Yoga for Men

drrony asked:


The entire human race is divided in fact into males and females. There are so many physical, physiological, mental and emotional differences that exist between the males and females. These differences actually make the males and females as unique as they are. These gender differences are not just sexual in the orientation but they make each part of the human species unique in their own way. The general perceptions that exist between the genders and will only be highlighted here for developing a basic insight into the most fundamental differences between the genders.

An indispensable part of the discussion focuses on the fact that the overall nature has created the males to be the providers and the females to be the nurturers. This is why the basic infrastructure of the male body is much stronger than the females. The idea is not to cross paths with any ideologies or groups favouring certain some sensibilities. We shall keep the discussion here by restricted only to the basic infrastructure that defines the differences in the genders.

The essential constitution of the male body is evenly directed towards strength, vigour and vitality. This is because the basic musculature and the skeletal systems are stronger than those of the females.

Yoga for Men

The extra strength of the body has to be developed and by maintained for healthy and disease free life. The various body yoga postures and yoga positions done in the yoga can be very beneficial for men. There are most various yoga postures that enhance the muscles and bones of the body. Also the basic organic functioning of the body can be augmented that by doing yoga. Yoga is an option for healthy lifestyle for people of various age groups.



A daily routine of yoga can be increasingly built up which can be followed as per one's convenience and interest.

It is seen that the men who practice yoga along with the other forms of exercises benefit more. This is because the yoga practices are even designed according to the physical, physiological and even emotional and mental aspects of the different constitution of the body.

Yoga is one form of complete exercise for the entire system not because no other form of physical exercise gives a complete workout to the external and as well as the internal organs of the system. The practice of specific asanas and pranayama can totally develop the internal organs and the respiratory system so that the flow of vital prana is fully regulated in the system. This in turn controls and keeps all the other systems working in to complete coordination and optimum state. Yoga for men can thus prove to be very beneficial for men as it allows them to develop all the faculties of the body simultaneously.

Several problems that men find difficult to discuss and some are a kind of threat to their masculinity can be well tackled with the practice of yoga. The issues of impotency and certain psychological situations can be totally controlled successfully by using certain asanas and practice of yoga nidra. It would be a beneficial exercise to chalk out the certain regime for oneself and practice it for consistent results.

Power Yoga DVD for Beginners and Seniors

Lesley Lyon asked:


All the forms of yoga, including the traditional forms, are intended to build strength and flexibility of a person practicing yoga but the power yoga, in addition, encourages cardio vascular health. The DVD that gives a step by step process of carrying out the process of power yoga workout leaves a person completely satisfied that it is worth buying.

Power yoga DVDs cater to the needs of people of all ages, fitness leaves and weights. The DVDs elaborate and give an in depth instruction to carry out each and every move, coupled with all kinds of tips to achieve the right form and alignment. In addition to it, there are on screen students who demonstrate the asana at various levels of intensity and ability. This is done by various students of different ages and body types. So, the viewer is convinced to believe that power yoga is accessible and can be practiced by anyone.

The DVD not only gives a thorough guidance but also encourages and challenges students to work at their own level, encouraging individuality so that they can attain their optimal health and well being. The power yoga DVD consists of core power which is a thirty minute routine work out that focuses on abdominal work and simple back strengthening and lengthening exercises. Then comes the soul of strength which is a sixty minute routine that brings the inner strength of a person to life.

The power yoga DVDs are a complete guide even for beginners who do not know where to start with, in practicing power yoga. Power yoga has been successfully tried and has yielded dramatic results for athletes and sports persons, alike. Power yoga uses the weight of the body to build up the strength along with the extreme control of the muscles.

Power yoga on DVDs can be practiced by men and women who have a good level of fitness of the body. Those who have practiced power yoga through DVDs have clearly testified that it lowers the blood pressure, strengthens the muscles and gives a kind of mental and physical relaxation.

Power yoga uses extreme breath control and has a constant movement to generate heat; this heat is utilized to give maximum flexibility to the body. It is important to know exactly when to inhale and when to exhale in power yoga and the DVDs take care to explain such information.

