The Yoga rules

By Paul Jerard

Now that you teach Yoga to the public, you clearly realize the need for stress management solutions, on a massive scale. Most Yoga teachers tend to go through life with an inner calm that is sometimes taken for granted.

As a result of conditioning, the Yogic lifestyle is not a stressful one; therefore, you may need to understand much more about what causes anxiety, panic, and worry, within your students. If you are suffering from a panic attack, the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual conditioning of a Yoga teacher, seems like fiction.

Stress is a chemical message to the body from the brain, which is very basic. This "fight or flight" message is very primal, and saved our ancestors lives, throughout the history of humankind. When we perceive a threat, our brain signals the adrenal glands to send, adrenaline and noradrenaline, to our heart, which increases the blood flow to the muscles.

This, in turn, gives instant power to the muscles. At the same time, the breath rate is accelerated to bring more oxygen to vital areas. In terms of survival, the mind and body are programmed to perform an efficient chemical and mechanical reaction to save our lives.

Yet, many people have this same reaction, while commuting to work, on a daily basis. Once one arrives at work, he or she may be subjected to unrealistic deadlines and office politics. This is just one scenario of many possible stressful situations, which may occur in the lives of our students.

Once you have become a Yoga teacher, you have taken a vow to help students in need. The atmosphere in your classes, studio, or ashram, should be tranquil. There is no place for a teacher without compassion. Likewise, the teacher with a personal agenda, about getting his or her best workout during class time, will fall short in helping students who suffer from excessive stress.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

By Dr. Jim Greene

When it comes to yoga and plastic surgery, two very important issues come up. The first issue that comes to mind is that yoga is a direct competition as an alternative to plastic surgery especially when speaking about face lifts. Now, after having plastic surgery, these exercise routines would be able to play an important role into helping to maintain the work that you have had completed. The truth is, while many people speak of various facial exercises associated with yoga helping to tighten the skin, one has to remember that in general, the skin is aging and the exercises can only do so much.

Just like your skin, if you do not take care of it, it will gradually fail and begin to wrinkle just as before. Plastic surgery is like a second chance at getting a more youthful look, and just like any second chance, you need to do things differently to make sure it lasts. That is where the yoga can be most beneficial as it will help to maintain the completed surgery for a longer period of time than if you were to just let it look good and buy another procedure later.

So if the question is whether or not yoga will benefit plastic surgery patients, then your answer lies in the fact that yoga will help anyone regardless as to whether they are a plastic surgery patient or not. Yoga is a great way to improve your health and your muscles. It is a way for you to feel more alive and increase your energy by starting the day off right as well as finishing it. Yoga is a way of life.

Many people around the world have turned to yoga in order to help them with many things from cancer recover to reliving stress. It is about a way of simplifying your life by changing your outlook on it. At the same time you are adding energy to your day by ensuring you a waking up in the morning on the good side of the bed regardless as to which side you wake up on.

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By Paul Jerard

Yoga practice has realistic solutions for stressed-out teenagers. Young people need to take time out for non-competitive and wholesome activities, such as Yoga. When teens have a chance to explore themselves from within, this is time well spent.

There has never been a time when teenagers were subjected to more stress than right now. Reuters Health reported, "One third of US teens say they feel stressed-out on a daily basis." This was based upon a study of over 8,000 teens, and young adults, at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

For adults who lack compassion, for young people trying to cope in our society, consider this: The leading cause of death in teens and youths, ages 10 to 19 years old, is "teenage suicide." Stress can place young people at risk. According to the US Department of Justice, "It is estimated that 500,000 teenagers try to kill themselves each year."

The sources of the reasons for teenage stress, on such a massive scale, is subject to theory, but let's take a look some of the reasons why so many young adults and teenagers are at risk. Family units are challenged, because many teens live in single parent families.

Parents work so much that "bonding time" is compromised. Peer pressure has always been part of the back drop in finding one's self as a teenager. Technology also plays a role in pushing teens further than ever before.

Sure they are privileged to have access to so much information, but they also suffer from information overload. On top of this, high expectations are placed on teens for social status, academic performance, athletic performance, performance in the entertainment industry, etc.

So how can Yoga help teens to cope with stress? Regular teen Yoga sessions, or classes, should contain physical posturing (asanas), Yogic breathing (pranayama), laughing, positive affirmations, and learning to create an automatic relaxation response on a daily basis.

Teens must learn to reserve regular "Yoga time" for themselves. Working part-time, studying for SATs, getting a date for a prom, and preparing for college, are part of becoming a young adult, but there needs to be time to constructively "unplug" from all of it.

Yoga delivers mental clarity to all practitioners. Teens can learn to pursue one short-term goal at a time. This will make daily life much more manageable. Teens should learn various Yogic relaxation techniques, such as body scanning, stage-by-stage relaxation, and progressive muscle relaxation.

Physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health, can be restored by learning to accept oneself, as is. Teens can condition and prepare themselves to realize that they will not be in control of every situation life throws at them. Open discussions with their peers, after a Yoga session, in support groups, teen meetings, after school activities, or a public speaking class, will strengthen teen social skills and character.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA - http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com - He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

By Paul Jerard

There is a huge demand for teen stress management services, and Yoga teachers are sitting on a multitude of solutions for teens and their families. The reason is simple: Teens are at risk because of internal and external pressure.

This may seem like it is nothing new to most parents, but according to a survey conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), at Columbia University, teens are more likely to resort to illegal drugs or alcohol, due to high levels of stress.

Again, this should come as no surprise to adults, as the adult behavior is identical. Many adults use illegal drugs or alcohol, due to excessive stress. Teens will naturally copy familiar adult examples, which they have observed, over time.

On another note: If young celebrities, and professional athletes, are abusing themselves, why should we expect teens to be any different? These are who our children perceive to be role models.

The television is no longer a reliable "babysitter," for young children or teens. Parents are challenged to censor entertainment, and become better examples than traditional role models. This comes at a time, when many middle-class parents may be working two jobs each, just to make ends meet.

