...neck, hands, arms, legs and back joints supple.

yoga lays great stress on deep breathing. The breathing exercises are aimed to release internal energies and also to strengthen the muscles of the rib cage and belly.

yoga, however, does not believe in exerting pressure on the body. A disciple is required to do only that much that he can do with comfort. The exercises are always followed by a state of relaxation, whose purpose is to release the tension built in the body and mind during the exercises. The relaxed state also helps you to concentrate deeply without being affected by distractions.

After relaxation of mind and body, the spirit is ready for meditation. The meditative state increases concentration and calms down the spirit. As a result, a person feels deep contentment. This state is also...more

yoga - One Size Doesn't Need To Fit All

...Although there are a lot of great reasons to try yoga, most people won't even take a shot at it. I think I know why. Stay with me for a couple of minutes and I'll get there.

Years ago, I read one of the most truth filled statements I have ever encountered. Although I usually try to avoid generalities, I believe that most of them DO have a portion of truth to them. Unfortunately, many people either don't realize that these statements are not ultimate truths or they assume that since there are times that these old adages and generalities are NOT true, not only are they false, but completely without merit.

Most generalities, as I have stated, DO contain some truth, enough truth that we can often at least glean guiding principles from them even if we cannot live our lives exactly by them.

Now, the statement I made mention of was, "The only job where you start at the top is digging a hole!"

I normally would not actually say that to someone who expected to get to the top of the heap by tomorrow, but the ide...more

Teaching Hatha yoga: The Summer Slow Down

...Lets face it, yoga teachers who live in Northern climates have been looking forward to a break from the winter chill. Your yoga students have also been looking forward to the warm weather and they want to take a vacation. What can yoga teachers and yoga studios do to compensate for the Sumer Slow Down?

You have taught your Yoga students about empowerment all year, but some students may not return to your regular classes, without a reminder. Many North Americans take a couple of weeks off in July and some summer vacations will be planned for august. Most of my friends in Europe take august off, therefore, Yoga teachers are looking at a minimum of one month during the summer that is predominantly slow, de...more

Health Benefits of Yoga

...e, and depth perception

* increases Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)

Psychological Benefits of Yoga

* improves concentration and attention

* decreases anxiety, internal stress and depression

* improves mood and sense of well-being

* increases self-acceptance and self-actualization

* improves learning efficiency and memory

* increases somatic and kinesthetic awareness (body/mind connection)

* decreases aggression and hostility

* increases social skills

* improves depth perception<...more

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