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How Yoga and Meditation effectively work on daily Stress and Tension

Posted by Matt Welsh

· July 31, 2019

Your mobile phone is repeatedly ringing, you have a meeting with your boss, and your partner wants to plan dinner with you. It seems like a regular day, but may cause stress and tension. If you are feeling like lost and this stress is taking away the best in you. You should give yoga a try, grab a mat, and aim for better health.

Yoga is a complete package for the body and mind, which includes controlled breathing, physical poses, and relaxation or meditation. Yoga diminishes the harmful impacts of stress and tension from our body, like lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, stress, and anxiety. Yoga is recognized as an integrative and complementary health approach. No wonder yoga has many styles, intensities, and forms. Hatha yoga is undoubtedly a considerable choice to manage stress and anxiety, which is caused by tension. If you are a beginner, Hatha yoga will give your room to learn from its easier movements and slower pace. It mostly depends upon personal preferences, but most of us can take benefits from almost all the styles.

Yoga is a safe practice for mostly all of us. It’s better to practice yoga under the guidance of a trained instructor. Although it is a healthy practice, yet it may be risky in the following conditions:

In a case of a herniated disk
Blood clotting
Eye conditions
Pregnancy
Severe balance problems
Uncontrollable blood pressure

You may practice yoga in these conditions as well all you have to do is taking certain precautions like avoiding particular poses and stretches. If you develop symptoms right after the yoga practice like pain, you should pay a visit to the doctor to make sure you’ll not get harm instead of getting benefits. Here are some of the additional health benefits from yoga:

Reduces stress
Sound sleep
Improvement in various medical condition
Reduces cortisol level
Relief in allergy and asthma-related symptoms
Lowers blood pressure
Helps in smoking cessation
Reduces muscle tension and anxiety
Increases flexibility and strength
Slow down the aging process

You may start doing yoga on your own, or you may go for a yoga retreat in Nepal for a soothing getaway from the busy schedule. You may also try yoga poses and meditation at home. Here are some useful yoga pose and meditation techniques and their beneficial effects on our body and mind:

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold):Uttanasana helps in quieting a busy mind, promotes the feeling of peace and calmness, and balance our nervous system. It also helps in balancing Sacral Chakra which, when over stimulated, can lead to excessive emotional energy and fluctuations in our mood.

How to:

Stand straight on the yoga mat and place your hands on your hips. Take a deep breath.
Exhale and soften your knees gently and bend forward. To counterbalance your weight, move your hips and tailbone slightly back from the rest of the body.
Keep your knees soft so that your buttocks can move forward into the upper thigh.
You may leave your hands resting on the ground right next to your feet. Ensure your feet are parallel to each other. Widen the space between your chest bone and pubis and let your chest touch your knees.
For better alignment, you can turn your thighs inward.
Hold the pose for eight to ten breaths after that gradually release the pose.

Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose):Thunderbolt pose releases extremely calming effects. It is also good for our digestive system. If you have a tendency to take tension and stress along with your work. Regular practice of this pose would be highly beneficial for you.

How to:

Sit by stretching your legs backward by keeping them together.
Rest your buttocks on your heels and your thighs on your calf muscles by keeping your body gently lower.
Keep your hands on your knees and move forward with a straight head.
Concentrate on your breathing and calm your mind.
Sit in this position for 5 to 10 minutes. After that, gradually release the pose.

Meditation is the form of yoga, which helps your mind to be calm and peaceful, along with being silent yet alert. The key to active meditation is keeping your mind free from distractions. Meditation is derived from the Sanskrit word, which means healing wisdom. Meditation includes numerous techniques that help our brain to keep calm, forgiving, generous, compassionate, and patient. You may also try these meditation techniques at home to keep your body and mind clear.

Zen meditation:This meditation technique originated in China around 1500 years ago. Bodhidharma was a king from India, who went to China to spread Buddhism and discovered a method called Zen meditation which helps people to keep their thoughts calm and the ability to detach themselves from the negative thoughts.

Mindfulness meditation: The mindfulness meditation technique helps you to be aware of your present moment. This technique is about acknowledging your reality and accepting your thoughts as they occur. Mindfulness meditation helps in creating the space between your thoughts and the response you give.

Om meditation: Om meditation includes chanting of Om word to improve focus on your mind. It is believed that OM reflects through your body and mind to fill it with vigor and energy. In this meditation technique, we use the sound and breathe to relax and calm our minds.

