Mind Body Spirit 123

Michael Colucci asked:




Yoga is a group of ancient practices which were first developed in India. It is still popular in the country today, and is considered to be a spiritual exercise. Many Indians see it as a way of attaining enlightenment. Yoga is broken down into four primary categories, and these are Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Raja Yoga. However, these are only a few of the many variations of this exercise. Yoga has become popular in the West, and is well known because of its many postures.

While yoga is commonly seen as just being an exercise in the West, it is an important part of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. For those who are followers of these religions, yoga is not only seen as being an exercise, but is also a method that can be used to attain enlightenment. This practice has existed for thousands of years, and has been mentioned in a number of important Indian texts such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. Contemporary yoga is comprised of a number of different principles, and many of these are taken from Indian religions.

The purpose of the postures is to keep the body healthy and fit. Practitioners will often chant, and may perform breathing techniques as well. Meditation plays an important role in yoga, and many western yoga establishments present the practice in a way that can help those who don’t practice Hinduism. Many people in the West are attracted to yoga because of its ability to relax both the body and the mind. In addition to this, it is a great way to stay physically fit. Many people who practice yoga view it as being a great way to improve their health or enhance the function of their minds.

The goal of some yoga practitioners is to achieve what is called samadhi. Samadhi is a complex mental state where a person can achieve ecstasy. The goals of those who practice yoga will vary based on their religion and background. Those who practice Hinduism believe that yoga is away of getting close to God. Buddhists believe that yoga can help individuals achieve a deeper level of wisdom. Western nations place an importance on individualism, so many people in the West will use yoga as a method for self improvement.

Yoga is a very ancient practice that places an emphasis on having full control over the body and the mind. Many people who use it believe that they will be able to gain insight into the underlying structure of reality. The Yogi is a person who will attain an state of enlightenment where their thoughts will cease, and they will achieve a type of union. Yoga is a very complex subject which can mean different things for different people. Even if one does not wish to attain enligtenment, this practice can allow them to enhance their own insight. Even though yoga has strong connections to Indian religions, it is not a religion itself. Even though the exact age of this practice is not known, it is estimated that it has existed for at least 6,000.

Sarah Freeland asked:




Although yoga doesn’t require any specific apparel or accessories, many choose to buy clothing and other items made with with yoga specifically in mind. These include pants, tops and other clothing items. Here is a brief run-down of a few popular clothing items.

Yoga and capri pants

Capri yoga pants are designed for women. Not only are they comfortable, but they offer a supportive fit for better range of motion with your flexibility. They have wide waist bands for the extra reassurance. Straight or wide legged for individual preference, with a cut off just below the knees or the classic length. Capri’s are made with organic cotton for the comfort and spandex for that stretchy fit.

Men’s yoga pants and apparel

Generally, men are not going to care as much about high fashion as women do. Mostly what they are looking for is comfortable and when it comes to Yoga, preferably breathable fabrics as well.
When ever buying yoga clothing, keep in mind you want to be in your most relaxed state of mind. You’re not going to be carrying anything with you while practicing yoga poses, so you won’t need any pockets for any extra items. You also don’t want big bulky clothing articles hanging from you, interrupting your flow or getting in your way, try to stick with flexible fitted clothing like yoga pants or shorts and tank tops or short sleeves. There’s also a great line of mans jackets and outer wear.

Yoga shoes

The great thing about yoga is it doesn’t take any materials, only you’re will and concentration to do it. The point of yoga accessories is for more comfort and better relaxation.

Some people would say, “Wearing shoes disconnects you for the earth”. The good thing about wearing yoga shoes is one they are made specifically for doing yoga in and if your feet tend to get cold it’s an easy way to keep your self more comfortable. Some people just don’t like the thought of not having protection of their feet. They even have yoga socks. Ones to wear with the shoes and ones that have grips on the bottom to keep your feet from sliding along the floor.

Travel yoga mats

Traveling yoga mats are thin and light, making it easy to fold and pack in any luggage carrier, allowing you to practice at your own convenience, anytime. They are made smooth with a feel of soft cushion, durable foam and extra stickiness to avoid slipping, it’s also hand washable.

