Effects of Dahn Yoga Brain Meditation on the Brain

For as far back as it can be dated, meditation has always been a part of our history and though it has taken many forms, it still maintains its sole purpose which is consciously letting go of the reality our minds have identified ourselves with. Many can agree that meditation has a definite effect on how we think and how we cope with our surroundings. The effects meditation has on the human body and brain are several.

To begin with, meditation has the effect of enriching our souls. As farfetched and spiritual as it may seem, researchers have been able to prove that meditation can help us be more in tune with who we are as individuals and how our existence is of importance to the world. During those quiet minutes or hours of meditation we get to focus on ourselves internally. The overall effect is that an individual gets to experience a certain feeling that has much to do with pure happiness or an intense feeling of bliss. This may not be understood by many because we have already trained our minds to associate true happiness with material possessions or on physical satisfaction. Individuals at advanced stages of meditation like monks can associate true happiness with the feeling of being in control of our emotions even at times when we're under extreme stress. This does not mean that we will become devoid of emotions, but we'll simply be detached from them and not condition our current situations with them.

It is well known that an increased concentration on a particular part of the body increases the blood and nutrients flow to that area. In this case brain meditation will increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain thus nourishing it immensely. Secondly brain meditation will increase concentration levels. As it is required with meditation, the key is to focus on one train of thought or one object without any distraction. Beginners may find this hard to do as our minds are used to constant mental noise but gradually with time they begin to realize that they can hold a particular thought for longer than when they first started out. This is advantageous as one is able to offer their full attention to the task at hand. Students too may benefit as their performance levels will increase with the increased concentration. Brain meditation is said to increase the size of the prefrontal cortices which are associated with positive emotions. A study was done on a number of monks and it was proven that their prefrontal cortices where larger than average people who did not practice meditation. Patients undergoing recovery can benefit too as it increases their exercise tolerance.

Jeff Brendan is a Dahn Yoga student and enthusiast. Always willing to share his experiences and help others by sharing his knowledge. To Find thirdeyejourneys.com Word of Inspiration about principle of Taoism visit parkinsonsjourney.brainpeace.com Parkinson's Disease Articles page.

What is Meditation?

As Meditation(Yoga) means union those who wish to attain this united state of being are recommended to explore the Self ('That') through meditation. The above extract is from the Bhagavad Gita and instructs the practiser how a state of meditation can be reached by controlling the mind and body, using concentration and having no expectations or attachments.

What is the Self or 'That'?

The Self or 'That' is 'That which cannot be named'. To experience the Self or 'That' meditation practices potentially offer practitioners a way of experiencing, understanding, trusting and knowing. The Self or 'That' cannot be written about, named or described within the limits of language ~ for further information see the translations of the classical texts 'The Upanishads' and 'The Bhagavad Gita', some of which are listed below.

Purpose of Meditation

There is only one purpose of meditation ~ to experience 'That' which is also known as Samadhi or enlightenment. And although there are many types, styles and paths of meditation such as, meditation in the Buddhist tradition, Transcendental Meditation, yogic meditation practices, meditation through religion, etc, there is always only one 'goal'. That final destination may be given other names or descriptions as there are many pathways ~ but there is only one outcome. Further it is recognised in the Eastern philosophies and in yoga texts that the unification offered through meditation may take many life-times. The purpose then of meditation is to experience the journey without the need for expectation or attachment to any 'goal'.

Meditation is offered as part of Raja Yoga

Meditation Practices

In yoga there are two main meditation practices ~ active and passive. Active meditation allows us to meditate in the midst of action ~ when we perform daily duties; when we walk, talk, eat, garden, shop, etc. Indeed this is the aim of yoga ~ to allow ourselves to meditate while being involved in the world. This does not mean that duties will not be carried out by us or with any less enthusiasm. Rather, we will offer more focus and attention with increased awareness put to the task.

Passive meditation is the aim of sitting with the spine in an upright position (or as erect as possible) and performing a meditation practice. The aim of these practices is to 'still' the ever-chattering mind and to make it eka grata (one-pointed).

Some British Wheel of Yoga teachers offer meditation practices as part of the class ~ usually at the beginning or end. Some British Wheel of Yoga teachers offer no meditation session while others only incorporate meditation practices with well-established classes for specific purposes. Some teachers may also wish to offer deeper practices for certain groups.

