As a Yoga practitioner, you should be aware of your personal health and that of planet Earth. Why should you care, or take action for a healthier and cleaner planet? With acid rain, toxic waste, mercury, and PCP's in our backyards, where do we start the clean up?

What can one Yogi do about the planet's health? We must all take action together, in order to be truly effective. It should be a concerted action.

Eating for a better environment is a reality. If vegetarians were the majority, this would change our environment and feed all the people of the Earth, with grain that is used to fatten livestock.

However, the majority of the world's population will not be vegetarian any time soon. This will contribute to a rise in the world's temperature, as forests are cut down for ranchers. All forests serve us as the "world's lungs." Tree and plants naturally convert carbon dioxide to oxygen.

Combine this with a sudden increase in fossil fuel emissions, and you have a recipe for increased global warming. The greenhouse effect is a natural way for the Earth to keep itself warm. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, naturally hold the heat and energy of the sun within our atmosphere.

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The world would be a much colder place without the natural greenhouse effect. Some say without the greenhouse effect, our Earth would be an "ice planet." However, fossil fuel emissions, and deforestation, may tip the balance and cause a "global warming effect."

What should a Yogi do? We have to write our legislators now and request action. If we keep quiet, all of our governments will stick with business as usual.

Here are a few more actions we can take right now:

Buy, or use, organic products, when possible. Yes, it is more expensive, but you are sending a message to the agricultural industry that pesticides in your food, and in the food chain, are not acceptable. The world would be healthier without some of the chemicals we manufacture.

Support peaceful environmental activists, as long as they are ethical. Environmentalism is one thing, but violence is quite another. Greenpeace International is the current "front runner" of environmental action. They are not the only group, but this is a good one to start with.

We continue practicing Yoga to improve our own lives, but also that of our neighbors, family, and associates. When we clean up the world, this will make our planet, a more tranquil and healthy place.

Non-practitioners often accuse Yoga practitioners of too much self-indulgence. The common concern is that too much self-awareness will cause the Yogi, or Yogini, to worship the inner being. Before you get too excited - you and I know this is not true, but the world needs some time to adjust to Yogic philosophy.

You are thinking: "How can the world need more time? Yoga has been around for over 5,000 years and that is plenty of time for people to adjust. The answers must be found within, and then projected outward."

This is true, but warfare, ignorance, and intolerance have been around longer than Yoga. As a species, we have become much better with systems for the common good of humankind, but we have also become more efficient at suppressing our neighbors and killing each other.

What can a Yogi do to help? Allow friends, family, and associates, their space, and do not speak harshly of any religion or culture. We know that Yoga practitioners are from many religions, and some have no religion at all. It would be fair to say the majority of today's Hatha Yoga practitioners are not Hindus.

However, all branches of Yoga are perceived as religious insurgency by religious fundamentalists. You cannot stop fundamentalist philosophy. Much like the ego, within us, fundamentalism spends most of its time protecting itself from perceived threats. It does not matter whether the threat is real or pure fantasy.

As a Yoga practitioner, you are an ambassador of Yoga to any non-practitioner. Therefore, try not to judge, look at issues from at least two sides, and listen. Listening with empathy is the beginning of truly understanding your neighbors.

Recognize the right of others to defend themselves. Do not back anyone into a corner with your philosophy, morality, or religion. Instead, it is best to lead by making yourself a good example. Be tolerant and seek diplomatic solutions to problems before recoiling to self-defense mode.

If you push hard enough, even a mouse will bite back. Therefore, do not push your religious or political ideas on others. World peace is not just a catch phrase. It can be attained through knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, courtesy, diplomacy, and tolerance.

Every act of intolerance, no matter how small, sets an equal chain reaction in motion. This is the law of Karma. Look forward to the prospect of world peace today and never stop trying. We desperately need more people like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Anwar Sadat, and Nelson Mandela.

Now, more than ever, is the time to work toward world peace, one person at a time. Tolerance is to become nonjudgmental and the cornerstone to world peace.

(XVI), Do not over estimate Hatha Yoga.

Of certain, with Hatha Yoga you can reach an unusual control on your body and mind, but this is not enough to achieve the final target of all inner searches: to achieve an ontogenetic evolution toward total freedom. Therefore, practice without interruptions and during the whole daytime some dynamic meditation and conscious attention, so as suggested by Raja, Tantra, and Karma yoga.

