Archive for February, 2008

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are many styles of yoga, but teachers should be familiar with the nine main forms of yoga, from India, and their relationships to contemporary styles. The nine main styles are: Bhakti, Hatha, Jnana, Karma, Kundalini, Mantra, Raja, Tantric, and Yantra Yoga. Bhakti yoga is widely practiced in India, yet barely known by the masses outside of India.

If you’re looking to become a yoga instructor, you must be thoroughly trained and ready to cater to a variety of student needs. A competent yoga instructor should be well-versed in many aspects of yoga. Different styles emphasize varying aspects of yoga. Some may focus on the coordination of breath and movement, while others focus on the proper alignment of the body. Others use atmospheric conditions as the basis of the style.

Globally, one of the most popular styles is Hatha yoga. This is a style that focuses on slow, meditative breathing and relaxed postures. A yoga instructor will slowly guide students through poses one at a time. Many people that attend Hatha classes appreciate the relaxed feeling they get from the exercise aspects. Some people that try Hatha classes do not like the slow-pace and are searching for a higher-intensity exercise.

Vinyasa yoga, sometimes called Flow or Power yoga, contains a completely different focus in comparison to the meditative Hatha. Vinyasa is called Flow or Power, because of its emphasis on smooth and powerful movements. The teacher will guide students through a series of poses, changing them in rhythm with the breath.

The poses run together like a dance. Vinyasa classes can be either high or low intensity depending upon the yoga instructor’s emphasis. Vinyasa can be very diverse because it allows the yoga instructor to interject their personality into the routines.

Vinyasa, Flow, or Power yoga draws sequences from Hatha or Raja yoga, depending upon the instructor’s lineage. Raja is the form of yoga, which Maharishi Pantanjali describes in the Yoga Sutras. It should be noted that Raja is sometimes called Ashtanga, which means “eight limbs.”

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

If you teach any form of Yoga, you are expected to be a living example of good health. This can be easy for some and a daunting task for others. Any one of us could suffer from any one of the multitudes of ailments or diseases, while living a healthy lifestyle.

When students see you for the first time, they make initial judgments. Whether it is right or wrong, people make judgments. Bearing this in mind, Yoga teachers should be eating correctly, cross training, getting a good night’s sleep, and abstaining from bad health habits.

Body weight is difficult to control; especially if you have reached middle age. As a result, your diet and physical activities should be regulated according to your present weight. Walking, jogging, or swimming, should be part of your daily routine.

How much cross training is necessary? This depends on your present body weight, your blood pressure, and the condition of your heart. Some studies recommend walking 10,000 steps per day.

You could log this in by using a pedometer. It has also been discovered that moderate intensity exercises, such as: Swimming, biking, walking briskly, or dancing, are also of great benefit to our overall physical health.

The most important thing is to take part in physical activities, which you find stimulating. In good weather, a brisk walk outside is a wise habit. Granted, there are machines, which are designed for moderate intensity exercise. The elliptical trainer is a good example of such a machine.

Eating correctly, and moderately, should be no mystery to any of us. The Sattvic, or Yogic Diet, has plenty of solutions for weight control. One thing to consider is that raw vegetables, fruits, and water, are of extreme value to your physical health.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Where should one start learning about yoga? The classic yogic texts are a good start. In particular Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras are a good summarization of early yogic philosophy. While these early texts can provide us with many lessons, they are not the limits of modern yoga.

In India, Nepal, and Tibet, many of the old traditions are kept alive. Many people, in these countries, have derived beliefs from the traditions, even though they aren’t dedicated to the philosophy. The old system of yogis has given way to the yoga instructor.

Remember that yoga is no longer connected with any particular religion. This is why people, from different belief structures, have begun to practice. Decades ago, many religions looked upon yoga as some form of devil worship or New Age tomfoolery. Fortunately, times have changed and minds have opened up to the health and spiritual benefits of a yoga program.

Western yoga has been used primarily as a form of physical exercise. The emphasis on the ancient beliefs and rituals has been put aside. Now yoga is used as a flexibility regimen. Its breathing exercises have allowed everyone, from business people to baseball coaches, reach the highest state of relaxation. Christians, Muslims, and even atheists, have become devout followers of yoga. With the right program, a yoga certification is within anyone’s grasp.

