02.10.08
Posted in Articles, Yoga at 11:47 pm by Administrator
– By Bruce Van Horn, Author of Yoga for Men
The ancient Yogic tradition of India viewed sexuality as an important path toward spiritual healing and body-mind-spirit integration. Unlike western religious tradition, which viewed sexual desire at odds with spirituality. This had the unfortunate consequence of creating societies that have institutionalized feelings of shame and guilt, to such an extent that people have to become intoxicated with alcohol or drugs in order to feel free to pursue their desire.
Eastern philosophy, on the other hand, celebrated the magnificence of creation and developed a science for understanding how to get the most out of this joyful, healing, spiritual experience.
In Tantra, energy is viewed as the source of life. Sexual energy is divine energy. Men can learn to channel that energy and extend arousal before they ejaculate. In fact trained yogic masters can maintain their state of arousal for upwards of an hour.
There are a few exercises, which along with some small dietary modifications, that can have a profound effect on your sexual performance:
Physical Exercises:
These exercises include breathing, contractions and holding certain positions. The key to really letting go is developing a state of discipline and concentration, so that you can stay in the meditative state throughout the sexual experience.
1)The Moola Bandha (Benefits include improved prostate functioning, and enhanced sexual performance)
Chair: If you are able to, sit upright in your chair. Take a few deep breaths and then on the exhalation, begin to contract your sphincter muscle, this is the muscle that controls the flow of urine. Try ten long inhalations and exhalations and tighten the sphincter on the exhalation.
Floor: Get down on your hands and knees. Imagine a square block between your arms and thighs so that the arms and thighs are perpendicular to the floor and ceiling. On the inhalation, press your chest forward and arch your pelvis back. On the exhalation, make your chest concave and tilt your pelvis forward. At that point engage and lift the anus and prostate muscles. The alternating motion looks like arching waves. Remember to be gentle with your neck. Continue for sixty seconds with four-second inhalations and eight second exhalations.
2) The Plank (Benefits include improved sexual stamina during intercourse)
Assume a push-up position on the floor supporting the weight of your torso with your hands. Press out through your heels and engage your abdominal muscles so your back doesn’t sway. Over time, attempt to build stamina by holding the position for 30-60 seconds. Follow the pattern of breathing described above in the Moola Bandha Floor Exercise.
3) The Cobra (Benefits include improved sexual stamina during intercourse)
Lying face down on the floor with hands at your sides, inhale and feel the pressure on your hands as you lift your chest forward while keeping your pelvis and the tops of your feet on the floor. Keep your shoulders down, your shoulder blades together, your belly button and lower abdomen on the floor and your legs outstretched. Keep your chest open and lifted. Push away from the floor as you draw your elbows back. Like a cobra open your heart center. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds and follow the breathing described above in the Moola Bandha Floor Exercise.
Psycho-Spiritual Exercises:
Sexual union can be achieved even without orgasm. Many men think that the objective of sex is an orgasm, but healing and spiritual union are the real goals to be achieved. I have developed a meditation on unconditional love, which can make the sexual experience less tense and decrease the pressure to perform.
The most rewarding sexual act is to give completely of yourself to your lover without any expectation of anything in return. The meditation’s focus is on “How can I give how can I serve”. When you are focused on how to please you partner, you take the pressure off yourself to perform and the universe orchestrates a synchronistic flow of loving energy, allowing you to escape into the timelessness of creation. By giving completely you receive fully and the experience can only strengthen your love for each other. Here is an exercise, which will help you focus on giving.
If you are able, you should sit upright in a comfortable chair and close your eyes. Start to follow your breath. (Four-second inhalation, eight-second exhalation)
Imagine a green ball of light glowing from your heart chakra warming and expanding your feelings of love.
Recall the feelings of being loved, whether by a parent, a spouse, a child, a pet or anyone who has cared for you or touched you in some way.
Repeat the mantra “Love Light Joy” now with each inhalation and exhalation.
Now begin visualize your lover. Feel the love that this person has given you. Send loving kindness and visualize their heart chakra’s glowing.
Linger here just a moment longer.
And when you are ready you can open your eyes and begin to share in your expanded feelings.
There Are Also a Number of Ways to Take Your Foreplay to Higher Ground. A Fe of Them Are Listed Below:
Healing Massage:
Gentle stroking is an excellent way to focus on giving. Allow your partner the pleasure of receiving and yourself the pleasure of giving. I have found it much more rewarding to be the giver, as the energy comes back to you. You may want to switch off so that you each experience both giving and receiving.
Tactile stimulation is very healing, both physically and spiritually and healing massages are a beneficial part of a couples energy exchanges.
