Naked Yoga: Bare it All and Improve Your Life

September 13th, 2011

Naked Yoga is gaining popularity

What do your clothes do for you? Besides protecting you from the elements, they provide you with a sense of identity.

They disguise perceived flaws, and they help you to fit in with the crowd. So, why on earth would you want to shed yourself of your clothing in order to practice yoga?

Naked yoga has become more and more popular recently, especially in western countries. While many prefer to practice their nude asanas at home, others bravely bare it all at naked yoga classes.

They soon discover that having had the ability to shed the shelter and disguise that clothing provides comes with its benefits!

Despite the somewhat prudish mindset of many people, naked yoga has really taken on over the last twenty years or so.

This is not surprising, since it is among the many ancient yogic traditions that have become more and more popular as time passes.

What’s old is new again, and what was once viewed as outlandish behavior is now considered to be acceptable.

Naked yoga was brought to the Western world during the 1960’s.

It was first introduced into progressive wellness centers, such as California’s Esalen Intstitute, during the 1960’s. It was even featured in some films, like 1968’s Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice, the Harrad Experiment, and even a 1974 film titled “Naked Yoga”

Despite this, the practice of naked yoga was slow to take took root, as many people were afraid to shed their outer selves!

Today, in the United States, a number of men and women have begun a daily or weekly practice of yoga, and as more and more people discover its benefits, the number of people who dare to bare it all with naked yoga has increased as well!

Once they get over any initial sense of embarrassment or discomfort, most of those who give naked yoga a try are hooked – they find that their sense of relaxation increases, and they enjoy the sense of personal freedom that the practice provides.

“Midnight Yoga For Men” was introduced in New York City by an American yogi called Jayadev.

This focused on so-called Sadhus in the Buff, which was particularly attractive to others who were curious about its benefits.

Ever since 1998, when this practice became popular in New York, it has been taking hold in other cities as well.

George Monty Davis started his own group of naked yoga practitioners in San Francisco, and Ernesto Bustamante led groups in Basking Ridge and Chester, New Jersey.

Today’s principles of naked yoga can be traced all the way back to their roots, to the ancient form of yoga which is known as Tantra.

This form of yoga, like others, is aimed at promoting complete health and well-being.

In Tantra, the exercises performed focus on the sensual and sexual aspects of each participants being, and many people who practice it find that doing so naked enhances its effectiveness.

It is important to remember that no sex acts take place during Tantra, whether you are practicing it with your usual intimate partner or not.

Many people first try naked yoga in the privacy of their homes, following a video or online instruction.

Once they are comfortable with the practice, they often wish to progress by either following a trusted instructor, or even taking classes with others who are interested in naked yoga.

After any initial discomfort over being completely naked among strangers wears off, the practice soon becomes easier and feels like second nature.

This is a great boundary to overcome – once you do so, you realize that you are finally comfortable in your own skin, and perfectly comfortable with the person you really are!

There are a few different kinds of naked yoga to try, once you’ve got the basics down.

Some classes are held at resorts out in the open air, which is completely freeing and provides a sense of unity with nature.

Naked yoga for couples is designed to enhance intimacy and improve compatibility – and not just in the area of sexual performance.

You’ll find that when you can be comfortable with your partner, minus the clothes that you normally wear, the trust factor in your relationship improves exponentially.

Whether you are simply looking for a brand new fitness routine, or if you’re interested in the many hidden benefits naked yoga provides, you are certain to discover new things about yourself and feel even better once you have given it a try.

There’s nothing to fear – so, bare it all, with naked yoga!

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All About Hatha Yoga

September 6th, 2011

Hatha Yoga is an ancient practice

A recent survey shows that yoga is practiced by more than sixteen million people in the United States alone. The numbers are exponentially greater worldwide – and are certain to continue growing, as people learn more about what yoga is, and how and why it is so effective.

The practice of yoga began in ancient India, and over the millennia, has evolved into several different forms designed to benefit certain types of people. One of these forms is Hatha yoga, which translates from the Sanskrit into “sun” and “moon”.

First introduced in the 15th century by a yogi named Swatmarama, Hatha yoga is meant to assist its practitioners in purifying their bodies prior to achieving a greater state of mental consciousness.

This is similar to the main benefit of Raja yoga, as both follow the principal of yama, which focuses on self-discipline and self-control.

Americans, Europeans, and other westerners who practice Hatha yoga normally do so in an effort to improve their mental and physical health.