Author Bio :

Bipin Baloni is a passionate Yogi, Yoga Teacher and a Traveler in India. He organize 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal. Bipin Baloni conducts Yoga Teacher Training in India in different cities. He loves writing and reading books related to yoga, health, nature, Himalayas and Trekking in India.

Website: https://www.yogatrainingnepal.com

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Categories : Yoga

Tags : meditation

How yoga poses will help motivate you to achieve your desires

Posted by Matt Welsh

· June 24, 2019

· 1 Comment

Defining desires

Since the central point of discussion is going to be ‘desire’, it is very important to understand what it actually means in the yogic vocabulary. Desire – it is defined as a strong feeling for having one’s heart on something. It is also about a strong wish for the desired result in your favor. Desire is a vast term that has no boundary. You can have a desire for anything and everything. It is related to the speed of your mind which is immeasurable. The more you apply your brain, the vaster your dreams are. You will experience a special kind of motivation when you take a soothing rest in the lap of Yoga. People get encouraged to take more challenging routes while enjoying Yoga.

If you have read somewhere that one’s desires should be limited and too much greed is dangerous, let me tell you one thing, there is nothing called limit in Yoga. The ancient science is limitless and sponsors unbounded wisdom. Yoga is about relishing life’s unearthed elements that are untouched by any other individual. When you are in the vicinity of a genuine and knowledgeable Yoga teacher, all you get is a set of wings, with which you can explore anything and everything. People attending a Yoga teacher training in Rishikesh are considered special due to this facet of Yoga. Since the city of Rishikesh is the birthplace of Yoga, one gets acquainted with the purest and most authentic Yoga knowledge. Also, one has numerous opportunities to embrace the yogic beauty at various spiritual sites.

Yoga poses and the motivation factor

We have just talked about how Yoga is a force to travel to infinity with. Let’s discuss the most important element of this hugely powerful force – Yoga poses. Since time immemorial, Yoga asanas have been transforming the mind, body, and soul of yogis. The spiritual science has been presenting the right way to lead your journey to the epitome of success. Take for account a few asanas such as Chakrasana, Sirsasana, Dhanurasana, etc. These are not just a few Yoga poses but a set of challenges that one needs to pass in order to become a proficient yogi. There is no doubt in the fact that these asanas are advanced in nature. Practicing them inspires you to embrace the beauty of life.

Without serenity and peace in the mind, there is no goal that you can achieve. Your bundle of desires will have little importance when the brain is filled with tension and stress. You just cannot survive without having supported by elements of peace. For that, Yoga poses are of immense importance. Imagine yourself practicing Trikonasana and enjoying the flow of blood in the brain. This is important for enlivening the knowledge-box. You would be able to take quick decisions that affect your progress as a human and as a fighter on the journey of life.

Yoga poses for achieving your desires

Bhujangasana: Bhujangasana is also known as the Cobra pose, which gives you an opportunity to imagine yourself as the serpent itself. The shoulder-opening pose is an awesome inspirational exercise. Let your desires flourish and dreams come true with Bhujangasana. Wake up early in the morning and take a moment to enjoy the delights of Cobra pose. The purity of early morning and the stimulating elements of Bhujangasana help you see yourself at the top of your dreams. Cobra pose also helps in boosting blood circulation throughout the body parts. Daily practice of this pose is good for inner confidence.
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana: If you have bigger dreams in life, enjoy the beauty of the Bridge pose. It is extremely beneficial in guiding you to the point of success. In various fields, this asana plays a vital role. It strengthens your thighs, hips, and shoulders so that you remain in the pool of energy all the time. In addition, Setu Bandha Sarvangasana is a great practice for sexual health. Make sure you enjoy this pose in the ideal way to get motivated in the correct fashion.
Natarajasana: Closely associated with Lord Shiva, Natarajasana is one of the most dynamic exercises. There cannot be a more productive Yoga asana than Natarajasana when it comes to motivating you. The yogic exercise is adorned with spiritual elements that not only heals the soul of a practitioner but also stimulates him/her in a fascinating way. The standing asana that is practiced on one foot is about balance, which is extremely important in achieving the goals. Delve into the beauty of the Lord of the Dance pose and witness complete blissfulness. Let the soul celebrate success in an interesting way with Lord Shiva’s own practice.
Chakrasana: Chakrasana is associated with the idea of challenging motivation. It inspires practitioners to cover the most difficult road with ease. During the practice of the asana, the palms and the soles are placed on the floor and the rest of the body makes a circle-like figure while the abdomen remains at the top. This exercise is, of course, arduous to perform but is filled with tremendous inspiration. It stretches almost all the body parts and promotes a regular flow of energy in the body. This energy helps you remain motivated throughout your lifetime, wherever you go and whatever journey you aim to travel on.

