Basic Things You Need To Know About An Instruction Meditation Tool

Stressful situations call for desperate measures. Surely, I paraphrased a well-known saying, but this new approach is surely posing some serious issues. Do we really need special treatment for the times when we are worried, stressed out or too busy to connect ourselves with our inner beauty? Do we need an instruction meditation tool in order to liberate our mind from all the black and stressful thoughts? Can we achieve relaxation only by using some devices? We definitely can.

Learning How to Breath

Meditation implies working with your inner self, and this, in its turn, refers to coping with your emotions and with your ability to dedicate your whole being to the process of relaxation. An essential instruction meditation tool is obviously knowing how to control your breathing. There are plenty of techniques that a yoga teacher, for instance, would show you. But it all begins with your being fully relaxed and ready for the training.

What Does the Meditation Training Imply?

First of all, think a bit at the ambiance that you would feel most comfortable. Does that imply beautiful, chill-out music, some scented candles spread around the room, maybe a peaceful combination of colors? This is indeed very appealing, but, most importantly, all these delights are indeed a powerful instruction meditation tool. Meditation training begins in fact and it is based on the environment that you create in the room.

Is There Such a Thing as the Best Relaxation Technique?

As many experts there are out there, as many so called "best relaxation techniques" can be found. Basically, you need to find the one that works for you, it is as simple as that. I can recommend you some tips that you can use in order to feel more relaxed, to feel positive about yourself and about all those who are around you - and these are the essential premises of relaxation, besides patience and ambition. Don't be surprised if you will not reach the maximum of relaxation right from the moment you begin to apply the specific methods.

Only by learning hard and by training even harder you will mange to control your anxieties and your daily worries. My methods do not require a technique teacher but the do impose your being willing enough to get over whatever makes you feel uncomfortable and tired. What I have for you is not the unique instruction meditation tool, but it is one of the best.

What Can I Do in Order to Relax More?

After a stressful day at work or after a really exhausting activity, why not take some time for yourself? Why not create a special ambiance especially made for relaxation? You need no training in order to make yourself happy. There are few tips that work perfectly as an instruction meditation tool, but the difference here is that you don't need any special training, or a technique teacher. All you need is your enthusiasm and your will.

First of all, you can begin by remembering of a happy, calm moment from your past, a moment that filled you with joy and with a lot of energy. Think of your first love think of the first time you saw the ocean, think of your family. Then take a relaxing bubble-bath, read a book (not the newspaper) or simply take a deep breathe and think of those happy moments that I mentioned before.

Spend as much time as possible with your happy, joyful thoughts. This is a very efficient instruction meditation tool as long as a rhythmic breathing pace accompanies the meditation process. Always remember that a good motivation and a healthy manner of thinking always pay off. You might even reach superior levels of meditation if you join some yoga session where a technique teacher will help you in the learning of the most efficient relaxing methods.

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Beginner Yoga Class Checklist

If you're new to yoga, you might not know what to expect when you walk in the doors of a beginner's yoga class for the first time. You might not even know how to start in choosing a beginner's yoga class to attend. Here's a "how to" checklist.

1. Nail down your goals and find the right style for you.

Everyone comes to yoga for different reasons. Sometimes these differences are slight, other times they're vast.

For instance, are you interested in an intense physical workout to throbbing music, or are you on more of a spiritual path towards (quiet) enlightenment? Are you attracted to yoga because of its health benefits, and if so, is it physical or emotional health you are most interested in?

Are you interested in the philosophy and rich traditions of yoga, or are you on the other extreme and wouldn't be caught dead reciting a mantra?

Whatever your personal needs and proclivities, there's a yoga for you. If several flavors of yoga are offered in your area, do your research online or in the library to find which style would be the best fit for you.

Once you know what it is you're looking for, you can set some goals. Call the teacher of the beginner yoga class you're considering and ask if your expectations are reasonable.

2. Choose a drop-in or series beginner yoga class

A drop-in yoga class allows you to pay-as-you go. There will likely be some turnover week to week as to which students show up for class. The teacher is likely to keep this class on the mild side, because students will be at such differing ability levels.

This may be just what you're looking for if you just want a taste of yoga but don't want to buy an expensive package of classes. This may also be a good choice for you if your schedule won't allow you to attend a class every week. Keep in mind there are significant drawbacks.

One, because the class is ongoing, you will never get to start at "the beginning." You may be a little lost at first while you learn the culture of the class. Also, drop-in beginner yoga classes tend to be repetitive.

A series yoga class is different in that you buy a set number of classes and each class builds on what you learned in the previous week. A good series class is repetitive only in that there is some review each time, but then the teacher introduces new material.

You can learn much more much faster in a series class, but again there are drawbacks. First, if you miss a class it may be difficult to make up the material that you missed. Also, you will be asked to pay for the whole series up front.

Take a look at your level of commitment, your schedule and your budget and decide whether a drop-in or a series class is better for your needs.

3. Make sure the teacher has adequate training.

Yoga is now a significant contributor to sports injuries. This can be attributed to two things: students pushing themselves too hard for perfection and inadequate training of instructors.

Don't be shy in asking your potential instructor about their background. There are certifications for teaching "gym yoga" that an instructor can get in a long weekend. A three day training is just enough to make someone dangerous. That's not to say that some of the people who start with such certifications don't turn out to be excellent instructors by dedicating themselves to practice and increasing their knowledge over the course of months and years.

There are of course people who teach yoga with no formal certification whatsoever, and though it might be difficult for these teachers to get liability insurance, there's nothing illegal about it. Keep in mind that yoga is a spiritual tradition thousands of years old, and the idea of giving someone a certificate for learning a few poses and breathing techniques would have been an odd idea indeed even seventy years ago. It is one thing to wake up one morning and decide to teach yoga with little to no experience. It is quite another to teach after living for years under the tutelage of a master yogi who just doesn't believe in certificates.

As a general rule, seek out yoga teachers with at the very least 200 hours of training. In the United States there's an organization called the Yoga Alliance that offers a registry of teachers who attended training programs that meet certain standards. Someone can have the Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) designation from the Yoga Alliance and still be a crummy teacher, but usually RYTs are a safe bet.

4. Look into additional costs of the yoga class.

Sometimes there are additional costs involved in taking a beginner's yoga class besides the registration fee. You may need to buy your own yoga mat, strap, or other props, for instance. In some classes you may need to buy certain books for study or even special clothing of a certain color.

It is important to know what the related costs are up front so that you and your bank account won't encounter any surprises later on.

I hope this checklist will help you find a beginner's yoga class that's right for you.

David Morgan is a Kripalu Yoga Teacher who offers yogaknoxville.com Knoxville, TN yoga classes. Find out more about yogaknoxville.com/beginner-yoga-class-checklist-110 yoga for beginners on his web site and get a free relaxation recording by subscribing to his newsletter that covers yoga in Knoxville and the East Tennessee region.

Yoga - An Exercise For the Mind

Many people think yoga is merely a practice of placing the body in uncomfortable, contorted positions for the purpose of creating flexibility in the body. Although it is indeed a form of physical exercise, this ancient practice is more an exercise for the mind. Here are some ways that it can benefit your mind and emotions.

It helps clear the mind. If are worried, have a problem to solve, or have negative thoughts it will help you get clear and release those emotions.

It creates self-confidence. As you progress in a regular practice you will notice improvement in your posture and your self-image. You will be able to do poses that you never thought you could do before. This feeling of confidence will carry over in your everyday life.

It enhances body awareness. A good instructor will tell you to listen to your body while you practice yoga. Good body awareness allows you to be coordinated and to know when you are doing something that will harm your body. Likewise you will know what is good for your body and your health. For example, you may be inspired to start eating healthier.

It makes you focused. If you feel distracted easily you will find that it helps to train the mind to stay present.

It makes you calm. You will learn how to breathe fully which helps to relax the mind and body. The calmness and patience needed to perform a balance pose will give you the skills to handle a stressful situation.

It helps you forget the past. Bad relationships, childhood traumas and embarrassing mistakes are all in the past. Yoga trains the mind to live in the present and let go of anything else that does not serve you.

It increases intuitive abilities. As the mind becomes more clear, focused and calm you are able to make better decisions and choices in life. Your mind will become an open channel to receive new, creative ideas.

You will learn to love yourself. As a method of nurturing the body, mind and spirit, the more you do yoga the more you will see improvements in your mind and body, the more you will see your confidence grow, and the more you will love yourself.

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S. McRee is a personal trainer and Kripalu yoga instructor who loves to inspire people to live a healthy lifestyle.

Yoga Teacher Certification Completed - 5 Tips on How To Get Started Without Experience

So now the time has come, you've been practicing Yoga for a while now and you feel ready to take on the responsibility of leading regular yoga instruction and help those who would like to regularly practice and take their efforts to the next level, plus increase their knowledge about many of the more detailed aspects of yoga and practice.

