Gorgeous Yoga: 2011

Wednesday, 9 November 2011

Everybody Upside Down. Inversion Asanas

Physical benefit

Gives the heart a well deserved rest, as gravity helps to return venous blood to the heart.
Regular practice helps to strengthen the respiratory system and the circulation, keeping them flexible and slowing down the rate of breathing and the heartbeat when at rest.
The body is generally enhanced by the deep breathing ,and the brain ,spine, and entire nervous system receive a rich supply of nutrients.This refreshes and rejuvenates the entire body.
Relieve varicose veins.

Mental benefits

Increases memory,concentration, and intellectual capacity.
Enhance all the sensory faculties.

Pranic Benefits

'He who practice the Headstand (Sirshasana) for three hours daily conquers time'- Yoga Tatwa Upanishad
Sublimates sexual drive by transmutting seminal energy into Ojas- Shakti.

Various inverted asanas

Ardho Mukha Svanasana(Downward facing dog),Ardho Pincha Mayurasana( The Dolphin pose), Half-shoulder stand (Ardho Sarvangasana), Full shoulder stand (Sarvangasana),Halasana(The Plough), Headstand(Sirshasana),Ardho Mukha Vrksasana( Handstand).

OM Namah Shivaya - Krishna Das

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0xo4TIfiOY

OM - Mantra Chant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lps1hzr0x80

OM - the Universal name of the Divine

OM is not a word but rather intonation, it is made up of three Sanskrit letters aa,au and ma which,when combined together make the sound Aum or Om. OM is of paramount importance in Hinduism. This symbol is a sacred syllable representing Brahman, the impersonal Absolute of Hinduism -omnipotent and omnipresent, and the source of all manifest existence.

The four parts of the symbol OM symbolize four stages of consciousness: Awake, sleeping, dreaming, and a trance or transcendental state.

According to Mandukya Upanishad ( The Upanishads are writings forming the core of Indian philosophy) 'OM is the one eternal syllable of which all the exists is but the development'. The past, the present ,and the future are all included in this one sound, and all that exists beyond the tree forms of time is also implied in it.

OM provides a dualistic viewpoint.On one hand, it projects the mind beyond the immediate to what is abstract and inexpressible . On the other hand,it makes the absolute more tangible and comprehensive. It encompasses all potentialities and possibilities ; it is everything that was,is or can yet be . It is omnipotent and likewise remains undefined.

It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds.This is a mantra (the mother of the mantras) or prayer in itself.If repeated with the correct intonation, it can resonate throughout the body so that the sound penetrates to the centre of one's being, the atman or soul.

During meditation when we chant OM, we create within ourselves vibrations that attunes sympathy with the cosmic vibration and we start thinking universally.OM Namah Shivaya

Enjoy your chanting and its benefits on you soul! Namaste

Wednesday, 2 November 2011

Sequence of yoga asanas(postures) for Svadisthana Chakra, The Sacral chakra (Hips, Sacrum, Genitals)

In Sanskrit, the second chakra is called Svadisthana, which translates as "one's own place or base," indicating just how crucial this chakra is in our lives. It is illustrated with six petals and situated along the Sushumna (the central canal that corresponds to the spine in the physical body)in the genital area.The mantra of Svadisthana chakra is Vam.

The tasks of the second chakra include allowing for emotional and sensual movement in our life, opening to pleasure, and learning how to "go with the flow." Associated with the hips, sacrum, lower back, genitals, womb, bladder, and kidneys, this chakra is involved with sensuality, sexuality, emotions, intimacy, and desire. All watery things about us have to do with this chakra: circulation, urination, menstruation, orgasm, tears.

Symptoms of a second chakra deficiency include fear of pleasure, being out of touch with feelings, and resistance to change. Sexual problems and discomfort in the lower back, hips, and reproductive organs can also signify that this chakra needs some kind attention.Second chakra asanas help us with adaptability and receptivity.

Asana sequence for balancing your second Svadisthana chakra (The Sacral chakra).

