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THE VALUE OF YOGA IN EVERYDAY LIFE

Sunday, January 15th, 2012

yoga teacher training courseBy Dr. Rita Khanna

To live in peace and harmony, without being thrown out of balance by the ups and downs of life is really not so hard and yet not so easy though it is the aim of every living being. From a Yogic perspective this means to live life fully, to flow with life and to accept whatever life brings, rather than fighting against life and the circumstances that we live in. Yoga, as an age-old system, has always been a practical science of living which teaches us the tools for a balanced, harmonious life. It is a system which explains the functioning of the human mind and the various levels of consciousness with the aim of unfolding the dormant potential in everyone. It offers practical ways of mastering the mind and evolving the consciousness from the gross to the subtle or super consciousness.

Yoga psychology is the oldest and broadest body of knowledge about human psychology. It is as valid today as it was 5,000 years ago, encompassing self-management as well as the management of relationships, and dealing with all issues of life so that one may live harmoniously. How can we manage ourselves? How can we overcome conflict, and have peaceful and co-operative relationships with others? How can Yoga help? Before trying to answer these questions, we first examine the Yogic understanding of human nature. The true nature of every human being is love and joy (ananda). But due to pain and suffering the individual forgets about his/her true nature and feels an emptiness inside. Because there is no peace, no harmony, no stability inside, we search these outside- in people, drugs, media, consumerism, power, money. A child expresses love and feelings freely in a natural way because he is yet to be exposed to the world.

THE VALUE OF YOGA

Regular practice of Yoga over an extended period of time can help us to get in touch with our inner core. For example, the physical postures (asanas) harmonize the body and balance the nervous system. The breathing practices (pranayama) calm and balance body and mind. The relaxation practices (yoga nidra) release tensions at various levels of the body and mind and lead to an inner sense of harmony. Other practices such as selfless service (karma yoga), truthful self enquiry (swadhyaya), seeking the company of the wise or reading inspiring books (satsang), doing good and developing compassion (seva), chanting sacred sounds (mantra), singing devotional songs (kirtan) and having an intensity of purpose (sankalpa) are to open the protective shield that hides our true nature.

DEMONSTRATION OF YOGA PSYCHOLOGY AND MODERN PSYCHOTHERAPY

It is interesting to note that some schools of modern psychology have a worldview and a view of personality development quite compatible with the Yogic perspective.

Self- management:

To become master of oneself – in the sense of disciplining the mind including one’s thoughts, actions and speech – is an ideal aspired for by schools of philosophy and spiritual traditions alike. As the saying goes, “The journey across the world starts with one step.” So the first step is to practice mastery of oneself in daily life. This can be a complete practice in itself and lead to perfection. Self-management relates to the ability to deal with one’s emotions, to cope with conflict, pain (physical/psychological), illness, losses/separations, to manage one’s needs, desires, ambitions, to fully do one’s allotted duties with a stable mind and a strong and healthy body.

Awareness is the key:

Awareness is a key principle underlying all Yogic practices and the key to unlocking the door to our true nature. Awareness is also the foundation for managing one’s emotions and relationships, for achieving excellence in one’s work and activities, and for acceptance of oneself – for any skilful action. The practice of awareness during the day is an important practice in itself (and an essential part of Karma Yoga). You may find that practicing awareness during the day has multiple benefits, such as: heightened concentration, a relaxed and focused mind, gaining control over one’s actions, changing from being driven to setting one’s own pace and choosing the most appropriate action.

Practicing awareness during the day:

Take ‘time out’ at regular intervals or whenever certain signals occur such as when the telephone rings, before meals, walking up the stairs, washing your hands, looking at your watch, or whenever you remember. Witnessing the breath and breathing rhythm, the surroundings (sounds, colours, smells), witnessing one’s thoughts and feelings – and becoming aware of how you automatically slow down by being aware.

The management of emotions:

To be able to handle one’s emotions is the foundation of inner and outer harmony. Witnessing emotions as they arise, and ‘embracing’ the emotions with awareness and an attitude of acceptance and kindness, will help to transform unwholesome emotions e.g outbursts of anger into wholesome emotions e.g compassion. If anger arises, witness the fact that anger has arisen and embrace your anger like a loving mother embraces her little child. If you feel depressed, notice that there is depression and witness the feelings with compassion and understanding. It is very important not to criticize, blame or condemn yourself for unwanted feelings, but rather to witness the emotions arising with compassion and understanding.

Remember that feelings, emotions – and thoughts for that matter – usually come without being asked for. Often, they take us by surprise. With regular practice of awareness, it will become easier to remain stable in any situation that arises and to regain clarity of mind. This gives you the freedom to act as you wish and not as you feel compelled by your emotions and compulsive thoughts. It is important to distinguish between being caught up in a feeling and becoming aware that you are being swept away by it. The key is to bring ’Head, Heart and Hands’ into harmony.

Attitudes of kindness, understanding and fearlessness:

As beginners in Yoga, we often only realize what happened (witness) after we have shattered the porcelain – when things have got out of hand. This gives you the opportunity to practice patience with yourself. Be kind to yourself and give yourself the same chance that a child is given when learning to walk. The child that is learning to keep balance while walking on two feet will stumble and fall many times – and we would not chastise the child for every fall.

