February 26, 2009

Yoga Paths

Since human beings began practicing yoga thousands of years ago, the symbol of a tree has often been linked with the discipline ? and for good reason! Yoga has a multitude of branches when it comes to how you choose to practice and all of them are based on the same philosophy, or trunk, of spirituality. Hatha yoga is the one most well known to Westerners ? the physical act of practicing poses. Here are a few other paths that you may choose to combine with your personal yoga practice.

Raja Yoga

In raja yoga, the main goal is a calm and spiritual, meditative state. There are eight principles that are followed strictly and in order in raja yoga and, though important, physical movement or poses is not the focus. The eight principles or stages are:

* Ethical standards or 'yama'

* Self-discipline or 'niyama'

* Posture or 'asana'

* Breath control or 'pranayama'

* Sensory withdrawal or 'pratyahara'

* Concentration or 'dharana'

* Meditation or 'dhyana'

* Liberation or 'samadhi'

Karma Yoga

The focus of karma yoga is on service and treatment of others. The basic idea is that our experiences today are a direct result of our past actions. Therefore, everything that those who practice karma yoga do today is in an effort to create a better future for themselves and those around them. They do this by eliminating the motivations of pessimism and egotism. This means living for others instead of ourselves.

Jnana Yoga

Those who practice jnana yoga are most concerned with the development of the mind. They are scholars interested in the philosophy behind yoga and they their yoga practice focuses on studying and understanding ancient and traditional texts. This is thought to be one of the most intense yoga disciplines as the learning is intense and difficult.

Unlike branches on a tree, the paths of yoga often intersect and overlap. Though it is difficult to hang from two or three tree branches at once, it is not difficult at all to practice more than one path of yoga. Try them all if you like and choose the ones that most appeal to you.

Stephen Kreutzer is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides yoga tips on http://www.justyogabasics.com

Yoga Your Way to Physical and Mental Fitness

Although considered by many simply as an exercise fad, yoga practice has in fact helped thousands of people in improving their physical and mental fitness. Remember the golden rule of never judging a book by its cover; if you think that yoga?s all about bending and breathing and nothing else, think again.

The History of Yoga

The practice of yoga has been around for more than four thousand years already. Its origins can be traced back to India where even today, it is considered as a highly valued practice to reach a state of enlightenment. Yoga as a means to receive enlightenment is a central point in several religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

In other parts of the world, the popularity of yoga is caused by its many health benefits and its associated use with asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga as fitness exercises.

Purpose of Yoga and Its Main Components

Besides reaching a spiritual state of enlightenment, yoga can also help individuals reach a better understanding of not only their bodies but their inner selves as well.

When practicing yoga, you?ll notice that you?ll be concentrating on three main points:

Body Positioning or Posture
Breathing Techniques
Meditating Techniques

Advantages of Yoga

Treating Back Injuries - yoga can heal back injuries that you may have by increasing the blood circulation for your injured tissues to heal faster and strengthening your lower back muscles; yoga may also in several cases heal other types of injuries as well

Prevention - Yoga also has the power to reduce chances of re-injuring yourself, shorten the time needed to recover from injuries and serve as a regular exercise technique to prevent disabilities

Mental Clarity and Improved Stress Control ? The quiet and deeply relaxing techniques used in yoga would help you have a better state of mind every day at work and better control of your stress levels

Greater Self-Understanding and General Well-Being ? Find yourself amazed with how much at peace you feel with yourself when you start practicing yoga regularly

Generally Better Physical Health ? Besides getting that ideal toned figure you?ve been aiming for, yoga will also help in refreshing your kidneys and maintain a better posture

Better Sleep ? Rediscover the simple pleasures of sleeping with the help of yoga.

Beginner?s Tips for Yoga Practice

Consult Your Doctor ? Before launching on to the first yoga step you encounter, make sure that your doctor gives you the go-ahead to do so. Yes, it?s true that anyone can technically do yoga but there are certain difficult poses that would be impossible or dangerous to attempt if you are troubled with past injuries or disabilities.

Just to be on the safe side, talk to your doctor and ask him if you can yoga your way to having a sexy figure or not.

Classes or Private Lessons ? When you?re determined to join a yoga class, make sure that you?re joining a class whose level fits yours. Make sure that you join the class on the first day as well to avoid feelings of insecurity when you see others being able to tackle new yoga poses that boggle the mind. Secondly, choose a class schedule that you can regularly adhere to. If you only attend a class or two every two months, that?s sort of defeating the point of joining a class in the first place. Lastly, choose the type of yoga class that fits your taste and abilities.

On the other hand, if you?re not the social type, you can always attempt yoga practice at home and with the comforts of privacy. The only disadvantage to this however is the chance that you?re not doing something right and the possibility of causing harm to yourself. The best compromise, in this case, would be to hire a private teacher for a lesson or two or until you know enough to practice on your own.

Khieng ‘Ken‘ Chho - Online Yoga Resources. For more, visit Ken’s website: http://yoga.1w3b.com/

Secrets of Exceptional Yoga Teachers, Part 1

Would you like to know a formula for becoming an exceptional Yoga teacher? What separates the exceptional yoga teacher from the ?pack?? Here is an itemized formula to become an exceptional and successful Yoga instructor.

Continuing education is part of a Yoga instructor?s job description. Although you may teach Yoga, you must accept being a student of Yoga for life. Learn what you can, to benefit your Yoga student?s ailments, and when you have time, learn a little bit more. With 5,000 years of documentation behind it, Yoga is like a great mountain where one lifetime will just not be enough to discover everything.

Patience is the next ingredient within an exceptional Yoga teacher. Be patient with yourself, your family, your friends, and your Yoga students. Do not put pressure on anyone unnecessarily. Some Yoga students have to grow into the practice. You might be unknowingly doing the same to yourself or your loved ones. The key is to become aware of it and always be mindful of others.

Take action and understand the laws of cause and effect (Karma). Most of the world takes no action at all, but exceptional Yoga teachers do not ?sit on their hands.? Just by taking action, you will be a success in life. Great ideas mean nothing without action, but your actions should always help others. It is fine to help yourself, just make sure you are not harming anything in the process.

Compassion is needed to become an exceptional Yoga teacher. You must show compassion for Yoga students and for mankind. Treat everyone possible with loving kindness. When this is impossible avoid negative people who seek pleasure through spreading pessimism, bigotry, hatred, greed, and envy.

Passion for Yoga and for helping other people can be found in most Yoga teachers. The Yoga teacher who just ?does it for the money,? will not last. If you feel like that, you should find your ?real calling,? passion, and true desires. Life is too short to waste time doing a job that you dread. Strangely, I have never met a Yoga teacher who regretted teaching Yoga. If I ever find one, I will let you know.

Courage is required to be your own boss. To wake up each morning and go it alone, without someone over your shoulder is a Yoga teacher?s life reward. Most of the masses like to be told what to do, but the Yoga teacher makes his or her own hours. There is some responsibility that goes with any business, but every Yoga teacher knows the responsibility is worth it.

? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

The Truth about Options for Yoga Teachers, Part 8

Let's summarize and ?recycle? a few points in the previous pages about options for Yoga teachers, who may be considering specialization. These are not all of the options for Yoga teacher?s, to consider, when thinking about how to find employment ?outside of the box.? You will need to work on your intuitive feelings to get an idea for the next popular Yoga trend, if that is what you are after.

As any experienced Yoga teacher will tell you; there are many more employment opportunities for Yoga instructors outside the Yoga studios and health clubs. Over the years, I have coached and trained many Yoga teachers who were certified by other programs, but needed to see that employment opportunities for Yoga teachers are everywhere.

One of the most lucrative salaries I have ever been paid, as a Yoga teacher, was for teaching Yoga to teen students within a juvenile correctional facility. Now, this would not be for everyone, but this is a good example of opportunities for employment, when you decide to become a Yoga teacher.

Some Yoga teachers do very well teaching private or semi-private lessons to their Yoga students. Teaching Yoga privately is really a matter of demographics. You have to solicit neighborhoods with residents who have disposable income.

Therefore, to be effective, you must gear Yoga private lesson offers toward ?upscale? neighborhoods. As a Yoga instructor, you have to pay your overhead too. If you charge $80 per hour for a private lesson, you will work half as hard as the Yoga teacher who charges $40 per hour.

To find out what price your local market will bear, inquire about the private rates of local Yoga teachers and personal trainers. Then, work your marketing efforts toward those clients who will actually pay for private Yoga sessions. If you have to travel to teach private Yoga lessons, your rate should reflect your travel time.

About your own students: One way to find out what your current students want is by creating survey forms. This will give you feedback as to what kind of Yoga specialization is in demand, in your local area.

Yoga student feedback is essential, but some Yoga students will walk by your survey forms for months, or years, without giving you any information. How can you create an incentive for honest feedback from your current Yoga students? Offer them a free Yoga class in return for the time it takes to fill out your survey.

Continuing education is the most important part of your Yoga teaching career. All Yoga teachers must establish a steady routine of learning more information that applies to their students. The purpose of all this Yogic education is for student safety, liability protection, and to be the best Yoga teacher you can possibly be.

? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Benefit of Yoga - The Christian Viewpoint

The benefit of yoga is twofold - increased health and unification of the spirit with the body. It is accomplished through the use of many different aspects, but mainly through the combination of Asanas, or postures, and breathing/meditation practices.

This raises many question in the Christian community. In my research for this article, I was very surprised at the viewpoint of the Christian apologists, and their take on yoga and its practice. I have hesitated on writing this article because of that viewpoint. However, I feel that this question and the stance of the Christian community warrants reflection on the subject.

Yoga has a history dating back over five thousand years, to the beginning of the civilization of man. Little is really known about Yoga. it is believed to have originated in Mehrgarh, a neolithic settlement in what is now Afghanistan. Scholars believe it has grown out of Stone Age Shamanism. In this early period of civilization’s beginnings, Yoga was a community resource, because of its attempts to determine cosmic order through inner vision, and apply it to daily living. In later years, yoga evolved into an inner dialogue through which the Yogis sought to develop their own salvation and enlightenment.

Archaeological evidence of the existence of Yoga first appeared in stone seals excavated from the Indus valley. It depicted figures in many Yogic Asanas, or postures, and officially put Yoga in the time period of approximately 3000 B.C. Of greater import, it also linked yoga to the great Indus-Sarasvati Civilization, a period in time that was considered modern and efficient.

From the Indus-Sarasvati civilization came the ancient texts known as the Vedas, the oldest scriptures in the world. The Vedas are a collection of hymns that praise a higher power and contains the oldest recorded history of Yoga teachings. The Vedas required the practitioner to transcend human limitations, and reach a higher spiritual plane. In later years, texts known as the Brahmanas were written to explain the rituals and the hymns of the Vedas. Following this came the Aranyakas texts, which outlined the practice of Yogis living in the seclusion of the forest. This led to the beginning of India’s medical tradition, known as Ayurveda. All in all, Yoga transformed into a practice of health, harmony of the spirit, and a way of life.

The Christian viewpoint is thus - if one opens the mind to clearer thinking and inner vision, they open the spirit to demonic possession. It is felt that Yoga practice borders on occultism, and that opening one’s mind and spirit to the benefit of yoga is both dangerous and against everything Christianity preaches. Christians believe that studying yoga is akin to practicing Hinduism, and one cannot separate the philosophy of Hinduism from their Christian beliefs, regardless of the health benefit of yoga.

As a practicing Buddhist, I take issue with this viewpoint. To me, this smacks of tunnel vision and narrowmindedness. A Christian is expected to open their heart and minds to Jesus, and to give in to the spirit of the Lord. They are expected to rely on blind faith, and to accept the word of God as the only truth in the world. A thinking person would find this hypocritical, for on the one hand Christians preach that Yoga must be avoided because opening the mind to clearer vision encourages the possibility of demonic possession, yet on the other hand preaches that one must open the mind and heart to accept Jesus into their lives. Opening one’s heart and mind is exactly that - whether it is to look into one’s self, or to accept Jesus into their lives. If, as Christians preach, we are open to demonic possession if we look inside ourselves and open the mind to all the possibilities, how then can we safely open our hearts to the concept of Christianity? Is there a gatekeeper who makes this decision when we do so that determines what path we are to follow? I think not…

For the record, I was raised in a Christian household. My father was the deacon of a small Baptist church in the farming community where we lived. My mother, who taught us children to question everything, moved from the Baptist community to the Assembly of God churches, and was ostracized by my father. I think that to her dying day, she resented my father for this narrowmindedness. Life is a matter of choice, and my mother believed that we are not required to operate under the illusion of blind faith, but to do what is right to us as an individual. And it is why I walk the Noble 8 Folded Path. It is simply a matter of choice, and questioning everything in this universe.

I believe that the practice of yoga is a good thing. It provides us with great health benefits, clearer vision, and harmony in our souls. And in this day and age, what else is there? Whether we be Christians, Muslims, or Buddhists, we must not disrespect the feelings and thoughts of others, their rights to practice as they wish, or try to push our views down other people’s throats. To live in harmony is exactly that…

To find out more about the benefit of yoga, visit my website at http://www.benefitofyoga.blogspot.com.

Alden Smith is a published and award winning author who’s website http://www.benefitofyoga.blogspot.com informs and educates the person wanting to learn more about yoga and its practice. Visit his site to stay informed on the exciting world of yoga.

The Many Benefits of Yoga

Many studies have been conducted to determine which areas will benefit from an extended practice of yoga. Yoga practitioners are most likely to see improvements in the areas of physiology, psychology, and biochemistry.

Furthermore, practitioners of yoga speak of a unification of the body, mind and spirit achieved through the practice of yoga exercises and breathing techniques. But, of course, that is a bit difficult to test scientifically.

Yoga Is An Ancient Way of Life

Yoga is not a recent development. It has been practiced for thousands of years, during which time people have greatly benefited from it. 1 of the fundamental beliefs shared by yogis is that the mind and the body are a unified system, which in a proper environment, can find harmony and self-healing.

Demonstrated Health Benefits

Many doctors consider yoga to have therapeutic results, and recommend it for several illnesses and conditions, mainly related to the nervous system.

From the physiological point of view, extended yoga practice can benefit:
- pulse rate
- respiratory problems
- blood pressure dysfunctions

- help stabilize the nervous system
- gastrointestinal functions

- endocrine function
- the range of motion in joints
- endurance
- energy level

- immunity to diseases
- cardiovascular efficiency
- improve eye-hand coordination
- reaction time
- dexterity
- depth perception
- sleep
- etc.

Yoga?s psychological benefits include:
- enhanced somatic and kinesthetic awareness
- self-acceptance
- self-actualization
- social skills
- well-being
- concentration
- memory
- attention
- mood
- learning efficiency
- and more

As for the biochemical benefits of yoga, tests have shown improvements in:
- glucose
- sodium

- cholesterol
- total white blood cell count
- vitamin C
- total serum protein
- hemoglobin.

Deep Organ and Joint Stimulation

Various studies revealed that yoga exercises are extremely effective at increasing joint flexibility, and at lubricating and strengthening the joints, ligaments and tendons. Another interesting finding is that yoga is one of the very few forms of exercise capable of massaging all the internal organs and glands. This includes organs that are rarely stimulated, such as the prostate. The stimulation and massaging of the internal organs proves to be extremely beneficial for health.

Elimination of Toxins

These ancient and efficient yoga techniques also provide a thorough detoxification of the body. Stretching the muscles and performing a complete yoga workout acts as a massage, thereby ensuring the optimal blood supply to every organ. Consequently, toxins are eliminated from the body and certain undesired processes, such as aging, are delayed.

All of these remarkable health benefits are available from yoga practice. What are you waiting for? Let’s go find a yoga school!

Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit Yoga to learn more about this fascinating and healthful hobby.

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

Yoga Teacher Guidelines for Assisting, Part 3

You can take this advice ?to the bank.? Invest in your career by expanding your education with books, videos, online courses, Yoga teacher correspondence courses, workshops, seminars, and Yoga retreats. By making continuing education a necessary part of your company policy, you will be a ?safety-minded? Yoga teacher, with impressive knowledge and credentials. So, on top of being a safe Yoga teacher, and attracting more students, you will also protect your business.

Your other option is to take risks, and there is no excuse for it. Books, videos, and correspondence courses, are relatively inexpensive. Seminars, retreats, and workshops, for Yoga teachers, can be somewhat more expensive, but the value of continuing education is so important; add to this that you may be able to network with local Yoga teachers after you have taken a Yoga course.

Why would anyone want to short change their own Yoga business? The only justification I hear is cost, but if you are serious about teaching Yoga safely to others, you can invest in education one book at a time. Later, take a Yoga teacher course that fits into your budget.

Do physical assists in Yoga postures make you feel uncomfortable? Some Yoga instructors dread assisting their students; while some students leave Yoga classes that have ?hands on assists.? This ?hang up? about touching may seem ridiculous to some Yoga teachers, while other Yoga instructors avoid touching like the plague. Remember that touching another person can be difficult if you have a personal history where touching was used to gain trust, and later betrayed. It is also not looked upon favorably by some cultures.

For example: As a child and a younger adult, when I met martial arts masters, from Okinawa and Honshu, students were informed to bow and keep the small talk to a minimum. Hand shakes were not to be offered, as this was an intrusion of personal space. I understood because my next door neighbor was Japanese and explained enough to satisfy my curiosity about Japanese culture and history.

Is it really necessary for Yoga teachers to give a physical assist? Not really, some teachers are very good at verbal cueing. Some classes are based on movement, such as Vinyasa Yoga. If you teach Iyengar Yoga, assisting is a regular part of your daily practice.

Just remember to always get permission, in writing, and verbally, before you place your hands on your students.

? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Some Easy Life Style Changes Will Help You Cut High Blood Pressure

Don’t always look up. Look down sometimes. Watch the bulge of your stomach. It has been faithfully receiving the load, three or more times in a day, without questioning you once. But there is a limit to one’s tolerance or acceptance. When your body shrinks too much or expands too much, positively think that something is wrong somewhere.

Over the years, your life-style has changed too much. For your trouser, you require two meters of cloth. Years ago, it was just 1.25 meters. The change is on the wrong side. And did your doctor say that you are having high blood pressure?

