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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

 

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

 

 

If you review the historical facts, you will come to know that yoga has originated in India.  According to the experts, yoga actually matures the everlasting bond between human soul and the halo of celestial light. This everlasting communion with spiritual power can be achieved through yoga practice.

Health Benefits of Kripalu Yoga

There are different types of yoga like Bhakti Yoga, Jnana, Karma, Raja yogas. Kripalu Yoga is helpful to perform the Hatha Yoga. Kripalu yoga increases both physical and mental strength. It is the fact that emotions produce massive impact on the body and mind. If there is abnormality in emotional outbursts, the condition of health will be down.

Regular practice of Kripalu Yoga will surely energize performers to activate properly. The functionality of the muscles and other internal organs of human beings will increase due to the accurate performance of the Kripalu yoga. Kripalu yoga covers different sots of breathing processes and deep meditation which will bring the mental relaxation to the yoga practitioners. Health condition will be good if a person carefully follows the basic rules of the Kripalu yoga.

The respiratory system will be excellent if a person performs different poses of Kripalu yoga.  It will eliminate the mental stress and depression. The healing process will be much faster if anyone attentively follows Kripalu yoga posses.  Those who have practiced under the supervision of the Kripalu Yoga specialists have admitted frankly that in comparison to the previous day, right now they feel more relaxed and comfortable. They have got immense mental strength after performing different Kripalu Yoga poses.  Kripalu Yoga enhances the betterment of emotional strength and mental stability. For the reduction of the mental anxiety and severe stress, one can practice Kripalu Yoga.

 

 

A Good Article about Kripalu Yoga

You are here: Home / Featured / Traveling Through Time

Traveling Through Time

June 11, 2010 by thepranamama  
Filed under Featured, Recipe Links, Reflection

4 Comments

My job as a freelance reporter continues to surprise me with experiences like no other.  Tonight’s assignment:  commencement. My local high school graduated 190 members of the class of 2010, and I was there to report on the ceremony.  After roaming the halls interviewing graduates and teachers, I made my way to the stadium, sat down and waited 45 minutes for the program to begin.  Luckily, I had brought a book, and I was thrilled with the opportunity for some quiet time to read at the end of a busy week.

The book, Waiting for Birdy, is Catherine Newman’s hilarious and heartwarming account of her first years as a parent.  I recently met Ms. Newman at a writer’s event, and had heard about her book and blog from a friend who is a huge fan.  She was a delight in person, and her book makes me laugh and cry at every smart observation of her two-year-old son while expecting her second child.  I love stealing time for Newman and her adventures in pregnancy while parenting a sweet and inquisitive toddler.

So there I was, enjoying some time to myself, reading and reflecting on the joys and challenges of parenting young children, all the while surrounded by folks eagerly anticipating a momentous occasion marking the end of childhood for their own kids and grandkids.

I tried hard to focus on my reading, but somehow Newman’s writings on a two-year-old’s inquisitiveness were overshadowed by the emotion all around me.  I sensed a quiet nervousness and proud excitement, on behalf of all of the families of graduates.

As the mom of two kids under five, it’s impossible to imagine our lives will ever be without PBS Kids, assistance in the bathroom or strollers.  But I’d be willing to bet any one of those parents sitting near me would look back at their young adult’s childhood as if it had happened yesterday.  They all say, “It goes by so fast!”  Tonight, I almost believed it.

Tomorrow morning, I have another graduation to cover.  This time, at the private high school across the street, whose historical architecture and alluring green grass is a regular fixture in my kids’ lives.  If we’re not rolling down the grassy hillside or falling asleep under the bell tower’s evening glow, we’re running for the playground or sneaking in the administrative offices for a bathroom break.

I suppose tomorrow I’ll sit at graduation, hearing inspirational stories of graduates who have come a long way.  I’ll look down at my own house, at the tricycle in the driveway or at my daughter’s front window, and I’ll have that same bittersweet feeling about the early parenting years.

