Yoga Insight On The Net

Meditation comes from intense concentration, where the individual focuses so thoroughly on a single object that he or she thinks of nothing besides his or her awareness of that object.  In this audio accompanied article, see how yoga takes that further, making meditation the highest element of the Eight Limbs of Yoga.

[audio:Better Your Heart and Brain Power - Yoga as Meditation.mp3]

Yoga developed as a worldview, as a lifestyle. It integrates the asanas (bodily poses) and pranayamas (breathing exercises) with the concept of meditation to make the yogi at peace with the world.

Meditation comes from intense concentration, where the individual focuses so thoroughly on a single object that he or she thinks of nothing besides his or her awareness of that object (Some religions may find that their idea of prayer could fall under this definition). Yoga takes that further, making meditation the highest element of the Eight Limbs of Yoga.

These “eight limbs” define Yoga as a lifestyle: your attitude to the world around you is followed by your attitudes towards yourself, physical posturing, breathing exercises, withdrawing the senses, concentrating, contemplating, and finally enlightenment. Enlightenment, better known as a state of bliss, comes only as a result of full use and development of the other seven. Meditation combines withdrawing the senses, concentrating, and contemplating to be the final state that can be accomplished before bliss.

At any rate, meditation calms the mind and offers a number of health benefits even before enlightenment. Regular meditation can help reduce anxiety and stress, lowering blood pressure and decreasing risk of heart attack. It can improve concentration, clarity of thought, and release your creative side.

Some research suggests that meditation with yoga increases matter in the brain’s cortex, specifically in the areas involved in processing cognitive, emotional, and sensory data. Meditation may also slow natural shrinkage of the frontal cortex due to aging. The 20 participants on average meditated for 40 minutes a day. Most change happened in their brains’ right hemispheres.

That’s not to say that meditation is easy. Clearing the mind of extraneous thought is difficult, and all thought even more so. Learning to meditate will take work.

To start, sit comfortably somewhere with your back and head straight. You may find a basic breathing exercise useful to help. Close your eyes, breathe through your nose, and focus on that breath. Cool air enters; warm air leaves. Keep your focus on your breathing, redirecting wandering thoughts that way. Start with short meditations of a few minutes and work your way up to longer. Beginners might find it easier to start with an intermediate method of counting their breaths, counting to four before restarting.

Yoga clothing that is comfortable for your body when you are moving is essential. Poor clothing choices can also be embarrassing. In this audio article, see why yoga clothing is an important thing to consider when beginning a yoga class.

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[audio:Dressed for Success - What to Wear to a Yoga Class.mp3]

When you begin practicing yoga, one thing that you must consider (and many people forget this step until it is too late) is what you will wear. Yoga is unlike most exercises in that you will find yourself in many different positions in a single routine. Therefore, you need clothing that will be comfortable and also will not create problems as you move in unconventional ways. Wearing the correct kind of clothing is especially important when you begin going to a yoga class. Fortunately, many clothing companies have a variety of products made for students practicing yoga, since this form of exercise has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Choose yoga clothing that is comfortable for your body when you are moving. Clothing that is too tight may “ride up” and shift in uncomfortable ways as your limbs rub against one another, for example. You also want clothing that makes you feel good about your body—no matter what your shape or size, you don’t want to spend the entire class feeling self-conscious because you think your pants make you look fat. In all honesty, everyone is probably too engrossed in class to notice what you are wearing, but poor clothing can be a mental block and prevent you from learning.

Poor clothing choices can also be embarrassing. Remember that yoga involves inverting your body in many cases. Clothing that is too loose can sag or fall, revealing excess amounts of your body. This is embarrassing for you and makes others in the class uncomfortable. Clothing that is too tight can be stretched too far and rip during class. Tight clothing can also be too revealing if there are members of the opposite sex enrolled in your yoga class. Be respectful of those around you and stay covered as much as possible while still feeling comfortable.

Yoga is an exercise, and like all exercises, you will sweat. Take this into consideration when choosing the fabric that you want to wear. Some fabric absorbs sweat more readily than others do, allowing you to remain dry during your workout, at least to some extent. If your clothing is wet, it could be dangerous to attempt some positions, and the same is true if your clothing is too loose.

If you aren’t sure what clothing to wear, practice some of the basic and inverted positions at home in various outfits and choose the one that is most comfortable. Your teacher or an advanced student may also be able to offer advice. Yoga clothing is an important thing to consider when beginning a yoga class.