The only cure for the ‘wounds’ of the past is the attitude of acceptance and kindness. Suppression, on the other hand, or fighting against the emotions makes sure that they will express themselves at a later time with additional force. Deep inside each of us is a little child sitting in a corner and crying. And no one is there to take care of it. I am the child who suffers and I am the one who takes care of that little child. In addition to kindness and understanding, the ‘fearless attitude of a hero is required, in order to become master of one’s emotions.

Breathing and the management of emotions:

yoga teacher trainingThere is a close connection between breathing patterns and emotions. With some experience in breathing techniques we can influence our emotions in a positive way. For example, in situations of high stress or when fear or anger is aroused (in situations of high emotional arousal) the practice of slow deep breathing (diaphragmatic/abdominal breathing) or breath awareness, particularly alternate nostril breathing (anuloma viloma or nadi shodhana, ujjayi pranayama), are very effective in calming down and re-establishing one’s balance and clarity of mind in short periods of time. The Yogic breathing techniques allow one to: slow down; take ‘time out’ to interrupt conditioned reaction patterns and block the impulse to react; establish full awareness of one’s own mental state, one’s emotions, the situation, and the needs of others; take self-responsibility for selecting the most appropriate response;

Managing relationships and understanding others:

A frequent source of conflict, stress and even illness has its root in our lack of true understanding of situations and of people (avidya) and – above all – of ourselves. In the course of development we have become self centred (egocentric), seeing the world only from our perspective (the so-called tunnel vision). When our needs are frustrated, we take personal offence and interpret this as lack of love. We feel hurt and in turn withdraw, sulk and become depressed – or we react with anger, criticize, attack and shoot poisonous arrows. Conflict follows and since the other party also feels aggrieved and misunderstood, an escalation of the conflict and verbal or physical abuse and violence may ensue. Management of oneself is the basis of good relationships. Only if I am completely with myself can I be completely there for others. The greatest gift of Love is to give your full presence.

As inside so outside:

As I meet myself so I meet others, as I see myself so I see others. If I am very critical of myself, I tend to find fault with others. First there must be love for ourselves, then love can be expressed outside. First there must be the fostering and developing of our own inner goodness and then expressing that goodness in society.

The practice of active listening:

This can be a practice for a group, in which case let the participants form pairs. It is also a very beneficial practice with your kins, and can heal many wounds.

The rules of the game are:

• Decide who is to be the listener and who the speaker.

• Decide on the length of time (suggestion: 5–10 minutes to begin with).

• Close your eyes become aware of your body and breath and practice a few rounds of deep breathing (to establish awareness in the here and now).

• The speaker speaks truthfully on an issue of importance to him/herself.

• The listener listens with full attention but does not ask any questions,does not make comments or sounds of agreement/ disagreement. Rather, the listener is fully present and concentrated.

• The listener tries to understand what the speaker wants to express.

• After the designated time, share your experiences. The speaker reflects upon the experience of having had as much uninterrupted time to being listened to as he/she needed, and the listener shares his/her observations about their listening habits (impulse to interrupt and comment a wandering mind, etc.) and the experience of keen listening.

• Reflect on the closeness and understanding that evolves from active listening.

Dealing with conflict – the culture of fighting fairly:

To handle relationships well, it is important to learn to deal with conflicts. Conflict is a part of life and as inevitable as change. Conflict indicates that there are different perspectives, that there are a variety of interests and that something may need to be changed or given up altogether. Conflict is a chance to re-examine oneself, to re-examine the situation and to practice putting oneself in the shoes of the other person. One way of dealing with conflict is learning some of the principles of fair fighting as summarized below:

Culture of fair fighting:

Do’s

• Stating one’s point of view.

• Considerate non-harmful speech (ahimsa): learn to speak truthfully and honestly when it is appropriate, otherwise be still.

• Skill of active listening, which implies trying to understand the message behind the words.

Dont’s

• Criticizing.

• Blaming, shaming.

• Fault finding.

• Inducing guilt.

Gaining control over one’s speech is one of the hardest practices and it is the most essential for harmony in relationships. Wisdom and discrimination (viveka) are required to know: what to say, when, to whom, in what tone of voice, and with what expression of emotion.

CONCLUSION:

Living in harmony with oneself and one’s inner nature, and with others, are high goals as well as the secret wishes of most people. Yoga provides a system of practices that help approach that goal. Yoga can help develop the inherent goodness in people which can then be expressed externally. If we achieve that, we will undoubtedly contribute to a better world and live happier lives. Love and laughter, compassion and a sense of humour are important ingredients in the delicious meal of a happy life. This is the greatest of all Yogas.

Aum Shanti

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: -

Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio.

A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health.

Also conducts online Yoga Courses & Naturopathy Guidance.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: yogashaastra@gmail.com

Website: www.yogashaastra.in

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh (India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

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Yoga – Hip, Healthy and Heading for Hundred

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Tanja Henderson

Why would a modern person take up such an ancient thing as yoga? We already have everything we need: t.v., internet, phone, and countless other modern luxuries, as well as basic living necessities, food, running water, electricity, a roof above our heads etc. We work out at the gym and we’re in tip top shape already, aren’t we? We don’t need yoga, now do we? Well, I would like to contradict this.

As very aware persons in new times to come, I think we DO need this ancient thing called yoga in our modern daily lives. And I like to tell you why.

