Universal Laws of Yoga - Part 2

Here are some habits to practice on your journey toward self-perfection. Always remember that you may make some mistakes along the way.

Cultivate love through acts of kindness toward family, friends, and associates. Smile at others and put your "best foot forward." This alone will open many doors in life and make your journey a pleasant one.

Take time for self analysis by observing your past, future, and present. Visualize what you can change and learn from what you cannot. Meditate, pray, and practice your breathing (Pranayama).

Selfless service for the common good is rewarding for the inner and outer self. You do not have to join a group to help others, but a group will have more ability to help than a single person. Either way, helping others will make you a better person.

Give to charity and share with others when ever it is possible. Giving to others, especially those in need is a universal law. When it is possible to help another person, we should all help.

Forgive others for their wrong doings and let go of the past. Do this for yourself and you will feel a great burden, lifted from you. Carrying a grudge and frowning all day, takes too much positive energy out of you, so leave bad feelings behind.

The following are some habits to avoid. Avoid practicing Yoga for material gain or to acquire psychic powers. Anything of value should be used to help those you can. There is nothing wrong with earning a living or bettering yourself, but you should always help anyone you can.

As a Yoga practitioner, you are an ambassador of Yoga. An "air of superiority" should be avoided by all Yogis and Yoginis. This is seen as arrogance, and arrogance is only needed to bolster the ego. Therefore, be a diplomat, when speaking in terms of Yogic philosophy or vegetarianism.

Remember to practice Yoga as a lifestyle. Yoga is not just practiced in the ashram, in the mountains, on the beach, or behind the exclusive walls of a particular Yoga studio. Yoga can be practiced with acts of kindness, devotion to God, or in a physical practice at your own home.

Give your family, friends, and work your best efforts. Practicing Yoga is part of your life, but you should never abandon your obligations for Yoga. It is much healthier to live a full life and enjoy your family, friends, and work along the way.

We can take the right actions by practicing the following: Meditate daily and take action to focus your thinking, when your mind becomes restless. Remember that Yoga can be practiced anytime because of its mental, spiritual, and physical components.

© Copyright 2006 by Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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

Yoga Exercise for Alleviating Asthma

Yoga exercise including the poses, inhaling and exhaling, and relaxation routines set you in charge of your mind and feelings, making you more stimulating and enabling you to inhale and exhale easier. It will also allow your lungs to work much better and improve airflow during Asthma attacks.

Asthma is an ancient Greek word meaning "panting, gasping or short-drawn breathing". It is among the most upsetting of respiratory system conditions, known to affect approximately 5% of the planet's older population and 10% of children. In this ailment, the air passages of the lungs are limited, causing tightness in the chest, bouts of coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. The inflammation of the nasal airways can become long-term. Asthma is generally the result of allergies or anxiety. Yoga has come a long course to relieve and deal with asthma.

The particular exercise involves Asanas (body postures) and Pranayama (technique of breath control), among which of its physical uses are to eliminate stress-related problems, ease circulatory and respiratory system disorders like Asthma and Bronchitis, and enrich over-all health and wellness. These breathing exercises are really beneficial to fortify and relax the muscle tissues of lungs. In the course of the asthma attack this proves to be very beneficial. It reduces the nerve activity within the air passages causing less bottlenecks during the attack. It helps detoxify the air passage to breathe without difficulty. It aids in stabilizing the independent nervous systems. Thus, the typical lifestyle involved in Yoga exercise may serve as a good treatment for respiratory difficulties. A healthy diet plan can develop your resistance against cold, allergic reactions, and other ecological causes of Asthma, Bronchitis, and various chronic respiratory system ailments. It likewise encourages a non-smoking lifestyle. Tests accomplished at Yoga Therapy Centers, across the world, have shown significant results in alleviating asthma. In some cases it has also been discovered that attacks can actually be averted, without the help of medicines, just by means of yogic techniques. There's adequate research proof to establish the idea that the exercise of yoga helps make the treatment so much more positive. These days, even allopathic as well as homeopathic medical doctors have arrived at the comprehensive agreement that yoga is a great alternative cure for asthma attack.