The menus in the DVD allow for easy selection of the part of the yoga to be practiced after the initial warm up session. There is music on the back ground for those who would like to do the practice without the instruction, not to the extent of distracting one’s attention to stare at the television, while practicing yoga. So, the vocal guidance of the teacher in such circumstance becomes very essential.

Yoga seekers Your Bible to Yoga Positions

Gagan Kainth asked:








Yoga positions and the practice of yoga can be beneficial to your mind, your muscles, and even internal functions like your digestive system. With so many benefits, it is no wonder that yoga's popularity is on the rise. Before you take it up, though, it is a good idea to have in mind the right information to help you succeed and get the most out of the experience. Take these yoga tips into account as you begin your physical, mental, and spiritual journey.



Practice Makes Perfect



Practice your positions often. Yoga offers many benefits to your mind, body, and spirit, and these benefits may be maximized with regular practice on your own in addition to your classes and with your teacher. As a beginner, it is especially important that you practice so that you may see and feel the benefits early on. With yoga, the frequency with which you work on your positions is as important if not more so than the length of the practice sessions. Try to find a few minutes each day to do a little bit of yoga. Visit now - Picmoney dot com





Make sure that you practice your poses correctly. Most anything you read, watch, or listen to about yoga will tell you to practice often, but one of the yoga tips that sometimes get skipped is that you must practice right. Make sure that each practice session extends you. Do not practice only your best poses, but also work on poses you struggle with as well. Such a practice will be more productive and give you the feeling of self-assurance that you seek with yoga.



Maximizing Your Potential



One of the more important tips for beginners is to let go of your ego. In order to fully maximize your yoga experience, you must forget about such things as impressing your teacher and classmates. One of the central ideas of yoga is self-study. To fully study yourself, you must try not to compare yourself to the teacher or other students, but instead, you should strive to maximize your own learning and improvement during each class and practice session.



Finding Yourself



During practice, remember what is important. The depths of your poses are not nearly as important as how deep you delve into yourself. In yoga, you learn about your inner attention. Be sure to use that attention when practicing and when with your instructor to get the most out of your poses even if you cannot get deeply into them physically.



Finding the Right Teacher



No number of yoga positioning tips can compete with having the right teacher. When selecting a yoga teacher, make sure you find someone with whom you feel comfortable. Your instructor should have good knowledge and work through compassion and respect for you as a person. No matter how many books you read or tapes you watch, you will never get the feedback and encouragement that you will with the right teacher.



As a beginner in yoga, there are undoubtedly times that you feel a bit lost. That is okay. Hopefully, though, with these tips you will have an idea of what you need to do to feel more successful in your yoga experience. Yoga is not a religion, but in some ways it does become a way of life, and by following these tip you can start your journey toward that way of life on the right foot.

Back Pain – Causes, Diagnosis and Yoga Tips

Peter sams asked:


If you've ever groaned, "Oh, my aching back!", you are not alone. Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives. Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Back pain is called chronic if it lasts for more than three months.

Most back pain goes away on its own, though it may take awhile. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers and resting can help. However, staying in bed for more than 1 or 2 days can make it worse.

Acute or short-term low back pain generally lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Most acute back pain is the result of trauma to the lower back or a disorder such as arthritis. Pain from trauma may be caused by a sports injury, work around the house or in the garden, or a sudden jolt such as a car accident or other stress on spinal bones and tissues. Symptoms may range from muscle ache to shooting or stabbing pain, limited flexibility and range of motion, or an inability to stand straight. Chronic back pain is pain that persists for more than 3 months. It is often progressive and the cause can be difficult to determine.

The lower back is a complex area that connects the upper body (including the chest and arms) to the lower body (including the pelvis and legs). The lower back is composed of several vertebrae, disks of soft cartilage, muscles, joints, ligaments, and nerve tissue.

Diagnosis

Blood and urine tests will make sure the pain is not due to an infection or other systemic problem.

X-rays are useful in pinpointing broken bones or other skeletal defects. They can sometimes help locate problems in connective tissue. To analyze soft-tissue damage, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be needed. X-rays and imaging studies are generally used only for checking out direct trauma to the back, back pain with fever, or nerve problems such as extremity weakness or numbness. To determine possible nerve or muscle damage, an electromyogram (EMG) can be useful.

