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Posts Tagged ‘Yoga Yoga’

Yoga – Understanding Yoga And Its’ Health Benefits

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Understanding yoga is not easy. In fact, anything that had been in existence for more than about thousands of years is not easy. The origins of this unique form of physical act or exercise are not very clear. However, experts feel that the origins of yoga were found either in ancient Egypt or ancient India.

As we all know, yoga has gained tremendous popularity since last few decades. The different types of postures of yoga have helped many people to promote healthy mind, body, and soul. It has been proved as an excellent means of relaxation, which proffers a sense of inner peace and balance.

These days, the art of yoga has become a never ending rage among youngsters, children and the old. With celebrities like Madonna embracing yoga for health benefits, the craze for this unique form of exercise is here to stay.

A) What is yoga?

Yoga involves a series of different postures in conjunction with stretches. This is practiced within a holistic mindset and deep concentration that results in emotional, spiritual mental, physical and health benefits.

Most people who have been practicing yoga for a long time have understood yoga as a form of meditation. The more one tends to practice this art, the more one feels enlightened and experience transforming effects. Yoga works towards gifting and developing an individual’s inner as well as outer personality. It also helps in transforming one into a good human.

B) Yoga as a way of life

Yoga can be understood as a lifestyle or a way of life. It is an art of righteous living. Experts would like to refer it as an effective system to benefit the body mind and inner spirit. This unique are was originated ancient years back.

You can find some excellent references to yoga in ‘Puranas’ and ‘Upanishads’. These were beautifully composed by Indian Aryans in the later vedic and post vedic period.

The principles of yoga were described in full fledged eight fold yogic discipline. This is explained by Patanjali in his ‘yoga sutra’. It was composed almost two thousand years ago! The eight important stages of yoga recommended by Patanjali are as follows:

These are the stages of yoga discipline:

a) Yamas – Restrains and abstentions

b) Asanas – Physical exercises or postures.

c) Pranayama – Total control over vital energy or breathing pattern.

d) Niyamas – Observances such as contentment, study, austerities, purity and surrender of the ego.

e) Dhyana – Meditation

f) Partyahara – Withdrawal of the senses.

g) Samadhi – Attainment of the super conscious state

h) Dharana – Contemplation or concentration of the mind.

C) Superb health benefits of yoga

There are several health benefits of practicing yoga.

a) Weight loss and Weight control

b) Enhances immune system and blood circulation in the body

c) Control over anxiety

d) Relief from asthma, multiple sclerosis, headaches, blood pressure and carpal tunnel syndrome.

e) Reduces arthritis pain, depression, stress, heart disease, chronic fatigue and back pain.

f) Helps in removing toxins from the body.

g) Heals several diseases and body ailments

h) Enhances concentration power and creativity; Reduces stress and tension

i) Allows better thinking, enhances flexibility and balance.

j) Leads to spiritual fulfillment.

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Understanding What Is Yoga

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

Yoga is the vogue for those trying to lose some weight and get fit. It is relaxing and through meditation, one can achieve calmness of mind, as well as increase suppleness and agility through the exercises.

Yoga was formed about eight thousand years back and it can be attributed to the Indus Valley and the Vedic civilization. Other hinted to it way back before the formation of the Vedas in India. Certain historians deem that it only goes back to about four thousand years as a result of Vedic shastras and the Hindu sacred manuscript. Vasishta, Yajnavalkya, and Jaigishavya whom are well known Vedic wise men and they are among the supreme practitioners.

Yoga in recent times has been reduced to physical exercises completely different from what was scripted. Hatha yoga is the most widespread type of yoga practiced in the west. The practices are mainly centered on stretching and breathing devoid of the spiritual aspects.

Yoga offer host of benefits to our physical, emotional and spiritual make ups that other exercises cannot provide, therefore it is advantageous to take up yoga. It is one of the best exercises as it reduce your stress level and calms the mind as yoga requires stretching of the body and taking up dissimilar poses, even when you are controlling your breathe.

This give rise to a calm body yet you are fully in control. Also they are certain kinds of yoga which center on meditation and relaxation. Doing the different poses will at the same time get you lean, toned and fit. Yoga not only assists you in losing weight but tone and fortifies your body as well, that by building gorgeous muscles and not bulking.

It is one of the best forms of exercises irrespective of age or gender. Picking up the fundamentals of yoga is not difficult by progressing from simple to advanced level of postures. The most fundamental forms of yoga is the asthanga yoga with bikram yoga being the most complicated as you will have to practice it in 40 degree Celsius and a humidity of about forty percent.