Author Bio :

Website: https://www.yogatrainingnepal.com/

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Categories : Guest Posts, Yoga

Common Yoga Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Posted by Matt Welsh

· May 25, 2019

· 2 Comments

Yoga has several unique benefits that no other form of movement or exercise can offer you. The best thing about YOga is that it works on both body and mind. Therefore, it works at a much deeper level. After a yoga class, you can feel fresh and rejuvenated because it helps in aligning y our breath with your body. However, no one can be perfect at Yoga from their first class onwards. There are many minute details that you need to keep in mind, and it might get overwhelming if you are going for your very first yoga class.

Hence, to avoid this, you can simply remember these common Yoga mistakes and avoid them in your next class to reap the maximum benefits of your Yoga class.

Holding Your Breath

One of the most common mistakes that most practitioners make is that of holding breath while practicing asanas. You must understand that your breath helps you go deeper into your asanas, and holding breath means holding tensions in your muscles. That tightens your muscles and stop you from going further deep in your practice. Therefore, you must always remember to breathe during yoga. Remember, breath gives you energy, and if you use it well, you will feel energized during your class. Sometimes, teachers might provide cues to inhale or exhale while practicing a particular asana. However, as a beginner, it might be challenging to finish the entire practice in one breath so you must take one or more extra breaths because holding breath is more harmful. With practice, you can always learn to finish one asana in one long inhalation or exhalation. But as a beginner, you must not stress about this and keep breathing all through your class.

Locking Your Knee

One of the biggest misconceptions that most people who go to Yoga classes have is the practice of locking their knees. You must note that it is more important to keep your spine straight and go deeper into your asana practice than keeping your knee straight. Many times, people keep their knee straight in forward folds and try to touch the toes. However, it is more important to give support to your back and keep it straight. For example, in forward folds, you can keep your knee bent and bring your stomach to your thighs and then try to touch the toes. This will keep your spine straight and will also support your lower back. Moreover, locking your knees can also cause knee injuries or lower back injuries if you are not warmed up well before starting your practice. Therefore, it is just safe to keep your knees soft when you are practicing yoga.

Not Using A Prop

Another common mistake of yoga practitioners is that they avoid using a prop while props can help in taking the practice to the next level. Moreover, they can also help you avoid injuries. Using simple blocks, bolsters, straps, blanket, walls, and any other prop can enhance your practice immensely. You can modify your asanas with the help of the props and go deeper into your stretches. For example, a strap helps you pull your legs higher up and feel a deeper level of backbend while practicing “Dharnurasana” or the bow pose.

Similarly, you can use the wall if you find it hard to practice the balancing asanas. Little by little, you can go deeper into your practice and let go of the props later. However, in the beginning, they can help you immensely.

Comparing Yourself With Other Practitioners

Another common and a big mistake in a yoga class is to compare yourself with another practitioner. Yoga is all about finding your balance and seeing where you are in that particular moment. This cannot be adequately achieved if you compare yourself with other practitioners. Therefore, you must never compare yourself and keep your focus on the right things like your own practice and be in the moment. You must cherish your body and accept it wherever it is on that particular day. Pushing too much can also lead to injuries that might make you stop your practice too. Therefore, one of the most important lessons to remember when entering a yoga class is to be where you are on that day and never compare yourself with anyone.

Confuse Between Inhale And Exhale

Confusion between inhale and exhale is also a common one. You must pay attention to your teacher and carefully hear the cues about inhalation and exhalation for each asana instruction. However, if it becomes too overwhelming, you can simply remember that whenever you have to open up your chest in an asana, you inhale and take in the air and whenever you have to close your chest, you release and exhale. These are the basic breathing principles in Yoga. So, if you find yourself on a yoga mat next time, remember to inhale when you open up and exhale when you close down. This will help you feel the asanas even more in your next Yoga class.

Final Words

Finally, you must note that yoga is fantastic and has several benefits. However, if you try to avoid these common mistakes next time, you will reap the benefits in a deeper and a faster way. These are some straightforward things and does not require a lot of efforts to follow them. Breathing is definitely the most important of all so if you align it well with your asanas; you will not just feel it more but also feel your practice all through the day even after finishing your yoga session. Also, the point about not comparing yourself to others in your yoga class is essential because that lets you accept your body the way it is and is also a part of the practice that you must take away even after the session. Remember, yoga is not just a set of asana practice but a lifestyle that can help you enhance your quality of life.