Malasana(Garland Pose),Gomukhasana(Cow Face Pose),Baddha Konasana(Bound Angle Pose), Upavistha Konasana(Open Angle Pose), Akarna Dhanurasana(The shooting bow), the first stage of Eka Pada Rajakapotasana(Pigeon Pose), Utthita Triconasana(Triangle), Utthita Parsvakonasana(Extended side angle pose), Varibhadrasana II(Warrior II), Parsvottanasana(Pyramid pose), Prasarita Padottanasana( Wide-legged forward bend), Parighasana(Gate Pose), Bhujangasana(Cobra), Shalabhasana(The Locust Rose), Makarasana(Crocodile pose), Chaturanga dandasana(Four-limbed staff pose), Paripurna Navasana( Full boat pose), Ardha Navasana (Half boat pose), Ardha Matsyendasana( Half lord of the fishes pose).

End your session with peaceful restorative poses like, Supta Baddha Konasana (Goddess pose), Savasana (Corpse Pose), Balasana (Child's Pose)and Ananda Balasana(Happy Baby Pose)

These leg asanas,hip and groin openers all provide freedome of movement in the pelvis. Your hips and groins should never be forced.

Our lives give us plenty of opportunities to express ourselves and be active. In our yoga practice, we need to make sure we complement this with relaxation and receptivity. Harmony requires balance. In yoga, that means creating a practice that combines strength and flexibility, effort and surrender. Any imbalance in your yoga practice will be mirrored in your chakras.

Enjoy your Svadisthana chakra sequence! Namaste

Wednesday, 19 October 2011

My favourite detox smoothies and juice

Detox Antioxidant Smoothie

5 blueberries
5 strawberries
5 goji berries (optional)
1 kiwi
1/2 lemon or 1 tbsp apple cider vineger

Put all the ingredients and 3 tbsp water in a blender
and whiz until smooth. Serve as a breakfast or mid-morning
snack.

Digestive Enzyme Smoothie

2 slices pineapple
1/2 papaya,cubed
2 tbsp low-fat plain bio yogurt
1/2 lemon(optional)
1 sprig mint

Pull all the ingredients in a blender and whiz until smooth.
Enjoy after any meal to help your digestive system in it important work.

Detox Juice

Blend a juice of 1/4 beetroot(beet),1/2 lemon,2 celery sticks and
carrots with a pinch of turmeric and 1/2 tbsp extra -virgin olive oil. Enjoy it as mid-afternoon snack .

Tuesday, 18 October 2011

Let's talk about food and eating well! Five simple rules for eating well

Rule One : through out your calorie counter Eating healthy is not about quantity, but about quality. You will find that you naturally eat the right balance of food if the food that you prepare and eat is made from fresh, preservative-free ingredients and you listen to your body when it tells you you've had enough.
Rule Two:explore the world of food Choose a varied diet that does not involve the same food repeatedly, as this can lead to food intolerance.
Rule Three: attune to the seasons Select seasonal foods that are grown locally,where available. Apart from the fact that these foods will be the most fresh,seasonal eating will help you to avoid eating the same foods month in,month out.
Rule Four: eat well Choose good quality foods and ,as much as possible, try not to be led by price. At least choose the best - quality organic produce you can afford.

Rule Five :eat naturally Prepare foods simply and naturally. Cook all your foods from fresh,bake or grill (broil) meats and fish ; and lightly steam your vegetables. In these ways you can preserve much of the nutritional value of your food.When you can, eat foods raw- cruditees of carrot and celery with a home-made organic hummus dip is delicious, healthy snack. And as much as possible, avoid microwaving, frying and roasting( which increase the action of free radicals in the body) , and steer clear of rich sauces, which your body body finds hard to digest.

Saturday, 15 October 2011

For a more grounded life, choose not to get caught up in the fast-paced world around you.

1. Live simply and live deliberately. By choosing not to get caught up in the details of this fast-paced world, you are doing your part to slow down. You will discover that you have more time to enjoy being alive.

2. Stay in touch with yourself. Soul searching, meditation, and journaling are just a few of the many activities you can take part in to stay aware and learn as much as you can about your emotions, reactions, likes, dislikes, dreams, and fears. Having a solid sense of self gives you a firm foundation for living in this world.