Through books and DVDs you can pick up yoga easily or visit a gym to learn from a qualified yoga teacher and learning from a yoga teacher will help you to pick up the nuances of yoga and they will be there to correct your mistakes.

Learning yoga is an ongoing process and you will grow to enjoy the benefits as it is not an exhausting and arduous undertaking. Compare to other exercises, this is the one that you can benefit physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Yoga is initially alternative kinds of exercises that began to be more widespread and becoming mainstream. The yoga practice in the west is hatha yoga and it is through vigorous exercises get the body ready for extended period of meditation. Other kinds of Yoga are not that physical but just there as a philosophy.

Contorting the body into odd physical shapes is known as asana yoga. It might make you squirm but it is meant for the body to relax. There are other poses too but the easy one is enough to give the practitioner strength, control and suppleness.

Even though western countries concentrate on the physical aspects, breathing technique is as vital. Breathing complements the exercises as oxygen supports the body. With the correct breathing technique, it will help you to alleviate your stress and fuel you up. Meditation from yoga helps you to relax, think on your feet and there is a whole concept of mind and body development.

Yoga is very beneficial to mind and body and the practices have been spreading throughout the world. The increasing popularity is due to endorsement by physician who counsels their patients to take it up for the value and advantages of yoga and it also has been widely research.

As yoga relaxes and calms the mind and body and offer many other benefits, for instant uplifting of your mood; it is not surprising that physicians and scientist are keen on it and much has been written on the subject. Yoga also helps in healing and maintains health. Together there are six types of yoga and they are Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Tantra Yoga and Hatha Yoga.

Therefore with an understanding of yoga, it will point you to one of these six types and eventually when you have pick up enough knowledge; it will open your mind.

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Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit free yoga exercises to learn more about different types of yoga and yoga for weight loss.

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What Is The ‘hot’ In Hot Yoga?

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

Hot Yoga

Hot Yoga is a series of yoga poses done in a heated room. Hot Yoga’s mission is to touch as many lives as possible with the power and wisdom of Yoga. Hot Yoga is not advised for pregnant women, since it can raise the core body temperature. It is essential to have your own yoga mat and towel when doing Hot Yoga since you will be sweating so much. People come to Hot Yoga to look beautiful on the outside, but they stay because they are inspired to be the best version of themselves.

Yoga

Yoga is intimately connected to the religious beliefs and practices of the Indian religions. Yoga philosophy is one of the six systems of Hindu philosophy. Yoga is not a religion, but an aid to the practice of the basic spiritual truths in all religions. Yoga can be practiced by a Christian or a Buddhist, a Parsee, a Muslim, a Sufi or an atheist.

Karma Yoga

Karma Yoga emphasizes spiritual practice to help the individual unify body, mind, and heart through certain practices in one’s daily life and work. Karma Yoga is selfless service unto humanity. There is a hidden power in Karma or action termed ‘Adrishta’ which brings in fruits of Karmas for the individual. The practice of Karma Yoga prepares the aspirant for the reception of knowledge of the Self.

Tantra Yoga

Tantra Yoga is a holistic approach to the study of the universal from the point of view of the individual: the study of the macrocosm through the study of the microcosm. Tantra Yoga believes that as long as the phenomenal world exists, it is the Universal Mother who is the creator, preserver and destroyer. By refining our thoughts and feelings by means of these Tantra Yoga practices, we learn to create peace, harmony, and order within ourselves.

Bhakti Yoga

Bhakti Yoga is pure spiritual devotion, of love for God which is Love. Bhakti Yoga is the most direct method, the shortest way to experience the divine. Bhakti Yoga lets one see the absolute manifested in all experience. There is nothing higher than love and Bhakti Yoga is the religion of love.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga is a particular system of Yoga described by Yogi Swatmarama, a yogic sage of the 15th century in India, and compiler of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Hot Hatha Yoga is the physical form of yoga designed to bring balance and well-being into your life. Iyengar’s method, a form of hatha yoga, is based on giving primacy to the physical alignment of the body in the poses. Later, with the rise of Hatha yoga, asana came to refer to all the “postures” Pranayama (“Lengthening Prāna”): Prāna, life force, or vital energy, particularly, the breath, “āyāma”, to lengthen or extend Pratyahara (“Abstraction”): Withdrawal of the sense organs from external objects.

