Yoga is a Vital Part of a Quality Life

Each of us has hopes, dreams, and aspirations about life, but what is truly necessary for our existence? Could Yoga hold many of the vital components for our survival? When you look at the benefits of Yoga practice, you can see how a Yogic lifestyle creates happiness and peace of mind.

Happiness is a vital part of life. For most of us, happiness and peace of mind are taken for granted - if we are lucky enough to cultivate them. If we experience misery and mental unrest, we usually pray for a little happiness. There are some of us who are depressed, pessimistic, or feeling the side effects of chronic stress.

Misery can occur for a variety of reasons, but each style of Yoga can help relieve suffering. This is the primary reason why Yoga has grown in global popularity. At the same time, we must realize what is essential. Food, shelter, clothing, and family connections are our bare necessities.

People spend a lot of time with their families, during summer months and holidays. Recently, I wrote a friend, and fellow Yoga teacher, who had experienced a revolving door of students over the course of the summer. If you have been teaching Yoga for a while, you tend to expect the "summer slow down," but you can use the time to prepare for a busy fall season.

If you teach, the summer is not a time to engage in negatively by questioning your class numbers. The fact is: Most Yoga students go on vacation, just like everyone else. Yoga studios and fitness centers can organize discount specials, special workshops, open houses, or grand openings, during the summer months or holidays, but students are not in classes because they are away or taking time off to be with their families.

Each class has a core group, who attend Yoga sessions like "clock work." Outside the core group is a revolving door of people who try classes for a season. The objective is to educate students, with extra flyers and pamphlets, that explain the benefits they feel. This helps the revolving group settle into the core group.

If you are a Yoga teacher - here is some free advice: Our mission is to educate those who listen to reason. If everyone practiced Yoga, everyone would take care of themselves mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

If everyone in the world took care of themselves, there would be world peace; everyone would exercise; everyone would eat right; everyone would be mindful; and there would be no intolerance or global warming. You and I teach the educated souls, who want to take action for themselves, and those around them.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard

Yoga and the Cultivation of Positive Energy

Yoga is a science of life. The quality of our lives is improved through Yoga practice. With that said, a Yogi is one who pursues a path of harmony, tolerance, peace, compassion, loving kindness, and the cultivation of positive energy. The path less traveled is indeed a difficult one.

It is easy to be swept up in the moment. The news media indicates these are the worst of times. Yet, it must be realized that bad news has never traveled faster than it does today. In an instant, we can become "Chicken Little." Imagine being hit on the head with an acorn and believing that the sky is falling.

As children, we might laugh at this fable; but as adults, we easily "buy in" to bad news. Some adults wear bad news on their faces, and they envision life as a daily struggle, complete with traps and pitfalls around every corner. While it is true that we should be cautious in our actions, it is also true that we cannot sit down and enjoy a steady drone of sad events.

Most of us have come to the realization that the cultivation of positive energy is essential to having the best quality life. In Yoga, we cultivate vital energy through pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques). This is an excellent way to gather and store positive energy, as well.

Yet, the cultivation and storage of positive energy, within the mind, requires some additional techniques. One method is to focus on where you are and where you want to go. This may sound easy, but some Gurus will tell you this is their key to attainment.

One point you should not focus on is the one that will cloud your judgment. This will usually cause you to take your eyes off your objective. Our objectives should be realistic, and we should not place extreme pressure on ourselves to accomplish goals. All of the little things in life should be appreciated.

As an example of this: Attaining positive feelings requires quite a bit of mental focus, while attaining Samadhi is unusual. This does not mean that attaining Samadhi is impossible, but transcending into an advanced state of consciousness requires guidance, focus, study, and work.

Why should we make the journey into a competitive race? It's human to want everything right now, but it is not realistic. Positive energy is abundant, and it is easy to cultivate it if we stop to enjoy our lives and appreciate those around us.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard

Yoga and Empowerment to Reduce Worrying and Stress Levels

Many people attend Yoga classes to stop worrying and eliminate stress. The truth is - we can reduce stress levels and worrying to manageable levels. When you consider the results of attending regular Yoga classes, in comparison to other methods for stress reduction, the Yogic path has done well over thousands of years.

