Archive for August, 2007

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

The key to advanced Yoga is to be present for life. Notice, I did not say present for “practice.” You should be present for your practice, but Yoga practice is one matter; life is not a rehearsal. We can perform any number of physical feats on our Yoga mats, but do we apply Yogic philosophy to life around us?

For example: We might be vegetarians, but do we make everyone else’s life miserable, because of it. A Yogi, or Yogini, should cultivate healthy relationships and be of good character – because he or she is a public representative of Yoga.

If we exude an air of superiority, what do our friends, family, and co-workers, think Yoga is all about? We may leave an impression, which indicates Yoga is something snobs do. When we misrepresent Yoga, will we accomplish noble goals such as, world peace, feeding the hungry, giving clothing to the poor, and a greener planet?

Let’s start at the “grass roots” level and look at relationships. Friendship is a common relationship, and it based upon sharing. Friends share material, thoughts, laughs, and tears. Friends compromise and listen, even when we want to talk about ourselves.

Most relationships require some degree of trust. If you do not trust someone, because of a proven “track record” of dishonesty, why would you wish to cultivate a deeper relationship, with that person?

If you know you can trust someone, why would you challenge his or her integrity? Make sure you know the difference, and do not question a friend’s honor, without a solid reason. All relationships require effort. Take the time to cultivate relationships with people you trust, and it will be worth your efforts.

Lastly, let your friends, family, and co-workers know that you appreciate their company. Learn to praise those who deserve it. Yoga teaches you to develop your intuition. You should know the difference between superficial and genuine friendship. Do not withhold kindness, and you will be rich in friendship.

© 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
——————————————–
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 joins many of the world’s higher philosophies, known to mankind, in matters of forgiveness. Many Gurus, and Yoga teachers, will tell you forgive others for your own health. Practicing Yoga is living in the moment, and forgiveness requires us to put the past behind us.

Yet, forgiving people for the wrongs committed against you is one of the hardest acts you will ever learn to do. Some of us never learn to stop carrying a grudge.

As a result, our resentment becomes part of our personality and reputation. Sometimes, a grudge is based upon deep rooted intolerance. We have preconceived notions about race, religion, nationality, or someone with ethnic customs we consider odd.

In this case, we have combined the power of intolerance with a grudge, which is a terrible combination. This is the recipe for hatred. If a group of people assemble with similar ideas, this is the formula for a holocaust.

Resentment usually causes us more harm, as it becomes our baggage. Much like extra weight, which we carry around with us for life, grudges can wear on the person who carries one around long enough. When people ask us to “let it go,” it was not they who were wronged. We want an apology. So, how can we forgive so easily?

If you are waiting for an apology, from anyone, you may never receive it. Some people go around hurting many people, throughout an average day, due to ignorance. Do you really expect a person like that to suddenly reach a state of self-realization? Yes, it can happen, but how often? Do not hold your breath, while you are waiting for an apology from an ignorant person.

A life full of resentment, grudges, and never forgiving others, is a waste of time. Resentment is a prison and a state of mind we choose to live in. Look at each negative experience in life, and see how you benefited from them. You learned from the past, and you became stronger because of adversity.

We cannot afford to dwell in the past – thinking about all the wrongs, which have been done to us. Everyone has their “cross to bear” in this life. Instead of itemizing past wrongs committed against you, consider how you managed to surpass each obstacle, while growing mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, despite the challenges life has to offer.

Look at yourself and see the inner strength. Consider the positive contributions you have made to the lives of others around you. If you cannot think of any, think again, and start helping those who need it. In this way, you will gain gratification and let grudges go. Grudges only serve to “choke” the positive energy out of your inner being.

Life goes by as quick as an eye blink. All we leave behind are memories for those who remember us. Find it in your heart to forgive others, because you will empower yourself. As a result, you will be able to focus on the more important matters of bringing happiness to your friends, family, and associates.

© 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
——————————————–
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

To teach Yoga classes, on a daily basis, has always been fun, but many prospective interns ask, “Does it pay?” These people work “regular hours” and have a little bit of job security. At the very least, they know what they will earn this week; at a time when job security has become a myth.

Becoming a Yoga teacher is a big investment – while families are struggling to avoid foreclosures. Unfortunately, families require money and teaching Yoga may look like a gamble, but it is really a solid investment in education.

