Showing posts with label Many Things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Many Things. Show all posts

March 1, 2009

The Mystery of Enlightenment

Initially, enlightenment is living in the present moment and accepting your situation as it is. That is a pretty heavy task for anyone in any time. It is often said that an enlightened person cannot be angered by small talk or negative energy.

Many people are humble and believe that they will never be enlightened in this life. They also believe: The goal of enlightenment is too vast for the average person to achieve. However, should you just give up?

What can you do to attain enlightenment?

You should meditate daily: This will help you connect to the world around you. This is an awareness of plants, animals, people and many things around you that are often not appreciated or overlooked.

Meditation will enhance awareness of yourself, everything around you, and the connection between the two. This will bring out the ability to see reality as it is - with the ultimate goal of reaching a state of ?pure consciousness.?

Understand the value of prayer, mantras, and singing. Even if you only practice in your mind, this will strengthen positive energy within you. Many people resort to theses practices; to gain comfort in times of need. This is a shame because you can gain the positive benefits of prayer, mantras, and singing, any time.

Remember, enlightenment is not a race: You would be shocked at the number of people who put pressure on themselves to be ?instantly enlightened.?

It is good to have goals in life, so creating a log to track your progress is a beneficial practice. Your log may track your meditation sessions, your ability to deal with, or diffuse, negative situations, your ability to create positive energy and project it to others, and your ability to see reality.

If you continue the process of keeping and maintaining a log, your results will be encouraging. You may also want to join a group with compatible religious beliefs, search for a teacher, or share your practice with a friend on the same path.

Lastly, do not be frustrated by uncertainty and learn to accept what you cannot control. If all humans could maintain enlightenment, we would experience world peace. We could all accept each other, despite differences of culture, nationality, color, sex, religious beliefs, or any other thing humans can find to develop a pre-conceived notion about each other.

My first taste of Yoga was over 40 years ago, at the age of 7, in a martial arts school setting. I have continued to study martial arts until this day and I have four teaching certificates in four different martial arts. Now I teach both Martial Arts and Yoga.
I began to seriously practice Yoga (under Laura Foster) over twenty years ago due to martial arts competition related injuries.
Laura was a skilled & knowledgeable teacher of Restorative Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Laya Yoga. After training with her for 3 years, she certified me as a teacher in 1987.

I became certified as a Master Teacher (Guru) on September 15, 1995, after teaching over 5,000 hours under her wing. Shortly afterward, Laura retired at age 90.
Since that time, I started organizing Yoga Teacher Training camps. As time went on, we began getting requests from everywhere in the U.S. and Canada for a comprehensive Yoga Teacher Training correspondence course.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

Yoga Teacher Guidelines for Assisting, Part 1

What should Yoga teachers know about giving an assist before a potential legal problem arises? Have you ever had an assist that didn?t really help much? Have you ever had a physical assist that hurt you physically or in any way? Do physical assists in Yoga postures make you feel uncomfortable? Is it really necessary for Yoga teachers to give a physical assist?

As most of you already know, a physical assist is for the purpose of adjusting a student into proper alignment in a Yoga class. So, why make such a ?fuss? over it? One Yoga student may see something as an assist - while another may feel you have crossed the line into sexual harassment.

What should Yoga teachers know about giving an assist before a potential problem arises? As a Yoga teacher, Yoga instructor, or body worker, you should have clear cut policies concerning many things, but let?s focus on physical assists for now. Your release forms for Yoga students should explain what a student can, and cannot, expect from an assist; and you should get their permission in writing.

This is one good reason why you should never let a new student into a Yoga class without filling out the necessary applications and having a meeting about their expectations. This gives Yoga students a chance to be informed as to what to realistically expect from Yoga. In the process, he or she can agree to a physical assist or refuse it on the spot.

This policy of clear cut information, and an interview before classes, is good for the Yoga teacher and the student. From the start, you are developing the student / teacher relationship and creating a rapport with new Yoga students.

With this said, now you understand one more logical reason why students, who arrive late to a Yoga class, are refused. It is bad enough to contend with interruptions in the flow of your lesson plan. Now, add to this that a Yoga student should do a warm-up before jumping into class. When a student is injured, in one of your Yoga classes, you will ultimately take responsibility.

The previously mentioned scenario has the potential for a liability suit. In the words of a friend and attorney of mine, ?Anyone can be sued, but that does not mean every plaintiff will successfully win a case.?

? 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

February 23, 2009

Time to Practice Yoga

There are many things that we know, we should do, but there?s never enough time. Would you like to have more time for your family, Yoga practice, and some quality time, in your life? Maybe, work keeps you too busy, from doing the right things, for yourself, and your loved ones. So, what can you do?