Furthermore, based on yoga philosophy, a relaxed mind results in normal breathing and relaxed body. Thus, inhaling and exhaling exercises can without a doubt help those with asthma. Some types of yoga exercises help out with calming your entire system (including your torso muscles), and also increase the capacity of your lungs -- promoting an effective manner of inhaling and exhaling during and immediately after asthma attacks. Several special breathing techniques that would help in preventing this disease includes the most popular which is the Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma. Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma involve a mixture of deep and shallow breaths which help to trigger a nourishing flow of deep breathing. Some other yoga exercises that would relieve asthma out of your life are: Dandasana, Baddhakonasana, Upavista Konasana, Virasana, Supta Baddhakonasana, Supta Virasana, Setubandha, Sarvangasana, Adhomukha Svanasana, Uttanasana and Tadasana Samasthith.

Since yoga exercise claims that the brain is core to a diseased condition, pacifying and placating it might, by itself, help treat the disease to a large degree. The practice of yogasanas, yogic kriyas, pranayamas, relaxation and meditation calm down the whole system. This, subsequently, facilitates proper assimilation of meals and strengthens the lungs, digestive and circulatory system. In a period of time, that checks attacks and also cures the condition of asthma.

There are lots of practitioners online who offer informative advice in yogafit.com yoga exercise and everything else about yoga. Only a known yogafit.com yoga guru can provide you with the best services.

Yoga - Key to a Healthier and Tranquil Life

The term Yoga in sanskrit means union of body and mind. The individual who practices and pursues yoga seriously, achieves a state where he or she feels extremely tranquil. And this state is very difficult to achieve. It takes a lot of determination and practice. India, as we know from ancient times is center of spiritualism. Yoga is an integral part of this spiritualism.

In olden days people in India practiced Yoga to lead life which helped them in curing diseases. Those who practiced yoga used to stay with their Guru or the holy man in his or her ashram, away from civilization. They lived in these ashrams for years together. After completion of study of Yoga and other co-related subjects such as Ayurved etc. they were allowed to carry on or pass on the knowledge to other pupils.

Previously India was seen in a different light. It was thought to be a land of serpents and poor. But things have changed now. Now people from all over the world flock to India in search of internal peace. Yoga is the key to cure many physical or mental problems. People are now eager to master the art of Yoga which is a key to a life full of vigor and vitality.

Yoga is broadly divided in Asanas (postures), Pranayam (the correct way to breathe and exhale) and Dhyan or meditation. Asanas can be performed in any posture such as sitting, standing or lying on the back. Pranayam means to breathe in life(pran) and flushing out unwanted substances or toxins from the body. After practicing pranayam one feels fresh and ready to face difficulties of life in a positive manner. The results one gets from practicing Asanas and Pranayam is equivalent to the results the westerners get from jogging, aerobics and weight training.

Meditation is advanced stage of Asanas and Pranayam. This is the state where the body, soul and mind unite. Coming to a conclusion we see that Yogasana helps us in combating daily stress and gives us energy and also keeps us in positive frame of mind with the help of meditation.

In the series of articles we will see how Yogasans help us in reducing extra weight, help to keep our body slim etc.

Teaching Hatha Yoga - Physical Benefits of Yoga Practice

Although Hatha Yoga is much more than exercise, we can make factual comparisons, to other forms of physical exercise, to understand how this ancient practice manages to have such an enthusiastic following. On the physical level, the practice of Hatha Yoga can help a student develop strength, balance, flexibility, and cardio vascular endurance. In comparison to other forms of exercise, Hatha Yoga encompasses all of their physical benefits and more.

Some people would question the cardio vascular aspect, but they have not practiced Surya Namaskars (Sun Salutations). This is a sequence of postures, which by itself, enhances strength, balance, flexibility, and cardio vascular endurance. Usually, Surya Namaskars contain twelve postures, but there are exceptions, and there are many different sequences.