Stress and worry exist, in everyone, to various degrees. If you talk to war veterans, they will readily admit feeling fear and courage at the same time. Courage made them take action in the face of fear. We may not be on a battlefield, but excessive worrying and chronic stress will kill us, as well as any weapon.

Therefore, look deep into the style of Yoga you practice and realize which methods give you empowerment to reduce worry. For example: Bhakti, Karma, Raja, and Jnana Yoga may endow you with a state of mental or spiritual empowerment.

Fitness-based Yoga may provide you with feelings of physical mastery. Regardless of which Yogic path you choose, there are rewards along the way. The point is to recognize, and act upon, the rewards you discover.

After years of practice, some students take Yoga teacher training courses just to link all of these Yogic concepts together. For one reason, or another, we humans want to find answers to mysteries that leave us puzzled. We want to know the mysteries of life, we want to feel worthy, and we want to act on courage.

Yet, only a rare few of us come to the realization that manageable stress creates success. If we live without any stress, will we be creative or innovative? If you give a child every possible luxury, and a stress-free life, will that child be a productive part of society? It is unlikely that a person without stress will become a great contributor to our world.

Stress and worry can be used the same way we use intense heat to forge steel. Too much, or too little stress, can cause problems. How do we know how much stress is necessary? There is a saying, "Necessity, who is the mother of invention." Plato seems to be the first to have said these words.

When we know ourselves, we know how much stress we can tolerate. Yoga enables each of us to look internally to find solutions. At that point, we should know how much action is required for a given situation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard

Yoga and Time Off - Precious Time For Reflection

Time off, or time away from work, is special to us because it gives us a chance to re-direct our energy. Some of us might call this "time to get our bearings straight." Yet, how many people really take time off for themselves? Is it selfish to spend time on meditation, Yoga, or self-analysis during the holidays or on vacation? Let's explore these questions, and see how we can accomplish more, when we have time off.

How many people really take time off for themselves? The short answer is: Not many. Students are very honest with their Yoga teachers. When asked how much time they spent meditating during the week, most Yoga students will readily admit they do not meditate at all. When asked how often they practice relaxation techniques, which are taught in Yoga class, most will admit that they do not practice any Yogic form of relaxation during the week.

There are exceptions to everything, and the above-mentioned information applies to western Yoga students. However, students and Yoga teachers, in Asia, also admit that life is moving much too fast. Family ties, job security, and global economics have challenged people in every corner of the earth. Strangely, humans seem to be addicted to electronic stimulation, and it is difficult for us to unplug ourselves from technology.

Is it selfish to spend time on meditation, Yoga, or self-analysis, during the holidays or on vacation? Everyone needs to take a break from bad news, technology, and work. Time away from work is short-lived and it should be appreciated to its maximum potential. This is time for rest, relaxation, healing, meditation, creative thinking, and finding one's sense of direction.

Time spent on self-reflection helps one find solutions to healing the inner being. When the inner being is healed, it is much easier to help others, if they need, or want, our help. This need for self-reflection and healing, from within, is a simple formula known by sages of the past. A state of complete awareness (self-realization) cannot be reached without first healing your inner being.

Consider this: If you are in pain, what can you focus on? Usually, you can only focus on pain, but some of us might focus on revenge. A rare few blessed souls can focus on forgiveness, when feeling pain. Hopefully, our pain can be healed when we have time off and realize that forgiveness is the key to spiritual freedom. When we let go of our hate, anger, intolerance, and desire for revenge, we experience self-healing and we reflect spiritual beauty from within.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard

Practice Hatha Yoga, For Chronic Stress Relief, to Save Your Life

Yoga can break the cycle of continual stress. We know that chronic stress is linked to a variety of health problems and can cause death. When you are stressed out, hormones, such as - Cortisol and Adrenaline, are released into your body to give you extra strength in an emergency situation. However, long term affects of releasing cortisol and adrenaline, into your body, can result in heart disease and potential suicide.