Structural problems

In some cases, back pain may be caused by structural problems, such as:

Bulging or ruptured disks. Disks act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. Sometimes, the soft material inside a disk may bulge out of place or rupture and press on a nerve. But many people who have bulging or herniated disks experience no pain from the condition.

Sciatica. If a bulging or herniated disk presses on the main nerve that travels down your leg, it can cause sciatica — sharp, shooting pain through the buttock and back of the leg.

Below are some best yoga poses for strengthen the lower back:

1.During the first week, practice the following yoga asanas:

2.Pawan Mukta Asana, Bhunga Asana, Shalabha Asana, Uttanpada Asana, Shava Asana

3.From the second week onwards, the order of yoga practice should be as mentioned below:

4.Pawan Mukta Asana, Bhunga Asana, Shalabha Asana, Uttanpada Asana, Ekpada Uttan Asana, Rechaka-Puraka Pranayama, Shava Asana

Ten Tips On How To Make The Most Of Your Yoga Session

Kevin Pederson asked:

An empty stomach - Yoga pays a lot of emphasis on core conditioning. Hence it is a good idea not to eat a heavy meal a couple of hours before your Yoga class. It will only leave you feeling stuffed and may even result in indigestion or stomach cramps. If you've decided to indulge in a heavy meal just before your class, consider skipping the class instead.

Reach a couple of minutes early

Yoga is not just another workout. It is a form of exercise that places a great deal of emphasis on centering yourself and breath-control. If you rush in at the last minute, gasping for breath, you are defeating the entire purpose behind practicing Yoga. Instead, try to reach a couple of minutes early, take a few deep breaths, calm the mind and empty your mind of all extraneous distractions.

Warm up

Like any other form of exercise, warming up plays an important role in Yoga too. Warming up ensures that you are able to perform the many stretching exercises that are a part of Yoga without straining your muscles.

Take your time

Do not allow your Yoga class to become a race to the finish line. It is more important to take the time to breathe properly while properly performing the various postures and remain centered at all times. You do not have to keep up with the rest of the class.

Quality is better than quantity

All the different Yoga postures have a specific purpose. Performing an exercise half-heartedly or not performing it properly completely negates the benefits of the exercise. Take the time to learn the various postures properly and ensure that you perform them in the correct manner.

Do not proceed on auto pilot

Yoga is not like running on the treadmill. You cannot watch television and perform Yoga at the same time. Yoga seeks to bring the mind and body in harmony with each other. This can only happen when you fully concentrate on each and every exercise.

Shut out the outside world

A Yoga class is your opportunity to shut out the outside world and recharge your mind and body. Leave all your worries outside the Yoga class and concentrate on performing the postures correctly. Live in the moment and for the duration of your class let your thoughts dwell only on your body and how the exercise is making you feel.

Breathe

It is easy to lose track of your breathing techniques while performing Yoga postures. Do not let this happen. Focus on your breathing and ensure that you are inhaling and exhaling as taught. Breath control is an important part of Yoga and skipping it will nullify all the beneficial effects of Yoga.

Do not overstrain

Yoga is not a competition. You do not have to compete with anyone else or yourself. If you get tired or feel pain, stop and rest until you feel better. If you feel continuous pain while holding a posture, inform your instructor. You may be doing something wrong.

Relax

Ultimately, Yoga is about relaxation and peace. Once the exercises are over, lie down with your eyes closed and feel your entire body relax itself. Let the mind also revel in this brief period of relaxation instead of making mental notes of the things you have to do after your Yoga class.

Top 5 Widespread Yoga Myths Exposed

Anmol Mehta asked:


It is not surprising to those of us who are long time yoga practitioners that the popularity of this profound spiritual science is now exploding on a world wide scale. Unfortunately though some of the authenticity and truths about yoga are being lost and some myths are creeping in with regard to what yoga is and how it is to be practiced. In this article I will look to clear up what I find to be the top 5 myths about yoga.

Top 5 Myths About Yoga:

1. Yoga is a Form of Physical Exercise:

This is perhaps the most common view of yoga. That it is a form of physical exercise. This certainly needs to be clarified and I am going to provide some details about true yoga practice in order to do this.