Terje Brooks asked:




Yoga, which originated from India more than five centuries ago, was essentially a school of thought leading to a spiritual discipline for its followers. Even though different branches of yoga evolved, the core teachings of these branches did not have much to do with physical exercise or development of the body. However, the 20th and 21st centuries saw a big transformation taking place with lots and lots of people seeking yoga as their means to better health and stress relief. This in turn resulted in the development of a new range of branches in modern yoga.

With yoga gaining popularity in the Western world, a new set of visions and experiments started emerging in order to help yoga reach more individuals and to find innovation in the practices. The yoga ball happens to be one of the products of this innovation. An inflated vinyl ball to support the yoga postures wouldn’t have likely been thought of by the ancient gurus; nevertheless, it was the need of the hour for yoga to be more innovative and accessible.

Until the path breaking movement of the renowned yoga guru BKS Iyengar, vinyasa (the fluid transition or the movement from one pose the next in a series) used to be considered more important than a perfect posture. But with Iyengar yoga growing out of Hatha Yoga, the emphasis was transformed from vinyasa flow to the perfection of postures.

In Iyengar yoga, a lot of props, such as yoga balls, are used in perfecting the postures. The teachers help their disciples attain the perfect postures using different prop models including the yoga balls, thus eliminating the need for undue or unbearable strains to improve the postures. These props are of tremendous help to the beginners, as well as for those who have health or strength problems.

Yoga aids like yoga balls can be of help in different levels ranging from helping someone keep one leg elevated for an extended period in a balancing pose or in perfecting the arch of the back. Yoga balls can also be used for sitting. Yoga balls are of help not only for the weak or the less balanced practitioners but also for the experts. Yoga balls help the experts stretch their boundaries to achieve even more difficult postures or to hold to their postures for longer periods.

Iyengar yoga may not have the cardiovascular benefits that can be had from the yoga types that follow the vinyasa flow principle, but it offers improved muscle strength and perfect postures. Yoga aids used in Iyengar yoga apart from yoga balls include straps for bound poses, bricks for support, and rollable blankets for back support. The blankets can be used for holding sitting poses also.

Azmi Adnan asked:




Yoga is fast becoming the most popular fitness activity in this recession period. People affected by the current economy are looking to yoga classes for fast relief of their stressful conditions. It is no wonder then that yoga studios are doing a brisk business in accepting more and more yoga beginners into their programs.

Before you embark on a ‘yoga for beginners’ program, be aware of your fitness level, health condition and physical limitations. Let the yoga instructor know of your condition because he or she is able to offer corrections and make modifications if you are not doing the yoga poses correctly. The instructor is also able to help you in getting a deeper experience from a yoga pose so that you will gain more results.

The great thing about yoga is that unlike any other sport or fitness program, you are not competing with any other participants but yourself. You are only concentrating on your own body and listening to it as it responds to the challenges you are putting it through. Your body will communicate with you through feelings of pain or pleasure, and you respond to this feedback from your body by doing the yoga postures correctly.

Breathing is an important element in yoga as it corresponds with each pose or posture. As a beginner you need to practice the art of breathing correctly as it helps you to get relaxed and move you deeper into each pose for a positive experience. You can actually direct your breathing to any spot on your body where there is tension and feel the effects as the feelings of tension is being released.

It is important too that you do not eat a heavy meal before the commencement of each yoga session. However, water is essential to keep yourself from being dehydrated.

If you are excited about learning yoga but are not able to find a class in your area, you may want to get your hands on an instructional yoga DVD which is widely available on the internet. The great thing about these yoga DVDs is that they come with online support so you will have assistance should you have questions later.

I have known of a group of women who pooled their resources together to purchase a set of yoga DVDs and conduct a yoga session for themselves every weekend in their homes. Doing with a group is fun as you can look out for each other if one participant is not doing it correctly. This not only makes for a good social activity but a healthy one too.

Copyright (c) 2009 Azmi Adnan

Galina Pembroke asked:




Discover the true meaning of yoga…

In taking any modern yoga class, you will find parallels to ballet. Like ballet, the promise of poise, grace and flexibility encourages much interest. Yet if yoga is like any other exercise, it is only at first glance. Underneath the coveted health and fitness benefits of modern yoga practice are the roots of a great spiritual tradition blending cultures and religions.