So far, you have been thinking that lifestyle changes refer only to your apparel. Or, to install additional amenities to make your life more cozy and comfortable. You thought that a ‘healthy’ and well built personality like you is not a fit candidate for the blood pressure attack! The first attack itself nearly wiped out the sources of strength in your body. You felt tired and exhausted.

Yours could be the stress related blood pressure. Could be! Not sure! This again is another highlight of blood pressure. Till today, the precise reasons for blood pressure are not known. But lifestyle changes have treated very well, majority of the high blood pressure patients. So, when the result is declared that you have passed, why worry about the examiner and the examination center?

Go placidly amidst this noise and din of life. Do not own up too many responsibilities. Everything is happening in this world, as it should. The earth rotates on its axis. Don’t consider yourself so important that you are an additional axis. By managing your stress properly, you will not only take care of your blood pressure, but your quality of life will also improve.

Enough of that late night alcohol parties! If you still persist, in not too a distant future one of your still living friend will announce in a sad tone, ‘the late Mr. so and so,’ used to attend these late night parties!

I am going to tell you some simple things to beat back blood pressure. Exercise regularly, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, meditate and do some breathing exercises. And report to me the miracles that are taking place in your life!

http://www.blood-pressure-updates.com/bp/ & High Blood Pressure provides detailed information on blood pressure, blood pressure monitor, blood pressure measurement, high blood pressure and more.

Karmic Yoga and Creation Spirituality

To remain involved in Karmic Yoga and derive the joys that come as a result of service one must somehow embrace the ideas that underlie Creation Spirituality. Creation Spirituality, not to be confused with Creation Theology, is described by Matthew Fox as the Christian Mystic Tradition. It is a tradition that has been all but erased, especially in many institutional churches. When we look at the history of Christianity, however, and especially the monastic movement, we can find traces of Creation Spirituality.

Creation spirituality, as defined by Matthew Fox, involves the acceptance of four paths or ways. Here I will give a general overview, but we will explore each path in subsequent articles. The first path is the Via Positiva. The Via Positiva experience is the natural condition of the human being at peace. It is a time of rest and a time of stillness where one is full of potential energy, but also very much at peace and in a state of balance. The second is the Via Negativa. On this path one?s balance has been disrupted. Something has come into one?s life that causes a shift in one?s thinking, or ones opinion about the world. One is force to reform her or his opinion about the world and life. Part of the self dies during this shift and it doesn?t feel good. The old maladaptive dies and seeds of that which will be new begin to sprout. The third is the Via Creativa. During this phase the seed begins to sprout. One achieves balance again at a higher state with more clarity and awareness about reality. The fourth is the Via Transformative. During this phase one integrates the changes that she experiences into he life. The change is integrated to the extent that she becomes a large, transformed individual. As we live, breath and strive to link with the Divine, we are walking on all of these paths.

They are not hierarchical paths, or linear. We can be on different paths in different areas of our lives at the same time. The main idea running through this concept of the paths and creation spirituality is that we are still in the process of being created just like the universe. We go through all of these paths repeatedly and never complete them.

The universe is not complete. The same divine power that has been working in the universe since the time of it?s creation is still working not only out there somewhere, but also inside us. We, like the universe, through many experiences are changing and growing, becoming something more than we are at this very moment. If we choose well we can learn and do things that will help us move toward the light and becoming the image of the Divine more quickly, if not we may be caught of in the cares of the world and lose ourselves in the Maya (Illusion) of the world.

Much pressure and heat is required to create a diamond. Some stones become diamonds, but some just become coal. The human being is in the position where he can decide to become a diamond or become coal. As we do Karmic Yoga we are taking a path that will lead us to becoming a diamond. As we realize that the universe is still in process and that we are part of the universe and still in process ourselves the pressure lessons, but we obtain the same results.

As we do Karmic Yoga in this mindset it becomes clear that we are not only helping other people, we are not only helping the environment, in the larger sense, we are helping ourselves, because we are the world. We are the environment and the universe. More scary that all of this, we are those people that we are helping. As The Mayans often say, ?All is God, God is all.?

As we work and devote our lives to Karmic Yoga let us remember that we are one not only in theory, but in reality according to quantum physics and social psychology. It is important to also lead others to realize who and what they actually are. Putting aside the foolishness and deception, as we embrace our true identities, we work hard to clear our minds and let the primordial light of love and justice flow from the center of our beings like an fountain bubbling into everlasting life. This is the goal of Karmic Yoga?to bring the water of the Spirit of Truth to desert places in order to quench the thirst of those who need love, truth, justice, and freedom on this sometimes lonely earth. As we remove the barriers created by the mind and through mental manipulation we will find this earth is not a lonely place, it is a veritable garden and we, the Karmic Yogis of the world, are those who work to help it flourish.

Dr. J. W. Gilmore is a Writer, Spiritual Coach, Anti-oppression Consultant and Wellness Consultant. He is a Certified Massage Therapist and Reflexologist, a Reiki Master Teacher, a Martial Arts Instructor and a Spiritual Coach living in Costa Rica. For more article like this or similar information, and information on our new Cyber School, visit: http://www.dswellness.com

Reunion of Souls, Dr. John W.Gilmore. A book of deep spirituality in Sci-fi form.

Learning to Access SILENCE

To access deep wisdom you need to learn the art of silence. When you are quiet and listening within to your own heart song, your rhythm, and the centeredness of your being, that?s when you have great access to wisdom, ability and the expanded consciousness. Silence is where you learn that you are an extraordinary being, with unlimited capacity, and that secrets are revealed to you. In moments when you become quiet a wonderful world opens to you. Or shall I say is revealed to you. It is in this space that you recognize the quiet center of your soul that rests in continual peace.

We connect with the divine part of ourselves in the silence. To allow yourself to simply be is the greatest act of respect. This is another lesson that we delve from the silence. From the simple to the extraordinary we encompass all of it. We are capable of the quiet interaction to the great displays of courage, grace, magic, and laughter, to the full blown wildest imagination. As you spend more time in periods of silence, you find that you are renewed, energized, have great ideas, connect with solutions, can propel yourself forward, or can shift from an inflexible position to one of fluidity as swiftly and easily as you need.

You easily recognize what feels peaceful and what or who does not. It becomes a simple thing when you can make an adjustment in your life so that you can retain your peace. The quietude of your mind, and heart is an extraordinary peaceful encounter. When your mind is running with fury and it pulls you in many directions, it is hard to find the balance without the quiet. We need to actively pursue the stillness. We need to quiet our minds, and unburden ourselves of all the mind junk. It does take much practice but everything worthwhile does take practice. The mind is fast and furious. The mind is vengeful and full of its desires and pressures. You must choose the quietude to know your peaceful nature. Silence is the pathway to your higher consciousness and understanding and ability.

Yoga Kat–aka Katheryn Hoban is a yoga teacher and Reiki Master Teacher with twelve years experience. She teaches children’s yoga ages 3-6, and 7-12 and Adults privately in NJ. She is the author the book DAUGHTER BELOVED which will come out next year. She has created a children’s affirmation CD (ages 3-6) and an affirmation CD for adults. Yoga Kat is available for speaking or writing and can be reached at katscoolcorner@yahoo.com or 201 970-9340

COMING SOON http://www.thecircleofpeace.com

Health Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is an ancient way, practiced for thousands of years, steeped in tradition and, to most people, a mysterious enigma. When practitioners would speak of the many benefits they had experienced in both mental and physical health, yoga would seem to be both a perfect practice, or one whose claims were impossible to believe.

practitioners of yoga, or yogis/yogins (yogini for the ladies) would speak of the unification of mind, spirit, and body. The belief was that when these were brought into balance the persons mental and physical health would improve. The word “harmony” would be heard a lot, as would be “healing”, again, applied both to the body and the mind.

Until recently, you could only go by what someone who had personal experience could tell you. There was a reasonable amount of skepticism that yoga could actually be as beneficial to your mental and physical health as its proponents claimed.

However, in the last few years, scientific study, observation, and measurement have proven that yoga can indeed have specific observable affects on your health. It has been shown that body, mind, and spirit do work together and when the effective level of each is raised, the person experiences a much better life in terms of health, happiness, and harmony within himself or herself and with the world in general.

An article published by Johns Hopkins states:

“Over 75 scientific trials have been published on yoga in major medical journals. These studies have shown that yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity that also has important psychological benefits due to its meditative nature.”

In our modern society, we are likely to look at yoga first as an “exercise program”. As with any good exercise program, yoga can increase muscle strength and respiratory endurance, improve flexibility, and promote balance. It also tends to lessen pain in those afflicted with arthritis and helps to increase energy levels in those who practice it.

Yogis and yogins also have long reported increases in what might be called positive mental states, along with decreases in negative mental states. They tend to report a greater level of optimism, a renewed or improved enthusiasm for life, and a higher sense of alertness and awareness of themselves and the world and people around them. They have also reported decreased levels of aggressiveness, anxiety, and excitability, as well as lowered levels of physical complaints and illnesses.

Scientific observation and testing is now bearing out what practitioners have been saying for years. Studies on the biological, psychological, and biochemical aspects of yoga have shown a wide range of positive results for most who take up the practice of yoga.

