Archive for June, 2007

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

If you are deciding which Yoga book to buy for your collection, choose a book that will captivate your imagination, and suit your needs. On the subject of reading Yoga books: It has been a life long passion for some of us. Yet, it is not the number of books you read, but how you apply them to your life and the lives of others around you, which makes a difference.

The practical application of what you learn is more important than the quantity of Yoga books you read. So, the question is: How will you put the knowledge you learn to good use? To take an extreme view: If a homeless man reads personal finance magazines every day, he has educated himself, but he has not applied any of the advice.

You would be surprised what the homeless know. I knew a man who was homeless, yet he was very familiar with the “ups and downs” of the stock market. How did he learn so much? He pulled the Wall Street Journal from the trash and mentally absorbed it. Unfortunately, he never applied the knowledge he learned.

This is a critical point to understand. Knowledge is like a bank savings account – You have to save, but you also have to put your savings to good use. In the words of Andrew Carnegie, “I resolved to stop accumulating and begin the infinitely more serious and difficult task of wise distribution.”

To learn knowledge, without applying it to life, is a waste. It is not intentional, in most cases, but what a shame it is to know so much and not be able to help anyone with it.

Within Yoga, today, are so many books to read, which were not accessible to many of us a few decades ago. Some Yoga texts have been in existence for thousands of years, but local libraries did not have much on the topic of Yoga.

At that time, we did not have VCR’s, DVD’s, Internet access, e-Books, MP3 Downloads, or Yoga audio books.

So, what did we do? When we acquired a Yoga book, or any book, we analyzed it by hand, and read a little. We made sure it would suit our needs, before we checked it out of the library, or purchased it from a book store.

The reason is simple – If we buy or borrow any kind of a book, the value of our time is magnified by our complete comprehension and the ability to put it to practical use.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
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How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor
——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Many people are looking for stress management in Yoga classes, but cannot find it in the area where they live. If you are looking for relaxation techniques, it is unlikely that you will learn them in a room full of “young hard bodies,” in which the room is heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

In truth, a hot room may do many of us some good, but for some people, a 105 degrees Fahrenheit Yoga class, may have just the opposite effect. Some of us are comfortable in warm weather climates, while others dislike the heat. In the end, Hot Yoga is a matter of personal preference.

When Aura Wellness Center was located in North Providence, there was a Hot Yoga studio just a few blocks away. We would often receive some of their students, who no longer wanted heat.

Many of them would tell us of students who vomited in the parking lot after 90 minutes of Yoga at 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Well, that’s one way to get the toxins out of your body, but there are less radical methods.

So, what do you do if the only styles you can find are aerobic, cardio, hot, or fitness Yoga? These days, many people may find initial exposure to Yoga in a health club. Yet, Yoga is still being taught in ashrams and Yoga studios.

Yoga teachers, in local Yoga studios, usually have, at least, two styles, which they teach to the public. If you have never heard of the style, or styles, at your local Yoga studio, you can still research the style in books or on the Internet.

What if there is nothing in your area to help in the area of Yoga for stress management? Then, it is time to visit your local book store or library. You should research Yoga books, stress management books, Yoga audio books, until you find the stress management course, which is right for you.

Yogic Relaxation Techniques can be practiced any time you need them, but most people practice them before sleeping or before meditation. Your body and mind need rest every day, but dreams do not allow your mind to rest.

Let’s discuss two Yogic methods for relaxation, which you will easily find in your books. One is the Stage-by-Stage relaxation technique and the other is a variation of the Body Scan Technique. Both of them incorporate breath awareness; we will focus on the body from the toes up.

You should take the time to decide which relaxation method is best for you, by practicing each method a few times, over the course of seven days.

Stage-by-Stage relaxation takes a bit more time, but each method could also be practiced before meditation, bedtime, or on nights when you experience insomnia. The worst that can happen is you fall asleep.

Do not judge yourself – Just practice, observe, and enjoy.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
——————————————–
How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher
——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Tranquility of mind is one of the main objectives within all forms of Yoga practice. It is amazing how many Yoga students, from physically challenging forms of Yoga, have not yet learned this. To practice Hatha Yoga as an exercise is a “small piece of the pie.”

Exercise is a wonderful thing, and it can help us purge negative thoughts. Yoga helps us attain our best emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical state. No exercise alone can help us attain optimum holistic health in this way. Some martial arts are close, but Yoga is the mother of all health maintenance systems, and Yoga has many more healing aspects.

The next time you dwell on a negative thought, try to be a realist, and consider the real problem. The real problem is we worry ourselves sick about the unknown. Sometimes, change causes us to worry. We anticipate the worst, and most of the time, it never happens.

Here is a strategy for the next time you fear the unknown. Make it a point to plan and prepare for the unfamiliar surroundings, which cause you anxiety. Mentally see yourself solving the problem. If you are going to spend time on a problem, you must transcend worry, and work on a solution.

