Archive for September, 2007

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Among its diverse methods, Yoga has many viable solutions for anger, and anger management. If you look at anger as a form of energy, and Yoga as a method for channeling uncontrolled energy, you can see a new horizon, which is the beginning of the solution to anger management.

Throughout history, and in many societies – young, angry people have often been “channeled” into military service. This is a good thing, when young people have constructive leadership, as they can give back to society and to those less fortunate.

On the other hand, under a destructive leadership, military service can be devastating, and scar one for life. This happens when young people are motivated by propaganda, conquest, intolerance, hate, and greed. The universal moral codes of Yoga are based upon truth, tolerance, loving kindness, giving, and forgiving.

Let’s look at how Yoga can take angry energy and channel it down a constructive path. The rewards are self-control, purpose, and a completely healthy lifestyle. We know that you cannot bury negative emotions, but this energy we know as anger, or rage, can be reconfigured.

Asana (Yoga posture) practice is a good place to start putting energy to use. Whether you hold an Asana for a few minutes, or flow from one posture to the next, you will still release negative emotions, while making your body healthy, strong, and flexible.

Nervous, and angry energy, can literally be squeezed out of the body through the practice of Asanas. Very often, students, who are emotionally upset, before a Yoga class, leave the class feeling balanced. Remember that asana practice is only one component of Yoga.

Raja Yoga (Ashtanga), and Hatha Yoga, have diverse sub-styles for channeling energy – by posturing. A few of the many more popularly known Hatha sub-styles are Iyengar Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Kripalu Yoga, and Hot Yoga. Raja Yoga, also known as Ashtanga Yoga, has popular sub-styles (which we know as Vinyasa Yoga and Power Yoga).

Yogic methods vary, and there is some mixing going on in contemporary styles; therefore, you may want to try a “walk-in” Yoga class before making a commitment. If you search, you will find the right school, and Yoga teacher, for you.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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How to Become a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher
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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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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

We may be familiar with the Yogic principle of Santosha (contentment), but it is very human to want more from life. How many times have we heard that we should be content with what we have? Now, just take one look around you, and you will notice that people will naturally hoard anything – even during the worst of times.

During a snow storm, it is not uncommon to see someone buy a season’s supply of bread. Logical thought tells us that we will not be “snowed in” for the winter, when the forecast indicates two inches of snow. Is this panic buying, impulse buying, or the power of wanting, that drives a person to buy so much and waste it later?

Apparently, squirrels hoard acorns, nuts, fruit, and dried fruit all day, but they are exposed to the elements much more than humans. Squirrels cannot keep track of all the food they hide, so some of it must be lost, or discovered by another squirrel.

We can make the case that a squirrel does not have a complex mind or brain, but when humans copy the same behavior, we must realize that wanting is a powerful and primal driving force. It is true that wanting is much more powerful than having.

Unfortunately, squirrels do not practice Yoga, but we can. We can count our blessings for our friends and loved ones. We can also realize that wanting is a tremendous waste of energy; especially, if we want something to the point of hurting someone else for it. As the saying goes, “Be careful what you wish for.”

© 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 Hafizi Hussin

While many people in the West are only now discovering yoga, knowledge of yoga in the West is not new. In the late 18th century, interest in Sanskrit grew as scholars began to understand the importance and interconnectedness of the Indo-European family of languages. The Bhagavad Gita was the first Sanskrit text to be translated into English—in 1785 by the Englishman Charles Wilkins. American statesman Alexander Hamilton visited India, and even gave Sanskrit lessons in Paris, when he was detained there during wartime in 1802.3

The transcendentalist movement was influenced by Eastern thought. By the early 19th century, the teachings of the ancient Hindu texts that form the basis of yoga were becoming known to Westerners through the influential work of such intellectuals and writers as Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. The work of American and European Romantic artists also resonated with the essence of yoga thought.

What seems to have done the most to bring yoga into popular awareness, however, has been a cross-fertilization of knowledge about India and its sacred traditions that began more recently when a number of master teachers, or gurus, came from India to the West with the professed aim of bringing the ancient teachings of India to Western nations.