When practiced over time, yoga tends to level pulse rate, stabilize the nervous system, normalize stomach and digestive activity, level hormones, and increase joint range of motion. It increases energy, endurance, immunity, and cardiovascular efficiency. It improves eye-hand coordination, reaction time, dexterity, and helps the person to get more restful and restorative sleep.

Yoga also seems to have psychological benefits as well. practitioners and those who study them report that it helps you become more aware of your body, accept yourself more readily, improve your concentration, memory, learning and mood.

Additional benefits of yoga as compared to other exercise programs is that it massages internal organs in a way that other programs do not, and produces a detoxifying effect. Some speculate that this may lead to delaying aging.

Finally, yoga can be practiced almost anywhere, anytime, by anyone, and requires no special equipment. It does not even require special training! While having an expert teach you personally would be best, a careful reading of books on the subject and a DVD or two can get you started. However, our modern citizens tend to throw themselves headfirst into new projects. Not only is this completely opposite from the philosophy and aims of yoga, but it can invite injury and strain. The people in the books and DVD’s have been doing yoga for years. It is highly unlikely that you will immediately be able to duplicate their ability to achieve the positions they demonstrate. Just do the best you can, and then do it again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day…

As always, before beginning any physical fitness program, check with your doctor first to make sure it is okay for you to start. Once started, however, be aware that there are people in their 70s, 80s and 90s doing yoga. You will not be alone.

The author is retired from the Army after 21 years of service, has worked as an accountant, optical lab manager, restaurant manager, and instructor. He has been a member of Mensa for several years, and has written and published poetry, essays, and articles on various subjects for the last 40 years. He developed an interest in health and fitness in the ’70s after reading numerous books, including Dr. Kenneth Cooper’s “Aerobics”. This has led him to continue his personal research into health and fitness for over 30 years, and to pursue course work on health and fitness, including yoga, which he practices regularly. Learn more about Yoga. Articles on Diet and Weight Loss.

Relaxation Technique: Yoga has a Long Lost Art for Relaxing You

We all know that one of the necessary things needed to keep an automobile in good condition is cooling the engine when it gets hot.

Well the same principle applies to the human body. When the body and mind are constantly overworked, their efficiency in performing their duties diminishes. Modern social life, food, work and even play make it difficult for the modern man to use a proper relaxation technique for rejuvenation.

An observance of nature will show us that animals love relaxation and sleep. They get as much sleep as they want. Rest and sleep are essential to recharge our nervous energy
as our physical, emotional and mental balance depends on the quantity and quality of these vital necessities. They are the only things that recharge these batteries and allow for the proper elimination of metabolic wastes.

But just how can one learn a proper relaxation technique?

Only the corpse pose offered to us in Yoga can aid modern man to recapture the art of relaxation. In order to achieve this, three methods are used by the yogis. The three methods are known as physical, mental and spiritual relaxation.

Physical Relaxation Technique: We all know that every action is the result of thought originated in the mind consciously or subconsciously. When we want to perform an act, the thought is generated in the mind, is transmitted to the brain and simultaneously, the brain telegraphs the message through the nerves, and the muscles contract. Therefore as we can send messages to make the muscles contract, we can send messages to make them relax.

This relaxation technique is known as autosuggestion. Commence autosuggestions from the toes upwards while the suggestion passes through the muscles and reaches up to the eyes and ears at the top. This is performed by saying mentally to yourself: ?My toes are hereby relaxed; my ankles are hereby relaxed??

Mental Relaxation Technique: During mental tension one should breathe slowly and rhythmically for a few minutes and concentrate on breathing. Slowly the mind will become calm and one is able to feel a kind of floating sensation.

Spiritual Relaxation Technique: However one tries to relax the mind, one cannot completely remove all tensions and worries from it unless one goes to spiritual relaxation.
This is in itself is a slightly demanding but very rewarding practice.

Yogis know that unless man can withdraw himself from the body idea and separate himself from the ego consciousness, there is no way of obtaining complete relaxation. So from mental relaxation, he withdraws himself and identifies himself with the all pervading, all powerful, all peaceful and joyful self, because all the source of power, knowledge are in the soul and not the body. Man can only free himself from the clutches of evil emotions by asserting his true self by stating mentally: “I am that pure consciousness or self” This identification with the self completes the process of relaxation.

The method to be applied here is to breathe deeply and squarely in a ratio of 5:5:5 seconds while mentally chanting the mantra above. As you will observe it goes hand-in-hand with mental relaxation after the physical auto suggestions are completed.

To get the most of this practice, you should practice this after your poses, before going to sleep or even during a break or recess at work or school, or right at your desk.

I always tell people: ?Hey if it is said God took a break on the 7th day after making the world, who are we as humans not to take time out to relax?? So to recharge your energy and restore you physical, mental and emotional balance and strength, apply the methods above to learn how to relax the proper way.

Foras Aje is an independent health researcher and founder of Bodyhealthsoul.com. For more Yoga tips and information on Yoga for beginners, feel free to stop by his website today.

The Qualities of a Great Yoga Teacher

One of the questions I have heard a lot from people interested in yoga is ?I would like to know how I can find a good yoga teacher?? And if your ready to begin practicing yoga and asking that question yourself, your smart to do so.

Having a good teacher is very important to your growth and progress on your yoga path. There are lots of things that occur along the way, changes associated with physical, energetic, and spiritual growth, and sometimes obstacles emerge. All of these things make a student of yoga curious, sometimes anxious, other times maybe even susceptible to a false sense of power (ego.) Having a teacher that can answer questions and provide reassurance at crucial moments, and the ability to help balance and adjust a student?s perspective when necessary, is crucial.

Since I truly believe I have one of the very best teachers of Hatha yoga on the planet, the most straightforward way I can think of to help answer the question above is to speak from experience about the qualities I have seen in my teacher, Shashi Pottatil.

1. Background and Training:
Shashi is a man in his 50?s (although he could pass for late 30?s) who has been a teacher of yoga for more than 30 years. He is from Kerala in the South of India, where he hails from what is known their as a ?yoga family.? This means that for generations upon generations, his direct ancestors, including several of his uncles other current family members, were yoga teachers. In a sense, yoga is ?in his blood? perhaps literally.

Currently he is one of the highest ranking certified teachers of the Yoga Alliance, the most prestigious yoga certification organization based here in the states. He regularly volunteers as a teacher at churches, synagogs, retirement homes, and works with cancer patients to help them harness the health-giving power of yoga to fight their disease. His studio in Mira Mesa, CA ?Yoga and Meditation Center? is a thriving yoga practice that he started a few years ago ? with no marketing budget. 99% of his student base was built upon word of mouth, and the other 1% came by way of walk-ins or the yellow pages. (Here is a great hint in your search for a teacher ? talk to that person?s students and find out how enthusiastic they are about the training and guidance they are receiving.)

Besides his experience and credentials in traditional Hatha yoga, he has degrees in science and business, and was an executive for pharmaceutical company based in India. From this connection to the scientific community, he participated in scientific research studies of the affects of yoga on the body and immune system. This experience gives him a unique perspective, one based on both the traditional Eastern philosophy of Ayurveda and Yoga, and the science based Western philosophy of ?show us proof and we will believe.?

Admittedly, it may be very hard to find a teacher that happens to have this unique combination of experience, background, and credentials. And to begin studying yoga, you don?t necessarily need someone as qualified as my teacher.

The important thing is that the yoga teacher has some verifiable training or certification that can vouch for the fact that they know both the theory and application of what they are teaching. Ideally, this will be someone that has valid certification as a teacher. Whether your teacher attended free classes at the local community center for long enough to absorb a good foundation, or paid lots of money to attend every certification program and yoga retreat available, they both are valid paths to teaching. How qualified they are depends on the individual?s natural talent, the time they spent training, and how qualified their teachers were.

2. Character and Motivation
This might be even more important than point 1 above. With the very best of credentials, if the person you are considering as a teacher has ?alterior? motives outside of helping people advance both as students of yoga, and on their journey towards (yes, I am going to say it) enlightenment, then it could be a red flag.

Now, I am not claiming that yoga teachers should only teach from the goodness of their heart with no eye towards creating a viable business and livelihood for themselves with their teaching endeavors. What I am saying is, if their motivation is inappropriately slanted towards personal gain (whether financial, sexual, or otherwise) or if they are overly obsessed with a ?power dynamic? associated with being in the role of a teacher, then you would have a problem.

As ironic and unfortunate as it is, although yoga is a spiritual as well as physical path towards health and well-being, by its very nature, it is susceptible to ?misuse? or even abuse. We have all heard stories of organizations that seemingly start out with the best intentions and then end up in the news being accused of cult-like practices.

As much as I am not trying to scare anyone with this discussion, I am simply saying, take your time and do your research. Talk to some students, and attend at least one class just to observe (if possible.) What is the dynamic between the students and teachers? What does your intuition tell you about both the qualifications and character of the teacher or studio you are considering?

Lets return to my model yoga teacher, Shashi. His yoga studio is truly ?thriving? - and this includes financially. Ironically, this appears to be the case because of how focused he is on helping people, not taking from them. To put it another way, it is what he gives away, every single day and week, that brings him such a successful school of yoga.