Here is an example: If you have fear of public speaking, you must practice your speech. You could also go to the stage ahead of time. Most auditoriums are open well ahead of time and most maintenance crews do not mind.

This same principle is used in competitive sports. How often do you see professional players practicing hours before game time? Why do you think they are on the field so early?

“Practice makes perfect” is a very wise saying. Practice builds confidence, as well. The visiting team cannot wait to go practice on the opposing team’s home field before game time. Visiting teams are not familiar with the turf, and they will also face hostile sports fans. Even professionals have to “get the bugs out.”

If you do not have a stage or a field to practice on, you still have your mind. In Yoga meditation, you are taught to visualize. Therefore, you should visualize success. Do not approach a negative thought as a victim. Instead, look at your problems as a victor would. Forget the worries and focus on the solutions.

Some of my Yoga students have said, “But what if I fail?” In truth, no adventure in this life is a failure, unless you quit. If you never give up, you are still working on a positive outcome.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

——————————————–
How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher
——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Let’s look at more solutions, which Yoga can give you, for anxiety and stress management. All of these solutions will take a bit of practice, and in some cases, you may need the guidance of a competent Yoga teacher.

After Pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques), there are still a large number of techniques to choose from. The next one that comes to mind is Asana (Yoga Posture). In a typical Hatha Yoga class, you will learn Asana on a mat, but you can learn to practice good posture all day long.

You can practice good posture in a chair, when eating a meal, standing, and walking. You can even use pillows to sleep in good posture. Most people prefer to multi-task these days, so Yogic walking is a wonderful way for those of us, who just have to do many things at once. This is not to be confused with walking meditation, which is an entirely different technique.

Put on good walking shoes, comfortable clothes, and begin to walk your course. Always watch the road, but keep your spine straight, and your gaze should be at eye level, while you visually take in the world around you. Close your mouth and breathe only through the nose. Breathe naturally, and do not force your inhales or exhales.

As you continue to walk, maintain your personal pace, and be mindful of your posture. The recommended time for Yogic walking is, at least, 20 minutes. Once breathing is natural, and not strained, some practitioners of this method practice walking meditation or silent Japa (Prayers).

This is a complete mental, physical, and spiritual practice, but you must pick a safe course and be ready to react to traffic, animals, and other pedestrians. Just because you meditate, or practice Japa, is not a reason to ignore people who wave or say hello.

Some people carry dog snacks for dogs and squirrels – while others may stop and chat to friends in the park. To accept life, people, animals, and the changes around us, without judging everything, is a treasure of life. If you can avoid judging everything, while you go for your walks, your health will change for the best in a multitude of ways.

Yogic walking is good aerobic exercise and prevents many diseases, anxiety, and depression. Your heart, vital organs, bones, joints, connective tissue, and muscles will benefit from Yogic walking. You may control, or lose weight, by practicing Yogic walking.

Maybe you were only looking to reduce your anxiety levels, but you are now convinced that Yogic walking is the way to go. Talk to your physician and get advice, which is specific to your body. Choose your course wisely and have fun.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

——————————————–
How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher
——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

When Yoga teachers gather in a workshop to hear a lecture about communication – what is the first topic that comes to mind? Is it cueing skills, voice inflection, or when to ask a student for permission to assist? Those are important issues for anyone who teaches Yoga, but let’s take a look at many more areas that could use some work.

Communication is a two way street. How can we exchange ideas if students are made to feel “stupid” for asking questions? Granted, Yoga classes cannot operate like an open forum, if you have a lesson plan in mind, but a student who is experiencing pain should not have to feel bad for asking about it. Nor should he or she have to wait until the end of class to ask an impatient teacher about his or her pain.

Listen Empathically: When a student asks a Yoga-related question during class time, the Yoga instructor present, should listen to all of the details. There are times when a Yoga student asks questions, which are on the mind of many more classmates.

For some Yoga students, it takes a lot of courage to ask a question in a group setting. Some students ponder questions for days before asking them. Their heart rate may rise because it took courage to ask the question.

With all this said, listening is a primary communication skill. As a Yoga teacher, you are respected by your students, so do not violate a trust by bolstering your ego. The key is to listen intently, because you may have questions of your own, which will result in a deeper answer.

Who becomes a Yoga student’s best teacher during Hatha Yoga practice? His or her body, and mind, must eventually be the best Yoga teacher. If not, we have failed to give our students the gift of self-realization. To go further: Yoga students must learn to think for themselves. If they are dependent on a Yoga teacher, all the time, then our teaching method is flawed.

Why do I say this? If a student is not present for Yoga practice, we must make him or her gently aware of it. There is no need to make students dependent on us. Good students will always return to Yoga class.