Author’s Bio:

Akash is a Content Writer at Diet Chart which is a leading Nutrition, Diet, Health and Fitness Blog. He is passionate for connecting human hearts through words and sharing resourceful knowledge, health and wellness tips like Yoga for Digestion. Through his work, he aspires to serve people, educate them and help them understand the significance of Diet, Yoga, Nutrition and Exercise to lead a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

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Categories : Guest Posts, Yoga

Tags : Yoga

Beautiful Yoga Poses for Beginners

Posted by Matt Welsh

· May 20, 2019

· No Comments

By Yogi Vishnu

For those just beginning to learn yoga, know that you do not need to balance on top of your head or do a handstand to get the benefits of yoga. This will come with time and practice. Here are some yoga postures that are simple, easy and highly beneficial for beginners. These poses are commonly practiced in hatha and vinyasa yoga.You will gain stability, balance, and more connection to your body in these poses.

Downward Facing Dog

This is the staple pose in all yoga classes. Come to your mat in a table top position, with knees directly below your hips and wrists stacked underneath your shoulders. Keep your hands stable, bringing the fleshy part of the palm onto the mat with all ten fingers touching and pressing into the mat. Make sure your fingers are spread apart, with the middle finger facing forward. Keep your knees slightly bent and heels lifted as you lift your hips up off the floor. When you are ready, straighten your knees, and stretch your heels towards the floor. Lengthen your tailbone and spine. Bring your shoulder blades towards your back and keep your chest open. Breathe here for 5 full rounds.

Plank

This is the perfect beginner pose to build strength and prepare for arm balances. Start in Downward Facing Dog, bring your navel up towards your spine and move forward, stacking your shoulders above your wrists. Roll your shoulder back and press into the palms to create space between the shoulder blades. Keep your gaze straight down and hold the pose.

Tree Pose

Feel at peace in this pose, as you embody the energy of a tree. Start at the top of the mat with your feet together and arms at the sides. Transfer the weight to your right foot, and bend your left knee to place the foot above or below the knee joint. Find stability here, activating and leaning into your right leg. Keep your gaze forward. Once you find your balance, bring your hands into prayer pose in front of the chest, or overhead in chinmudra with your thumb and forefinger touching. Hold for 5-10 breaths and switch sides.

Warrior 2

This pose will connect you to your inner warrior. Stand with your feet at the top of the mat, then step your left foot back about three feet to open the hips. Place your left foot at a 90 degree angle, and line up the heel of your right foot with the left. Make sure your hips are squared in proper alignment, with your core engaged and tailbone down. Bend your right knee, stacking it over your right ankle. On your next inhale, extend your arms out alongside your body. Face towards the front of the mat looking over the middle finger of your right hand and relax your shoulder blades.

Triangle Pose

Start in Warrior 2. Straighten your front leg and reach forward as much as you can with your left hand. Bring your hand towards the ground to rest on your shin or place it on the floor if possible and rotate your torso to the right side. Extend your right arm to the ceiling with active fingers and look up. If you need more stability in the pose, use can place a block under your left hand.

I hope these poses help you and motivate you to continue practicing yoga! Remember that each pose is a preparation for the next and soon you will find your flow and continue to grow deeper into the poses each time you practice. If you have any questions, you can ask any yoga teacherfor advice.

Author Bio: After practicing yoga from very early age of 12, he decided to leave his family and friends behind to pursue the yogic path and meet his first Yoga Master – Narayan Muni at Jharsuguda Muni Samaj Yoga Ashram. It was here he took his first steps into the Himalayan Tradition. In 1988 he met his second Yoga Master – Swami Niranjan ji to learn the wisdom of the Vedas Yoga School in Rishikesh: https://vinyasayogaacademy.com/

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Categories : Guest Posts, Yoga

How Yoga helps someone spiritually, psychologically or physically?

Posted by Matt Welsh

· May 18, 2019

· No Comments

By Bipin Baloni

The guerdons of yoga extend beyond the immediate physical gratification of asanas; it can encourage you to transverse an interior journey to connect with your Self. For leading a life, both are vital. In a fast-paced world, the science of yoga strengthens the body, expands the consciousness, and re-charges the spirits.

