Yoga Articles

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Monday, 12th November 2007 @ 6:35 PM

Yoga teachers are some of the best "story tellers" of our time. Telling stories, and capturing the imagination of a crowd, is an art. In ancient times, this was the way news traveled from village to village. Cultures differ, but stories, prayers, and songs, were a big part of ancient communication. We live at a time, when Internet communication is instant, but social skills are hampered by technological advancement. It is unfortunate that with all the tools at hand, for brilliance... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Monday, 12th November 2007 @ 5:35 PM

Many Yoga classes end on a positive note. Some of the methods a Yoga teacher might use, to end a class, are relaxation, meditation, affirmations, or a reading of profound philosophy. These methods may be used separately, or in combination with each other, but let's take a closer look at the power of positive affirmations. Once upon a time, a business associate told me, "You can't just put on rose colored glasses and wish the world to be a good place." My answer was, &quo... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Monday, 12th November 2007 @ 5:35 PM

Yoga classes, of any style, require persistence and fortitude. Many students try a class, but they do not stay long enough to learn that Yoga is deep, and can be very rewarding, beyond the physical level. Many Yoga instructors have been teaching so long that they forget to mention the character building components of Yoga training. Good character is a "skill set," which a Yoga student can carry around for life. Unfortunately, aging is a major factor in our physical appearance and ... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Monday, 12th November 2007 @ 5:34 PM

Kids Yoga programs, and Kids Yoga classes, work on many aspects of Yoga; but the most important aspects are those that build character. These aspects are integrity, patience, tolerance, respect, and compassion. The importance of all of these character-building aspects should be mentioned by your Yoga teacher. As the saying goes, "You lead by example." Integrity is complete honesty. To be completely ethical in behavior, traditions, and relationships, has never been the "easy ro... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Monday, 12th November 2007 @ 4:18 PM

Where does a student of Yoga start his or her practice? What is the foundation of Yoga practice? Why do so many Yoga classes and teachers avoid approaching the foundation of Yoga? Where does a student of Yoga start his or her practice? Much like the desire to learn Yoga, the practice of any form, or style, of Yoga, comes from within the self. You should seek a Yoga teacher to act as a guide. Not all forms of Yoga are physical, but if physical mastery is what you seek, there are Hatha, Raj... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Monday, 12th November 2007 @ 4:17 PM

Yoga training for interns and teachers can differ, but so can the mindset of the participants. For some Yoga instructors, the initial training is a "spring board" toward future achievement. There are Yoga teacher graduates who get more out of the same Yoga teacher certification program than others. So, what are the secrets to their success? The following are useful tips for interns seeking a Level 1 Yoga teacher's diploma, but they will also be of value to existing Yoga teach... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Monday, 12th November 2007 @ 4:16 PM

In Yoga classes, we learn about karma, which means, "to act." The Law of Karma is the law of action. Often, we hear simple explanations of karma as good or bad, but what about inaction? Inaction can also be good or bad, depending on the situation. There are times when it is good to think before we talk. With all the various thoughts in the "Monkey Mind," it is best that some of those are not put into action. On the other hand, if your friend is drowning in water, ov... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Sunday, 11th November 2007 @ 8:33 PM

Could Yoga help you deal with life's daily failures. Have you ever taken a close look at set-backs? Do you see a trail of defeat and feel sorry for yourself? Most of us do, so you would not be alone, but would you be in good company? Remember the saying, "Misery loves company." Maybe you need better company. Here is a Yogic twist on misery, failure, and set-backs - Look forward to them and accept them. This is the Niyama we know as Santosha. Why should we accept or look forwa... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Sunday, 11th November 2007 @ 8:33 PM

When we are around children, and watch them grow over time; we can see the change from a happy child to a moody young adult. What happens to humans, as we grow into adults? Why does a child enjoy life so much, and then, suddenly start worrying about everything? Yoga helps us recapture our youth and enjoy each moment of life. Yoga has many methods to bring about states of joy and tranquility. Dr. Madan Kataria, from Mumbai, India, has a reliable method for getting in touch with your "i... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Friday, 9th November 2007 @ 6:39 PM

When a Yoga student is taught how to practice Yoga off the mat, self-realization will change his or her perspective of life. People, who are successful, do not wait for opportunity to come "knocking on their doors." This is a major shift in mind-set from the average person, because the average person hopes for an opportunity, instead of pursuing it. The difference between a seeker and a finder is very vast. The seeker searches for opportunities, but the finder locates them. more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Friday, 9th November 2007 @ 6:38 PM