Yoga eases the pain of back problems and helps people lose weight. It increases strength and flexibility. Studies have shown a decrease in blood pressure, stress, and heart rate, in regular practitioners. Other reported benefits are decreased arthritis pain and increased bowel performance.

From Iyengar to Bikram, there are yoga styles for everyone. By providing an understanding of how the body works, this ancient art has enabled people, of all shapes and sizes, become healthier. Become a yoga instructor and join millions on the path to self-aware health.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Written By Dr. Rita Khanna

Stress is a natural feeling that is created when we react to a particular situation. It can come at us from any number of facets of our lives; environment, mismanagement of daily routine, job, relationship, family, financial problem, children’s studies, servant problem, getting perturbed on small matters, driving the car, children’s attitude etc.

Our reaction to stress is based on personal beliefs and values & also our attitude; positive or negative. Most of the people do not have major reasons for stress; most of it is self created.

For example:

• It may create stress if you wake up late in the morning and fail to reach the place in time; on the other hand, if you don’t have to go to office but unfortunately you wake up early, you feel that your morning is spoiled. In both situations you may create stress.

• Every individual has his own status, plenty of wishes, there is no end to expectations but there is lack of ability to obtain every thing. Potentiality is inadequate but still people want to pluck the stars from the sky. Nothing wrong in that… but it is not proper if such uneasiness creates stress.

• Sometimes it happens that a joyful condition for one may be painful for the others. A little increase in daily workload may disturb one person while other person may become helpful to needy person even after completing his own work. This is where attitude matters.

These all are the reflections of the mental stress. Once it enters in your life, it should be eliminated by mature understanding. You are the key. You have a choice to turn the key clockwise or anticlockwise, that is to lock or unlock.

Gurudev Shri Swami Sivanandji Maharaja always propogated, “In all conditions, I am Bliss, I am Bliss, I am Bliss Absolute! …… ” It means that one should remain balanced and reassured in all conditions.

How Stress Works:

The problem is first assessed by the cerebral cortex, the thinking part of the brain, which then sends signals to the hypothalamus, the switch for a stress response & then on to the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is an automatic system that controls the heart, lungs, stomach, blood vessels and glands. Due to its action we do not need to make any conscious effort to regulate our breathing or heart beat.

The ANS is divided into two parts: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The SNS and the PNS are located in the spinal column. They originate in the brain, run down through the spine, and branch out to nearly every organ, blood vessel, muscle and gland of the body including the sweat glands and hair roots. The two systems generally act in opposition to each other.

The Sympathetic Nervous System:

In a stressful situation, the SNS is called into action – it uses energy – blood pressure increases, heart beats faster and digestion slows down. These are “Fight or Flight” responses. Anxiety and panic attack “symptoms” such as sweating, hot flashes, nausea, diarrhoea, heart pounding, smothering, dizziness or light-headedness, tunnel vision, dry mouth, chest pain, etc. result from the normal operation of the sympathetic.

The Parasympathetic Nervous System:

The PNS does the opposite of what the SNS does and thus restores balance in our lives – blood pressure decreases, heart beats slower and digestion is proper. In other words, it calms and cools the system.

A correct balance between SNS & PNS will help in making our lives stress free. However, if SNS is misused for long periods, as often happens in a chronic stressful situation, it can cause sickness and disease.

Is it Possible to Live a Stress Free Life?

Yes! Sit peacefully for a few moments and ask these questions to yourself.

• Do I get disturbed on small matters?
• Do I get disturbed sleep?
• Do I feel exhausted and disturbed when I wake up?
• Am I very much worried?
• Am I having deep anxiety?
• Have I various complaints?
• Am I quarrelsome on small matters?
• Do I experience hopelessness and frustration?
• Do I feel that life is a burden?
• Do I feel fed up of life?

If the answer to any above questions is, “yes” you are living stressful life.