Not only does this special form of yoga focus on poses, or asanas, it also focuses on Pranayama, which includes meditation and breathing techniques.

Like Raja yoga, Hatha yoga is known as Ashtanga Yoga, as it follows the popular eight limbs poses. One of these poses is the popular Lotus pose, which is a very easy asana to learn. It lengthens and strengthens your muscles as you relax, and is not complicated to hold while focusing one’s mind.

(Lotus pose-Hatha yoga)

In Hatha yoga, we utilize opposing forces to our benefit. We aim to achieve balance between our physical bodies and our minds. Like the sun and moon, or yin and yang both work together and oppose one another, the body and mind can be brought together as one via the practice of Hatha yoga.

By unifying Yama, or moral control, as well as Asanas, or poses, Pranayama, specific exercises, which are called Mudra, and Niyama, a greater level of Kundalini (concentration and meditation) can be achieved. Breathing techniques, combined with meditation and physical techniques, can help you to make the most of your practice of Hatha yoga.

Another important aspect of Hatha yoga is personal virtue. Over time, this sense of moral discipline can lead to the ability to refrain from any negativity whatsoever, and allow a person to achieve the apex of his or her being.

Truthfulness, too, is a very important aspect of this practice. Not only should practitioners be truthful to others, they should be truthful to themselves.

In addition, it is important to recognize the harm that can occur when one steals or incurs excessive debts.

Finally, those who are married or in partnerships are encouraged to be faithful to their spouses or partners, and those who are single are encouraged to practice celibacy.

Hatha yoga practitioners also focus on maintaining a moderate food intake, and never succumbing to excess in any matter.

Excessive alcohol intake is discouraged, and harmful drugs and other substances ought to be avoided, if you decide to practice Hatha yoga. The focus here is on better health and well-being, as well as on spiritual and intellectual balance.

And, despite the fact that the practice was begun in India, Hatha yoga and other forms of yoga are not associated with the Hindu religion in any way.

You don’t need to be a Hindu to enjoy the benefits yoga provides! In fact, you can be young or old, rich or not so wealthy, male or female, and of any religion or spiritual tradition you choose – even if you don’t believe in a higher power, you can benefit from the physical and mental benefits that Hatha yoga provides!

The practice of Hatha yoga and other forms of yoga can help you to achieve unity of body or mind, and superior bodily balance.

Whether you are suffering from a physical imbalance or if you feel that your whole life could use a makeover, beginning a practice of Hatha yoga can help you to improve your outlook on life.

It requires just a little focus and dedication, as well as a positive attitude. Once you begin to embrace these important physical and mental practices, your life can change for the better.

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What are the benefits of Bikram Yoga?

July 25th, 2011

The Benefits of Bikram Yoga are many

Yoga is great exercise and the benefits of Bikram yoga are well known. It unites your body, mind, and spirit, plus it provides an overall feeling of well-being that is hard to achieve with any other form of exercise.

No matter what kind of yoga you do, you’ll realize benefits immediately. If you want to look and feel healthier, Bikram Yoga may be exactly what you need. Let’s take a look.

Different forms of yoga were developed centuries ago, in order to fulfill specific personal needs. Eventually, practitioners find that they feel a more unified sense of being – body and soul are united, and the practitioner’s mental status improves to the point where he or she feels much more in control over various aspects of life.

Do you want to be physically fit? Sure – we all do. Would you like to be happier? Would you enjoy it if your thoughts flowed more smoothly? Absolutely! These are all wonderful things – and they are all benefits of Bikram yoga.

(Hot Bikram Yoga Pose)

Some people do feel a little nervous about trying yoga for the first time, and that could be because there is a common misperception about it. Some believe that yoga is a purely spiritual practice.

Some have relegated it to the realm of quackery, and others believe that it is a kind of religion. In reality, there is nothing to be nervous about. We all can benefit from it – no matter what kind of spirituality we ascribe to.

Now that we have taken a peek at some common myths, let’s talk a bit more about the benefits of Bikram yoga. As you stretch and lengthen your muscles, and as you relax, your pulse rate and blood pressure decrease.

Your posture improves, and even your internal organs begin to function better, thanks to your new focus on bodily health.

Bikram yoga also helps to reduce stress. We all have stress in our lives – perhaps we are overly moody, or feel a sense that life is moving too fast.

Much of stress has to do with attitude – and when you take the time to focus on improving your mood as you move your body, you create an aptitude for dealing with stress more effectively.