All forms of Yoga deliver tranquility to us, but what if life is not happy right now? How can the average person learn to change his or her attitude by practicing Yoga? What is the Yogic method for dealing with failure and keeping your spirits up? Let's look at some Yogic methods to change our lives for the best right now. Life is exposure to many situations and people, but we do not always have control over everything. Some people feel helpless, depressed, and stressed out by life, ... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Friday, 9th November 2007 @ 6:38 PM

Once in a while, someone will make the connection about the historical roots of Hatha Yoga and Hinduism. Statements have been made that Yoga and Hinduism are one in the same. In truth, many ashrams do cover Hindu scripture, but that is a real rarity within a Western style Yoga studio. Also, be aware that Christian ashrams also exist, so not all ashrams are the same. To "push the envelope" further, some religious fundamentalists will say that Yoga is the "advanced scouting part... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Friday, 9th November 2007 @ 5:25 PM

In Yoga, the Sattvic diet is considered to be a very important issue for the holistic health of a Yoga practitioner. When most people consider the term, "diet," mental images of boring food, torture, and weight loss come to mind. Yet, healthy eating can be prepared tastefully. As a result of good taste, we will look forward to each of our meals and continue to eat healthy on a daily basis. Diet has also been proven to affect behavior. Studies of human and animal behavior indicate ... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Anmol Mehta @ Friday, 9th November 2007 @ 4:50 PM

What exactly are Chakras? How do they function? How can they be worked on? This article will look to answer these and other key questions regarding them, as well as give an overview of each of the Chakras that make up the powerful Kundalini Yoga Seven Chakra System. Although, books can easily be written on this topic this document will concentrate on providing the most important aspects of this profound science. Charkas are the center piece of the Yogic Energetic model of man. Chakra, whi... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Thursday, 8th November 2007 @ 6:52 PM

Choosing the right Yoga teacher, and a compatible Yoga style, is more complicated than most people realize. Most Yoga students should first research through the many Yoga styles available, in their local area, to determine which will best suit their needs. There are many to choose from, when you consider there are nine main Yoga styles from India. These nine main styles are: Bhakti, Raja, Karma, Jnana, Hatha, Kundalini, Tantra, Yantra, and Mantra Yoga. Each of these Yoga styles places dif... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Thursday, 8th November 2007 @ 6:50 PM

Have you ever wondered how some Yoga students manage to immediately take action, with just a tiny bit of encouragement; while others depend on each Yoga class to lift their spirits? What causes some Yoga practitioners to raise their vision, so easily? Let's look at the secret and formula of inspiration. Firstly, everyone needs goals of some kind. Goals serve us as measured bench marks of our personal progress in life. If our life is to have meaning, and purpose, we have to pursue a g... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Thursday, 8th November 2007 @ 6:50 PM

Everyone can lose their temper; even long time Yoga practitioners can become angry, so what is the secret to becoming a "peace maker." For some people, being even tempered is a gift. They were born cool, calm, and collected, but there is also a formula for "keeping the peace." Adults are much better at this than children; children are sometimes proud of their temper tantrums. Yet, adults learn to control their tempers and to avoid potential conflicts - even though anger an... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Thursday, 8th November 2007 @ 6:50 PM

Yoga is a great relief from feelings of anxiety, but anxiety is part of life; and some of us have more anxiety than others. No matter how many years you practice Yoga, you are still human. You are bound to feel feelings of frustration, angst, irritation, and anxiety. Most people think that Yoga practice will make these negative feelings disappear, but that is not entirely true. Some people think that Yoga will aid you to throw negative feelings into separate compartments, but that is not ... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Thursday, 8th November 2007 @ 6:50 PM

Lately, there has been a fuss over who has a right to become a Yoga teacher; but let's look at some of the variables to consider if you desire to teach Yoga. Consider the following questions, "from both sides of the Yoga certification debate." Do you have the correct Yoga lineage? This is interesting because - what exactly is the correct Yoga lineage? There are so many styles of Yoga and many sub-styles of those Yoga styles. In general, you should know who your Yoga teachers ... more...

Fitness » Yoga | By Paul M. Jerard Jr. @ Thursday, 8th November 2007 @ 6:49 PM

How could Yoga help you create the world from within? Here is a riddle: What is the number one objective of all men and women? Once you find it, possession of it will be difficult. Your Yoga practice will help you find and retain it. Here is a hint: People will give anything and everything to possess it, but it is illusive, a rare find, and not easy to hold onto. In a "nutshell," it is "happiness." As a matter of fact, happiness is the number one objective of humankind, bu... more...