We are all guilty of wishing time away at one time or another.  We’ve thought about what we’d do with all of our free time when these kids are in school for more than 2 hours at a time, and we’ve eagerly anticipated the excitement of kindergarten and subsequent years.

This weekend, covering high school graduations in my community, I am all too happy to hold onto ages five and two just a bit longer.  Even if sippy cups and car seats are still part of the picture.

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If you have ever tried yoga, then you know that it is an exercise as well as a way of life. Yoga can enhance your body’s physical well-being as well as your mental awareness. In order to practice yoga, you will need one of the basic yoga tools: a yoga mat. But before you buy any yoga mat, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration. Let’s take a closer look at some of these things.

As part of yoga, you are constantly stretching and changing positions, trying to achieve different poses. You need to provide an appropriate foundation for all this movement. One of the most important features of a yoga mat is its stability. You don’t want one that is going to be sliding around, causing you to fall. It must be able to maintain a good hold for your exercise purposes. In addition, you will be sweating from the activity, so a mat that will absorb the perspiration you produce will also be a feature to look for. This will prevent slipping on a wet mat.

It will be your personal choice as to how padded the mat will be. Extra padding will provide more cushioning when jumping from pose to pose. You may need extra padding due to a physical problem or injury. The length of your body will dictate the dimensions of the mat you purchase. Generally, a yoga mat should cover the area outlined by your body in a lying position. The most common size is 24×72 inches. There are many different colors available to choose from and you should be able to find one to your liking.

Yoga mats are also available in non-toxic and bio-friendly styles. This will provide you with safety and also take into account your health. Since yoga focuses on health, it would only make sense that your mat should possess no ozone depleting substances and be PVC free. Since you will need to carry it to your classes, you will also want one that is lightweight and easy to transport. Also, be sure to check that it is easy to clean. And, of course, finding one that is acknowledged by teachers as a good foundation to work on is always recommended.

There are basically five different types of mats available today. The cotton mat is able to absorb perspiration and provides a cooling effect. The sticky mat, a popular choice, is one that will stay put and is especially useful for power yoga, where there is a lot of movement. This is a thin mat and needs to be sprinkled with a little water to activate its stability feature. The ultra double thickness mat is a sticky mat with double the cushioning. Although the cushioning effect is useful when jumping from one pose to another, it will also make the mat bulkier. Travel mats are very thin and easy to fold, but they are not as comfortable due to the slim cushioning they possess. These are perfect for the ‘on the go’; stick it in the corner of my car type of individual. Meditation mats are used for relaxation and come with a pillow.

Depending on the type of yoga you plan on concentrating on, and some individual preferences, you should be able to find a sturdy yoga mat to your liking. The newest mats are made of open cell, natural rubber, which not only provides a non-slip surface but can absorb moisture as well. By choosing the appropriate mat, you will provide yourself with an environment in which you can work your way to the spirituality that yoga has to offer.

Buying A Round Yoga Bolster

By Phoenix Delray • 12/6/10 • Filed In: Aerobics

This article give tips on how to choose the right round yoga bolster.

Buying A Round Yoga Bolster

To learn more about round yoga bolster, please visit our website at http://www.yogiboutique.com

Stress relief, easing tension and enhancing life balance is what yoga is all about, and in order to properly practice all of your poses, you might indeed find that you could use a round yoga bolster. Through yoga we gain a deeper knowledge of ourselves, and we can also prevent some diseases and stay healthy with it. Throughout the years, yoga has been repeatedly used and noted for its ability to act as an alternative medicine for many things, and it can even help cure chronic conditions and ailments in different body systems. The systems that have been found to benefit from yoga include the circulatory, endocrine, respiratory, nervous, digestive, reproductive and the musculoskeletal systems. One of the greatest things about yoga is the fact that anyone can do it; age does not matter, weight does not make a difference, and agility gives no regard either because that will improve with practice.