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yogainhealth.com is a website for Yoga and Yoga Courses. Hot Yoga, is one type of yoga taught by a Hot Yoga Yoga Teacher

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Yoga Positions, The Iyengar Way

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

The most popular yoga positions are called Hatha yoga.  Hatha yoga gives aid to the emotional, mental and well-being of the human body.  It dates back to the 15th century and it focuses on making the body more fit for a higher form of meditation.  Different positions are recommended by doctors to take away health problems ranging from headaches to cancer.

When you do yoga, you don’t worry about a lot of things.  The stretching and breathing take your body and mind on a relaxing trip far away.  Doing yoga helps out with your meditation.  You can really get your body into great shape doing yoga.

Yoga is great for people of all ages.  It doesn’t take that long to learn and it is fun. Those that do yoga don’t usually gain weight like the body usually does every single year.  Those that don’t use yoga gain a pound a year.  If you add those pounds up you can see a tremendous weight gain.  Practicing it takes both your mind and your body.  There are eight basic exercises.

They have yoga that brings into line the body.  Additional yoga moves cause to hold your body in a certain position for a long period of time.  Other types of yoga involve heating up a room to 105 degrees.  You need to breathe a certain way when doing yoga.  Make sure you don’t overstretch and it is helpful to learn from a teacher.

What do you need while doing yoga?  You need some comfortable fitting clothing that will allow you to move around freely.  You don’t want to be distracted by clothing either.  You don’t want to be focusing on the clothing instead you want to keep your mind on the exercises.  Most people go barefoot while doing this kind of exercising.  The other thing you want to get is a nice mat with padding.  This will help you if you are on a really hard floor.

Other things you can get are a bag to carry your mat in.  You can also get some nice music to exercise to.  The music is so relaxing that it helps relieves the stress in your muscles. You’ll feel a lot better and your body will respond to it in a great way.  Sometimes the music brings you the sounds of nature and the outdoors.  It is light, inspirational and helps keep you in a good mood.

You also want to get a good water bottle, this way you can flush out the toxins in your body as you are doing the exercises.  The more water you drink the better off you will be.

You want to make stretching a part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth and eating.  You want to make stretching as important as these other daily routines because if you don’t you’ll be tempted to leave them out.  This is just a few things I know about yoga positions.

 

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Comprehensive Guide To The World Of Meditation

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

This article will provide a basic overview of what Kundalini Yoga is and how Kundalini Yoga works. At the core of Kundalini Yoga lies Kriyas and the best way to understand the methodology of Kundalini Yoga is to understand Kriyas and their functioning. Kriyas are a set of exercises done in a particular sequence to work on a specific theme. There are a wide range of Kriyas available, each refined over thousands of years to optimize their effectiveness. Kriyas utilize all the available Kundalini Yoga mechanisms to work their magic. They employ asans (postures), movement, pranayam (breathing exercises), bandhas (body locks), mantras (sound vibrations), mudras (hand positions), laya yoga (yoga of rhythm and sound), mental focus and meditation to do their work.

Dynamic movement and asans bring expanding and contracting pressure via multiple angles to various areas of the body, this is accompanied with powerful pranayams, the combined effect of which is that the target regions are saturated with highly charged and oxygenated blood. This nutrient rich blood fills the capillaries forcing them to discharge toxins and other harmful elements, which are then eliminated, neutralized or expelled by the body. The health of the region thus improves and the nerves fire more completely, the glands and organs are invigorated and regain their natural voltage and secretion levels are returned to a condition of strength and vitality. The key here is the removal of blockages (granthis) that is taking place on many levels of the organism thus facilitating the flow of energy. There are Kriyas designed for working on almost every part of the human system (Immune, Glandular, Circulatory, Digestive, Nervous, Respiratory, Sexual, etc . . . ), working on our various traits and characteristics (Awareness, Intuition, Willpower, Confidence, Compassion, Charisma, etc . . . ) and also for healing many different types of ailments and diseases. Lets now see how this ties in with the Chakra (energy vortex) system.

There are 7 primary chakras that lie all along the spine from the base to the crown of the head. Associated with each chakra are the primary nerve junctions and organs of that region. Furthermore, each chakra is responsible for certain traits and characteristics that make up our personality. When we strengthen and rejuvenate the nerves and organs in a particular region, we are in fact activating these energy centers that reside there and are thus working on ourselves not only at a physical level, but also at an emotional and mental level (by affecting our traits and characteristics). Practiced over time, the chakras become charged and come into balance with each other, bringing us into physical, emotional and mental well being. Again, it should be noted that the work being done is primarily about dissolving granthis (blockages) in these regions which introduce disease and imbalance into the system by preventing the chakras from functioning at their optimum level. Finally, let see how this relates to Kundalini Shakti.