After all, you need to put food on the table and work is a priority. In reality work is only a part of life, and you would realize that, if you lost your job. All of us go through a grievance period, after losing a job, marriage, or a loved one.

At that point, we must make a decision, to continue on, or give up. Now, I am assuming you are not the type to give up. After moving on, we look back at the pain and healing process. Our personalities are developed, and conditioned, from many components. These components help us “keep it together,” such as: Family, friends, work, prayer, and hobbies.

Most of you know that Yoga means “unity,” but do you realize you are practicing union, or unity, every day, even if you don?t officially practice in a Yoga class? Below is a list of things that you should do every day, or almost every day.

You will notice, that work should not be done every day, in order to live life in moderation. Everyone needs a day off, so enjoy your weekends, when possible, and don?t skip vacations.

Prayer is part of every religion and should be a part of every day. I don?t care what religion you practice, that is your business. Luckily, most of the religions on this planet have universal principles that apply to all. Don?t forget that, you need spiritual, physical, and mental health to be complete. By the way that?s a Yogic principle too.

Family time is so important that we have a dysfunctional generation growing up, due to lack of attention to our children. Some children don?t really know their parents, because they are sometimes brought up by someone else, or a day care center. Lack of bonding time creates inherent problems for parent and child.

Take the time to eat together without arguments and play with your children. Expose your children to religion, games, hobbies, humor, and Yoga practice. Give your spouse or partner a hug and tell them how valuable they are. Self-worth and recognition keep them going too.

Good friends should not be ignored. They are few and far between. You may find your Yoga friends to be valuable company too.

Be conscious of all the following every moment that you can. Breathing doesn?t have to be learned from your Yoga teacher and forgotten. You should practice proper breathing every moment you think of it.

Proper posturing should be practiced when you are sitting, standing, walking, eating, and using your computer. Exercise should be part of everyday and you should be conscious of your nutrition at all times.

Consuming eight glasses of water per day minimum is important for digestion, elimination, your skin, your vital organs, and removing toxins. Please spare the excuses - many people have no problem drinking eight sodas per day. By the way, that?s not good, even if it is diet soda.

Work is a must, unless you are independently wealthy. Work should also help you keep your sanity. If this is not the case, look for a job that is rewarding.

Hobbies are good for your sanity too, but like all of the above they are part of a healthy life. So, how can you make all of this fit into your life? If you go to Yoga classes, you already do.

However, if you haven?t had the time to learn or practice Yoga, you must make the time. Once you do, you will wonder why it took you so long, to start learning Yoga. You will make new friends and live a happier life.

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

Isn’t it Time to Try Kundalini Yoga?

Although there are many types of yoga, and it may be impractical to try them all, experiencing some of the main branches — including Kundalini yoga — will give you a fuller grasp of yoga?s essence and benefits. Kundalini yoga isn’t just another practice, however. It’s often referred to as the mother of all yoga, and said to be one of the most powerful forms.

What’s more, Kundalini yoga is a little different from other practices. Most forms of yoga concentrate on the body’s poses, combined with breathing and meditation exercises. While Kundalini yoga still concerns itself with forms and poses, it places much more emphasis on breathing, chanting, and releasing a special energy we all possess unawares.

In Kundalini yoga, the special energy is likened to a powerful serpent lying asleep at the base of the spine. But practitioners can awaken the powerful serpent with the use of Kundalini techniques, releasing almost unimaginable energy.

How It?s Done

In Kundalini yoga, you’ll combine classic poses, meditation, chanting or mantras, and also coordinate your breath and movement. In this yoga, the serpent that represents energy is said to lie asleep at the base of your spine, coiled and dormant. Specifically, this region is located in the perineum area of the body. That is, it lies between the rectum and the testicles in males, and between the vagina and the clitoris in females. When awakened, the dormant masculine energy (Siva) and feminine energy (Sakti) unite to create a powerful surge unlike anything you’re likely to have experienced before.

What Can It Do For Me?

The powerful energy released by Kundalini yoga is said to do many things for the body. And yet, although it can help you physically, its primary benefits are spiritual. All the intangible energies that help to shape our lives are affected by Kundalini yoga, such as divine prosperity, and freedom from judgment. Once freed, this new energy helps to promote creativity and unconditional love. Needless to say, all these positive changes help sweep away any negative feelings, such as those associated with depression, or even long-standing resentments or jealousy.

