...The Plough (Halasana)

Yoga is a life of self-discipline. Yoga is a way of life. Yoga is a system.

We can see our life as a triangle. From the moment we are born to the age of around 18 we are in the zone of growth where the anabolic process takes place (rate of cells rejuvenation exceeds rate of cell decay). Then we enter the youth and equilibrium zone where the anabolic and catabolic process is in perfect balance. This zone will last to the age of around 35 and then we find ourselves in an aging zone, called the old age zone where the catabolic process (rate of cell decaying exceeds rate of cell rejuvenating) starts, resulting in suffering, pain and disease.

To retard the catabolic process the system of yoga was developed giving people the opportunity to live healthier and happier life.

The system o...more

Yoga, Or Creating The link With God?

...Yoga, which is a sanscrit word meaning "unity" or "to unify" refers to this strange discipline that has been practiced by people, mostly in india, who have a very specific goal in mind. Why would yogis, as they are referred to, go through the arduous discipline of practicing the most bizarre and unnatural positions for hours on end?

On the surface of it, Yoga is an occult science and ancient protocol dictates that it needs to be initiated by a recognized master. One of the great past masters, Paramahansa Yogananda, wrote in his autobiography about Kriya Yoga: "Because of certain ancient yogic injunctions, I may not give a full explanation of Kriya Yoga in a book intended for the general public". A bit further he suggests that one should consult a kriyaban or a kriya yoga master if one wants to learn this type of yoga.

In another article, also posted on EzineArticles, where I explained what Ashtanga Yoga is about, I wrote about the Eight Limbs of practice. Suffice it to say that the seven first limbs only ...more

Yoga For Stress Relief And Anxiety

...Yoga breathing is called pranayama. pranayama (or "control of the life force"), also literally translated as, "breath control," is just that. Controlled breathing in different styles has a detectable, and welcomed effect, on the psyche and the body.

Slow the heart rate, feel less out of breath, and relax your muscles, beginning with your breath. Research has shown that yoga breathing techniques are beneficial treatment for stress and stress-related problems. The mind is calmed, and the judgment is clearer, as...more

Teaching Hatha Yoga: Designing a Lesson Plan - Part 2

...n the line.

Yoga students do not usually have such high stakes involved within the physical performance of their jobs, but each student should be taught with safety guidelines intact. This is why I feel so strongly about the value of a warm-up at the beginning of a Yoga class: Its just common sense to take care of your students.

Should you start or finish a Yoga class with meditation? Some Yoga teachers guide students through meditation at the beginning, and the end, of the same Yoga class, while some teach meditation only after asana practice.

Unfortunately, a comparatively small number of Hatha Yoga teachers do not include meditation at all. This happens when a Hatha Yoga class is converted into a fitness only atmosphere. In truth, this i...more

Gerie Haliwel Yoga Video