What difference can Yoga make in the daily lives of teens? One major difference is bonding time with family and parents. Many families do not eat their meals together. This turns contemporary families into strangers, who live in the same home. From the time a child is born, there is a need for solid relationships, with the rest of the family unit.

If relationships within the family have become strained, due to divorce, separation, death, fighting, or illness, there is still time for mending family ties. Professional counseling should be a consideration, as well as, participation in non-competitive activities. This is where Yoga can fit into the family's weekly schedule. When families make an appointment to practice Yoga together, this will solidify the individual relationships within.

Yoga teachers and studios should run workshops or surveys to monitor local demand for family, teen, kids, or "mommy and me" Yoga classes. These classes make a difference in your community and will save the lives of "at risk teens."

For parents who are seeking family-oriented classes, but cannot find them in their area, they can learn what they need to know from local Yoga teachers. If this is not possible, learn to develop a safe practice from Yoga books, videos, and courses. Your children can learn with you, as there are a number of videos and books designed for their age. Make sure that safety is your primary concern, and you will enjoy your bonding time.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA - http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com - He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

By Matty Byloos

Power Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Basic Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga: No, it's not the little green dude from STAR WARS. And no, as some tend to be easily confused, it doesn't come in flavors. So what, in essence, is Yoga? I'm glad you're thinking along those lines... let's take a little journey to India.

Etymology of the Word Yoga

Derived from the ancient tongue of Sanskrit, yuj, the root of the modern and contemporary term of yoga, carries with it many different meanings. Yuj itself would be considered a verb in many Latin-based languages, meaning "to control," "to concentrate on" or "to yoke." It has been concluded that other meanings represent the action of a uniting or joining, as well as conceptual definitions of a "mode, manner or means."

History of Yoga

When considering the root of the word yoga, it is easier to grasp its original intention. Originating in India, Yoga is in actuality not just something, but some things. The ancient practices that are still utilized today are believed to offer great insight and spiritual enlightenment as to the very nature of existence, through a process of deep meditation. It has many ties to personal beliefs as well as popular world religions.

The dates of such a practice have been traced as far back as 3000 BC, where archaeologists have found multiple seals of the Indus Valley Civilization depicting individuals and god-like beings in meditative postures. As early as 900 BC, ascetic practices were recorded in the Brahmanas, part of the Vedas.

As time passed, evidence of practices in the Hindu religion became more prominent. This was especially true, as this concept of what is now considered "yoga" continued to grow and change as is evidenced in the middle Upanishads c. 400BC. Further "defined" by the Bhagavad Gita (c. 200BC), which translates to "The Song of the Lord" and which offers the first glimpse of a "codified" yoga, the book included many meanings to the modern term, yet focused on on three: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga.

Different Types of Yoga

As the practice of yoga grew throughout India, it would become integral to everything from Hindu and Buddhist religious practices, the reaching of Moksha or to simply offer better overall health and physical performance through the practice of posturing. Presently, an individual looking to participate in the practice of yoga can find several different types, all of which are all generally based on a series of Asana, or "sitting postures."

Yoga practices such as Hatha Yoga (Ha meaning sun and Tha meaning moon -- and if found in certain Sanskrit dictionaries, Hatha = Forceful), is what the Western world has widely accepted as "yoga," and is practiced for physical and mental health throughout that part of the globe. Hatha takes on new meaning for those looking for religious and mental enlightenment through the practice of yoga, as it was developed as, for lack of better terms, a stepping stone to Raja/Astanga Yoga.

Power Yoga and Bikram Yoga

Several yoga practices have become popular in the western world, an include both power yoga and Bikram yoga. Power Yoga, depending on the instructor, is simply a method in which the postures are repeated, and/or held longer, in order to create a strength training program out of a yoga class or private study.

Bikram Yoga is also known as Hot Yoga, and was developed by Bikram Choudhury. It is generally practiced in a room that is heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with a relatively low humidity. The class is then led through a series of 26 postures. Due to the heat, the elasticity of the muscles are released to their full potential (based on each individual's personal potential), as the class continues. Such a class is great for muscle and mental endurance training, as well as for working on flexibility.

Goals and Point of a Yoga Practice

From enlightenment to tighter buns, yoga goals are as unique as the individual. Several people have strayed from practicing yoga because it has been derived from spiritual practices. Of course that's not a bad thing, but apparently some people are worried that they'll melt if they tune into something deeper than their biceps and triceps.

Truth be told, if you want faster results in a weight training program, or in a weight loss program, consider getting into a few yoga classes each week. Everyone from "Suzie Homemaker" in the Midwest to elite dancers in NYC, will experience that the more "types" of exercise you throw at the human body, the faster and more positive the muscles respond. This has to do with a little something known as Muscle Confusion.

Yoga Equipment

You don't need to take out a second mortgage to snag some great yoga equipment, and it all starts with a mat. Cheap enough and worth every penny! Guys new to the practice of yoga might catch themselves thinking, "I'll just tough it out on the hardwood...." Nope. It'll cost you less than 15 bucks, and save your knees and elbows from a terrible fate.

Going one step further, if you're the type of person who sweats a lot during physical exertion, consider a simple yoga mat blanket. Not only are blankets nice for absorbing sweat, water from a bottle, lotion from your hands, etc., they are a must if you're considering a Bikram class. As fun as "Slip 'n' Slides" are, that's the last thing you want your yoga mat to become during class.

Yoga Straps and Yoga Blocks are also very helpful for maintaining poses for longer durations while avoiding muscle strain in the process, and can be of great help to newcomers and the experienced alike.

