Friday, February 29th, 2008
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Eating Wisely and Weight Loss
Please bear in mind that I am not a dietician, or a physician, and my opinions are those of a Yoga teacher, personal fitness trainer, and life-long student of Ayurveda. Always consult your family physician before changing your diet. It may be generally agreed that eating wisely and weight loss do not often agree. Just look back that the parade of ?fad diets? that didn?t seem to work over the long term and, in retrospect, were not wise from the onset. This article will be a ?union? of ideas from Ayurvedic principles, modern fitness concepts, and overall strategies for better health. It goes without saying that a vegetarian diet is healthy. Only a decade ago, there were many reservations, among local physicians in New England, in regard to this concept. How rapidly knowledge, insight, and opinions change. Marie, my wife, exposed me to the vegetarian diet. Before that, I ate what is now called the ?Mediterranean Diet.? The diet I eat, to this day, is a combination of the two. The combination of these two, ?classic? diets, are easy for me to live with and it is not an effort, at all, for me. That is the biggest hurdle for most people. Many of us take on a radical dieting change that we cannot live with. Most of us can afford to make a few small changes at a time, instead of changing everything at once - unless you are dieting under the guidance of your doctor or dietician. Therefore, I propose a few small changes to your eating habits that will make sense. You do not have to change them all at one time. Sit down and focus on eating your meal. Avoid television, reading, heated conversations, etc. Thoroughly chew your food at a slow pace and do not put more food in your mouth until you have swallowed the previous bite. Be aware of how hungry you are before your meal. Try to avoid too much time between meals, as this leads to over consumption and your stomach should never be more than three quarters full, after a meal. Exercise tip: Some of you practice Yoga and understand the many benefits of Sun Salutations, but have you ever tried weight resistance? Strength training increases energy expenditure during a weight resistance training session. The high intensity of strength training indicates a high utilization of carbohydrates during a training session. During the post-exercise recovery period, energy expenditure is elevated for a period ranging from two to fifteen hours(1). The increased energy demands are obtained by burning more calories, and a good portion of the calories are coming from fat stores. Reference (1) - Melby C, Scholl C, Edwards G, Bullough R. Effect of acute resistance exercise on post exercise energy expenditure and resting metabolic rate. Journal of Applied Physiology 75(4): 1847-1853, 1993. Even if you work every body part just once a week, this method of cross training will effectively burn calories. When you combine this with any aerobic activity, you have a powerful combination. Rowing and bicycling are good substitute forms of resistance too. Strategies for results: Get help from a qualified Personal Trainer, Dietician, or a Life Coach. You could do it all yourself, but how much time do you have to ?spin your wheels.? without any progress? These services exist for those who don?t want to waste time and want solutions now. 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 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. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
By: Paul Jerard

Friday, February 29th, 2008
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Dont Forget About Pilates
If you are looking for a work out schedule that will burn fat at the same time as helping you produce a longer, leaner physique bear in mind pilates. The program is intended to help build up your strength and suppleness as well as burning calories. The pilates approach to exercise is one of the finest ways to get going on the road to good health. Many personal trainers propose using some kind of weight resistance when trying to burn fat. The weight resistance helps your body to build up muscle. That muscle really burns calories even when you are at rest. Constructing a lean muscle mass is the secret to turning your body into a lean mean fat-burning machine. However, some of us who have tried adding weight to our workout routines find ourselves feeling tender and tight. We suffer the loss of suppleness and range of motion when we work out with weights too much. Pilates is designed to expand and increase in length the muscles of the body. You will swear that you have grown an inch in stature after a couple of weeks of working out to pilates DVD’s on a consistent basis. I felt longer and leaner after spending a few devoted weeks visiting my pilates workout. While strength training is still a excellent way to stay in shape and to build up bone mass it does require some sense of balance. Pilaties helps to produce a balance for you. The weight exercises make tighter and shorten muscles whereas the pilates elongate them. The outcome is a lean, fat-burning body that is additionally flexible and relaxed. The