The admirers of yoga, students ofyoga teacher training in Kerala, and avid practitioners of yoga say, it’s not merely a form of exercise to reward the body-mind, and it’s a lifestyle. A lifestyle where you eat healthily, you live actively, you behave calmly, and you think positively. The practice of yoga asanas helps in realigning the posture; the art of inhalation & exhalation in pranayama vitalizes the body organs, and meditation exercises un-clutter the brain and bring in focus. During yoga teacher training in Nepal,all three aspects are given equal importance.

Yoga’s focus on strength and flexibility are both great for spirituality. The physical movements of yoga strengthen the body inside-out thus making you feel good internally as well as externally. Yoga asanas lubricate the joints, so you become more flexible. Suppleness allows an increased range of motion without the fear of being injured. The flexibility of the body translates into the flexibility of the mind and spirit. Stretching and holding of yoga postures during yoga classes lengthen the muscles, which gives us lean and tall appearance. On a spiritual level, yoga asanas stretch us spiritually, so that we align ourselves better with the Divine.

The Spiritual, Psychological, Physical Aspect of Yoga

Many individuals relate to the spiritual side of yoga to religion. You can be of any religion or can have faith in any God to practice yoga because yoga is not religion. It is a science of union that unites you to the higher spiritual force.

1. The Spiritual Stretch: Even though yoga postures are physical, they do represent a spiritual side. Regular practices of yoga poses build stamina, correct the postural alignment, and help you conquer the psychological challenges. When you practice the yoga poses by understanding the deeper metaphors behind them, you bring into your life self-awareness and connection to the sacred spirit. The asana classes during yoga teacher training in Kerala represent a spiritual side where you go deeper to find more.

2. Cultivating Attention: When you unfurl a yoga mat to practice yoga postures, focus on feelings and thoughts that arise during the movements. In the beginning, you may notice tightness; you may lack the ability to stand straight for a longer period of time, etc. This continuous period of focus results in the cultivation of heightened concentration through daily life which is at the core of spiritual practice.

3. Renouncing Control: Awareness isn’t just enough. Maintaining that awareness in every situation is what takes you places that you haven’t explored. Developing a spiritual attitude with yoga is about staying in the pose with awareness regardless of the atmosphere and driving yourself to an experience of calmness, focus, and strength.

4. A Calm Mind: All through the day, our mind juggles a lot. It swings like a pendulum to and fro. Yoga practices give you the time and space to hush the noises and to transport into a serene space. Meditation, yoga poses, and breathing exercises make your mind calm. When your mind is quiet, you get the space to connect with your true Self.

5. A Strong Sense of Self: The comprehensive yoga practice each day helps you work with the nature of the brain, how emotions live in heart, how internal and external factors influence your mind and behavior. Through yoga, you develop a relationship with yourself. Each day, you are building self-trust. When you start to feel more confident, you become rooted in yourself, and you cultivate a balanced ego.

6. An Activated Parasympathetic Nervous System: When your mind is in the parasympathetic nervous system or rest-to-digest state, you are less anxious and more relaxed. The deep breathing exercises activate the parasympathetic nervous system in no time which calms the nervous system. When the central controller is in a good state, the body organs function well.

7. Mental Agility: Meditative exercises which are also an important part of yoga teacher training Nepal help in increasing mental agility, sharpening focus, and improving cognitive function. Meditation is a practice of focusing. In the art of focusing, you are encouraged to let go of unwanted thoughts and to remain still. This act alters your brain patterns positively.

8. Greater Strength & Stamina: When you perform yoga asanas, you are required to hold your own body weight like in arm-balances, headstands, etc. When you hold your own body weight, you create resistance to build strength and stamina.

9. Relieving Pain: With yoga, you can relieve all your aches and pain without any side-effects. Yoga is a natural pain releasing exercise. It stretches the muscles, untangles the knots, lubricates the joints, increases bone density, everything that helps keep your body pain free.

10. Improved Quality of Life: Yoga confers its practitioners with spiritual, psychological, and physical benefits. Together, these three improves your bodily health, mental peace, and emotional stability. And, as a result, you live a happier, healthy, and dignified life.

The effects of yoga are three-dimensional, positive, and far-reaching. Find an excuse and get started now!

Author bio:

Bipin Baloni is a passionate Yogi, Yoga Teacher and a Traveller in India. He organize 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh. Bipin Baloni conductsYoga Teacher Training in Indiain different cities. He loves writing and reading books related to yoga, health, nature and the Himalayas.

