second step to be taken. At this point, counseling should also be a consideration.

The importance of outside encouragement should never be under estimated. If you cannot go it alone, counseling is an excellent option. If you are just trying to find a group of health-minded people, a local Yoga class may be all you need.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

—————————————————

Dear Yoga & Pilates Enthusiasts of the Greater Attleboro Area,

The Winter Yoga / Pilates Session starts on January 14, 2008.

Winter 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

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 Street
Suite 202, 2nd Floor
Attleboro, MA 02703

Phone: 508-222-0092

——————————————–
Yoga Teacher Training in Massachusetts
——————————————–
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 Jutta Dobler

Yoga is a very old, complex and well-designed system to bring us into unity with God. In Yoga we combine our breath, our posture and our focus, and through that we energize our body and let go of tension. Through deep, rhythmic breathing we release tension, through finding a focal point we still the mind and stay with the body.

Stress is the underlying cause of a lot of illnesses. We live in very fast, stressful times. Transport, communication and many other areas of our live are getting faster and faster, we are bombarded constantly with advertisements, music, and billboards. We even try to relax at a breakneck pace, with high-impact aerobics, or thrill-seeking sports.

Too much stress can destroy our mental and physical health. It can lead to heart disease, ulcers and hypertension, as well as depression and even suicide. Our hearts race, we become locked into anxiety and find it impossible to relax. The heart racing is caused by adrenaline kicking in. In response to danger, our bodies operate on a ‘fight or flight’ response, pumping adrenaline through the nervous system which stimulates the muscles into action whilst temporarily shutting down secondary processes such as digestion.

In former times when we still ran away from sable tooth tigers this response was healthy, we would naturally disperse the adrenaline, and our digestion and heart rate would return to normal.

Nowadays, our adrenaline often gets released while we sit behind a computer. This unused adrenaline can be very harmful. All the blood sugar coursing through the veins to pump the muscles full of energy has nowhere to go. The results are congested, narrowed arteries, which force the heart to work harder at pumping blood through the body.

Yoga is one of the most effective methods to reduce stress. Yoga helps us to release tension and to let go. When we release and relax the body can heal. Yoga brings our body into alignment. That makes us a lot more conscious of other areas of our life that might be out of balance.

Through the yoga postures or asanas, we first of all align our muscular and skeletal structure. A conscious breathing pattern helps to circulate energy and blood, and brings balance to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which govern the function of just about every other system in the body.

Asana practice is the key to the body, which is the key to the mind, which is the key to the spirit. Through regular yoga practice we increase our flexibility. The yoga postures act upon the various joints of the body, including those joints that we are never really aware of and that don’t normally get exercised.

The postures also increase lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons. What is interesting is that it has been found that even people that were quite rigid before practicing yoga started experiencing a remarkable flexibility in even those parts which have not been consciously worked upon. The reason for that is that seemingly unrelated “non strenuous” yoga positions act upon certain parts of the body in an interrelated manner. When done together, they work in harmony to create a situation where flexibility is attained relatively easily.

Yoga also balances the glandular system, strengthens the nervous system and helps us to learn to control our thoughts and feelings, rather than being controlled by them. Yoga is perhaps the only form of activity which massages all the internal glands and organs of the body in a thorough manner, including those that hardly get externally stimulated during our entire lifetime. Yoga acts in a wholesome manner on the various body parts. This stimulation and massage of the organs in turn benefits us by keeping away disease and providing a forewarning at the first possible instance of a likely onset of disease or disorder.

By gently stretching muscles and joints as well as massaging the various organs, yoga ensures the optimum blood supply to various parts of the body. This helps in the flushing out of toxins and provides nourishment for the cells. This leads to benefits such as delayed ageing, energy and a remarkable zest for life. Muscles that have become flaccid and weak are stimulated repeatedly to shed excess flab and flaccidity, and we will start looking toned and fit.

Apart from the postures, the breathing exercises or pranayama form an important part of Hatha Yoga. Through conscious breathing, we decrease tension, increase energy, improve concentration, and promote physical and mental health.

Most of us have developed poor breathing habits; we only use a small percentage of our lung capacity. That leads to energy loss, respiratory problems, mental confusion and increased tension. Shallow breathing doesn’t properly oxygenate the system. If we don’t get enough oxygen, toxins build up.

Full, deep breathing floods the system with oxygen, nourishes the blood cells, and removes harmful toxins. This has a lot of advantages: enhanced skin tone, better posture, fewer respiratory problems, higher levels of energy, improved concentration, and a feeling of overall well-being and health.