List of Basic Yoga Poses

Uttanasana - Standing Forward Bend or Bend
Paschimottanasana - Intense stretch of the west
Adho Mukha Svanasana - Downward Facing Dog
Bhujangasana - Cobra
Dhanurasana - Bow
Halasana - Plow
Vajrasana - Diamond Pose
Shavasana - Corpse Pose
Trikonasana - Triangle Pose
Virabhadrasana I - Warrior I Pose
Virabhadrasana II - Warrior II Pose
Tadasana - Mountain Pose
Balasana - Child's Pose
Virasana

List of Advanced Yoga Poses

Bakasana - Crow/Crane Pose
Garudasana - Eagle Pose
Tittibhasana - Firefly Pose
Shirsasana - Head Stand
Pada Galavasana - Flying Crow Pose
Natarajasana - King Dancer Pose

Matty Byloos writes and manages the Green Blog known as: Green Eggs and Planet

By Paul Jerard

Sometimes, Yoga teachers are called in to a corporate facility, an office, or a manufacturing facility, to organize a stress management program. The management is forward thinking enough to realize absenteeism, tardiness, morale, and production, will improve, if employees can learn to manage their stress levels.

Very often, one of the first questions the employees will ask is, "Do we have to talk about what is bothering us?" Obviously, people do not want to discuss anything personal in a group session, with their co-workers.

The solution is for the Yoga teacher to make him or herself available for private or semi-private discussions. I mention semi-private, because sometimes a family member is present for these discussions.

In a large company, this can be very time-consuming. Therefore, this should be discussed with the company before one takes on the additional responsibility. There is also the option for students to meet with you for a private or semi-private consultation at your Yoga studio. Sometimes, solutions that seem obvious, from the outside, are not so easily found, from within, when we are stressed out.

For many of us, stress tends to have a cumulative effect on our health and well-being. Stress can cause violent outbursts and change our life for the worst. Small daily problems tend to add up over a period of time, until we feel like we are ready to "burst at the seams."

Some people keep their feelings to themselves. Unfortunately, this is much like placing a time bomb in the middle of a toxic waste dump. The more we hold our emotions in, the more likely we may lose our temper on an "off day."

Worse yet, we may become very aggressive toward someone who has nothing to do with the real problem. A good example of this is road rage. Some people become violent toward other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, on the road, but they do not know the people they threaten. The consequences of one violent action can be fatal or life altering.

Therefore, stress overload can potentially become a violent situation, and the cause should be identified, before it is too late. One way to have students track the situations, which cause them stress, is to have them carry a pocket diary. This may seem to be a useless exercise, at first, but a diary is a great way to track stress triggers in daily life.

Once the cause of a stressful internal conflict is identified, it is much easier for someone to find reasonable solutions. There are many forms of therapy for stress. Yoga is just one of them, but Yoga can work in conjunction with all of them.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

By Paul Jerard

It is important to understand that Yoga manages to lower stress levels - not eliminate them. Stress is a very natural survival process, because manageable stress motivates us to improve our lives. If humankind never felt stress, we might still be very content painting on the walls of caves.

Parents want to take all of the stress from their children's lives. While this is a noble cause, children also need a little stress to prosper in life. Parents should be responsive, compassionate, and take the time to give constructive guidance, but it should be realized that children become successful when they learn to overcome their challenges.

How would any of us be able to test our personal limitations without stress? If everything was handed to us, without any effort on our part, we would not be self-sufficient. We would be no different from a spoiled child, who receives an allowance for doing nothing.

Therefore, in regard to stress, the goal of Yoga is to reduce it to a manageable level. High levels of stress can cause head, back, and stomach aches, anxiety, trembling, vomiting, panic attacks, fainting, and worse.

Yoga teachers are equipped with many techniques to alleviate stress. Pranayama, mantra, japa, asana, meditation, mudra, proper diet, and relaxation, are useful aspects of the nine traditional branches of Indian Yoga. Coincidentally, all of these Yogic aspects can be refined separately, or in combination with each other, to make life less painful and less stressful.

After Yoga students experience the bliss of being able to reduce their stress levels, at will, they learn to appreciate life's ups and downs. It is hard for anyone to appreciate a challenge if they are overwhelmed by it.

Some people have reached a state, so full of anxiety, that they have lost touch with reality. Life can be so full of pain, panic, and anxiety, that it seems as if all hope is lost. Immediate solutions are needed - including a consultation with a counselor, family physician, or a therapist.

In this case, the student or client should also learn Yogic stress management techniques as soon as possible. Yoga teachers must teach students to experience a state of tranquility, before discussing the reality of a life with controlled or reduced stress.

If a man is dying of thirst in a hot, dry desert, it is extremely hard to convince him that he will find clean water over the next hill. The proof comes to him when he drinks the water and feels his body cool off. With that said, students must actually experience happiness, tranquility, and bliss, in our Yoga classes, for them to gain the insight of managing their stress levels.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA -http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com - He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

By Desiree Difabio

Book Clubs are always a great way to keep your brain active. So why not incorporate a way to keep your body active at the same time? In our busy world today, yoga is just the thing we need to slow down, relax, and take time to smell the roses.

In order to have a successful yoga book club, you must find 3-4 other members who are willing to get physical with you! By this I mean part of the goal of your group will be to discuss the yoga books you've chosen and the second part will be to share your favorite pose at each meeting. For those really ambitious groups, you can actually meet once a week and include a yoga class at the local gym as part of your meeting. Just so long as you go for a chai tea afterwards and not a milkshake!

There are two main spins on a yoga book club. You can choose to become "the yoga group" and participate in some variation of a yoga class, even if you teach it to each other, or you can be a yoga book group where most of the focus is on reading and most of the practicing the positions takes place on your own time.

This is a great idea for those people interested in taking up yoga but feeling a little unsure of where to begin. This is also a great idea for the very advanced yoga goers to come together and share their best tips and techniques. And if you're somewhere in the middle, well there are plenty of people there too! You can make it work at any stage.

Find full advice on starting a yoga book club.

Desiree, aka Queenie D is an English teacher, mom, and lover of books!

Want more information on book clubs? Looking for a book to read? Want to share something you've read? Visit http://www.book-club-queen.com for a fantastic adventure in reading!

By Paul Jerard

Just like any other subject that requires communication skills, you have to finely tune your speaking skills, if you want to become a Yoga teacher. Students will continue to come back to your classes because of interaction, social atmosphere, and intellectual stimulation.

The art and science of public speaking is still a major "drawing card," whenever people gather in groups. If you attend local meetings for charities, business, city government, public schools, or religious centers, you will notice a few speakers, who stand out from the rest.