Obviously, during yoga teacher certification you progressively become more confident, you also pick up a little more about the philosophy of yoga and the science of the human anatomy and alignment issues that would not normally be covered during basic Yoga class.

Below I share 5 valuable tips to help you better prospects as a Yoga instructor.

1. You've got to get experience somewhere, so why not go and talk to some of the gyms in your local area that cater for Yoga classes, and not forgetting the workout studios and of course there is the YMCA/YWCA. Alternatively, you can find a community college and hold classes on your own. You can try out some churches, and there will be individuals who would require training in private class that would be held at time more suited to them and could either take place in their own home or possibly your own. (That's if you wanted to.)

2. Network with other local Yoga instructors and ask them how they got started, I'm sure they could provide valuable points that can lead you a useful direction.

3. You can expand on your experience by become an assistant trainer at your local gym, so for a time being you can assist and gain very valuable experience by just watching and DOING. I can't emphasize the last part enough. Its down to the 80/20 principle you'll learn 80% of your experience by gathering the training work that makes up the 20%.

4. If work as independent Yoga instructor is your goal then consider that you will have to put in long hours, sometimes including nights and weekends, are common, and employment is expected to be much faster than the average, and as Yoga is consider as health care your prospect are good, though do expect increase in competition as it is expected, but don't let this put you off, the best way forward is to be organized and disciplined and provide the very best service you can.

5. Consider the training environment as your schedules could have a work time setting generally about 40 to 50 hours per week-with nights and weekends off. You may spend part of your time in other locations such as community colleges, YMCA, or clients home or you own studio. So you may be out of outreach to other would be clients so its a good idea to keep your schedule varied.

In Summary

Assisting of others with your skills and knowledge as yoga instructor can be a very rewarding experience, in the difference it makes to your students will make for amazing changes and not just for your students but for yourself too. Though certification is not essential to train - yet training is essential in able to help your students find their path. In return your students will give you respect and courtesy because of your respect for them...Yoga is guidance for a more positive path in life, and following these 5 tips can lead to a more prosperous one too.

To locate more information try visiting yoga-teacher-certification.info yoga teacher certification A popular website that offers tips, advice, resources and reviews to include information about fullfilling your intentions

Cultivate a Positive Mind-Set Through Meditation

You have the ability to create your own mind-set. Whether your attitude is positive or negative, is up to you. The ability to change your environment, circle of friends, and attitude, is within your control.

Just like a computer absorbs raw data, so does your mind. Within your mind a culture, within itself, has grown. Many people feel like they have no control of their own mind, because this culture has become negative. The negativity is a result of past experiences, being in a negative environment, or being under the influence of unconstructive ideas.

Similar to a computer virus, you have to identify it quickly, to avoid letting it spread within your mind. You can also pass this virus of negative thinking to people around you. As a result you are spreading negative energy around, like "weeds in a field."

Much like a farmer, you cultivate too. The energy in your mind is the crop, and it is up to you, whether it is weeds or wheat. If you have a farm and let a field take care of itself; you will be lucky to have any kind of a crop, from it. This is the same with the energy within your mind.

You have to option to pick quality seeds: Information, in the form of books, eBooks, DVD's, CD's, lectures, courses, workshops, and seminars. This is learning, for the sake of self-improvement, and it results in a positive mind-set.

However, your work is not finished, because you must still reinforce the lessons, and keep everything in a focused order. This might be compared to fertilizing, watering, and "weeding the mind." You have to work at it continually or the weeds will grow back. This, my friend, is meditation, and one of the reasons why we meditate, in the first place.

Meditation is controlled focus on an object, thought, or task without judgment. This process makes it possible to look at all situations objectively. You can find solutions, turn negative situations into positive learning experiences, and create your own positive mindset. As a result of this you will make new friends, reach goals, handle problems easily, and develop an indomitable spirit.

Remember the last time you made an accomplishment. That feeling, and that ability, are within all of us. It is a formula for success, but you have to take action. Action is something that the vast majority of people will never take. Learn to separate yourself from "the pack," through education, meditation, and action.

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. yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Yoga For Happiness - One Key to Successful Relationships

Jnana Yoga is often considered the "Yoga of truth." This form of truth, in Yoga practice, is found through self-discovery and by carefully performing honest self-analysis. Yet, all that we change from within will not change the world around us, unless we interact with it.

Relationships are our interaction, with the people we see, in the course of a day. We cannot change the world by sitting and meditating in a cave for the rest of our lives. Yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and loving kindness are put into practice when we engage in balanced relationships.

In all relationships, the keys to success can be found. Take the following key and apply it toward all of your relationships in work, with family, at home, and with your friends. In this way, you can apply time-tested Yogic principles in your daily life.

The Key of Mutual Trust

You have a right to be skeptical of everything you encounter, but when you wear skepticism like a badge, people will become skeptical of you. This does not imply that you should trust everyone and train your children to "take candy from strangers." However, when you assume that everyone has a hidden agenda, and you do not trust anyone, you encourage an atmosphere of mistrust.

Supervisors and business owners set the tone within a company. If mistrust starts at the top, it trickles down to the foundation of the company. An atmosphere of mistrust breeds a multitude of problems. The supervisor who does not trust his or her help is most likely to take credit for the help's ideas.

Similarly, the same supervisor is least likely to take responsibility for his or her mistakes. It is very tempting, when you do not trust anyone, to see everyone as potential enemies. It is also possible to view every subordinate as a threat to job security. Do you think the workers who answer to an openly distrustful supervisor will be loyal?

So far, all we have considered is the level of mutual trust in business relationships, but the key of mutual trust is part of every aspect of life. If you treat your children and spouse with mistrust, you will definitely encounter mutual feelings from them.

Whether trust is earned, or violated, do not ignore it. There is no need to carry a grudge forever or assume that one act of kindness makes someone a saint. We have to accept people the way they are, without going through harsh judgments or leaving ourselves unnecessarily open to be taken advantage of.

Yoga teaches each of us about living in balance and harmony. There is no need to let life's highs or lows throw you out of balance for long. Granted, we are all human and mistakes are part of a lifelong learning process, but Yoga can help us find the higher purposes of life.

? Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. aurawellnesscenter.com aurawellnesscenter.com.

He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

Teaching Hatha Yoga - Global Benefits for Public Health

At a time when lack of good health habits seems to be a common practice, Yoga has answers and many rewards. Yogic philosophy is concerned with preventative health on every level of existence. There are many temptations, which can cause people to form bad health habits. Fast food, huge out-to-eat portions, television, video games, personal computers, and a perceived lack of time to take care of ourselves, have combined to create global obesity.

At a time when people have so much technology and wealth, it is hard to understand why people are also living in poverty and suffering from starvation. You might think that humans would have found better solutions to distribute food equally to those who are in need. Granted, the efforts to feed those in need are better than ever, but we have not developed a perfect system.

Some will say, "What wealth?" and "I am not rich." Consider the past: Our ancestors worried about their next meal, shelter over their heads, and disease, much more than the average person does today. If you are reading this on a computer, chances are the standard of living in your family line has improved over the past 100 years.

Yogic principles have helped humanity for 5,000 years. The art of living in moderation (Aparigraha), and selfless service (Karma Yoga), are good for our neighbors and also good for us. Over consumption is a form of gluttony, which hurts two parties. The person who is starving could use the food, while the person who is consuming, for the sake of consuming, is injuring his or her health.

The case could easily be made that gluttony damages physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. When we over consume, we throw our health out of balance. We are doing the same thing to our entire planet. We still burn fossil fuels, because those industries do not wish to change. The polar ice is melting at a rapid pace, so we are in denial and cut down trees at a faster pace.

When we cut down trees, we are cutting away the "lungs of our planet." Through photosynthesis, one mature tree can produce enough oxygen for a family of four, for about one year. Needless to say, if you have property, keep the trees on it in good health. If you must cut a tree down, plant two to take its place.

Yoga instructors must teach the principles of Aparigraha and Karma Yoga. The health of the entire planet is at stake. Make your students aware of small ways in which they can help. As consumers, we can take action (karma) to guide the auto industry into manufacturing more hybrid automobiles, and eventually, phase out the current gasoline burning models. We can invest in companies which work to develop cleaner sources of energy.

So far, the action to make positive changes, worldwide, has begun, but we must remain dedicated to change for the sake of global health and future generations.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA - riyoga.com riyoga.com

He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

All About Learning Yoga Poses

You may wish to find out how to learn about the many different yoga poses out there. The resources for this are numberless. And you can find out about them in your own home, too. Since yoga has become popular, you may wish to learn how to master the various poses in order to get on with your training.