Reiki/Energy Channeling:
Reiki or energy healing practiced before intercourse can also heighten the sexual experience. Reiki is an Eastern healing art whereby one-partner channels spirit to the other. In this way the receiver can enter a deep state of relaxation similar to that experienced after meditation.
Two simple Reiki exercises are recommended. In the first position stand behind your partner and place your hand on their crown chakra. Hold this position for two minutes with the intention of sending loving healing energy. Reverse receiver and giver.
In the second position face each other with your right hand on your partner’s heart chakra and their right hand should be on your heart chakra. Look into each other’s eyes and send loving kindness.
Dietary Changes:
Reducing consumption of meat will lower testosterone levels, aiding in the fight against prostate cancer. In addition studies have shown that meat consumption increases aggressiveness. For maximum benefits to your Yoga practice and meditation I recommend reducing meat consumption and substituting fish, especially fatty fish such as salmon, and soy products.
And of course don’t forget your greens. If you feel good, and you are in good health, your sexual performance will be enhanced.
Accepting and Loving Yourself
Many urologists are convinced that masturbation three or four times per week might help in reducing the number of cases of prostate cancer. Men with diets rich in fat and red meat have elevated their testosterone levels. In addition watching sporting events further increases the levels of adrenaline and testosterone. Men who are not sexually active are at higher risk for developing prostate cancer due to the build up of testosterone and adrenaline. Therefore it is a healthy practice that could help save lives. In addition a visit to the massage therapist would also be advisable as tactile stimulation is very healing.
It has also been shown that for both men and women, connecting with the hormones of the opposite sex can be healing. So sex is not only good for your relationship but also good for your health and a vehicle to commune at a higher spiritual level.
About the Author
Bruce Van Horn is CEO of a Chestnut Ridge, N.Y. based Yoga for Business and author of several books on yoga for the work force including Yoga For Men. Bruce is fully engaged in the practice of reducing stress in our lives through well accepted eastern philosophies and one of their most respected physical manifestations, Hatha Sivananda yoga. Yoga For Business is one avenue he created as a path to enter the workplace to teach employees how to enhance their effectiveness and tap into a level of emotional and intuitive intelligence, which assists in development of entrepreneurial skills. Bruce Van Horn may be contacted at bvanhorn@yogaforbusiness.com or his website (click here) www.yogaforbusiness.com.
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Posted in Aging, Articles, Yoga at 11:43 pm by Administrator
– By Glenda Twining
There is a fountain of youth - it’s not in a forest or hidden on some magic mountain - it’s a fountain that exists within you. I have seen the magic of yoga work, and not merely through the amazing results experienced through my students. I have also experienced these results firsthand. I am 52 years young. I am my own best testimonial. I have not suffered any of the, what is termed as “disabling process of aging”. On the contrary I have never felt better or more energized. Yoga is a beautiful experience with health-giving effects that will find their way into every aspect of your life.
Here are some of the ways yoga can help stop the aging clock:
Degenerative Spine
In Yoga there is an adage you are “young or old as your spine” Keeping your spine healthy is the most effective way to counteract the aging process. If we continually stretch and lengthen the spine for suppleness and flexibility, creating space between the vertebrae, the disks can return to more youthful and healthy condition. The creation of space between the vertebrae is vital for the health of the spine. Yoga prevents and corrects rounding of the spine and helps you regain spinal strength and flexibility.
Bone Loss
Bones are strengthened primarily through weight-bearing exercise. Yoga is a superior form of weight- bearing exercise because it uses your body weight as resistance. Bones go through a constant state of loss and growth so to prevent bone loss and build a strong skeletal system, consistent practice of yoga is key, coupled with a correct diet that builds bones.
Inflexibility
Running, cycling, golfing, and weight training without sufficient and proper stretching can be very aging. Muscles are shortened and tightened and range of motion is restricted Over time this is an invitation to injury. Yoga takes you through the full range of motion of each part of your body, stretching and lengthening your muscles and moving every joint, resulting in flexibility.
Excessive Weight
Being overweight makes people look old before their time. The glands that help regulate weight are the thyroid gland that regulates metabolic rate, pancreas that controls sugar and energy levels, and pineal and pituitary glands that control appetite and moods. Properly stimulated through a yoga program, the results will be quite profound, especially with weight control.
About the Author
Glenda Twining is a yoga professional who lives in Dallas, Texas. She received her yoga certification from the Houston Institute under Lex Gillian. She is also a Physical Fitness Specialist and received her certification from the acclaimed Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research. Throughout her training she has studied extensively with teachers and gurus both nationally and internationally. You can read more about Glenda’s program in her two books, “Yoga Turns Back the Clock” and “Yoga Fights Flab”. You can reach Glenda Twining at glenda_yoga@msn.com or visit her website www.glendasyoga.com.