Among the most necessary reasons, to practice Yoga, is the resulting state of inner peace during and after a session. Multi-tasking, stress, worry, and negative thoughts work against obtaining peace of mind. How can Yoga help people who are worried about their families, employment, and health care? Let's discuss the healing powers of Yoga, and how you can reap the rewards of inner peace.

If you have problems that are blended with chronic stress, it is difficult to sort out the origin of your anxiety. Most people worry when they see an impending problem. Worrying is only a natural reaction to stress overload. However, have you ever met one person who claimed that worrying solved a problem?

Problems are much easier to solve when we train our minds to focus on solutions. This is where a regular Yoga practice helps us to take control of fear and worry. It is hard to see reality when we are consumed with fear. Many times, the amount of worrying people do has nothing to do with reality. People often worry about potential problems.

On the other hand, if the problem is real, time spent practicing Yoga will allow one to find inner calm and solutions. Hatha Yoga helps people of all ages learn to cope with stress. Most beginners are attracted to the physical postures (asanas), or the flowing of physical postures, with breath, in a sequence (vinyasa).

While there are much deeper practices to be realized within Hatha Yoga, the physical postures tend to be the main attraction on this journey of self-discovery. As time passes, the practitioner becomes much more aware of pranayama (Yogic breathing), niyama, yama, and the many variations of Yogic meditation.

When we read Patanjali's "Yoga Sutras," we begin to notice that our superficial view of Yoga is much like a child's view of the world. Our view of Yoga is a fresh start. Most of us easily believe in what we see and what we feel. This is the reason why the Hatha style became so popular when it was exposed to the world. Physical benefits are easier to realize than mental, spiritual, or emotional benefits.

Therefore, a stressed-out person will find complete relief by finding a competent Yoga teacher, learning the Yogic methods for obtaining inner peace, and will be reassured when the physical and mental benefits are realized. The deeper benefits will be revealed, as the practitioner continues on the Yogic path.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard

Hatha Yoga for Long Term Care

All forms of Yoga have reached far beyond the ashram, studio, and fitness center. Hatha Yoga, and its many sub-styles, has reached the largest worldwide audience. Hatha can be physically challenging, restorative, relaxing, or therapeutic, depending on the Yoga teacher. For this reason, it would be prudent for every Yoga teacher to continue his or her education, for the safety of students, in all walks of life.

The practice of Hatha Yoga is an excellent way to help residents, within long-term care facilities for seniors, maintain their physical and emotional health. Yoga asanas (poses) help to strengthen muscles and bones, as well as increasing joint mobility and overall spinal flexibility.

The Yoga breathing exercises (pranayama) help to increase lung capacity and strengthen the heart muscle. These breathing exercises also help to combat stress and depression. Additionally, participating in a regular Yoga practice, connects long-term care patients to an overall sense of purpose and engagement within their community - further enhancing a sense of wellbeing.

The effect that a regular practice of Yoga asanas has on an individual is amazing. The asanas stretch and strengthen all of the muscles and ligaments in the body. The physical practice of asana also keeps the joints mobile and the spine flexible. Furthermore, the poses help to maintain bone density, a good sense of balance, and coordination.

These are all very critical aspects of maintaining the physical health of a long-term care patient. Often, long-term care patients spend long hours in bed, sitting in a chair, and sometimes, even in wheelchair. A regular practice of Yoga asanas will help residents to maintain a degree of comfort and mobility within their bodies.

Pranayama techniques, or Yogic breathing exercises, are another core element for maintaining the health and wellbeing of long-term care patients. Often, these patients are experiencing a variety of cardiovascular health issues, depression, and stress. The passive, rhythmic, and slow breathing exercises will help to calm their anxiety and depression by lowering cortisol levels.