Since mastering yoga poses isn't child's play, you may want to give yourself plenty of time for practicing. You should get comfortable with each pose as you learn it. Then you can move on to the next one. Since some poses are more challenging than some others, always give yourself enough time before advancing.

There are quite a few classes for beginners, so do think about this before you start to learn the various poses. For one thing, you may wish to enroll in a class that's about your own skill level at the moment. If you are not overdoing it, your progress can be more smooth and enjoyable.

Don't forget DVDs and/or books from which to learn yoga poses. There are guides out there that specify the various poses you may wish to master. There are rentals available either for books in your neighborhood library or for DVDs in your local video rental. This way you may be able to find all the instructions you need to get on with your yoga.

Doing some search online can also quickly put you in touch with lots more yoga poses you may wish to learn. This way your search is as close to you as your own computer. Learning with some online source has the advantage of letting you learn at your own pace. This way your progress is going to be at a level that's comfortable for you.

There are quite a few different places where you can learn your yoga poses. Find the ones that best suit your own needs. Yoga is a way to both challenge and change your body. So get on with it. You will never regret it.

Isabella Brown has written a couple of different articles on Best Yoga Methods and they can be found at bestyogaguides.com Different Yoga Styles. If you want to learn more about Yoga Techniques, visit bestyogaguides.com/specialreport.html Learning Yoga Poses and claim your Free Special Report.

How Ayurveda Massage Therapies Turns Medical System

Ayurveda training programs and requirements brings students with number opportunities in future. Ayurveda is originated from India and is one of the ancient approaches to good health, balanced body, well-being and nutrition. Originating in India, massage therapy training programs promote the integration of nutrition meditation and herbs. Ayurveda practitioners acquire skills by completing diploma, graduate and doctorate degree programs at different level. The complexity of ayurveda and massage therapies is not with standing, superficial information, often driven by simplistic new age influences and by commercial interests that has made serious ayurveda education difficult. It is not understood as a genuine medical system like confusion of Abhyanga therapy with simple massage techniques.

The ayurveda and massage training process is an Indian based system that provides wide variety of ayurvedic training programs along with massage therapy training to people of all levels of qualification ranging from beginners first hearing about ayurveda massage system to trained holistic massage therapists and then experienced ayurvedic practitioners wishing to further their skills and expand their ayurveda practice. The Ayurvedic trainings are provided by an experienced ayurveda and massage therapists working from the last several years known for offering one of the finest and world class holistic and ayurveda therapy. Through its excellence, authentic Ayurveda is made easy to understand and relevant to a business context and western lifestyle.

The growing popularity of holistic massage therapies and ayurveda in particular, has opened up a whole new spectrum of career opportunities for properly trained Ayurveda and massage therapists. As with many things, professional Ayurvedic training by kerala-ayurvedics is the key to opening the door to financial success and this has never been truer than with our wide range of massage therapy training courses in Delhi and Gurgaon in India. Not only in Indian and but also in other western cultures have a long tradition of reciprocal contact beginning in Roman times. Archeological and massage findings bear witness to these relations and, along with the great Indian medical tradition, suggest that the discovery of Ayurveda in other parts of the world that helps in describing more clearly as a rediscovery.

However, as in other western countries, dissemination of Ayurveda has not been homogeneous especially concerning quality and worldwide recognition. This has led to the spread of erroneous scientific and medical information concerning Ayurveda's and massage therapeutic potential, and to short and superficial ayurveda educational programs, contributing further to its distorted image. All these massage therapy courses and training programs are available to day on the subject of Ayurveda which offers necessary theoretical knowledge along with the sufficient practical training in different sections of yoga and kalari marma massage, ayurvedic massage therapies and types of panchakarma therapies, identification, cosmetology and preparation of Ayurvedic medicine and ayurvedic cookery. During these types of massage training students will gain in-depth knowledge of advanced pharmacology, herbology, pathology, diagnostics and therapeutics. They will learn how to design individualized Ayurvedic treatment and usage of massage therapy on different parts of the body consisting of herbs, customized diet plans and panchakarma. The course includes detailed theoretical in combination of practical training in ayurveda Panchakarma.

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Musings On Meditation

Did you know that in a typical day you think approximately 60,000 thoughts? What is even more astounding is that 90 percent of those thoughts you thought yesterday. Most of us would like to think we are constantly expressing creative thoughts and ideas, but apparently that is not the case! Psychology reveals that the majority of our thought patterns and beliefs are formed at a very early age and repeat themselves over and over throughout our lives.

Your thoughts and emotions are constantly affecting the trillions of cells in your body. When you are in a calm and relaxed state chemical messengers such as serotonin and endorphins are released from the brain into the rest of the system, creating a sense of well-being and harmony. When you are in a state of mental or emotional stress, however, the famous "fight or flight" response kicks in and the entire system prepares to defend itself.

WHAT IS MEDITATION?

Meditation is often thought of as a mystical practice from the East. The truth is that meditation has been practiced throughout the ages in many cultures and is not necessarily a religious activity. Through practice, we can learn to consciously move into a place of deep peace. The goal of meditation is to achieve union with the essence of who we really are in the deepest part of ourselves - in other words, to achieve "pure awareness," or consciousness.

What is this state of pure awareness? Great thinkers, philosophers, psychologists, spiritual teachers and scientists have written volumes and spent lifetimes considering this timeless subject. In the literature, the term most frequently used to describe the essence of our being is spirit, the animating force of life.

But where is the spirit? How do we identify with our own spirit? The outer circumstances of daily living seem to hold us on a continual treadmill of endless activity, compounded by that treadmill of our repeating thought patterns formed early in life.

PRACTICING MEDITATION

The following are three general suggestions that will assist you in developing a meditation practice.

1. Seek out a quiet environment for a calming effect that is ideal for meditation. This quiet spot may be in your home, a place of worship, or in nature.

2. Sit with the spine erect. You can sit in a chair or in a simple cross-legged position on the floor or a pillow.

3. Let go of the need to control the experience. A receptive attitude is key to meditation.

Preceding meditation, there are several concentration practices that help to quiet the chattering mind and lead to a state of heightened awareness. Three practices that are commonly used and are particularly useful to our modern Western minds include:

? watching the breath

? concentration on an object

? reciting a mantra

Watching the Breath. This technique is also referred to as mindfulness meditation. Sit quietly observing your nostril breath. Thoughts will move through your mind, but your object of attention is your breath. Follow your breath as it flows in and out make the two breath streams even and equal. When your mind wanders (which is very natural), simply bring it back to the breath. Approach this practice as a calm observer. Watching your breath is a wonderful practice to realize that you are not your thoughts, you are something besides your thoughts.

Object Concentration. Focus your steady gaze on an object such as a flower, candle flame or even the ocean. The goal is to bring the mind to one point of focus in the present moment.

Mantra Meditation. mantra is a Sanskrit word that means "control of mind." In mantra meditation, you repeat a series of words to help you gain control of the restless mind. The selected mantra does not have to be a foreign sound. I teach mantra using the simple words "peace, harmony, well-being" from the Walt Baptiste Method of Raja Yoga.

All of these concentration practices will naturally lead to a meditative state of heightened awareness. The length of each meditation session is up to you. The important thing is to establish a daily practice. Just as you train the body through a consistent program of exercise, in meditation you train your mind through consistent practice, and you open up to new levels of mental clarity, physical health and spiritual inspiration.

Michele H?bert is a Raja Yoga and meditation teacher, wellness educator, natural nutritionist, and motivational speaker. Michele holds the highest degree of yoga teacher mastery offered by Yoga Alliance (E-RYT 500) and was awarded the title of Raja Yoga Guide by her teacher Walt Baptiste. She implemented the first meditation-based stress management program at the renowned Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, CA, teaching mind-body wellness techniques to enhance the immune system. She has authored numerous articles published in industry journals in the area of mind-body health, and was one of the lead teachers in a private fitness video commissioned for H.H. the Dalai Lama.

Michele has been associated with Rancho La Puerta Fitness Resort and The Golden Door Spa for 20 years, where she is a frequent presenter and speaker on spirituality and the art of conscious living. Michele and her husband Dr. Mehrad Nazari lead international yoga, health and spiritual retreats to exotic locations such as Esalen Institute, Costa Rica, Rancho la Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, and India. She has recently created the CD education series, "The Inner Practices of Yoga," and teaches The Art of Meditation course at University of California, San Diego.