Yoga sessions are no different because you are giving detailed instructions to your students. You demonstrate, cue, assist, and cue again. Sometimes fitness- based Yoga classes do not have the same public speaking aspect.

Granted, the Yoga instructor who is teaching a fitness-based class may be shouting out instructions, in between breaths, but much detailed information is missed, when a teacher is out of breath.

The key to better communication, in your classes, when you teach fitness, flow, Vinyasa, or power Yoga, is to demonstrate the first round. After that, walk around the room communicating and assisting your students. In this way, you are observing, helping, and maintaining a communication link, through clear instruction with your class.

As a result of your efforts to communicate, students will clearly understand that class time is set aside for them. When a Yoga instructor does not bother to communicate, assist, or make eye contact, a student may get the feeling he or she has become one of the outermost parts of the class.

This is a difficult situation for students, as they want recognition for their efforts. In life, this is what most of us want, from the moment we are born. There are some people who would demand all of your time, if you give it to them.

However, it should be noted that when you give your best effort to your class, as a collective group, you have done what is required. Yoga teachers who stay after class to answer questions are very special. Taking the time to spread the word of this science of life, which we know as "Yoga," is a noble cause indeed.

As teachers, each of us is different, and we will emphasize different aspects of Yoga, based upon our personal preferences. Yet, communication is an essential part of the skill-set required to become a Yoga teacher. With that said, your communication skills should be perfected to the point where they become a natural part of you.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

By Kate Cunningham

What sets yoga apart from any other form of physical exercise? The breathwork. The breathwork is the key that opens the door to transformation on every level. Through the breathwork, we create the mind/body experience, which brings every part of us into sync, all flowing together. Yoga restores not just the body but the mental, emotional and spiritual states of being as well, all through the use of the breath.

Let's look more closely at this body/mind experience. By "mind" in yoga, we are not talking about our thinking brain. We mean the total consciousness or intelligence within every atom of our being. In yoga, we send the "brain" on a much-deserved vacation and suspend analytical thinking altogether. We do this simply by focusing all of our attention on the breath, one breath at a time. It is not possible to think and to focus on your breath at the same time. But don't take my word for it. Prove it to yourself. Right now. Close your eyes and bring your awareness to your breath, just one deep, slow breath. Good. How do you feel? A little calmer? A little more relaxed? And after just one breath, mind you. Let's do it again, this time for three breaths. Make the breaths as long and deep as you can. Don't hurry them. Ok, close your eyes and go for it.

When we place our attention on the breath to the exclusion of all else, the body automatically begins to relax, creating effortless release of stress and tension. By working consciously with the breath as we do in yoga, we can access a deeply relaxed, expanded, meditative state of being. This can literally be measured in the brain waves, which shift from beta waves, or waking consciousness, to the more relaxed alpha or even theta waves in yoga, which promote automatic stress reduction. Focusing on the breath is, in fact, the simplest form of meditation. In effect, yoga is a moving meditation, which opens us effortlessly to deep transformation on all levels. During one practice, without even trying, we can let go of all kinds of excess emotional and mental "stress-baggage" that piles up inside as a by-product of daily life. As we clear ourselves, pure "prana" the Sanscrit word for "life force", begins to flow through our being and open us up so that new possibilities can emerge.

The challenge for every one of us is just that - to still the endless ramblings of our thinking mind that race relentlessly, even haphazardly from one thought to another. Paradoxically, by quieting ourselves, we improve mental clarity. Listening to a CD on a road trip recently, I was startled to hear that we have over 60,000 thoughts a day and 95% of them were thoughts we had yesterday! Now that gave me pause for thought...hmmm...what exactly do I think about all day...yes, that and oh yes, too, and ohmygod not that again...as I continued the litany, witnessing my own un-harnessed mental process. Alright, then, I'll stop thinking right here and now. So as I ribboned a path through the verdant, rolling hills of northern California, I began a breath in and a breath out with no thoughts at all, placidly observing the black cows speckling the emerald hills, the abundant mighty oaks, the crisp blue sky, so calmly present and connected to it all. Rest assured, it wasn't long before I found myself sucked back into the vortex, wondering whose dinner table those cows might end up on and what was an Angus steak anyway and were these the organic variety and what was a cow's lifespan...and on and on until I became conscious that my momentary serenity had been surreptitiously snatched by no one but me - thief of my own peace of mind! Befuddled and amused, I could only surrender to my own humanity and reaffirm my dedication to shut that little bugger up for good one of these days, although I knew which day that would be - the day I went up in smoke. I took a few more breaths in the moment, gratefully acknowledging the ancients who gifted us with the practice of yoga in the first place to still the noise, soften the shoulders and loosen the brain knots.

Yoga is called a way of life, a practice that becomes internalized over time. Remembering to consciously use the breathwork as a tool in our everyday lives, we can instantly access the same peace, presence and grounding that we find in our practice. As master of our ship, the breath is a trusty compass that can redirect us as we navigate life's inevitable storms. And so, remember your breath the next time you feel the turbulence gathering around you. Remember it and use it, one breath at a time. It could well be the difference between a shipwreck and a successful passage.

Kate Cunningham has worked as a visual artist, singer, songwriter (ASCAP), record producer, businesswoman and teacher of yoga (CYT) and meditation for many years. A published poet and author of many articles, she is currently writing a book on meditation and intuitive development. In addition to her yoga/meditation business, http://www.thebodymindadventure.com she owns and operates Kate Cunningham Company, http://www.katecunninghamcompany.com which manufactures one-of-a-kind, art furniture for the high-end trade. Clients include architectural and design firms, corporations and collectors and she is a vendor for Polo/Ralph Lauren Corp., who sell her unique tree stump tables in their retail stores worldwide.

By Paul Jerard

When training to become a Yoga teacher, many people struggle with public speaking. Even if we are able to get the right words out, we may be looking for the right volume, tone, or voice inflection, at the right time.