only criticism I have regarding the program is the lack of rational progression. A lot of DVD’s are intended for beginners who are not in the greatest of shape. Of course, this is the perfect place to begin in any routine. On the other hand, the advanced pilates DVD’s appear to leap to an almost professional level. I am looking for a pilates workout that challenges me without hurting me. Some of the advanced programs are virtually unachievable to follow if you are an run of the mill human being. It is hard to move forward in this system. Adding ankle or wrist weights is a feasible substitute that will help provide some challenge to the workout. The trouble is that the additional weights can easily throw you off balance. The design behind pilates is a natural flow of movement. Occasionally adding weight restricts your range of movement and you are doing barely more than working out with weights. All and all, the pilates methodology to fitness is fantastic. It is a safe, useful exercise program that suits practically everybody. Finding one that provides realistic challenges can be a challenge all by itself. Mitch Hampson is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Aerobic Exercises so if you would like more information on this subject please checkout his website at http://www.bodbuild.info This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including all live links. Copyright ? 2006 Mitchell Hampson
By: Mitch Hampson
Friday, February 29th, 2008
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Dont Focus on Failure
Internal defeat is a state of mind, where you begin to believe that most new ideas will fail. You might think -?After all, what I tried in last week’s Yoga class, failed.? You will always learn from mistakes. When you see them clearly as a test, examine the results, and study them closely for the reason why they went wrong. Whether it is a lesson plan, trying mantras, Hot Yoga, Gentle Yoga, a pro shop, or trying anything new, it is better to make mistakes than do nothing at all. Some of the most successful Yoga teachers, I know, deal with mistakes as part of the learning curve. They turn all of their defeats into learning experiences. This is extremely powerful when you consider the cost of learning anything of value. After all, what did you spend on your education, so far? Did you think you would stop learning at a certain point in life? Did you learn from your past mistakes? Of course you did, and now you are stronger due to the corrective adjustments, you have made. When a child learns to ride a bicycle, there are plenty of falls along the way, and then the falling stops. However, even skilled adults fall off bicycles, sometimes. So, don?t take past failures personally. Put them behind you and learn from each one. Henry Ford and the Wright Brothers had failures, but nobody seems to remember that. Just like them, you are not a failure, but you may have failed in the past, just like they did. When you get down on yourself, look back at what you have accomplished. When you take on your next project, do the research first, assemble a team, make a full commitment to succeed, and never mentally quit before you start. Lastly, whenever it is possible, learn from the mistakes of others. This is why Yoga businesses approach me for consulting services: To save money by avoiding known mistakes, pitfalls, and traps. 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 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. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
By: Paul Jerard

Friday, February 29th, 2008
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Does Yoga Mean Women in White Tights
Have you ever heard the word yoga and thought about that woman in white tights on the cereal box? The next thought that comes into your mind is ?Wait, I can?t even touch my toes. I would look really silly in a yoga class. Forget it. Chanting is not for me.? Think again. This article will tell you what yoga is. It is not about women in white tights. It is not about auditioning for Cirque du Soleil either. It is not about chanting words you have no idea about. Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning joining. By doing yoga we are joining together the various facets of a human being. We are made up of body, mind and spirit. By doing yoga we join these three parts together to form an integrated human being. The actual pose or asana part of yoga is only a method by which we can integrate the human being. In essence, yoga means to attain a sense of balance, focus and improved breathing. If we all did a structured breathing exercise which would improve lung capacity and increase circulation, then that would be yoga. In fact, the first step in doing yoga is to understand breathing and its effect on the human body. Physiology tells us that the functioning of the human body is highly dependent on our breathing. We know that when we are anxious, our breathing is short and fast. When we are relaxed it is long and deep. The latter produces a more efficient human body and cells respond to that efficient infusion of oxygen to perform at their peak level. For more information please check the website.