Becoming a Yoga instructor is also an investment in your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Teaching Yoga sessions is an investment in your community and the well-being of your family.

Some people will tell you, “Yoga is not about money.” Do they pay your bills? Yoga is not about money, but this is a limited truth because Yoga is about “everything.” You cannot help people if you join the ranks of the homeless.

Yoga instructors are givers, and we should give back to society. However, if you decide to become a Yoga teacher, this is not an oath to live a life of poverty. There are artists and musicians, who create beautiful work, but never earned a modest living because they did not market themselves and their work.

Yoga instructors must do more than teach great classes. It would be so easy if a charitable trust would cover the living expenses of all Yoga teachers; but let’s get back to reality. In the “ocean of life,” we have a choice to swim, float, or drown.

Is marketing Yoga unethical? Is it wrong to make money by teaching Yoga classes? Is it wrong to be teaching Yoga as a career? In a “nut shell,” the answer is “no.” How can you exist without making a living?

The whole concept of Yoga teachers, refusing money for their services, is absolutely ridiculous. Everyone, who performs a service of value, should be paid for it. Anything of value is worth something. It is a fact that Yoga teachers spend a lot of time and money on training.

What do Yoga teachers bring to their students? Let’s look at a short list of examples: Happiness, tranquility, less stress, less pain, self-confidence, less anger, better physical health, improved emotional health, and better mental health.

There are many books on the benefits of Yoga, so my list is quite modest. Let’s look at just one benefit of Yoga. Would you rather have more pain or less? Pain is the relationship you never wanted. Once you have pain, you only want to get rid of it.

Some people gladly pay anything to get rid of pain. So, now I ask, “Is Yoga still worthless?” The answer is: Yoga is not worthless – of course not. Why would you listen to anyone, who tells you so?

Therefore, if you are a Yoga teacher, or thinking about becoming a Yoga instructor, marketing is part of the job. Whether we like it, or not, we market ourselves everyday. In fact, everyone markets themselves at work, home, or play, so we may as well do a good job of it.

© 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
——————————————–
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 contains many natural solutions for a variety of life’s daily problems. So, what can Yoga do for you when you are having a restless night? Let’s look at common causes, and a Yogic alignment method for insomnia.

Although insomnia can be caused by a variety of reasons, restless nights seem to become more frequent when we worry. When you are in the company of adults, over the age of 40, very few will tell you they always sleep sound. The common reasons are a variety of worries about their parents, their children, college expenses, relationships, employment, finances, and more.

You do not have to be over 40 years of age to experience insomnia, stress, and worry, but problems commonly seem to pile up at this point in life. Therefore, the following methods could be used by anyone, of any age, to prevent or to deal with bouts of insomnia.

Look at your sleeping posture, as closely as you would an Asana (Yoga posture), in a Hatha Yoga class. Get a good firm mattress, a good pillow for your neck, smaller pillows – for your alignment, and comfortable linens. Consider them night time Yoga props. Some people spend thousands of dollars on a bed and mattress; while they invest nothing in pillows.

If they sleep, at all, you can be sure they will wake up the next morning with a neck ache or a backache. There are many different pillows to choose from, for a variety of reasons. There are also chiropractic and orthopedic pillows.

Invest wisely in your sleep time. You should be getting close to 8 hours of sleep per night, in order to be ready for the following day. The quality of your pillows, and mattress, are an investment in your skeletal health and alignment.

© 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
——————————————–
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

Could Yoga help you to live a longer, healthier, and happier life? Of course, Yoga can do all of these things. Yoga has a proven “track record,” at a time when some countries could afford to be more pro-active about healthcare.

The Washington Post recently ran a story about how the United States has fallen to 42nd place in life expectancy. Many reasons are given to explain away a country, which spends so much on medical care, falling to 42nd place.

Of course, obesity was named as a factor. According to the Washington Post, “The U.S. has the resources that allow people to get fat and lazy,” said Paul Terry, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Emory University in Atlanta. “We have the luxury of choosing a bad lifestyle, as opposed to having one imposed on us by hard times.”

Yet, all this talk about fat has brought very little in the way of a concerted effort toward making Americans more health conscious. Why is only ten percent of the country pro-actively exercising on a steady basis?

