Saturday 5 October 2013
Tuesday 8 May 2012
Friday 13 April 2012
ASHTANGA YOGA MOTHER EARTH: 32 Unusual yoga quotes that jolt me back to center...
ASHTANGA YOGA MOTHER EARTH: 32 Unusual yoga quotes that jolt me back to center...: I like quotes and noticed that lots of them have been overused, so I went on a search for the ones that really do it for me, the ones that g...
ASHTANGA YOGA MOTHER EARTH: 32 Unusual yoga quotes that jolt me back to center...
ASHTANGA YOGA MOTHER EARTH: 32 Unusual yoga quotes that jolt me back to center...: I like quotes and noticed that lots of them have been overused, so I went on a search for the ones that really do it for me, the ones that g...
Monday 26 March 2012
Are you brand new to yoga? A few good pointers to get you started
You probably have heard that yoga is good for you and are interested in giving it a try.
But there are so many choices!
Which one is the best for you?
There are so many benefits to a regular yoga practice such as increased energy, strength, flexibility, and improved mental clarity and concentration. I do recommend that someone new to yoga should take the time to learn how to safely enjoy the many benefits this practice can provide, and may want to take a few beginners Hatha classes to learn the basic poses.
Hatha is a slower-paced practice, and is a good place to learn the foundation of yoga poses (or asanas). If you are the kind of person who likes to be constantly active, hatha may feel a bit slow to you at first, however, I strongly recommend sticking with it to understand the basics around a physical yoga practice (and don’t worry, there are many styles of yoga you can try, to get your sweat on, once you have a good understanding of the poses).
Even if you are already physically fit, take a few beginners classes to learn the poses and avoid the risk of injury. There are a great many yoga books and DVDs available as well … but there is no substitute for a good teacher in a yoga class!
There are a wide variety of yoga classes being taught today. Almost all of the styles are based on the same physical poses (from Hatha), yet each style offers something unique to the participant. I have noted a list of the most popular types of yoga practiced here in the Lower Mainland (although there are still many more!), to help you choose a yoga class that is most suitable to you and what you are looking for in a practice.
Common Yoga Styles and Classes
Hatha: is a very general yogic term that embraces many of the physical types of yoga styles and classes. The classes described as “Hatha style” are more likely to be slower, gentler and provide a good introduction to the basic yoga poses. This is an excellent starting point for the new yogi (or yogini) wanting to foster a new yoga practice!
Vinyasa: similar to Hatha, Vinyasa is a general term that describes different types of classes. Vinyasa yoga focuses on breath-synchronized movement, and is often based on the performance of a series of poses called Sun Salutations.
Ashtanga or Power Yoga: Ashtanga (which literally stand for “eight-limbed yoga” in Sanskrit), is a fast-paced, powerful style of yoga. An established series of poses is performed, and always in the same order. The practice is physically demanding, and there is constant movement from one pose to the next (also known as a “flow” in yoga) –it definitely gets your heart beating! Often you will hear this style of yoga referred to as “Power Yoga” –this is a modern style of yoga (based on Ashtanga), and may not necessarily adhere to the flow of poses in Ashtanga.
Kundalini: this practice is known as the yoga of awareness, as the emphasis is to work with the breath in conjunction with physical movement, in an effort to free energy in the lower body – allowing it to move up the body. Even though all yoga practices make use of controlling the breath, the exploration of the effects of the breath (also called prana, meaning energy) is the primary focus of Kundalini and essential to expand sensory awareness.
Bikram (or hot yoga): this practice was pioneered by Bikram Choudhury, and is often referred to as hot yoga. It is practiced in a heated room (generally 95 to 100 degrees), which allows tight muscles to relax and calls for a whole lot of sweating! Bikram is a set series of 26 poses, but not all hot yoga classes utilize the set series.
Moksha: Moksha hot yoga was founded in Toronto in 2004 by yoga teachers Ted Grant and Jessica Roberts. Although this style of yoga is new, it has quickly gained popularity and there are studios worldwide, including in Canada, the United States, Switzerland, and the Caribbean. Moksha utilizes a set series of poses that are practiced in a hot room; this style is designed to be both accessible and challenging. Moksha is renowned as the “green, clean, hot yoga series that stretches, strengthens and tones the muscles while detoxifying the body and calming the mind”.
Restorative: in this style of yoga, props are used to support the body so the yogi(ni) can hold poses for longer periods of time, allowing the body to open through passive stretching. Restorative poses are generally adapted from a seated yoga posture with the addition of blocks, bolsters, and blankets to eliminate unnecessary straining. This style of yoga is excellent for individuals recovering from injuries or for people with physical restrictions that may keep them from trying another style of yoga. It is truly the yoga style for everybody … and all bodies!