What can you do if your voice makes you sound like a drill sergeant barking out commands in a Yoga class? Your voice may be naturally assertive, which is great in life, but difficult for projecting a serene mood in a Yoga class.

You may want to practice with an audio recorder to change the tone. Perhaps you are uncomfortable, when you initially teach, and it changes your tone, or causes you to speak faster. Slowing your speech down will require practice. You may also want to try meditation before teaching your classes.

What can you do if your voice is too soft to carry itself across the room? In this case, you will have to raise the volume of your voice, without over compensating. For many people, it is not easy to find a balance, in their voice, without some form of voice coaching from their teacher trainer.

Usually, the speaker's state of mind has an influence on his or her speech. Here are some examples of mental preparation for speaking in front of a Yoga class or to a larger audience. Once you look at these points, you will feel more comfortable talking at the front of your Yoga class.

Mentally connect with your class by looking each student in the eyes. Observe all of them as individuals and scan the room. Start to become conscious of each student as a separate individual. Address their needs and problems, with each individual in mind.

Talk to your students as if they were guests in your living room. You want to establish trust and a rapport in your classes as soon as possible. Make them aware that class time is their time.

If you practice speaking at home, look at yourself in the mirror. What is your facial expression? Do you move your body as you speak? Did you realize your hands are public speaking props?

You should have a natural smile when you speak to your students. Your hands and your head should move naturally; especially, when you are making a point. It is not an accident, when a Yoga teacher captures the attention of a class or a large crowd.

Some Yoga teachers will go through the motions, while others learn to master their communication skills. The most positive part of your character must be present in every Yoga class you teach. Once this is achieved, you will capture the attention of each student.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

By Anmol Mehta

Most of us live very busy and hectic lives. If you are married, have children, have a job, you are going to be busy and even if you don't have all these commitments, you are probably busy nonetheless. Throw in other activities you may be participating in, such as higher education, a fitness routine, other hobbies & interests, sports, blogging etc., and 24 hours starts to seem like awfully little time per day. Unfortunately, what seems to often get sacrificed in keeping up with the rat race is the one thing that should not, your daily spiritual practice. So in this article I will give some handy tips on how you can get more Yoga and Meditation practice into your busy lives by doing some clever multitasking.

Of the many yoga pranayama breathing exercises there are, I think the following 2 stand apart: Breath of Fire Yoga Pranayama & Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama. These 2 pranayamas have an encyclopedic list of benefits and what's best about them is that they are both simple to do and easy to incorporate into your daily life... specially when you are driving!

Yes that's right... driving. Obviously DO NOT do these breathing exercises if it at all affects your driving, but, generally speaking since driving is mostly automatic for most of us, it provides the perfect opportunity for getting in some additional spiritual work.

A car really is pretty conducive for such pranayama practice. You are already sitting up, so just straighten your spine (use a lumbar cushion if you need to), you have music available so put on some inspirational tunes, you have a clock to time yourself and you even have a fan to stay cool. What more can you ask for?

If you have family in the car with you, great, you can all practice together, why not. Both Breath of Fire pranayama and Kapalbhati pranayama are breathing exercises that activate energy pathways within you and increase your energy, so there is no risk of them making you sleepy or drowsy. Really, no significant modification is needed to practice either pranayama while driving so take advantage of this time and give it a try.

To practice Breath of Fire, begin to breathe rapidly through the nose putting equal emphasis on the inhalation and the exhalation. Allow the stomach and diaphragm to stay relaxed and simply pulse to the rhythm of the breath. It is important in breath of fire to not force the air in very deep, but instead keep it at the tip of nose and just breathe rapidly.

To practice Kapalbhati pranayama, again keep everything relaxed and simply expel the air forcefully through your nose, then allow the inhalation to take place as a simple passive recoil. As you exhale forcefully, pull your abdominal muscles in towards your spine, and as you inhale just allow them to re-expand naturally.

If there are other pranayama exercises you are doing, they too might be suitable to do while driving. So be creative and see if driving is conducive to incorporating them. So as you are getting to your physical destination continue to make progress towards your spiritual destination as well.

Anmol Mehta is a Yoga Teacher & Zen Expert. See Free Yoga Exercise Videos and explore Free Kundalini Yoga Poses & Exercises on his extensive Meditation and Yoga site, Kundalini Yoga.

This article is available for reprint on your website and/or newsletter, provided it is not changed and you include the author's signature.

By James Chen

Has chronic back pain taken control of your life? It can, and for those who suffer, it is both mental and physical misery. As one who has had to deal with lower back pain for a number of years, I promise you it is true. A back injury while I was still a teenager changed all of the muscular skeletal relationships in my back and hips. As a result, when I get out of shape and put on a few unwanted pounds, the muscles from my neck to my knees let me know it.

Several years past I jogged outdoors, on my gym's track and on my treadmill. For those who can do it, I submit that TV shows on tape and a treadmill session go together like vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce! Zap out the commercials and what's left provides a forty-eight minute warm up, workout, and cool down. Perfect! When joint issues slowed me to walking on the treadmill, this was still a great session but finally the joints won. Not only walking but also other milder forms of exercise like my beloved golf went by the wayside and exercise was limited to resistance bands. This was a problem until I turned to the Yoga. In the practice of this 5000-year-old art, I found not only an exercise program but a stress management program as well.

For so many people today, muscle pain in the neck, shoulders and back is directly linked to the role those muscles play in carrying the weight of our emotions and stress. When your back pain is not due to injury or illness, but is a result of the link between our emotional and physical selves, Yoga is a perfect practice to turn to for relief. At the heart of the art of Yoga, are the poses and positions that can reset the body with improved balance, flexibility, and posture. Moreover, there are poses that help relax and calm the mind as well as the body. The principles and practice of Yoga enhance our awareness of our body messages and provides us the tools and the means to respond to what our pain is telling us.

When tense back muscles act out like an angry child, misery is our company. These tense muscles need to relax and the regular practice of Yoga delivers the combinations of stretching, flexibility, and strengthening that can renew the muscles and relieve your back pain. A report in the December 2005 edition of the Annals of Internal Medicine indicated that Yoga might be a more effective exercise prescription for the relief of lower back pain than traditional strength, resistance and aerobic exercise programs.