By: Siva Parvati
Thursday, February 28th, 2008
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Do Yoga Teachers Struggle for Success
Could there really be a Yoga teacher who is struggling to find success in life? If every Yoga teacher training program taught the spiritual aspect of abundance, and the Law of Karma correctly, this should not ever happen. The abundance theory allows Yoga teachers, and anyone else who is interested, to acquire what is needed, and more, through positive thinking and by using universal energy (Prana) for good and noble purposes. When you show loving kindness, and help others, the universe will respond, despite social and economic circumstances. However, if a person completely believed in pre-determined fate, and was full of negative thoughts, it would be difficult for that person to believe in the abundance theory. This should have been purged from the prospective Yoga teacher intern?s personality, when he or she was a Yoga student. Yet, what kind of a Yoga teacher training program avoids teaching the spiritual aspect of abundance and the Law of Karma? How could a Yoga teacher be unfamiliar with the Law of Karma? If you train Yoga teacher interns to believe that Yoga is an exercise program, with a couple dozen asanas, and a quick certification scheme, then they understand nothing about the spiritual, mental, and emotional benefits of Yoga. In this case, a Yoga teacher, who is trained to instruct the public, in this way, could not even help him/ or herself. How could this person be qualified to help his or her Yoga students? In a quick Yoga certification program, you do not have to learn about Yogic philosophy, meditation, Pranayama techniques, japa, the subtle body, mudras, nadis, chakras, or the causal body. If a person is taught Yoga as an exercise only, and then was trained to teach the public, they should be titled, ?Yoga Exercise Instructor.? If a person has tremendous physical prowess and flexibility, they should be titled ?Yoga Gymnastics Instructor.? This would be great for fitness centers and for Yoga studios. Most fitness centers want an exercise instructor, and most Yoga studios want a 200-hour minimum trained Yoga teacher. The fitness center clientele would not have to meditate, practice Pranayama, or learn much about Yoga, except for the exercise aspect. The Yoga studios and ashrams already know what a Yoga exercise instructor is, even if he or she has the title ?Yoga Teacher.? My feeling is: Be honest with the students. If all they want is exercise, get them an exercise instructor. Now let?s get back to unsuccessful Yoga teachers. The initial training is in question because Yogic philosophy was never covered, but marketing and business skills, specific to teaching Yoga, would have helped. It has been said, ?A leopard cannot change its spots,? which indicates that the inherent nature of something will not change. Now, if a new Yoga instructor finds that a weekend Yoga fitness certification was not adequate, go back to the “drawing board” and find a comprehensive Yoga teacher training course. ? Copyright 2007 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: “Yoga in Practice,” and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
By: Paul Jerard

Thursday, February 28th, 2008
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Divine Powers Have Their Roots In The Chakra Subtle Plexus Family
Life is a Yajna. Life also has a priest, demigod and other paraphernalia. Scriptural scholars have correlated all this. While giving a special description of Kundalini Yajna the Mundakopanishad says (2/1/9): Great souls have emerged from it. The 7 flames of fire are emitted from it. These are the 7 Samidhas (wood of Yajna) and these are the 7 Havees (Yajna offerings). Its energy enters all the 7 Lokas ( subtle world) which were created by God for higher sacred purposes. The 7 Lokas have been described differently in the Devi Bhagwat. In it one finds Bhuha?earth, Bhuvaha ? wind, Svaha - divine light, Mahaha - greatness, Janaha ? people of all the worlds, Tapaha ? austerities and Satyaha ? speech that always comes true. In this manner everything is included in Kundalini Yoga (i.e. Chakras) that is required for material and spiritual tasks. The human body has been compared to Bhulok (earth). In it the Mooladhar is called earth and Sahasrar in the head as the sun. The connecting rod between the 2 is called Merudand. The sun?s heat is a blessing for earth. The Brahmarandhra symbolizes the cosmos. Only when the earth imbibes heat/light of the sun can it create and store material & spiritual wealth. In the same way the Sahasrar Loka is the manifestation center of cosmic consciousness. The Mooladhar ceaselessly imbibes that much energy that it requires for whichever purpose of whatever quality from this powerhouse. One can get a glimpse of how this grace pours down by going to the Polar region of earth. Because the Brahmarandhra is also called the North Pole in which major energies of the sun and other important planets keep pouring down. It depends on the spiritual aspirant?s inner capacity as to how much he imbibes this energy. The North Pole of our planet earth is called Arctic Zone and it has a diameter of 50,000 miles. The South Pole (Antarctica) has a diameter of 30,000 miles. In the North Pole the Dhruva Prabha comes as Meru light and can be visualized as strange pictures. This light called Aurora Borealis shines in such a strange manner on the Polar region that one can only be wonderstruck. Due to distortions in the Aurora Borealis sunlight it is seen strangely as though like a searchlight which lights up and keeps blinking. In the North Pole reside Eskimos, bears, reindeers, fish etc. In the South Pole one can find penguins which are full of love. The