To learn more about Michele and her latest title, The Tenth Door: An Adventure Through the Jungle of Enlightenment, please visit rajayogis.net rajayogis.net

Fighting Fat in Your 20s, 30s and 40s

The battle against fat rages on. Never more than today when the combination of sedentary lifestyles and supersized meals are compounding the weight problems plaguing modern society. In 2009, a whopping 63.1% of adults and 16 to 33% of children and adolescents in the US were either overweight or obese. This statistical data is a forecast of health problems to come and the numbers can get higher. It is ironic that despite all the medical advancements that we spend billions of dollars on to prolong life, we forget the very basics that ensure that we even get a chance to enjoy the fullest rewards these advancements should bring, which is a long and active life.

In your 20s, having a balanced and regular eating routine will improve health and weight. Something as simple as eating breakfast can dramatically improve total well being and can give you a sense of control over what you eat throughout the day. Eating every 3 hours thereafter will ensure optimal metabolic activity but choosing whole grains and greens over white, refined carbohydates will keep you from eating in between meals. Exercise for 30 minutes to 1 hour in equal measure with cardio and weight training three times weekly. Alternate with cardio and aerobic exercises on off days for 45 minutes. This is the decade when you start investing for your health and developing habits that will support your goals of a fit and healthy life.

In your 30s, you begin to notice the tell tale signs of aging. Metabolism slows down every decade by 1 to 2% and you may notice that it becomes difficult to maintain your weight, much so to lose it. This is the time to be more conscious of what we eat and avoid the kids leftovers. Focus on the quality of food that you eat and go for high quality protein and carbohydrates for energy. Your metabolism can be improved by certain foods such as chili pepper by as much as 23% and drinking green tea can help reduce appetite and regulate sugar. Consider circuit training 4 times a week with one day cardio. Mix up your routines to confuse muscle memory. Incorporate yoga or Pilates to pull everything in and up and prevent sagging.

For women, your 40s is when estrogen levels decline and when water retention can become an issue. Metabolism continues to decline and the number of daily calories that you need decreases. Avoid salty foods to discourage bloating and eat more of green, leafy and cruciferous vegetables to metabolize hormones especially estrogen. Exercises should include 3 days of moderate weight training at 30 minutes to one hour per session and 3-5 days cardio. It is harder than when you were younger but with less impact and intensity, you can avoid injury. Pilates and yoga is still beneficial and should be added to your routine if you can.

Starting a healthy lifestyle is never too late at any age but it pays to start early. The earlier you start improving your dietary and fitness habits, the more likely are you assured of a long, active and rewarding life.

Over at the FitnessArmory.com, you can let our expert advice on fitness and equipment reviews help you create the perfect home gym but without all the huge costs. We have the exclusive reviews on all your favorite brands and models to help you get in shape, get healthy and look great. Recent product reviews include: fitnessarmory.com/bodycraft-vr100-rowing-machine BodyCraft VR100, fitnessarmory.com/bowflex-selecttech-1090-dumbbells Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells. We invite you to stop by or drop us a line if you have any questions or need help with your fitness equipment selections.

Seven Criteria For Finding the Best Yoga Teaching Training Course Home Study Program

Your happinesslifetime.com yoga teacher training is very important and that is why if you are looking for the right happinesslifetime.com yoga teacher training course home study program for you that you enroll yourself in a yoga instructor program that is the best that you can find to ensure that you are fully qualified and certified and 100 percent ready to start a professional and profitable yoga business from day one.

Criteria One: A Money Back Guarantee

A number of programs don't offer a money back guarantee at all. That leads one to believe that (a) they don't believe in the quality of their course and (b) they are not confident enough to stand by their course by ensuring 100 percent student satisfaction.

For this reason I would urge you to only enrol in a home study course that offers a guarantee - no exceptions!

Criteria Two: A High Level Of Support And Customer Satisfaction

It's unrealistic to expect to deliver a host of course material to students without being available for any kind of support and to answer all questions and to continue to motivate and offer support throughout the whole course.

For this reason it is absolutely essential that you enrol in a course that offers you a number of ways to have student support -- the ideal being unlimited telephone AND email support.

Criteria Three: The Course Must Be At Least 200 Hours

Every yoga home study program has a minimum requirement of at least 200 hours -- this is the level 1 minimum. Unfortunately many students hoping to learn all there is to know in a "weekend workshop" are usually left not only very disappointed, and not as qualified as they would like.

This usually results in having to then re-enrol in another course to continue their study-- an additional expense that shouldn't have been necessary if the right course was chosen in the first place.

For this reason I would recommend that you avoid a weekend workshop or a short course that will not educate you with all you need to know.

Criteria Four: The Course Syllabus Must Be Complete And Cover Absolutely Everything

Being a yoga instructor in training involves a lot more than just learning how to teach the exercises. Any course you choose should cover most if not all of the following:

anatomy

physiology

kinesiology

alignment assistance

working with children and the elderly

ethics

mediation

relaxation

business development

marketing

networking

Criteria Five: Being Trained In The Prevention Of Injuries

It is absolutely essential that any course you should cover the prevention of injuries of your students. Otherwise you could be held liable at the most, and lose students at the very least.

Criteria Six: Unnecessary Additional Charges

Some home study courses charge extra for study material and phone calls while weekend workshops can often result in extras like accommodation and meals being charged for -- this can unwittingly double your course costs.

I highly recommend that you be careful about extra charges and know upfront what ALL the costs are going to be.

Criteria Seven: The Certifying Body Specializes In More Than Just Diploma Issuing

Unfortunately some diploma issuing bodies are just that -- they don't have specialized knowledge in yoga at all

How To Make The Right Choice

As well as the seven criteria up above you must finish the course with all the knowledge that you will need to become a fully certified and qualified yoga teacher fully prepared to start a profitable yoga business from day one.

I have found the best yogainstructorscoursecertification.com Yoga Teacher Training home study program available. I spent hours researching the range of instructor certification courses available and have announced my number one choice at my training website. Learn from a Yoga Master With 5000 Hours Of Training Under His Belt And Be Fully Certified Within Just 3 Months In His World Class Yoga Teacher Training Course Online. Start your yoga certification today at yogainstructorscoursecertification.com yogainstructorscoursecertification.com

New York City Off -The- Record: Part 1

THE BEST OF THE BEST

The best bar, the best bathroom, the best bus line, the best block party, the best back-crack, the best Brooklyn hipster haircuts, the best gossip, the best magazine browsing, the best patriot outlaws...Does it get any better? THE VILLAGE VOICE Best of NYC villiagevoice.com villiagevoice.com

Best Way To Find Whatever It Is That You're Looking For: CITYSEARCH.COM CITYSEARCH.COM helps you find bars, restaurants, shops, and museums all the time.


CUPPA COFFEE

JACK'S COFFEE ‘Jack is no ordinary coffee shop’. Stir brewed coffee, premium teas, live music on Tuesday, and Thursday night movies. ‘Great Vibe’. 138 W 10th St.

The Village Voice has named MUD 'The Best Coffee Empire', giving NYC residents an alternative to the (Star-$$$'s) takeover. Look for the orange truck at Astor Place and Union Square.

THE HUNGARIAN PASTRY SHOP - A heavenly view of The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Amsterdam & 109th Street.

THE CUPCAKE CAFE is close to Broadway and the fabulous 42nd Street area where there are movies, arcade games, and a wonderful cluster of import shops. It is just behind the New York, New Jersey Port Authority in an area where you might not think to stroll. Located at 522 9th Avenue on the corner of 39th Street, the nearby highway leads to the Lincoln Tunnel.

HOUSING WORKS USED BOOKS AND CAFE-'Soho's Best kept secret'- 126 Crosby Street, NYC 10012.


HAVE MORE FUN

ST. ANN'S WAREHOUSE - Aritists, audiences, volunteers, creative freedom and some of the best perfomances in the outward bound of entertainment. 38 Water Street Dumbobrooklyn.

GALAPAGOS 'may be the only public place in town where (while imbibing) you can hear a reading of Shakespeare's Tempest, shimmy to live Cuban music and see trapeze artists all in the same month.' 70 North 6th St. (Williamsburg/ Greenpoint) Between Wythe and Kent Aves. Take L train to Brooklyn 718-782-5188

POETRY SLAM With poetry or prose, untried and unstoppable writers gain stage worthy experience. NUYORICAN POETS CAFE - 236 E 3rd between B & C (212) 505-8183

THE BOWERY POETRY CLUB - 308 Foot of First Street between Houston & Bleecker

FILM FORUM- 209 W. HOUSTON ST. N.Y., NY 10014 BOX OFFICE: (212) 727-8110 New York's leading movie house for independent premieres and repertory programming -- The Film Forum presents independent filmmakers, international collections, complete retrospectives of worthy filmmakers, silent films, and mini-festivals.

LEISURE TIME BOWLING CENTER AND COCKTAIL LOUNGE AT THE PORT AUTHORITY - Between Eighth and Ninth Ave from 40th to 42nd Streets, 268-6909 Electronic scoring! Lotsa Lanes.