A round yoga bolster is one of those props that people use all the time to assist in achieving many different yoga poses. The use of specific pieces of equipment and props can help people with hundreds of poses that may be otherwise very difficult for the person to achieve. The great part about these is that everyone uses all kinds of props. It isnt like props are only for those who are beginning or for those who are out of shape. Even those who have been doing yoga for 20 years need some help, and they use all kinds of props.

Round yoga bolsters join the ranks of many others that are used in different forms of yoga like the Ananda, Kripalu and Bikram yoga. These are forms that really do require bolsters because they use more extensive effort in achieving the poses. So what exactly do round yoga bolsters do? They provide support for the legs, back and abdomen, and they also aid in the proper alignment of the body and the spinal vertebrae as well. Not only that, but they also cushion and relieve tension in your lower and your upper body, the neck and other parts of the body too when doing your poses. As if that wasnt enough, these little pillows aid yogis in doing supine and passive yoga positions, and one of the common ways to use these is to put the bolster on top of your mat to provide added cushioning and support to your lower body when you need it.

If you are having any reservations about using a round yoga bolster pillow, dont! So many people use them and love them. Remember that it is far better to use a round yoga bolster and achieve your positions correctly than it is to go without one and not get the full effect of your yoga workouts.

You may also like to see the following articles:

• Using Your Round Yoga Bolster

Looking For More Information?

Make sure to explore other articles in the Aerobics category or contact us to suggest a website or a service to review.

Wanting a Yoga Bolster? A good article about what to check before buying one.

What is Vinyasa flow Yoga?
Vinyasa Yoga is a style of Yoga that combines techniques from a number of other Yoga styles

and is used to refer to various Yoga techniques. This style comes from the lineage of Krishnamacharya, who was a Yoga master and teacher to many other great practitioners of Yoga like Indra Devi, Sri K Pattabhi Jois and BKS Iyengar.

The term “Vinyasa” means “breath synchronized movement”. This style focuses on the same, achieving a synchronization between breathing

and body movements. It also refers to flow because the Asanas (Postures) are done in a smooth flowing style, almost similar to a dance.

The techniques of this style have been included in a number of traditional and classical Yoga styles like Kundalini Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga, as well as some modern styles like Power Yoga, Anusara Yoga and Jivamukti Yoga.

Technique of Vinyasa flow Yoga
This is a difficult style and requires lot of practice and concentration to be able to perform it well. This is because it requires the individual to be able to synchronize body movements along with breathing.

It includes some simple as well as complex Asanas. There are many sets of Asanas done together in continuity. Simple Asanas are those like the Cat-Cow pose as well as forward and backward bending exercises. The most complex Asana set is the Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutation). It is a set of multiple Asanas that are done in continuity, one flowing into the other. It is sometimes done with chantings of the different names of the Sun God, as also with a set style and pattern of breathing, including inhalation, exhalation and holding of the breath after each.

Along with specifications of breathing patterns, it also gives specifications for postures. Each posture has to be performed a certain way. This is done to avoid injuries while learning or practising.

Is Vinyasa flow Yoga beneficial?
This technique has no specific book or text to follow. Practitioners bring their own styles into this form due to which there is a lot of variety in this form. Because of this, different teachers of Vinyasa Yoga will have different styles of teaching and performing Asanas. You can try some of these styles before you can decide which one you like the most and would want to follow.

This style makes Yoga enjoyable as the individual is free to choose variations of the form as well as experiment with the style to suit individual needs. It is especially for those who enjoy variety and a dynamic style of exercising.

6 Yoga Tips for Holiday Stress

If you find a bit of an edge creeping in to your holiday buzz, check out these calming exercises from Candace Morano, a New York City-based yoga instructor. No need to do them all at once, try one or two at least to get settled. Yoga medicine is usually like good hair conditioner--a little goes a long way. Of course, also check with your doctor before doing any new exercisey thing. That said, Candace, take it away!

