:: YogiSutras News ::

Terry Lowery

Stretching and yoga aren’t just for people who can fold themselves up like pretzels, or movie stars who have nothing better to do with their days! It can be a beneficial practice to all who use it, and one doesn’t have to adopt the worldview of the swamis in order to reap benefits from it. The pace of our lives these days is crazy—some would argue destructive.Yoga proponents say that learning the art form will not make you dull, but more magnetic, and show you the importance of slowing down. Yoga’s ‘inactivity’ can insert a moment to breathe in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life, can clear your mind, and re-energize you with just a few simple techniques.The first lesson in any Yogic theory is how to relax. This doesn’t mean you flop on the sofa and become a couch potato; instead it is defined as ‘a conscious transfer of energy from one department of nature to another….’ Even if you do this for 5 minutes at a time over a beverage, you’re on your way to relaxing. It will increase your efficiency—try it and see!Stretching involved in yoga can be very simple: lie on the floor without pillows.

Paul M. Jerard Jr.

Meditation is often misunderstood by those who do not practice it. Very often, I hear meditation referred to as, “altered states of consciousness.” That sounds more like intoxicants, rather than bringing clarity to a cluttered mind. Without going too deep into what meditation is, or is not, let’s focus on one of the many things a daily meditation practice can do for you.Meditation is commonly seen in many Yoga classes, but it has been practiced by a variety of cultures, including Roman Catholic priests, as well as Japanese Samurai, who practiced a form of Zen meditation. I mention this so you can see the full spectrum of meditation and its many facets.There are many varieties and types of meditation, but the easiest form to learn is, “breath awareness meditation.” Compared to many other meditation techniques, this will enable anyone to experience the benefits of meditation in much less time.At this point, let’s consider that meditation and Yoga teachers often compare the mind to a monkey. Many thoughts are running through your brain, at the same time, and it is hard to control all of your impulses - let alone, sit still and meditate.

London, UK (ContentDesk) September 10, 2005 — Imagine the world when we need only 2 hours of sleep to re-energise ourself. “I felt I went into deep relaxation, while all the time remaining aware ” comments Giles with smiling face after experiencing Art of Relaxation workshop conducted by Subodh Gupta in London.In stressful busy life of London city, 15 participants trying to watch sleep and dreams and at the same time relaxing consciously with full awareness. “Very relaxing session” said Giles, “I came into workshop feeling tired and after the workshop I feel much refreshed” said Beatrice, “I felt as if I had several hours of sleep in small session” said Elizabath smiling, ” Thank you Mr Subodh Gupta for the experience, it felt like a few moments of time, but much achieved” said Sue after attending Yoga and Art of Relaxation workshop in London. Welcome to Yoga, and Art of Relaxation session in London. We are offering our Yoga and Art of Relaxation session to personal training, Health clubs and for Corporate Training sessions as of now in London says Subodh Gupta, corporate trainer from India and founder of New Scientific Yoga in London.Commenting on Art of Relaxation, watching sleep and dreams, Subodh says, one can learn to relax consciously.

(ContentDesk) September 29, 2005 — Dr. Warrington Parker of Torrance, California is a golfer who wanted to increase his flexibility while on the course. The exercise enthusiast was a regular jogger but felt he was lacking the muscle suppleness that would give him an edge on the links. “The guys on the golf course suggested I look into yoga as a means to gain that flexibility,” said Warrington.He was directed by a friend to a center that embraces a practice called Dahnhak, also known as Dahn Yoga. There he took a yoga class and also experienced something called an energy check, where the trained staff analyzed his body’s energy flow.Dahnhak, a Korean practice that dates back thousands of years, is becoming a growing trend in the United States.

San Francisco, CA (ContentDesk via ContentDesk Direct) October 10, 2005 — What: Dozens of yoga's elite will take to an open-air stage to inspire crowds during the 3rd Annual Northern California Yoga Championships. Who:The competitors practice various types of yoga and are from cities throughout northern California. The event is organized by a committee of leading yoga studios throughout northern California and is spearheaded by yoga legends Bikram and Rajashree Choudhury. Funky Door Yoga is the main sponsor. The event, which will offer numerous sponsor give-aways, is sure to appeal to both the yoga-committed and yoga-curious.