Kundalini is energy. It is the fundamental energy whose flow through the organism allows for all its systems to operate, at all levels of consciousness. It is the energy of awareness, it can be said that where your awareness is, that is where Kundalini is flowing or that where Kundalini is flowing is where your awareness is. To awaken Kundalini means to dissipate blockages in the gross and subtle systems in your being and allow for greater and greater flow of energy and awareness. As blockages are cleared trapped energy is released and pathways are cleared. Kundalini then is able to flow freely though those regions, healing, nourishing, rejuvenating and balancing them. The dissipating of blockages can also be thought of as the clearing away of the subconscious mind, the collection of unresolved emotional and physical disturbances, where lies the root of many of our attachments and fears. So overall Kundalini Yoga is a system by which one, through the process of dissolving the past, allows the infinite to shine through into the present.

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Anmol Mehta is a Kundalini Yoga Teacher and Zen Expert. Visit Mastery of Meditation, Chakra Yoga and Zen for FREE Online Meditation & Yoga Programs. You will also find a wealth of insightful articles at Mastery of Meditation, Kundalini Yoga and Zen Blog.

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Tap Into Many Health Benefits of Yoga

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

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Yoga is an ancient training that originated in Western India that connects the mind, physique, and spirit via stretches, poses, breathing control, and meditation. There are a lot of health and fitness advantages that come with practicing yoga such as strengthening muscles.

Surprisingly though, yoga has several well being advantages as well ranging from lowering blood pressure to boosting metabolic process.

Practicing yoga on a consistent basis increases circulation and oxygenation on the body, therefore decreasing blood pressure. Also, to be a result of increased circulation, the coronary arteries dilate allowing blood to flow far more effortlessly and reduces the risk of chronic heart diseases. Enhanced blood circulation towards brain, combined with all the reduction of anxiety and enhanced focus, effects inside a far better memory. Yoga exercise also promotes a stronger immune technique. The lymphatic method boots the bodies immunity and decreases toxins. The only way to have the lymphatic technique flowing effectively is by movement. Yoga movements are ideal of building a strong lymphatic process to aide in boosting immunity levels. A balanced metabolic rate results in maintaining a wholesome weight as nicely as controlling hunger. Steady yoga process assists in discovering the balance and creates a far more efficient metabolic process. The great things about an improved metabolic process combined using the exercising of yoga, keeps entire body bodyweight in verify. Additionally, the stretching of muscle tissues performed in yoga physical exercise assists to minimize the quantity of cellulite which could create around muscles.

Accomplishing yoga keeps the physical structure in greater well being As a form of physical exercise, yoga offers benefits which might be oftentimes not easily found in other exercising regimens.

Why Do Yoga?

Merely put, you really feel better soon after doing yoga training. The stretches convert bad energies such as sluggishness, depression, fatigue or tension into positive power. You sense much more alive, relaxed, fresher and clear within the head following performing yoga. Yoga affects the brain, mood, body, will power and spirit inside a beneficial way due on the hormonal activity triggered from the brain.

Resulting from a strong mind-body connection of yoga, there are quite a few emotional advantages being gained from a regular yoga process. Overall well-being improves with doing yoga. Concentration needed in the course of yoga training focuses your attention on the matter at hand, thereby reducing the emphasis of anxiety in every day existence. As you match your controlled breathing with the movements of one’s physique, you retrain your brain to come across calmness and peace.

Yoga de-stresses you both physically and mentally as the body responds for the relaxation course of action. When you incorporate a standard yoga routine within your living, you’ll locate you have more stamina, are much less prone to illness, and have a a lot more beneficial outlook on everyday living.

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Yoga Supplies: How To Choose The Best

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Yoga supplies are really important when it comes to practicing yoga. Yoga supplies help in focusing on your art well and also protect you from getting injured while practicing yoga.

Yoga is a specialized form of meditation. It works towards providing you the serenity that you actually require in order to keep stress away in this chaotic world.

When practicing yoga, it is important to relax as well as meditate with absolute comfort. No distraction should come your way if you want to enjoy the real benefits of this unique form of exercise. Hence, you need to follow certain guidelines when practicing yoga.

First and foremost, you should feel extremely comfortable in the position you are, in the clothes you are wearing and the place you are in at present. Second matter to take into consideration is sweat absorbance. Keep your body away from too much of sweat. You should have something that lets you absorb your sweat.