Yoga is actually has 8 parts to it, with the physical aspect being just 1. These 8 parts, include yoga dos, yoga don'ts, physical exercises (asana), breathing exercises, sense control, concentration, meditation and divine union.

So you can see from above that although the physical aspect of yoga, which is called asana, is an important part of yoga, yoga as a whole is certainly more that just a series of postures and movements. Yoga is essentially a spiritual science whose objective is to still the mind of thoughts, so that the truth of Oneness hidden behind the waves of the mind can be clearly seen and embraced.

2. Yoga is a Religion:

The other extreme and incorrect view on yoga is that is it a religion. Commonly yoga is considered part of Hindu religion, but yoga is not a religion. It is a time tested spiritual science with the goal of revealing the true nature of reality. As indicated above, yoga practice is a step by step process with the end goal of calming down the thought waves in our mind and thus prevent them from distorting the truth.

3. To Practice Yoga You Must be Vegetarian:

There is a notion floating around that in order to practice yoga you must not eat meat and be a vegetarian. This is not true. Although there are tremendous benefits to being vegetarian and this is being more and more validated by the mainstream medical community, there is no requirement of vegetarianism in order to practice yoga.

One point I would like to add here is that, vegetarianism is consistent with the non-violence which yoga advocates and it certainly would be to your benefit to reduce meat intake, nevertheless, you don't have to be vegetarian in order to be a great yogi.

4. You Need to be Initiated by a Guru:

I have also come across this notion that many believe you need to be initiated and have a guru in order to learn and practice yoga. This is not true. According to yoga, the true guru is within and although it would be to your benefit to learn yoga from an accomplished teacher, this is not a requirement.

5. You Have to be Flexible to do Yoga:

Not so. No doubt yoga will improve your flexibility, along with your strength, balance and overall health, but in order to practice yoga you do not have to be flexible. Yoga is designed to be practiced by all.

Different bodies have different degrees of flexibility and in this case one size does not fit all. For most of the complex yoga posture which require great flexibility to do, there are plenty of modifications which allow you to get the same benefits for those who are less flexible. In fact one of the original reasons I took up yoga because I was not flexible and wanted to improve this aspect of my physical dimension.

Summary:

So there you have the top 5 myths about yoga. Essentially, what these myths do is prevent people from taking up this wonderful science. So if you feel you will have to change faiths, find gurus, stop eating meat or are too inflexible to take up yoga practice, you are wrong. Don't pass up the wonderful opportunity to learn and practice this amazing science, which helps you discover your true divine and eternal nature.

Yoga Tips for Great Mornings

James Pendergraft asked:


The perfect and most advisable time to do yoga is early in the morning. It can be done at almost any time of the day but the benefits you get from your Yoga exercises are fully appreciated and will take into effect when done in the morning. It is one of the best ways to start off your day. You can continue to enjoy the relaxing and rejuvenating after effects of your yoga exercise the whole day.

Surrounding Is Important

In performing yoga, make sure that the place where you're performing yoga is calm, peaceful, quiet, and well ventilated. It should be free from distractions. Turning off your cellular phone would be a good start. Make sure that no one would distract you. Tell the members of the household that you need to be by yourself for a while. Find a place to do your yoga routine where you can just hear your breathing, or you can hear the breeze running through your body, the chirping of the birds, and whatever that would make you feel relaxed as you do these yoga routines.

Start with a Warm Up Routine

Before doing the routine, make sure you do some warm up exercises to avoid straining your muscles in the process. Remember that yoga is supposed to be a relaxing experience. If you feel a strain, don't force yourself to do the yoga position. There are advanced and beginner types of yoga exercises. Start from the bottom and work your way up. It is a gradual process and it is a routine. Each day you can try different routines depending on the level of difficulty. If you think you are ready to level up, then you can do so. But remember, take it slow.

Have Everything in Place

Before doing the yoga routine, make sure you have everything you need in place. That way, it would be continuous and you don't need to stop during every exercise. Have a bottle of water nearby, a face towel, your yoga mat or any mat you would need, and other things you might need for your routine.