Granted, another 35% catch the “exercise bug” for a month or two per year, but that is it. The majority of Americans have taken a pledge not to exercise for life. There are some geographic pockets of exercisers, but there are huge areas, where deep fried food is “king” and a heart bypass operation is a “rite of passage.”

So, who is to blame for the negligence toward health? Is it a lack of national healthcare? The Washington Post also stated: “Chrisopher Murray, from the University of Washington, said improved access to health insurance could increase life expectancy. But, he predicted, the U.S. won’t move up in the world rankings as long as the health care debate is limited to insurance.”

It starts with a pro-active attitude and it comes from the top. Bring back physical education, all American citizens need healthcare (National Health), and there should be more networking between conventional health and Yoga.

Although many Yoga teachers do receive referrals from physicians, there are still many doctors in the US who understand very little about the pro-active lifestyle of a Yoga practitioner or any other alternative health methods.

It is time to network and join forces. The health of our children and grandchildren is at stake. Schools, hospitals, physicians, and Yoga teachers, cannot wait another 10 years for the government to “wake up.” It is time for us to take voluntary action and educate the public about the health benefits of regular Hatha Yoga practice.

© 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
——————————————–
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 is very helpful in alleviating pain, especially for people suffering with Sciatica, but it is helpful to know the cause of the Sciatica problems. Very often the cause of Sciatica is a herniated disc, but this is just one of many conditions, which can cause Sciatica. Spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, nerve root compression, tumors, and bone spurs can also cause Sciatica.

To visualize the problem is much better, because it takes the mystery out of it. Therefore, you should visit a Chiropractic, or Orthopedic doctor, before visiting a Yoga class. This will enable you to understand what your goals are. In many cases, the goal of a competent Yoga therapist, or Yoga teacher, is to reduce or eliminate pain.

Yoga should not be seen as a cure for Sciatica, but a method to make pain manageable. In some cases, Yoga sessions relieve pain completely, but that is a lot to expect, and the change may be quite gradual.

You should also understand cautions before you get started. Find a competent Yoga teacher, or Yoga therapist, with a “track record” of success in Yoga therapy. Pain is your loudest teacher, so do not listen to anyone who tells you to push through it. You know your own pain threshold, and each of us is different.

You should use caution when performing any variation of forward bend or twist motions. This is not to say they should be avoided completely, but a skilled Yoga therapist should be able to show you your limits and find solutions to make your Yoga practice painless.

© 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
——————————————–
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

What exactly is Jnana Yoga? You may have heard Jnana Yoga is “Union through knowledge,” but many Yoga students are still deeply puzzled by this explanation. The deeper explanation of Jnana Yoga is long and complex. Jnana is a spiritual discipline, which enables you to open the intuitive powers of your soul. The study of Jnana Yoga is filled with self-inquiry and self-discovery.

The result of this quest is realization of the Supreme Being, which we call God, Brahman, Allah, Yahweh, Jehovah, The Absolute, and many more names. The variety of names for the Supreme Being is unimportant.

Each of us sees, feels, hears, smells, and tastes, everything differently. One person loves the taste of something, while another does not. If you love something and someone does not, should you judge them harshly or consider them an enemy? This often happens in sports, politics, religion, and while driving through traffic.

People have to get past their differences in order find their true and higher purpose in life. Critically judging each other, and ourselves, consumes a lot of energy in the form of anger, worry, stress, envy, and hate.

Unfortunately, some people will never get past their differences, unless they truly want to change. World peace would be the end result of global Jnana Yoga practice. Realization of God makes us aware of our place in the universe.

Jnana Yoga is a self-quest, a journey within, self-realization, and transformation, all wrapped into one package. Study, Pranayama, meditation, and Japa are just a handful of the components within Jnana Yoga.

During the course of Jnana Yoga study, the practitioner learns to see his or her true self, which we sometimes call the “witness.” The witness is not a judge, not your personality, and not your thoughts. The witness is the neutral observer of all the wrong and right you have done in life.

Yet, the witness can handle all of these things and forgive you for your shortcomings. The witness does not have a lot of “hang-ups.” The witness has quietly been observing the “monkey mind” within each of us. The witness does not laugh at us, because the witness is far removed from the ego.