Counteract Stress with Trataka:

Trataka is a very effective way of withdrawing from external stress and distractions and allowing the brain to enter a relaxed and highly beneficial alpha state. It has a strong influence on the pineal gland and the sympathetic nervous system (Since the eye is directly connected to the pineal gland via the SNS).

Trataka helps in decreasing sympathetic nervous activity and increasing parasympathetic function. The level of relaxation attained in Trataka serves to lesson the harmful effects of ‘fight or flight’ response. The mind becomes steady and still, while all disturbing or stressful thoughts are blocked.

To Perform Trataka:

1. Sit peacefully with straight spine in front of a candle least lighted room.

2. Light the candle and place it on a small bench at a distance of 2 feet from the eyes.

3. Now watch the flame of the candle or the wick of the candle continuously and steadily.

4. When you feel that your eyes are exhausted, close the eyes & try to visualize the flame of the lamp with closed eyes. Try to feel the flame inside you between your eyebrows.

5. When this after image disappears, re-open the eyes and again start gazing the flame tip to re-establish the image in your mind, and continue this experiment several times.

6. While gazing at the candle, engage your mind with chanting Omkar / Bhramari / watching on the breath / take your mind to your childhood period. Try to recapitulate the pleasure of the childhood. Jumping and its joy, laughing free minded and without any restriction etc. After remembering childhood, impressions try to recapitulate your youth gradually.

Remember your cheerful youth, delight, enthusiasm, happiness, humour, romance, victory and defeat and if you want to cry do it freely by remembering old happenings. It will wash your stress through tears.

7. Initially gaze for 2-3 minutes. Increase the duration of gazing each time and do it for maximum possible duration of about 15-20 minutes, but undue strain should not be taken.

8. Ending this exercise, slowly close the eyes & lie down in Shavasana for some time.You can freshen the eyes afterwards by rinsing them carefully and gently with cold water.

Some Tips to De-stress

Ever noticed that certain people seem to adapt quickly to stressful circumstances and take things in stride. They are cool under pressure and able to handle problems as they come up. If you want to build your resilience, work on developing these attitudes and behaviours.

• Understand yourself by honest efforts, continuous awareness and learning. Identify the root causes & the role of expectation in creating stress.

• Train your mind to change the situation & smile when stress develops.

• Your outlook, attitude, and thoughts influence the way you see things, is your cup half-full or half-empty. Turn your negative energy draining thoughts into positive and empowering thoughts.

• Eliminate old habits, which cause disturbances in small matters of your daily life. Protect yourself from negative and stressful influences.

• Live methodical life with new thoughts. For that, you don’t have to change your values and loyalties. Along with the change in the life, break your stubbornness, ego, obstinacy and old traditional thinking.

• Strengthen your power, capacity and mental abilities by practicing Yogasanas, Pranayama, Shavasana and Mediation regularly.

• Introspect daily life schedule peacefully, engage yourself in utilizing wonders of universe, beauty of life, importance of nature and every moment you have.

• Walk in fresh air; enjoy walking on green grass ground in the early morning, observe the colours of the rainbows, the flowers with soft leaves, groups of black bees, singing birds and dancing peacock, watch the stars in the blue sky; watch the ocean with jumping, undulating black water.

• Be optimistic. Believe in yourself. Be sure to breathe. And let a little stress motivate you into positive action to reach your goals. Interact with others & participate regularly in activities for relaxation and fun.

Practice this Tratak meditation regularly. The life, which you obtained, will be peaceful and stress free. You will become light minded; as calm & pleasant as a beautiful morning after heavy rains.

Short Profile

Dr. Rita Khanna

Dr. Rita Khanna is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy. She was initiated into his discipline over two decades ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh.

She believes firmly that Yoga is a scientific process, which helps us to lead a healthy and disease-free life. She is also actively involved in practicing alternative medicines like Naturopathy. Over the years, she has been successfully practicing these therapies and providing succour to several chronic and terminally ill patients.

At present, Dr. Rita Khanna is teaching Yoga in Secunderabad. She has been treating and curing various diseases and disorders through Yoga, Diet and Naturopathy and has been achieving tremendous satisfaction in disseminating this virtue.