Breathing Technique

Remember the breathing technique. As you do these yoga routine exercises, do not forget the breathing techniques. Breathe in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. As you start a new position, breathe in and feel every muscle stretch. Hold your breath for a few seconds, breath in and out and as you release, slowly exhale.

Know Your Limitation

Do not force yourself with the position you might find difficult or you might have problems with, especially those that require muscle strength in your back. Know your limitations and abilities. You don't want to have a bruised, strained, and aching body at the end of your yoga exercise.

Enjoy Every Minute of It

Lastly, always remember that yoga is a routine exercise that intertwines your mind, body, and soul. Enjoy the routine so you would want to do it every day. Remember that yoga is a gradual routine process. You take it step by step. No need to rush.

If you take all these tips in mind during your yoga routine, you would surely feel great at the end of it and it would be the best starting highlight of your day.

Learning Basic Yoga Positions

Thomas Choo asked:


traditional form of exercise that came from India centuries ago. The purpose behind yoga is to be at peace with the mind, body, and soul through meditation, breathing, and movement. The physical focus of yoga is holding poses and positions with the proper alignment and posture. There are different yoga positions and some are more challenging than others. When you first start practicing yoga, you should be prepared to see positions that are seated, standing, and lying down. As you progress the positions will get more challenging and will help to build your muscle tone and flexibleness. Seated yoga positions are just some of the most typical yoga positions and are typically simple to maintain. Seated positions usually target the learning of correct breathing techniques, posture and alignment. Seated yoga positions are an introductory way for new learners to acquaint themselves with the principals of yoga. There are many varieties of standing yoga positions. These positions help in improving stamina, flexibility, and target correct spinal alignment whilst still using correct breathing methods. These poses help to lengthen and brace the backbone and increase spinal adaptability. Supine yoga positions can help to alleviate back trouble if done properly, but it is important to find a recommended expert to make certain that you are using correct postures and alignments. There also are yoga positions that are superb for toning the stomach muscles and developing higher body strength. Belly down yoga positions are just some of the positions that are good for this and need learners to lift themselves up from the ground while stretching. Another main focus of yoga is balance, and there are many positions that are designed to improve balance and coordination. Balancing yoga positions help to improve overall muscle tone as well as to achieve correct posture and maintain balance. Holding certain yoga positions while balancing your weight is a great way to improve your overall fitness. Some yoga positions require movement instead of holding a specific pose. Twisting, bending, and using fluid movements are a great way to improve flexibility and will help you to work towards mastering more challenging poses.

2 Important Rules to Avoid Yoga Injuries

Anmol Mehta asked:


It never ceases to amaze me how many time I have seen seasoned yogis injure themselves when practicing yoga. This is independent of the type of yoga they practice and independent of how fit they are as well. So, it scares me to think that if this is the state of expert yogis what might be the state of those who are just beginning this wonderful science.

Well, don't worry in this article I will provide 2 simple guidelines for yoga practice which will go a long way in helping you avoid unnecessary injuries when doing your practice. After all, you decided to do yoga to get healthy and happy, it is totally unacceptable that such a gentle, healing science should become the source of your injury and pain.

2 Simple Rules to Avoid Yoga Injuries:

1. Warm-up:

Although this is common sense, I have noticed the following special occasions when warm-up is unfortunately skipped and the yogi ends up risking injury. Here are these three occasions when you need to be especially vigilant and avoid getting injured due to insufficient warm-up.

A. You are Late to Class:

Many times I see students who come in late to class jump right in and start doing the exercises and postures that the class is doing at full stream. This is a recipe for disaster. If you are late coming into a class which has already picked up steam, you need to start out very slowly and gently till you feel ready to catch up with the rest of the students.

B. You are Giving a Spot Demonstration:

Often if you are a yoga teacher or even just a regular yoga student, occasions arise where you are asked to, or want to, give a quick demo of a pose or exercise. If you encounter this situation, immediately your injury antenna should go up. This type of spot demonstration is perhaps the most common reason for injury. Don't try to show off at this time, but instead do the posture or exercise as gently and safely as you can. Trying to all of a sudden demonstrate Plough Pose, is the best way to injure your back, or worse, break your neck.