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Posted in Articles, Chakras, Yoga at 11:42 pm by Administrator
– by Michael Nudel and Eva Nudel, Ph.D.
There is no any other discipline more helpful in achieving knowledge of inner- self, and harmony with the world than Yoga. Bio-energy knowledge of methods of mind and body healing cannot be completed without studying Yoga.
Basic Hatha-Yoga is a practical and complex method of developing a healthier body, mind and psyche. Pranayama is the teaching of proper breathing. By studying Hatha-Yoga exercises, and poses, and Pranayama exercises, we learn how to breathe properly, meditate, be centered, relaxed, gain life energy, massage the internal organs, keep the body healthy and flexible, and accelerate removal of toxins.
There are three types of exercises: “Asanas” (or poses), dynamic, and breathing. The Asanas are poses that influence energetic centers and systems of the body. Certain asana influences specific nerve centers. With the system of complex asanas we positively influence the endocrine system, help every cell and organ of the body. We recommend that you to perform the system of poses keeping in mind that any illness is a dysfunction of normal activity.
Yogis’ asanas help keep elasticity and mobility of physical bodies. When people perform everyday work, or do chores, they move joints with little breadth. And if they ignore exercises or sports, they can lose the flexibility, elasticity, and mobility of the spine, joints, tendons, and muscles. By the time the “working angle” of joints decreases, people cannot perform deep inclinations, situps, or wide turns of the body. This immobility can lead to illnesses like arthritis and bursitis. To prevent losing flexibility, people can add exercises for their joint and tendons.
Every day, and for life, you need to do rotational movements of the head, arms, legs, and body; bending the body to the sides, and forward, and extensions of the back; also situps and pushups with maximum amplitude of moving in order to maintain mobility of the entire body. Try to work all joints as well as the spinal column. Repeat every exercise (with every group of joints) 6-10 times. Start exercising by warming up. Begin each exercise with small breadth and go to your extreme “working angle” gradually to avoid a trauma.
Dynamic Yoga exercises help accelerate the removal of toxins from the body. Every system of the body is affected with toxins. One of the reasons for having illnesses is the presence of toxins in the body. Today, people are exposed to chemicals, pesticides, additives in food, and anesthetics in greater concentrations (sources of toxins) than at any other time in history.
People’s organisms have to struggle with constant invasion of toxins, because processes to removal toxins are complicated and take more time than the assimilation and the absorption of nutrients. Toxins and chemicals penetrate membranes and accumulate in intercellular space. Toxins enter lymphatic and blood vessels, where veinous blood carries toxins to the organs of elimination. This transit of toxins through millions of cells is difficult to complete without activity of vibrated cells, muscular contractions, exertions that occur during walking, running, and jumping.
During evolution nature did not find more effective way to clean up cells and intercellular space of toxins than the use of those forces of muscular contractions and forces of jolting due to the body movements. When muscles contract, they compress veins, accelerate a flow of venous blood to the heart, and provide impulses that help blood to eliminate toxins. We can observe how pets stretch their bodies after waking up. When the body stretches, muscles are contracted. The body needs stretching after waking up in the morning. During the sleep, heart muscles help move venous blood with wastes and toxins; however, this help is not enough to remove toxins. The weakening of the body is due not to effects of illness, but to the transgression of the entire metabolism, because of the accumulation of toxins. Removal of toxins from cells and intercellular spaces is a process requiring constant vibration of cells by nerve impulses, and occurs during exercising or moving which provides contractions of muscles. When people do not exercise or move efficiently (stretching, aerobics, running, walking, and dancing), their bodies gradually decline.
In the morning, the best way to help the body to accelerate the removal of the toxins is doing the following exercise. People can do this exercise, even if they cannot run, or walk. You can do it while you take a shower. Pull the heels up off the floor a half an inch, and put them back down sharply but not painfully. Repeat this motion 30 times, then rest for 5-10 seconds. Later, repeat 30 times more. At the same time, you can bend arms keeping forearms parallel to the floor surface, and bend your hands as if you held a ball. When putting the heels up, shove your wrists forward then pull them back. You can do it with a second interval. You can do this exercise a few more times during the day. People who stand or sit for long periods of time will benefit from doing this exercise; it prevents thrombosis (blood clotting) and heart problems.
Healthy functioning of the body is possible when the intake of food products and removal of products of digestion and activity of the cells of the body are balanced. Toxins occur in the organisms as a result of stress and anxiety. When a young person has the energy enough to detoxify the organism through its organs (intestines, kidneys, skin, and lungs), the chances for imbalance small. But between 30-35 years of age the body, if not trained by special exercises, lacks the energy to remove toxins. Besides help in the toxin elimination, dynamic Yoga exercises also help to build a beautiful and strong body.