Some general passive yoga meditation practices or tools that can aid the practitioner towards meditation include:

Breath practices like watching the breath, counting the breath, observing pauses

Sound practices such as extended pranayama practices, mantra practices, japa, (japa-repetition meditation can be divided into four types; baikhari (audible), upanshu (whispering), manasik (repeated mentally) and likhi (written)

Sight practices 'trataka' ~ focusing on a candle/point, focusing on Yantras and mandalas (geometrical shapes), focusing on internal vision e.g. a lotus, light, other objects, Chidakasha Dharana (viewing the 'space of the consciousness'), visualisation practices

Observational practices like Antar Mouna (inner silence) and Yoga Nidra (psyhic sleep)

Precautions and prohibitions for practising meditation. In general your yoga teacher will offer meditation practices when she/he feels the class is ready. Certain preferred conditions are required of the practitioner that include a peaceful attitude, awareness of yamas and niyamas, some aptitude of discipline, the ability to maintain a firm, comfortable position and steadiness of breath.

There are certain practices which are not suitable for some mental and physical conditions such as the practice of trataka for those who have epilepsy. Other guidance includes regularly practising in a quiet, warm, non-draughty place.

Preferred conditions for personal practise are at certain times of the day and some teachers encourage the use of puja (worship) e.g. a puja table with spiritual images like yantras, some incense, a candle, a small bowl of rice, flowers, etc.

Glossary

Antar Mouna(Inner silence) : An observational practice developed by Swami Satyananda Saraswati;

Antar Trataka: Practice that uses inner mental focus with visualization on a certain object;

Bhaikhari: Audible japa meditation e.g. mantra practice;

Bhagavad Gita: Sixth book from the Indian epic, 'The Mahabharata', a spiritual text and backbone to yoga philosophy;

Chidakasha Dharana: Practice that involves watching images in chidakasha;

Dharana: Concentration and step six of the eight stages of Raja Yoga;

Dhyana Meditation and step seven of the eight stages of Raja Yoga Eka Grata One-pointed

Japa: Repetition e.g. repetition of mantra 'Om, Om, Om' with breath or mala beads, can be performed audibly, with a whisper, mentally or in writing Likhita Written practise of japa meditation;

Mala: Mala beads are a meditation tool used to help the meditator count e.g. rosary beads;

Manasik Mental repetition of japa meditation;

Mantra Man - thinking, tra - protection or from man - mind, tri - to cross;

Sanskrit syllables, words, phrases used to concentrate upon in meditation practice. Mantra also used by many religions e.g. in prayer. Often thought to be 'mystical' interpretations of sound heard by Rishis in meditation (see 'Meditations from the Tantras', Swami Satyananda Saraswati, The Bihar School of Yoga, 1983, ISBN 81-85787-11-5) Niyamas Five rules of observances or personal discipline as outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Practitioner One who practises yoga

Pranayama: Breath awareness or generally used to mean breath control practises;

Puja Worship

Raja Yoga Royal Yoga; a path of yoga with eight stages that includes yama (personal restraints), niyama (personal observances), asana (posture), pranayama (breath awareness), pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dhyana (concentration), dharana (meditation) and Samadhi (state of unity)

Self 'That' - eventual realisation of the 'Self' during Samadhi. Cannot be defined, named, catalogued or described.

Often referred to as 'God', 'Self', 'Consciousness', 'Nature' and 'Awareness'.

Trataka Meditation practice on an external object, e.g., candle flame, flower, etc

Upanshu Whispered japa meditation practice

Yamas Five self-restraints as explored in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Yoga From the Sanskrit 'yug' which means to join ~ union Yoga Nidra Type of meditation practice known as psychic sleep; developed by Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Yoga Sutras One of the earliest texts written by the sage Patanjali of Patanjali circa 2000 BCE about yoga ~ sutra is 'thread' in Sanskrit and relates to the thread of an idea/truth behind the yoga practices listed by Patanjali which are to be meditated upon.