Our breath is also related to our emotions. When we are angry or stressed, we tend to breath rapidly or may even hold the breath, which increases our tension. Our muscles become tight and our pulse increases, which in turn shortens the breath even more.

Through learning in the yoga sessions to keep the awareness on the breath, we start becoming conscious of the way we breathe and how our body reacts to different ways of breathing.
With time we will learn to carry that consciousness into the rest of our days outside of the lessons.

Another important aspect of Yoga is meditation. Through meditation and mantras, we can access the calm and tranquillity of our inner centre. If we are able to connect to this internal source, we won’t get as stressed as easily anymore and so avoid the damage being stressed does to us. Through getting in touch with that inner centre, and through regularly stilling the chattering of the mind, we become calmer, and more in tune with who we really are.

Through meditation we can achieve an emotional balance through detachment. With that I mean that meditation creates conditions, where you are not affected by the happenings around you. This in turn creates a remarkable calmness and a positive outlook, which also has tremendous benefits on the physical health of the body.

That shows that Yoga works on many different levels, the body, the mind, the emotions and the energy body. Through following a regular Yoga practice we can maintain physical health and flexibility, as well as mental and emotional well-being.

The yoga postures require that we pay attention – that we stay in the now, our mind is so diverted from sources of anxiety. With regular practice we will begin to know our true self, the essence of our being. This self-knowledge can lead to a deep-rooted confidence that will enable us to re-order priorities in a way that we are not permanently exhausted or missing out on the fun things in life.

Yoga can also bring increased communion with, and respect for, the body. Often, the desire for artificial stimulants will lessen; so does the tendency to eat whatever is convenient and skip exercise, because we are too tired. Yoga can help us to be less tired as its ability to reduce anxiety will result in more restful sleep.

This new well-being can help to reverse the effects of even serious complaints, like heart disease, and can reduce the signs of aging.

Yoga can also lead to self-knowledge and a will to live with integrity. In other words: To be true to yourself. This does not simply mean not living a lie. It also means listening to oneself and having the courage to be who you are.

Through bringing the mind and the body in alignment we come a lot closer to expressing ourselves fully, to living out our full potential. Yoga through meditation works remarkably well to achieve this harmony and helps the mind to work in sync with the body. The will of the mind has enabled people to achieve extraordinary physical feats, which proves beyond doubt the mind and body connection.

Often we find that we are unable to perform our activities properly and in a satisfying manner because the confusions and conflicts in our mind keep distracting us. Yoga and meditation help us to ‘tame’ the mind, they work together in achieving the common goal of unity of mind, body and spirit.

Through yoga, we can ultimately achieve the sacred purpose of our life, we can learn to merge our consciousness with the universal consciousness and to express our full creative potential.

These are just some of the tangible benefits that can be achieved through yoga. Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years; it is a powerful, well developed and sacred system. The ancient yogis performed yoga and the interdependence of yoga and meditation. The ultimate goal of the yogis was self realization or enlightenment. To achieve that they had to meditate for extensive spells of time.

This required tremendous physical fitness, energy and the capacity to subsist on next to nothing. Yoga positions or asanas provided them the fullest fitness with the least metabolism or stress, and meditation in turn provided them the strength and will to perform these asanas effectively – a virtuous cycle of cause and effect. This mutually symbiotic relationship helped them in their path, and it can help us in ours.

In conclusion:

Yoga has a lot to offer! Besides all the benefits mentioned above it is also a lot of fun, and a wonderful way to calm down and get refreshed at the same time. It really has a spin-off effect into the rest of our lives, and we do become a lot more conscious with relative ease.

What is also great about Yoga is that it is not a competition with others or with ourselves. Yoga is about focusing within and paying attention to how the body is feeling, how we are feeling, and what our breath is doing. All our bodies are different, all our experiences are different, and there is no such thing as a perfect pose. Yoga is about what feels right for us, it is about tuning into what works for our body and mind at this moment in time.

Through Yoga we learn to accept us as we are, with all perceived imperfections, and to work with the body we have. We learn that the best we can do is good enough, and that being connected and aware of the breath keeps us in the now, where our only point of power lies.

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Side Note by Paul Jerard: Jutta Dobler is a Yoga Teacher Intern, and soon she will be a Yoga teacher, she resides in Namibia. Hopefully, she will write another Yoga article in the near future.
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