Unfortunately, through the westernization of yoga, we have lost an essential component of this peaceful practice. Though the ritual remains intact the meaning has gone astray. Where previously the postures of yoga practice were merely a branch of a tree; today they are viewed by western society as the tree itself. How do we bring meaning to our poses?

Modern Yoga’s Roots and Benefits

Though the development of yoga cannot be pinned to an exact year, the discovery of the Indus seals, which show figures in the classic yoga asana (posture) of lotus pose, trace yoga back to at least 3000 BCE. At this time the Vedas were being written, which today’s yoga postures are derived from. These gave birth to Vedic yoga, which accommodated the ancient Indians fixation on ritual and sacrifice. We see evidence of the importance of sacrifice in the yogic corpse posture. Lying as though we were placed in a coffin, this represents the ultimate sacrifice-that of death. Though seemingly morbid, corpse posture is one of hope when we understand that according to the Vedanta sutras, death results in liberation

Sacrifice was meant to join the material and the physical, and create the longed-for “union” that defines the word Yoga. The Vedanta sutras (vs.4:4,13-14) declare that the liberated soul is not materially motivated.. By asking us to free ourselves from the bondage of material motivation, compassion requires us to be selfless. Surely, this giving is an exercise in compassion. Even still, the modern practice of yoga facilitates this. Through postures and stillness, we alter our consciousness and therefore change our perspective. In our new realization of others as being part of the cosmic whole, we feel that in giving to them we are also giving to ourselves.

The ancient philosophy of yoga saw its postures as part of a greater whole. Thousands of years ago during the time of Astanga yoga, posture practice was one piece of a more important whole. Astanga yoga, which originated during Vedic India, was derived of eight branches; yama (control and discipline), niyama (rules, methods and principle), asana (posture), pranayama (focused breathing), prathyahara(avoidance of undesirable action),dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (contemplation). In contrast, most contemporary yoga focuses on postures and uses breath work as a small component or an afterthought. Though admittedly, the current vision of yoga over-emphasizes asana, it is extremely important and has enormous benefits. The medically studied benefits of yoga include the following: Stress reduction, improved muscle strength and tone, increased energy and flexibility, improved balance and coordination and a reduction in depression.
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Moving with Compassion

Through most of asana practice, we are unconsciously engaging in physical metaphor. Many yoga postures are named after and imitate the living world; tree pose, eagle pose, frog pose, cat pose. By developing postures that imitate the stance of animals, the vedic seers may have been seeking not only to embrace the qualities of these animals, but to formulate compassion for them.
The way that compassion serves as a partner to yoga’s goal of liberation can be understood through reading the ancient yogic texts. Understand these vedas; whether they be the Rig Veda (knowledge of praise),Yajur-Veda (knowledge of sacrifice), Sama Veda (knowledge of chants), and Atharva-Veda(knowledge of atharvan), is likelier while deep in meditation. Understanding the vedic sutras, we are permitted to experience a bliss unknown through material grasping.

In this state everyday experiences fade away and a greater perspective unfolds. Over time, meditation also allows us to become more intuitive and receptive. This opens us up to others, enhancing our compassionate nature. This experience has been discussed by Eastern sacred-text expert “H.P. Blavatsky’s in “The Voice of the Silence.” Blavatsky writes: “Compassion is no attribute. IT is the LAW of LAWS–eternal Harmony, Alaya’s SELF; a shoreless universal essence, the light of everlasting Right, and fitness of all things, the law of love eternal.”

In order to experience compassion for others we must first extend it to ourselves. Straining too forcefully in a pose is counter to compassion. Why? Yoga teaches us that we are all connected, so when we hurt ourselves this pain eventually reaches others. Instead we must strive for gentle self-acceptance, competing with nobody-not even ourselves. This is essential to a rewarding experience of yoga.