With our busy lives we tend to forget to appreciate the closest thing in our life, namely: ourselves. We run around from one appointment to the next. Fill our days with obligations. Stress about the short time schedules. Have constant distraction around us. Televisions, radios, conversations with everybody we meet, business wise or other. The building stone of good relations with others start with a good relationship with yourself. But what happens when we are all alone, in that short amount of precious time? We are bored, lost, and need others to entertain us.

This is where yoga enters your life.

With yoga you turn attention inside yourself. You learn to appreciate simple life, and be content with only yourself as company. It teaches us to take good care of our body and to relax the mind. Not only during the weekly class, but in our day to day life.

Yoga is an ancient science originating from India. It has many different forms, but in the western world Hatha yoga is the most well known one. I like to tell you about the benefits of Hatha yoga. Hatha yoga keeps you healthy, remain young for a long time and live to a good old age. Fight against disease if it gets to you and therefor prolong life, ward off old age and death for the longest time possible.

You will feel the difference from the first day you start with Hatha yoga classes. It will unite your actions, thoughts and feelings. It will bring balance between the emotional, mental and physical you. If one is out of balance it affects the state of the others. Through yoga practice we keep all three in balance. We create an equilibrium between the nervous and endocrine system which directly influences all the other systems and organs in our body.

The postures – called asanas in yoga – will strengthening, lubricate and flexible the muscles, joints and glands of the body. These asanas are meant to cleans the inside by squeezing, lengthening and strengthening.

There are hundreds of different asanas. I will not start naming them here, but everybody can start yoga at his or her level and benefit from it. There are asanas while laying down, sitting, and standing up – on feet or hands.

There are even asanas while hanging upside down! You can use gravity or muscle power to accomplish certain asanas. Each level will benefit from a set of asanas.

Let us dive a little bit deeper into these asanas, because: what exactly do we do when we practice certain asanas? And, how can this be good for the mind?

An important part of practicing yoga is to learn to BREATH more efficiently and relaxing. This means we will inhale deep into the lungs, with the use of so-called belly breathing, and exhale deeply as well. It will take some practice and concentration, in order to be able to do this evenly without any obstructions. But the benefits are enormous: when body and brain receive more oxygen we can perform better. We can calm our minds by this deep, even, rhythmic breathing. Think about people who are mad: they take short, choppy breaths and are exhausted in no time. But the opposite is true as well: a flow of long inhales and exhales will calm us. With this concentration on the very core of our bodily functions we can start on the asanas in a yoga class.

The STANDING asanas have a strengthening and stretching effect on the back, sides, shoulders and leg muscles. People who sit down a lot of time, for example during their work, will benefit greatly from these asanas. They also increase great alignment and with that improve posture and your balance. Practicing standing asanas will give you a strong, grounded feeling in life.

The BACKWARD BENDING asanas stretch the front of the body, the abdominal muscles and open up the chest area. They tone and strengthen the muscles controlling the spine. They not only literally open the chest but also emotionally open you towards the rest of the world. They are extrovert asanas. These asanas require strength and energy to perform.

In contrast to the backward bending asanas, the FORWARD BENDING asanas do not require strength. Gravity is used to stretch the muscles. These are introvert asanas, and help you to relax. They compress and massage the abdominal organs like the liver, kidneys, pancreas and intestines. The back muscles become more supple as well as the leg muscles. The forward bends will teach you to show humility and help not to fear showing your back to others.

The SPINAL TWIST asanas are very important for the flexibility of the spine. They stimulate the spinal nerves and encourage the energy flow in the navel area. They also stretch and compress the abdominal muscles, depending on which way you turn.

They nourish the pancreas, kidneys, stomach, liver, and gall bladder. These asanas teach you to untangle knots and problems in daily life.

The INVERTED asanas make your blood flow towards your brain, and flush out toxins. Blood from the lower limbs is run back to the heart and to the lungs, purified, and return to the legs.

The breath becomes slow and deep, improving the output of carbon dioxide and the input of oxygen. The whole human organism benefits from these asanas. The inverted asanas will give you a different view on your old behavior and it will refresh your total being.

The BALANCING asanas improve muscle coordination and posture. They develop the functions of the cerebellum, the part in the brain which controls the motions of the body. They generate physical and nervous balance which conserves energy and achieves grace and fluidity in movements. The focus needed to perform these asanas will give balance at the physical level as well as emotionally and mentally.

ALL asanas work on improving the energy life flow in the body. A human body has 7 major energy centers, located along the spine towards the top of the head.

These centers, called chakras, need to open for energy flow, so the flow can go unhindered up and back down.

When one chakra is obstructed we need to work on the opening of it. If we don’t, problems will occur in our mental and physical life and disease will enter. We can open them through asanas and concentrated meditation.

It is very important to work on these chakras, so we don’t get stuck in old habits. Old habits are negative forces. Think of habits that are bad for our health or reactions to other people that are going to make us frustrated and disturb our peace of mind. When we work on those chakras that are out of balance, we can restore them. This will make us feel better in our whole body and mind.

While we work on these concentrated asanas, we breath deeply, focus our gaze, and try to let all thoughts go. The here and now is important and we start feeling things we forgot were there. All these asanas are meant to cleanse and strengthen. While we practice these asanas we pay close attention to our breathing. Our breathing leads the asana. No asana is a fixed hold posture. It’s alive.

When our breathing slows down, it calms down our mind. We examine what’s happening inside of us. Our mind’s attention is completely in our body and we listen to what our body tell us. This will lead to a feeling of wholeness, our minds will become one with our bodies. We become our body.