Breathing Yoga exercises help gain life energy - “prana”. People often think that they can breathe properly. But sometimes people do not breathe correctly for their whole life. Nevertheless, right breathing is the key to gain energy and vitality. Proper breathing influences all bodily processes including brain activity and digestion, and provides oxygen to muscles, organs, and tissues; in addition it removes toxins and wastes. Yogis developed their teachings about proper breathing about six thousand years ago. Some of ancient techniques can help people to maintain health.
When you wake up after stretching your body, you can lie down on your back and relax your muscles. Then inhale deeply while pushing out the chest. After this try to pull the diaphragm down while exhaling and the diaphragm will massage the intestines, kidneys, liver, spleen, and pancreas. At the same time the stomach applies pressure on the intestinal cavity. You can repeat these movements many times to learn how to move the diaphragm up and down. This exercise helps massage internal organs and increases activity. This pressure will help squeeze toxins and wastes out of cells.
Here is another exercise. Inhale deeply while lying on the back then push out the stomach which moves the diaphragm. Delay your breathing for 3-5 seconds, and start to exhale air in small portions, and pulling it through tightly closed lips. This exercise internally massages all organs. The same massage occurs at moments of laughter. Laughter has been considered important for well-being since ancient times. Physiologically the massage of organs of the abdominal cavity increases the flow of blood to the heart. The contractions of the abdominal muscles help in relieve heart problems. The heart cavity is in the same space as the lungs and the diaphragm. The diaphragm, due to its sensitivity to emotions moves closer to the heart and lessens the heart space. The brain regulates volumes of blood entering the heart. If the amount of blood is less than necessary to sustain life, the rhythms and intensity of heart impulses have to increase. The increase of the heart beat occurs with every move of the diaphragm which decreases the space in the heart cavity. These conditions can even cause heart attack. If you feel an accelerated heart beat rate, inhale and push out the stomach for 2-3 seconds. This provides more space to the heart cavity and (repeat all over for 3-4 times).
Breathing exercises help develop elasticity of the diaphragm, which massages internal organs, increases the volume of the heart cavity, and decreases chance of developing of heart problems. We will learn how to load ourselves with bio-energy using yoga exercises.
Conditions for Yoga Exercises
1. Perform Yoga poses in the morning or in the evening before eating on an empty stomach.
2. The room must have fresh air.
3. No smoking allowed in the room.
4. No talking before Yoga exercises in the room.
5. It is better to do Yoga alone.
6. Do exercises on the floor or on a firm rug.
7. Wear relaxed and stretchy clothing.
Lower Breathing Expiration - all internal organs draw in. Pause on expiration - 1 - 2 seconds.
Deep breath - push the stomach out (slowly, gently, as if drinking the air). Start breathing with this technique putting hands on the stomach. This breathing exercise is ideal to prevent asthma. Lower breathing of the diaphragm massages internal organs.
About the Author
Michael Nudel and Eva Nudel, Ph.D., Energy Healing Specialists, are authors of the books:”Health by Bio-Energy and Mind” and “21st Century’s New Chakra Healing”. You can visit their site Bio-Energy System Services at www.bioenergy-services.com .
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Posted in Articles, Stress Relief, Yoga at 11:40 pm by Administrator
– By Sheri Kauhausen
“Where are you going?” I hear someone ask in the corridor. “For my cardio workout,” comes the reply. The door opens and in walks another participant who quietly slips off her shoes and socks and sits down comfortably on a mat. This is not an aerobics class. This is a yoga class. Where, instead of a heart pumping, sweat inducing workout, we work on heart centering and achieving serenity. Our “cardio workout” involves a heart opening experience, not a heart pounding one.
Yoga has absolutely taken its place in the mainstream. It has been available in community centers, yoga studios and even fitness centers for a long while, but now it is exploding into the corporate world. Employees and employers alike are realizing the ease of yoga and its benefits. No leg behind the head poses here, just energy enhancing and stress relieving ones, combined with simple breathing techniques.
To begin this office based class, we are situated in a weight room where the fitness equipment remains idle during our time of inner reflection. Other days we practice in a conference room with the tables and chairs moved off to the sides of the room. The class is comprised of students, both male and female, of varying ages, sizes and fitness abilities sitting comfortably on a mat. The lights are low and the music heard in the background is reminiscent of birds and babbling brooks. We begin with the breathing component which moves us gently into a state of inner peace before we progress into our asanas or postures. With our breath we combat the stress and fatigue of the day and clear our thoughts of anything other than the present moment. The asanas bring with them the ability to let go of the pressures of the work day and prepare for those yet to come. Tension is released and in its place comes the knowledge and the ability of coping with not only work, but life itself.