Postures for Peace

By the time of Patanjali’s yoga sutras, which were written near the beginning of the common era, we begin to see a discussion of the more practical aspects of yoga. Posture is discussed (be it mainly for meditative purposes), as is concentration of the mind during this exercise. In the Yoga-Sutra, Patanjali presents relaxation as the very essence of yoga practice. He teaches us that posture should be steady and comfortable .This sentiment is reflected in the postures (asanas) of today’s practice. The physical dimension of yogic exercise requires us to have compassion for our limits. We are never asked to push, instead only to release. Mercifully, our small efforts are graced with us connecting to a life-force that is divine and encompassing.

Asanas urge us to see our body as divine, and to nurture health in this mortal temple. Yogic adepts understand that their body is flawed, however slender and toned it may look externally. This acknowledgement leads to less judgement of other’s bodies. However pleasing to the eye a yogis shape may be, the same vedic texts that encourage the practice of yoga for health, also remind us that true “liberation” comes from being free of the cycle of rebirth-free of the physical form.

Yogic postures work in contrast to the western notion of exercise. Here we see exercise as an end, such as an end to overweight and fatigue. Yoga is different. While in most forms of exercise the physical results are the sole goal, in yoga the soul is the goal. The ancient tradition of yoga exercise stands apart in its doctrines. The ancient yoga texts insist that the mind and spirit are more important than the physical body. While many other eastern forms of mind-body fitness also encourage this awareness, no other physical practice has the ultimate goal of union with the divine. In yoga, the process of attaining this union is as important as the actual attainment.

Yoga practice is not a means to an end. It is an end in of itself. Even distinguished from vedas and sutras, the modern practice of yoga posture is a beautiful and calming pursuit. Though modern yoga practice makes little mention of the scriptures that it is based on, the experience of union and compassion can be woven into each pose. In doing this we are enhancing more than our practice, we are improving our life.

Mike Singh asked:




Yoga has really increased in popularity in the last couple of years. Widely held as a great form of exercise for both your body and your mind, people have been adopting this ancient form of meditation all over the world. As far as equipment is concerned there is very little required to get started.
As time goes by you will improve your technique, posture and that’s when you start enjoying your routines a lot more. Even though there are no ‘props’ required for yoga, you will find certain specific forms of clothing that help you in performing these exercises. Not only will these clothing items make you feel more comfortable and confident in your training, but they should also assist you to improve your style.

One of the very important things to remember about yoga is that this practice has its roots in Hinduism which has been around for centuries. In its eastern form, there was no recommended attire. However, in the western form of this practice, it is not only the style of clothing that is important, but also the quality of the fabric that is used. There are also traditional stitching patterns and methods that are part of the yoga tradition and if you are serious about getting legitimate yoga clothing then you should make sure that you are getting real yoga stitching as well. This will require you to go to a high quality and serious manufacturer who really is dedicated to the art of yoga.

For those who are doing their own research on this topic please keep in mind that yoga attire includes monks meditation robes, sitting jackets, sitting pants, kimono and jubon. There are also western adaptations of these eastern traditional garments. Besides the clothing, there are also meditation cushions and traditional bags that can also help you with your development and commitment to yoga as an art.

At the very least you should look to make sure that the yoga garments you are considering purchasing are made from one hundred per cent pre shrunk cotton. You will also have to ensure that you can dry them on a clothes line after washing, or on the lowest temperature of your dryer.

You can get your yoga clothing in a variety of colours and also different weights depending on the weather conditions that you think you will be practising in. There are usually two weights, a light one for spring and summer, and a warmer heavier one for the winter and fall. The costs will vary but you should not expect to pay extortionate prices unless you are really looking at something special.

Jesse Miller asked:




Yoga is another routine that you can adopt to keep yourself healthy and fit. With yoga routine you will not only ensure health and fitness but you will feel refreshed as well. It is common for most of us to put on weight by staying inactive or to put it simply leading a less active life. It is for this reason that exercises are there so that one can stay fit and healthy and lead an active life.

Although, most of us hate to exercise not only because we don’t have much time but it leaves it sweaty and tired. If you feel this way then the best alternative is to include yoga routine in your daily life. Yoga routine will make you feel fresh and your mind at peace. You can perform a yoga routine of 15-minutes long and feel the difference.

Given below are some yoga routines that will also help you increase flexibility.

