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Yoga Philosophy

Do’s and Don’t’s of Yoga

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

Sometimes you just can’t escape the voice of your mother. Regardless of what you do in your life, she’s right there with some “helpful” advice:

“Don’t swim until after a half hour after eating.”

“Never go to bed angry.”

“Be nice to your sister.”

Yoga, for better or worse, is similar. There are some common sense ideas that you should adhere to, as well as some good advice worth following. To get the most out of your yoga practice, you might consider implementing some items from the list below: (more…)

Tags: beginning yoga, yoga for beginners
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The Science of Yoga

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

According to some, the practice of yoga is 25,000 years old. Modern archeologists can trace yoga back more than 4,000 years. Today, millions of people all over the world practice yoga in various forms.

The uninitiated might think yoga is a kind of cult invading Mainstream America. In fact, Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, recently sparked a rather exciting argument reported by USA TODAY, that yoga is leading people away from the church. (Some Christians who like yoga are finding an acceptable common ground in something they’re calling “Chroga.”)

All of this begs the question: Is yoga capturing the minds of otherwise (more…)

Tags: beginning yoga, yoga blocks, yoga for beginners, yoga props
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Beginning Yoga: Teachers and Props

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

There is no competition in yoga (although there are, believe it or not, yoga competitions). Even competing against yourself is discouraged — albeit very tempting at times. It’s not about doing more or doing it faster. That kind of thinking is so… twentieth century. Yoga is a voyage of discovery. It’s one way to find out just how much you’re capable of. Think of it as a course in yourself: You 101.

When you’re just beginning, the first step is choosing which style fits you. Think about your personal preference—do you need a fast-paced practice, a restorative practice, or something in-between? Trying various classes is the best way to find out. Also, ask teachers for advice and guidance. Also, consider the possibility that what you are initially drawn to, may not be the practice you ultimately pursue.

It’s not only the type of yoga you’ll want to explore; also get to know the style of the teacher. Even within the same branch of yoga, you’ll find (more…)

Tags: beginning yoga, finding a yoga instructor, yoga for beginners, yoga instructors, yoga props
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Should Yoga Be Difficult?

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

The aim of practicing yoga is to unite mind, body, and spirit so that they function together harmoniously, allowing you to realize your fullest potential. That’s a lofty goal. Psychotherapy doesn’t promise that. Neither do Wheaties.

But reaching that goal sounds daunting. What kind of sacrifice does it take? How much pain? That’s what most beginners want to know: Is yoga difficult?

The short answer is: No. Anybody can learn yoga. Starting a yoga practice today doesn’t mean you’ll end up like those ancient yogis, doing pretzel-like contortions on a bed of nails. They do that just to show off.

Normal yoga involves (more…)

Tags: beginning yoga, yoga for beginners
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Yoga for Beginners: The Benefits

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

Many activities tone and build muscle, but none fine-tune the body like yoga. It is the ultimate full-body workout, but unlike the Tummy Buster or the Flab Reducer, you won’t see infomercials for yoga on late-night TV. That has to be worth something.

Yoga can help you regardless of your state of health. It can be fun, and even children can learn it easily and safely. You can also take it anywhere with you because you don’t really need anything to practice it (except time).

What Are the Benefits of Yoga?
Re-aligning your body through yoga brings relief from aches, pains, and general stiffness. The physical body (more…)

Tags: beginning yoga, why do yoga, yoga benefits, yoga for beginners
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Flexibility of the Mind – Advanced Yoga and the use of props

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Try this for an added challenge!

When it comes to Advanced Yogis and yoga props, the response is almost inevitably, “Not for me, thanks. I don’t use props.” Many will say that the more they advance, the less interest they have in yoga props, and the less they feel they need them. And so I put forth the following question: What does it truly mean in yoga to be advanced?

The practice of asana inspires us to find where we are on any given day. Making a declarative statement about where we are fails to factor in one of life’s biggest constants — change. Our bodies change, our abilities change, our energy levels change and our goals change. In this article, I invite you to think outside whatever box you’ve placed around advancing as a yogi, particularly when it comes to using props. (more…)

Tags: advanced yoga and props, asana practice, blocks, egg blocks, iyengar, three minute egg, using props in advanced yoga, yoga and props, yoga blocks, yoga journal conference, yoga props, yoga therapy
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Are Yoga Props for Me?

Monday, January 11th, 2010

At least a year ago, i came across this yoga journal article which gets right at the heart of the matter. I thought i’d share it with you. Obviously, since I sell a yoga prop, I’m pro-prop. However, I am working so hard to get people to see the Three Minute Egg as more than a prop! Its uses aren’t limited to helping you overcome some vague yogic shortcoming. The Eggs can make your practice so much more fun and accessible. They can even make something things more challenging!

If you haven’t already done so, get yourself a set of Eggs and start Eggs-perimenting. I’m pretty sure you’re gonna love ‘em!

To Prop or Not to Prop

Are props a helpful supplement to your practice, or do they just get in the way? Here’s how to decide when to use—and not use—these tools. (more…)

Tags: 3 Minute Egg, asana practice, blocks, egg blocks, iyengar, three minute egg, yoga blocks, yoga props
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