So, just what is Bikram yoga? Some call it hot yoga, due to the fact that the asanas, or poses, are performed in a very warm room. This aids in removal of toxins via sweating, and even helps your muscles to relax better once your workout has been completed.

This form of yoga is very popular, and has been promoted by and Indian yoga master named Choudhury. He has developed 26 special poses, and has even begun to copyright them!

If you want to try hot yoga, or Bikram yoga, then you’re going to need a high quality yoga mat, which is designed to help you hold your positions without slipping.

You will also need yoga blocks if you’re new to the practice, and you may need a band or other aids. It is very important to hold your poses correctly, as incorrect poses will not provide the desired benefits.

In addition, you should be in relatively good health. Bikram yoga is not for women who are pregnant, and it is not the best form of yoga for anyone who has any kind of ongoing health issues. Don’t despair though, if Bikram yoga is not for you right now.

There are many other forms of yoga which provide some similar benefits, and which can help you to move toward better health so that you may eventually practice Bikram yoga.

Be sure you check with your doctor if you have any question about whether this healthful practice is right for you. In addition, be sure that you are well hydrated.

Drink plenty of water before, during and after your Bikram yoga sessions, as it is important to replace the fluids that you will lose via your body’s sweat.

Last, but certainly not least, remember that Bikram yoga, or any yoga for that matter, is part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

By eating right, doing your best to maintain a healthy weight for your height and body frame, and focusing on the health of your entire being, you’ll be sure to reap the rewards and benefits of Bikram yoga – and enjoy better overall health.

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Ashtanga Yoga Poses-Understanding the Basics

July 24th, 2011

Ashtanga yoga poses are intense and dynamic!

It’s no surprise that the practice of yoga has become more popular now than perhaps it ever was in the past! One of the most energizing types of yoga is Ashtanga Yoga. This type of yoga is not what most people think of when the word “Yoga” comes to mind and doing the Asthanga Yoga poses will make you sweat initially!

Rather than the peaceful type of yoga that we are more accustomed to, Ashtanga Yoga poses, which are also known as Ashtanga Vinyasa, are characterized by energetic aerobic activity.

It was originally conceived to benefit those with extra energy to burn – namely, teenage boys. Today, it is popular with males and females both young and old alike.

What is Ashtanga Yoga?

So what is Ashtanga yoga and what does Ashtanga mean? Literally, the word means “Eight Limbs”. There are quite a few “Eight Limbs” poses, and the ones we do today are based on the originals, which can be found in the great Patajili’s Yoga Sutras.

The practice was begun by Sri Krishnamacharya, who penned the book Yoga Makaranda, which is still the basic influence that dictates the sequences, known as asanas or asana poses, which make up Ashtanga Yoga.

This great yoga teacher was followed closely by the great master Sri Pattabhi Jois, and others. We still benefit from his wisdom today.

Interestingly, Ashtanga Yoga is considered to be the closest form or yoga to Sri Krishnamacharya’s original teachings, even though he was in fact a major influence on many other popular forms of yoga.

Different types of yoga are intended to meet specific needs. Once again, this is something that many people who are brand new to the practice of yoga do not realize; and, it is one of the things that the great Krishnamacharaya is so well known for.

He made an art of teaching specific asanas with the needs of his students in mind!

This is particularly true of Ashtanga Yoga. It was inspired to meet the needs of the young boys who used to live on the grounds of the palace of the Maharaja of Mysore, and as such, it is both physically and mentally demanding – ideal for boys in the prime of their lives.

Also known as Power Yoga, this ancient art form is now performed by all kinds of people, including celebrities like Madonna and Sting. It is incredible to think that such a hot, new, form of exercise was created centuries ago by an elderly man!

Today, we can live fuller, more healthy lives through the practice of Power Yoga, or Ashtanga Yoga, by following the discipline that was created so long ago.

The stresses of everyday life can melt away, and once the energetic routine, which still enhances the “eight limbs”, has been completed, we find ourselves feeling much more content and relaxed.

Here are the eight limbs of the Ashtanga Yoga poses. Think about what they mean to you in your life!

Niyama – The soul, or center of your life. This is responsible for maintaining various virtues, self-restraint, patience, and the love of creation including other people, other life forms, and the higher power, deity, or God that we all are part of.