Some forms of Power, Vinyasa, and Flow Yoga, connect movement in a similar fashion. Anyone who has practiced these forms of Yoga can attest to the aerobic value. Yet, some studies will question this, because Hatha Yoga is not a high impact exercise. All forms of Yogic exercise respect, and safely work, to preserve the joints.

Yet, exercise of moderate intensity, performed over time, is classified as aerobic. To go a bit further, any exercise activity, which requires oxygen to metabolize glucose, in exchange for energy, is aerobic. With that said, no one usually questions the benefits of strength, balance, and flexibility from Yogic exercise, especially if they witness a room full of women over 50, who can balance their body weight on two hands in bakasana (also known as crane or crow pose).

The postures (asanas) are designed to massage internal organs, preserve skeletal health, and tone the muscles. Massaging internal organs is of primary importance to our survival. We can send toxins on their way by keeping the body in motion, and we do not need high impact movement to perform this task. Prevention of disease, and early detection of disease, are benefits of an internal awareness, which comes with Yoga practice.

On the skeletal level, we want to keep our joints intact for as long as possible. The ligaments and tendons are precious, so we work to keep them in good working condition, as well. On top of this, spinal alignment, during posture practice, helps with mobility, when we become seniors.

How many other exercise systems work so completely? This does not take away the value of cross training. By all means, walk, swim, and play your favorite games; but in comparison, Yoga, on the physical level, is the "Great Healer" of all forms of exercise.

© 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 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

Become a Certified Yoga Teacher - Inexpensive Options For Training

Have you been looking at different options to become certified to teach Yoga? Maybe, some of the prices have caused you to take a step back. One of the first ideas that come to mind is - how long it will take to pay off a six to ten thousand dollar loan. How many hours will you teach before "breaking even?"

The truth about education is that it requires some financing, unless you have ten thousand dollars lying around in an old shoe box. This means that most people borrow the money, and there is some interest to be paid. Over time, the interest could come close to doubling your tuition expenses.

For example, if you borrow ten thousand dollars at a fifteen percent interest rate, your interest cost, for one year, is approximately $1500.00. This is assuming that you can pay ten thousand dollars back in one year. Now, let's look at an inexpensive option for teacher training.

Have you considered a self-paced, online, correspondence, or distance learning course to become a Yoga teacher? The total cost is a fraction of an on-site intensive course. In fact, at much less than one thousand dollars, you may not have to borrow the tuition, or finance your education, for years to come.

You will not have to travel or take time off from work. You will not have to talk to your employer about why you need to take four weeks off for a $10,000 on-site happinesslifetime.com Yoga teacher training intensive.

After all, would your employer really understand about taking time off and planning to become a Yoga instructor, during your vacation time? You know your employer best, so you can draw your own conclusions.

However, when considering an online, correspondence, or distance learning course, you could easily pay any borrowed money back by teaching five to twelve lessons, depending upon the rate you charge and the clientele you train. After you have recovered your educational investment, in a short time, you can decide which direction you want to go in.

© 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 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

How to Work Up a Sweat With Your New Wii

The Nintendo Wii is a very popular gift especially for the holidays. Chances are, you gave one to your kids this year. One of the reasons you may have purchased it is for the ability to actually exercise with it.

With a multitude of games like gold's gym cardio workout or EA Sports Active you can really work up a sweat with your Wii. Many enthusiasts like the ability track progress, listen to music and watch the screen to see different characters and scenarios as they high step it to get their cardio up.

It does not matter your age, or level of fitness, you can find the right combination of games and controllers to put you in the workout mood. Kids, grownups and even senior citizens can benefit from using a tool like this to help them maintain their fitness levels. Feel the burn as you work your way from level 1 to 10 and increase your cardio health.

If you are not into cardio based workouts are more into Yoga or Pilates, you have even more selections to choose from. The Wii fit + now includes software and a balance board controller to help you through the moves and training exercises.