What I mean by ?gives away? is everything from the time he volunteers to various community organizations (i.e. he teaches for free wherever he can find a need for yoga in the community) to being available to students outside of classes to help them with any challenge they may be facing. He is a natural ?therapist?, and people talk to him about everything from health problems to marital problems, crisis in business or professional life, or whatever.

He does this because he truly believes that human beings in our times are in desperate need of the wisdom contained in yoga, on both spiritual and physical levels. His most prominent motivation, both in his words and in his deeds, is to ?help people.? This quality of his character is very apparent, and I am certain it explains the success of his yoga practice.

Although there is no perfect formula or even ?perfect? yoga teacher, I hope that by using my teacher as a model, I have given you a useful frame of reference as you set out to find your yoga teacher. Just do some homework and trust your intuition, and as always, enjoy each moment.

-Namaste.

Douglas Gargaro studies yoga in San Diego, CA. For more information about Hatha yoga visit his website.

Chair Yoga Case Study - Relief from the Symptoms of MS

After teaching chair yoga for several years Liz Franklin can testify that it appropriate for almost anyone, even if they are feeling the effects of aging or have physical limitations. It is not for hard-bodied 20-somethings that can twist themselves into poses that look impossible ? the only prerequisite is that you can sit in a chair, including a wheelchair.

What better way to illustrate how chair yoga has benefited those unable to attend a traditional yoga class than to tell it in their own words?

Hi! I?m Keri Rodriguez. I?m a 46-year-old Assessment Crisis Center Specialist. I have been practicing Liz Franklin?s Yoga in Chairs? for people with Multiple Sclerosis since the first class in August of 2005.

I came to the first class because I wasn?t willing to give into Multiple Sclerosis. I felt I needed to do whatever I could do to help myself both mentally and physically. I was a little dubious at first because I wasn?t sure I could physically do yoga. Liz showed me how I can succeed!

Liz is a great teacher. She makes every class feel good for us by adapting to our changing needs every week. Every class is a great experience for me. It is so wonderful to be with a group of people who truly understand what it means to live with MS. My success in the class has helped in the rest of my life.

The benefits I have received from my practice are too numerous to list here, but I have more flexibility, more energy, more confidence and it has helped me stay focused and on task. I have learned how to deal with anxiety and stress in a more positive fashion. My job is very high stress and practicing yoga has helped me stay focused on the client I am with at the moment. I also feel I am more centered and less reactive in both my professional and personal life.

Even if you don?t think you can do this or that you?re going to like it, you need to try because you?re going to love it! You can do this. It doesn?t matter where you are physically or mentally, you will be in a better place after you practice. It is so easy to incorporate the lessons into your daily life. It doesn?t take long and it makes your day go so much better.

Mark Franklin enjoys telling people about Liz Franklin’s Yoga In Chairs(r) because he knows it is helping people live healthier, happier, and longer lives. If you want to find out about her special style of chair yoga, visit http://www.yogainchairs.com.

Karma Yoga - An Introduction

Karma Yoga, or the “discipline of action” is based on the teachings of the Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad-Gita, the holiest of Hindu scriptures. As one of the four pillars of yoga, Karma yoga requires the adherence to one?s duty (swadarma) while remaining detached from the reward. Simply, It is the yoga of performance of ?right action?.

What is right action?

You might glance over the Sermon the Mount, as Jesus was very specific on what He considered ?right action?. He mentions not to kill, or even speak badly about another. He mentions about sexual fidelity, and even not to think about it (as having the same result as committing it).

He says what is correct for marriage, for the saying of oaths, for not seeking revenge, for what do to do please God, and how to pray correctly. He says how to fast, how to think, not to worry (about the material life), not to judge others, and how to remain steadfast. All of these are principles of Karma Yoga.

So how can I practice Karma Yoga in my daily life?

Nothing could be easier. You do your swadarma (your rightful duty) daily, without regard to the rewards it will bring; just to do your best each day. You keep your mind, as much as you can, on God, and you will be practicing Karma Yoga. You can apply the simple but eternal truths as found in the Sermon.

And If You Do?

Without having the fruit of your action in mind, you can be sure that the poor in spirit will inherit the kingdom of heaven. That those who mourn will be comforted. That those who are meek will certainly inherit the earth.

You can be confident that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.

That the merciful will obtain themselves mercy.
That the pure of heart will see God,
The peacemakers will be called the sons of God.
Finally for all who are persecuted for righteousness? sake will obtain the Kingdom of Heaven.

This is Karma Yoga expressed in a Western way, but any Yoga recognizes them, and He who said them. Practiced daily, you are yourself then a Karma Yogi.

For more FREE information

On karma yoga and other alternative health fitness and spirituality visit our website for articles, downloads and magazines:

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Yoga Improves Fitness: One Trial and You’ll See

Interest in Yoga for fitness is increasing across the country and it is a widely accepted fact that Yoga is great for the body. What was once ridiculed as a bizarre fad is today recognized as a basic skill that many people have embraced as a way of life and a first-rate choice for physical and mental fitness.

Yoga is so popular these days that many celebrities like Madonna, Sting, Russell Simmons and Ricky Martin to name a few have become informal advocates for this form of exercise. From increased flexibility, strength, endurance to delayed aging and massaging of the internal organs of the body, the benefits of Yoga seem limitless.

I stumbled upon it personally after telling a friend in the gym several years back that ?Hey man, look at apes and all, we are so similar, they don?t lift these boring weights and they are so much stronger, in fact Bruce Lee was known to NOT lift any weights but to perform several Hindu Push-ups, so there?s got to be another kind of exercise to do for fitness on the inside and out?? Well, he passed on a book on Yoga to me the next day and lo and behold, I?ve been hooked ever since.

From my own studies, research and practice, I?ve come to realize that Yoga is more than just stretching, is not only an exercise for women: (I challenge the most hard-core body-builder to hold a peacock pose for 2 minutes!!) and is quite simply great.

Many people practice Yoga exclusively and at times for days on end, that is the only exercise I perform with as much emphasis on the unique ?Sun salutations? as possible. I single these core warm-up routines of Yoga out as they restore flexibility to the spine and believe it when I say they miraculously endow you with strength to hold challenging poses such as the Wheel, Peacock and Crow poses for several minutes on end. I mention these poses, because being a guy, these are the main ones that enhance the muscle groups us guys are so concerned about: Arms, Chest and Abs.

I?ve also found that when combining these poses with other body-weight exercises like Hindu Squats and Push-ups, regular push-ups, reverse push-ups, pull ups and aerobic exercises, you really may not (re-phrase will not) need a gym or cumbersome equipment to get a total body workout.

Another great benefit of Yoga lies in its unique Abdominal and Breathing exercises.
These ones work. Being a former asthmatic and lethargic person, they have been an integral reason why my breathing (and singing mind you) has improved so drastically.
Moreover, they have spiritual benefits such as clearer thinking, clairvoyance and increased focus.

It is important, however, when practicing Yoga to adhere to a healthy diet, most books on the subject advocate a Vegan/vegetarian diet (which is fine by me being as I have been a vegan for several years, and this is arguably the main reason I believe I was able to cure over a decade of marring acne as well.) This simple, yet very effective discipline or sacrifice will aid you in gaining the most from Yoga as some poses do speed up detoxification and cleansing.

Now for fitness, since most Yoga poses are Isometric in nature, you may choose to combine them with conventional exercises as while the latter builds the muscles up, Yoga definitely will relax them and add tonality much quicker. This simple principle is why Basketball coach Phil Jackson brought his Yoga philosophy to the Los Angeles Lakers and in June of 2000 led the team to their first championship in 12 years; needless to say, similar methods were used in the coaching of the Chicago Bulls during their successful tenure as NBA champions under his guidance.

In addition to the points above, Jackson?s philosophy on Yoga embraces the facts that

1. Yoga strengthens and streamlines your muscles, giving you a leaner yet stronger body, with longer and toned muscles instead of short bulkier ones common to body-builders. This gives everyone from athletes to housewives, increased ability to perform their duties better.

2. Yoga calms and clears the mind for more focused thinking.

3. Yoga energizes the average practitioner while simultaneously increasing one?s flexibility.

4. Yoga offers psychological benefits in that it increases self-confidence, esteem and self-acceptance as no other exercise can.

5. Yoga tones and normalizes internal organs like the endocrine, digestive, excretory, reproductive and respiratory systems through the gentle, yet very effective poses it?s associated with.

Here are two last reasons I set aside based on their uniqueness: Sexual fitness & animal magnetism? Well, yoga gives you that?just try its breathing and abdominal exercises and inverted poses, namely the shoulder-stand and you will see for yourself what I am talking about.

So there you have it, a few of the many reasons why Yoga is so popular and with good cause. Now to improve your fitness levels beyond your imagination, why not incorporate a little bit (or heck a whole lot) of Yoga. Trust me, your body will be glad you did.

Discover proven ways of attaining improved health with the all-natural methods of a proper diet, Yoga and positive thinking. For additional information on yoga for fitness and healthy living go to: http://www.bodyhealthsoul.com

Foras Aje is an independent health researcher and founder of Bodyhealthsoul.com. For more Yoga tips and information on Yoga for beginners, feel free to stop by his website today.