For fulfilling the above mentioned conditions, you must purchase some of the important yoga supplies. These supplies are widely available these days and extremely affordable.

You need to know the kind of yoga supplies you should purchase prior to setting out for accomplishing the task.

Here are certain yoga supplies you should focus on purchasing:

– Yoga mat

– Yoga footwear

– Sports Bra

– Yoga clothes

– Yoga music

– Yoga DVDs

Once you have a list of yoga supplies you need to purchase, it is time to choose the best of skippers that’s available. You should consider your own comfort level when purchasing yoga supplies.

When purchasing yoga supplies, you need to understand that comfort is the main consideration here. When choosing yoga clothes or yoga shoes, make sure that these are comfortable to wear.

The yoga clothes you purchase should let you move every joint of your body freely. Remember that while moving your body, you should not have any fear of hindering blood flow.

Loose clothing is a good option. However, it has a tendency to slide down when performing certain bending positions.

A good yoga clothing is one that provides you easy motion and capability to leave parts of the human body lift and move in varied positions and postures.

Remember that when performing yoga, you need to perform a lot of twisting and strengthening. Unfit clothes will prove to be a problem to you. The best choice would be elastic materials such as spandex. Pure cotton is also a great option.

Another thing that you need to consider when purchasing yoga supplies clothes is sweat absorbance factor. Make sure that you choose fabrics made of cotton that breathes and absorbs sweat easily.

Make sure that the clothes you purchase are of the right fit. This will ensure the best yoga experience to you.

Remember that in order to practice the best and benefit to a great degree, you must focus on purchasing the best of supply.

Keep all the above mentioned points in mind when purchasing yoga supplies.

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Guidance Towards Better Living With The Help Of Yoga Videos

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

As we all know that in today’s scenario of busy and fast lifestyle, everyone wants to pacify himself in order as to attain peace and comfort. Also, yoga is one of the best ways to achieve relaxation, but in today’s hectic lifestyle, people hardly get any time to attend the yoga classes on daily basis.

To overcome such a problem, they can purchase the yoga video or DVDs which will guide them step-by-step to perform different types of yoga asanas (positions).

There are different types of these including yoga structure to have good health, yoga for the beginners, basic yoga, yoga to cure various disease, etc. which can be used for different purposes depending upon the requirements of the different people.

The yoga videos and DVDs are considered as the easiest ways of learning and performing yoga at one’s own place so as to remain fit and healthy even in today’s hodgepodge lifestyle.

A) How The Use Is Advantageous:

They have been proved to be advantageous in the following manner:

1) They proffer an extensive range of variety so as to make you to enjoy the fun of performing different types of yoga asanas every time you begin your practice.

2) The most fascinating features is that they are time efficient, as they help in saving the time up to hours, which generally gets consumed on visiting the yoga centers.

3) They are more convenient as compared to other ways, because they are always ready to fit according to your schedule so as to guide you anytime whenever you want to begin the practice.

4) Another most interesting thing about these video is that you can enjoy the thrill of learning various yoga exercises with the renowned teachers.

5) From the wide range you can choose any of the videos meeting your requirements. For e.g. you can choose the video proffering yoga exercises on stress reduction, to build your upper body, etc.

6) There is also a provision of modifying various yoga postures so as to meet the physical requirements of the body in case of any injury or any such physical challenge.

Therefore, the different types enable you to enjoy the fun of practicing various yoga positions in a very comfortable manner and also add breadth to your practice.

B) Tips to be considered

The followings are the few tips which should always be taken into consideration while practicing yoga asanas at your own place under the guidance of yoga videos and DVDs and to extract maximum benefits out of them.

a) The very first thing requires to observe the entire video thoroughly so as to get an idea of how to perform it in a more appropriate manner. Also you will get an idea of various types of accessories including mats, pillows, lifts, straps, chairs, etc that are required while practicing yoga.

b) Before beginning your yoga practice, it is recommended to clear a plenty of space in front of your television so as to allow free movements of your body.

c) It is also advisable to keep the remote of your video player in your hands so that you can easily pause or stop it in between while trying the different yoga postures. This will enable you understand each asana gradually and properly.

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Yoga An Exercise For Everyone

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Many adults enjoy and are aware of the rewards of yoga. Yoga stretches tight muscles, builds body awareness, improves endurance, and calms the mind and body. But yoga is now attracting a younger audience who is finding out that yoga can be a fun way to exercise and relax.

Yoga may not look like other forms of exercise to most people, but they are amazed at how the seemingly simple poses can work out so many different areas of their body.