So, how do we get in touch with the witness? How can we give this neutral observer a little more authority in crucial situations? Most of us need a non-judging witness to help us with intolerance, anger, worry, stress, envy, and hate, every day. This witness would make a great ally.

Firstly, we need to actually look in the mirror. What do we see? Do we posture ourselves? How much time do we spend, per day, supporting our egos? How many judgment calls are affected by our previous social conditioning?

The answers to most of our problems are within us. The true self is like an onion, with rough outer layers of personality, which the world sees. These outer layers make up our social mask. We have to be careful that the outer layers of ego and conditioning are not in absolute control.

The outer layers of personality carry random thought, and do not always make the best decisions, but they do consider your self-protection first. Random thoughts and self-realization are much different. Which of the two would you prefer to handle a crisis situation? The self-realized mind has integrity and is not in a rush to make rash decisions or harsh judgments. This is the result of Jnana Yoga practice.

© 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
——————————————–
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 has many methods to keep your mind occupied. Anxiety often stems from leaving the mind unsupervised, while letting negative energy, within the mind, “take the helm.” We all have dark thoughts, which can rise to the surface in the form of worry, anxiety, stress, or a panic attack. Now, let’s take a closer look at Pranayama methods to prevent anxiety in everyday life.

Pranayama or Pranayam: These are Yogic breathing techniques for cultivation of life energy. Pranayama improves your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

For people in good health: Take the time to learn at least seven different forms of Pranayama. There are many more, but seven will give you plenty of alternatives to work with.

Learn Pranayama from a competent Yoga teacher, or Ayurvedic doctor, and continue your practice at home. As a general suggestion, Kapalabhati Pranayama, Bhastrika Pranayama, Ujjayi Pranayama, Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, Brahmari Pranayama, Bahaya Pranayama, and Udgeeth Pranayama are a good start.

If you have a medical condition, you need to let your physician know exactly which Pranayama techniques you are practicing. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please do not self-prescribe Pranayama techniques without a professional opinion. Your doctor will likely refer you to a competent Yoga teacher for Pranayama instruction. If not, you can still seek out a Yoga teacher, or Ayurvedic doctor, for advice.

Never practice Pranayama to the point of feeling faint. If you feel any dizziness, slow down and resume later. Listen to, and follow, the specific instructions your Yoga teacher, or Ayurvedic doctor, recommends for each specific Pranayama technique.

People often think Pranayama (Yogic breathing) is easy enough to do, but it requires that we follow instructions, exactly. For example: If your Yoga teacher, or Ayurvedic doctor, recommends a total of four minutes per day of Kapalabhati Pranayama practice, you should do no more, or less.

Many people think they should do more Pranayama practice and their health will improve faster. Treat Pranayama just like medicine and you will obtain the best results. Usually, you cannot take medicine one time and expect miraculous results.

So, why do some people practice Pranayama once in a “blue moon” and expect miracles? The reason is a belief in expensive pills, but a lack of faith in “free air.” If you pay more for something, it should be of more value than something free – right?

The best things for your nutrition are free air and water, but many people have more faith in expensive pills. Never make the mistake of taking your breath for granted. Without air, we do not last long, so air is the most vital food of all.

Many people make the claim “I know how to breathe.” Do most people really know how to breathe “correctly?” With so many people being short of breath, due to incorrect breathing, stress, anxiety, and panic attack, most people have demonstrated that they do not know how to breathe correctly.

Pranayama is supervised breathing, in a specific pattern, for a specific reason. Many people are surprised at how good they feel after practicing Pranayama on a daily basis. If you start today, there is a strong possibility you will breathe your problems away.

© 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
——————————————–
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

Lets look at practicing Yoga “off the mat,” in order to establish control of your thoughts. Anxiety is a strong feeling of apprehension, which needs constant supervision by you. At the same time, anxiety is, most often, not reality.

Our feelings and fears cannot be allowed to take charge of our minds. Since anxiety stems from within the mind, Yoga is a valuable practice for centering ourselves. Allowing anxiety to take control will leave us paralyzed by the negative powers within our imaginations.