Sivananda: is a hatha-style yoga practice that focuses on preserving the health and wellness of the practitioner. Sivananda training revolves around frequent relaxation, and emphasizes full, yogic breathing. Sivananda philosophy follows five principles, including proper exercise, breathing, relaxation, diet, and positive thinking and meditation.
Yin: in this style of yoga, the poses are held for long periods of time in order to the stretch the connective tissue (fascia) around the joints. Yin yoga directly addresses the demands that sitting still in one position for a long time, such as sitting at a desk or in meditation, places on the body. The focus is on slowly stretching the connective tissue instead of the muscles.
But there are so many choices!
Which one is the best for you?
There are so many benefits to a regular yoga practice such as increased energy, strength, flexibility, and improved mental clarity and concentration. I do recommend that someone new to yoga should take the time to learn how to safely enjoy the many benefits this practice can provide, and may want to take a few beginners Hatha classes to learn the basic poses.
Hatha is a slower-paced practice, and is a good place to learn the foundation of yoga poses (or asanas). If you are the kind of person who likes to be constantly active, hatha may feel a bit slow to you at first, however, I strongly recommend sticking with it to understand the basics around a physical yoga practice (and don’t worry, there are many styles of yoga you can try, to get your sweat on, once you have a good understanding of the poses).
Even if you are already physically fit, take a few beginners classes to learn the poses and avoid the risk of injury. There are a great many yoga books and DVDs available as well … but there is no substitute for a good teacher in a yoga class!
There are a wide variety of yoga classes being taught today. Almost all of the styles are based on the same physical poses (from Hatha), yet each style offers something unique to the participant. I have noted a list of the most popular types of yoga practiced here in the Lower Mainland (although there are still many more!), to help you choose a yoga class that is most suitable to you and what you are looking for in a practice.
Common Yoga Styles and Classes
Hatha: is a very general yogic term that embraces many of the physical types of yoga styles and classes. The classes described as “Hatha style” are more likely to be slower, gentler and provide a good introduction to the basic yoga poses. This is an excellent starting point for the new yogi (or yogini) wanting to foster a new yoga practice!
Vinyasa: similar to Hatha, Vinyasa is a general term that describes different types of classes. Vinyasa yoga focuses on breath-synchronized movement, and is often based on the performance of a series of poses called Sun Salutations.
Ashtanga or Power Yoga: Ashtanga (which literally stand for “eight-limbed yoga” in Sanskrit), is a fast-paced, powerful style of yoga. An established series of poses is performed, and always in the same order. The practice is physically demanding, and there is constant movement from one pose to the next (also known as a “flow” in yoga) –it definitely gets your heart beating! Often you will hear this style of yoga referred to as “Power Yoga” –this is a modern style of yoga (based on Ashtanga), and may not necessarily adhere to the flow of poses in Ashtanga.
Kundalini: this practice is known as the yoga of awareness, as the emphasis is to work with the breath in conjunction with physical movement, in an effort to free energy in the lower body – allowing it to move up the body. Even though all yoga practices make use of controlling the breath, the exploration of the effects of the breath (also called prana, meaning energy) is the primary focus of Kundalini and essential to expand sensory awareness.
Bikram (or hot yoga): this practice was pioneered by Bikram Choudhury, and is often referred to as hot yoga. It is practiced in a heated room (generally 95 to 100 degrees), which allows tight muscles to relax and calls for a whole lot of sweating! Bikram is a set series of 26 poses, but not all hot yoga classes utilize the set series.
Moksha: Moksha hot yoga was founded in Toronto in 2004 by yoga teachers Ted Grant and Jessica Roberts. Although this style of yoga is new, it has quickly gained popularity and there are studios worldwide, including in Canada, the United States, Switzerland, and the Caribbean. Moksha utilizes a set series of poses that are practiced in a hot room; this style is designed to be both accessible and challenging. Moksha is renowned as the “green, clean, hot yoga series that stretches, strengthens and tones the muscles while detoxifying the body and calming the mind”.
Restorative: in this style of yoga, props are used to support the body so the yogi(ni) can hold poses for longer periods of time, allowing the body to open through passive stretching. Restorative poses are generally adapted from a seated yoga posture with the addition of blocks, bolsters, and blankets to eliminate unnecessary straining. This style of yoga is excellent for individuals recovering from injuries or for people with physical restrictions that may keep them from trying another style of yoga. It is truly the yoga style for everybody … and all bodies!
Sivananda: is a hatha-style yoga practice that focuses on preserving the health and wellness of the practitioner. Sivananda training revolves around frequent relaxation, and emphasizes full, yogic breathing. Sivananda philosophy follows five principles, including proper exercise, breathing, relaxation, diet, and positive thinking and meditation.
Yin: in this style of yoga, the poses are held for long periods of time in order to the stretch the connective tissue (fascia) around the joints. Yin yoga directly addresses the demands that sitting still in one position for a long time, such as sitting at a desk or in meditation, places on the body. The focus is on slowly stretching the connective tissue instead of the muscles.