Eskimo men of North Pole are by nature very adventurous. There are many strange events regarding the sunlight on the Polar region. A traveler of the North Pole called John Bayard had once seen the sun there manifesting varied hues. Over there he saw far off objects hanging in the air. The heights of hills appeared higher than what they actually were. Many times one could see many suns rising simultaneously in the sky. In the same way the moon was also seen variedly in ice, air and the sky. The night in the North Pole lasts for 6 months. The sun barely shines for 16 days totally. The moon sometimes shines so brightly that it can be compared to the brilliance of the sun. The light changes hues and blinks continuously. Sometimes it runs like the length of the torchlight. Magnetic storms come and go continuously. This energy flow jumps up and lands on the South Pole. The pollution and atomic dust of the North Pole are emissions of the South Pole. One Pole is like a crater and the other is like a hill. Many a times, far off sound is heard nearby and at other times sounds very nearby are not heard at all. All this description given above can be compared to the Mooladhar Chakra and the Sahasrar Kamal of the human body. The head of our body is the North Pole and the genital organs on the Mooladhar Chakra are the South Pole. When we analyze the circumstances, special qualities and influence of both these, we can correlate it to the special qualities of the genital organs and the head region. The flow of sexual passion starts from the head and attacks the genital organs lying below. There is a long path between the 2 called the Merudand (spine) so that the give and take can be balanced. On this Merudand there are 6 obstructions called Chakras (plexuses). So many stories of the Puranas (Indian Mythology) can be correlated to Kundalini Yoga (Divine Serpent Power). This world is balanced on the head of Shesha serpent and the body on the snake called the Mooladhar Chakra. When there are agitations in these areas, man becomes weak, handicapped and eunuch like. Lord Vishnu sleeps on the Shesha serpent. There are snakes that coil around the neck of Lord Shiva. This is the description of the Brahmarandhra. All these snakes cooperate with one another and give the benefits of this energy to the activator of Kundalini. Because this energy is conjoined to Vishnu and Shiva it is said to be present in them in a symbolic manner. Where the latent super serpentess of Mooladhar connotes the female principle, over there the super serpent in Sahasrar connotes a male. Both have their own special aspects and the Merudand via Kundalini Yoga fulfils the infinite yearning of both to unite. The material bliss of conjugal union is said to be a glimpse of bliss of Brahman resulting due to incitement of brain energy. Ordinarily both regions are in a latent state and only when enthusiasm manifests do they get incited. The Mooladhar energy of Kundalini Shakti (Divine Serpent Power) is seen to manifest as vital flow, life force, creative inspirations, urge to live a long life, enthusiasm, humor, play, daring etc. If this region lies latent man becomes weak and full of despair. In the upper world of the Sahasrar Kamal of Kundalini dwells the intellect, thinking process, discrimination, devotion, idealism, self control, love, faith, good will, hard working nature etc. If one?s psyche overflows with lust, both the upper and lower centers get distorted. One becomes weak both bodily and mentally. But if these centers are used only for limited sexual passion and more for sacred higher spiritual goals, one attains extraordinary benefits. It has already been said that Kundalini energy is used only for procreation and sexual play by the gross physical body. Its more serious form is found in the subtle body. When the body is dissected you will not find Chakras but definitely you will see clusters of nerves over there. The anatomical correlation has already been elucidated in the previous chapter. Chakras in reality are symbolic centers of electrical flow of the body. The following divine flow cannot be known as blood flow, nerve plexuses, nerves, sheath flow etc. Those who accept these beliefs do not understand the underlying reality and can just talk about them theoretically. This is a subject of conscious vital flow which cannot be called material electricity. This is because it cannot influence wood, rubber etc. On the other hand vital consciousness affects both inert matter and conscious energy. Kundalini (Divine Serpent Power) has been detailed in Yoga Vasishtha, Yoga Choodamani, Devi Bhagwat, Sharada Tilak, Shandilyopanishad, Muktikopanishad, Hathyoga Samhita, Kularnav Tantra, Yogini Tantra, Bindupanishad, Rudrayamal Tantra, Soundarya Lahiri etc. Even then it is not as though one can understand with ease, the rise/fall of spiritual practices. Neither can one by understanding the various rules of spiritual practices, successfully attain the true goal. It is hence that in the Rigveda great Rishis say: O Vital fire! Do manifest as dawn in my life. Ward off my darkness. Give me energy so that divine powers come running to me. The author of Trishikhibrahmopanishad writes: Kundalini activated by Yogic practices shines and palpitates like lightning. Whoever is asleep awakens henceforth and whoever wakes up starts running. In Ajit Mukherjee?s ?The Tantri Way?, Swami Agehanand?s ?Tantrik Parampara? and ?Yaun Urja?, Hans Jackson?s ?Western Psychology and Indian Sadhana?, Omar Garrison?s ?Tantra Yawn Yoga?, Ukhil Haus? ?Commentary on Hathyoga Pradeepika?, Philip Rakhen?s ?Tantrik Kala?, John Bright?s ?Chetana ka Seemant?, Hans Rigjimar?s ?Bhartiya Dharma Kay Upakhyan Aur Prateek?, and Sir John Woodroffe?s ?Serpentine Power? a detailed description regarding