Yoga equipment will keep you safe, and also help you find the correct posture for various poses. In this audio article, learn how more advanced yoga students may wish to consider other props to help with stretching and correcting postures.

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[audio:Get the Gear - Yoga Equipment.mp3]

If you are a beginning yoga student, there are a number of items you may want to consider purchasing to help with your training. Yoga equipment will keep you safe, and also help you find the correct posture for various poses. In a class, a teacher or gym may provide the basic equipment you need, but if you are doing yoga at home or wish to have your own items, you’ll need to go shopping.

First a foremost, it is important for anyone practicing yoga to have a good mat. Mats come in all shapes and sizes, so you have many choices when making a purchase. Look for a mat that is large enough for you when you are sitting. You also want to make sure your mat is dense enough so you don’t sink into it and wobble when you are doing poses. Mats that are lined with non-slide material are your safest bet, as they will protect you even when you are doing more complicated poses. Whatever you choose, be sure that it is washable—many can be cleaned in a washing machine. Remember, yoga is exercise, so wash your mat every few sessions to prevent the spread of bacteria and other germs.

There are a number of other items you can buy to use in your sessions as well. Many things can be used to correct your posture. Blocks made especially for yoga students are available in most stores. Made of dense foam, they can be used to help learn specific positions. They are light and durable, so you can easily take them to and from class. Bolsters can also be used for the same purpose, and although they are heavier, they more easily conform to the shape you need.

Next, you may consider purchasing a bag to carry your equipment. Mats can be large and cumbersome, and many yoga companies make special bags in which they will fit, along with your other yoga items. Again, remember to find a material that is not only durable, but also washable, so that you can prevent the spread of germs.

More advanced yoga students may wish to consider other props to help with stretching and correcting postures. A yoga sling, for example, can be mounted to any ceiling and used to do inverted positions. Yoga ropes also come in handy here, and sets of ropes can be mounted to your walls and ceilings to help your posture and flexibility. If those sound a bit too advanced for you, consider sandbags with handles. These can be used to create a bigger stretch when you are doing certain poses.

Lastly, you can purchase yoga books and videos to help you continue the learning process at home if you are in class, or on a deeper level if you already study at home.

Yoga is traditionally seen as a routine of exercises that will rejuvenate the body. In this audio article, discover how yoga can also teach breathing to prepare you for other exercises.

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[audio:East Meets West - Yoga and other Forms of Exercise.mp3]

Yoga is a type of meditative exercise that has roots in the Far East religious traditions—Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. Today, many people have dropped the religious aspects of this art of the body and simply practice yoga techniques for health benefits. The various stretches and strength-building exercises done in yoga can build muscles, increase flexibility, and help you burn fat. Yoga can also be used in conjunction with traditional Western forms of exercise. In fact, by combining yoga with cardiovascular and/or weight training, you can help your body be the healthiest it can possibly be.

Yoga is traditionally seen as a routine of exercises that will rejuvenate the body. That is, although yoga is a difficult workout, it should make you energized as opposed to draining your body and making your feel tired. Therefore, when pairing yoga with other forms of exercise, do yoga first. Many people like to use yoga as a way to warm up the muscles before running, lifting weights, biking, or doing other cardiovascular or strength-training exercises. Warming up is an important step, and yoga is a great way to do this.

Yoga can also teach breathing to prepare you for other exercises. In yoga classes, students must often learn breathing techniques that help calm the spirit and focus the mind. These techniques allow you to breath fully, allowing more oxygen to reach your brain and other parts of your body. By practicing yoga, you will be able to do cardiovascular exercises for a longer period of time, since you will not be so quickly out of breath.

Because yoga helps you increase flexibility, this can also help you prevent injuries when doing other forms of exercise or when playing sports. Many athletes learn early on to stretch their muscles before a game or practice—yoga can be viewed as an entire exercise regimen focused on stretching muscles. It also helps minimize and prevent injuries because yoga allows you to find your limits. This is important when practicing any sort of physical activity.

As always, speak with a doctor or other health care professional before you begin participating in a new kind of exercise routine. Yoga is safest when practiced in a class setting with a certified instructor. Ask your class’s teacher for tips on how to incorporate yoga into all of your other exercise routines as well, because this will help you to get the most benefit possible out of any workout session.