C. You Don't Have Enough Time:

Here is another dangerous situation which often leads to skipping a proper warm-up and jumping ahead to a challenging set or routine, when you don't have enough time to fit in your full practice. In this situation it is very important to make an adjustment to any difficult routine and posture and be conservative with regard to how hard you go at it. Tone it down in such situations and live to practice another day.

2. Don't Compete:

Yoga is not an Olympic sport. It is not a tournament. It is not a competition. It is amazing how when you put a bunch of people together for the same activity, comparisons and judgments immediately come into the picture. As a yogi, you have to remember the golden rule that yoga is just about you and you. It does not matter how anyone else is doing, it only matters how you are doing. Forget about competing and comparing with others and just do your practice, intelligently, mindfully and most import of all, safely. Comparing often leads to pushing yourself further than you should have, which is perhaps the number one reason for incurring injury.

Summary:

If you follow these 2 simple rules, of doing your warm-up no matter what and not overdoing it ever, I think you will enjoy a healthy and long-term yoga practice, the benefits of which are immeasurable.

Yoga Your Way To Physical And Mental Fitness

Pompy asked:








Although considered by many simply as an exercise fad, yoga practice has in fact helped thousands of people in improving their physical and mental fitness. Remember the golden rule of never judging a book by its cover; if you think that yoga's all about bending and breathing and nothing else, think again.



The History of Yoga



The practice of yoga has been around for more than four thousand years already. Its origins can be traced back to India where even today, it is considered as a highly valued practice to reach a state of enlightenment. Yoga as a means to receive enlightenment is a central point in several religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Visit now - Picmoney dot com





In other parts of the world, the popularity of yoga is caused by its many health benefits and its associated use with asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga as fitness exercises.



Purpose of Yoga and Its Main Components



Besides reaching a spiritual state of enlightenment, yoga can also help individuals reach a better understanding of not only their bodies but their inner selves as well.



When practicing yoga, you'll notice that you'll be concentrating on three main points:



Body Positioning or Posture


Breathing Techniques


Meditating Techniques



Advantages of Yoga



Treating Back Injuries - yoga can heal back injuries that you may have by increasing the blood circulation for your injured tissues to heal faster and strengthening your lower back muscles; yoga may also in several cases heal other types of injuries as well



Prevention - Yoga also has the power to reduce chances of re-injuring yourself, shorten the time needed to recover from injuries and serve as a regular exercise technique to prevent disabilities



Mental Clarity and Improved Stress Control - The quiet and deeply relaxing techniques used in yoga would help you have a better state of mind every day at work and better control of your stress levels



Greater Self-Understanding and General Well-Being - Find yourself amazed with how much at peace you feel with yourself when you start practicing yoga regularly



Generally Better Physical Health - Besides getting that ideal toned figure you've been aiming for, yoga will also help in refreshing your kidneys and maintain a better posture



Better Sleep - Rediscover the simple pleasures of sleeping with the help of yoga.



Beginner's Tips for Yoga Practice



Consult Your Doctor - Before launching on to the first yoga step you encounter, make sure that your doctor gives you the go-ahead to do so. Yes, it's true that anyone can technically do yoga but there are certain difficult poses that would be impossible or dangerous to attempt if you are troubled with past injuries or disabilities.



Just to be on the safe side, talk to your doctor and ask him if you can yoga your way to having a sexy figure or not.



Classes or Private Lessons - When you're determined to join a yoga class, make sure that you're joining a class whose level fits yours. Make sure that you join the class on the first day as well to avoid feelings of insecurity when you see others being able to tackle new yoga poses that boggle the mind. Secondly, choose a class schedule that you can regularly adhere to. If you only attend a class or two every two months, that's sort of defeating the point of joining a class in the first place. Lastly, choose the type of yoga class that fits your taste and abilities.



On the other hand, if you're not the social type, you can always attempt yoga practice at home and with the comforts of privacy. The only disadvantage to this however is the chance that you're not doing something right and the possibility of causing harm to yourself. The best compromise, in this case, would be to hire a private teacher for a lesson or two or until you know enough to practice on your own.