If back pain and joint issues have derailed your past fitness routines, learn about Yoga. The Gentle Yoga and Chair Yoga sessions are perfect for beginners and for those who need to ease back into a fitness regime. Both your back and your mind will thank you.

James Chen is a long-time Yoga practitioner.

His new website Yoga Revealed is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about this ancient healing practice.

By Sheryl Walters

It is very rare that we are able to see the world upside down, and regularly viewing the world from this angle can bring a variety of amazing benefits to our life.

Headstand and Yoga for Skin Care

Turning ourselves upside down is not only an amazing practice for health...but for beauty. A headstand can reduce facial wrinkles, and if practiced regularly, is a natural 'face-lift'. This is because it reverses the effects of gravity and allows the skin to rest in the other direction.

Furthermore, yoga for skin care increases the circulation to the face, which brings much needed nutrients and oxygen to rejuvenate and remove wrinkle causing toxins. The result is smoother, clearer, brighter & glowing skin.

Thicker Hair, Fewer Grays

Headstand can actually convert gray hair back to its natural color! It will certainly delay the onset of gray hair. This is due to the increase in blood supply and nutrients to the hair follicles in the scalp.

Balding can also be prevented or slowed, and thicker, healthier hair is produced.

Balanced Hormones and Endocrine System

Headstand stimulates and provides refreshed blood to the pituitary and hypothalamus glands. The health and strength of these glands are absolutely vital to our wellbeing, as they are the master glands and regulate the functioning of all the other glands in the body including the sexual hormones (better sex!), the thyroid, pineal, and the adrenals.

The powerful stress releasing effects of the headstand (you can't really be depressed if you're standing on your head!) further rebalance the adrenal glands so physical and emotional health is improved.

Better Circulation

Besides the positive effects of yoga for skin care, the improved circulation of headstands exercise the heart and encourage venous return. Because the heart constantly has to pump blood upward to the brain, the headstand gives the heart a rest and reduces heart strain.

Increased Brain Function

Headstand soaks the brain cells with fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients. This increases your thinking power, clarity, memory, concentration, and the sensory faculties. Brain tissues do not degeneration with regular practice.

Balanced Nervous System

Research has shown that an ischemic stroke never results for those who consistently do headstand! (If nothing else, that will get me on my head)

It can also prevent the occurrence of atherosclerotic, Parkinson's disease, and other diseases of the nervous system. Senile changes in brain are prevented. It calms the brain and helps relieve stress and depression. It is a centering, calming and soothing pose.

A Healthy Lymphatic System

Headstand encourages the drainage of lymphatic fluid so the whole body is regularly detoxified.

Strong Immune System

Recently, I blogged about how much healthier I have been since regularly practicing yoga. Headstands are one of the postures proven to strengthen your immune system.

Respiratory System

Headstands in yoga encourage deep breathing and create healthier lung issue.

Digestive System

Standing on our heads tones and cleans digestive organs. It cleanses congested blood and toxins from them. Fresh warm blood invigorates the cells and can help people overcome problems of the liver, kidneys, stomach, intestines and reproductive system.

Musculo skeletal system

Headstand strengthens the spine, neck, shoulders and arms. The muscular system of the abdomen and legs are toned.

DefyAgeNaturally.com

Sheryl Walters is an experienced holistic health expert.

Her blog combines the world's most up to date scientific research on how to stay young naturally in both mind and body with a heartfelt, personal touch. When we have the right information and take some dedicated action, we can be in charge of our health and our aging process.

By Robin Brain

This means relying on the Divine Will, by ascribing the effects of whatever one does to Divine Providence. This attitude, if properly and faithfully developed, relieves an individual of tension, because of the habit to accept everything as the will of God. It is a good means for those who have faith in the existence of a Supreme Being as a Creator and Governor of the whole universe. They can relinquish the burden of fear and worry by developing a reliance on God's will.

It may be said that the list of the positive and negative aspects of viragya as considered above, is not exhaustive, and we can add many more qualities to the list. But that is not very important, as all such qualities, in fact. exhibit one and the same basic fact namely, peace of mind.

We shall now consider the third behavioral aspect, which, although inseparable from vairagya as such deserves a few words. This is the aspect called pratyahara. It indicates a withdrawal of the senses and mind from the objects of enjoyment. The five cognitive senses,' namely, the organs of sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste, grasp specific stimuli alone. For example, the organ of sight grasps light rays, the organ of hearing grasps sound waves, and so on. Pratyahara means a withdrawal of the sense organs from their respective areas. This does not, of course, mean that a student of yoga actually stops seeing, or hearing, or touching objects of experience. That is not the idea implied in pratyahara. It really means a detachment of the mind. i.e. a complete cessation of the urge for enjoyment, which is exactly the meaning of viragya.

Such viragya has been described in the Gita as a powerful and pointed instrument useful in cutting the tree of samsara It is said further that "wise men whose minds have become pure by washing away all the impurities accruing from attachment, infatuation, cravings, etc., and who have become free of all opposites like pleasure and pain, can reach the highest place of God, from where there is never any return." Vairagya is thus the beginning of yoga. It is indispensable for those whose interest in yoga is deep is profound. Everyone who aspires for making progress on the spmtua pat must, therefore, see carefully how far he has acquired this quality of detachment and peace, because as long as this quality has not developed in one's mind, whatever he does in the field of yoga has really no meaning at all.The great Shankaracharya has rightly declared (Viveka Chudamani, ) that "even though one is well-versed in all the branches of knowledge, he does not become fit for liberation unless he is a man of vairagya." Vairagya is thus the most essential mark of a yogi.

Read more on Yoga for weight loss. Check out for folding treadmills and arthritis treatment.

By Prahalad Singh

Benefits Forcibly gets rid of stale air and toxins in the bottom of the lungs

Focus Keep your chest as low to the ground as you can for as long as you can before arching your body. Hiss as loudly as you can for maximum benefit. Once in the extended forward position with your arms locked, keep lengthening and stretching through your abdominal muscles as you hiss.