First among these was Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902), who gained prominence through his presence at the World’s Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893. One of the most influential of the Indian gurus was Parmahansa Yogananda (1893–1952), who was sent by his revered master to bring the teachings of yoga to the West in 1920, when he attended a congress of world religions in Boston.

In that same year, Parmahansa Yogananda founded the Self-Realization Fellowship, an organization through which he initiated thousands of Westerners into yoga. His Autobiography of a Yogi remains one of the most widely read books on yoga throughout the world today. Since these two pioneers, a number of other influential teachers have brought their particular focus on yoga to the West, including, most notably, B.K.S. Iyengar (founder of Iyengar Yoga), Swami Rama (the Himalayan Institute), Swami Satchidananda (Integral Yoga), and Swami Vishnu-devananda (Sivananda Yoga).

The transmission of knowledge of yoga is a two-way avenue, however. Because knowledge about yoga has become more widely available in the West, increasingly large numbers of Americans and Europeans are traveling to India to seek instruction firsthand in the ancient practices of yoga.

Ram Dass was one of the first and best-known Westerners to forgo the creature comforts of the West to sit at the feet of a guru in India. He distilled the essence of what he learned in the title of his groundbreaking book Be Here Now. Since Ram Dass’s pilgrimage, countless other Americans have followed a similar path.

Hafizi Hussin

——————————————–
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

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Among its many other valuable treasures, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras mention the principles of Santosha, which can be defined as contentment, happiness, or peace. Sometimes this seems to be an over simplification of a common pursuit, which humans have sought since the beginning of our existence.

After all, happiness is the goal of all people. Who does not desire to be happy? Most people who are full of negativity, desire a state of for joy and happiness, even if they do not see how to find it. Where do we find happiness? Should we travel to a distant retreat, shrine, church, mosque, temple, ashram, holy place, or an exotic island, to find happiness?

Yoga teaches us that a perfect state of balance comes from within. Happiness can be created on the outside, but it will not last. A trophy spouse, big house, fancy car, and electronic toys, seem to bring happiness, but how long will a state of contentment last from the acquisition of possessions.

One of the first steps toward genuine happiness is self-worth. To feel worthy of good luck, love of others, and love of God, is a major step toward contentment. Many people feel that they do not deserve to be loved. They have made mistakes and they do not forgive themselves for the past.

Now, I ask you to consider this: We try our best, but we are not perfect. Do you think our creator does not realize humans are imperfect? Humankind’s imperfection is not a big secret. With that said, our mission is to wake up every morning with anticipation to do our personal best each day. You cannot help anyone if you feel unworthy, inferior, and lack purpose.

Lack of purpose is often a result of negative self-image. If you are physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, in a state of balance, you have healthy self-worth, and you will establish a worthy purpose in life. Purpose gives you a positive sense direction which leads to happiness.

© 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

Let’s look at philosophy, which runs parallel to Yoga. Lao Tsu once said: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” The first step toward self-confidence is action. The fact that you are reading this article is not a coincidence. You saw the title and decided to take action (Karma).

The next logical step is the realization that you are constantly required to take action in order to succeed in life. We cannot completely give up on life, while we exist on this earth. So, as long as we are living, we might as well take positive action, which bears fruit (Vipaka).

From this moment on, embrace your failures, be grateful for the difficult lessons, and forgive those who have fallen short of your expectations. Why do I say this? The best way to learn is through experience. The proverb: “Every dark cloud has a silver lining,” applies to our daily challenges in life.

Yoga teaches us that we should rejoice when we start to think of all the ways life could have been easier. If everything was handed to us without effort, we would have learned nothing about life.

In fact, we would know as much about life as a spoiled child knows. If you listen to a spoiled child, you have learned his or her life story, within the time frame of a few minutes. How many different ways can a child say, “I want?”

Therefore, look back at your life experience and be thankful for all the valuable life lessons you have “under your belt.” Be thankful for real friends, family members, and those who love you. You have life experience, common sense, intelligence, and a will to succeed. These qualities are priceless, and you will need them on the inner Yogic journey to gain self-worth, which we know as self-realization.

© 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

Have you ever wondered what draws, and keeps, students in your Yoga classes? The answer is quite simple – All you have to do is look in the mirror. During the course of a week, I am lucky enough to speak with Yoga teachers from around the world, so I will give an inside story.