Chair Yoga Case Study ? No More Chronic Neck Pain

Chair Yoga Case Study ? No More Chronic Neck Pain

By Mark Franklin

After teaching chair yoga for several years Liz Franklin can testify that it appropriate for almost anyone, even if they are feeling the effects of aging or have physical limitations. It is not for hard-bodied 20-somethings that can twist themselves into poses that look impossible ? the only prerequisite is that you can sit in a chair, including a wheelchair.

What better way to illustrate how chair yoga has benefited those unable to attend a traditional yoga class than to tell it in their own words?

Hi! I?m Sherri Evert. I?m a 63-year old retired business partner. I began practicing chair yoga in March. I have been practicing yoga for many years. I have issues with my back and found most other classes to be strictly a physical exercise. If I couldn?t achieve the ?perfect pose? I felt as thought I wasn?t doing it right.

I noticed the classes when I was seeing an acupuncturist for arthritis in my neck. I had been in constant pain for some time and was willing to try almost anything to get relief. While acupuncture offered relief, it was only temporary. When I was leaving the acupuncture office one day I noticed a group of smiling women leaving their yoga class. I thought I would feel comfortable with this group as they were close to my age. I wanted to see if my own body could fix the neck pain with help from yoga.

Within 2 months of practicing chair yoga my neck pain was gone. I also had problems with low back pain and had tried numerous options to cure this as well. The relaxation portion of the classes and videos released the pain. I am much more aware of my posture now. In class Liz helps us visualize our bodies in the posture and makes us aware of the benefits. I now use the yoga poses I have learned in class along with the videos as a personal ?tool box? for taking care of my body. I have definitely gained strength in my arms and legs as well.

I truly appreciate the way Liz works so hard to help us achieve a mind/body/spirit connection in her classes. The meditative experience of her classes carries through my day. I try to attend two of her classes each week and use her videos when I can?t be in class in person. I feel as though the class is meditation in motion and I also have enjoyed the sense of community that is part of her class experience. She works to help us be present in the moment. She also lets us know what the benefits of each pose are which helps us understand why we are doing the poses.

If you are thinking about joining a class or purchasing (some) videos be assured that the hour you put in that you didn?t think you had time for will give back multiple benefits including higher energy levels, a calm mind and a peaceful spirit. You will be glad you did this for yourself and the benefits will spill over into your whole circle of family and friends.”

Mark Franklin enjoys telling people about Liz Franklin’s Yoga In Chairs(r) because he knows it is helping people live healthier, happier, and longer lives. If you want to find out about her special style of chair yoga, visit http://www.yogainchairs.com

Have You Saluted the Sun Today?

A wonderful way to start the day is with yoga and a “salute to the sun”.

This pose is great for warming up your body, as well as being, as with most yoga poses, a great toning exercise, a pose that energizes your body and mind and is an excellent method of breathing control.

You can do the ’salute to the sun” a few times a day. First thing in the morning it get’s your blood pumping, your muscles warmed up and your joints moving. Later on, even two or three more times. the pose can be done as an energizer and stress reliever

Try this -

* Stand with your feet together and palms together in front of the chest. Push your feet into the floor and stretch your necks upwards, lengthening your body as you exhale.

* Breathe in deeply as you raise your arms high, keeping your hands together and bend backwards from the waist.

* Exhale slowly as you bend forwards, placing your hands flat on the floor at the sides of your feet . (Bend your knees if you need to).

* While inhaling, stretch your left leg backwards so it rests on the knee and toes. While doing this bend the right knee and raise your head so you are looking up.

* Holding your breath, bring your right foot backwards besides your left foot. Your body should now make a straight line, just like a push up position, supported on your hands and toes.

* Begin lowering your knees, chest and your forehead to the floor, exhaling as you do this. Try to keep your stomach and pelvis off the ground.

* As you are breathing in raise your upper body by straitening your arms and leave your legs on the ground. Look up at the ceiling.

* Exhale and curl your toes under and then push your butt upwards and back. Press your heels and head down towards the floor.

The last four steps are the reverse of what you were doing in steps 3 - 6

* While inhaling, bring your left foot forward beneath your chest. Your right leg should be extended backwards with the knee resting on the floor.

* Breathe out as you bring your right leg alongside the left. Raise your right leg alongside the left. Raise your buttocks placing your face close to your legs.

* Breathe in as you straighten upward, extend your arms up, hands together then arch yourself backwards.

* Return to your standing position and exhale. Repeat the sequence leading with your right leg so the stretching action is balanced on both sides of the body.

The first few times it will likely be confusing, but after a while this pose will be second nature to you and you’ll be able to included in you schedule.

Yoga is designed so that while you are exercising and practicing the different poses you are also focusing on your breathing and connecting with your body and your spirit. Learn more about yoga.

Karma Yoga - The Art of Living

The ancient book of Gita, which is the treatise on the living has led a great stress on the karma. Karma is defined as the action and its fruits. Ancient Hindu saints have believed that a man?s life is the direct result of his karma. Good thoughts, words and deeds lead to good and happy life while bad thoughts, words and deeds lead a person to disaster. This has been postulated in the 18th century by Isaac Newton, who gave his law as ?For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.?

The branch of yoga that deals with karma is called as the karma yoga. Usually you are bound by the cravings and desires associated with your act but you can free yourself by doing the act but dissociating yourself from its consequences. This is the basic concept behind karma yoga and the person who follows this path is known as karma yogi. His behaviour is of indifference and while the world may think he is not interested, in reality he has mastered his desires and has developed awareness of the real significance of the events that occur around him.

This yoga involves doing your duty without any reservations but is free of the cravings of the results that are obtained from the act. This attitude is difficult to acquire because we are taught to hanker after the fruits of the labour and any failure to obtain the desired results leads you to frustration and negative thinking. Also, constant attachment to the results leads you to stress, competition and aggressiveness. This has led to increased incidences of stress, diabetes, depression, heart ailments and suicides and has led many youngsters to use drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Hence following the teaching of Krishna in Gita, wherein he advises Arjun: ?You are entitled to an action but not its fruits? will lead you to a happy and stress free life.

A karma yogi realizes this and hence he follows the path of detachment. But this does not make him dull or inefficient. On the contrary, he channelizes his entire energy into the tasks at hand with complete vigour as his energy is not dissipated and gives it a best shot. Hence the results of his actions are the best and he gets good fruits. He does not run after pleasure but pleasure follows him. This makes him a pleasant person to be around and thus enjoys success in his life.

Kevin Pederson is the webmaster of Yogawiz, that provides information on Yoga and Karma. Karma Yoga is another powerful yoga, where the action is done without expectation of fruits which leads to greater success and happiness in one's life.

Yoga Brings Relief For Irritable Bowel Syndrome Sufferers

If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and feel as though you have need something other than the traditional medical interventions, you may be relieved to know that IBS can be improved from physical and lifestyle changes, in particular?the addition of exercise.

Many people have found that adding more exercise to their daily routine help the muscles in their body to relax and that assist suffers of IBS. One of the physical activities that have been considered to be very effective in reducing muscle tension, is yoga.

Yoga is used to connect the mind and body. It is mostly known as a movement meditation. Through the use of breath, as well as certain held poses, Yoga can help to improve several conditions in your body and in your health. In relation to all of the methods yoga is an alternative method that can be used as part of a complete cure for IBS.

There are several physical presentations of IBS and yoga has been for many people, effective in relieving many physical elements that are related to IBS. Not only can yoga help many people keep IBS symptoms under control, yoga may also provide relief to many others with IBS symptoms. The disciplines of stretching, strength, balance, flexibility and workouts all assist sufferers of IBS.

When you first start in yoga, you will find that initially yoga will strengthen your heart. While this doesn?t directly relate to IBS, it will help you in maintaining balance in your body. Eventually, as you continue with yoga you will find it will positively affect the functioning of the digestive system. Eventually, as you stick with a regular discipline in yoga many people find an improvement with blood pressure and respiration.

One of the major benefits that yoga can help in relation to IBS, is helping to stabilize the digestive system. It will do this through stretching and relaxing the muscles that are part of the digestive system. The more you are able to do yoga, the more you will have a combination of relief and balance in your body. Through the different movements, your digestive system will begin to relax more.

Further, as yoga will also help you concentrate on your breathing, this too will help the nerves to your gut to relax. Eventually, this may also relieve stress to your bowel.

Yoga is one of several physical methods that you can use to minimize the problems with IBS. By understanding how yoga works and what it does for your body, you can help to relieve several problems that are related to your IBS. This, along with considering dietary changes can help to control and improve your IBS conditions.

(c) Copyright 2005, Kim Beardsmore

Kim Beardsmore M.B.A., B.Sc. (Biochemistry) is a writer for the online weight loss, health & fitness magazine Weight Loss Health. For free resources, tips and healthy recipes to help you lose weight and gain energy, visit http://weight-loss-health.com.au

Is Free Online Yoga Safe?

Yoga nowadays is very in demand especially the newest free online free yoga. Yoga practice and exercise can be learned in school.

There are a lot of yoga schools all over the world. Before, yoga was only applied and practice in India but now, looks like it has evolved. Almost all the people in the world know the word yoga although there are some who don?t have a clear picture of it. Yoga for the many people is an exercise and a means to concentrate with the mind and soul.