1) Inhale through both nostrils. Give your breath a color. Envision and feel your breath moving down to your toes, whether sitting or standing. Exhale and again envision your breath now moving upward from your toes, through your pelvic floor and continuing up the spinal column and out the crown of your head. Do this 3x, slowly and feel calm, grounded and centered.

2) Standing or sitting, inhale and ground into your feet or sitz bones. Connect to your body's center at the navel by inhaling and drawing your navel towards your spine. Exhale and lengthen your lower back towards your tailbone and your tailbone towards the floor. Feel your chest rise and your heart lift. Do this 3x times and feel energy rising up through your body's center and notice how you feel confident and solid in your body.

3) Imagine a rose. Put all your worries/doubts anxieties into the rose. Inhale through both nostrils keeping your attention on the rose. As you exhale, watch the rose petals explode and disintegrate the limitations that are created by our unwavering mind. Now that you have cleared your mind, see a blank canvas to create affirming statements or mantras, such as: "I fully embrace and accept the beauty and challenges this day brings."

4) Connect to your heart. Remember something or someone you are grateful for and send them a loving prayer or blessing. See the joy on their face as your prayer or blessing arrives. Remember that these very simple but profound experiences make our life beautiful and expansive.

5) Engage in your surroundings by noticing some people or faces nearby. Simply smile at someone and notice how your body relaxes and your mental outlook shifts. Remember that simple generosity comes back ten fold and connects us back to our hearts. 

6) Shift your perspective. If you are standing in line or sitting in a car or on a train, look over your right shoulder as if someone was calling you and keep your hips square. Deepen and guide your breath into the leg that you are twisting away from and feel your torso rotate from the base of the spine upward. Exhale as you arrive into the twist and feel the muscles around your ribcage and spine soften. Inhale again and imagine the body's outer layer melting like wax down a candle and lengthen the crown of your head upward. Exhale and de-rotate facing forward again. Do the other side and repeat 3x on each side.

And if there's any question as to how you're coping holiday stress, try Holly's fun Holiday Stress quiz.

What To Wear During Yoga?

Yoga is a physically demanding activity that require coordination of your entire body. Hence, experts insist that you choose carefully the attire you wear during each session to prevent physical limitation. That is why there are yoga clothes that are specifically designed for this exact same purpose.

And yet, that does not mean you need to purchase specialized yoga clothes just to be able to practice it. You can certainly use old or existing clothing items while taking note of qualities that make it ideal for use on your yoga practice. Consider the basic to complex poses that you will be performing all throughout each session. Look at specific areas of your body and how a particular item of clothing can provide restrictions.

Another area for you to consider is the type of material for your clothing. Your level of comfort is another essential factor during yoga practice. Therefore, you have to be personally comfortable with what you are wearing and it must fit right to your body to gain more confidence.

Yoga Poses & Equipment : Yoga Clothes

Yoga Clothes

Yoga Clothes

Types of Yoga Clothing

To learn more about what yoga clothing are allowed during practice, take note of the different categories below:

*Pants: For the yoga pants, you can use dancing pants, martial arts, or those you regularly use for your exercise routines. Capri pants are also accepted since they are loose and comfortable enough to allow free movements.

*Shirts: Go for shirts made out of comfortable and light-weight materials, such as lycra, cotton, and fleece.

*Yogatard: These are specially designed yoga attire that is of ankle length and allows you maximum freedom to execute yoga poses without any distraction.

Buying Tips and Guidelines

When buying yoga clothing or attire (especially for beginners), there are some things you need to consider. These essential points are as follows:

• Comfort is at the utmost criteria you need to use when buying yoga clothing to wear. Make sure it allows free movement for your body and does not provide any physical restriction.
• Go for stretchable clothes that are made out of light cotton material.
• When you are going to use shorts during your yoga class
  
  , make sure it allows a free range of motion around your knees, ankles, and feet.
• Women need to wear sport bras for comfort and security of breasts.
• Since you are likely to develop intense sweating during yoga practice, choose sweat-absorbent fabric for your yoga clothing to allow your skin to breathe and easily absorb your perspiration.
• If you do not prefer performing yoga on a bare foot, choose breathable gloves or socks.