modern psychology, parapsychology and scripture of spiritual practice of Kundalini Yoga has been given. They further say that these rules are based on such definite precepts that those who aptly utilize them will be greatly benefited. There is a description in Mahatantra: An activated Kundalini gives birth to infinite energy. In it one automatically gets the fruits of spiritual practices like Naad, Bindu and Kala. The 4 speeches called Para, Pashyanti, Madhyama and Vaikhari manifest automatically. There is an overflow of desire power, knowledge power and action power. All the connections of body and speech line up in a single file and with a sweet sound they echo in our bosom. This divine power (Sidhi) of Shabda Brahman makes one a Jeevanmukta (liberated while yet alive). Those who make the emotional aspect of Chakras as the basis tend to superimpose colors, words, cones, vehicles etc. In deep meditation one can see such forms and perceive such special qualities. But if true precepts are made the basis one can compare them to cyclones, lava of volcanoes, eddies in rivers etc. in people of extraordinary powers. With this power one can induce wholesome movements in the subtle world on a large scale and one can reach the highest step of the ladder of soul advancement. AUTHOR: Shriram Sharma Acharya, founder of the International Gayatri Family, was a great Yogi, seer and incarnation of God who wrote volumes of scientific literature mainly on spiritual subjects for world welfare and peace. For more scientific e-books visit: http://www.shriramsharma.com/ (GOOGLE PR 4) KEYWORDS: Kundalini Yoga Gayatri e-books biography Guru world peace mind psyche god nerve subtle consciousness soul divine trance endocrine glands ESP Chakras plexus meditation concentration intellect prophecy thought thinking Cheiro Nostradamus Aurobindo bliss brain Vedas solar sun energy sacred pure sense organs Prana Avatar Upanishad light cell hypothalamus pituitary transformation futurist prediction serpent power life human ethics integrity character vagus Tantra Mooladhar atom neutron proton DESCRIPTION: Free e-books on Indian Gayatri Mantra, Kundalini Yoga & Biography correlated to Neurosciences-ESP, Endocrinology, Anatomy, Psychology & Sociology for 1) material & spiritual prosperity & 2) uniting the world peacefully as a family. Aim: A beautiful borderless world.
By: Shriram Sharma
Thursday, February 28th, 2008
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Distance Learning Courses for Yoga Instructor Training
Is distance learning for Yoga instructors a new concept? No, distance learning for Yoga instructors has been around for decades. The concept of training to become a Yoga instructor, by distance learning, is much like working with any university via correspondence, but the efficiency of Yoga teacher training courses has improved with new technology. Does Yoga teacher training online sound ?tacky?? These days, the Internet has managed to become the ?ultimate vehicle? for learning anything, including Yoga. It makes perfect sense for Yoga centers, and universities, to use the Internet for teacher / student contact. Traditional on-site Yoga instructor training programs are much more computerized than they were ten years ago. Many on-site Yoga instructor trainers, and master Yoga teachers, maintain contact, with interns, by Email. This constant dialogue, from teacher to student, and vice versa, is very good for exchanging ideas. It also helps avoid common mistakes in communication. With technology advancing at a rapid pace, the age of online Yoga teacher training is here. Yoga certification online is usually composed of assignments that can be sent by the intern, to the Yoga instructor school, via Email. Even the Yoga certification videos, or practical exams, can be sent by interns with video streaming technology. Many Yoga instructor interns may still prefer to send their training assignments back, in the traditional way, by Postal Mail. Is this the best Yoga certification program? The fact is many people cannot afford to leave their families, and employment, for weeks, or months, at a time. Many Yoga instructors outside of India are female, have children, work a full-time job, maintain a home, and some of these women are going to college at night. With this in mind, the concept of a distance learning Yoga instructor?s training course, developed for certification, is convenient and affordable. Truthfully, many interns do shop for an affordable certification, to become a teacher of Yoga. A Yoga teacher certification, in Thailand, may be affordable, but what will the cost of a flight be? Just the cost of travel, by round trip flight, to Thailand or India, could be, ?in the neighborhood? of, $3,000 USD, from North America. Compare that to a premium 200-hour, or more, Yoga instructor?s training course and certification, for about $500 USD. Now you can understand why Yoga instruction, Yoga certification, and Yoga teacher training, packed in a convenient home-study course, is so popular. This is the 21st century, so Yoga music, Yoga products, Yoga exercise DVD?s, and Yoga teacher certification courses, can be easily shipped to any part of the world. Even, traditional Yoga meditation is being packaged into a certification course. Is this a good thing for Yoga? The demand for Yoga is global, and technology has found the answer - with Yoga instructor training courses and Yoga certification online. ? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: “Yoga in Practice,” and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
By: Paul Jerard

Thursday, February 28th, 2008
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Discovering Yoga Retreats