Sit on your heels on the floor. Lean forward and stretch your arms out in front of you, palms flat on the floor. Inhale.

Exhaling strongly through your mouth (making a hissing sound), slide your chin and chest forward along the floor. Keep your hips low.

Push up with your arms, and support your body on locked elbows; drop your head backward, arch your back, and stretch through your abdomen. Continue hissing until you empty your lungs completely.

When you run out of breath, inhale while you sit back on your heels, arms extended in front of you, palms flat on the floor.

Repeat Hissing Cobra 6 more times, hissing as you slide forward and inhaling as you sit back on your heels. Do not take any extra breaths in between.

Sit back on your heels with your arms outstretched and your head on the floor. Rest, and notice how clean your lungs feel.

Star Stretch- Improves Circulation to the Abdominal Area

The act of consciously tensing and releasing your muscles makes you more aware of the difference between the two and of how good relaxation can feel.

Benefits Improves circulation to the abdominal area

Releases tension across the abdomen, chest, and back to make breathing easier and deeper

Focus Focus on extending and tensing every muscle, even those of your face. As you tense your muscles, visualize your body as being as taut as a guitar string. As you release the tension, visualize yourself as being as soft as a rag doll.

Lie on the floor on your back with your arms and legs spread wide, palms facing up your body should resemble the shape of a starfish.

Inhale deeply, then exhale. Hold your breath for 7 counts as you stretch and lengthen through your arms, pressing the backs of your hands into the floor. Leave your legs soft.

Release and relax.

Inhale, then exhale. Hold your breath for a count of 7 as you stretch and lengthen through your legs while pointing your toes to the floor. Leave your upper body soft. Press your lower back to the floor, and tighten your abdominal muscles and buttocks.

Release and relax.

Inhale, then exhale. Hold your breath for 7 counts as you stretch through your right arm and left leg diagonally through your body, pointing your toes and fingers.

Release and relax.

Inhale, then exhale. Hold your breath for 7 counts as you stretch through your left arm and right leg diagonally through your body, pointing your toes and fingers. Exhale and relax.

Inhale, then exhale. Hold your breath for 7 counts, as you stretch through your arms and legs. Flatten the backs of your hands and your back to the floor, and tighten every muscle in your body, including those of your face.

Relax by practicing 3 Full Yoga Breaths.

For more info about free yoga exercises and vitamin uses have a look at authors site. Also get information about bodybuilding routines

By Ian James Bennett

Doing yoga regularly will make you feel better about your body as it will tone muscles, reduce stress, makes you stronger and more flexible and will improve your physical and mental well being. Yoga exercises have been around for years but does it help you to lose weight?

Yoga will make you stronger but it will not raise your heart rate enough for it to reduce weight dramatically. There are many different yoga types with some more beneficial to weight loss than others. Iyengar yoga is where you hold a particular pose for several minutes helping flexibility but it will not help to much in the process of losing weight. In order to lose weight you need to raise your heart rate and burn calories while eating healthy. A lot of people include yoga in their workouts as it does help to improve your overall health. In order to lose weight using yoga you will need to do a vigorous 90 minute workout at least 3 -4 times a week.

The type of yoga that will help you to shed some pounds is called vinyasa-style yoga. This is based on a series of poses called sun salutations. Vinyasa uses a few yoga styles which will make you sweat and get your heart pumping. For the purpose of weight loss you could try these yoga types:

Ashtanga

This is good for weight loss as it is a very vigorous yoga type. Most people who practice ashtanga are very dedicated and people who want to take ths up are recommended to sign up for a series of lessons. Once you have learned all the positions it can be practiced at home but it will have to be done regularly for you to see the benefits from it.

Power Yoga

This is probably the most popular type of yoga for weight loss as it involves a vigorous cardiovascular workout.

Hot Yoga

What this does is uses vinyasa yoga in a hot room. This will make you sweat helping to lose weight and make you more healthy.

If you are new to yoga it is best to start off with a beginners class and work your way up to the harder stuff. If you cannot go to yoga classes there are plenty of good yoga videos about where you can copy the poses shown from your own home.

Ian Bennett operates http://www.megaweightlossplan.com, a blog about weight loss. He loves giving away stuff and right now when you sign up you will get a great Newsletter. and its all FREE!

Check it out at: http://www.megaweightlossplan.com

By Prahalad Singh

Hip Rotation

Benefits

Nourishes and opens up the hips fully

Tones the muscles of the waist

Focus

Keep your legs strong, so that you feel steady to rotate your hips as widely as you can without upsetting your balance.

Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhaling, circle your arms overhead, and bring your palms together. Interlock your fingers, with index fingers pointing up.

Look up at your hands. With your pointed fingers, "draw" a small, imaginary circle on the ceiling in a clockwise direction. Move your hips at the same time, also in a clockwise direction.

Make a slightly larger circle, with your arm and hip movements still coordinated.

Make progressively larger circles until you have completed 7 circles. With each rotation, stretch and lengthen through your arms and fingers as you bend forward, sideways, and backward. Bend fully in each direction until you feel your waist and back muscles begin to work. On the last rotation, your interlocked fingers should come low to the floor as you bend forward.

Pause and rest.

Start "drawing" large circles, close to the ground, in a counterclockwise direction. Make progressively smaller circles as you come back to the starting position, with your arms directly above your head.

Repeat the sequence in reverse, starting with small counterclockwise circles that get progressively larger, then making large clockwise circles that get progressively smaller.

Drop your arms to your sides, shrug your shoulders, and relax.

Liver-Stimulating Exercise

Benefit Increases the circulation and flow of prana to the liver to improve its function

Focus Firmly massage your abdomen.

Stage 1 Stand with your feet hip-width part. Place the palm of your right hand on your right upper abdomen, at the base of your rib cage.

Stage 2 Press your palm across the middle of your abdomen along your lower rib bones.

Push your palm up to your breastbone, to the left about 6 inches, down your lower rib bones, and back across to the right lower rib bones. (This pushing from right to left and back again constitutes one repetition.)