Yoga means “union” and synchronizes the harmony of one’s mind, body, and spirit with the breath. As we combine our breath and postures, we are able to reflect inwardly and become more flexible not only in our body, but in our mind, as well. Circulation is improved, blood pressure becomes regulated, performance is enhanced and ailments subside. Such are the benefits of yoga.
The physical part of our yoga session over, I extinguish the lights in the room and reset the music. I hear a participant enthusiastically whisper, “This is the best part.” “Yah,” says another. “I can do this one with my eyes closed.” Everyone laughs, including me as we enter our time for total relaxation. Now is when our body acknowledges and assimilates all that we have done since we entered this room. Everyone lays in Savasana, the “Corpse Pose,” flat on their back allowing any residual tension to be released from their body. Those that need to, bend their knees to rest their feet on the floor. As each person focuses on their breath and relaxation, I help them by softly telling them which areas to relax as they allow a serene tranquillity to replace any tension. At the end, I give them a moment to float freely in this ocean of peace as the music continues to play softly.
Our class is now over. Forty five minutes have come and gone. A brief stretch brings everyone’s attention back to the room. Those who arrived burdened and anxious, leave relaxed and revitalized. Those who were tired and stressed leave energized. Most students stay for a moment to pass by me and tell me how much this was needed in their day and how they look forward to our next class. I look forward to it, too. But, for now, I’m off to another office for another “cardio workout!”
About the Author
Sheri Kauhausen has been teaching yoga in Vancouver, British Columbia since 1987. She has been an active yoga practitioner for more than 30 years and brings the wisdom of her studies to her students at their work place and in community centers. She also enjoys teaching infant massage and baby sign language to parents and caregivers. Sheri enjoys teaching yoga classes to students at beginner and intermediate levels, as well as to seniors, and pregnant moms. She is the proprietor of INTO YOGA, which offers on-site yoga, pilates, body rolling and massage in the work place.
Sheri can be reached at (604) 421-9872 or intoyoga@yahoo.com. Visit her website at www.intoyoga.ca.
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Posted in Articles, Yoga at 11:39 pm by Administrator
– by Dada Vedaprajinananda
Although the practice of yoga has become widespread during the last 30 years, there are still quite a few misconceptions about this ancient method of self-transformation. Here is a brief survey of the most common myths about yoga, and a look at what yoga is really all about.
1. Yoga is a sport: One of the important components of yoga is the practice of physical postures, known as asanas in Sanskrit. Due to this physical aspect of yoga, some people think of yoga as a sport or an activity akin to body building. In this sense, yoga is seen as a casual pastime which one can take up and practice now and then like any sport.
The fact is that yoga is the art and science of physical, mental and spiritual development. Although the yoga postures may look like the stretching exercises found in some sports. The exercises in yoga are one part of an all-around program of personal development. The postures are not an end in themselves, but are meant to help prepare one’s body for mental and spiritual development.
2. The physical side of yoga is the most important part: Although the practice of yoga postures is the most commonly known aspect of yoga, it is not the most important part. In fact, the ancient system of yoga begins with the understanding and practice of moral precepts and living a life in harmony with self and society.
The foundation of yoga lies on the observance of principles such as not harming others, acting in the spirit of welfare, non stealing, non accumulation of excessive physical wealth, viewing all things as an expression of Consciousness, purity of mind, contentment, and selfless service.
If you can learn how to live in harmony with those around you, and at the same time work on your own inner development, then the other components of yoga (postures, concentration and meditation) can be practiced with the best possible effects.
3. Yoga is only for women: In some parts of the world the majority of yoga students are women, and some men may have gotten the idea that yoga is not for them. The fact is that all people are searching for inner peace and all people wish to avoid disease and live a healthy life. Yoga offers something for anyone who wishes an effective method of physical, mental or spiritual development and should not be thought of as a discipline reserved only for women or only for men.
4. Everybody must practice the same postures: In most yoga classes around the world you will find that several people at a time are practicing the same postures. Despite this widespread convention, the needs of individuals vary according to their physical structures and it is best to perform yoga postures that are individually suited to a particular individual. For example, a young man suffering from asthma will need postures that are quite different from an older woman with heart problems.
If you want to practice yoga postures correctly it is best to find a teacher who is able to prescribe the postures that are best suited to your particular needs.
5. You have to be extremely agile to practice yoga: It is true that some yoga postures are a bit difficult to perform, and require an agile body. However, just as postures should be selected according to the ailments that a person suffers from, a good yoga instructor will be able to show you postures that are within your reach. When performing yoga postures, you should try to do them to the best of your capacity and you shouldn’t worry whether you look like the picture in the book. Often, just the effort that you make in trying to perform the posture is enough to reap the benefits of that posture.