Basic Yoga Tips and Tricks

Jimmy Cox asked:


What is the basic difference between concentration and meditation? In concentration, one involves only the mind; in meditation one involves the heart and the whole being as well.

The ability to concentrate is the mark of genius; the ability to meditate is the mark of saintliness.

A person who has mastered the art of concentration usually also develops a magnetic, vibrant, and inspiring personality to which people are easily drawn.

It has been my experience that for a beginner the most suitable object for concentration is the light of a burning candle. Before you begin, select a quiet place where you are not likely to be disturbed. Then choose a comfortable position in which you can sit at ease, keeping the spine erect. You may assume any meditative pose or merely sit cross-legged. Use a chair if you prefer, but remember to straighten your back.

Then light a candle and, your gaze fixed steadily upon the light, start on some rhythmic breathing. Look at nothing except the flame - neither at the candle itself, nor at the wall behind, nor at any other object. Do not stare, however, and do not tense up - remain inwardly relaxed though motionless.

Let a minute pass, then close your eyelids but continue to envision the flame with your inner eye. In other words, you must be able to see the flame uninterruptedly, even with your eyes closed. If you cannot successfully capture the vision of the flame, or if it vanishes too quickly, immediately reopen your eyes, look at it, then close them again. Repeat this several times until you are able to capture and hold the vision of the flame. Resume your rhythmic breathing from time to time.

Now begin reflecting upon the qualities of the flame, upon its color, its shape. Look at it with a warm feeling of affection.

Ponder on its symbolical meaning as representing the eternal divine Light. Thus you begin to meditate on the light.

After a few days it will no longer be necessary to light the candle. You will be able to visualize the flame by simply closing your eyes and concentrating on it. To start with, set aside some five to ten minutes a day for the practice of concentration.

The next stage of meditation is more difficult: You start by concentrating on the light as you have been doing so far. Then dismiss it and do some rhythmic breathing for about half a minute. Imagine now that the light which you have been contemplating is no longer outside but within you.

Place it right in the sacred chamber of your heart and let it shine there, brightening every dark corner, sending out warmth and friendliness in all directions, to every living being. Let the flame in your heart grow bigger and brighter all the time, dispelling the darkness of loneliness, fear, hatred, anger, envy, jealousy, greed and lust . . . dispersing disease and pain . . . giving you health, strength and courage, becoming the source of love, compassion, and happiness.

When finally the light in your heart permeates your entire being and you have become one with it, you will attain a union with the eternal divine Light which is Love, which is Truth, which is God. In a week or so, after you have succeeded in visualizing the candle flame without difficulty, you may change to something else or take up another object in addition to it.

It is not advisable, however, to make this change before you are able to concentrate successfully or meditate on the first object you had chosen. Abandon it only when you find that it is too hard for you to hold your attention on it.

Always choose something beautiful and pleasant to concentrate on.

When you notice that you have begun to make good progress, you can start concentrating and meditating on abstract matters, on various qualities and ideas. But be doubly careful to select only those which are positive, right, noble and elevating.

With a little practice, you will find meditating easier, and will derive enormous benefits from it.

Best Clothes For Your Yoga Class - Some Tips

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


Yoga is fast catching up as one of the most popular forms of exercise today. Many people are turning to yoga because they feel it can help them to become physically, mentally and spiritually strong.

Yoga can be done by anyone no matter their age and lifestyles. There are different types of yoga which can suit anyone who wants to pursue it. There is certainly no restriction when it comes to yoga. Many people take to yoga because of the benefits it brings to their body and mind over a period of time.

When someone is inclined to start a course on yoga what they need is comfortable clothes to wear so that they can do the postures or asana with ease. Wearing proper clothes helps people to move their limbs freely. So when you look for clothes to wear while practicing yoga keeps in mind the word comfort. It is necessary that we should feel comfortable in the clothes we wear when we practice yoga.

When you are out shopping for yoga clothes keep these points in consideration. The most important thing is comfort. In Yoga you are going to be doing different types of postures which would need you to move in all sorts of awkward movements. The clothes that you wear should in no way restrict or hinder your movements. The clothes that you wear should allow you to move your body parts easily to suit the various stretches and twists that you would be performing.