THE MERMAID PARADE -is a completely original creation that is the nation's largest art parade and one of New York City's greatest summer events located on CONEY ISLAND where streets, buildings, public beach and boardwalk may be a bit down at the heels, but it remains a one-of-a-kind destination. Vicinity of Surf Avenue & West 15th Street, Brooklyn, NY coneyisland.com coneyisland.com

The STORY BOOTH is a soundproof environment where you can record your story or the stories of your loved ones located between Track 13 and 14 of Grand Central Terminal.

THE LIVING ROOM --The indie best for accoustic folk, country, pop, rock and soul--154 Ludlow Street NYC (between Stanton and Rivington)


LISTEN UP

WNYC National Public Radio 820-AM

WFMU College Free Form 91.1- FM

WFUV-FM Adult Alternative 90.7


PEOPLE ARE HAPPIER WHEN THEY ARE LEARNING

WARD STUDIO- a coveted acting studio in the Miesner Approach. Offering summer sabbaticals for the corporate professional and intensive acting training for the serious minded actor. 145 West 28th St. Ny, Ny 212-239-1456 wardstudio.com wardstudio.com


DANCE THEATRE WORKSHOP @ 219 West 19th St. is about supporting and advancing the work of artists - constantly evolving to sustain artists at every stage of their development. They provide a wide range of administrative, promotional and technical services to the community of independent artists in New York, across the country and around the world.

THE INSTITUTE OF CULINARY EDUCATION was named “Avocational Cooking School of the Year” by the International Association of Culinary Professionals. ICE has three divisions: Recreational, Career and Special Events: 50 West 23rd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues [iceculinary.com]

ANNE BOGART AND SITI TRAINING -- Disinct, challenging and innovative methods of actor training. Viewpoints & Suzuki, Master Classes- Guest Artist Series, Drop-in Classes. siti.org siti.org

CRUSH WINE CO. -153 E. 57th St. offers a quick wine tasting primer for $50.


GREAT PUBLIC SPACES

PALEY PARK @ 53rd Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues. Located within Midtown's cultural district and surrounded by high-rises, this celebrated "vest-pocket" park is a welcome respite from the sights and sounds of urban living.

NY PUBLIC LIBRARY @ 42nd street and Madison boasts a gorgeous reading room that would make anyone feel like royalty - indeed, it rivals the ballrooms of European palaces. But out in front, along the street, is where this illustrious institution truly connects with the city around it. A series of well-linked spaces - steps, plazas, little nooks and pathways - provide innumerable places for sitting, meeting, eating and chatting.

BRYANT PARK a green and sensual urban oasis including "Seventh on Sixth" fashion shows; the JVC Jazz Festival; the "New York Times Young Performers Series"; lunchtime concerts by Juilliard students; Monday night movies in the summer; the Kaleidoscope Circus; boules and chess games.

HUA MEI BIRD GARDEN Community garden that hosts daily, early-morning gatherings of Chinese men who bring beautiful songbirds in fancy bamboo cages. Sara Delano Roosevelt Park. Lower East Side, New York, NY

GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL-- One of the most well known and impressive indoor public spaces in the country, Grand Central Terminal provides an unparalleled experience to over half a million people every day. Park Avenue and 42nd Street, New York City, NY

METROPOLITIAN MUSEUM STEPS - The grand, granite steps leading to The Metropolitan Museum of Art are a destination themselves: a place to meet, eat, talk, and watch both people and Fifth Avenue traffic. Fifth Avenue from 80th - 84th Streets, New York, NY


IN PRAISE OF THE LOCAL BOOKSTORE

-- Owning a bookstore is a labor of love, and the financial rewards are slender. Independently owned businesses, like bookstores or drugstores or hardware stores, help define a community.

" Oh joy! Oh Rapture!" COLISEUM BOOKS-- WELCOME BACK!! 11 W. 42nd Street New York, NY Phone: (212) 803-5890. Across the street from BRYANT PARK

LABYRINTH BOOKS - 536 West 112th Street, for university presses.

ST. MARKS BOOKS - 31 Third Avenue, for a wide selection of all books.

THREE LIVES AND CO 154 West 10th Street, for fiction.

THE DRAMA BOOK SHOP--Drama Books is one of the largest book stores specializing in theatre related material. 250 W. 40th St Phone: (212) 944-0595


SMALL BUSINESSES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

A beautifully made hat is a headturner. BARBAR FEINMAN MILLINERY- 66 East 7th Street NY, NY 212-358-7092.

Wahoo! Elisa Miller knows how to throw a class act Swank! SOMEDAY PRODUCTIONS handles all aspects of party and event planning-- 347-432-8949 [somedayproductions.com]

GO YOGA Located in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A small, friendly Yoga Center offering a variety of classes all day - every day. Go Yoga is located within the Girdle factory at: 218 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn NY. 718.486.5602 [goyoga.com]


TO MARKET WE GO

GREENMARKET FARMERS MARKET a program of the Council on the Environment of NYC, promoting regional agriculture and ensures a continuing supply of fresh, local produce for New Yorkers. Comprehensive regulations govern what may be sold at a Greenmarket. With few exceptions, all items must be grown, raised, foraged, caught, or otherwise produced by the seller. cenyc.org cenyc.org

CHELSEA MARKET includes The Juice Factory, Amy's Bread, Chelsea Wholesale Flower Market, Fat Witch, Chelsea Wine Vault, Hale and Hearty Soups and lots more.... Eat, browse and leisurely stroll. 75 9th Avenue New York, NY 10011

UNION SQUARE PARK AND GREEN MARKET- Three-square-block urban park that hosts a year-round, open-air farmers market four times a week. 14th Street and Broadway, New York, NY

Janice Hoffmann is CEO and founder of Success Is Sweetest successissweetest.com successissweetest.com/ - A New York City based Career and Lifestyle Coaching Boutique.

Do You Know the Differences Between Yoga and Pilates?

Aside from being celebrities, what do Jennifer Aniston, Cindy Crawford, Hugh Grant, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Uma Thurman, Rod Stewart and Kristi Yamaguchi have in common? They've all hopped on the yoga and pilates trend for physical toning and spiritual relaxation!

There are some similarities between yoga and pilates, notably that they both work towards sculpting the body and increasing flexibility. Neither exercise will work the heart or lungs like a cardiovascular workout will, but they both add to an overall state of mental and physical wellbeing.

Yoga and pilates are so similar that they're often fused together in workout videos and yoga pilates classes across America, although it's sort of a Western fusion. In India, it is something entirely different than the German-created pilates.

Clear differences between yoga and pilates include some of the following: First, it is an ancient Indian practice that dates back approximately 5,000 years, whereas pilates is an adaptation of it dating back eighty years to a German athlete, Joseph Pilate.

Secondly, in addition to physical activity, it is an entire holistic program that encompasses diet, meditation, breathing techniques, religious edict and a moral code; Pilates is simply a form of exercise and body sculpting technique.

Thirdly, it aims to unite mind and body, as well as cleanse the body of toxins, while pilates is fashioned to strengthen, define and improve posture. Additionally, in it, you are taught to inhale and exhale through the nose, whereas pilates employs the traditional athletic mode of breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth while performing an action.

Lastly, it can generally be done with just a mat (although sometimes props are used), while instructors ensure everyone's in proper form; pilates, on the other hand, has specific machinery designed to assist practitioners.

Athletes and dancers often engage in "pilates for sports" classes, either in large groups or one-on-one with an instructor. However, one needn't attend a class to get started with pilates -- in fact, there are many videos (Eleonora Goya, Dian Ramirez, Leslie Sansone, Kathy Smith, Denise Austin, Karen Voight, The Method yoga, MTV, Prevention, etc). Of course, you won't get quite the same workout without the elaborate weight systems, but it could be a good launching point for people who are curious but not quite ready to commit to a gym or studio.

Some of the most popular videos include:

- "Yoga Zone";

- "Living Yoga - AM/PM";

- "Total Yoga: The Flow Series";

- "Yoga: Mind & Body with Ali Macgraw";

- "Crunch Yoga Mama: Prenatal Yoga";

- "Yoga Practice For Strength";

- "Ashtanga Yoga with Richard Freeman";

- "The Power of Hatha Yoga" and;

- "Kundalini Yoga: With Grace and Strength."

For the practitioners seeking spiritual teaching as well, classes and center training are best. Choosing between either classes or videos is all just a matter of preference.

Visit us for free tips and training to help you lselvon.com make quick easy money and have the financial freedom you deserve.