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Everyone wants to be in better shape. There are multitudes of exercise programs and fitness regimens out there. New-fangled machinery and tools are constantly showing up on television, promising instant results; but these new ideas still can’t stand up to the ancient art of yoga.

The history of yoga dates back millennia. It’s believed that yoga originally developed in India. The word yoga is a Sanskrit word that roughly translates to “uniting.” While it is connected to many Indian religions, it’s not a religion itself. Yoga is regarded as both a philosophy and a science.

The earliest discoveries of yogic positions are the Indus Valley seals. Dating to the third millennium B.C., these seals show figures in different poses. These are believed to be the precursors to the modern form of yoga. Some archaeologists suggest that these positions were performed by humans and deities in ancient beliefs.

John Marshall discovered the most famous of these seals, the Pashupati seal. He claimed that it represented a Shiva figure, though modern archaeologists dispute this. There is still debate on whether these seals represent yoga at all.

Yoga is a 5,000 year old practice, but began appearing in Sanskrit texts much later. Some of these texts, called the Upanishads, outline many principle beliefs of Hinduism including the philosophy of yoga. Later, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras united many texts to form a grand summary of early yoga. The Yoga Sutras connect these practices to the Hindu belief system.

Quieting the mind, tranquility, and being present in this life, are some of the primary goals of yoga, as prescribed by Patanjali. At the time of this writing, becoming a yoga instructor is a part of mastering this discipline. By helping others, we also achieve a tranquil state of mind.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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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
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Different hatha yoga disciplines, such as Iyengar or Bikram, require you to study under their own certified instructors. Some forms are more lenient in their training programs. The school you choose assists you on your path to becoming a yoga instructor.

You also want to see the length of each certification program. Some classes will meet on weekends only, and run six months. Others will meet nearly every day, but only last a month. Inquire at a school and find a class that fits your schedule.

Besides yoga certification, it is important to have a basic understanding of human anatomy in order to accommodate students. For example, a thoroughly trained teacher must know how to advise someone with back problems or arthritis.

Besides knowing the positions and techniques of yoga, it is a good idea to understand the philosophy. Study some of the important texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, to gain a deeper understanding of yoga. These works teach a prospective instructor about the philosophy of yoga.

Though there are important texts in yoga, remember that yoga is not a religion. It requires no adherence to a belief system and there are no deities. It is a discipline designed to enable self-awareness. Some teachers adhere to different religions, but they are not connected to yoga.

Becoming a yoga instructor can provide you with the lasting knowledge that you are improving the lives of your students. You will also bring yourself great joy as you learn more about advanced studies in yoga. However you decide to pursue your certification, your new career is certain to bring you much happiness.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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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
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

What does it take to become a yoga instructor? You’ve practiced the positions and breathing techniques, almost every day, for years. You’ve gained a deeper understanding of the benefits of yoga and wish to share your knowledge with others. If you’re willing to find a training program, the steps to yoga certification are simple.

Though the discipline has been popular for some time, yoga teacher training is far from standardized. Most training programs require that you have a minimum level of experience in yoga before being an instructor. Some require yoga postures (asanas), such as headstands. Others insist that you must be approved by the instructor who is training you. Some certification courses can be taken online or by correspondence.

Yoga is an ancient discipline that has traditionally been passed directly from teacher to student on a one-to-one basis. The idea of a class is relatively new. These days, the speed of information being exchanged, has changed everything including traditional forms of training.

Though there is no single “official” certification program, there are groups designed to keep the study organized. Usually, certifying bodies train an intern to become a Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT), after 200 hours of training. This credential alone is usually enough to begin teaching students in public yoga classes. If you are seeking more credentials, you may decide to train for a 500 hour credential or become a Registered Yoga Teacher.

In the United States, yoga registration is generally handled by the Yoga Alliance. The Yoga Alliance is recognized, within the industry, as a registration program that helps maintain the high standards of yoga. It has different levels of yoga registration.