1. Janushirsasana: Start by sitting on floor with the legs in front of you and straight. Now bend your left leg such that foot’s sole rests on inside thigh of the right leg. When done, bend forward with your arms raised and hold the right foot toe with both the hands. Bring your face as closer to it as you can and hold the position for a minute before returning to original position. Perform same for the other leg.

2. Shalabhasana: Start by lying flat on belly on the floor. Make sure that your arms are at the side. By balancing on the lower belly part, lift your arms, heads, legs and torso off the floor. Hold this position for one minute before gently returning to original position.

3. Dhanurasana: For this you have to lie flat on floor on belly. Now bend the knees and using your hands reach to reach back, get hold of the ankles. Now pull the legs up with the hands holding the ankles and lift the torso and head up. Stay in this position for one minute before gently returning to original position.

4. Halasana: For this lie on the floor on your back. Now try touching the tip of the floor that is above the head by lifting hips and legs and swinging them over to do so. Hold this position for one minute.

5. Shavasana: Lie on the floor on your back and close your eyes. Let your body feel weightless at the same time breathe slowly and deeply. Relax yourself by staying inthis position for one minute.

Sarah Freeland asked:




Whether you are new to yoga, or a yoga master who has worn out their yoga mat; sooner or later you will find yourself looking for a yoga mat to add to your arsenal of yoga supplies. While many people have the misconception that they can just purchase the first mat they see. It simply isn’t true. Unfortunately, some manufacturers of mass-produced yoga mats aren’t concerned with the longevity of the product. Instead, skimp on the quality to get you to purchase them more frequently. Which of course can and will lead to a much higher bill, than if you would have just spent a little more time and money in finding the perfect yoga mat. Not to mention the ability to purchase a yoga mat free of that rancid chemical smell. Of course, this means taking some time to do your homework before that big purchase.

Even if you decide to purchase a chemical laced yoga mat, there isn’t any proof that it will cause health problems. However, I can tell you to keep them out of heat for too long. Anyone who is prone to headaches might not enjoy the smell that comes off of them when they are.

There are several different types of mats to look for when choosing that perfect yoga mat. Some being a jute or cork yoga mat. Which are extremely affordable, and are considered to be an earth friendly alternative to your mass-produced non-organic yoga mats. However, they can also come with some different drawbacks as well. They are both extremely porous mats. Which ultimately means they will absorb any sweat during your yoga classes. Of course causing them to be fairly un-pleasant to smell after a few months of use and can be fairly weak. However, despite the fact that they don’t last a long time; they would be well-suited for someone that only takes a class once or twice a month.

The more popular rubber yoga mat, is by far a yoga practitioner favorite. They are known for their durability, low prices, and they are made out of a fairly sustainable material rubber. However, when you are purchasing a rubber yoga mat; you might run into synthetically produced mats. So, if it is important to you to keep the earth in mind; keep a keen eye out for “naturally made” rubber mats. One other con is that they should be avoided at all costs if you are allergic to latex. Instead look for a phthalate free mat, which should help to ease and possibilities of an allergic reaction. So, as you can see despite the popularity; even the front-runner of yoga mats can have it’s pitfalls. Despite the one downfall they are by far one of the most long-lasting mats on the market today.

Ross Bainbridge asked:




Yoga, in Sanskrit, means, “to yoke together”. This is translated to mean the union of individual self, the ‘Atma,’ with the universal self, the ‘Paramatma.’ There are different methods to achieve this union. When we say Yoga in the present-day context, particularly in the Western countries, what we aim for is the harmony between body, mind and spirit.

From archeological sites dated 3,000 B.C., from the Indus valley civilization, it is clear that the yogic practice is at least that old. In the second century A.D., the yoga knowledge was collected and compiled into a treatise named ‘Yoga Sutra,’ by Patanjali.

Patanjali’s ‘Ashantanga Yoga,’ or eight-limbed yoga, taught eight steps of yoga to be done in the same sequence. The first limb is ‘Yama.’ The five yamas are non-violence, truthfulness, not stealing, continence and non-covetousness. The next limb is Niyama. The five niyamas are cleanliness, contentment, spiritual austerities, studying the self and the scriptures, and surrender to God. The third limb is ‘Asanas,’ a set of postures that create a union between the body and the mind so that the aspirant is able to concentrate his mind better. The next one, Pranayama, is a breath-regulating practice. It is not a breathing exercise, though it improves the respiratory system. The main purpose is to direct the ‘Prana,’ or life force, into proper channels. These four limbs prepare the body and mind for the next four, which are spiritual practices.

