Yoga For Self-Confidence in the New Economy - One Easy Tip

Do you suddenly feel your self-esteem is shaken by economic conditions that you cannot control? Are you tired of watching world leaders and hoping for leadership? Have you noticed that your Yoga practice helps build self-confidence, but wondered why? The following tip will help you build or maintain self-confidence in any economy.

In most Yoga classes, students learn the value of positive affirmations. Let's be honest, most people practice affirmations every day, but are not consciously aware of it. Anyone who wakes up each morning, looking for a problem, unconsciously seeks negative affirmation.

You cannot control the world economy, stock markets, or the decision process of world leaders, but you can control the thoughts that run through your mind. It starts with the power of affirmations. If you are going to program your mind for self-confidence, you have to repeat a phrase to yourself over and over again.

Your positive affirmation does not have to be very complicated; nor does your affirmation have to be a Sanskrit mantra given to you by a genuine Swami, after a pilgrimage to a sacred place. Here is an example of a simple, but effective, positive affirmation: "I deserve love, respect, and admiration."

Why is this affirmation such a simple, yet powerful, affirmation? So many people believe that they should not have anything good happen to them. They sincerely believe they should be sad, pessimistic, and unsuccessful.

When you attend a Yoga class, make sure that you learn about the power of affirmation and mantra. Related to this, prayer is also a powerful form of affirmation. In Hatha Yoga classes, outside of India, it is unlikely that your teacher will ever discuss the power of prayer.

The reasons for this difference are simple. As Hatha Yoga left India, it evolved into a "mind / body" exercise. The separation of religion and government is so deeply rooted into western democratic societies, that the mention of prayer has become "politically incorrect." Hatha Yoga teachers, in western societies, often teach students of multiple religions within the same class.

Make no mistake about it, anyone, of any religion, can increase his or her spiritual growth through the practice of Yoga. Yoga, of every kind, will enhance your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Self-realization and transformation are natural by-products of Yoga practice. Yoga practitioners, who continue to maintain a steady practice, will increase their self-confidence, and train their minds for balanced thinking.
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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.
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Practice Yoga with the Best of Intentions

Of course, you practice Yoga with the best of intentions. Now, your thinking, doesn't everyone practice, learn, and teach Yoga with the best of intentions? In a few words: No, they do not.

Some Yoga teachers over-step their boundaries. We have Yoga students who were abused verbally and physically, before they came here. Some were picked on for being overweight, insulted for their lack of flexibility, and one of my current students had her back jumped on by her former Yoga instructor, while holding Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana). By the way, this student had told this Yoga teacher, she had back problems, before she took her first Yoga class.

We've all heard stories of different cases of abuse, by anyone in authority. The problem is not the training - it's the inherent lack of common sense and compassion. Most people grow into a Yoga teaching position just fine, while a rare few develop "petty dictator syndrome."

It's amazing what people will justify, and then, insist their acts were done with the best of intentions. My Grandfather used to say, "Hell was made with good intent." Ponder that for a while, and you will come up with many ideas.

If you think of the worst atrocities known to man, you will find someone who can justify them. Do you think Idi Amin, Pol Pot, Hitler, and Stalin thought they were wrong? They would all justify their intentions.

Now, on a much smaller scale, going into your Yoga class, with a competitive mind-set, is not the best of intentions. You will eventually injure yourself. All of us age, and we will not get the same results, from our body, every day. Your body is not a machine and if it were, a machine would show signs of wear too.

A competitive mind-set will bolster your ego and that has nothing to do with Yoga. Your mind, body, and spirit cannot become healthy, when your ego is in "the driver's seat." There is no tranquility, harmony, peace, mindfulness, or loving kindness within the ego. To the ego everything is a perceived threat, to its existence.

Leave your ego at the door, with your shoes, before going into Yoga class. When you practice Yoga, savor each lesson, and take it out into the world, for practice. When you leave the ashram or Yoga studio, practice is applying what you learn to real life. So, it does not end, when you roll up your Yoga mat.

Be courteous to everyone all the time. You are projecting loving kindness and being mindful of life in the present, and practicing the unity of mind, body, and spirit.