Yoga Poses & Equipment : Yoga Gear

What Are Yoga Accessories For?

The use of yoga accessories must not be undermined given that it can potentially be beneficial to your practice. It also creates a sense of peace and assurance on the part of the practitioner knowing that they have precisely executed the poses as required. In addition to wearing the proper yoga attire to ensure that you are not distracted by those, you can also make use of a few yoga accessories to either help out beginners adapt difficult poses, or avoid injuries.

The yoga mat is one of the most useful yoga accessories, which can serve different purposes. For those who are just getting started on practicing yoga in a class, you will need a special Tote bag wherein you can carry all of the essential accessories in one. This should help keep your yoga accessories together and safe, ready for you to use whenever you need them. Below are some of the most essential yoga accessories you will ever need to assist in your practice.

Yoga Poses & Equipment : Prana Yoga Mats

Organic Yoga - YogaAccessories.com

Yoga Mat

One of the most basic yoga accessories that a practitioner will need to aid his or her practice is a yoga mat. It serves various purposes, which makes it a worthy investment for your practice of yoga such that it can help advance the benefits that you can gain from this practice.

When purchasing a yoga mat, you need to take note of certain factors and essential qualities to ensure that you have something that you'd actually be able to use with confidence. A yoga mat that grips well can add stability to your pose, while preventing you from falling off into the floor and acquiring injuries. Hence, safety is one of the most important benefits of using a yoga mat so you can focus more on precisely executing your poses without having to worry about the possibility of slipping.

Another important quality to a yoga mat is its ability to absorb sweat. In addition, it helps provide cushion and comfort on your back while doing yoga poses that require you to lie down on the floor. In essence, it is basically all about performing yoga asanas as required to ensure you get the benefits.

Other Yoga Accessories

There are several yoga accessories that are currently available in the market. Each of these props or accessories are designed to make your practice easier and more efficient, such that you can maximize the results. Here are some of the most essential accessories you will need and how they can be of value to your practice:

• Eye pillows – This are wearable cotton-soft eye covers that worn around your head and over your eyes to aid during relaxation process in yoga. It is often infused with natural substances such as lavender and flax seed fragrance to nourish your eyes with relaxation properties and provide optimum comfort.
• Yoga straps – This is made out of cotton twill and rings, which is ideal during stretching exercises in yoga as it assist in reaching areas you normally would not be able to reach on your own.
• Yoga bolsters – This yoga accessory contains foam at its core with natural cotton batting. The idea of using yoga bolsters during practice provide support for your body to attain relaxation with much effectiveness, ideal for both active and restorative yoga poses.
• Yoga balls – This is one of the more common yoga accessories, which can be utilized for a variety of exercises. In fact, there are specific yoga ball exercises that will enable you to workout your core muscles.
• Yoga block – This foam block aids to help you attain the most correct posture during specific yoga positions and incorporate a more steady support for your body.

How Distinctive is Iyengar Yoga Versus Other Yoga Styles?

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BKS Iyengar Practicing

Introduction to Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar yoga is one of the most unique forms of yoga currently available. This particular style was innovated by yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar, thus it was named after him. It is based on the Hindu religion and the Eight Limbs of Yoga that was authored by Patanjali. The incorporation of meditation and concentration are considered as crucial elements in its practice to enjoy such benefits as flexibility, increased strength and stamina.

When it comes to the practice, the exercises of Iyengar Yoga are based on Hatha Yoga. But more than just the proper execution of yoga asanas, gaining proper structural alignment is crucial in gaining the benefits of these exercises. Thus, Iyengar Yoga consist of a specific set of exercises that enrich mind, body, and soul for a holistic sense of well being. This particular yoga style is therefore ideal for individuals experiencing a great deal of stress on a constant basis.