And finally, it is vital to practice MEDITATION as part of yoga. We need to relax the mind. When we sleep our body rests, but our mind goes on. When we meditate, we will start to relax the psyche by thinking of nothing, emptying the mind. In the beginning thoughts will enter, and we will be distracted. But when we will clear our minds, we will learn to meditate and reap the benefits from it.

When starting with yoga you will run into all your limitations and expectations. Things don’t always seem to work the way you want them to.

This is when yoga will help to learn to accept ourselves, without judgement and feelings of failure, but with great empathy and joy to the work ahead and the process of acceptance. Learn to live in the here and now and enjoy the feel of every little bit that make you move forward.

Yoga goes beyond the hour in the class on the mat. We use it in our daily life: we live it. That’s why I think everybody needs yoga in our modern day and age. When we feel unbalanced in our lives and out of sync, yoga has the power to revive. We can use yoga to keep the feeling of being whole and one with yourself, and with the world around you.

So…be hip, healthy and start yoga – you’ll be heading for hundred!

Namaste, Tanja Henderson, yogi for life.

Tanja Henderson studied art in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Europe. She was co-director of an audio visual production company in Amsterdam and has worked as a freelance photographer for many international publications, magazines, newspapers, museums and galleries. She lived in the high desert of Eastern Nevada with her family in a hand build home, and later in the wilderness of British Columbia, Canada. Now she lives in Northern Chile, where she home schools her two kids and is building a ecological house together with her husband. Here she started Punto Cero Yoga – yoga retreats in Northern Chile.

http://www.puntoceroyoga.com

http://www.tanjahenderson.com

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Is Coffee Really Bad for Yogis?

Monday, November 7th, 2011

yoga teacher trainingBy Faye Martins

Many would-be yogis balk at the idea of giving up their favorite morning wake up ritual, sometimes even more so than the prospect of having to go without meat. Is coffee really the anti-thesis of everything yoga stands for, or could they coexist peacefully in the life of an individual serious about their yoga practice?

Many people who enjoy yoga on a daily basis tend to enjoy their coffee too. Pay attention at a morning yoga class and you’ll likely find this fact confirmed by a large number of disposable beverage containers from a popular coffee vendor. Some say that coffee consumption must be stopped in order to reap the real benefits of yoga practice while others say that coffee is to yoga what peanut butter is to jelly: better together.

The pendulum sways from one side to the other regarding coffee every few years. On the one side, coffee is vilified as a source of needless stress, racing thoughts, thudding heartbeats and excessive levels of cortisol in the blood. On the other, it’s praised as a fine elixir containing high amounts of antioxidants that is capable of curbing excessive appetites and giving a healthful energy boost that carries on throughout the rest of the day. It’s very hard to determine the safety and efficacy of the drink with such varying information. Both sides seem to agree on the fact that coffee alleviates post workout pain, which may be of benefit to yogis.

One thing made very clear is that drinking whole bean coffee is completely different than ingesting pure caffeine, which should be avoided at all costs. Just say no to energy drinks and sodas, which increase stress without giving any positive, protective benefits. Coffee is a whole food that contains a good blend of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that are in balance with the amount of caffeine contained within. Energy pills and drinks strip the caffeine away from these positive substances and make it possible to ingest much more of it in a smaller amount of liquid.

Like most things, coffee consumption appears to be a very personal thing. Some people do very well with coffee while others are extremely sensitive to it. Individuals should pay close attention to the signals their body is giving them in regards to coffee consumption. If the body feels tired, heavy, jittery or lethargic coffee should be avoided.

Another issue with coffee consumption is balance. Everything, including coffee drinking, should be done in moderation. If we take one lesson from yoga and apply it to our daily lives let it be the importance of balance in all things. Coffee can be great when mindfully consumed but anything in excess tends to promote the opposite of its normally positive effect.

A great many yogis report a peaceful coexistence between their daily yoga practice and coffee, while others say that coffee stands in the way of yoga practice and eliminating it from their diet is a choice they couldn’t be happier about. By listening to the body, yogis can determine for themselves whether or not coffee should be a part of their daily routine. What’s bad for yogis, should be left to the individual to decide.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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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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Laughing Yoga is Back!

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

yoga teacherBy Sanjeev Patel, CYT 500

Firstly, I want to thank the readers for complaining about my technical writing assignments. Paulji has the best of intentions, but I wonder if it’s for me. I was getting depressed while researching Yoga for depression. I felt like I was living in a Seinfeld episode, Bizarro World, or like a fish out of water.  Did Yoga teacher training prepare me for this?

It seems like my natural place in the writing world might not be technical Yoga. Maybe my niche is in editorial Yoga writing or teaching people to laugh in a Yoga class. Technical Yoga research and writing isn’t that funny, but it is important. Maybe, when I grow up, I’ll stop laughing and become a serious Yogi.

So, here I am looking at the latest Yoga gadgets and somebody created a “chakra opener.” I’ve seen some fancy wine bottle openers, but let’s be honest – Do you really think it works? I would have called it, Sanjeev’s EZ-Open Chakra Opener, but I’d make no guarantees as to what it would do to anybody.

McDonald’s made hot coffee and somebody sued them for it. What if this gadget gets into the hands of somebody who believes it works? What if somebody imagines the chakra opener caused them to have a chakra awakening? What would come out of this? Could the chakra opener drive me stark raving mad? Could my Ajna chakra open enough to let a pack of monkeys out of my mind?