6. It is good to practice yoga postures out of doors: When you perform yoga properly your body becomes very sensitive to shifts in temperature. If you practice outside your house even a slight breeze may be enough to make you uncomfortable or even catch cold. It is best to practice indoors. The windows may be open but you should stay away from drafts. In summer it is best to turn off fans while practicing yoga postures.
7. Incense should be burned when practicing yoga: Although yoga comes from India, and so does much of the world’s incense, it is not a good idea to burn incense while performing yoga postures or doing meditation. Yoga postures should be done in a smoke-free area: this includes cigarette smoke and also the smoke of incense. During meditation the smoke of burning incense will cause disturbance and hinder the process of going within. Incense can be used before doing meditation or before practicing postures in order to create a nice atmosphere, but there should not be smoke in the air when the actual practice begins.
If you practice yoga regularly and do so with a proper understanding of its holistic nature, you will surely realize great benefits in all spheres of life.
About the Author
Dada Vedaprajinananda has been practicing and teaching yoga and meditation for the past 34 years. He is currently a senior teacher with the Ananda Marga society, and is based in Athens, Greece. Dada is the author of “The Wisdom of Yoga”, numerous magazine articles, and composer of spiritual songs. His articles and songs can be found on the websites www.dadaveda.com and www.yogaweightlosssecrets.com.
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Posted in Articles, Yoga at 11:38 pm by Administrator
When I first started practicing yoga I wore my old tee shirts and baggy sweats to class. They felt loose and comfortable at first, but as I grew as a student and learned to do more poses, my clothes only seemed to get in the way. I’d move into downward dog and then wrestle to get my chin loose from the neck of my tee shirt. When I was in standing poses, my instructor kept asking to see my ankles which were hidden under my long baggy sweats. Whether you are practicing yoga at home or in a studio, your clothing should be comfortable and form-fitting without being too tight. The key word is: practical. Look for active wear that is soft, flexible and allows freedom of movement. You want clothing that won’t slip or bulge when you are lying on your mat. To test out tops, reach your arms up over your head or bend forward. Does the top still cover you? Can you easily move your arms? Yoga pants should be a comfortable length fully exposing your feet and ankles. Yoga is practiced in bare feet. If you are going to a studio, you will be asked to take off your shoes before entering the practice room. Your footwear can be a simple pair of sandals or slip-ons that you can step out of before class.
The bottom line: yoga isn’t about fashion but it is about self-exploration. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and gives you lots of movement so you can put your focus on the body and mind.
– Lynn Gregorski, Rapunzel Gifts
About the Author
Lynn Gregorski has been a student of yoga and meditation for over ten years. She’s traveled the world on her own spiritual journey and launched the business RapunzelGifts.com in 2001.
If you’re looking for yoga clothing, here are a few companies you can explore:
Yoga Sandals, www.yogasandals.com
Analei Outrageous Orchids, www.analeiorchids.com ,fine cotton clothing and accessories.
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Articles, Chakras at 11:36 pm by Administrator
– By Charles Lightwalker
Place a crystal at or under the feet when doing this meditation. Its purpose is to open and clear the chakras and create a clear pathway for higher frequency energies as they are brought into your system. It will allow these higher energies to be fully assimilated and prevent problems caused by too much energy in the head or other parts of the body. It will also purify and/or release from your system any negative energy you may have released from storage within yourself or that you may have attracted. By circulating your energy, the negative energy is transmuted in the chakras as it passed through them and may also be released from the chakras. This happens automatically as you circulate it. Hold your tongue to the roof of your mouth and gently contract the Hui Yin points. Then, picture the Crystaline Reiki Power symbol at the navel point and hold your attention there for 30 sec. or up to several minutes. Then move to the next point down and do the same, proceeding around and up the spine to the head and back to the navel using the points on the Crystaline Reiki Chakra Mediation chart. This will open and clear each chakra. Then, run violet white light around this circuit for several minutes or up to a half hour. Picture it moving through each point. The flow is always down the front and up the spine. You may choose to do this as a separate meditation from the complete Crystaline Reiki meditation. It is very soothing and creates a calm balanced state.
About the Author
Charles Lightwalker is a member of The Family of Light, an international mobile healing center, offering healing, channeling, and educational forums around the globe. Charles has studied with shamen and alternative healers for over 26 years. He is a Medical Intuitive, Reiki Master, Ordained minister, Certified religious counselor and Certified Spiritual healer.
You can reach Charles at charleslightwalker@yahoo.com or visit his website www.thefamilyoflight.net .