The Truth of Yoga

If you are trying to find an effective way to relieve stress, exercise your body in a constructive manner, and be happy when you're done...you must try yoga. Many people visualize yoga as some form of bodily contortions that are not achievable or even enticing to pursue. However, this image could not be further from the truth of what yoga truly is about and offers. It has been around for over 5000 years and common sense should tell us that if something has successfully worked and been practiced for that long, there is a reason.

Yoga, like all things in life, comes in a variety of formats. Yes, there is the form of yoga in which there are advanced poses that can take years to achieve. However, that style is not the primary one that many people practice. You might one day reach those advanced poses and that is great if that becomes your goal; however, you must remember to keep your focus on what your body can achieve at the present moment. Yoga is utilizing the breath in unison with the movement of the body. The key functions of yoga are to help lengthen your spine and muscles and teach you how to breathe deeply within your body.

As you learn to master your breath and movement, you become more centered. The mastering of the breath helps to quiet your mind and ultimately, you learn how to overcome stress before it overcomes you. There is no competition, no hurry to get to the next level, no deadline to reach. The true beauty of yoga is that if you truly practice it with the intention to help yourself, you will achieve what you are inwardly seeking...and possibly have a positive revelation about something you did not know about yourself.

Unlike traditional exercises, such as running or aerobics, yoga not only strengthens, lengthens and tones the body's muscles; but the movements are also designed to work and exercise the internal organs. It truly works you from the inside out. It has been known to help relieve high blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia, just to name a few ailments. Ultimately, you have the potential to find serenity within yourself without looking for it elsewhere. Don't let issues such as not being flexible or out of shape hinder you from trying it. Yoga will change that for you. Don't wait until you're in a better mindset to get started...that's when it is the best time to start.

Don't think that yoga is a religion or is conflictive with your faith. It is not attached to any faith, nor is it intended to change what you believe. If anything, it strengthens your spiritual self. Lastly, don't assume all classes and teachers are the same. We do not make that magic connection with every person we meet and the same goes for teachers. Therefore, do not assume what happens in one class is what you will experience in another. Consider it a journey for yourself and be the observer of your experiences. There is much truth in the wise statement, "When the student is ready, the teacher will come."

I started yoga four years ago with the desperate desire to relieve anxiety attacks and depression. Not only did it eliminate these issues but it also brought so much more into my life than I ever imagined possible. It made such an impact on me, it compelled me to pursue the training to become registered with the Yoga Alliance so that I could share it with others. The practice of yoga slowly enables you to free yourself of not only tight muscles that restrict movement, but tight thoughts that are restrict your mind's ability to allow YOU to truly live life to the fullest. I have been blessed to encounter many students that have experienced revelations during their practice and are happier and more relaxed than they have been in years.

Yoga is a personal practice and you are the one who chooses how you want to practice. It is called a practice because there is no perfection to achieve. You simply practice to learn more and the physical results will manifest in time. True, there are correct ways to do poses; however, each body is made differently. Therefore, what works for one person may not work for another. You make it work for yourself and never worry about what the person next to you is doing, for they are on their own journey as well. The beautiful truth is that you simply get to share each other's positive energy. The energy that radiates around your body exists and you know what it feels like to be near someone with negative energy. During a good group yoga practice, positive energy is generated and it literally expands to fill the room and it is very gratifying and uplifting.

There is much to learn and enjoy as you pursue the practice of yoga. Remember that it is something that you are doing for yourself so that you can be healthy, happy, and at peace.

I wish you much happiness and know that we all start at the same place...the beginning. A lot changes the more you practice. Only you can experience the changes that are necessary for you. In honor of what Gandhi said: "Be the change you wish to see."

Enjoy your journey and the revelations that appear along the way...

Namaste' (translated: The divine Light in me honors the divine Light in you)

My intention is to introduce (or re-introduce) the practice of yoga to everyone who would benefit. I teach yoga at the YMCA and Yoga Country. I strive to increase my knowledge in an effort to help people learn how to help themselves through the practice of yoga.

Valerie Goodman

yogarevelation.com/Home_Page.html yogarevelation.com/Home_Page.html
yogarevelation.blogspot.com yogarevelation.blogspot.com/

How to Become a Creative Yoga Teacher

There comes a day when each of us "takes up the torch" from the preceding generation. For some of us, this event may happen in our family life, at work, with the passing of one's Guru, or after a happinesslifetime.com Yoga teacher training course has concluded. We learn valuable lessons from the generation ahead of us. Then, we initially tend to copy the ways of our teachers, before we become creative Yoga teachers.

Build a Yogic Foundation

It is good to have a solid foundation of knowledge before we become innovators. On the other hand, some restless souls cannot wait to "reinvent the wheel." Creativity is a wonderful thing, but who wants to spend years creating something that was created hundreds of years ago? For this reason, each Yoga teacher should spend time researching the classic texts.

Let the Gurus of the past be your guides, through their writings and your independent research. Let the written works, and videos of today's most innovative Yoga teachers, be your path toward becoming the best you can be. There is no need to travel the teaching path alone or to recreate what has already been created.

Remember the saying: "If it isn't broken, don't fix it." Why should any of us spend time creating a solution to something that has been solved years ago? This is why education, research, and building a foundation of Yogic knowledge, is so important for all Yoga instructors. Yet, there are many written works by Yoga teachers from the past and present. In fact, the book shelves contain more literature than a lifetime of reading could consume.

Social Networks for Yoga Teachers

At this time, there is no need to teach Yoga without peer support, unless you choose to. There was a time when teachers visited their Guru, and it was a great journey. It may have required a pilgrimage, mountain climbing skills, or traveling by ship half way around the world. At his point in time, we have teacher networks, air travel, and Internet Yoga teacher communities.

If you live on a secluded island, but have Internet access, you can trade ideas with Yoga instructors from any part of the world. When answers cannot be found within, it is time to look outside for fresh ideas. At the same time, it should be noted that not every new idea may be applicable to your classes or students. Each Yoga school is unique, and the same can be said for the students within a given school.

It is always best to test new methods and see which methods are a good fit for the greater body of students. When absorbing and testing new methods in your Yoga classes, it never hurts to network with related fields. Chiropractors, physicians, nurses, holistic healers, physical therapists, and personal trainers have practical knowledge in regard to safety and methods from within their professions.

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

The Food Digestion Process

If you have ever wondered about the food digestion process, here is a general overview of the steps involved.

Digestion starts as you chew your food. Saliva mixes with this food and starts the breakdown process. From here, the food goes down the esophagus and enters the stomach, where it is mixed with enzymes, mucus, and hydrochloric acid, which kills germs and softens the food. The enzyme pepsin now breaks down proteins. The food ends up in the stomach as a watery substance known as chyme. This chyme then travels through the pyloric sphincter to the duodenum. Here, alkali counteracts the acid quality of the chyme. Pepsin only works in an acid arena, so now its action halts. Enzymes of an alkaline nature now take charge.

Now we arrive at the pancreas and the gallbladder, which are connected by two tubes. Fat is emulsified in the chyme by bile. Enzymes from the pancreas go forth and work on this fat, while some work on breaking down proteins and carbohydrates. The hormone insulin is sent into the duodenum from the pancreas. Insulin controls the sugar content of the bloodstream and cell utilization of energy. At this point, the ingested food has been broken down quite a bit, but no assimilation of nutrients into the body has taken place. When this material arrives at the small intestine, its rich blood supply and lymph start to ferry nutrients to the body as a whole.

The food now has been broken down into amino acids (protein), sugars (carbohydrates), and triglycerides (fats), which are generally sent through the lymphatic system's lacteal ducts as opposed to the blood. The amino acids and sugars are carried to the liver by the blood vessels, where some are used and some are stored. Now, the eliminative process begins with the large intestine or the bowel. Note that you are only as healthy as your intestinal health. This is the main area for the forming of free radicals in the body. The intestinal lining absorbs the mineral salts and water of the now mostly non-usable material. This material is now more solid, or condensed, and forms the feces, or stool, that is eliminated through the anus.

Harrison Ennis is considered to be a true renaissance man of the 21st century. A published author and freelance writer, as well as owning several design patents. A votary of shag dance. Serious researcher on the science of life for over a quarter century. A Kundalini adept. Lifelong involvement in physical culture; to include martial arts, yoga, traditional exercise, and various obscure modalities. Tracker of cutting edge health products and practices. Fitness / Wellness researcher and coach, esoteric educator, and life science counselor. Past general manager for one of the largest health and fitness club facilities in a major metropolitan area. Proffers his Yoga by Ennis - Yoga Life Science Regimen yogabyennis.hleproductions.com yogabyennis.hleproductions.com as a personal trainer for individuals and groups, and gives seminar sessions by request and special arrangement. His current products and services directory may be viewed at hleproductions.com hleproductions.com

What Yoga Will Do For Runners

Yoga is popularly identified with muscle relaxation, slow movements, deep breathing. While running is, well, not any of those. Unknown to many is the harmony in the body created by the combination of these two exercise forms.