3. Support or teach others as often as you can. This can help you form connections with people while also giving you an opportunity to make the world a better place.

4. Consciously choose what you will allow into your being. The media bombards us with visions of hate, war, and pain. Be judicious about what you read, watch, and listen to.

5. Acknowledge the beauty that resides around you. Whether you live in a sprawling metropolis or a stereotypical suburb, there are natural and man-made wonders just waiting to be discovered by you.

6. Nurture your ties to your tribe. If you don’t have one, create a community that you can belong to. Modern life can be isolating. When you have a tribe, you have a circle that you are a part of. Its members – loved ones, friends, or neighbors - can be a source of support, caring, guidance, and companionship.

7. See the larger picture. Remember the way that you choose to live is not the only way to live. Widen your perspective by exploring other modes of being through research, travel, and discussion.

8. Embrace the challenges that life presents to you, and challenge yourself often. After a time, even the most exciting jobs or lifestyles can seem routine. Never stop assimilating new knowledge about whatever you are doing, and your life will never seem dull.

9. Move your body. In this busy world, it can be easy to live a sedentary life. Movement reacquaints us with our bodies and connects us to the earth in a visceral way. It also restores our vitality.

10. Make time for stillness, silence, and solitude. The world can be noisy, and we are subject to all kinds of noises nearly every waking hour. We are also often “on the go” and unable to relax. Being alone in a peaceful place and making time for quiet can help you stay in touch with yourself.

Friday, 14 October 2011

Sequence of yoga asanas(postures) for Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra)

Centered at the perineum and the base of the spine and called Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra), this energy vortex is involved in tending to our survival needs, establishing a healthy sense of groundedness, taking good basic care of the body, and purging the body of wastes.Muladhara Chakra is associated with the element earth, representing physical and emotional grounding, and with the color red, which has a slower vibration than the colors that symbolize the other chakras.

Circumstances that pull up our roots and cause a first chakra deficiency include traveling, relocation, feeling fearful, and big changes in our body, family, finances, and business. Some people, often those with busy minds and active imaginations, don't need special challenges to become deficient in this chakra; they feel ungrounded most of the time, living more in the head than in the body.

The associated body parts include the base of the spine, the legs, feet, and the large intestine.There are many yoga poses that correct first chakra imbalances, bringing us back to our body and the earth and helping us experience safety, security, and stillness. Muladhara Chakra is associated with the element earth, representing physical and emotional grounding

Asana sequence for balancing your first chakra, Muladhara chakra;

Begin with focusing on your feet - roll a tennis ball underneath one foot and then the other, pressing into it to help awaken the soles (a mini acupressure treatment) and open the "doors" of the feet. To stimulate the toes and encourage them to spread for standing poses;- sit cross-legged and lace your fingers in between your toes, reaching from the sole to the top of the foot. Then knee down and curl your toes under, and sit on them for a minute. Following these warm-ups, do an hour of calf openers, hamstring stretches, and standing poses to help you open and strengthen your lower body and root your attention downward. Slowly stretch and open the fronts and backs of your legs in:

Tadasana(Mountain Pose),Ardha Uttanasana (Half Forward Bend),
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend),
Ardha Mandalasana (Lunge Pose),Trikonasana(Triangle Pose),
Utthita Parsvakonasana(Extended Side Angle pose),Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I) Virabhadrasana II((Warrior II),Parsvottanasana(Pyramid Pose),
Prasarita Padottasana(Standing Straddle Forward Bend),
Janu Sirsasana(Head-to-Knee Pose), Paschimotanasana(Seated forward bend), Dandasana (Staff pose). After these asanas you will receive some of the gifts of the first chakra: calmness, patience, and a willingness to slow down and stay in one place. End your session with peaceful restorative poses like, Supta Baddha Konasana (Goddess pose), Salamba Savasana (Supported Corpse Pose), Salamba Balasana (Supported Child's Pose)and Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose), all of which settle an overactive mind and encourage us to surrender to gravity.