Sunday 8 January 2012
Yoga Journal - Camel Pose
Yoga Journal - Camel Pose
Yoga Journal provides great directions on progressing through this asana safely. The Camel - or Ustrasana - is very beneficial for stretching the entire front of the body, the ankles, thighs, abdomen and chest, and your throat. It stretches the deep hip flexors (psoas) and strengthens the back muscles. And a bonus - it can improve yout posture!
Yoga Journal provides great directions on progressing through this asana safely. The Camel - or Ustrasana - is very beneficial for stretching the entire front of the body, the ankles, thighs, abdomen and chest, and your throat. It stretches the deep hip flexors (psoas) and strengthens the back muscles. And a bonus - it can improve yout posture!
Monday 28 November 2011
Forgiveness - exploring moving towards the attitude
This weekend I was the recipient of what I perceived to be wrong-doing to me by another - an individual that I had respect for. I was horribly hurt. The words that were used by the other person, towards me, were awful. I was left disheartened and feeling physically ill.
I spent a good portion of that afternoon, weighed down by emotions - wondering why this had happened.
Did I do something to incite the words from this person?
I could not recollect anything I did or said that would warrant the insensitive words that were directed at me. The words were completely out of context for the environment that I was in, an environment that, up until that moment, I had felt safe in.
The individual did ask for my forgiveness shortly after the incident, which caused me to crumble into a weeping mess (my emotions were heavily attached to the situation at this point). I could hear the other person talking, explaining and reasoning her behaviour - but I felt outside the conversation, I felt distanced, like I was not in the same room.
My day did not improve. On the way home, I had to stop the car to have a good cry, and then on my arrival at home - a full out discussion (more tears) with my husband regarding what had happened. He was mad that the situation could even have happened where it did. I just felt hurt, beaten and sick.
But this morning, I woke up angry! What is going on? I realized that I am allowing what happened to control my feelings. Time to move forward out of this rut!
Meditate.
I am not going to allow this situation to control my life - to have power over me - by continuing to allow it to hurt me.
I pulled out my book, "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz and read to myself:
Be Impeccable With Your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
Don't Take Anything Personally: Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.
Don't Make Assumptions: Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
Always Do Your Best: Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.
Off the Mat:
Life is an intricate blend of joy and sorrow. Forgiveness does not change that, but it does allow me (us) to not drag moments of sorrow into moments of joy.
As beautifully stated by Rabbi Rami Shapiro: "When we focus on forgiveness as an act it all too often becomes a tactic, and a manipulative one at that. But when we understand forgiveness as an attitude something else altogether happens."
In truth, most hurtful moments we experience are not meant for us at all, but are just the result of another's own sorrow and pain. I am going to move forward, with a different attitude, and try not to take things personally. I am going to continue to follow my dream. I am going to allow forgiveness to be part of my attitude, not an act to empower or disempower others and myself. I will explore this inside myself.
sat nam.
I spent a good portion of that afternoon, weighed down by emotions - wondering why this had happened.
Did I do something to incite the words from this person?
I could not recollect anything I did or said that would warrant the insensitive words that were directed at me. The words were completely out of context for the environment that I was in, an environment that, up until that moment, I had felt safe in.
The individual did ask for my forgiveness shortly after the incident, which caused me to crumble into a weeping mess (my emotions were heavily attached to the situation at this point). I could hear the other person talking, explaining and reasoning her behaviour - but I felt outside the conversation, I felt distanced, like I was not in the same room.
My day did not improve. On the way home, I had to stop the car to have a good cry, and then on my arrival at home - a full out discussion (more tears) with my husband regarding what had happened. He was mad that the situation could even have happened where it did. I just felt hurt, beaten and sick.
But this morning, I woke up angry! What is going on? I realized that I am allowing what happened to control my feelings. Time to move forward out of this rut!
Meditate.
I am not going to allow this situation to control my life - to have power over me - by continuing to allow it to hurt me.
I pulled out my book, "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz and read to myself:
Be Impeccable With Your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
Don't Take Anything Personally: Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.
Don't Make Assumptions: Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
Always Do Your Best: Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.
Off the Mat:
Life is an intricate blend of joy and sorrow. Forgiveness does not change that, but it does allow me (us) to not drag moments of sorrow into moments of joy.
As beautifully stated by Rabbi Rami Shapiro: "When we focus on forgiveness as an act it all too often becomes a tactic, and a manipulative one at that. But when we understand forgiveness as an attitude something else altogether happens."
In truth, most hurtful moments we experience are not meant for us at all, but are just the result of another's own sorrow and pain. I am going to move forward, with a different attitude, and try not to take things personally. I am going to continue to follow my dream. I am going to allow forgiveness to be part of my attitude, not an act to empower or disempower others and myself. I will explore this inside myself.
sat nam.
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