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Restorative Yoga for Stress Management

We now know that stress contributes to a multitude of ailments, such as: headaches, backaches, high blood pressure, stomach disorders, lowered immunity, muscular tension, depression, heart attack, and much more. Stress is definitely a "killer" and the source of many health problems.

In fact, stress will prevent and distract your body from healing itself. While you are feeling "stressed out", your body and mind make dealing with stress the number one priority. Your mind and body need to cope with regular maintenance and overall health, on a daily basis, by putting stress on the back burner.

Are you looking for a way to release stress, tension, and pain from your body? Are you tired all the time and feel the need to rest, but you know you should get some exercise? How can you do both? The answer is to start regularly attending Restorative Yoga classes, and reap the rewards of healing without a tremendous amount of effort.

There are many styles of Yoga to choose from. In India, there are nine main styles of Yoga, and Hatha Yoga is just one of them. Hatha Yoga, "the union of physical mastery," and its many sub-types, are the most popular in the West.

Among the many Hatha styles of Yoga, are traditional and contemporary types of Yoga. Restorative Yoga is classified as a contemporary type of Hatha Yoga. Some might also say that Restorative Yoga is an evolutionary form of Hatha Yoga. The use of props, "sinking into" postures, safety factors, and attention to the internal body, is very rewarding.

This is not usually a class for the vigorous Yoga practitioners who want to move, push, and sometimes strain, in a Yoga posture. Unfortunately, straining will cause long-lasting injuries. Learning Yoga does not have to be a strain or struggle. Restorative Yoga usually attracts a person who is interested in healing his or her body, in the process of attending a Yoga class.

If you have ailments, feel nervous, or are attending your first Restorative Yoga class, you should consult with your Yoga teacher, before class time. Your Yoga teacher may be able to advise you in regard to techniques that will alleviate stress or pain. You can expect that your Yoga teacher will be compassionate and modifications to postures will be taught.

Your body and mind will feel the benefits of relaxing into a Yoga posture. As a result, you be able to balance your life, and feel the benefits of integrating good posture, stillness, movement, relaxation, proper breathing, and meditation.

Every one of these aspects is covered within a typical Restorative Yoga class. So, you can expect to start healing your body and mind during your first Yoga class. You will also continue to keep your priorities in order, while keeping worry, stress, depression, and fatigue on the "back burner."
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Yoga, Tolerance, and the New World Order

Yoga's philosophy is based upon peace and the end of suffering. Each time a world leader has stood up to give this same message of world peace, he or she is shouted down. Yet, we must ask - "Has the world changed overnight?" Will Barack Obama "become the change we wish to see?"

Throughout history, intolerance has caused many set backs for humanity. Humankind's history is a track record of blood lust, based on close-minded beliefs about different ideas. Unfortunately, fundamentalist groups demonstrate that intolerance is still alive and well.

If you live in a democratic society, which is not at war, you have the good fortune to see the intolerant clearly. It is not so easy to see any issues clearly if you are in the middle of an armed conflict. Even in democracies, the masses can become swept up in polarization during wartime, after a terrorist attack, or in search of a political scapegoat.

How can Yoga help? Every form of Yoga trains the mind toward rational thought. In fact, Yoga is a nightmare for dictators and war mongers. How can you convince rational thinkers to kill their neighbors?

In the King James Version, of the Holy Bible, Mathew 5:43-44, Jesus states: "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."

The fundamentalist interpretation of ideas concerning peace is: "Let's be rational, see it my way." Actually, we have to listen to the narrow-minded and open dialogue in order to achieve a peaceful solution. You can afford to exchange ideas, with those who disagree, when you live in a democracy.

In a free society, people have a right to choose the path of enlightenment or the path of ignorance. Luckily, the intolerant have limited influence for now. This does not mean to send them on their merry way. It means that we should engage them in conversation, when they demand to state their viewpoint, with the provision that we may state our viewpoint, as well.

What good will this do? If you practice Yoga long enough, you should have a trained mind. As a serious Yoga practitioner, your beliefs in world peace, the end of suffering, and a clean planet, are good and noble causes, based upon rational logic. A blissful planet is the kind of world we want to leave to our children.