Repeat this movement firmly 36 times.

Kidneys This simple Chinese exercise should be done in the morning.

Benefits Stimulates the adrenal glands and the kidneys by increasing circulation and the flow of prana

Improves eyesight

Keeps the skin smooth

Strengthens libido

Focs Imagine the heat and energy flowing from your hands into your kidneys to promote healing.

Kidney Massage Stand with your feet hip-width apart, and lean forward a little. Rub the palms of your hands vigorously together to bring warmth into your hands and fingers, then place your hands over the small of your back.

Massage the small of your back by rubbing up and down, then in a circular motion around your lower back for 1 minute.

Pummel Kidneys Clench your fists, and pummel the small of your back for approximately 1 minute.

Repeat this alternating massaging and pummeling action for 1 minute at a time until you have completed 5 minutes, total, of both movements.

Do you wish to know more about yoga and exercise or bodybuilding tips? Then have a look at authors site on which you will also find vitamins for health

By Cathy Seiler

Yoga is a wonderful practice that can deliver many benefits. Yoga is widely practiced all over the world and as of today is a very popular method for getting great exercise.

Yoga not only exercises your body, but you mind and soul as well. Yoga physical exercises go hand in hand with yoga meditations. This was started out in India so long ago you might not even believe it. They have found artifacts that depict people in Yoga positions that date back to 3000BC.

The most common practiced form of Yoga is western countries is Hatha Yoga. Which is the form of Yoga based mostly on exercises and positions. The popularity of this has boomed due to the enormous benefits that those who practice it receive.

Students practicing Hatha Yoga see improved strength, lowered stress, lower body fat, and all the other benefits of getting regular exercise.

Getting into the basics...

If you have decided to give Yoga a try, then welcome and good for you. There are several places in just about every city to find a good Yoga practitioner. Take your time and find one that you like and feel comfortable with. Before you start here are some basic tips.

Make sure to wear loose and comfortable clothing. You will be moving you body a lot and this is essential.

Just like any other exercise activity, I would suggest doing it on an empty stomach.

Pay close attention to any position or exercise that is painful. Yoga is not supposed to be painful, so if something gives you the sensation of pain then you need to ease into that position and avoid injury.

Try to have a clear mind. The sensations of a good Yoga exercises should leave your mind relieved of stress when by the time you are finished. Focus on your body and your breathing during the exercises. This will help you reach that point.

Take your time when finding a Yoga studio or other place that offers Yoga. A good studio is well ventilated and lit. Most importantly is that you like your instructor. So dive into it. One thing about Yoga that is so great is that I can promise you once you start, you will see nothing but good things from practicing it.

Want to learn more about yoga and how to choose a quality yoga kit? Please visit yoga mat kit for more info.

By Duane Flowers

Reiki and Yoga are both first and foremost paths to Enlightenment. Although many people who are currently practicing them seem unaware of this and are thus deriving only a fraction of the benefit that they might were they to follow the paths these modalities were originally designed for. In this article I would like to discuss exactly what enlightenment is, and how Reiki and Yoga can assist practitioners in experiencing it.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a spiritual discipline that was developed in Japan by Mikao Usui at the end of the 19th Century. While on a quest for spiritual enlightenment, Usui discovered he had the ability to channel energies that were able to dissolve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual blocks in the energy systems of others. This energy channel could be opened in other people, just by attuning their energy systems to it through a series of energetic manipulations. Physical healing is derived by dissolving energy blocks which are preventing the body from healing itself and since they are the easiest to perform, many Reiki practitioners ignore the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects... which is unfortunate as they are where most people are currently in need of assistance.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a spiritual system that was developed in India approximately 5,000 years ago. It consists of eight branches, namely yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhayana and samadhi the following of which begins with simple rules to living ones life, physical poses, breathing exercises, and the development of the ability for the level of deep concentration/meditation necessary for spiritual enlightenment. The physical poses (asanas) are the easiest to understand and master, however, they are just one part of this system, and while development of this aspect alone can yield tremendous physical results, the development of the other branches are basically being ignored, which again, is a shame, since this is where most people are in need of assistance.

What is Enlightenment?

Spiritual Enlightenment is the realization that you are part of a bigger whole... that you are connected to the universe, and to everything in it, just as a leaf is part of a tree. It is so simple, yet so difficult, because just as we begin to realize this or catch a glimpse of it (sattori in Japanese), something blocks it from remaining obvious and we are again shrouded in darkness and apprehension. The Buddha referred to enlightenment as the end of suffering because it is this sense of dis-connectedness that is the root of all suffering. Volumes have been written on this mysterious realization which do it much more justice than I can in such a short space... I would highly recommend the works of Ramana Maharshi, Nisargadatta Maharaj, J. Krishnamurti and more recently Eckhart Tolle for a more complete understanding.

What is the Connection?

More detail on the history of Reiki can be found here and more detail on Yoga can be found here, but in a nutshell, Reiki and Yoga are both spiritual disciplines either of which will yield the sought after results, yet as such they require dedication and perseverance to master and reap the rewards. Disciplines such as these may seem daunting, but only if results are demanded immediately. If approached with patience and determination the end of the road is reached soon enough, at which point one finds they have a decision to make... and a new journey to embark upon. The good news is that every day more and more people are reaching this realization (as opposed to 100 years ago when very few found success and even fewer were able to guide others in its mastery) and assistance can be found everywhere. When you do find the key (which may very well be unique for you) you will wonder how it was ever possible that you never noticed it before... it was there all along, you just never seemed to connect the dots. Reiki and Yoga are both specifically designed to help you find that key... are you looking for it?

Duane Flowers, PhD, is a Reiki Master who has been living in Japan and studying Reiki for over 12 years. He has studied and worked with some of the top Reiki and Yoga teachers and experts in the world and continues to devote time every day to furthering the understanding and practice of Reiki healing. Duane's new Reiki blog is located at http://reiki.whatitallbelike.com where all comments and questions about Reiki are truly welcome.