I recently decided to try yoga for the first time, so I nervously went to one of our local studios. Let’s face it, not a lot of guys do yoga! I’ve been working out with free weights for years so how hard could it be? Let’s just say, I got my butt kicked!
Attending a bunch of yoga classes every week? Wearing tight yoga pants and, every time you get a chance, flinging silk scarves made in India around your shoulders? While all of the above choices are perfectly in line with the newly-born and rapidly expanding yoga culture, yoga lifestyle means something entirely different…
Yoga & Meditation in India was propounded by the ancient Indian sage Patanjali and is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yog’ which means ‘union,’ presumably union with the divine being or God. One of the orthodox systems of healing the mind and body is Yoga and Meditation, they are among the best alternative processes used as the remedial of various diseases. Literally meaning union, yoga seeks to unite the individual soul with the universal Soul or God, not through any religious rites but through a uninterrupted effort to control one’s mental and physical faculties.
From its Indian origins as far back as 4000 years ago, yoga has been continually practised but it is only in the present century that its use has become more widespread. Yoga has an effect on the whole person,combining the physical, mental and spiritual sides. The word ‘yoga’ is derived from a Sanskrit word that means ‘yoke’ or ‘union’ and thus reflects on the practises of yoga being total in effect.
It’s important, right from the beginning, to learn to breathe deeply and slowly in a controlled manner. This is known as dirgha pranayama (or simply, long or prolonged breathing).
Our Chakras are subject to both physical and nonphysical forces present in our environment on a daily basis. This makes Chakra cleansing a necessity.
Achieving a balance between the physical and nonphysical facets of ourselves is necessary and Chakra cleansing is the best way to do this. Performed regularly, Chakra cleansing can bring these vital energy centers into the proper balance, creating an internal harmony which allows our reserves of energy to be replenished. Chakra cleansing is important for keeping all of our aspects connected and in balance to allow us to work as fully integrated beings.
Read on for some of the more common methods of Chakra cleansing; these have been in use for millennia.
1. Incense and certain plants, when burned can prevent negative energy from infiltrating our energy centers. This is a practice which has been with us for millennia and has been used by people all over the world to achieve balance in the energy centers of the body.
2. Auric brushing using the hands or crystals and gems is one of the better known methods of Chakra cleansing.
Seven Benefits of Meditation There are many reasons why people meditate. There are many reasons why people meditate. Some do so for relaxation, some to connect with their inner selves and the world around them, and others do so to grow spiritually. Meditation has many benefits for those who practice it both mentally and spiritually as well as physically.
Many people associate meditation only with its spiritual or emotional benefits, but people who meditate also improve their physical well being. The act of meditating puts the body into a relaxed state and can actually help to relieve some physical problems. Meditating lowers oxygen consumption, the heart rate, as well as blood pressure. The deep level of relaxation achieved by meditating is the perfect remedy for those suffering form anxiety, depressions, and even high blood pressure. It also releases tension in the body which can help with muscle pain and tension headaches. Being in control of your body in the way that meditation allows also helps to build self confidence and the overall effect is one of stress reduction and improved mood.
Here are seven benefits of meditation:
? REDUCE YOUR STRESS LEVEL.
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.
Qigong (pronounced as chi kung) is an art that helps you to channel the energies of life related to the processes of revitalizing, healing, and strengthening. This spiritual healing system not only provides spiritual guidance but also smoothes the progress of the movement of life energy (qi called chi) through your body.
There are innumerable benefits attached with this art of healing, which not only ensure you of a healthy mind but also of a healthy body. The combination of a healthy mind and healthy body is the only mantra for success. Hence, it is in fact quite easy to achieve success with the help of Qigong.
Here are five steps that can show you the path to success:
1. Success begins with self-development. This is the primary principle of Qigong. The first thing Qigong teaches is that with the smooth flow of Qi come happiness, health, and well-being. The three important ingredients required to be able to move ahead on the path of success. Any kind of hindrance in the flow of Qi leads to distress, disease, and conflicts; thus, blocking your path to success. Qigong focuses on the thorough improvement of your mind and body.
2. Be stress-free.
While Paul McCartney was the most well known member of the band to indulge in seemingly ethereal song concepts, John Lennon was also from time to time given to contribute his own musical visions. With Across The Universe Beatles fans were treated to a glimpse into Lennons creative process. In 1967, Lennon was inspired during an argument he had with his wife. While listening to her talking at him, rather than to him, the first line of Across The Universe kept repeating in his mind: words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup. Whether this indicated the state of Lennons feelings regarding his marriage or was truly a transcendental moment the world will never know, but the line persisted in Lennons imagination and he began to search for music and verses to accompany it.
At the time, the Beatles were in their Indian guru / meditation phase, which accounts for the inclusion of the Jai guru deva om mantra, spoken in Sanskrit in the chorus of the song. The song was somewhat hastily recorded prior to a trip to India, and Lennon was not satisfied with the results.