Deep breathing exercises will also reduce problems with insomnia that many seniors experience. Pranayama exercises have also been clinically shown to help manage diabetes and lower blood pressure. Of course, these exercises also strengthen the heart and lungs. A strong and healthy heart will go a long way in enhancing the health and longevity of many long-term patients.

A vibrant and regular Yoga practice will also support long-term care residents in maintaining a good level of activity, while maintaining bonds through social engagement with other residents. Study after study has documented the absolute importance of staying active and engaged in one's community, in order to ward off isolation and depression.

Long-term patients live happier and quality-filled lives, if they stay active. Yoga is a very positive way to stay active. Not only will senior residents benefit from the positive effects of a regular Yoga practice, they will also benefit from a sense of interconnectedness with their community, and a sense of purpose, in attending a series of Yoga classes.

© Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard

Yoga and the Awakening of Consciousness

Throughout the world, Yoga is better known as "Hatha Yoga" (unity of mind, body, and spirit through physical mastery). Do we understand how Yoga will awaken consciousness? Who wants to awaken his or her consciousness? Why should we awaken anything? Why are extremist groups so against awakening the consciousness of your mind? The following article takes a deeper look into the practice of Yoga for the purpose of awakening consciousness.

Do we understand how Yoga will awaken consciousness?

Unfortunately, there is still too much mystery regarding the higher forms of Yoga (Raja, Karma, Bhakti, and Jnana). All four of these forms of Yoga will help us awaken our consciousness. However, we can take a fresh view of the concept. Awakening was classically referred to as "unfolding."

Imagine and visualize the mind as a rock. If this were the case, we would not change much because we would not have the ability to learn new ideas. We could live in the "Dark Ages." We would refuse to accept new ideas, and we could accuse anyone with new ideas of being irreverent or impious. We could take great pride in stubbornness, ignorance, and being ill tempered.

The mind can be much like a rock, if we put our heads in the sand and refuse to see or hear. Yoga and meditation give us a 'tried and true" method to unfold the layers of rock. Patanjali described Eight Limbs of Yoga, in the Yoga Sutras, and each limb is a method for unfolding the consciousness from within the mind.

Each limb Patanjali describes is important. There are no "short cuts." The Yoga Sutras are a "map" to unfolding one's consciousness. Yoga training and practice are crucial to opening the mind. There are other systems for training the mind; but if you trace their roots, most paths lead back to Yoga.

Who wants to awaken his or her consciousness?

These days, it is as hard to open consciousness as it ever has been in the past. Most people are easily distracted. Have you ever tried to hold a conversation with a person who has a smart phone beeping, buzzing, or ringing in his or her pocket? It is impossible to communicate with someone who is in the middle of multiple conversations.

Although we have access to more information than ever, we are bombarded by messages. As always, some of the messages we receive are erroneous. Who has time to decipher through the multitude of messages to find the pure truth? This constant barrage of misinformation is a significant force that drives people to make misinformed decisions.

Therefore, anyone should strive to unfold his or her mind. As Yoga practitioners, this requires us to disconnect from electronic devices for part of each day. The objective of opening the mind is no longer reserved to someone who teaches Yoga classes. Opening the mind, to what is happening around us, enables us to live a quality life.

Why should we awaken anything?

Some political and religious fundamentalists are against any kind of change. To them, everything is carved in stone, the old ways are the best ways, and compromise is a sign of weakness. Should we have continued on the path of social injustice and slavery?

Why are extremist groups so against awakening the consciousness of your mind?

It's all about control. For example: The Dark Ages of Europe were a great time for extremists to suppress new ideas. Heaven forbid that anyone state: The Earth revolved around the Sun. At that time, to make any such statement about science or astronomy would be a reason to face an inquisition by civil authorities for the charge of "heresy." Confessions were often extracted by torture; and the possible punishments for having an open mind could be imprisonment, hanging, or being burned at the stake.