Footnotes

1. The Bhagavad Gita, Eknath Easwaran, Penguin Arkana,1986, ISBN 0-14-019008-2

For further reading on meditation, take a look at the following references:

1. Bhagavad Gita, Eknath Easwaran, Penguin Arkana, 1986, ISBN 0-14-019008-2

2. The Upanishads, Eknath Easwaran, Penguin Arkana, 1988, ISBN 0-14-019180-1

3. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Sri Swami Satchidananda, Integral Yoga Publications, 1997, ISBN 0-932040-38-1

4. Meditations from the Tantras, Swami Satyananda Saraswati, The Bihar School of Yoga, 1983, ISBN 81-85787-11-5

5. Meditation, Eknath Easwaran, Penguin Arkana, 1986, ISBN 0-14-0179036-8

6. The Meditator's Handbook, Dr David Fontana, Element, 1992, ISBN 1-85230-320-4

Workout Routine Without Weights For Fat Loss

The majority of people out there don't have a lot of time to workout. Fat loss is naturally one of the biggest concerns of most individuals.

As I've illustrated numerous times through this site, getting a quick workout is not that difficult. You can create workouts that last anywhere from 5 minutes to 45 minutes. It's all based on how much time you have to workout, or how much time you want to spend working out.

Now, through this site, I've published numerous bodyweight training programs that employ the fundamentals: pushups, pullups, and bodyweight squats. For years, this is all I did. But for the past few months, I've been experimenting with Circular Strength Training (CST) bodyweight exercises.

What is CST and How can it help me Burn Fat?

CST is really complex and difficult to define in a few sentences. In fact, I'm still learning on my own what it is and how it effects the human body. But, to try and keep this short CST is all about moving the body through it's full potential of movement.

CST bodyweight training uses many movements from Prasara Yoga. Prasara Yoga is a "method of physical practice designed to improve flow." Flow is "the ability to move your body into any position or direction with grace and fluidity."

All this jargon leads up to one conclusion (well at least in my mind) Prasara Yoga and Circular Strength Training is the next level of bodyweight training.

I consider myself a student of fitness, and strive to learn everything thing I can to make my body look and perform better.

Thus, CST is just the next step up in my training. And, as I've done for so many years through this blog, my goal is to share my knowledge with the rest of the world. So, with that said, how can CST andPrasara Yoga help you burn fat?

I've written a lot about the release of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and Testosterone to burn fat and build lean muscle mass. Think about this: these movements are not just linear like pushups,pullups, and squats. It's not even like doing Burpees, which I would consider a hybrid movement (combining two movements that flow well together).

CST Bodyweight Exercises engage a lot more muscle than traditional and hybrid movements. The more muscle you engage, the more fat you burn and muscle you build. In addition, most CST bodyweight fat loss workouts are organized into a interval scheme.

But you can organize the exercises in any manner you wish.

You'll feel better right after the first workout. As I mentioned before, you'll be working muscles that you never even knew you had. After my first workout, I woke up the next morning and my entire body was sore!

So, if you want to learn more about this incredible system of bodyweight training, then I suggest you go check out Bodyweight Blueprint for Fat Loss. You can find out more information about this incredible bodyweight fat loss program on my site, WorkoutWithoutWeights.net [workoutwithoutweights.net/bodyweight-blueprint-for-fat-loss]

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Benefits of Yoga For Back Pain

People who have suffered with back pain for years have always looked into alternative treatments to find relief.  One of these alternative treatments that have been very successful in reducing back pain is practicing yoga.  Over time, yoga can increase the strength and flexibility of your back muscles, and can counteract the tightness and weak muscles that can cause many types of back pain.  Before practicing yoga, it may be a good idea to consult your doctor beforehand, to see if yoga is appropriate for you and your condition.

Using yoga to relieve back pain is no longer a theory, or an idea without merit, it is a reality.  Yoga is now accepted by most back care specialists as an effective treatment, and even sometimes, a remedy for the relief of back pain.  Practicing yoga will give you proper lumbar and back support, while at the same time strengthening the muscles in your back.  Practicing yoga over time will also help to realign your posture, which can also be a cause of back pain in itself.  Not only that, but yoga is also soothing, meditative, and healing to your body.

Many physicians will instruct patients with back problems to engage in some form of physical activity, or exercise to strengthen their back muscles, and to reduce overall pain.  However, many exercises can wreak havoc on an already aching back, and too much rigorous exercise can actually exacerbate the condition.  Traditional Western exercise tends to be very taxing on the body, especially the back, and although exercise is needed, the wrong kind of exercise can be ruinous for people with back problems.  This is one reason why yoga can be so beneficial in treating people that suffer from back pain.    