You think I’m pulling your leg, right? This chakra opener is real and it’s called “The Hexbeamer.” From what I can tell, it costs $100 plus shipping. It’s supposed to have your Chakras tingling like you’re in a Hot Reiki session, without the thrill of 105 degrees Fahrenheit, and maybe every chakra will open all at once! This gadget is supposed to heal you by using Electromagnetic waves.

Is there a guarantee? It has a 30 day guarantee, so I’m seriously thinking about buying one. Will it affect my Yoga writing in the future? Maybe, but I remember when people thought I was crazy for spending so much on a Manduka mat. That mat has taken a beating on sand, cement, and asphalt. I bet you could drag one for years if you attach it to your rear bumper.

If anyone knows more about this Chakra opener, please leave comments at the bottom of this page. As for my writing: I guess it’s destiny for me to get out of the technical Yoga writing, but this is my style. Thanks for your comments.

Hari Om Tat Sat

© Copyright 2011 – Sanjeev Patel / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

Sanjeev Patel is a certified Yoga teacher and an exclusive author for Aura Wellness Center.

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

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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Peace Of Mind: What If Your Mind Was Your Greatest Ally?

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

By Sharlene M. Starr

Potential and Possibilities Of Kundalini Yoga Meditations

If you were able to direct and develop your mind in such a way that you were no longer controlled by emotion, then you could apply the techniques to help you live with more happiness and awareness in these modern times. Could you imagine a world with more centered, happy, content, and aware people? Sound like an unlikely scenario? Well…it is achievable through the potential and possibilities of Kundalini Yoga “mastering mind meditations.” By understanding the matrix of the mind and where you are at today, you can determine a step-by-step approach to healing and health through meditation. The ancient technology provides practical approaches to help you face your own mind and master it…resulting in a more fulfilling life. Basically, these meditations will take you from where you are to where you want to be by raising your consciousness.

How Would Life Change?

Life would definitely be different if we mastered our minds. Here are a few benefits of the “mastering mind meditations” (and who doesn’t want more of these great benefits in their life?

Living with less negativity

More inner wisdom and trust

Overcoming blocks and fears

Dealing with times of difficulty with ease

Increased confidence

Higher levels of creativity

Prosperity and abundance

Conscious and grateful actions

Responsibility for action

Awareness of choices and results

Elevating passion to purpose

I truly believe that if more people did this work, there would be world peace. It has been a powerhouse in my personal development and I highly recommend these approaches. Here’s the big idea: These meditations allow the light of your soul to prevail in this world.

Why Does This Matter?

Working with a system like this provides positive possibilities for living a centered life. It is possible, one person at a time. It is already becoming reality, as more and more people work with the meditations…you just have to begin. A wonderful resource on this topic is the book: The Mind by Yogi Bhajan and Gurucharan S. Khalsa.

Ask Your Own “What Ifs”

The potential and possibilities of Kundalini Yoga “mastering mind meditations” can direct and develop your mind in such a way that you are no longer controlled by emotion, helping you live with more happiness and awareness. You can master your own self. The time is now. If you are seeking…look no further. I encourage you ask your own “What Ifs.” Are you ready to think about the future?

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Sharlene Starr teaches Kundalini Yoga classes and is the author of the *FREE* Special Report,” A Beginner’s Guide To Kundalini Yoga!” If you’re ready to awaken your mind, body, and soul, get your *FREE* copy at: http://www.SharleneStarr.com

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WHITE SUGAR – NECTAR OR POISON

Monday, October 11th, 2010

By Dr. Rita Khanna

White sugar consists of only one kind of molecule – sucrose, which is also called “table sugar” or “saccharose.” Sucrose is a white crystalline disaccharide – yet it is far from pure in the sense of being a natural product. Sucrose is the most popular of the various sugars for flavoring, as well as properties (such as mouth feel, preservation, and texture) of beverages and food.

HISTORY OF SUGAR

Sugar originated from India. When Alexander the Great invaded India in 325 BC, he found a crude, dark brown substance called jaggery, (gur), which is still used today. Jaggery spread to Japan and China; then to the Middle East. From there, European crusaders took it to the Canary Islands, and it was from here that Christopher Columbus took sugarcane to Europe. Europeans processed all the goodness out of natural sugar, leaving only the super-sweet, artificially white crystals, which have since become popular throughout the world. Currently, Brazil has the highest per capita production of sugar.

SUGAR ADDICTION

Whenever we consume any substance, the body must make internal adjustments, in order to break it down into its usable components, and to eliminate toxic elements. Certain enzymes are manufactured, hormone secretions are altered, and there are changes in organs – such as: the liver and in the composition of the blood. Every time a substance is taken, the same cycle of internal chemical reactions takes place, and continued use reinforces this cycle. With addictive drugs, like alcohol or even caffeine, this pathway becomes fixed.

There are permanent changes in body chemistry, such that we must take this drug in order to maintain normal bodily activity. If we stop, then the body sends a sharp protest to the brain; and we experience intense desire or craving for that drug. We may experience pain and illness, as the drug pathway breaks down, and a new internal balance is established. This is not only true of heroin, but also of refined, white sugar. Although we do not think of it as such, white sugar is a drug; and most people are sugar addicts. There is not only sugar in your tea or in sweets, but also in jams, fizzy drinks, cakes, pastries, baby foods, and most canned products – from puddings, to meat, and vegetables. Try to cut out sugar from your life and see how soon the craving begins.