Needless to say, awakening the consciousness through Yoga practice will help you and the rest of humanity. Yoga is very much a journey of self-discovery and its doctrine is non-violent. Beware of those who seek to divide us into conflicting groups. The path to happiness is walking the fine line of moderation for the advancement of humanity.

© Copyright 2010 - Paul Jerard / Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard

Three Yoga Postures to Reduce or Eliminate Back Pain By Paul Jerard

As teachers, each of us learned the differences of main Yoga styles before we began teaching. At every Yoga teacher training, it should be noted that these differences can help, or hurt, one's back. Therapeutic, restorative, and gentle Yoga are labels that give students assurance that you care for their wellbeing.

If a student has a pre-existing back injury, he or she should seek out a therapeutic Yoga class that is gentle and taught by a compassionate teacher. A student, with a pre-existing back injury, is playing with a "time bomb" in a vigorous style, run by a drill sergeant, with no clue about precautions, modifications, or compassion.

Eliminating back pain is one of the greatest reasons why people choose to practice Hatha Yoga. Yoga can truly serve as a therapeutic exercise in relieving tension and stress from the back muscles. There are all sorts of Yoga poses that one can learn, which will help eliminate or reduce back pain. Before practicing Yoga poses, new students should seek professional guidance, do diligent research, and perform a proper warm-up before practicing the following postures.

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

First, one of the most common Yoga poses (asanas) to learn is the pelvic tilt (Bridge Pose). The pelvic tilt will help a person to build strength in the lower abdomen, so that stress is relieved from the upper back muscles. In addition, a pelvic tilt will help a person to develop stronger support in the lower and middle back region, as well as the sacroiliac joint. This is one of the foundational Hatha Yoga poses that is great for any person, who has suffered from back problems, as a result of poor posture.

To start, a person will lay on the floor with his or her knees bent. Then, a person needs to exhale and slowly lift his or her pelvis to the air. As one is lifting the pelvis toward the air, a person needs to exhale to release the stress of the movement. While doing this exercise, it is recommended that a person try to be aware of how the tension feels in the hip joints and any pain that may be created. A person should try to do this exercise slowly, and with knees at hip-width apart.

Uttanasana

The standing forward bend is another popular Yoga posture for reducing and eliminating back pain. The key with this therapeutic Yoga exercise is to remember to bend at the hips. A person needs to slowly raise his or her arms to the sky and then reach forward.

One should let gravity do the work, and cautiously reach toward the ground, without pain. One should remember to bend the knees or use Yoga props if his or her leg and back muscles are not flexible enough to support this sort of Yoga pose.

Trikonasana

The triangle pose is a more complex type of Yoga posture, which works powerfully to eliminate back pain. This pose entails leaning to the side, and then raising one's arm up to the sky. A student could use a Yoga block to balance his or her arm on the other side. A student should also try to bend at the hip joint when doing this exercise. The many therapeutic benefits of Trikonasa variations for the spine, back, hips, internal organs, and emotional health are worthy of a book. Trikonasa encompasses a family of similar asanas, when you consider the variations in styles, revolved triangles, gate variations, and side angle variations.

Overall, these are some of the best Yoga postures a person can do for eliminating back pain. However, each student is a different person, with unique problems. Consultation with one's family physician should be recommended, at all times, prior to entering a therapeutic Yoga practice for back pain.

Yoga teachers should have systems in place to know who has pre-existing back problems. No student should be admitted without filling out an informed consent form. On this form, students help themselves, by reading that there are risks in Yoga practice, and by making the teacher aware of any health problems they have.

If a new student refuses to fill out the form and sign a release, this is not a problem. However, do not admit him or her to class. Our guarantee is that we will not put students at risk. If a new student is going to put you at risk of being accused of negligence; why would you admit him or her to your class?

© Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard

Hatha Yoga Classes For Arthritis Pain Relief

Gentle forms of Hatha Yoga can help anyone who suffers from arthritis. Depending on the type, stage, and where arthritis is located in the body, a Yoga session will have to be modified to match the needs of the student. This can make the search for the right Yoga class, and a compassionate teacher difficult, at best.