If you would like to experience this type of amazing yoga, you?ll want professional guidance. Understanding more about how Kundalini works will help you achieve the results you seek, so a little private time with the books can help you as well. As with any yoga, it’s best to learn Kundalini from an experienced instructor, who can help you focus your energy in addition to teaching you the techniques. Having an awakened yogi nearby can be half the battle.

About YogiSutras

Ever thought of becoming a yoga instructor? Stop by http://www.YogiSutras.com to read about twelve ordinary people who made the transition from student to certified instructor. You?ll also find yoga accessories and yoga poses.

February 21, 2009

What Does Your Doctor Really Mean When He Says "There’s Nothing Wrong"?

What thoughts go through your mind when you hear this - ?There?s nothing wrong.?
Most likely you hear that the crappy way you?re feeling is all in your head - or so the doctor thinks.

Believe it or not, this is a phrase that?s mean to reassure people. Fat chance of that happening. Once more this shows the major gap between the person uttering those sounds and those receiving them.

What the doctor is trying to tell you is that he cannot find anything serious either on examination or on the testing that he?s done. And you really do not want something to show up on any of those. He is NOT saying that it?s all in your head. There are many things that can be wrong with you but not have major abnormalities that can be easily found.

Part of the problem is that you probably won’t listen to anything else the doctor says after that. Do not fall into that trap. What comes next may actually explain the whole thing. You know how fast doctors talk. They don?t pause between sentences to see how you absorbed or reacted to that statement.

So, what do you do? First, let?s discuss what NOT to do?.Do not get upset. Do not shut down. Do not feel abused or ashamed. Do not feel like you?ve been wasting everyone?s time. Do not be angry. Do not discount everything else the doctor?s going to say. Do not get flustered. That?s the most important of all.

Stay alert and open-minded. If you have to regroup, put your hand up to signal the doctor to slow down or even pause. Listen, listen, listen. See what the doctor has to say afterwards. If it doesn?t seem that you?re understanding what he?s saying even though you?ve been trying, stop him and ask for clarification. Say ?excuse me? or hold your hand up again. If he?s not looking or listening, try standing up and see if that will give him a clue.

At that point you can simply say ?I don?t understand what you?re saying.? Or you can ask specifically ?what do you mean there?s nothing wrong? Are you saying that this is all in my head?? One reason we give up so much of our power is that we remain silent. You have to ask for clarification and refuse to be intimidated. You know that there?s something bothering you. No, it may not be earth-shattering or something that will be a first recorded case ? BUT, it?s something making you feel bad enough to come to this humiliating appointment with a doctor who isn?t doing a very good job explaining things to you. Don?t allow that to happen. Don?t give away your power.

Same goes if the doctor says ?I can?t find anything wrong?. I know from my 30 years in medicine that just because I can?t find something wrong does NOT mean that there isn?t anything ?wrong? with the patient. Doctors do try to find out if there is anything obvious first. And sometimes they will stop looking if there?s nothing found on the basic studies. But most often they will try to find something that will provide relief for you while your body heals ? even without anyone ever knowing what it was. They will tell you that you need to come back if you?re not getting any better. This is not just ?blowing you off?. It?s because right then they are not concerned that there is something major wrong to warrant other studies. But, they are acknowledging that you don?t feel well and want you to rest, take the symptomatic medicine you?re given and return if you?re not feeling better.

It?s important that you do not give up your power by giving in. Do not leave the office if you?re uncertain what?s going on or what the plan of action is. I know this is difficult but you really can do it. You may have to speak up and say ?Excuse me, I don?t understand. Can you explain this to me so I can understand, doctor? Are you saying that there is nothing wrong with me or that you just cannot find something on your tests?? Do not feel as if you?re going to make the doctor mad or he won?t like you or something stupid like that. The doctor will NOT know that you don?t understand unless you tell him. If you don?t say anything, he will only assume that you?re fine with everything he?s said.

For help with communicating with your doctor, contact the author at Terrie@askyourdoctorsaidwhat.com

Dr. Wurzbacher is a retired Navy Emergency Medicine Physician who recognized early in her career that she was probably missing much of what her patients were trying to tell her. The Emergency Department is one place that being good at communication is essential - you have no records to work with and not much time. Teaching young doctors and ancillary staff the personal aspects of medicine has become a passion of hers. Her book, ?Your Doctor Said What? is intended to help patients not only understand why many doctors seem like aliens but also how to empower themselves to deal with them.

Check her out at http://www.yourdoctorsaidwhat.com and http://www.yourdoctorsaidwhatblog.com.
 
Počítadlo.cz