Website: https://shwaasa.org/

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Categories : Guest Posts, Yoga

Interview with Andrew Harvey and Karuna Erickson, authors of Heart Yoga

Posted by Matt Welsh

· April 28, 2019

· 1 Comment

Heart Yoga

Andrew Harvey and Karuna Erickson are the authors of Heart Yoga: The Sacred Marriage of Yoga and Mysticism. In Heart Yoga, Andrew and Karuna use practical teachings and richly layered poems to remind us that through yoga it is possible for anyone to become “embodied channels of illumined love, grace, peace . . . and instruments of divine creativity and service in the world.”

I recently had a chance to interview them about their book, the benefits and differences of heart yoga and how yoga can connect you to the Sacred. You can read highlights from our conversation below. For more information, please visit Andrew’s web site at www.AndrewHarvey.net and Karuna’s web site at www.yogakaruna.com. Heart Yoga is available on Amazon.com by Clicking Here

Andrew, you are an internationally acclaimed visionary and bestselling author and/or editor of over 30 books. What inspired you to write about yoga?

Well my last book , which in a way is a consummation of my life work is called “The Hope; A Guide to Sacred Activism.” In that book I lay out a vision for what I believe is a force that can save the planet, save the human race and save us from the addictions that are now destroying us. That force I call Sacred Activism, which is the fusion of the two noblest fires in the human soul: The fire of the mystic’s passion for God and the fire for the activist’s passion for justice.

When these two fires fuse, they birth a third fire which is the nuclear fire of love in action and which connects directly to the evolutionary fire that streams from the Godhead to evolve all of the Universes ever more profoundly into the glory of the Divine.

When I wrote this book, I came to understand that four kinds of practices were profoundly needed now for us to become strong enough to deal with the enormous crisis that is manifesting everywhere:

Cool practices that calm us and align us with Divine Being.
Hot practices that align us with the Motherhood of God.
Prayer practices that enable us to keep up a stream of remembrance of the beloved through everything and align us with the will of God through everything.
And very importantly, body practices, Sacred body practices that enable us to embody the Divine energies that are streaming in at this crucial and menacing moment to help birth what I believe is the real secret meaning of our crisis and embody Divine humanity.

About eight years ago, I had the great good fortune to meet Karuna Erickson and she was a pupil of mine in a class that I was giving on Rumi. And very sweetly and tenderly, she came up to me after one of my classes and said,

“Andrew, the passion that is devouring you and that you are emanating will deeply damage you if you don’t get more bodied.”

And because she said it so sweetly, I heard her and I embarked on a whole deep immersion in yoga under her instruction and through that immersion, I came to understand with Karuna’s help that at this moment yoga could be the most important crucible for the divinization of the body that we have available to us.

Yoga has very ancient sacred roots. Yoga has always known at these Sacred roots that the Divine is present as Light Consciousness in every cell of the body…

Yoga can become a conscious way of uniting with the Divine within and without and even more importantly of calling down the Divine Light into the body so that the body can become more and more consciously the living temple of the Divine energies.

One of the most extraordinary things about heart yoga has been is its extremely vibrant reception from both the leading spiritual teachers Marianne Williamson, Caroline Myss and Deepak Chopra and also by the leading Yoga teachers such as Seane Corn, Rodney Yee and Shiva Rea.

How does Heart Yoga differ from other types of yoga, and what is its biggest benefit?

God is the sacred marriage of immanence and transcendence. This is the way in which God is most holy and most vibrantly worshiped in all the great mystical traditions. And the site of the marriage is the sacred heart center. This isn’t the physical center of the heart. It’s a little bit to the right of the chest and it’s called by many names…

And, when this heart center is open, it allows for the irrigation of the body by the Divine Light….And so the heart center functions in the spiritual body, psychosomatic body, mystical body in the same way that the physical heart center operates in the physical body. For example, just how the physical body pumps blood around the body to keep the body vibrant. So, does the heart center, when open, pumps the Divine Light around all of the different parts of the physical and spiritual body and allows them to come into a vibrant field of naked unity, which allows us to become more and more consciously Divine.

So, we called it Heart Yoga in this very profound mystical sense and we’ve put at the core of our book a vision of the heart center how to open it and how to stay in it while practicing the asanas and I think Karuna you’d like to say something about why you feel so important about heart yoga…

Karuna:

I think that Andrew is a living example of heart yoga because you can hear in his words how the inspiration flows, in a very grounded way flows through the body. The light is manifesting in every cell of our bodies actually when we practice with conscious intention, as we do with heart yoga. Our intention is to bring practice into a deeper and deeper level of actually invoking the light and feeling it radiating through every cell in the body. This creates the type of inspiration in which Andrew has been speaking of….