Why Yoga is Different

For people lacking in confidence about their body image, some group activities can backfire causing people to further disconnect from their bodies and actively resist taking care of themselves. Yoga’s emphasis is on self-acceptance which makes it more appealing, a less intimidating way to get active. Yoga stresses a nonjudgmental emphasis on body awareness.

Yoga is not a competitive sport- there are no winners or losers. Yoga can give less confident people that much-needed support from their peers. If someone in a class has difficulty with a particular pose, often others in the room help them out. Yoga offers many people an opportunity to just relax. Just getting to be –without having to achieve anything in particular- is a huge relief to many people.

The Added Benefits of Yoga

Traditional sports tend to emphasize strength and speed over flexibility. Many adults overlook the importance of stretching. Additionally others use weight training to develop major muscles while ignoring the supportive and opposing muscles which are equally as important. Yoga can help correct these imbalances. It helps build endurance and flexibility, thereby improving athletic performance. Yoga can also enhance your ability to concentrate and focus, and improve your posture. Chest-opening postures and inverted poses strengthen arms, shoulders and back muscles, which teach you how to carry yourself with more self confidence.

Yoga can also teach you how to stay calm centered and focused in the midst of distraction and to let your body relax. This is an important skill for anyone who is experiencing transitions- physical, emotional, intellectual in today’s fast paced world. Yoga often becomes an outlet for working out people’s emotions. It can help you take control of you frustration and find alternative ways to deal with it rather than reacting right away.

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Allison Preston is the author of this article runs www.Fitness-Web.com which compares and reviews fitness videos, exercise equipment and other health and fitness related products.

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What Is Yoga?

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Yoga can seem like a complicated concept – or, at the least, a dizzying array of physical manipulations that turn seemingly happy-looking human beings into happy looking human pretzels.

Even more disconcerting, a stereotype does exist in places where the term yoga is synonymous with cult, or some kind of archaic spiritual belief that compels one to quit their job, sell their house, and go live in the middle of nowhere.

In actual fact, Yoga is a very basic “thing”. If you’ve had the opportunity to visit a country where it has been established for generations – India, Japan, China, and others – it’s really rather, well, “ordinary”.

The practice of yoga came to the west back in 1893 when one of India’s celebrated gurus, Swami Vivekananda, was welcomed at the World Fair in Chicago. He is now known for having sparked the West’s interest in yoga.

Literally, the word yoga comes from the Sanskrit term Yug, which means: “to yoke, bind, join, or direct one’s attention”. At the same time, yoga can also imply concepts such as fusion, union, and discipline.

The sacred scriptures of Hinduism (an ancient belief system from India that has a global presence) also defines yoga as “unitive discipline”; the kind of discipline that, according to experts Georg Feuerstein and Stephan Bodian in their book Living Yoga, leads to inner and outer union, harmony and joy.

In essence, yoga is most commonly understood as conscious living; of tapping into one’s inner potential for happiness (what Sankrit refers to as ananda).

What Yoga Isn’t:

Sometimes it’s helpful to understand things by what they aren’t; especially when dealing with a topic, like Yoga, that is quite easily misunderstood.

Authors and yoga scholars Feuerstein and Bodian help us understand yoga by telling us what it is NOT:

Yoga is NOT calisthenics (marked by the headstand, the lotus posture or some pretzel-like pose). While it is true that yoga involves many postures – especially in hatha yoga – these are only intended to make people get in touch with their inner feelings.

Yoga is NOT a system of meditation – or a religion – the way many people are misled to believe. Meditation is only part of the whole process of bringing ourselves into the realm of the spiritual.

What is the essence of Yoga?

Virtually all yogic science and philosophy states that a human being is but a fragment of an enormous universe, and when this human being learns to “communion” with this vastness, then he/she attains union with something that is bigger than him/her.

This attachment or tapping into something bigger thus enables one to walk the true path of happiness. By flowing along with the force, the individual is able to discover truth.

And with truth comes realization; but to attain realization, our words, thoughts and deeds must be based on truth. People attend courses on yoga and go to studios to learn new techniques in yoga, but yoga teacher Tim Miller said that “True yoga begins when leave the studio; it’s all about being awake and being mindful of your actions”.

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It doesn’t matter if you’ve never exercised a day in your life, or if you are the most fit person in the world. Free information online – on every “style” of Yoga – is pretty hard to come across. Tired of looking and searching all over the place, the author decided to create a free Yoga Information Portal at: www.free-yoga-online.info

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