Personally I practise Hatha Yoga because: (A), it is essential to improve my health, since I am over seventy. (B), it is of great help as a preliminary discipline, when my mind is restless. (C), it helps to harmonize mind and body.

(XVII), Avoid useless risks.

There are some particularly dangerous exercises you should never practise without a competent teacher. I remember here shirshasana that is by no mean necessary for achieving the ultimate target of yoga: to arrest all mental modifications. Do not choose an asana because it is risky, difficult, spectacular and aesthetical. Be cautious and try other less dangerous alternatives.

(XVIII), Verify on your own the effects of your asanas.

The usual, empirical and qualitative evaluation of your results cannot be ultimate. In other words, when you begin to practice Yoga, sooner or later, it will be necessary to plan a scientific search, where you are the "guinea pig" under investigation, in order to verify with certainty the results of your discipline.

I recommend checking the following parameters:

I, The respiratory capacity under normal conditions. It should increase within a few months.

II, The normal electric resistance of the skin. It should increase within a few weeks.

III, The frequencies, the length, and the emotional character of your unconscious thoughts during meditation or attention. If your discipline is efficient, they should be reduced in number and urgency after some weeks, and they should be partially replaced by more ancient thoughts. At last, they will totally disappear.

IV, The conditions of the bowel. In this case, it is important to adopt a suitable diet and suitable thoughts. If you act with a minimum of attention, your intestinal functions should improve (more abundant, daily and soft evacuation) in few days or weeks.

V, Little by little, you will realize again the lost, natural joy of your childhood. At first, these results are fluctuating and not definitive.

VI, Illnesses and recurrent uneasiness as influences, colds, constipations, muscular pains, and so on, should be drastically reduced within few weeks.

VII, Ability of concentration. To verify the improvement of such ability practise the drishtis.

VIII, Elasticity of the joints. Verify the length of your spinal column when stretched in padangustasana.

If nothing happens, increase your efforts. If you worsen, suspend your exercises. If you are not accustomed with the methods of scientific research, look for the help of an expert.

(XIX*), Never talk about your discipline.

Don't speak of your discipline to others, because you risk to become debased, even when you think that this discipline might help someone you love. If you want to help others, improve yourself.

At last, I remember that it is never too late to start practising Hatha Yoga, since you can always improve your health and rejuvenate. But, if you want to reach the true target of Yoga, i.e. to bring to a stop whichever mental activity, you should start Yoga as soon as possible after your childhood and hold the mind under control thorough tantra and karma yoga at least during the whole day.

Prof. Dario Colombera
Via Trespole 68
35037 Teolo (Padua) Italy
Tel.: (Italy) 049 9925217
e-mail: bobombera@interfree.it

There was a time when the use of the words, "Yoga" and "business," in the same sentence, would have been considered "shameful." However, when you have a Yoga studio, pay for a lease, advertising, insurance, utilities, and more - you know this is serious business. Whether you own a Yoga studio, or are an independent contractor, your money is "on the line," and possibly your life savings.

Many Yoga teachers, and directors, often ask me the following questions: What is my most effective way to advertise? Who should handle the marketing? What can I do about student retention? Why does a Yoga teacher need a sales letter or business plan?

As the popularity of Yoga grows, more Yoga teachers are looking for professional advice to "stream line," market effectively, and make their Yoga businesses "recession proof." For some Yoga teachers, Yoga has evolved from a sideline hobby to a fulltime Yoga business. Yoga students will not be happy to train and learn with you "in a closet."

As a Yoga teacher, your economic survival is at stake. With a fulltime business, of any kind, a surprising amount of overhead will follow. When you own a Yoga studio, you have to "wear many hats." If you are already an established Yoga teacher, you went into teaching Yoga to share the gift and practice your own solo routine more often.

Many of the most successful Yoga studios, ashrams, and wellness centers, get "insider" business and marketing advice. The surprising fact is that Yoga business coaching doesn't have to cost as much as you think. Yoga business coaching can be handled on a "per session" basis. Many Yoga businesses save, and learn, far more than the session costs.