B.K.S. Iyengar 1938 newsreel Part 1 (SILENT)

Practicing Iyengar Yoga

Now that you understand the basic outline of Iyengar Yoga, it's time to move onto the practice of this technique. For this particular style, B.K.S. Iyengar conceptualized around 200 unique asanas to be performed and these postures are coupled with proper controlled breathing techniques. In addition to these postures, he also came up with 14 breathing exercises for each set of variations to maximize its benefits. Each postures and breathing exercises vary in difficulty level to suit all skill level practitioners. There are three distinct aspects about the physical postures that is required in this particular style and it will be discussed later on.

Any practitioner of the Iyengar yoga style must keep in mind proper body alignment to ensure that the benefits of the yoga asanas are achieved. When there is harmony in your body's anatomical structure, you can precisely execute the poses without harming or causing injury to the body.

In addition to proper body alignment, one's understanding of his or her own body during the practice is crucial to determine your limits and understand how far you can go in your practice. In some cases, the specific requirements of Iyengar Yoga can result to certain difficulties on the body and the use of props is often necessary to provide additional support to the body.

Iyengar Video 2

Breathing Exercises

As with all other yoga styles, asanas (exercises) and pranayama (breathing) always come together. But only after one has fully mastered the asanas can they move onto understanding the pranayama aspect of this particular style.

The incorporation of proper breathing into your practice of Iyengar yoga enables you to maximize the benefits that you can gain from it. Thus, it expands the array of benefits that you can enjoy including the enhancement of functions for your internal organ systems such as circulatory, respiratory, and digestive health systems. These are all made possible by the stimulating action that is produced on your internal organs to gain a renewed sense of energy and bring about calmness.

However, all of the above mentioned benefits are only at the core of the pranayama exercises for Iyengar Yoga. The most important benefit that can be derived from Iyengar yoga's pranayama exercises is the ability to control both your mind and senses, ready for the next stage in the process – meditation.

Iyengar Yoga lesson in Rome

Iyengar Yoga, Yogathon

Meditation Aspect of Iyengar Yoga

Unlike the common myth about meditation, this is actually a highly involved practice that require full participation of your mind and senses to happen. In Iyengar Yoga, meditation takes on a more important role such that it places emphasis on self culture providing an impact on your act of meditation. You therefore cannot expect success in your meditation practice unless physical and mental preparedness are achieved.

One distinction with Iyengar Yoga meditation is that it is highly associated with action. This means that meditation takes place by building awareness on the specific parts of your body as you try to perform specific yoga postures. Focus your meditation from one body part to another until you become fully absorbed in them. When you have achieved a certain level of awareness on your body, that is when you become comfortable with doing certain yoga poses.

What Makes It Unique as a Yoga Style?

There are three basic characteristics that Iyengar Yoga has to create a distinction over other yoga styles. These three characteristics are as follows:

*Technique – As mentioned above, B.K.S. Iyengar conceptualized nearly 200 distinct yoga asanas to be practiced in this particular style. Each of these poses have a purpose that define them and help achieve the ultimate goal of this yoga school of thought. In addition to these exercises, there are also specific breathing techniques intended to combine with these exercises.

*Sequence – Once you have learned the technique or specific yoga asanas to perform, they have to be done in a particular sequence. Unless you are able to execute these exercises in the specific sequence they were designed for, it cannot produce the same results as intended for this yoga style. Indeed, the body and the exercises that is to be performed all contribute as you work towards gaining spiritual benefits.

*Timing – Aside from taking note of proper sequence for Iyengar Yoga poses, you also have to properly time them. The amount of time you invest on doing each single pose also impacts the effect of each pose. So, make sure to devote some time to doing them to ensure proper execution, proper adjustment of your body, and to allow both physical and spiritual body to embrace its impact.

B.K.S.Iyengar interview, p.2

Spiritual Gain

One of the greatest benefits that one can enjoy while performing Iyengar Yoga exercises is the ability to nourish your spiritual body. This is probably one of the greatest benefits derived from this yoga style. But how can you achieve and optimize these results?