Yoga must still be practiced after our students have rolled up their mats. Breathing, walking, talking, eating, posturing, and acting with mindfulness, is the sign of a Yoga practitioner. All of the amazing physical feats are nice, but any flexible Pilates student, dancer, gymnast, or martial artist, could do the same.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

——————————————–
How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher
——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

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 road” to follow. To hold your tongue, when tempted to engage in gossip, is a genuine display of good character.

“Patience is a virtue.” This saying will be around as long as humans walk the earth. If you display impatience, almost everyone who is present will remember it. You could have been patient for ten years, but one eruption of impatience is what most people will remember.

However, the importance of patience is to think clearly during stressful times. To willingly wait, without showing anger, requires a trained or good-natured personality. Yet, patience can be a life saver in a critical situation. If you are performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), there is a specific sequence of events, which must take place, to save a person’s life. The person on the ground cannot afford for you to be impatient.

Tolerance is a difficult quality to achieve. To be tolerant of age, religion, race, gender, ethnic origin, color, gender, or any reason, which makes someone different, is a work in progress. It is surprising how many people in leadership roles display intolerance, but that does not make it right.

Respect is in short supply sometimes. Common sense is integrated with respect, but the obvious eludes some of us. How often have you heard a cell phone go off in a Yoga class? This happens, despite the fact that there are signs, which tell people to turn their cell phones off.

When cell phones ring off at funerals, and a person answers it casually, you have to wonder what has happened to etiquette and respect. Technology is not an excuse to be disrespectful. Children need to learn social skills, by socializing with each other, instead of playing video games for five hours per night.

Compassion is helping those who suffer. To take the time to understand someone else’s bad situation, in an empathic sense, is a noble quality. Compassion is also directly related to mercy, which requires ethics, higher thought, and a deep moral sense.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

——————————————–
How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher
——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

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 we do not always maintain complete control of each health situation, through out the course of our lives. If that were possible, we could “cheat death.”

The character building components you should be learning from your Yoga teacher are the foundation of good health. If we cannot sleep well at night because of guilt, envy, or greed, this will have an adverse, and possibly a long-term, effect on our physical health.

It is obvious that our mental, physical, and emotional health will be improved by good character, but it can also be said that our physical health will be improved? How can this be? Feelings of fun, gratification, kindness, happiness, and forgiveness, are just plain healthy. The opposite feelings will cut our life spans short.

The building blocks of good character are integrity, patience, tolerance, respect, and compassion. If your Yoga teacher does not have these qualities, you should consider finding one who does. Why would any of us want to waste our precious time with a cruel, sarcastic, arrogant, greedy, and impatient, Yoga teacher?

If we feel the need to be around a powerful negative influence, we are on the short path of self-destruction. Some of us are magnetized to negative energy. A compulsive need to be around dominating and negative personalities is counter productive to improving our lives.

Psychological counseling and therapy can steer us in the proper direction, before it is too late. If, for some reason, it is not possible to receive professional help, we must still get direction from a trusted friend, or relative, who is of noble character.

Integrity, patience, tolerance, respect, and compassion, are more than “hollow” keywords or sales slogans to building your character. To have control of any one of them is a major feat. Each character-building aspect is an avenue toward our higher purpose in this life. All of them contain gratification and rewards. The most obvious reward is that you will influence others toward a better life.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

——————————————–
How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher
——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

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, Raja, and Kundalini, Yoga to consider. These are just three of the nine main forms of Yoga and there are many sub-styles to consider, as well. You must also take the availability of styles within your local area into consideration.

Researching may take some time before visiting a Yoga teacher. When you make an appointment for a discussion, find out what your Yoga teacher’s methods are. Does this teacher have patience, understanding, and compassion?

A Yoga teacher is a guide, who teaches you to eventually become your own teacher. This does not mean to visit a Yoga teacher every so often, but it does mean to practice what is learned in each lesson by bringing it home.

Unfortunately, many Yoga instructors do not place enough emphasis on the value of home practice. If a student practices in Yoga, casually, once a week, takes the summer and Christmas season off, that is thirty-three lessons per year, without any home practice. After three years, how much has this student learned?

What is the foundation of Yoga practice? The foundation of Yoga is to be totally present within the lesson, and if possible, to be without distractions. If there are any distractions going on in the mind, you should learn not to judge yourself harshly because you were not mentally present in your Yoga class.

To be “in the moment,” or to be mentally present for your Yoga practice, is the key to advancing your practice in Yoga. In fact, physical postures (Asanas) are part of the practice, but they are not the primary emphasis of most forms of Yoga.

Why do so many Yoga classes and teachers avoid approaching the foundation of Yoga? People are stimulated by superficial “things.” In the case of Yoga, the results of Asana practice can be felt immediately. Many Yoga instructors give up on teaching meditation and the deeper aspects of Yoga. The result is the perception that Yoga is an exercise class only. The myth stems from the classification of Asanas as beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

It is true that Yoga posture should be classified according to difficulty level, but Asana has little to do with classifying a Yoga student. Consider this: Is a gymnast who is completely stressed out, and who knows nothing about meditation, an “advanced Yoga practitioner?”