Recently, a Yoga teacher from the Midwest United States, mentioned that she received and extraordinary amount of “thrifty” students. Her students haggled over price so much that she almost closed the doors due to her overhead costs. She never was able to draw any income from her Yoga studio.

Her family had become intolerant of her choice of work. She was not able to go on vacation, had nothing left in savings, while her children had to shop at thrift shops or discount stores for food and clothing.

Upon further investigation, the demographics of her city were fine, and the neighborhood her Yoga studio was in was upper middle class. Was it the current economy? Was it the local economy? Other Yoga teachers in her area were doing fine, so what was the problem?

When she advertised, she gave deep discount coupon offers and free introductory classes. She unintentionally began to create a following of “discount shoppers.” Instead of being appreciated for her discount offers and free introductory Yoga classes, her students were 2-5 months late on their tuition. When she asked for a payment – one parent who was five months late on tuition for his son’s Kid’s Yoga class told her, “You do not have a Zen attitude.”

Apparently, she should have nerves of steel, while her family wants to disown her, and her finances were crumbling around her. How dare she ask for a payment from a person who is five months late? What you have read up to this point is only the tip of the iceberg. The atmosphere in her Yoga studio, no longer reflected a student / teacher relationship.

Her students became “discount customers.” If there was a better deal down the street, her students would have evacuated in a “heart beat.” Forget about student loyalty, she could not get customer loyalty.

What lessons have you learned from this? Never try to attract “customers” – instead cultivate Yoga classes with eager students who want to train with you, because they value Yoga. Yoga has many benefits, so why “sell it short?” Always remember how much your training cost you. You see a value in Yoga, so attract students who feel 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.”

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 Joseph McNulty

Background

The mantra can be any positive affirmation but should be short and easily repeated. It could be Jesus, Buddha, Krishna – or a secular phrase my mind is free, -etc. Any suitable mantra is good and beneficial.

What the mantra does

The mind is in constant turmoil in most people’s lives. You are thrown into a multitude of stress situations daily and are susceptible to react to these negatively. Quantity is not important but the devotee should aim for about 3000 to 5000 repetitions of the mantra over a day especially before meditation and retiring for the evening, this is called Japam. Japam is the cornerstone of all serious meditators. The mantra clears the thoughts of negative and destructive influences and is a wonderful de toxification exercise for the whole being.

How and when can I practice the mantra?

When I was in an ashram we practiced Japam in our every day work. For example washing the dishes one can complete 200 mantra or digging the garden etc. but of course you must be meticulous in your work and study. In general people washing plates do it automatically and think of many thoughts mostly negative and somewhere in the future or dwelling in the past. Japam is for the present. When I am out jogging or cycling I repeat my mantra for every turn of the pedals or step in jogging. As a student I used to box and when punching the bag every punch was a mantra. You can use your imagination and planning to incorporate the mantra into your own particular activity. You will find after some time peace and a great benefit.

Missed the transport and have to wait 20 minutes to an hour

The normal reaction to this situation is to mutter a sigh of boredom. However, one who has as a daily habit meditation treats this as a great unhindered opportunity and acts positively to practice the mantra. Furthermore if you can have a seat whilst waiting you can practice Paul’s Aura Yoga Seat Yoga which is splendid as well. On a long train journey much can be accomplished. Forget your mobile phones and fidgeting with the keys. Yoga will refresh you in every way. Moblile phones do the opposite.

Counting of the mantra

You can count on the phalanges of the fingers using the thumb. Starting with the middle phalange of the ring finger of the right hand we progress to the lower phalange and thereafter proceed clockwise round the outside phalanges and we have ten mantra in this way. We can have a count of ten in the left hand. You may use beads or indeed just repeat over a time period. Method of counting is not important JUST PRACTICE JAPAM

I do hope you give this a try and the results are not immediate but after some years the benefits accrue as is common to all Yoga Practices Yoga is not a quick fix it is a slow percolation of practice with devotion and intensity.

Side Note: The Mantra should be done in quiet not audible just in the mental repetition, and it is a good idea to incorporate syllable AUM at the start and finish. Eg Aum Padmi Mani Aum is a well known mantra.