Yama – This allows practitioners to focus on the goodness of all people, by considering the importance of truthfulness and non-violent practices. Some take this a step further by practicing celibacy and eschewing other physical pleasures.

Pranayma – This is control of the breath, and in turn, control of the life force within oneself.

Dharma – This focuses on your life and overall goals, including small goals and larger ones.

Pratyahara – This is the meditation portion of Ashtanga Yoga. It is crucial that you learn to focus on the positive, and isolate yourself from the noise and negativity of modern life.

Dhyana – An even closer focus on goals, this time with more attention being placed on how to achieve those goals. Again, the goals you focus on can be large or small.

Samadhi – The focus is on achieving inner peace and feeling a state of bliss, despite outer influences.

Asana – The posture which is assumed to relax both the mind and body of the student.

While you’re certain to achieve both a fantastic physical and mental stretch as you gain aptitude with this type of yoga, it does not usually happen overnight.

Like all the best things in life, success with learning Ashtanga yoga poses takes time. By practicing slowly and gradually, you can achieve your goals – whatever they may be!

The discipline required to learn Ashtanga yoga poses, as well as the hard work and effort, are certain to help you maximize the benefits this ancient art form provides.

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What are the Benefits of Yoga? Make the Discovery, and Improve Your Life!

July 24th, 2011

Many people are skeptical and wonder what are the benefits of yoga

Many people have quite a few terrible misperceptions about yoga and wonder what are the benefits of yoga. Some believe that the practice takes hours a day, while others see it as a completely foolish waste of time. Some people even think that yoga is only for the rich and famous! Others have heard that it is demanding and difficult, so they give up before ever even giving yoga a try.

The fact is, yoga is not a mystical or exotic thing – even though in today’s consumer-driven, fast-paced world, it may seem to be just that since it allows practitioners a more introspective view into themselves. The word “Yoga” means “Unite” in the Indian language, and while it does unite the physical and metaphysical aspects of its students, it is not some kind of crazy cult practice!

What are the benefits of yoga?

Besides the benefits that come from achieving a higher sense of consciousness on a regular basis, which include greater intellectual power, and a resilient take on life, there are some other fantastic benefits. Despite the fact that yoga can indeed be physically challenging, it’s well worth a try. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most common benefits:

The benefits of yoga are partially realized via its physical aspects. The poses, or asanas, are designed to stretch, relax, and strengthen the body. They’re designed to promote good health and help those who practice it to feel their very best.

The second set of benefits are achieved via the unification of the conscious and subconscious mind, which is achieved by the mantras which are often repeated as poses are being held. You can make your own mantras, such as “I am feeling healthy and all is well in my world!” or, you can follow along with the ancient mantras that are part of the tradition of yoga.

This second set of benefits is often a stumbling block for the people who really do need yoga the most. If you are feeling at odds with yourself, or if you feel stuck in your life; if you simply wish you could be happier, or if you want an easy way to relax, then it is important to understand that yoga can help you, and that it is not some kind of black magic or sorcery.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a religious person, or someone who does not really believe in a higher power. Yoga helps your mind and body function as one, to help you achieve greater happiness!

No matter who you are – older or younger, wealthy or not, male or female – the practice of yoga has something to offer you.

The asanas, or poses, which are part of all yoga, are designed to help improve circulation and flexibility. They might look or feel funny to you at first, and while it is true that many people even pass gas as they work on their asanas, this shouldn’t stop you. Modern life is hard on our bodies, and yoga helps.

First, it helps us by ridding us of toxins. Once you’ve got the first few asanas down, such as child’s pose or sun salute, then you’ll start to feel better.

After that, you will probably start to understand that the ritual cleansing often associated with yoga has a purpose – you will begin too understand what are the benefits of yoga and that purpose is to clear away toxins from every part of your body.

While western culture often looks at sexual organs and other body parts as being dirty and embarrassing, those who practice a lifestyle that features yoga understand that these parts all have their functions, and must be cared for as carefully as we care for the parts people see – our hair, and our teeth, for example.

And, once the basics are taken care of, and you begin to delve deeper into the ancient philosophical concepts the discipline ascribes to, your misconceptions will begin to melt away and you will start to see the benefits of yoga.

Each of us faces a particular set of challenges in our lives, and the fact is, we need a way to face those challenges and overcome them.

By unifying your physical body, your mind and your intellect, you can begin a steady climb toward the apex of your life – and soon enough, you will achieve superior mental, physical, and spiritual health – no matter who you are!

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