SUGAR REFINING

Sugar is extracted from sugar beet or, more often, from sugarcane. Sugarcane is a variety of grass that thrives in tropical climates and can grow as high as twenty feet. After harvesting, the cane is shredded and crushed to extract the juice. This is clarified with lime, to remove impurities, and the residue is boiled – until a mixture of crystals and syrup is formed.

These are separated into:

• Syrup or molasses, which is further refined into treacle and golden syrup.

• Crystals of ‘raw sugar’. This is the brown sugar preferred by naturalists and health food advocates.

This ‘raw sugar’ is already ninety-six percent sucrose. The other four percent is only water, inverted sucrose, dirt, and sugar lice. This raw sugar is then cleaned and polished, giving white crystals that are completely devoid of health-giving nutrients.

WHITE SUGAR VS CARBOHYDRATES

• Carbohydrates are our source of energy and are an essential part of our diet. White sugar is also a carbohydrate, but is not our only source of energy. Honey, fruit, vegetables; and all grains, especially rice, contain natural sugar – together with many other vital elements essential for health. The tragedy is that we eat more sugar, which has taste and energy-value but nothing else, and less of these other carbohydrate foods, and so deprive ourselves of important nutrients. Then, we suffer from malnutrition, as a result of addiction to sugar.

• The level of sugar in our blood must be kept constant. This requires expenditure of energy and work by the body. When we eat natural carbohydrates, these substances are gradually, and slowly, broken down by the processes of digestion, and then enter the blood stream. The level does not rise excessively and can be easily handled by the body.

• If we bombard our system with excess sugar, we quickly raise our blood glucose level. This places a demand and stress on the body. The pancreas must release more insulin, and at just the right time. A healthy body copes with this situation, with no trouble at all. However, constant use of large amounts of refined sugar, eventually, causes the body to become unbalanced and diseased.

EFFECTS OF EXCESS SUGAR

The effects are lethargy, tiredness, inability to concentrate, adrenal gland dysfunction, and diabetes. Lethargy results from imbalance in the endocrinal glands, which affect the Chakras and the Pranic level in our bodies. Strain on the pancreas and adrenal glands is registered by the gland controlling nervous and endocrine systems. One master endocrine gland, the pituitary, adjusts the other endocrine glands accordingly; and thus, the whole system is affected by this stress.

Inefficient breathing is also a cause of lethargy, because oxygen is needed to burn up glucose for energy. If there is not enough oxygen, the glucose energy cycle will produce large amounts of waste acids, such as lactic acid and pyruvic acid. These acids create muscle and joint pains and stiffness. We tire and feel fatigue more easily. Anything, in excess, is detrimental to the health of body and mind; so is the case with refined sugar. Today, research is proving the link between sugar and illnesses, such as headache, skin disease, acidity, tooth decay, obesity, and diabetes. Sugar consumption has also been implicated in such deadly diseases as coronary heart disease, circulatory disorders, and cancer.

HOW MUCH REFINED SUGAR ONE CAN SAFELY EAT

Each individual must use his awareness and discretion in deciding how much sugar can be taken, and this awareness is refined through Yogic techniques. The amount of sugar consumed by each person will vary from day-to-day, and according to individual need. Some people eat no sugar at all. To decide what a healthy amount of sugar is, we must first understand the following points:

• Excess sugar is not healthy.

• We do not need to eat refined sugar. We can get carbohydrates from natural produce, such as honey, fruits, and grains.

• It may not be healthy to completely remove all sugar from our diet. Many of us have experienced cravings for sugar, in one form or another, and suppression of these urges can create neurosis.

• The point to keep in mind is that it is not the occasional indulgence that kills us, but the daily bad habits, which insidiously build up and poison our system.

Thus, we suggest that you become aware of just how much sugar you use daily; the number of spoons of sugar in each cup of tea, how many sweets, how much cake, how much sugar, in its hidden forms. Add up the amount and ask yourself whether you are indulging yourself or not. Some people do not care about their health, until it is too late. Then, when they contract diabetes, or some other disease, they repent and seek help. Prevention is better than cure.

HOW YOGA CAN HELP US

Yoga is the ideal system to help in this situation. Asanas help balance the endocrine glands, and massage the internal organs – removing waste acids and other impurities. Pranayama gives the body extra oxygen, to burn up excess glucose, plus impurities. Techniques, such as the Shatkarmas help to remove diabetes, by cleaning the whole digestive tract, by resting the glands and associated structures, and by infusing Prana.

In Yoga, you do not have to give up your indulgences; just become aware of them, their effect on you and your needs, cravings and desires. Regular practice of Yoga will increase your awareness and discriminative faculties, to the point where your life balances out to a natural, harmonious, and healthy level. Sugar consumption will then be regulated naturally, according to your need. At the same time, some of the bad effects will be eliminated, while the good effects are enjoyed. Yoga is, therefore, an excellent way to overcome the bad effects of sugar.

AUM SHANTI

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: -

Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio.

A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: yogashaastra@gmail.com

Website: www.yogashaastra.in

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh (India).

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy. She is also imparting Yoga Teachers Training.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is running a Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

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Yoga as an Art of Living

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

By Claude Aoukar

A frequently asked question is how often should we practice yoga to get all the benefits? The answer is always and every day. It is true that an average yoga session is usually ninety minutes but what we achieve there is an art we learn to apply to anything and anywhere. From the moment we wake up in the morning to the time we lie down exhausted in bed and even when we are sleeping, something is still there. It is our heart beating which keeps us alive and this connection to life is the focus of any yoga session.

