Archive for the ‘guide to yoga’ Category
Learn Meditation in 7 Amazingly Easy Steps
While meditation is an important spiritual element of major religions like Buddhism and Hinduism, it’s used every day by millions of people who meditate purely for it’s health benefits. Western medicine recognizes mediation’s positive, calming effects, with doctors advising patients who suffer from stress, high blood pressure and chromic pain to take a few relaxing minutes each day to meditate.
It’s like a trip to the gym for your brain by focusing the mind on a single thought or image, even for only 10 or 20 minutes each day, you’re body relaxes, our mind becomes clear, and stressful problems become easier to manage.
Why meditation has a measurable effect on mind and body
To understand how meditation works, it helps to understand how the brain functions. The largest part of the brain is the cortex, divided into left and right hemispheres. The left side of the brain is usually dominant, controlling speech, logic, calculation and writing. The right hemisphere controls creativity, imagination and emotions. Researchers believe that when we meditate we create a connection between the two hemispheres. When subjects hooked up to ECG machines meditate, researchers can measure the intensity of alpha waves the brain waves when we’re in calm, relaxed state produced while meditating. During meditation, alpha waves are far stronger and more consistent between both hemispheres that during other forms of relaxation even sleep.
When the brain is in an alpha state, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over the part of the nervous system that conserves and restores energy, slows blood pressure and heart rate, and controls the digestion and absorption of nutrients by the body. When the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, the high-stress “fight-or-flight” response which is accompanied by secretion of stress hormones like adrenaline, plus tension in the head, neck and lower back is overruled, and the body releases other, more positive hormones that promote relaxation and healing.
Proof that meditation works
Medical researchers have done a great deal of study into the benefits of meditation. Studies show it encourages better brain function, improved circulation in the extremities, increased cerebral blood flow and lower levels of stress hormones. A 1987 found that people who practiced Transcendental Meditation on where subjects used focused breathing and a repeated mantra, or sound) made less than half the number of visits to doctors and spent 50 percent less time in hospitals than people who didn’t meditate. than those who did not.
There are countless ways to meditate, and you can teach yourself how to do it from, books, tapes, or via the Internet in a very short time. There are often classes available at local community centers, holistic health centers and even community colleges, as well. Among the most popular methods of meditation are:
Mantra meditation: A word or phrase your mantra is repeated over and over, either out loud or in your head. You can choose a phrase that relates to your personal beliefs, one that’s a positive statement, or a one-syllable word-sound like “om” or “eng.”
Breath awareness: You concentrate on rhythmic breathing, possibly counting each breath in and out, often breathing in through the nose and out the mouth.
Object meditation: You focus on a specific object, noting each detail of its shape, presence and color.
Active meditations: Using rhythmic movements, like walking, swimming, t’ai chi or yoga to focus the mind.
A simple, 7-step meditation anyone can do
1. Set aside 10 to 20 minutes, once or twice a day.
2. Find a place that’s quiet where you are unlikely to be disturbed, and sit down. You don;t need to sit cross-legged, or in any special posture a comfortable chair is fine. Wear comfortable clothes, and arrange your arms and legs in a relaxed posture.
3. Set an alarm so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of time. If you’re concerned that it may startle you, place it in another room or under a cushion, so the sound will be muffled but audible.
4. Breathe slowly and rhythmically, consciously relaxing your feet, legs, torso, on up your body until all your muscles are loose.
5. Choose a word to repeat to yourself. The classic mantra is “Om,” the Sanskrit word for perfection. Or you could choose a simple word that reflects what you hope to achieve in your life, like “calm,” “happiness” or “energy.” You could also, instead, count your breaths from one to 10, then over again and again. If thoughts drift into your mind, allow them to float gently out again as you re-focus on your word or breathing.
6. When your alarm sounds and you’ve finished, don’t jump right up allow yourself to slowly open your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and rejoin the world in a relaxed manner.
7. Stretch your arms and legs, and stand up slowly.
Most people who start meditation find they have trouble motivating themselves to meditate, and letting go of the Western tendency to constantly think, think, think about every little thing. This is one reason why you might consider taking a class or using tapes in can be valuable to have a guide to take you through meditation your first few times. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find meditation is simple and effective and you can move on to more advanced techniques as you find yourself progressing.
Mailcucan
http://www.articlesbase.com/meditation-articles/learn-meditation-in-7-amazingly-easy-steps-69802.html
In yoga practice I find it hard to let go and surrender. How can I work on this?
I’m new to yoga, but already notice the beneficial effect it has had on me.
However, sometimes I think I have surrendered into a position, or that I am relaxing….. and then I find I’m not. I also find myself clenching in things I ought to be letting go of, and suddenly my brain runs off with stressful thoughts that are reflected physically, and my yoga practice suddenly doesn’t seem as mindful! 
Can someone with more experience guide me on how I can work on these issues please?
Well, my teacher says, "Breathe into the position, and surrender into it, ie don’t fight against it. " I can see where she’s coming from. Sometimes I need to surrender against what my body is tensed up about.
Well, my teacher says, "Breathe into the position, and surrender into it, ie don’t fight against it. " I can see where she’s coming from. Sometimes I need to surrender against what my body is tensed up about.
Sorry YA is being weird and posting everything twice.