Pure organic cotton is the best material that would be ideal as it provides maximum comfortable. Pure organic cotton allows the body to breathe freely while you do the postures. It is also necessary that the clothes you wear while doing yoga should be able to absorb the sweat so that you do not end up feeling sticky and moist while working through the postures.

You will find that there are many different kinds of yoga clothes in various attractive and appealing designs. When you shop for yoga wear you will be surprised to find that they have clothes in so many different materials. But what you should keep in mind is to get the right kind of apparel that gives you the right body fit.

You should also consider the cost aspect when buying your yoga clothes. Do buy clothes that are more practical than those which look trendy and expensive. So find a pair of yoga pants that is inexpensive and yet comfortable and attractive to look at. You can also look for clothes that can be worn for everyday activities when you are not practicing yoga.

See that the clothes you get for your yoga classes serve a number of purposes and that which are not only cool looking wear but also inexpensive. If you look shop carefully then you will be able to find clothes that are not only trendy to look at but also the do not cost you much. Make sure that when you buy yoga clothes that they are from a reputed manufacturer as some can shrink after their initial machine wash. Avoid buying yoga apparel that come cheap as they are sure to go out of shape soon. Look for clothes that have been made from organic cotton materials as these are guaranteed to maintain their original shape no matter after how many washes. Wearing a good sport bra will help provide the support you would need while you do the yoga postures. They should not only be appropriate but they should also make you feel comfortable.

Enjoy the Thrill of Different Poses of Yoga Workout

Bertil Hjert asked:


As we all know, yoga has gained tremendous popularity since last few decades. The different types of postures of yoga have helped many people to promote healthy mind, body, and soul. It has been proved as an excellent means of relaxation, which proffers a sense of inner peace and balance.

As per the various studies, it has been found that yoga has been proved fruitful in controlling various disorders including anxiety, asthma, arthritis pain, low blood pressure, back pain, chronic fatigue, stresses, diabetes, headaches, etc.

Not only this, yoga enhances the flexibility, stamina, and strength of the body by toning up the muscles. Therefore, yoga has blessed the humankind with endless benefits.

A) Different poses of yoga workout

The following are the few poses of yoga workout, which have always benefited in achieving the state of physical and mental balance.

a) Mountain Tilt

While performing Mountain Tilt, you have to stand with your arms on your sides and feet hip-width apart. Make sure to have the toes facing forward. Now slightly raise your arms up above your head with the finger pointing upwards. Then, start bending sideways at the waist on your left. Hold your body in this position for few seconds and restore the original position. Now repeat the same for the right hand side. Perform it for 3-5 times for better results.

b) Torso Stretch

In Torso Stretch, you have to lie on your belly with the hands lying flat on the floor close to your chest. Now, slowly lift the upper portion of your body by pressing the tops of your feet and shins over the floor. Then, start pressing your hands into the floor followed by the straightening of your arms. Hold this position for 40 seconds.

c) Bending Forward Pose

Stretch your legs straight in front while sitting and point your toes. Now, breathe in and start stretching your toes and finger tips slowly while maintaining your body in a long and extended position. Then, try to hold this position for 30 seconds and start breathing normally. Restore the original position and repeat it for 3-5 times.

d) Locust Pose

It involves the lying of your stomach and chin on the floor with your arms extended in front. Now slowly, start lifting your arms, chest, head, legs, and feet off the floor along with inhalation. Hold this position for 3 seconds and restore the original position gradually. Repeat it for 5 times to obtain best results.

B) Tips to be considered while practicing yoga

The following are the certain tips which should always be considered while practicing yoga exercises.

a) It is always recommended to perform the actions in a slow and controlled manner while practicing yoga, as this will always result in more effective outcomes.

b) The process of breathing plays a significant role in practicing yoga exercises. Therefore, it is always advisable to go for deep inhalations and exhalations which will further enable your muscles to be stretched deeply. Not only this, breathing also stabilizes and strengthens your body for other bodily movements.

c) Last but not the least tip is to concentrate on maintaining the mind-body connection while performing yoga asanas.