In summary, there are many games and programs to play on your new Wii. You can become more active and fit if you choose to get off your backside and make the move to get healthy. With proper diet and exercise, you will lose the pounds get more energy and have fun doing it. If bought the machine for your kids, feel free to use it when they are doing their homework.

gravitygarden.com/exercise-low-impact/video-game-bike.html Interactive Games are not a substitute for real activity, but they help you get off the couch. See more ideas at gravitygarden.com/exercise-low-impact/video-game-bike.html gravitygarden.com/exercise-low-impact/video-game-bike.html

Yoga Reviews Help Yogis Choose

We all like to feel confident that we are making a good choice when we commit our time or money. That's the driving force behind the exploding popularity of review sites on the Internet. Unfortunately, many of these websites are nothing more than clever schemes to get advertising revenue or sales commissions from the promoted products.

Of course, most website owners offer their sites up for free, and the main payback, besides personal satisfaction, is the advertising revenue they can generate. That's not such a bad thing. The huge popularity of television has to do with this advertising supported model. The primary question about a review site is whether or not the reviews are legitimate, and thus helpful in our decision-making.

Sites that offer only "Editorial" reviews may be legitimate, but give a very limited view. You will have to judge the reviewers on their own merits. It's also worth noting if the reviewers are involved with the promotion of the reviewed products, and if their organization derives revenue from advertising those products. User reviews are harder to find. User review sites are a lot more complex to set up, and require more supervision and maintenance. They need to accommodate reviewers who may struggle with the technology and be able to deal with spammers. But there are a couple of sources available.

For yogis, there several sites around that offer product reviews, but it is rare to find reviews of yoga studios, retreats, workshops and happinesslifetime.com yoga teacher training programs. Rarer yet are user reviews in these categories. So here is a guide to the sites I've been able to locate online.

YogaJournal.com

Yoga Journal is of course the market leader in the print world of yoga. Their associated website also has a very strong presence. They offer some editorial product reviews, although these are somewhat buried in their Lifestyle section. There is no obvious way to search the review section, but there are links to the most popular and most recent reviews. Reader comments are permitted.

expotv.com

If you want to be a video star, here's your chance! This site offers video reviews from users which seem to be really genuine. They can be fun to watch, but it's time consuming to view a video rather than scan through comments. They do have a star rating system which gives you a quick overview, but it doesn't tell you how many people voted to produce the displayed rating.

At the time of this writing (July 2009) there are only 39 video reviews in the yoga category, and there is no sorting or sub-category options, so you have to scroll through a few pages of listings to see what's there.

geocities.com/yogasimple/yoga_video_reviews.html

This site at Geocities.com is always near the top of a search for yoga reviews, but unfortunately is limited to short editorial comments about a dozen videos. At least I can applaud the editor's taste - the reviewed videos include some of my favorites.

RateYoga.com

This is a very nice site with an attractive design and nice review layout that has a rating system and comments capability. Its only limitation is that it is focused specifically on resources for Ashtanga Yoga. At the time of this writing, there are only 15 items listed. I look forward to seeing this site grow and expand.

yoga.about.com

About.com is a huge, popular site with information on all kinds of topics. Their yoga section does have some reviews of books and videos, although they are a bit frustrating to find. There are links to a few arbitrary reviews on the main yoga page, and some books and video listings have links to reviews underneath them. There are links to add your own review as well.

Amazon - PriceGrabber - Shopping.com

These, of course, are some of the retail giants that offer price comparisons and/or user reviews. Amazon is probably the most useful of these for yogis, at least as far as yoga books and products go. Amazon shoppers are pretty generous about sharing their opinions. The limitations are that you will only see products sold through Amazon, which excludes a lot of fine, smaller specialty yoga companies. Also, of course, there won't be any mention of studios, retreats, etc.

Other Resources

For retreat centers, you may have some success searching for the specific retreat online - sometimes you can find a review or two on a travel website. Also, the occasional studio or retreat website will have some reviews of their own facility.

As more yogis take to the Internet, some of these sites are likely to grow and expand, and new ones will come along. The usefulness of the best review sites comes from the contributions of its visitors. So take a look at some of these sites and leave your comments or reviews - the yogis who follow you there will appreciate your effort and insights.

See the Internet's most active and comprehensive collection of yogireviews.com yoga reviews of classes, retreats, yoga mats, clothing and videos.

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