I’d like to emphasize that this experience is available to everyone. It’s not just some rare, strange experience that’s only available to a few enlightened beings. But, everyone has an experience of connecting with what is Sacred. For example, when they look at a baby or look at beautiful flower. This direct experience of connecting with the Sacred is something that through conscious practice that we can all, and we all have experienced. You don’t have to be an accomplished Yogi. You can just open your heart to the possibility of this experience. And, here it is for everyone.

Andrew:

In our book, we really do make that very clear. One of our great dreams for this book is that it would be a book for absolutely everyone, not only for yoga practitioners, but also for those who haven’t yet found yoga. And the ways that we offer for opening the heart through the ancient, mystical systems are very simple.

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Categories : Books, Exclusive Interviews, Yoga

Tags : Andrew Harvey, connecting to the sacred, Heart Yoga, Heart Yoga: The Sacred Marriage of Yoga and Mysticism, how yoga can connect you to the Divine, Karuna Erickson, spiritual blog, Yoga

5 Ways to Know If You Are Ready For A Yoga Teacher Training

Posted by Matt Welsh

· April 9, 2019

· No Comments

By Bipin Baloni

Summary:Yoga teacher training is surely a life transformation path in the life of every yogi. It is the most natural step an aspirant takes to intensify the learning of the yogic science after years of commitment to the practice. Explore the blog and know the way whether you’re ready for yoga teacher training.

Yoga teacher training is the transformative step in the life of every yogi who wants to evolve as an eminent practitioner or/and as a refined teacher. Every consistent yoga practitioner gets overwhelmed with the appeal of a yoga teacher training. Yoga teacher training is surely calling your name if you’re mulling over with the idea of delving deeper into the learning of the ancient science of life through an intense and vigorous training.

Yoga training for some is the way out to be a yoga professional, for some, it is the medium to go inward, for some yoga training helps them to bestow the authentic and full-fledged knowledge of the yogic science, and for some, it is an invaluable opportunity to acquire a professional qualification.

Yoga teacher training is for every yogi who is passionate and committed towards the practice, and before you begin the voyage, know if you are ready for it with the mentioned five ways.

Imbibe Yoga Profoundly

Yoga is far and beyond a person’s imagination, the ancient practice of the body, mind, and soul has so much to offer apart from its physical benefits. As a yogi, you must have been in a situation where you want newness into your yoga practice and schedule. The feeling of wanting is the sign that you crave more for yoga and want to commence the intensified journey beyond the body aspect. Yoga teacher training is the ideal modus that lets you explore and unwind the mystical layers of the yogic science.

With the training be ready to delve deeper into the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the holistic art, and experience the constant change due to consistent practice. When the desire to immerse deeply into the yogic practice excites you to the core, it is a clear signal that you surely are ready for yoga training.

Connect with True Self

The hustled up modern world and its constant demand impacts the most sensitive and most important connection that we have with ourselves. Yoga is a beautiful expedition of the self, traversing through the self, reaching to the self. Yoga is a magnificent practice that unifies the mind, body, and soul and forms a stronger and pure bond with the true self. With the consistent practice, you feel the shift and change within, and experience awareness, awaken consciousness and discover your ‘true’ self. To enhance the connection with your spiritual being, yoga training is the way. Yoga teacher training makes you know who you really are and the journey sheds the inner layer and introduces you to the authentic self.

With Like-Minded People

When you crave to find your tribe (a community), personal growth, transformation and the desire to be surrounded with souls of similar inclination, you are ready to undergo yoga training. Yoga training or retreat is the ideal place where you meet like-minded people who inspire you, encourage you to embrace yourself, and share their experiences for broadening learning. Yoga training offers an invaluable opportunity to be around kind and conscious individuals who share the same beliefs and interests. Often, life-long friendships and even professional partnerships are formed during these kinds of programs.

Passion paves the way for Growth

When you think of taking this big step towards the transformative journey with yoga teacher training, things that ensure you how ready you’re for the same is your desire to learn, grow and facing challenges. The human reality is that it always thrives for change and feels more alive and energized when it finds an opportunity to learn and grow. Challenges and newness are important and surely are constant in life, and it makes you feel supportive, safe and strong.