If this is not the case, it is time to find a different Yoga business coach or consulting service. The objective of Yoga business coaching is to help the Yoga business owner become self sufficient. Therefore, consulting is not for dependence, but to teach the typical Yoga studio owner how to fill the gaps and address priorities within a particular Yoga business.

What type of Yoga studio should seek business advice? Most Yoga businesses, of any size, can use help with a particular issue. Established Yoga studios, and Yoga teachers, usually know where they need help, but still need practical solutions. Also, established Yoga studio owners may want to "recession proof" their business or increase their market share right now.

Is this type of service geared toward new Yoga studios, as well? After years of Yoga training, and thousands of dollars, many new Yoga teachers need to recover the money they have invested in their new career as soon as possible. Yoga business consulting services will help any new Yoga studio get to the next level and put the learning curve behind.

Are Yoga business consulting and technical support services given by phone or Email? Actually, I use a combination of both methods. After a Yoga business coaching session by phone, there is a "homework assignment" for my client. Sometimes, this assignment will save my client thousands of dollars or create unforeseen revenue streams.

Sales letters, marketing campaigns, and website development can be handled by your Yoga business coach, but it is far less expensive if you learn how to take control of your own marketing campaign. Again, the objective is to have a client who becomes totally self sufficient.

However, complete marketing campaigns for Yoga studios are never refused by any responsible business coach. In any economy, coaching programs for marketing and business will save you thousands of dollars, and teach you skills that will last you a lifetime. At this point, it will be much easier for you to help your own Yoga students and clients.

This one just came in!
A leisure club in Newbridge (Kildare, Ireland). The centre is currently looking for a yoga teacher to employ for one morning and one evening class. It is for older clients, so gentle Yoga is preferred. If you have any one that would be interested, could you ask them to contact Niamh Allen, on 0871221686.

Yoga Teacher Wanted: Suburban Philadelphia/West Chester Area. Power/Ashtanga Yoga preferred, but open to any school/limb of yoga. Need someone who can work at least 2 evenings and one morning. Looking for two teachers. Male teachers encouraged to apply. Certifications not needed, though preferred. Must be willing to work toward certification and register for your RYT. Twisted Guru Studio Twistedgurustudio@yahoo.com

Costa Rica - Description of Job/Opportunity: Samasati Nature Retreat , a yoga center and resort located in Costa Rica on the Caribbean side, is looking to fill up two paid positions:1. Yoga teacher/massage therapist. The person needs to be certified in both yoga and massage.2. Chef or cook, also certified or with experience. Six months commitment minimum. Please email your resumes, questions or availability to : samasati@earthlink.netor call 800 563 9643.
Our web site is: http://www.samasati.com

We have a new yoga studio in Berlin, Maryland, on the coast, 2-1/2 hours from Washington DC. We need yoga teachers to teach in our beautiful studio. If you are in the neighborhood, on vacation, or would just like to visit the studio you can contact Sherry A. Maykrantz, Stillwaters Studio, Berlin, Maryland, smaykrantz@comcast.net

Yoga instructors wanted to work in Beijing, China, in our new Hot Yoga studio. Please send professional profile and desired compensation to alfie@gini.com or call Alfie at 650-210-8663

Yoga Teachers: If you want to post a resume or profile, with your picture on my Blog, contact me. This will be another way for you to get exposure. Guru Suneel Singh - New age Yoga Guru Suneel Singh is presently based in Delhi. He has been successfully conducting preventive Health Care workshops focusing on fitness and providing preventive health care solutions for obesity, diabetes, spondylitis, arthritis, constipation, stress, insomnia, Heart problems, mental tension and depression. Thousands of people have availed the benefits of New Age Yoga Guru Suneel Singh's Yoga Techniques.

He has inherited Yoga from his family; his grand father practiced yoga for 7 decades. He has been teaching yoga from the last 20 years. He has trained in yoga practice in his early school days. Later on he has received yoga teachers training course from Mantalai (J&K) in the year 1985 under the guidance of great Guru Swami Dhirender Brahamchari and he has got gold medal.

New Age Yoga Guru Suneel Singh is the first Yoga guru in INDIA who has got totally holistic way to cure his patients by there Zodiac sign, HASYA Yoga and Yoga-chi. With the help of Japanese Guru they have developed new yoga-chi technique. Yoga-chi new thought pattern very similar to Dhyan.