It is easy to learn asanas in a yoga session. Our body gets more flexibility after a few months of practice and postures get easier with time but physical lightness, strength and healthy neuro-muscular system could be achieved with any other physical training and is only a small path in yoga discipline. The difference between yoga and any other indoors or outdoors sports is that yoga does not end after 90 minutes, but you carry it with you home. In a Yoga class you have learned how to get connected to your breathing system and this is something you need to take care of all day long to control your stress, to control your anger at work, to control your dealing with family problems, to control your personal frustrations and discontents inasmuch you need to produce, diffuse, channel positive insight in anything you do and around you to feel simply happy.

Most people complain that nowadays with the hectic and stressful style of living they do not have enough time to exercise and wish they could devote more time for a healthier way of living. Do we really lose time when we do mudras while walking to work or sitting behind a desk? Do we really lose time when we practice some bandhas when we are stuck into traffic?

Do we really lose time when we lay down in savasana to help cure insomnia instead of turning around in the bed to find a position that you could help us fall asleep? Do we really lose time when we induce a positive concept to anything we are forced to do to earn our living?

What about simply remembering to sit correctly to relax a back pain at work, tensing the legs, rubbing the neck or cupping the eyes a few moments when hooked on the laptop? Do we really need time to include yoga knowledge in our everyday life or we do merely need to develop a willpower and faith that with simple and smooth yoga adjustments we can change things to a better way. Practicing yoga is always enjoyable and rewarding. This is the reason why It should be an art of living.

Claude Aoukar is an author and teaches Yoga. Claude’s e-Books can be found at:

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Tapas-Cycle-E-Book.html and http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/The-Stretching-Desk.html

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Is Yoga a Religion? What is the Difference Between Spirituality and Yoga?

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

By Jasmine Kaloudis

Is yoga a kind of religion? It seems like yoga is often thought of as a religious practice with the various Hindu deities, chants, new age language about the divine powers of the “universe” and devotional hymns. The practice could be construed as a religion and the studio a temple with the rituals, greetings and protection of the space as sacred. How is yoga not a religion and just a form or spirituality and what is the difference between the two?

In the Bhagavad Gita, which is a book many devout yoga practitioners and teachers read as they go deeper into learning about yoga philosophy, the main character, Arjuna searches for answers to his dilemmas; he is shown to go beyond, the conventional cultural programming and ways of thinking by exploring attachment and considering the duality of pleasure and pain, gain and loss, failure and success.

He also attempts to achieve a balanced state of mind though various yogic lifestyle practices. He is able to bring his spirituality into his daily practices. When used as a practice of uniting the mundane with the highest level of self-actualization, the term “Yoga” is applied to many different spiritual paths. Yoga is a practice of self-awareness, self-actualization and compassion for others.

Religion is often infused with observing holidays that have rituals. There is a history of struggle of good over bad. These stories help to explain why that religion has certain beliefs. In most of the world religions, there is a history of conquest. The focus is often on intolerance in these conquests and non-acceptance. These are contrary to many of the common values that traditional yogic philosophy promote.

Religion does not ask us to question beliefs or practice but to simply obey and accept them since an authoritative figure or collective body has decided that. Yoga promotes a deep study of acceptance and self-realization. Yoga promotes deeper awareness by using tools such as our breath, bodies and awareness so we can come to our own conclusions about the nature of higher or divine reality.

In religion, the nature of higher reality is simply dictated to us. For most, religion is a huge source of personal and collective identity. Often, culture and an attachment to a geographical location such as with the Greek Orthodox Church (Greece), Russian Orthodox Church (Russia), Judaism (Israel), Hindu (various pilgrimage sites for various holidays and gods,) and Islam (Mecca).

Fear is often a tool in the major religions to motivate people to behave a certain way. People behave certain ways because they are afraid of the punishment they will receive in the next or afterlife or do not want to endure public censure for their lack of conformity. They find comfort and security in knowing they are practicing something as their family has done for decades.

Fear of the “other” is often a powerful way to gather a group together since they can develop rapport and camaraderie and a sense of community for being intolerant of others’ differences and practices. Lack of self-esteem is one of the main contributing causes to this.

Ritual also provides a context for family to come together (Christmas, Hannukah, Easter, Passover) Ritual is also a way to tie people together in a certain group or culture. Rituals helps to have children become involved in the practices as well. Often rituals are performed on young children or infants who have no say in the matter, even if the ritual is physically and psychologically painful (male or female circumcision). Barbaric practices such as these initiate the child into a world of violence and subjugation. In yoga, free choice, consciousness, compassion and awareness are the tenets.

In religion, negative emotions such as guilt and fear are powerful motivators to induce certain behaviors or practices and even beliefs. In the Spanish Inquisition, hundreds of years ago, people were killed simply for refusing to change their beliefs and values. In yoga, one is encouraged to find their own path to happiness and peace.

Guilt is often a byproduct of the practices or lack of conformity to the practices. The practice of confession in the church, is done in order to shame the devotee of their lack of ability to follow rules. Judgement and passing judgment on others for their behavior and deeds is a major tents on some of the major religions such as Christianity and Islam. In yoga, non-judgment, compassion and acceptance are continually emphasized.