HAVE A GOOD PRACTICE AND KIND REGARDS TO YOU ALL

Joseph McNulty

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Hatha Yoga is often praised for its anti-aging effects. Seniors often remark how good their joints feel after a session of Hatha, Kundalini, or Chair Yoga. Yet, the phrase “anti-aging” is sometimes connected with scams and “quackery.”

In contrast, Yoga was intended to find the bliss in life right now. You do not have to wait until a certain number of years to go by, before you join “the blissful living club.” Never put off what you can do today, so make the most of each moment and practice Yoga along the way.

Over the years, Senior Yoga students have taught me many valuable lessons about living, even though I was teaching the class. One day, after I had finished teaching a Chair Yoga class, a student remarked, “I wish we had Yoga classes available, when we were children.”

Many Senior Yoga students take their practice home and continue throughout the day. Some of them teach their children, and grand children, which results in closer family ties. They also educate themselves with Yoga books, magazines, DVD’s, and CD’s, which keeps their minds stimulated, expands their knowledge, and gives them a deeper sense of purpose.

To reflect a bit deeper on this point – Yoga has never been more available to the worldwide public than it is right now; but distractions, poor eating choices, and fundamentalism, stand in the way of humankind’s progress. So, the Yogic gateway to holistic health is open, but you must be pro-active and educated enough to walk through it.

Let’s look at three major hurdles to blissful aging, and the solutions, Yoga has to offer. These hurdles are stress, poor eating choices, and fundamentalism.

Technology, financial worries, work-related stress, and unstable relationships, are the most common distractions, but they serve to “chew up our time” and “choke the life” out of us.

Challenges are healthy, but overwhelming stress is worse for your health than a bad diet, because it will literally kill you much quicker. Yoga teaches us to see clearly, rather than stagger through life without a purpose.

Poor eating choices have never been more abundant and affordable, but there is a price in the form of obesity, lack of mobility, disease, and a much shorter life span. Yoga has been preaching a healthy diet for thousands of years. We do not have to make every dietary change abruptly, but a gradual change toward healthier choices is an educated decision.

Whether it is political, social, philosophical, or religious based, fundamentalism is based on intolerance. It is the root of genocide and holocausts of the past. Fundamentalism is a trap based upon polarizing people into an angry mob, with a motto of “us against them.”

When we become part of the mob, we have been duped, and we lose our awareness. This is why fundamentalism has no place for Yoga. Self-realization would prevent you from joining an angry mob.

Blissful living requires complete awareness of all that is good in life. All of life’s treasures are at our feet – if we take the time to look closely. We cannot live forever, but we can take the time to enjoy our family, friends, health, and the common sense, we have gathered, up to this point. This is why Yoga practice is such a healthy choice to make; for anyone of any age.

Fear of old age is one of humankind’s most basic worries. Should you wait until next year to make a change in your lifestyle? Why wait? Let’s look at two Yogic solutions, for aging, right now.

Movement or stagnation is a basic decision, but we all know that movement is a healthy choice. If you are limited due to: Range of motion, physical condition, or something else – Chair Yoga, Restorative Yoga, or Yoga Therapy, will help you with mobility.

You may also realize that your pains and aches decrease with regular Yoga practice. While Yoga may not be a cure for your condition, Yoga does offer practical pain management solutions.

Healthy eating choices exist within the Yogic diet. We also call the Yogic diet the “Sattvic diet,” which has been copied for thousands of years. Sattva literally means: “Peace, balance, or light.” It can also be stated that the Sattvic diet brings about feelings of peace and tranquility.

The Sattvic diet has become known as a pure diet, because it is based upon whole and pure foods. The foundation of the Sattvic diet is fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, honey, pure juices, whole grain cereals, whole grain breads, legumes, seeds, nuts, sprouts, milk, butter, cheese, herbs, and herb teas.

Obviously, there are people who have allergic reactions to some of these foods. In this case, you should not consume them. Most common allergies would be to nuts or dairy, but allergies are serious and should never be ignored.

We also have more moderate or low-fat choices, available for dairy products, than in the past. Therefore, moderation is a key, and we should avoid over- consumption of any food – even if the choices are healthy.

© 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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