Want to relax? Try yoga deep meditation techniques
Posted by Master of the Universe on Jun 11, 2008
There is nothing quite like yoga if you want to relax – both mentally and physically. Yet, yoga is more than just relaxation. In fact, it is only the first step to achieving much more, for the good of the mind and body.
Yoga for a Stress-free vacation
Posted by Master of the Universe on May 11, 2008
Though it may sound paradoxical, a vacation can also invite its fair share of stressful situations. Despite all the meticulous planning which normally go behind organizing a vacation, sources are varied which make a vacation nearly nightmarish. Flight delays, poor services, inclement weather conditions, escalation of prices, noisy tourists, unwelcome insects and the list is endless of situations which turn vacations something forgettable. There are several methods of meditation, which are aimed at reducing vacation stress, some of which are: sakshin, pratyahara and pranayama.
Staying in shape with Yoga
Posted by Master of the Universe on Apr 11, 2008
The twin benefits of yoga on the mind and body can be utilized to remain in good shape and lose those extra pounds. Yoga essentially promotes a healthier life style and when you combine this with your regular weight-reducing workouts, the result can be quite astounding. Yoga affects your metabolism positively; it burns the calories faster. But his does to mean that you can expect overnight results of weight reduction with yoga. Try to look at it as a long-term proposal of staying healthy both in mind and body. In fact, weight loss is only a small part of the overall benefits of yoga. As an added bonus, it trains you to focus and concentrate, relax in times of stress and helps you cope various life situations in a far more calm and composed way.
Nine major barriers in practicing Yoga – How to conquer them
Posted by Master of the Universe on Mar 11, 2008
Though it may sound simple but practicing yoga may not be a very simple task for many. There are several barriers and distractions which may stop you from reaping the benefits of this wonderful therapy option. Here are nine of the most common barriers and tips on how to overcome them:
- Vyadhi – In Sanskrit (ancient Indian script) the word means ‘sickness’. It could mean either physical or mental ailment which can pose a problem for you to practice yoga. You might not find it easy to practice yoga if you are not in good health. Thus leading a healthy life style with balanced and nutritious food and physical exercises can help you overcome this barrier.
- Styana – This is a very typical mental state which makes us postpone nearly every job that we have in hand. Having such a mental attitude will also make you reluctant to start the yoga exercises and you can come up with some very creative excuses for not taking up this regimen.
- Sanshaya – Again a Sanskrit word which means ‘doubt’. This is an eternal dilemma which many of us suffer from when we doubt any and everything that comes our way. Originating from a low level of self-esteem and lack of faith in our own capabilities, this attitude often makes us go astray from our set goals and we become victims of over-interference from external sources.
- Pramada – This is a sign of lack of objectivity and will power in life. As the 4th obstacle between you and yoga, you can never gain from this system as it is a combination of both arts and science. If you approach it with a negative mental state, you will receive negative output from it too.
- Alasya – A lazy and inactive mental state will never allow you to reap the benefits of yoga. A strong will power and a sense of being pro-active are needed to overcome this common barrier. Something as good as yoga will always remain illusive, if you let it be so. Passiveness and mental inertia are to be overcome if you wish to go beyond this barrier, which interestingly, is self created.
- Avirati – One of the things which keep most of us motivated is the glory attached to material objects. Yoga requires you to forego many of such alluring desires for material gain and train your mind to look deep within yourself. This type of mental state can be a very difficult barrier between you and yoga or the path to inner happiness.
- Bhrantidarshan – Over-expectation, false impressions and misleading notions about the path you are choosing in life, like yoga, may result in complete disappointment and frustration. Keeping a balanced view and being non-judgmental are the keys to overcome this barrier.
- Alabdha-bhumikatva – Most of the time we are victims of the vicious cycle of having low self-esteem which results from any failure. Often repeating it several times, we tend to fall prey to such notions of having very poor opinions about ourselves and our capabilities. If you also suffer from such feelings, it can be a serious impediment on your path to success with yoga.
- Anawasthitatwa – Yoga practices done with poor structures and unscientific methods may result in your not achieving the desired levels of consciousness. This in turn may result in increased frustration with the entire concept of yoga.
Yoga can help with Eating Disorders
Posted by Master of the Universe on Feb 11, 2008
Anorexia and Bulimia are two of the most common eating disorders affecting over 10 million Americans today. The worst part is that most of these people are in their teens. While earlier these disorders were attributed only to mental inadequacies or problems, recently research has thrown more light on the subject; it is now recognized as a disorder which could be physical in nature too. There is a large variety of factors including social, biological, psychological and behavioral situations which can trigger these eating disorders in people.
Did you know that the mind has a lot to do with the reduction of ill-effects caused by eating disorders? A calm and focused mind can help combat a lot of these problems. Yoga is well known to have a calming effect on the mind and hence used successfully to control depression and induce a feeling of well being and contentment. Yoga techniques can help us develop a high sense of self-esteem whereby we look differently and more positively towards ourselves and our bodies. This feeling of goodness about the body is critical to combat eating disorders. Yoga techniques also enhance the important relationship between the mind and body to counteract any adverse effect caused by eating disorders. Anorexia for instance depletes the energy level resulting in lessening of bone density – thereby manifesting physically in an extremely negative way. Regular yoga practices make the body more fit and increases the body’s immune system to counteract various illnesses.