It is a great advantage that free online yoga was offered to the people. They say that the web is the easiest way to gain, search and acquire knowledge. Almost everything is learned from the web and it is no wonder why the people get hooked on it.

Free online yoga chooses no one in particular. Everyone is a candidate in learning yoga. All you need to do is to have your own computer and get hooked on to it.

If you want to learn from the basics, the net has the resources on how to learn it the easy way. As long as you know how to understand and read, you are capable of learning yoga.

It is an amazing breakthrough that yoga is taught in the web. Free online yoga saves you from going to a yoga class. It saves your time, money and effort. Plus, you can freely do it at home without any one looking at you if that is what you prefer.

If you want to have the free online yoga, there are some certain requirements that you need.

Now you will wonder if free online yoga is really advantageous. If it is, then why are all the people going to schools and bringing their mats on their backpack if they can acquire it at home.

To continue reading this article go now to Is Free Online Yoga Safe

To find out about yoga exercises visit our site at yoga exercises.

Rejuvenated Yoga

Yoga is a complete disciplining routine, involving all kinds of physical and meditative exercises. It uses a wide combination of breathing and movements to get the body back into its targeted range. Yoga is centered on meditation and the asanas (postures) that are done, are done to allow for better concentration and better meditation abilities.

The first step to performing yoga is to still and calm the mind, hence achieving the strengthening of one’s body and mind. If the mind can be stilled, the spiritual power can be felt within. Meditation is the state achieved from intense concentration on a single object until all other thoughts vanish and all that is left is an intense awareness of the object. There is nothing else in mind for some time.

Even though yoga has been around for over 5000 years in India, it was relatively unknown till sometime back. It has gained prominence only during recent times. It is estimated that millions of people are practicing yoga in the US and UK. Slowly people are realizing that it could be the single solution for most of the prevalent ills in the modern age. Stress, blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes are the various ailments caused due to our busy life. Yoga has a cure for all of them.

The discipline of yoga has been rejuvenated in modern times. Numerous people have been responsible for this increased awareness of yoga, mainly those who have benefited from it. The primary factor responsible for the rejuvenation in India, the land of its birth, has been Swami Ramdev. Swami Ramdev started relentless efforts to popularize Yoga in 1995 and began his yoga programs in India on television in 2002. He says that through Pranayama (the breathing in of life), the yogic practice of breath control can cure even ‘incurable diseases’. Pranayama helps the body to become a lot more flexible and fitter.

There has been no following larger than that of Swami Ramdev in the recent times. Today, he is one of the biggest draws on Indian television. His programs are followed by millions of people around the country religiously. He believes that all ills can be cured by avoiding medicines, active practice of yoga and simple dietary habits. Yoga along with ayurveda (treatment using herbs) is capable of curing even diseases which are usually not possible to cure using traditional medicines. He strives for a ‘medicine-free’ world for the whole of humanity. His teachings are open to people from all walks of life and from all parts of the world. People have greatly benefited from his week-long camps organized for the needy. People from all religions, young and old, rich, poor, educated and illiterate - each finds a place there. He lays down simple guidelines, which can be followed easily.

His practical approach to Yoga has won him millions of followers throughout India. People have begun to see yoga in a new light, a totally rejuvenated yoga. Other than curing of illnesses and the telecast of his programs on TV, the primary reason for the rejuvenated yoga is the easy manner in which it is presented now. In other words, quick benefits with minimal efforts.

Yoga, with its new presentation, has helped people in developing healthy habits by waking up early in the morning, followed by energizing yoga practice, thanks to TV channels and Swami Ramdev. Technology has contributed immensely to the popularity of yoga. This great phenomenon of enlightening the people has been possible only due to TV, which has taken yoga to the common public. Had it not been so, yoga would have been still at the same place, where it was centuries ago.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Yoga

The Truth about Options for Yoga Teachers, Part 1

When, or if, you decide to become a Yoga teacher, you should start with a basic Yoga teacher training course that gives you an overview of all of the fields within Yoga. If you decide to specialize, it is best to do it when the need becomes apparent. This is not always the case for every Yoga instructor. For example: You may have a calling for Prenatal Yoga or Kids Yoga.

This is fine - as Yoga teachers, and Yoga practitioners, we all understand passion. However, please make sure there is a market for the Yoga teaching niche you desire in your local area. After you get your ?feet wet,? teaching Yoga to different groups, you will more accurately see your own destiny.

This may not happen right away, and some Yoga instructors are very comfortable working with the ?general population.? When I look at my weekly schedule, I teach Yoga to kids, seniors with various levels of mobility, Gentle Yoga to a targeted middle aged group, Restorative Yoga (which also attracts students in the middle-aged range), Vinyasa Yoga classes to students in the 20 to 30 years of age range, and private sessions, which can cover just about anything.

To be honest, this is not for everyone, but if you teach Yoga full time, you tend to go where the needs are. Yoga students will seek you out, and you may have a specialized market that ?screams? for your help. This will guide you toward a needful population of motivated Yoga students.

This is exactly what happened to me with Chair Yoga. When I received a call from a local senior center for Yoga classes, I had no idea it would become so popular. That led to filling up my morning Yoga class schedule, Later, I trained Yoga instructors, in my area, to address a need that is far beyond my ability to fulfill. The fact is, more Chair Yoga teachers are needed right now.

In our next section, we will go over some options for Yoga teachers, who have students, or potential students, seeking a specific form of Yoga instruction. Some of these niche markets will give you no passion at all, but it is good to look at your teaching options and then decide which sort of Yoga training you want to get involved in.

Always remember to keep an eye on which forms of Yoga are in demand, even though they may not appeal to you personally.

? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Secrets of Exceptional Yoga Teachers, Part 2

Professional and responsible Yoga teachers become exceptional Yoga teachers. The Yoga teacher who shows up late for class, is disorganized, and does not have a hint of lesson plan in his or her head, will not be successful. As a Yoga teacher, your conduct should be professional at all times. You cannot ?act like a Yoga teacher? during a class and then provoke conflicts outside of your classes.

Yoga instructors need to have problem solving skills, as not all bodies are the same. Some students will require a bit more ?maintenance,? than others. You are a living and breathing guide to Yoga?s many aspects. You will be asked to explain the physical, mental, and possibly the spiritual benefits of Yoga. As a result, you will become a better Yoga teacher than you imagined.

The responsibility just comes with leadership and being self-employed. An independent mind-set is ingrained through the daily routine of handling your own affairs. You are in charge of your own finances, health, career, and more.

Being willing to adapt and evolve is a key component to teaching Yoga. Now more than ever Yoga and healing information is being exchanged at the speed of the Internet. You must absorb information in regard to Yoga, physical therapy, ailments, physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, and sports medicine.

Therefore, you may want to learn how to speed read or listen to audio books. Your Yoga lesson plans will evolve, when you learn new methods for safety, modifications, and how to help Yoga students with ailments.

Planning and preparation are a part of each day, as you get ready for each Yoga class. You must also write down your daily, weekly, monthly, and annual goals. This will propel you to a level of Yoga teaching beyond your ?wildest dreams.? This method is a matter of positive visualization and using positive energy for the good of those you come into contact with. You will be shocked to see your written goals become reality, but written goals do come true quite often.

Setting a pace is a matter of being reasonable with yourself and those around you. This may sound strange, but I have seen Yoga teachers push themselves too far. Life is a journey, not a race, and the rewards of pacing yourself will be plentiful, if you allow yourself the time to ?stop and smell the flowers.?

Ambition is the final key, but based upon what I have already said, all aspirations should be ?kept in check.? Never look at life from a linear viewpoint. Enjoy your loved ones and friends, as you work toward becoming an exceptional Yoga teacher. This will be your holistic path to success.

? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Universal Principles of Yoga, Part 2

The emphasis, in most Hatha Yoga classes, is on the physical body. As I have explained to some of my colleagues, ?Some form of union is better than no union at all.? This indicates something ancient Yogis knew thousands of years ago. The path of Hatha Yoga will be much easier to follow than the paths of Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.

There are many styles of Yoga, but let?s look at some of the main Indian Yoga styles and their approach to unity. There are many other Indian Yoga styles, and no disrespect is intended by not mentioning them. Many styles of Yoga do use components found in other styles, so each style has many facets. Meditation is one of the most common facets found in almost all forms of Yoga.

Bhakti Yoga: Is unity through devotion, love for God, or loving service. This is the most widely practiced form of Yoga within India. However, Yoga practiced for devotion to God is practiced by many religions. These Yoga classes are most often sectarian in nature and include members with one religious belief.

Bhakti can also be misplaced when a person gives too much devotion to material gain and temporary worldly pleasures. The Bhakti Yoga practitioner knows that the true path, toward a connection with God, is through loving service and devotion to God. The ?holy man? who preaches hate, is not a Bhakti Yoga practitioner.

Pope John Paul II could have been considered an example of a Bhakti Yoga practitioner. Within a spiritual country, such as India or Saudi Arabia, you will also see many examples of Bhakti Yoga. Although, many Saudis might not agree with the description, they are devoted to Allah (God). Many Moslems will travel a great distance for a Hajj or Umrah. This is an example of loving service to God.