For free images of yoga poses with tips on how to do them, email info@jasminepartneryoga.com with “Request Partner Yoga Poses and Tips” in headline.

Throughout her 15 year yoga practice and teachings, Jasmine Kaloudis has experienced how yoga is a tool which allows us to experience our selves more fully and more richly.

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Synergy By Jasmine – Partner Yoga in Philadelphia. Float. Flex. Relax.

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Yoga and Anxiety Relief: On and Off the Mat

Friday, July 16th, 2010

By: Sonia O’Brien

I am an anxious person. It’s a fact I have had to accept and learn to work around and it hasn’t always been easy. I fought this particular trait with all of my might. I started and stopped numerous self-help programs and read so many books on the subject that I became overwhelmed with all of the suggestions on how to “cope” with the condition. But, I was desperate to feel better, so I tried most of them. At least the ones I thought I had any chance of sticking with, but none of them really felt right to me and I would stop after a few days, or even a few hours, if it seemed too hard. I just couldn’t commit to any of it long term. Then, quite by accident, I discovered yoga.

I was getting a little older and I had decided it was time to take better care of my physical health, so I joined the local YMCA. I didn’t pick that gym for any particular reason, it just happened to be close by and it looked nice, so I signed up. One day, after working out on the treadmill, I walked by the front desk on my way out and saw a display of class schedules for the different locations around town. One of the locations was very close to my current gym and it advertised mind/body classes such as meditation and yoga. At the time, yoga was gaining popularity in the United States, but it was still something a lot of people were using to get in better shape physically. Everyone talked about toned abs and more flexibility, but I never heard much in the way of the mental benefits of the practice. But, being in the mood to try something new, I went to my first class, without much in the way of expectations, and promptly fell in love.

Even in that first class, as I fumbled my way through sun salutations and down dogs, I knew I had found something special. With continued practice, I have learned how to listen to my breath and my body. I can better identify anxiety triggers and work around them. Thanks to yoga, I am calmer, more relaxed, and better able to deal with the stressors of everyday life. I can’t believe it took me so long to find something I love so much, but I am grateful everyday that I eventually found my way to such a wonderful practice.

And, as any yogi will tell you, your appetite for all things yoga related increases the more you practice, so I have now begun studying Buddhism, meditation, and the Yoga Sutra. I have learned yoga will influence your life, on and off the mat, in ways you never expected. My next step is to obtain my teacher certification so I can share this life-changing gift with others.

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Enhance Your Yoga Experience With These Tips

Monday, May 24th, 2010

By Ntathu Allen

Are you interested in yoga? Has your partner recently started yoga lessons? Maybe your doctor has suggested you take up yoga as a form of stress management.

Yoga, is a holistic health care system. It consists of a series of yoga stretches, known as asanas or poses, meditation techniques, breathing exercises and relaxation. Together, these techniques give your body a complete overhaul and calms and clears your mind. At the end of a yoga lesson you are blissed out, chilled and relaxed.

Yoga clients love the post yogic glow. Because of this I am often asked for tips and advise to improve their yoga experience.

Here are seven key things you can do, which will help to deepen your yoga experience.

Enhance Your Yoga Experience With These Tips

1. Relax. Take two-five cycles of deep breathing between poses. This allows your body to fully absorb the benefits of each pose and prepares you for the next pose.

2. Practice. Practice makes perfect. When you get home, make a note of any tips or techniques you learned in your lesson. Maybe your yoga teacher reminded you to lengthen up through your spine before twisting in the Spinal Twist. Little pointers like this help you to get the maximum benefit from your lesson.

3. Conscious Breathing. Stay focused on your breathing as your body moves and stretches into the poses. Deep breathing helps to keep you focused during your lessons; relieves tension in your body, and brings calmness to your mind.

4. Wear clean light colored clothes. If possible, set aside a few light colored outfits to wear when you practice or attend lessons. Everything in life is energy. The clothes you wear for practice will, over time, become energized and attuned to your body ‘s subtle energetic qualities. When you put on your “yoga clothes” your mind becomes attuned and prepared for practice.

5. Give Thanks. The art of appreciation and gratitude underpins all yoga practices. During your yoga lesson spend a few minutes in silence to give thanks for the teachings, your body, your health and well being. This opens and deepens your connection to spirit.

6. Listen to your Body. During your practice take time to listen to the sensations and movements you can feel in your body. Yoga encourages body awareness and alignment. During the course of your day you may not be aware of your posture, aches and pains. When you become more aware of what is going on inside your body, it is easier for you to adapt and adjust to the poses.

7. Look back and remember how far you have come. Yoga is a journey. Each time you practice, your body and mind becomes stronger and more flexible. Take time every now and then to reflect and look back on how far you have come. Do you remember how stiff or inflexible your hips and shoulders were when you first started, or how you struggled to get into the Tree pose? It is easy to forget just how well you are doing and how far you have come.

Learning yoga is a lifetime journey. Whether you are a complete beginner or seasoned yogi, the seven tips above – relax, breathe, practice, wear light colored clothing, give thanks, listen to your body and remember to acknowledge how far you have come, are useful strategies to adopt to help you enhance and deepen your yoga experience.

And now I’d like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to “Wake-Up With A Smile – Simple Yoga Stretches To Do In Bed To Get You Fit And Ready For The Day” when you visit http://www.yogainspires.co.uk

From Ntathu Allen, The Yoga For Stress Management Consultant

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