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and there is a reason why.  Because it works.  Yoga has been well known for a long time to increase flexibility, strength, circulation, and help regulate breathing.  But it has not been until recently that doctors have made the connection between yoga and treating back pain.  Not only does this seem like a natural marriage, but it is also an effective one. 

The first thing you want to do after consulting your doctor is contact a few yoga instructors and tell them about your condition.  They will be able to effectively guide you to what are the best movements for your condition, and give you a plan so that you will be successful.  Yoga can be an excellent way to relieve back pain and keep it from controlling and ruining your life.  But it's critical to find the right instructor that challenges you, but understands your condition, and has experience training others with similar back problems. 

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Benefits of Yoga and Pilates

Yoga is great for back pain. Back pain is a very common ailment and can be very difficult to treat. It is important to first consult a doctor before starting any exercise regime because some back pain is so severe that doing any type of movement can aggravate the problem. But for most people the act of yoga increases back endurance and strength. Yoga positions promote flexibility through gentle stretching in a gradual safe way. Many yoga stretches are good for the nervous system and reduce numbness and pain.

The practice of yoga and pilates focuses on body alignment and awareness. The body is the most efficient and functional when the muscles of the body are strong and long. Excessive strength exercises or our habitual postures cause our muscles to become strong but tight. This causes postural problems. Yoga and pilates help to lengthen muscles to make the body more balanced.

Yoga improves circulation. The natural breathing techniques in yoga pump fresh oxygenated blood around the body to every organ, tissue, muscle and joint. This helps purify, and cleanse the parts of the body, including the skin, the largest organ in the body. Yoga helps purify the body of toxic wastes, allowing all the nutrients in, leading to healthy skin and organs. Yoga affects the mind as much as the body. It improves concentration, increases alertness, and is a form of meditation that helps to relieve stress.

Pilates is different from yoga in the sense that it is more to do with alignment, rehabilitation and function, rather than breathing and meditation. Pilates is based on the idea of developing a strong core. The muscles of the core help to stabilise the trunk and transfer movement between the upper and lower body when we move. Many people do not know how to activate and use their core, and as a result they develop weaknesses and back problems.

Pilates can help anyone from dancers to athletes to you and me. We all use our core muscles and can reap the rewards from the benefits that include shapely muscles and injury prevention. Many Hollywood celebrities and supermodels use pilates to maintain their beautiful physiques. Pilates conditions the whole body, even the ankles and feet. No muscle group is over-trained or under-trained. Many people who do conventional exercises overdo the chest and have hunched-over postures. With pilates your entire musculature is evenly balanced and conditioned, helping you enjoy daily activities and sports with greater ease and less chance of injury.

Mark Andrew, Mobile Fitness. Auckland Personal Trainer. BSc Sport and Exercise Science. mobilefitness.co.nz mobilefitness.co.nz

Training the Trainer

Ken Paves the master hair stylist of Jessica Simpson prefers not to cut and style his own hair, Dr. Oz visits a physician for his annual check-up, Emeril Lagasse dines out occasionally, Danielle Steel reads novels written by other novelist, and Monica Staton Chicago's #1 personal trainer of Bronzeville's elite enlisted the service of a personal trainer.

I pride myself on my experience and knowledge of human physiology. I have been apart of the fitness industry for over four years. It is a profession I love. I could not imagine a life that did not involve intense physical fitness. I continue to study my craft, always incorporating new techniques and the latest safety practices, but I must admit I was a bit apprehensive when deciding today to enlist the services of a personal trainer, because my ego - that "I" or self of any person that distinguishes itself from others, was intimidated.

I called upon a personal trainer for several reasons. I receive one free session with a trainer as apart of my gym membership. I was curious- my competitive nature arose, I wanted to see what another trainer had to offer that I did not.

In every profession one should always continue to learn, I rationalized. I had never had the experience of working with a personal trainer, with the exception of exercising with friends and colleagues that are also in the business of fitness.

I take group yoga classes frequently, but I'd never experienced what my client's experience. For the first time I had a trainer devoted to my every need, constantly watching me, interpreting my physical form from various angles.