First off, Iyengar Yoga is loosely based on the teachings of Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras, which believe that yoga must be adapted as a way of life, instead of a mere workout routine. In accordance with that, you need to develop behaviors and lifestyle choices that promote overall well being. Vices and other unhealthy habits or attitudes must be avoided at all times.

Meanwhile, one is encouraged to engage in introspective activities that improve physical and mental health condition. As you devote yourself into adapting this kind of lifestyle, one is able to tap the spiritual body and strengthen relationship with a Divine Power, whom is believed to be The One who controls everything in the universe.

Yoga Links

• Taruna Oils
  Taruna Oils has a unique and high quality Essential Oils Collection which enhances the therapeutic value of your yoga practice.

Yoga DVDs on Amazon

	Iyengar Yoga With Gabriella Price: $20.00 List Price: $20.00
	AM/PM Yoga For Beginners (with The Dalai Lama & 10 + Routines) Price: $7.75 List Price: $19.99
	Yoga Journal Presents: Iyengar Intensive at Estes Park DVD Set Price: $53.45 List Price: $99.99
	Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Simple and Sweet, Beginner & Intermediate, a ***Practice DVD*** Price: $14.95 List Price: $19.95

Yoga Books on Amazon

	Yoga: The Iyengar Way Price: $14.59 List Price: $24.95
	B.K.S Iyengar Yoga the Path to Holistic Health Price: $36.43 List Price: $89.99
	IYENGAR YOGA THE INTEGRATED AND HOLISTIC PATH TO HEALTH Price: $31.61 List Price: $36.99
	Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga... Price: $11.29 List Price: $18.95

Yoga Books on eBay

	LIGHT ON ASTANGA YOGA BKS IYENGAR Patanjali Pranayama Current Bid: $12.99
	Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar - Very slightly used Current Bid: $5.50
	BKS IYENGAR Light On Pranayama NEW BOOK YOGA Health Current Bid: $14.99
	BKS IYENGAR ILLUSTRATED LIGHT ON YOGA Yehudi Menuhin Current Bid: $16.99

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Yoga Types: Anusara Yoga

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

28 Nov 2009 09:31 PM

Anusara yoga is a relatively new form of yoga that has its roots in hatha yoga. Anusara yoga was started in California by yoga guru John Friend in 1997. Friend trains teachers through his Anusara yoga center and teaches at workshops around the country.

Anusara means flowing with grace or flowing with the heart. According to Friend's website, Anusara yoga "unifies a life affirming Tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness with the Universal Principles of Alignment." These principles of alignment form the components of Anusara yoga.

The Universal Principles of Alignment in Anusara yoga are Attitude, Alignment and Action. The asana is performed with intention and connection with an awareness of alignment and balance between freedom and stability.

The philosophy of this form of yoga practice includes a spiritual dimension that assumes the innate goodness in all and looks for good in all living things. The practice includes spiritual components and meditation, but nothing that isn't compatible with other religions.

Each class begins with an invocation to recognize the universal spirit. The theme of the practice includes a connection to our divine nature and cultivating an open heart, both on and off the mat.

Much of the practice resembles hatha yoga with the movements coordinated with breath and the use of props for support, as needed. All the traditional standing poses, forward bends, inversions, twists, back bends and restorative poses you would find in a hatha yoga class are used in Anusara yoga.

The difference between the typical hatha yoga class at your local gym and Anusara is the spiritual and meditative components of this practice. The class is quiet and time is taken for meditation and centering in the practice.

Anusara yoga is trademarked and the official school trains and certifies teachers in this method of yoga. The Anusara Yoga Website has information on training and more about Anusara yoga. In addition, information and listings of certified teachers around the country can be found on the website.

If you search the directory and no Anusara teachers are available in your area, you can practice at home. DVDs are available with practices that range from 45 minutes to one hour. Most are mixed level practices that are suitable for either beginners or more experienced yogis.

 

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Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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