How do we establish control of the “monkey mind” during a “wave” of anxiety? When anxious thoughts begin to exaggerate inherent fears, we have lost control of our minds. The mind is your greatest ally or your worst enemy, but you must choose which path to follow.

During an anxiety attack, some people try to establish control by saying to themselves, “Mustn’t think bad thoughts.” This method can work, but has limited success. Why? If you want to divert your thinking, why not create an inspirational positive thought in the form of mantra, Japa, or affirmation.

Consider these words by French psychologist Emile Coue, “Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better.” In truth, mantra, Japa, or positive affirmations are easier to remember when they are not complex. In the case of the monkey mind running wild, we might just say “My thoughts are under my control.”

If you prefer something in Sanskrit, “Om Namah Shivaya,” or something else, will do, but consult with your Yoga teacher because you should understand what you are saying. In the case of Om Namah Shivaya, this means “God dwells in every heart.” If you wanted to create a slightly different positive affirmation in English, “The Lord lives in my heart,” will do just fine.

Now, let’s look at the power of Japa, Mantra, and Positive Affirmation for ridding anxiety from our lives. What do Yoga and positive thinking have to do with each other?

Think no further than the Yogic practice of meditation. Meditation, for positive thought, is a foundational component of Yoga. Without meditation, we are only practicing a part of Yoga.

In the Yoga Sutras, written by Maharishi Patanjali, he describes the “Eight Limbs of Yoga.” Some Gurus and Yoga teachers look at these limbs as steps, but the final four stages, limbs, or steps, concern meditation. To look for solutions, within yourself, will empower you to help those around you and make the world a better place.

When you look into a body of water, you cannot see more than a foot below the surface if the surface is in turmoil. About an hour’s drive away from my wellness center, on Cape Cod, there are a number of sand bars, from Chatham to Provincetown. You can easily see them from the cliffs, on a clear summer day.

Unfortunately, for sailors of the past, there have been over 1000 ship wrecks off that stretch of coastline because of poor visibility and rough waters. The storms and high surf would cause an average of two ship wrecks per month in the early 1800’s.

The brain waves in your mind are much similar to the turmoil of the ocean, but with training in meditation you can learn to harness the power of your mind from within. During a meditation session, you can focus on an external object or on yourself.

Whatever you do, when you practice meditation, your thoughts must be positive, and you must make the time. The focused mind is productive, can make a difference, and does not have anxiety.

How long will this state of mind last? It is only temporary, but with continued meditation practice, the mind becomes stable, and “peace of mind” becomes a habit. The end result is you will find happiness, mental focus, and direction.

With this formula, you are free from anxiety at any time you wish to meditate. On top of this, meditation has no mental or physical side effects. Some people practice walking meditation, which is a relief to the mind and body. There are many forms of meditation, but all of them lead to a state of bliss.

The time you spend in meditation is as valuable as any form of hygiene. In fact, meditation is mental hygiene. None of us can afford to let anxiety run our lives.

© 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
——————————————–
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

One aspect of Yoga, which amazes most new students, is the newfound ability to become aware of everything, which was already around them in the first place. This includes feelings of, and opportunities for, happiness.

Remember Bob Marley’s song. “Don’t worry, be Happy?” Have you ever been offended when a friend said, “Take it easy.” Why? A simple solution to your “big problem,” seems like an insult to your intelligence. Can it be that easy?

Is the answer as simple as, “Just learn to relax?” Yes, learning to relax is the answer. Yet, learning to relax is anything, but simple. For example: New Yoga students are sometimes uncomfortable while practicing stage-by-stage relaxation or Yogic body-scan relaxation techniques. How can this be?

Relaxation techniques are usually much easier to learn than meditation. The most common reason for a Yoga student to be uncomfortable with sitting, or lying down, is an underlying fear of getting to know him or herself.

When you make the time to get to know yourself, this is time well spent, but many people, who do not practice relaxation or meditation methods, consider them a waste of time. So, what is the true value in sitting or lying down relaxing?

Firstly, everyone needs to relax during the day or risk “burn out.” The same goes for laughing, joking, and smiling – You must give yourself a break. Relaxation is simply “break time.”

In fact, you should only focus on relaxing when practicing your stage-by-stage relaxation or Yogic body-scan relaxation techniques. You will have plenty of time for self-realization during the day or when practicing meditation.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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