The fifth limb, ‘Pratyahara,’ practices drawing the consciousness from external objects and direct it inwards. One becomes detached from the world, and observes oneself as a witness. The next yoga, ‘Dharana,’ is a concentration practice to gather the full consciousness and concentrate it to observe its own core. The seventh limb, ‘Dhyana,’ is meditation. In this practice, the mind is made free from thoughts and becomes aware of itself. The eighth and final stage is “Samadhi,” where the practitioner reaches a state of ecstasy.

Through there is no particular religious practice involved in the complete yoga, it is obvious that it is not for everyone. Most of us are interested in Hatha Yoga. The asanas make our body supple and strong, and the meditation relaxes and reduces stress in the mind. The effects of yoga on the body and mind are so good that it is worth taking it up.

Jeffrey Meier asked:




Yoga is a fundamental form of exercise, combined with elements of meditation and relaxation that help to create better circulation throughout the body. This art of stretching and muscle strengthening has been around for many centuries in the East; however, it is now catching on in the Western Hemisphere. And of course, as soon as the West gets its hands on anything alterations are sure to be made. So now we have a variety of new styles of yoga that many people are taking part in, in addition to the traditional styles. So why don’t you join me as we explore some yoga styles. Who knows, you might learn a thing or two!

Why Choose Yoga?

Before we get into these yoga styles, let’s look at the art of yoga and why many people are switching from more rigorous exercise plans to this calming style of exercise. The reason people are switching over to yoga is because they are finding that, like meditation, yoga provides a calming energy that cannot be achieved through normal exercise. Yoga is based on meditation and breathing, and is very spiritual in nature. Its plan is essentially to get your blood circulating though the body more easily, training your muscles to strengthen slowly and healthily, and calming your mind in the process.

Some are finding that as their jobs become more and more stressful, they need something to completely counteract the stress, and for many, yoga is the answer. As more people seek yoga for relief, more yoga styles are also being sought. I have provided a few of the different styles you have to choose from.

Yoga Styles

Ananda Yoga – Ananda Yoga is a class that helps you learns to quiet your body before meditation. You work to move your energy to your brain by aligning your body. Then you control your breathing to calm yourself for your meditative practice. This is great for a person who is not only trying to start as a beginner yoga participant, but also beginner in meditation.

Bikram Yoga – This is one of the more popular yoga styles, especially in the Chicago area, because of it takes on the style of a comprehensive work out, focusing on muscular strength, endurance and cardio exercises. The class was started by Bikram Choudhury, an Olympic gold medalist in weight lifting in the 1960s, who wanted to incorporate yoga into an exercise routine. His style of yoga is said to encourage flexibility, detoxification, and prevention of injuries. And it is unique because it is practiced in a heated environment for increased circulation.

Hatha Yoga – This is one of the more easy-to-learn styles of yoga and is more popular in the West than East. It incorporates several styles of yoga, including Asanas, Pranayama, and Dhyna, to help create a system that gives you a toned body and a sense of enlightenment at the same time. This is one of the yoga styles that are better known for its ability to relieve stress. And it is useful in teaching the novice yoga participant the basics of the skill.

Yoga for Health – This style of yoga is very specific and only offered at the A.R.E. Center in Virginia Beach by a revered yoga instructor of over 30 years. This high energy yoga class was designed to help build strong blood circulation throughout the body and is a wonderful way to warm the body and lift spirits. This class is held for free on the beach every Sunday morning when weather permits, and is loved because it provides beautiful sunrises, crashing waves and leaping dolphins, along with stretching and toning. The class lasts 2 hours and can be very challenging initially, but over time, after you adjust to the level of energy required, you won’t want to miss a class.

There are tons of resources available to help you get started on your yoga experience. And with the numerous available yoga styles out there, you are guaranteed to find a class that best suits you. And who knows, you might become so comfortable in the class that you decide to instruct your own and become one of the pioneers of the many new yoga styles to come!