Sometimes devotion can be to a prophet, saint, or Guru, who is living or not, but most often devotion, dedication, and love toward God, Brahman, Krishna, Allah, Jehovah, Yahweh, or a Supreme consciousness is the central idea. In truth, mankind has spent far too much time waging war over the name of God.

Jnana Yoga: Is unity through knowledge, but this is much more than intellectual pursuit. Jnana Yoga is a method to turn knowledge into pure wisdom. Knowledge is not always practical or pure wisdom.

Today, many children have access to multiple forms of media, so they are knowledgeable, but are they very wise? Children are young and need time to develop wisdom. How many times have you met a person who was ?book smart,? but lacked common sense in daily decision making? Awareness, logic, and pure wisdom are cultivated through meditation, self-analysis, self-realization, and developing a deeper connection with God.

? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

How to Practice Yoga Exercises Correctly

If you have decided to improve your mental and physical health with yoga, you need to practice your yoga exercises correctly to get the most benefit and to prevent injury. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind.

* Before you begin, be sure that you are in good enough physical shape to be able to handle this new exercise routine. If you have any questions at all about that, consult your doctor and follow his directions as you get started.

* Be sure that you learn the yoga techniques from a well-qualified, capable instructor. A good instructor will be very patient with you and will help you learn not only the exercises themselves but also the proper body position and breathing techniques necessary to make them effective. It’s very important that you learn how to practice yoga correctly from the beginning if you want to get real results.

* If you attend a yoga class at a studio or gym, be sure that the surroundings are comfortable and promote relaxation. The environment in which you practice your poses and positions can have a great impact on the effectiveness of each session.

* The specific time of day that you choose for your yoga exercises is not important. Whatever fits into your schedule best will work just fine. But try to avoid exercising shortly after a full meal. Your stomach should not be full when you begin your yoga session.

* Regularity is very important if you want to get the best results. That does not mean that you cannot possibly miss a session or two along the way, but you certainly do not want to make it a habit.

* Your clothing should be light and very comfortable, although try to avoid very loose clothing like large T-shirts that can actually interfere with some poses. The material for your clothing should be breathable and wick moisture away from the skin as you perspire.

* It’s a very good idea to have a yoga mat to use as you exercise. These can help you avoid slipping as you go into and out of each yoga position, and also keep you from having to exercise on the bare floor.

* Generally speaking, very young children should not practice yoga, especially before 7-8 years of age. Pregnant women should also avoid certain poses and positions that put pressure on their abdomen.

Yoga is not hard to practice and it yields a lot of very fine benefits for young and old alike. If you approach yoga exercises with an open mind and make it a deeply personal experience, it may become one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including fitness. You can find free yoga exercises and free yoga poses by visiting our Home Fitness website.

Ideals of Yoga

If one is to commence as a student of yoga one should be aware of the general purpose of the science and the sincere aims of the aspirant. Many people begin with only a fraction of understanding of what yoga is all about, all that is offered and all that it demands. It comes as a surprise to learn what a complete system of culture is offered through these teachings stemming from the ancient Vedic philosophy.

Yoga is considered by many to be the oldest natural science, teaching the laws of Nature and how to adapt them to the human art of living. Nature is to be respected and befriended. It is wrong to ever think of conquering Nature. To abide by natural law is to the yogi synonymous with God’s Law. For each to live to the highest potential physically, mentally and spiritually is considered total human maturity and is a valid expectation and goal for all mankind.

Although the origins are obscured in antiquity, the prescribed techniques and guidelines are thought to be as old as mankind’s history and culture upon the earth. It is generally conceded that Yoga as a system was developed in India and it is the Indians who have remained custodians of its wisdom. Although recognition of the Indian source is its due, Yoga teachings however, are not the province of any one culture or race. Being a natural science, it has no boundaries but is universally available to all.

Certain adaptations of the old techniques must be adapted to suit western modern cultural needs but the essence of the teaching remains. It is based upon self discipline and self culture within a framework of ethical and moral codes. It is to be expected that the physical and even psychological programmes of training will evolve and change but the singleness of spiritual purpose must be retained and the techniques for spiritual consciousness also, in order that exponents preserve the purity of the system.

The single spiritual aim is to consciously experience the release from limitations of life as an individual locked in the cell of his self conscious ego and to realise the spiritual limitless of his own source in God or Universal Life. Attuned to this power, he seeks then to live a constructive life of benefit to others.

Patanjali, the sage, was the author of the written yoga precepts which survive after about 2,000 years. Until his time, it is thought that the teachings were largely oral and transmitted without book learning but in an unbroken traditional line from Master to pupil, or from Guru to chela. To these sages of old, we owe our greatest respect as well as to the scholars and wise ones who have assisted us in interpreting and comprehending the ancient wisdom.

Although Yoga is most frequently practised in the framework of Hindu culture it is now commonly understood that there is no connection with any religion. Yoga advises the student to follow religious practises according to the sincere beliefs of the individual whatever religion is the natural to him and his native culture. But the highest aspects of yoga develop a universality which is beyond any one religion and it is usual to find that the yogi is at ease when at worship in worship in the church or temple of all the religions, or in none at all.

The aim of Yoga is to understand both the laws of Nature governing physical matter and the human body as well as those which affect the subtle psyche of man and the spiritual aspect of his being. The word “yoga” implies a union or integration of man with harmony within his whole being, body, emotions, mind and spirit - a state which is then represents “health”. In a higher aspect it refers to the re-union of life of the individual with the Whole.

The healthy student who has successfully applied himself to the rigorous tests and exercises in overcoming his negative self and by controlling, developing, then dedicating his positive talents of his human nature has achieved the first aspect of Union or Yoga. The second phase is uniting his individuality to the Universal Energy Source in order that he may make a constructive and inspired contribution to the world around him.

Conscious understanding of himself, of others, of Nature and of the Universe implies an ever expanding development of his mind and realisation which stretches from the mundane world to infinity. The conscious experience of Universal Energy, the Source, or God is the ultimate spiritual reward.

The Indian sages and spiritual Western saints are known to us to exist both in historic times and in our own time. Some choose to work in retreat as recluses in ashrams and monasteries. Others elect to work directly amongst the people and can be found in the many and various roles played in human civilization. Wherever they function, these individuals act as human channels for energy of a type and quality dependent upon their individual spiritual development and their degree of Universality or wholeness.

In India some choose to reside on the plains and work amongst the people, teaching and healing in the ashrams, as does the priest in western countries. Others have sought mountain tops as their homes where they can transmit, unimpeded by worldly pollution of mind and matter, their highest quality energy to the world and to humanity.

Wherever man resides upon the earth, there are yogis or spiritually awakened ones. They have walked the earth in eastern and western countries and in all times and eras. Their message is always one of a reminder to us of the value of love, truth, beauty, kindness, in the human soul and their reminders are always such as to inspire us to further effort to cultivate these qualities.

Today we are very aware of the need for a return to these values and yet suffer by having few great teachers expounding, or exemplifying these qualities. We have to rely upon our own integrity. However, it is a natural law which allows that when humanity becomes unbalanced in its development and swings away from the spirit into materialism and decadence, a great teacher comes to point the way. Many people are hoping that the new century will bring us such a great teacher. Societies in all countries are showing signs of serious problems which deny peace, love, kindness, beauty and truth to flourish.

Practising the disciplines to maintain good health is our personal responsibility undertaken by those intelligent enough to comprehend it and in the system of yoga, this is known as Hatha Yoga, the commencement of training when the harmonising of the two main energies in the individual is achieved.

Undertaking disciplines to develop healthy emotions is less understood, but equally important so that emotional unease and distortions do not occur to plague us. Development of the love principle of devotion is known as Bhakti Yoga.

Mental disciplines to keep the mind clear of negative thoughts, destructive tendencies so that creative thinking can occur and the mind capable to realising truth is known as Raja Yoga. Mind training is becoming important and many teaching systems exist although there is more attention given to the principle applied to electronic computers than there is given to the human minds who use them.

But yoga reminds us that beyond the mind is the soul. We seldom use the term in everyday life and it takes a poet to help us recall this most vital part of ourselves. The churches remain un-enlightening and have neglected to educate us properly in this regard. For clarification of the term soul we describe the deepest and most profound part of our nature into which we withdraw at times of great distress or at times of great happiness. It is that which is beyond the personality of thinking, feeling and acting.

The spirit is higher again. The yogis call our spark of spiritual energy pure and of the qualities of light, as is our Atma. This spark in each one may not be defiled nor affected by all the other aspects of our nature. It is above our comprehension and our conscious reach except in unusual circumstances.

To live spiritually to the yogi, means to live with body, emotions and mind developed and under control so that one lives as a soul self, with the soul self inspired by the spirit - as one integrated and intelligent wholeness of being. Let us now clarify our terms and accept the aspirant as the Yoga student and reserve the term “Yogi” or “Master ” for the one who has reached the goal of the man made perfect and who has of becoming a pure channel of Light to the world.

Following Yoga techniques can bring the reward of a healthier body, happier emotions, peaceful mental state and a successful life.

Discipline yourself to control the appetites, build a healthy body with natural God-given foods, control the thoughts and develop mental attributes so that the mind may be strong to steer you to your spiritual goal.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Yoga
 
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