These two forms have the same important elements, which aren't that obvious except to one who has done both.

Just take note of the similarities between Running and Yoga. Both forms of exercise have:

-Flexibility

-Breathing techniques

-Discipline

-Concentration

-Practice

Yoga does more than enhancing the runner's performance. It ushers in a crucial angle to the athletes' training routines. From among Yoga's numerous benefits to the body, runners gain improved accuracy and precision. These benefits aid them immensely, keeping the damaging effects of running from their bodies.

There have been several reports of the gains to a runner's body from Yoga practice. Running one mile, according to health experts, is tantamount to one of your feet hitting the ground a thousand times. Furthermore, three to four times the runners' weight gets absorbed by the hips and lower limbs. This tendency consequently brings on stiffness and pain and injury, a condition most runners usually go through.

But these harmful experiences in the runner's body are not automatic outcomes of running. Health experts say that these injurious reactions occur because heavy running puts the body out of balance. A case that is easily preventable by performing an integration of Yoga into typical runners' programs because Yoga's usual corrective effect on the body's posture will bring back the balance.

Studies reveal that as runners' training is mostly spent on just running, this leads to a constriction and shortening of their muscles. This is because of the muscles being used only on the same routines daily. In time, this repetitive exertion of the same muscles on the same actions lead to pain and even injury. To this development, the whole body then reacts by compensating for the upset balance by putting on pressure on the rest of the muscles and joints.

It must be remembered that all the systems in the body are interrelated. An unusual action of some parts results in pain or injury to other parts. Shin splints, a usual injury experienced by runners, for instance, results from the improper distribution of weight on the legs during the running activity.

This is where Yoga comes in to provide its benefits to runners. The concentration of Yoga postures on muscle extensions and relaxation gradually diminishes further incidence of pain or injury.

Presently a program is being popularized for runners which integrates Yoga to the usual runners' training. The new series entails relaxing and strengthening the muscles applied to running and meditation and relaxation as well. This trend transforms the pace of runners' training from never-ending pounding of their muscles to breathing exercises, muscle stretching and loosening and stress-relieving exercises and moves.

The program is designed to stretch the hamstrings and calf muscles to avoid soreness and injuries caused by running. At the same time, it toughens the back, core and arm muscles and helps in correcting postural mis-alignments. Thus, optimal running performance is developed.

Lindaa Adams adores all things that have to do with health.

One of the most beneficial health websites Lindaa has found is yogawithkatrina.com/yoga-kamloops Health Kamloops, which is a extraordinary combination of yoga and health.

You can watch a Free Video of the hubpages.com/hub/Balancing-Fitness-and-Yoga-with-my-New-Kamloops-Boot-Camp Kamloops Fitness Yoga Boot Camp for a stellar exercise session at any time.

Yoga - A Way To Improve One's Health

If you are looking for a way to improve your health without having to go through strenuous activities, then yoga is for you. This health discipline has been around for centuries and has made the lives of so many people better. Not only is it good for toning your body, but it also works to give your mind a sense of well-being. Yoga is basically a meditative practice that summons all your energies and thoughts into one stream so that you are able to unify them. The result is a healthier mind and body, which is basically what yoga is designed for.

Some people practice yoga to keep their bodies fit, but for others, it is simply a way of relieving themselves of the stress they are exposed to at work. At the end of a long day at the office, you can rely on yoga to give you that refreshing feeling, so you are able to enjoy the rest of your day or night as you retire in your bedroom. Yoga can help you get in touch with your inner self and maintain harmony from that point. When you are able to do this, the stress will naturally go away.

If you would like to try yoga but don't know how to go about it, you can start by getting an instructional DVD. Yoga is very simple to follow and you can learn it as long as you have the right equipment with you. It would be good to actually enroll in a yoga class, but if you don't have the time or if you are the type of person who usually "works" better alone, then you can always turn to these DVD's. Just find a quiet place in your house where there is the least distraction. Remember that yoga is a meditative activity, so if you want to be able to get the most advantage from it, find a place with the least noise.

As for your equipment, you would only need a yoga mat for starters. This mat should give you that perfect support as you change from one position to the next. If you're going to maintain that connection with your inner self, you have to be the most comfortable that you can be. With the right yoga mats, your body is well-cushioned against the floor and you can move freely without having to worry about hurting your knee or elbow or any body part that you may have to press against the floor.

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What to Know Before Buying Yoga Clothes for Women

Most people wear whatever is comfortable when they work out. Though favorite threadbare t-shirts, baggy sweats and old gym shorts are common sights in the gym, these may not be the best choices for yoga clothes. When it comes to this form of exercise, the clothes you wear can make a difference in your workout.

First, yoga clothes have to be comfortable. Soft, stretchy materials that skim the body work best. They can't be too loose or too tight. If they're too loose, they'll get in the way. If they're too tight, they can restrict your movement and constrict your circulation. They need to be worry-free and take you through a yoga class with ease. Whether you're sitting, standing or stretching, you shouldn't have to think about your clothing.

Modern materials help yoga clothes hold their shape through the most active yoga class. Stretchy materials such as LYCRA? conform to your shape for a perfect fit. Biodegradable materials such as TENCEL? naturally wick sweat away from your body and reduce bacteria growth in the material. Organic cottons are eco-friendly while being soft and comfortable. Some fabrics even feature odor-neutralizing properties, so you can feel confident when you work out.

Yoga clothes today offer many benefits to the wearer, whether they're beginners or they're seasoned yogis. Their form-fitting silhouette offers style and comfort. Flat seams provide a smooth fit where fabric comes together. Many pieces feature gussets, or diamond-shaped inserts where seams meet, to provide additional reinforcement and flexibility. Some styles of pants feature gusseted crotches while some long-sleeved yoga shirts feature them under the arm.

Fold-over waists are typical of yoga pants because they won't pinch around your middle while you move. They're also versatile enough to flatter any figure. Many styles of yoga pants have gently flared bottoms, which add another measure of flattery. This style helps balance a curvy figure. The body-hugging fit ensures that they'll move comfortably with you through every pose. Yoga shorts are longer and close-fitting to allow for freedom of movement while maintaining modesty.

Yoga tops generally have built-in bras so you don't have to worry about straps falling down or hooks digging in. Their sleek lines and close fit show off your yoga-toned body. They're stretchy, but not too stretchy. They provide support where you need it. Some offer adjustable straps for a custom fit from your first pose to your last.

Though yoga clothes are designed and constructed to see you through any yoga class, they're stylish enough to wear to pick up your after-yoga snack and rugged enough to cross-train in them. The durable, flexible materials; high-tech, sweat-wicking fabrics and sleek lines look great in the weight room or on fitness machines, too.

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Achieve Happiness and Mental Clarity Today

Many people practice yoga for physical reasons: chiseled abs, tights gluteus muscles and flexible hips. But what is even more powerful and not fully understood is how yoga can bring peace to our minds and emotions. Deeply embedded within the yoga postures, breathing , meditation and lifestyle parameters is an ancient system of psychology that focuses on freeing the mind for negative thoughts, emotions and continuous cycles of pain and suffering.

This yoga-psychological model offers several suggestions for liberating the mind from negativity:

1. Understanding that life is impermanent-According to yoga, we create our own dissatisfaction with the present moment because of our attachment to impermanent things that we falsely believe will bring up happiness. These include money, power, romantic relationships and even our physical bodies through the aging process. When we let go of these attachments, we learn contentment with what we have and understand that everything has a beginning and end.

2. True happiness lies within-Yoga teaches us that happiness is our true nature. We fail to experience happiness because of our ignorance of our own true nature. This ignorance is fed by false expectations, an unreal perception of the world and fear-led behavior.

3. Peace comes in every moment in the present-The tools of yoga and meditation teach us to be present in the moment. Being present means letting go of the past and releasing expectations about the future as well. We often live our lives pondering over things we could have done in the past or ways we'll make the future change our current state. These past and future states allow us to disregard what is unfolding in our lives the present moment.

4. Letting go of ego-Yoga teaches us to let go of our ego or sense of I-ness. Ego-based behavior is a combination of attitudes, beliefs and assumptions that create a false perception of what is happening in our lives. It is the ego that creates negatives thoughts, emotions and mal-adaptive behavior that can lead to poor coping skills and even manifestation of poor health due to stress.

Even when our perception is right about the toughness and challenges of everyday living, yoga reminds us that these conditions are only temporary and often minuscule in the big picture of what is happening.

As humans it is also natural to experience a wide range of thoughts and emotions from anger to joy to extreme dissatisfaction. Yoga teaches us to cope with life's challenges by not attaching to these temporary states of our minds. Like ocean waves, life's challenges come and go.