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Posted in Chakras, Dreams at 11:34 pm by Administrator
– By Charles Lightwalker
1st Chakra - base/perinium, red, Earth, survival, grounding, stillness, elephant, earth
2nd Chakra - lower abdomen, orange, water, emotions, sexuality, desire, tears, crocodile, moon
3rd Chakra - solar plexus, yellow, fire, will, power, anger, joy, laughter, ram, sun
4th Chakra - heart, green, air, love, balance, compassion, antelope
5th Chakra - throat, blue, throat, ether, sound, communication, creativity, expansion, excitement, deer
6th Chakra - (third eye or adjna centre) forehead, indigo, forehead, light, clairvoyance, psychic abilities, imagination, dreaming, owl
7th Chakra - top of head, violet, top of head, thought, spiritual connection, understanding, knowing, bliss, God
About the Author
The Family of Light is an international mobile healing center, offering healing, channeling, and educational forums around the globe.
Charles has studied with shamen and alternative healers for over 26 years. He is a Medical Intuitive, Reiki Master, Ordained minister, Certified religious counselor and Certified Spiritual healer. You can reach Charles at charleslightwalker@yahoo.com or visit his website www.thefamilyoflight.net .
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Articles, Chakras at 11:33 pm by Administrator
– By Charles Lightwalker
Gems & Crystals emit vibrations that affect the wearer’s body. Certain crystal or gem varieties are believed to have positive effects when utilized on particular energy centers or chakras of the body, much like deep therapeutic massage and acupuncture. The 7 basic chakra points of the human body, their locations and general attributes are as follows:
1. Root Chakra
Location: The base of the spine
Physical Association: Adrenal glands, kidneys, spinal column, back, hips, legs and feet Spiritual Aspects: Stability, security, grounding, courage and physical and emotional survival.
When The Chakra Point Is Blocked: Anxious, fearful, angry and frustrated Associated Color: Red
Gems & Crystals That Work With This Chakra: Cornelian, Garnet, Ruby, Cuprite, Black Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz, Onyx, Agate, Black Obsidian, Hematite, Fire Agate, Ametrine, Blood Stone and Nephrite.
2. Sacral Chakra
Location: Lower abdomen to navel
Physical Association: Genital area, reproductive organs, bladder, bowel and lower intestine Spiritual Aspects: Creativity, harmony, emotional balance, passion, sexuality, freedom and expression of emotions.
When The Chakra Point Is Blocked: Stiff lower back, restlessness, confusion and sexual blockages Associated Color: Orange Gems & Crystals That Work With This Chakra: Amber, Moonstone, Cornelian, Citrine, Golden Topaz, Golden Beryl, Aragonite, Orange Calcite, Selenite, Zircon and Sunstone.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra
Location: Below the ribs to above the navel
Physical Association: Stomach, pancreas and liver Spiritual Aspects: Personal power, strength, sense of self worth, transformation, courage and laughter.
When The Chakra Point Is Blocked: Expression of anger, fear and hate Associated Color: Golden Yellow
Gems & Crystals That Work With This Chakra: Citrine, Golden Topaz, Green-Yellow Tourmaline, Tigers Eye, Heliodor, Rutilated Quartz, Amber, Sunstone, Malachite, Peridot and Emerald.
4. Heart Chakra
Location: Center of the chest
Physical Association: Heart, lungs and thymus gland Spiritual Aspects: Unconditional love, forgiveness and compassion.
When The Chakra Point Is Blocked: Emotional instability Associated Color: Green
Gems & Crystals That Work With This Chakra: Rose Quartz, Pink Tourmaline, Rubellite, Rhodochrosite, Emerald, Green Tourmaline, Malachite, Morganite, Kunzite, Green Aventurine, Ruby, Hiddenite, Grossular Garnet, Green Jade, Nephrite, Kunzite, Prehnite, Chrysoprase, Rhodonite, Moldavite, Prasiolite, Watermelon Tourmaline and other natural green gems.
5. Throat Chakra
Location: Throat area
Physical Association: Mouth, throat, thyroid and parathyroid glands Spiritual Aspects: communication, truthfulness, expression of will power and creativity
When The Chakra Point Is Blocked: Headaches, tension within the neck and shoulder muscles, colds, thyroid or hearing problems Associated Color: Sky Blue
Gems & Crystals That Work With This Chakra: Apophyllite, Aquamarine, Blue Lace Agate, Blue Topaz, Blue Tourmaline, Celestite, Indicolite, Blue Turquoise, Chrysocolla, Amazonite, Lapis Lazuli, Larimar, Sodalite, Iolite, Kyanite and Zircon.
6. Third Eye Chakra
Location: Center of the forehead
Physical Association: Pituitary gland, pineal gland, skull, eyes, brain and nervous system Spiritual Aspects: Coordination, balance, mental clarity, clairvoyance, intuition, wisdom.