I don’t practice yoga, but I do practice meditation as a Buddhist. You’re describing a common problem: clinging. It’s good that you’re so conscious of it. The next thing to do is to cultivate renunciation or generosity. When you see yourself clenching, consciously let go. When it happens again, consciously choose to let go. Do it again and again and again.
Don’t judge yourself, don’t condemn yourself. You have to be generous and forgiving with yourself. This is the basis for renunciation and generosity practice in general.
Unless you are fully enlightened, you will always deal with clinging. The trick is to continue letting go like that. If you do it diligently, I promise that it will get easier for you.
EDIT–As far as tensing in a position, it happens a lot in meditation as well. The solution I use as a meditator is to observe the tension until it fades away on its own (and it very rarely doesn’t fade away). Hopefully this solution might help you in yoga.
Preview for Flowing on the Crooked Path: Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series Guide
David explains why he made his upcoming dvd and what you can expect from it.
Ps. you can order it from my website: www.davidgarrigues.com enjoy!
Duration : 0:8:28
guide me to tackle my problems?
hi
i m emotional sesitive
my health is not good, keep getting some or other problem every day sometime nek pain since last 5 yrs, thin girl, muscle pain, eyes pain, itching, allergies, et.
Dotors say i m thin thats the reason for my problems. done yoga , etc. but mentally very disturbed as all my friends are married, have careers. I am the same as i was . I also want to achieve my dreams, want to work earn name & fame . But my health is my limitation.
I m very depressed does not know what to do. Its been now 6-8 yrs of my bad health .What should i do?
I m underweight so what should i do . My weight does not increase
does that maen these health problems will be with me allways .No one will marry me I will not goto work.
I want to die Im very depressed & sad.God does not help me.Help me God!Please help me.
Don’t give up! It is very hard to find doctors that care, and simply accepting one saying the reason is ‘too thin’ is not enough. Find a good, reputable source of health care – go to the hospital if you have to, but get help now. There should be a complete, extensive medical work-up done at the very least, which could reveal some better answers as to what is happening with your health. Life can be good again – call on every one you know and trust and ask for help and support in this!!! God bless and good luck to you.
ATV/Motorcycle Silencer Repacking Instructions – muffler packing
Simple instructions on how to repack your ATV or motorcycle exhaust/muffler. Demonstrated on the LEXX MXe exhaust. This process works on most 4-stroke and 2-stroke exhausts.
Duration : 0:4:20
Yoga Guide : Office Yoga For Stress Relief
Yoga Guide : Office Yoga For Stress Relief
Click Here For More Information
http://www.fitbritz.co.uk/articles-and-media/yoga-guide-office-yoga-for-stress-relief
Duration : 0:6:13
Yoga Guide : Office Yoga
Yoga Guide : Office Yoga
Click Here For More Information
http://www.fitbritz.co.uk/articles-and-media/yoga-guide-office-yoga
Duration : 0:6:30
how to I sign up for a gov grant for my small business?
I want to open up a health studio with Massage and other nutritional education/yoga etc. How do I get a gov grant to start this. Can you guide me to the proper page or site(I am confused with the companies that make you pay for cds. Thanks.
It is hard to find grants to start a business — especially for a massage studio business.
Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for starting a for-profit business.
One possible exception is for companies developing or exporting agricultural goods, including food and forest product. Another exception could be the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbir/index.html , which fund the research and development of technological innovation that meets specific government needs.
Your best bet actually will be from the states if they offer grant programs for women (or any other special interest groups — minorities, women, disabled, veterans, etc). Or check with non profit organizations, particularly women organizations if they offer grants. Examples include
Iowa Women’s Foundation http://www.iawf.org/
New Mexico Women’s Foundation http://www.nmwf.org/guidelines.html
Even SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/mostrequesteditems/CON_FAQ2.html
"The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments."
Nonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov – these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.
Here is a listing of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is any available for individuals for starting a business — THERE’S NONE.
http://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.BROWSE_BENEF_RPT.show
Most of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT – Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program
Grants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women’s Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women’s business center that will train women entrepreneurs
Can somone prescribe a Yoga routine for me?
Mainly to stretch and strengthen my arms[shoulder] and legs[hamstrings-groin area]. If you are wondering what it is for it is because I am a baseball pitcher who is topping out at 90 mph and I recently heard a break through that yoga has increased thr detroit tigers pitcher Joel Zumaya by 8-10 mph. I would love to add just 5 if not 10. I use this site as a guide to my workouts. So if you kindly could look through it. The link is:
http://yogabasics.com/
Click on Postures at the top to see the stretches they provide.
Thank you very much and maybe one day youll see me playing professional baseball. Im 18 btw
This might not be a direct answer to your question.
I would not recommend you to do yoga without proper guidance. Find a guru if you can. Doing yoga without proper knowledge of the asana may not bring the results you seek, and may infact be harmful. An experienced practitioner can work miracles for you. And always do yoga in the open.
Partner Yoga Guide : Candlestick to Paschimottanasana Matsyasana in Yoga
Learn the candlestick pose for partner yoga in this free how-to video on partner yoga sequences and positions.
Expert: Cynthia Mastry
Contact: www.yogaetcstudio.com
Bio: Cindy Mastry has practiced yoga since the age of eight, and also has a background in Jazz and Ballet.
Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz
Duration : 0:1:1