Yoga Guru Suneel Singh also conducted workshops for corporate house, V.V.I.P.S, Five Star Hotel, Bureaucrats and Film stars of Bombay Industries. Various T.V. Channels are also telecasting his teachings. He has been writing articles and columns for different Magazines and News Papers. He has also done II degree in ZIN-SHIN DO REKHI.

Yoga Guru Suneel Singh says "Yoga is disciplined practice any individual married or unmarried can make his life pleasant by following the Yogic way of life irrespective of his age, occupation, religion, sex, caste and creed. Yoga Guru Suneel Singh's Programma is that he blends ancient Yoga's techniques, Yoga-chi Zodiac Sign Therapy and HASYA Yoga in the most contemporary form.

Interested Employers may contact Guru Singh by Email at: singh22002@yahoo.com

Name: B. Ganesh
Father's Name: V. Balasubramaniam
Date Of Birth: 28-11-1982
Age: 23 Years
Nationality & Religion: Indian, Hindu
Address For Communication: 12/29, 6th Cross Street, New Colony, Chromepet, Chennai - 600 044 Tamil Nadu
Mobile: 09382 822805
Res: 044-22415134
E-Mail: saigan_2003@yahoo.co.in

Education: B.Com.
Professional Education: Diploma in Yogic Studies August 2002 - May 2003 - Residential (one year) course at Bihar Yoga Bharati, Munger, (World first Yoga Deemed University Ashram Type)
Computer Skill: Ms Office, Tally
Yoga Profile:
Has got Certificate in six months Yoga Instructor course from Sri Annai Aurobindo Yoga center (Center for Yoga Training & Treatment), Chennai - 44 from January 2001 to June 2001.
Has got Yoga Instructor One month Residential Course from Swamy Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari from December 2001
Has got Best Performance Certificate for conducting Yoga Theraphy Camp from January 2004 to June 2004, from Advocates Ladies Association, Chennai High Court
Experience:
Assisted General Yoga Camp at various Colleges and Schools and Private Sectors during the year of 2004
Assisted Yoga Theraphy (Special Yoga Practice for Disease oriented) for 'Cordite' Defence Factory Staff at Aruvankadu, Ooty during 2004
Assisting Shri Muthukrishnan of Sri Annai aurobindo Yoga Center for General Yoga and Yoga Therapy Camps at Various locations in Chennai.
Working as a Yoga Therapist at Vivekanda Kendra - NRL Hospital (Numaligarh Assam Refinery Ltd.) since July 2004.
Working as a Yoga Instructor at CISF (Central Industrial Security Force), Vivekananda Kendra NRL Assam since July 2004.
Languages Known: Tamil, English, Assamme & Hindi
My Interests: Listening to Music, Travelling

Side note by Paul: B. Ganesh produced nine Yoga teaching certificates and documents related to teaching Yoga. He also has Vinyasa Yoga experience.

P. Dileep - Yoga Instructor

Objective To develop a generation with I.Q & E.Q, cultivate strong Interpersonal skills and creativity. Above all inspire them to change the world with their talents.

• Career Yoga Instructor (Jan.1998 - Present)
  Yoganaath Research Centre
  Mahila Samajam Building - Tirur
  Malappuram d.t, Kerala, India.
• Education Yoga Instructor Course
  Vivekananda Yoga Mahavidyapeetham
  (Deemed University - Bangalore)
  Yoganaath Research Centre
  (Centre for holistic healing)
• Master of Arts - Malayalam
  University of Calicut - Kerala.
• Data Preparation & Computer Software
  N.C.V.T Govt.of India
• Yoga Foundation & Pranic Healing
• Massaging course
  ( From my grand uncle Gopala Menon who was a great Yogi)
• Co-Curricular
  Activities: N.C.C Senior Division B Certificate passed
  First place in Javeline, Shotput & Discuss throw
  Third place in Tabla (Calicut University Zonal fest)

I Offer A strong commitment to the career with no time limitations. Improving self confidence, concentration of the students through Transcendental Meditation. I expect a positive working atmosphere and A pleasant approach. Interests: Music, Social work. Achievements: Quite happy in all times. Attended two N.C.C Camps. Winner All Kerala State Yoga Championship - 2003. Interested Employers should contact via Email: dileeptirur@yahoo.com Dileep currently lives in Kerala, India