Yoga teacher training is the safe and best method to learn more about the holistic art, gives you space for personal growth and provides required and invaluable transformation. It is the place to enhance your practice, develop and learn new skills, get in better health, appreciate what you have and enroll for a better life.

Yearning to Share the Yogic Wisdom

You must be constant in your yoga practice and waiting for the right time to deepen the knowledge of this ancient art. You clearly desire to want more of something you love. But most importantly, you’re willing to share the magnificent yogic wisdom with others and want to ignite the awareness of the same while imparting passion and love for the ancient science. Yoga transforms you, no doubt, and altogether trains you to be a refined teacher to bestow the same learning and benefits to others. It surely is the right time for you to enroll in the training program, and start with a life-changing expedition.

When you strongly thrive for the mentioned things, acknowledge the same, as it is the right time for your yoga teacher training.

Author bio:

Bipin Baloni is a passionate Yogi, Yoga Teacher and a Traveller in India. He organize 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh. Bipin Baloni conducts Yoga Teacher Training in India in different cities. He loves writing and reading books related to yoga, health, nature and the Himalayas.

Website: https://www.rishikulyogshala.org/

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Categories : Guest Posts, Yoga

What You Can Learn from the Ideals Behind Yoga

Posted by Matt Welsh

· March 6, 2019

· No Comments

By Laurie Larson

Yoga is based on spiritual principles and, when practiced regularly, can provide countless health benefits. The practice of yoga offers relaxation and calmness of mind as well as rejuvenation of mind, body, and spirit. Through breath control, meditation, and specific postures, yoga practice can improve your overall health, both mentally and physically. By applying these five basic principles, you can enrich your life far beyond just the time spent in your yoga sessions.

Proper Exercise

Practicing yoga involves exercise that is less strenuous than, say, an hour-long cardio workout. However, it is just as intense in terms of its benefits. Yoga practice consists of postures, or asanas, that stretch the entire body. These postures will tone your muscles and provide support for the health of your spine and skeletal system. Not only do these poses support physical health, maintaining them during a yoga session will also exercise your mind. They support increased concentration, contentment and calmness, among others. Practicing yoga is excellent exercise for both mind and body.

Proper Breathing

In day-to-day life, as you face distractions and stressors, it is easy to lose awareness of your breath. The next time you are feeling off-track mentally or physically, notice your breathing. More often than not, you will become aware that you are not breathing deeply and may even notice that you are hardly breathing at all! Making it a habit to be aware of your breathing will make it easier to stay focused since deep breathing provides needed oxygen to your brain and all the cells in your body. Control of the breath, or pranayama, can be practiced when you are feeling stressed, but you can also practice it throughout your day, as an overall stress management tool.

Proper Relaxation

The stressors of modern life can really do a number on your ability to relax. By applying the yoga principle of relaxation, or savasana, you allow yourself to relax every muscle in your body. By doing this, you rejuvenate your nervous system, giving a sense of inner peace. Yoga teaches you the importance of getting quality rest and sleep. To ensure that you get the restorative sleep you need, make sure you have a system to wind down before bed, that you are eating properly, and that your bed is a comfortable place to sleep. If you are having trouble getting comfortable at night due to back pain or other chronic pain, you may consider replacing your mattress. Yoga practice, combined with quality sleep, can go a long way in terms of your overall health.

Proper Diet

Another way to bring awareness to your overall health is to be mindful of what foods you put into your body. Eating fewer carbohydrates and eating more proteins, along with nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables such as kale and blueberries will maximize the power of your food intake and give you more energy, both physically and mentally. It is also important to only eat until you are full. You can do this by simply listening to your body, but if you are finding it hard to regulate the amount of food you eat, you might want to invest in a food scale to monitor your portions. If you are choosing the proper foods, however, you will notice that you naturally become more aware of when you have eaten enough.

Positive Thinking and Meditation

The combination of the principles of positive thinking (vedanta) and meditation (dhyana) in yoga practice are a powerful tool for changing the way you look at and feel about life. They are what allows you to be content with what is and make it easier for you to find gratitude for what you have. This enlightening combo is really the basis for all the other principles, in that it holds the power to find happiness in every moment. By practicing daily meditation and habitually recognizing that every situation holds something positive, life becomes less of a burden and more of a joyous adventure.

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Laurie Larson writes on health, lifestyle, and home topics to help others live healthier and happier lives.

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Categories : Guest Posts, Yoga