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Yoga For Losing Belly Fat

Yoga is an ancient meditation art that has its origins in India. Practitioners of this art have been around for centuries and the various poses, called 'asanas' have been documented in various ancient scriptures. Yoga ensures the union between the body, the mind and the spirit. Yoga makes use of body postures, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and meditation to achieve this union.

Yoga has always been associated with lean and fat free bodies and there are some 'asanas' which have been specifically designed to reduce fat and gain control over weight. Yoga has no side effects and this is one of its greatest advantages over most other reduction of weight by diets, life style changes and the like which westerners are more used to. Yoga helps the body to increase the secretion of certain hormones, which in turn increase the metabolic rate of the body and thus help to remove the unwanted calories and fats that are causing the weight increase. A side effect of yoga is complete improvement in muscle tone and vitality.

Yoga can never make you very slim or anorexic, but will simply make the body respond to the yogic exercises by maintaining a balance between body weight and height. The deep breathing that is associated with most yogic exercises increases the oxygen content that goes to the various cells in the body. This includes the fat cells which will burn faster with the increased oxygen and thus have their own beneficial effect. Thyroid gland activity is stimulated. This in turn increases hormonal secretions which help to reduce weight.

Yoga asanas for weight loss are Paschimottanasana, Bhujangasana, Halasana, Dhanurasana, Veerasana, Trikonasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana among others. Asanas are best learned from trained teachers. Video clips of doing these asanas are also available on the net. There are certain restrictions on practicing these asanas if you have an existing medical condition, and therefore consulting an expert is always suggested. There are certain breathing exercises like Pranayanamas which can also help in weight reduction, and these are very easily practiced. Again details for these are available on the internet and an interested person could get the details and start the exercises almost instantly. Breathing exercises in any form are always beneficial to the body and could have an effect of calming the mind, better sleep and a sense of well being.

One of the needs for a good yoga practitioner is to eat healthy fat free food and avoid junk food and carbonated drinks. Meal times must be regular and a general sense of discipline is a must. Abstaining form the use of tobacco and alcohol can also help. There is a misconception that the practice of yoga means that you have to give up eating meat and turn vegetarian. This is far from the truth. Proper yogic practice requires that the food that you eat must be nutritious, fat free and in the right quantities. A diet of fruits and vegetables will give your body a better chance of becoming lean and fit, than a diet which includes fat rich meat.

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How Yoga Exercises Can Help With Weight Loss

Yoga Exercises for Ideal Weight and Ideal Shape

What is ideal weight? How can you tell whether or not you are at your Ideal weight? And is your ideal weight realistic for your body type or based on some unattainable ideal flaunted in fashion magazines? Is your image of ideal weight more about an ideal shape - one which may not have any bearing to the actual shape of the body you were born into?

Is ideal weight or shape a personal, inner-referenced experience, or something determined from outside yourself? Is it something you can feel or is it based on the opinion of others, or cultural, societal ideals, or tables that tell you what your ideal weight should be in relation to your height, weight or fat percentage?

Yoga is a training ground for inner-referenced awareness, starting in Hatha Yoga, with attention to the body in various Yoga postures, and moving beyond this to naturally meeting your attitudes toward yourself and your life. For this reason, from a Yogic perspective, ideal weight is not seen as a specific, measurable number or amount relative to height, age or fat percentage, or any other means of determining your weight from a source outside yourself.

This would mean deeming outside sources as experts over and above yourself, with these outer sources determining what is acceptable for you and your body. This is disempowering because it robs you of the opportunity to exercise your inner knowledge; your inner wisdom.

Yoga is all about cultivating your internal evaluation and motivation system, based on how you feel and what you deem appropriate and desirable. Added to this is an inner strength and willpower generated through Yoga practice.

In Yoga, ideal body weight and shape are considered natural byproducts of health. For this reason, the question of what is ideal body weight naturally leads to a broader question of what is health and how to cultivate it. The order of importance in the process of moving toward ideal weight is health first, which determines how you feel and extends to how you look. This offers a sustainable solution: the stronger your feeling of health and wellbeing, the stronger your self esteem.

This, in turn, makes you less likely to allow criticism (your own, or other people's) of your body, based on unrealistic ideals, to undermine your ability to focus on attaining good health. In good health, your attractiveness and beauty shine through. And once you have achieved good health, you may discover that you are within a healthy weight range.

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Seeking a Hypnotherapist During Pregnancy Helps

Visiting a hypnotherapist to prepare for the birth of a new baby can be the best decision a mother-to-be can make. Over 70% of Hypnobirthing mothers deliver their babies without any use of medications and on average undergo an active labor period of 4.5 hours, compared to the national average of 12 hours (Abramson & Heron, 1950). A UK study published in the Journal of Family Practice (May, 2001) found no incidence of post-partum depression following the hypnotherapy training birth, compared to the usual 10-15% incidence.

Pregnant women may need to find a hypnotherapist to help assist with the painful birthing process. Sure, everyone knows how to breathe, yet in times of great peril or pain, these psycho-somatic techniques can quickly be forgotten, leaving many women gasping for air or hyperventilating. Lamaze Breathing Techniques conjure up images of husband and wife in a yoga classroom setting, with the wife practicing healthy breathing patterns and the husband supportively going along with it.

Similarly, one of the most common hypnosis techniques used to induce people into a state of trance is, in fact, relaxation breathing. Therefore, it makes sense that women would adopt some hypnotherapy training methods to help them relax through deep breaths of fresh air.

Another reason why pregnant women seek out the hypnotherapist is to help bridge the gap between the physical and the emotional realms. Lowering maternal anxiety can help the body push the baby out, shorten the birthing period, ensure nutrient flow and oxygenation to the baby during this difficult time and decrease the chances of uterine complications or post-partum depression.

Body-centered hypnosis can link the current physical changes with a woman's psychological needs or past history. Often times, Ericksonian hypnosis storytelling guides mothers on a journey through labor. The impression is given that the woman has already mastered the birth. Later, when the birth is actually happening, she will feel the familiarity of the process and use phrases or images from the hypnosis sessions to guide her through.

"There are different aspects we teach so the mother can get through all of her fears and all of her stress," explains hypnotherapist trainer Rebecca Batts, who works at Trinity Holistics in Wilmington, NC. "We teach the mother and the birth companions to work together as a team with the baby. There are bonding exercises that we do. There are relaxation exercises that we do together. It teaches them not only to release all the stress and those burdens that are put in our minds for the birthing moment, but it helps them throughout their life." Hypnosis sessions can last anywhere from 5 to 20 visits, depending on the program.

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Improve Health and Fitness With Whole Body Vibration Machines

Whole body vibration platform machines have made their unique place in the fitness world. It's one piece of equipment that has caught the eye of every fitness or health conscious person. The technology is available to every one. Originally, it was used by Russian scientists to help astronauts combat muscle loss. It consists of a plate for the user to stand on and handlebars to support their stance. One can perform all types of static or dynamic movements using this equipment. This includes everything from standing, kneeling, sitting and stretch exercises on it. You can get a typical gym work out or even do yoga poses using this equipment.

The machine is so designed that it produces therapeutic vibrations from the feet up through your entire body. The vibrations produced by the plate cause rapid muscle contractions otherwise known as a stretch reflex. These contractions make muscles work continuously. The contractions improve bone density and strength. Not only this, they increase flexibility in your body, increase your metabolism, burn extra calories, improve oxygen intake, improve blood circulation, combat the aging process and much more. One gets multiple benefits in a minimum amount of time. Beyond it being a trendy machine, positive effects cannot be ignored.

To get the best results, start with the basics. First get yourself familiar with whole body vibration platform machines. Once you begin to train, we recommend fitness speeds (in excess of 15 hertz) every other day. Slowly increase the speed and duration of your sessions of workout to a maximum of 15 minutes. Your one hour workout of conventional nature is now reduced to 15 minutes! If you have set your machine to 26 hertz, it means that your muscles are contracting at the rate of 26 contractions per second. The more you challenge yourself through different poses while regulating the speed, the more intense the workout you will doing. Speeds under15 hertz are better suited for stretching, recovery and relaxation which can be used daily. Ensure to not exceed more that 15 minutes total use.

Do not take your workout with whole body vibration machine as a substitute to your regular morning or evening walk. It is an enhancement to your existing routine and relief from some health conditions. The benefits of this equipment are supported by facts. Researchers have found that it appeared to increase bone density in the hip of a postmenopausal women. They have come to this fact after giving 6- month training to women where they were made to stand on the platform in a squat position for 5 cycles, 3 times a week.

In an inactive lifestyle, these machines are advantageous for a person's health and fitness.

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