When The Chakra Point Is Blocked: Blindness, headaches, nightmares, eyestrain or blurred vision Associated Color: Indigo
Gems & Crystals That Work With This Chakra: Azurite, Sugilite, Amethyst, Celestite, Tanzanite, Blue Tourmaline, Sapphire, Lavender Quartz, Purple Fluorite, Charoite, Sodalite, and Iolite.
7. Crown Chakra
Location: Top of the head
Physical Association: Pineal gland, top of spinal cord and brain stem Spiritual Aspects: Spirituality and life force energy.
When The Chakra Point Is Blocked: Depression, alienation, confusion, inability to learn or comprehend Associated Color: Violet or White
Gems & Crystals That Work With This Chakra: Sugilite, Ametrine, Clear Quartz Crystal, Amethyst, Howlite, Moonstone, Lavender Quartz, Rutilated Quartz, Diamond and White Topaz.
About the Author
The Family of Light is an international mobile healing center, offering healing, channeling, and educational forums around the globe. Charles has studied with shamen and alternative healers for over 26 years. He is a Medical Intuitive, Reiki Master, Ordained minister, Certified religious counselor and Certified Spiritual healer. You can reach Charles at charleslightwalker@yahoo.com or visit his website www.thefamilyoflight.net .
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Posted in Articles, Chakras at 11:20 pm by Administrator
Our chakras are the energy centers our consciousness, or energy system, is composed of. The ancient Hindu traditions, who have been studying the consciousness for thousands of years, use the language of the chakras. The word chakra is Sanskrit, meaning vortex, or wheel, and refers to the seven major energy centers. There are over 200 chakras yet we focus primarily upon seven some more advanced seekers focus on ten. These energy centers are: the Crown (7th), located at the top of the head; the Brow Chakra, or Third Eye (6th); the Throat Chakra (5th) at the base of the throat; the Heart Chakra (4th); the Solar Plexus (3rd), located just below the ribcage; the Sacral (2nd), located at the center of the abdomen; and the Root (1st) located at the perineum, just between the anus and sex organs. Also, there are attributes and colors associated with each of our energy centers. As there are volumes written on each chakra, I’ll begin with basic attributes and associations with each one. In this first article, we’ll focus on the Root Chakra.
For a tree to be thriving, it must have a strong Root system. So do we need to be aware of how to strengthen our ‘roots.’ As this chakra’s attributes are shared, allow yourself to get a sense of what it may mean for you. The color associated with the Root chakra, or Root Energy Center, is Red. It is located at the base of your central channel, the energetic vertical line of chakras running through the center of your body (just imagine all your chakras lined up vertically through the center of your body).
Your Root deals with how you relate to survival, how you feel about being on the earth, the ability to allow yourself to be nourished in the sense of allowing your Inner Being to be satisfied and trusting yourself. Imbalance in your Root chakra is most often experienced as various degrees of insecurity or to an extreme, feeling your survival is threatened.
Scarcity versus Abundance, Lack versus Knowing – When your Root chakra is in balance, you are in complete knowing and trust that the earth supports you and you take your place upon the earth firmly and with confidence; you show up on time, create the financial abundance to surpass your needs; you do what you say you want to do. You possess the ability to step from survival to thriving.
Here is a simple exercise to become aware of and strengthen your Root. Close your eyes, stop multi-tasking in your mind, clear your thoughts, feel as though you have a transparent red sphere where your Root chakra is housed, at the base of your central channel, and feel the sensations that are brought to your attention now that you have a sense of the Root chakra’s basic elements. Do you feel steady and strong in life, or are you wavering, acquiescing to other’s perceptions and dreams of what and how you should be rather than standing firm in and for your own dreams? Notice what you feel, allow whatever sensations and feelings to come into your conscious mind. Cease any analysis, just allow yourself to observe what you see in your mind’s eye and feel in your body. Begin to imagine your Root as being strong and steady and any observations to the contrary are simply aspects that you allow to transform, in perfect timing.. Say to yourself ‘As I go through my day, I allow insights to come from within and know the clarity from the insights I receive will be known in their right timing. I walk forward in the strength of the root of who I am and look forward to my experiences as they unfold for me.”
Of course this is quite basic for some, but at times, when going back to the beginning we gain deeper awareness. For those to whom this is new, be easy about what you notice. The more you activate the strength of your Root energy center, the more your experiences will match that strength. So be amazed, be very amazed!
About the Author
© Gabriele Reign is a Mentor of Alchemy and the creator of dynamics that teach step-by-step processes to guide you to live the life you’ve always imagined for yourself. If you’re interested in group or private mentoring, or to learn more about alchemy, feel free to visit: www.DynamicLifeNow.com..
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