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Weight Loss Yoga - The Hidden Secret

The general concept of Hatha Yoga is a mind and body exercise, but that barely skims the surface as to what Hatha, or any other form of Yoga, is. Now we hear of Yoga for ripped abs, growing taller, stress relief, back pain, and raising children. Is it all a marketing ploy, or can it do all of these things?

Truthfully, ripped abs will require more than Yoga, but you can reduce and manage your weight. If you have tried losing weight before, you know about false promises. You know that instant weight loss diets are "roller coaster rides." There is no yo-yo effect from bringing Yoga into your life, but changes do happen gradually, so let's look at why and how.

Why does Yoga help people lose weight?

Up to this point in time - of all the studies that have taken place so far, the study (conducted by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center) in Seattle, is the most well known. Yet, the concept of Yoga for weight reduction has experts baffled.

The physical form we know as "Hatha Yoga" does not burn the calories of a high impact exercise. When you put Yoga under a microscope, it produces results, but it leaves researchers baffled. What is the answer? In any study, subjects who practiced Yoga did so as a lifestyle. It was never viewed as a temporary fix.

Yoga is a lifestyle. To see it as an exercise is not the full view or an accurate picture. In fact, the biggest secret in losing weight, through Yoga practice, is enhanced emotional health. We often hear about mind, body, and spirit, but we ignore emotional heath. When your emotional health is unstable, it is hard to control your weight at all.

How does Yoga help people lose weight?

Through regular practice of Hatha Yoga, a practitioner can improve emotional flows. This puts your feet on stable ground and keeps your mind focused. Unhealthy habits can gradually be changed into positive habits. Sure you can count calories, if you like, but it's much easier to take one day at a time, when you are programmed with healthy habits.

The deeper key is to change your mental thought process toward daily Yoga practice, walking, biking, activities, and moderate dieting habits. This is not a drastic lifestyle change, but it is a gradual one. It may take time to get to your optimum weight, but you will change your direction from the first day of Yoga practice.
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Yoga and the State of Spiritual Awakening

You read and hear so much about being consciously aware and spiritual awakening, but what does it all mean? What does Yoga have to do with it? How could Yoga practice cause a practitioner to live with intention and complete mindfulness?

Firstly, let's talk about being consciously aware. One of my Yoga students is celebrating her 96th birthday this weekend. Her husband died quite young and she raised three children by herself. You might picture someone who is bitter, comes to class with a walker, and barely conscious at all.

She is the polar opposite of that image. She walks with a stride of a healthy woman in her 40's. She is happy, still drives (quite well), and her mind is as sharp as a tack. She is my student, but I am in deep admiration of her approach to life.

So, I asked her to share her insights on longevity, mindset, worrying, happiness, and consciousness. She mentions to three points, that most of us tend to skim over, but here they are for us to analyze once again.

1. Moderation is a key to life. To eat, drink, and behave with mindfulness and moderation, is a Yogic and Ayurvedic principle. We can put this into practice by reading about, and then applying, the Yamas, Niyamas, and Doshas, to our life.

2. Remember that God walks with you, but he does not work for you. She elaborated on this point for some time, but here it is in a nutshell: Prayer is powerful, but we must take action. We have to get up from the couch and move forward. The power of action, and the power of prayer, combined, is an extremely powerful combination.

3. See the good in all people. It is so easy to forget about the good in humankind. It is natural to see the crimes, wars, cruelty, and scams on the news. Does the news report how many people volunteer for charitable work daily? Have you heard how many people give to good charities, despite their own economic hardships? The world media reports bad news because it sells.

My oldest student is 101 years of age, and she will see her next birthday this summer. She spends most of her average day in a wheel chair, but she had a contribution to make about the mystery around Yoga and spiritual awakening.