Wesley taught me quite a bit this morning. He took the liberty of being more hands on than I am with my clients. I teach by description- I typically provide verbal coaching. To get the most out of an exercise routine without causing injury you must use proper form, but elicit details in movement produce different results. Wesley instructed me to rotate my palms upward, placing my hands above my toes while performing a seated hamstring stretch, creating a new dynamic, an approach to a seated hamstring stretch I plan to adopt.

Continual education and humility is a requirement in most professions. It is also important to study with colleagues within your industry to avoid the possibility of becoming monotonous. I will continue to look for classes and personal trainers who inspire me to achieive a higher level of physical fitness.

I would like to remain taut and physically fit, maintain the excitement I have for fitness, because I hope to impart the same passion to my clients- loving the results I achieve from intense training and enjoying the process. A dear friend often quotes the lyrics from a song called "Express Yourself" by Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band - "When you doing what you doing, do you look like what you doing?" Yes!

Monica Staton is owner of Body Language - monicasbodylanguage.com monicasbodylanguage.com. My philosophy involves being emotionally excited about fitness and fashion.

I help to minimize figure flaws, conceal them, or both. I am a skilled personal trainer, and style consultant; I bring a high level of enthusiasm to both disciplines. I have studied fashion design at Columbia College Chicago, and I am an Ace Certified Personal Trainer specializing in strength training. I currently write a monthly news-letter "Form follows Fashion," which specifically relates to physical fitness, and fashion well-being.

I am flexible, fashionable, open, receptive, intuitive about my client's physical needs, and personal tastes.

Board Sport Training - The Three Best Ways to Improve Your Balance

If you're a participant in any type of board sport, like wake boarding, surfing, or snow boarding, you may know that excellent balance is your most crucial skill for success in your sport. In order to be proficient, you need to work on improving your balance. Here are the top three ways board sporters can enhance their balance skills...

First of all, the key to proficiency in any board sport is to have what insiders refer to as a "quiet upper half". Translated, that means your torso should remain static, or without motion as much as possible.

Your legs and to a lesser extent your core muscles should adjust with the changing terrain or water. Watch a world class gymnast as an example. Proper gymnastics form requires a still, even upper body while the legs do most of the work.

In board sports, the same holds true. In order to maintain good balance, you need to train yourself to use your legs and core muscles instead of your arms and torso.

Here are the three best ways to improve your balance for board sports:

Fitball Balance Discs

A fitball balance disc is an inflatable piece of fitness equipment that is usually about 18 inches across. The bottom of the disc is flat and grounded, while the top is semi circular and unstable.

The purpose of this equipment is to help you maintain your posture and balance on an unsteady surface. Because they are quite small, they are ideal for apartments and tighter living quarters. You should use the disc with one foot or both, and attempt to stay atop it for progressively longer periods of time. It will usually take you several minutes to become acclimated, so don't worry if you can't master the exercise right away.

In addition to working on your balance, using a fitball disc is a great way to train your core muscles for board sport movements.

Balance Boards

A balance board is probably the single best training tool for board sports. It basically replaces and simulates your snow, wake, surf, or skate board. There are several different sizes available, with models designed for specific board sports.

Typically, the board is mounted on a roller or a sphere. The object, of course, is to stay atop the board and maintain your balance. Board sport enthusiasts are amazed at the almost exact level of simulation, and it's an ideal training method if the weather is uncooperative for outdoor activities.

Pilates And Yoga

There's a reason why both pilates and yoga have exploded in popularity over the last ten years. Not only do both forms of exercise work on stretching and leaning out your body, they rely on balance skills to do so. Further, they are totally non impact while providing a stimulating and challenging workout.

Pilates in particular are perfect for board sport participants. The emphasis on core muscles and balance skills translate perfectly to the actual sporting activity.

Summary

If you participate in board sports, it is important to continually work on improving your balance. The best way to do so is to use specialized fitness equipment and exercise programs. Fitball discs, balance boards, and pilates and yoga are far and away your best choices.

Are you a board sport participant? Would you like to know how to become more proficient at your sport? The first step is learning howtoimprovebalance.com how to improve balance. For more tips and recommendations, visit us today at: howtoimprovebalance.com howtoimprovebalance.com