With more and more people practicing the ancient art of yoga, there exists a large community of people who share a passion for its benefits. The consistent practice of yoga has been shown to decrease stress, improve physical health, and increase mental and emotional well being. And for those who have experienced its benefits, they are often eager to share the experience with others. Yoga retreats offer those who are committed to yoga a place of relaxed community and focused learning where they can practice yoga within a social setting. Yoga retreats can last any length of time; the only requirement is to have a passion for yoga. In addition to practicing yoga throughout your time on a yoga retreat, you will have the opportunity to intermingle with other enthusiasts from all walks of life. The result can be lifetime friendships formed through the shared dedication to this ancient form of exercise. In keeping with the spirit of yoga, yoga retreats often take place in beautiful and peaceful environs offering participants an even greater level of relaxation and focus. Experienced yoga instructors ? or gurus ? will lead the yoga retreat, giving special guidance to beginners who need additional support. The food and accommodations are included during a yoga retreat; you?ll find it to be a comprehensive experience that pays attention to the whole person. You?ll often find dietary considerations that are in line with a healthier lifestyle and a staff that?s committed to providing a natural setting and attentive service. Because of the goals of yoga retreats ? to foster relaxation and achieve mind/body balance ? you will likely not find a television or phone in your room. This can be an amazing opportunity to unplug from the craziness of life so try to embrace the serenity. To find yoga retreats that are available for booking go online for a comprehensive list. Most yoga retreats are offered as package deals for one price. You can find the location that appeals most to you and then find a convenient time to travel. Some websites offer reviews written by guests; be sure to read these reviews as they can give you the clearest picture of what to expect at particular yoga retreats. Whatever yoga retreats you choose to explore, you are sure to find a peaceful experience awaiting you where you will be able to focus on yourself for a few days. What will result are increased health and a rejuvenated spirit. For easy to understand, in depth information about yoga visit our ezGuide 2 Yoga.
By: Michelle Bery
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008
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Discover The Difference Between Hatha And Vinyasa Yoga
Yoga is a form of exercise that offers a range of benefits to those that practice it, from improving flexibility and stamina to increasing muscle tone, strength, and joints, and cleansing the body and mind. Yoga can help to increase circulation and reduce stress and fatigue levels, and can help you to relax, bringing together your mind, body, and spirit. There are different levels of yoga to suit different people, so no matter what your experience with yoga, and no matter what your age, you can find one that suits you perfectly. In fact, the health benefits of yoga are so highly regarded that even those with illnesses such as arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems can benefit, and many say that the symptoms if such health problems can be ease through the correct practice of yoga. Key differences between Hatha And Vinyasa Yoga There are various different types of yoga, some more advanced than others, but all work towards the same goal. That is, they all seek to unify the mind, spirit, and body; and to increase strength and flexibility. Asanas, or physical postures, are emphasized when the body is out of shape, in need of healing, or not flexible enough. The different styles of yoga, however, approach the practice of asanas in individual ways. Two of the most popular styles of yoga used today are Hatha Yoga, and Vinyasa Yoga. Although vinyasa yoga is derived from hatha yoga, classes are very different. One of the features that make it unique is the pace. Another is the way postures are linked together in a series of movements. This produces effects in the body, especially in the cardiovascular system, that hatha yoga does not. Hatha Yoga is a gentle and slower paced form of yoga, although it can be quite challenging physically when you move deeper into the practice of it. The word Hatha, when split in to ‘ha’ and ‘tha’, means ’sun’ and ‘moon’. This style is ideal for those that are new to yoga, and haven’t yet built up experience or confidence. Due to its’ slower pace, it is easier for people to learn the principles, postures, and the breathing methods involved in yoga. Vinyasa Yoga, on the other hand, is a far faster paced, and more advanced form of yoga. Instead of simply doing individual exercises on the mat, with pauses in between, the asanas are linked together in synchronization with the in-flow and out-flow of breath. This produces a very dynamic effect, and it allows heat to build up in the body. An increased body temperature helps loosen the muscles, and people find they can go deeper into a stretch than if they were doing the posture in a more traditional way. Both Hatha and Vinyasa yoga offers a range of health benefits. There is certainly no reason why you cannot start off using the slower paces Hatha Yoga, and once more experienced and flexible, move on to practice the more challenging form of yoga, Vinyasa. Both offer a great way to increase mobility in the joints, tone up your body, and find a sense of peace and stillness often lacking in daily activity. Ashtanga vinyasa yoga is where this flowing style was originally developed. Learn more about it here, and other aspects of a yoga practice here.