She has been practicing Chair Yoga with me for six years and here is what she has to say: "Spiritual awareness is a natural part of our existence. If someone lives long enough, he or she may find it, but Yoga will take you directly to it." Furthermore, she stated that goodness is all around us, if we sincerely look for it.
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The Yoga of Truth

Within the nine main styles of Yoga from India is one contemplative discipline which requires us to witness life without personal attachment to outcome. This form of Yoga is known as "Jnana." How can one really make a commitment to witnessing life without attachment?

There are monks and priests, who witness life without attachment, but it is difficult for the average person to study Holy Scriptures all day and be unattached to the material world. Would one have to become a monk, nun, or priest to truly practice Jnana Yoga?

Jnana is also called the "Yoga of Knowledge." You do not have to become a monk, nun, or priest to pursue knowledge. However, your mind goes through a constant training exercise when practicing Jnana Yoga. The reason being - our perception of truth is subject to our past judgments, and training, up to this point in time.

Consider this list of questions, without becoming upset. Try to see both sides of the issue, without judgment. Notice how people become angered, if they firmly believe that one side of the issue is the only truth, and there should be no questions concerning these matters.

Is religion good for humanity?

Which religion is good for humanity?

Is national health care a good idea?

Is God male, female, or far beyond the limitations of gender?

Is democracy the best form of government at this time?

Is there one God, or are there many Gods?

Religion and politics are very "hot" issues, and they stir up strong feelings. This volatile mix of political and religious questions is not meant to excite anyone, but it will. The point to be made here is that the truth is hard to decipher when we cannot control our minds.

It is easy for the ego to run down a list and choose right or left on every issue. Humans have made war on each other over religion and politics for thousands of years. Yet, religion and politics have helped us advance as a species. The truth comes to us when we suppress the ego, and it takes constant discipline.

With the study of Jnana Yoga, one learns to understand one's self. Jnana is not the only way to come to terms with one's self, but it allows for inquiry into "Who are we?," without going into a state of emotional turmoil. Training the mind to react logically, during real life situations, is a constant challenge. Jnana Yoga is one of many proven methods to discipline the mind.
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Exercise For Feeling Happier And Living Healthier - Bikram Yoga In NYC

By Earnestine Bond

A series of slow and controlled movements concluded by graceful poses, sweat trickling down every part of the body and the sound of deep and conscious breathing is what Bikram Yoga in NYC may appear to be on the outside, although in essence, its potential benefits outweigh the physical exertion by far.

Bikram's fame spread rapidly through the early 1970 studios and mushrooming practices, into the hearts and homes of Hollywood stars like Madonna, Demi Moore and George Clooney to name but a few. Upon attending a class, it is therefore a usual sight to see celebrities amongst the sweaty bodies.

Bikram Choudhury, its multi-millionaire founder and 'owner', is surrounded by controversy, obviously sparked by his elegant fleet of Rolls Royces and Bentleys. However unapologetic he appears to be about his growing empire, many debates still rage about his stringent copyright laws on the exercise and levies charged for outside instructors to profit from its teaching.

A set structure of twenty-six poses is performed in a heated room exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which equates to approximately 40.6 degrees Celsius (each session lasts 90 minutes). Exercising under this extreme heat is thought to decrease the risk of injury or muscle strain and encourage deeper and longer stretching. 2 distinct breathing exercises function as an introduction and end to the class, as is common with all forms of yoga and/or meditation.

The poses, are called 'asanas', and are based upon two fundamental dynamics, according to Choudhury. These are extension and compression. What is meant by these terms is that with every pose, a particular body part is compressed, thus decreasing blood flow to the area or cutting it off completely. Another part of the body is therefore completely extended. When the pose ends, a rapid rush of blood to the previously compressed areas, occurs due to the pressure, causing an increased flow of oxygenated blood to the whole body. This results in an increase in circulation and has detoxifying effects on the body.

Positive effects extend passed the obvious benefit of weight-loss, although even the extent of this benefit is varied according to each person's individual anatomical make-up. Other benefits include muscle toning, increased flexibility and better sleep.

This form of yoga has expanded across the world, where many swear by its benefits, despite controversies surrounding its associations with sex and sensuality. Although it does not suit the taste or physicality of every practitioner, for those who practice it regularly, it is nothing short of a wonder-worker.

Bikram Yoga NYC

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