In some advanced stages, the amount of movement must be reduced, while you hold postures; and areas of the body, where there is chronic pain, may have to be worked gently. At the same time, someone who has the beginning stages of arthritis, may feel relief from classes with flowing movements.

Some flowing styles are quite gentle, while many of them are physically demanding. One way to sort them out is to research the particular styles you are interested in. If you are in search of a style for healing purposes, there is no need to push the body with powerful, flowing movements.

Some of the more dynamic movements may have to be avoided for the sake of preventative health. One good example of taking precautions with movement is - if you have discovered arthritis in your lower back. In this case, movements, such as the "jump back" from forward bend, to plank, may cause excess shock in the lumbar spine.

Yoga sessions, where students hold postures for 20 seconds, to two minutes, usually do not teach jumping movements, which have impact on the joints. Nevertheless, it would be wise to consult with your family doctor or a physical therapist prior to taking a Yoga class. Make sure you inquire about how much warm-up time is recommended.

In this way, you will be advised about which movements will be beneficial and which movements should be avoided. If possible, get a referral to visit a competent Yoga teacher from your family doctor or physical therapist.

If you are a Yoga teacher, and you teach a therapeutic style, you should make an effort to network with local health professionals and make them aware of the services you provide. The difference between a Yoga school that is vibrant with activity, and one that is empty, is educating the community through public outreach.

One method for "testing the potential for student demand," is to have an open house and invite local health professionals as guests or as guest speakers. Do not forget to reach out to chiropractors and massage therapists. Even if attendance is light, an open house may create a professional network. Your efforts will enhance community awareness about the programs you have to offer.

© Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard

Hatha Yoga and Mastering Self-Realization

Hatha is only one of the nine main forms of Yoga from India. Each of us begins to practice Hatha Yoga for a variety of reasons. Among these many reasons for practicing - some of us are drawn to Hatha Yoga by the healing aspects, the spiritual journey, a feeling of inner peace, or the joy of physical mastery. No matter what the original reason was, self-realization will become a reality sooner or later.

Among those who practice Yoga, on a steady basis, are people with a variety of religious beliefs. Some Yoga practitioners believe in God, or Gods, and some do not believe in the concept of a single or multiple God entities. Yet, practitioners with a wide variety of spiritual beliefs, practice in the same class in complete tranquility.

Self-realization could be defined as a state of mind, where we are present in the moment. Yogis might describe it as the achievement of higher consciousness, through the realization of the inner-being. Some spiritual teachers say self-realization is a state of seeing, knowing, feeling, and being the soul.

Regardless of your exact beliefs, self-realization in Yoga, is being present for practice. The practice of Hatha Yoga is usually pranayama, meditation, mantra, relaxation, asana, mudra, or a combination of these techniques. The study of any form of Yoga will result in the accumulation of wisdom, understanding, and the clarity of perception.

There are some benefits, which result from long-term Yoga practice and self-realization. To know one's self is to know one's true nature, but it takes time, practice, and work. Each of us has a special purpose, but not all of us find it. To know one's true purpose in life is a mystery to most of us. Through insight, and the development of one's intuition, we can attain our true purpose.

How do we develop the insight to find our true purpose? Spiritual beauty is easy to see. Children are good examples of spiritual beauty. The longer we live, the easier it is to be confused by erroneous information. In the confusion, our visions of a brighter future can become clouded by pessimism. The truth is: Spiritual beauty is within each of us.

The next step is to concentrate and find those thoughts that bring happiness to us. When we find inner harmony, all we have to do is share it with those around us. Each day is a second chance to improve our ways. The result of our continued efforts will put us on a path to achieve goodness.

© Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard

Three Ways to Improve Your Hatha Yoga Practice

Whether you are a Yoga teacher, or just started practicing today, the following tips will useful. There is a common belief that natural flexibility is the primary exceptional quality among Hatha Yoga practitioners. In the struggle to become more flexible than the person next to us, we may become frustrated enough to push and pull our bodies beyond their limits.

Yoga instructors often tell new students not to force, leave competition at the door, and breathe into a given posture (asana). The average student listens, but some students are driven by competition. How can a competitive person "turn the switch off?" It's not easy to stop a lifelong habit. However, making progress in the study of Yoga is not a race.

1. Continuity in Yoga practice is the first key to improving. The student, who spends part of each day practicing Yoga, will advance and become well-rounded in knowledge. Physical mastery is part of Hatha Yoga, but it is not everything. Older students and seasoned teachers know Hatha Yoga requires knowledge. This is much more than walking into a class with God-given flexibility.

2. Look for guidance in your studies. The student / teacher relationship, with a Yoga teacher, Guru, or Swami is sometimes taken for granted. There is nothing like a bond with a person who has been where you are. On the other hand, finding a competent teacher can be a quest within itself.

One qualification that people overlook in teachers is their passion for passing on knowledge. There are many good Yoga teachers who are not famous. If a teacher takes the time to "pass the torch" to his or her students, that is the first measurement. A self-absorbed teacher will not guide you - no matter how famous he or she may be.

3. Independent study is time spent discovering the many facets of Yoga. If a person studied every technique, the subtle body, the physical body, various forms of meditation, pranayama, history, and philosophy - one lifetime is not enough time to learn it all. This is something we must accept, but we can design a weekly schedule, which will help us improve our knowledge.

If you study Yoga for one hour per day - at the end of one year, you have 365 hours of Yogic studies. After four years of study, at that pace, you would have 1460 hours of study. Do you think your Yoga practice would improve with nearly 1500 hours of study? Of course, but how many people really persist in their practice? The secret to independent study is to "stay the course." The pursuit of knowledge is a healthy addiction, which benefits you and those who learn from you.

© Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard

Four Benefits of Yoga

By John Smith

Yoga is one of the best ways to keep yourself looking and feeling great. There are a number of Manhattan yoga centers available for you to take part in a yoga class. You can find personalized and attentive service, and even one on one sessions if you prefer. Manhattan yoga centers offer locations throughout the entire city, from Times Square to the SoHo District. No matter where you are in the city, yoga is just right around the corner! People choose to participate in yoga for a variety of reasons. It is quick and fun to do, and can take as little as 5 to 10 minutes each day! While it is hard to sum up all of the benefits of yoga, here are the top 4 reasons Manhattan residents love to take yoga!

Special breathing techniques are used in yoga which times breaths to flow smoothly. This leads to intense relaxation and improved stamina. Through continuous practice of yoga breathing techniques, you will become more relaxed, leading to the release of stress and an overall calmness. This may be the single most important reason for Manhattan residents to practice yoga!

You've probably heard someone mention yoga is good for your health. It's not just talk. Studies have shown that yoga Manhattan can offer a great deal of health benefits. Some of the most commonly mentioned are relief from lower back pain, lower blood pressure, regulating asthma, and even a great way to maintain a healthy weight. Those who practice yoga are also shown to have more energy.

You've probably heard other yogis mention that yoga Manhattan is good for your health. Past studies have shown that yoga Manhattan offers a great deal of health benefits. Some of the most commonly mentioned are lower back pain relief, lower blood pressure, regulating asthma, and even a great way to maintain a healthy weight. Those who practice yoga are also shown to have an increase in energy throughout the day.

As touched on before, yoga can have a positive affect for one's state of mind. Yoga has many spiritual benefits. Practicing yoga can offer mental clarity and stability. It helps you to think clearer so you can make better decisions. Yoga has also shown to improve serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a decrease in depression, helping one make better decisions while having a more postive outlook and image of themselves.

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on yoga Manhattan, then visit www.neighborhoodtrainer.com to find the best advice on Manhattan yoga for you.