Phoenix, AZ (ContentDesk) October 7, 2005 — With momentous growth in popularity in recent years, the demand for well-trained yoga teachers is on the rise. No longer relegated to traditional yoga studios, classes are popping up at fitness centers, spas, community centers and workplace break rooms. “Our lives have become so hectic that more and more, people are seeking a way to unplug and relax,” states Laura Kessler, manager of Yoga Pura in Phoenix. “Our teacher training program gives students the skill and confidence to be expert yoga teachers, but of equal importance, the tools to transform their own lives.”   Not just about the postures, the year-long intensive program is geared toward providing students with a tool chest of knowledge and techniques. Covering core topics such as anatomy, philosophy and physical alignment, the program also emphasizes the practical application of ancient wisdom in our day-to-day lives.

(ContentDesk via ContentDesk Direct) October 18, 2005 — Shankari (www.shankari.com), the company named after its mystical founder and inspired designer, has unveiled a new website featuring a collection of handmade, socially conscious and highly spiritual Balinese jewelry and sacred objects. Gracing the site is a number of beautiful crystal and semi-precious stone jewelry options for both women and men, including rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and much more. “We are truly excited to be introducing this line to the conscious business and consumer market. The new site showcases the amazing world and works of Shankari. We wanted to share the incredible story of Shankari, the conscious nature of her products and compassionate workplaces,” shares Daniel Hoffman, Shankari’s Director of Marketing.

(ContentDesk) October 22, 2005 — Via Yoga, the Seattle company that offers yoga and surfing vacations in Sayulita, Mexico, is introducing a new series of yoga and pilates retreats beginning March 2006 at the posh resort, Las Alamandas, on the Mexican Riviera.The luxurious, romantic 5-star Las Alamandas resort is located 200 miles south of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, Mexico. Nestled within a private 1,500-acre paradise of exotic trees, palms, flowers, wild birds, lagoons and endless white-sand beaches, Las Alamandas offers the epitome of seclusion in paradise. For that reason, it has become the secret hideaway of some of the world’s most famous celebrities (Brad Pitt, Sting, Robert de Niro, for example) and others seeking unparalleled beauty and privacy. There are six oceanfront villas with 14 private suites. Some of the suites have indoor gardens or kitchens.

(ContentDesk) November 3, 2005 — Some of Australia’s most skilled yoga practitioners will compete for the right to represent Australia in the World Championships, to be held in Los Angeles in February, 2006.There are plans for a Yoga Asana competition to become an Olympic event, first as a demonstration event, and then ultimately a full Olympic competition.Bikram Choudhury, the founder of the widely-practiced Bikram Yoga series, says that Yoga asanas (postures) can be judged in competition in much the same way that gymnastics and diving are.”A yoga competition is not two people competing against each other, you are competing with yourself,” says Bikram. “Your life is a competition, you are always making yourself better.” “Competition,” he says, “is the foundation for all democratic societies. For without competition, there is no democracy.”Alex Stone, who competed in the European titles last year, will enter again this year in Sydney. She said: “Talk of ‘competition’ in yoga sparks heated debate: of course yoga itself can not be judged competitively, but yoga asanas are just one small facet of yoga. This competition is focused on the demonstration of yoga postures (asanas).” “Competitors have to take their practice out of its usual context and hold composure and poise in a stressful environment.

Phoenix, AZ (ContentDesk) November 9, 2005 — Many yoga studios have recently begun offering Christian-specific classes, noting the inaccessibility of the Indian-born tradition. Recent media coverage on the topic has portrayed arguments for and against the trend without addressing the fundamental flaw in each side’s logic. Eric Walrabenstein, founder and director of Yoga Pura in Phoenix, suggests traditional teachings, when skillfully applied, are accessible to everyone regardless of spiritual orientation. “I appreciate why people are drawn to Christian-centered yoga.” states Walrabenstein, noting that the use of familiar images and beliefs can make the practice more accessible., He is quick to add, however, that there is no fundamental conflict between the two traditions. “The perceived conflict arises when yoga is presented together with other traditions like Hinduism,” he says.Commonly portrayed as a practice involving postures that stretch and strengthen the body, sometimes with Eastern religious overtones, the authentic practice of yoga is more fittingly described as a science of the mind.