If this is so, then we do not need Yoga teachers at all. Yoga studios can hire teenage gymnasts to perform physical feats, and “wow” the students, with their prowess. This would be very cost effective for Yoga studios, and most young gymnasts would love to perform physical feats to impress crowds of adults for a salary.

This may seem riduculous, but it does bring your view full circle. People have been duped into seeing Yoga as a gymnastic event. Asanas are one component of Yoga, but they are one of the eight limbs. All of the eight limbs of Yoga, described by Patanjali, should operate together for a complete practice.

If we practice Asanas without higher forms awareness, and that is it, we are not practicing Yoga. We are then focusing on muscles and breath, which is fine for weight resistance. In truth, Yoga requires the eight limbs described within the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

The many healing aspects of Yoga are barely realized, when we consider it a physical competition.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

——————————————–
How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor
——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

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 teachers, who seek continuing education credits for re-certification.

Set realistic learning goals and deadlines. How much time do you really have? What are your other obligations, which take most of your time? It is difficult to manage a job, family, housework, evening classes at college, and studying to become a Yoga teacher. You need to assess your obligations and determine your free time. Knowing this will help you plan how many pages to read per night, how much time to practice, or how to plan your next assignment.

Never cram your studies. Be honest with yourself and get the most out of your Yoga certification course. If you study at the last second, your long-term memory will store very little of what you learned. Many students who cram cannot remember much of what they learned over the long haul. Permanently remembering facts is much different from learning facts for an exam – especially if last second learning is the method used.

Join Yoga teacher associations, Yoga instructor networks, and Yoga teacher forums. Some people wait until they become Yoga instructors to join any “clubs.” Do not put this off. You can always upgrade to a teacher’s membership at a later date. Use every learning resource possible, without causing “information overload.”

Do your own homework. This sounds simple and honest enough, but students of all vocations have been known to take “short cuts.” There is nothing wrong with getting help from a Yoga teacher, your tutor, a Yoga friend, or getting ideas from dependable Yoga sites.

However, if you turn an assignment over to someone else, you have short changed your own foundation of knowledge. The result is that your students will suffer from your lack of knowledge. It is true that we cannot learn 5,000 years of knowledge and scripture, in one lifetime, but we should learn what we can.

Yoga is constantly evolving, and we all need to keep our education up-to-date. Keeping current with safe methods is one of the biggest dividends of continuing education for Yoga teachers. Ultimately, Yoga students would be the ones to suffer the most, if Yoga was a “dead system.”

Patanjali, and Yogis of the past, recognized Yoga as an infinite system. Yoga teachers of the present will build on the foundations of past knowledge. The study of Yoga is a lifetime journey and cannot be learned in a single weekend intensive. The longer you study Yoga, the more there is to know.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
——————————————–
How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor
——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
——————————————–
FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

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, over his or her head, and you can swim, action must be immediate. In this situation, you cannot afford to procrastinate.

How often do you hear people wish for something, but they are hesitant to take action? It is human nature to procrastinate, pause, and put life on hold. People make resolutions, but most resolutions are just exercises in wishful thinking. How many people hope or wish for a better life?

In a Yoga class, you see people “try Yoga,” without commitment or purpose. What is the reason why some people continue the practice of Yoga, while others just try it out? The reason is purpose or dharma.

If a person has not found his or her purpose, wishful thinking becomes a way of life. Positive action depends on many things, but is often “sparked’ by inspiration. We see something or someone, which causes a form of inspiration within the core of our being.

In Yoga, we may call this drishti (the seer). Sometimes, we also refer to drishti as “the witness.” Regardless, the seer is an observer who rarely judges, but can become inspired. How do you maintain inspiration?

This is the hard part, because you must take action once you have measured the risk involved in what it is, which inspires you. The seer is not afraid to go along for the ride, so you are in good company. The seer has no fear, so you must be the one to calculate the good or bad, but you must take action, while the seer is inspired.

Getting back to purpose, once you have found a purpose that is ethical, and gives you self-worth, you are on your way toward action. The next step is to develop a plan of action.

Yet, your attitude must be programmed, with positive information, to constantly keep your dream alive. This is “attitude building time.” If you want to maintain a good attitude, you should consult with someone who is doing what you want to do. You should also take the time to read inspirational books and listen to motivational audio books. Your mind can be conditioned to take positive action.
© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
——————————————–
How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher
——————————————–
FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter.
Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/docs/Yoga-in-Practice-eBook.pdf

Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
Affiliates: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/signup.html
Sister Blog: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/
On-Site Training: http://www.riyoga.com
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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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