By: Rebecca Prescott

Wednesday, February 27th, 2008
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Discover How a Commitment to Yoga Can Change Your Life Forever
While it?s true that you?ll get out of your practice only as much as you?re willing or able to put into it, a committed approach to your practice can help you in ways that you?ve never expected. Indeed practicing yoga could be the platform and motivation you need to completely transform your life. The basic benefits of yoga are widely documented and have been extensively researched. Research into the more controversial benefits of yoga continue ? at the time of writing, pubmed.org (a Service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of health) listed more than 900 research papers investigating the benefits of yoga. A search on the internet typically reveals benefits which include:
Individually these benefits sound like compelling reasons to practice yoga and may be exactly what you are looking for. But yoga is an all encompassing approach to health and well-being ? the word itself literally means union, and when we look at the impact practicing yoga can have on our lives, we should also take an all encompassing approach. While yoga alone cannot work miracles, it may be the foundation, along with some self belief, to help you:- Earn more money - Practicing yoga increases your ability to relax and cope with your daily stresses. It also helps to develop a meditative ability allowing you to slow or clear your mind of constantly racing thoughts. After a hard days work, these are exactly the techniques you need so you can unwind, and recharge through longer and deeper sleep. If you can achieve that then you?ll feel more refreshed, energised and motivated each day, improving your focus and concentration. You can channel this in what ever direction you want including working towards a promotion, searching for your ideal job or starting your own business. Write a book, learn to dance - As outlined above, regular yoga practice can help you increase your energy, motivation and focus as well as improving your concentration ? all of which can be used to develop your personal hobbies and interests, whatever they may be, mental activities or physical ones. Spend more time with your friends and family - Promotion and money aren?t your motivators? How about using your increased energy levels to bring greater balance between your work and personal lives, allowing you to spend more time with the people that matter. A shot of self confidence ? performing regular exercise, combined with the positive effects yoga has on metabolism and appetite, can help with weight (fat) loss. Combine that slimming with the toning effect yoga has on your muscles and you can start to develop the body you want in no time ? and be feeling better about yourself just as quick. What better boost is there to your self confidence? Depression relief? ? Yoga postures are designed to stretch, compress and massage your internal organs and glands. This stimulation is thought to help balance hormone levels in the body, which can help to achieve a more balanced emotional state. Quit smoking ? As well as strengthening your resolve to quit through the increased motivation, energy and focus, yoga breathing techniques (pranayama) are ideal to help you pass the cravings that at the biggest hurdle to quitting smoking. As you can see, the benefits of yoga go far beyond simply improving your wellbeing ? the benefits can be channeled to help you to make fundamental improvements to your whole life. When the rewards are so great, it?s not difficult to understand why people become so enthusiastic about yoga. Jez Heath is the founder of Total.Yoga.Practice, an online yoga center providing streaming yoga video instruction. Total.Yoga.Practice’s yoga instructors include Varun Veer, a professional Yoga instructor with more then 30 years of practice experience. He is the author of 2 books and many yoga videos. Visit Varun at http://www.TotalYogaPractice.com
By: Jez Heath