The first program requires two hundred hours of training, and is sometimes a requirement for employment in a studio. There is also a five hundred hour program for those who want advanced registration. Finally, there are experienced levels of registration, which have the designation, E-RYT.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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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
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

The type of yoga you prefer to practice will guide you in choosing your training and the particular instructor certification process. Bikram yoga, vinyasa yoga, and hatha yoga, all take you down different training paths. Be cautious of training programs at your local yoga studio that require you to spend thousands and thousands of dollars to become a yoga teacher. Shop around until you find a program you like at a reasonable price. Many studios require at least a 200 hour certified yoga teacher (CYT) credential to teach classes.

If you want to become a yoga instructor, gather as much information as possible on the subject. Look for books about teaching yoga online, at local book stores, and at your local library. Also, ask a current yoga instructor for their advice on the subject. They can help you find the facts you need to choose a preparatory program. They may even offer to be your mentor.

Teaching yoga is one of the most fulfilling jobs available. Not only do you get to enhance your own personal sense of joy and well-being, you also get to share your happiness with others. However you choose to prepare for this wonderful vocation, be sure to enjoy your training and development.

In the United States, the Yoga Alliance is a nationally recognized organization that sets the standards for Registered Yoga Teachers. There are different levels of registration from the Yoga Alliance. For example: There is the 200 hour and the 500 hour teacher level. Their names refer to the length of the programs. Once you have completed your Yoga Alliance training, you can use the letters RYT after your name, which stand for Registered Yoga Teacher.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Is yoga a key part of your health and fitness routine? Are you interested in becoming a yoga instructor? Teaching is a wonderful opportunity to enrich your life, and make a difference in the lives of others. If yoga is one of your talents, consider sharing your gift, and teaching yoga professionally.

Choosing to be a yoga instructor is easier than you think. If you are a natural leader, who has been practicing yoga for years, you are a great fit for the position already. The next step, in the process, is to learn how to teach others properly. In order to do this, you must make sure that you have mastered your own positioning and alignment in the various poses. Take an advanced level class, rent or buy an advanced course on DVD, or order a book online, to make sure your skills are top notch.

Consider taking a certification class for teaching yoga. While certification isn’t legally required in the United States, Canada, and most of the world, a certification will boost your confidence. It is a credential, worthy of note, when speaking with perspective students. Minimum requirements vary from teacher to teacher, so make sure you research the certification program you want to join carefully.

Make sure your teacher is someone you respect and admire, and ask questions about the certification process. How much time is involved? What do you teach? What are the graduation requirements? The answers to these questions will help you find the program that is the best fit for you.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
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On-Site Training: http://www.aurawellnesscenter.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
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

When you consider all of the aspects to learn during a Yoga teacher training course – the case could easily be made that becoming a masterful orator is secondary. After all, there are so many subjects to cover, when considering postures (asanas), yogic breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, stage-by-stage relaxation, chakras, bandhas, philosophy, anatomy, and so much more. How could anyone think that communication is so important?

Once you graduate, and face your students from the front of the Yoga class, communication, in its many forms, becomes very important. Students learn in different ways and at different paces. Some students will favor learning by sight, sound, or touch. No two students are exactly alike.

Your demonstration, cueing, and assisting skills, will be challenged to their very limits, when facing a group of individuals who want to learn every detail about Yoga. So, now you see that communication is very important, but where do you start? How do you reach a group of students, and make each one of them feel as if you are addressing them personally?

It should always be remembered that each Yoga teacher began as a student. The same can be said for public speaking – a good orator has taken the time to study the craft and refine the skill. It is also worthy of note to understand that throughout history, great orators have been very educated people.

Public speaking and communication require the complete unity of mind, body, and spirit. Eloquence requires practice, refinement, and the joining of all natural resources from within. The same can be said for public speaking skills.

To communicate effectively with a group, class, or a room full of people, is one of the highest forms of demonstration in our quest for self-mastery. It is one thing to amaze a crowd with Yogic feats of physical prowess. People gladly pay to watch elite athletes on display in stadiums and coliseums.

It should be noted that people will also pay to listen to an eloquent public speaker. Each person, who envisions teaching a Yoga class, primarily as a demonstration of his or her physical feats, is missing the opportunity to help students become the best they can be.

Teaching your students to attain self-mastery can only be achieved through effective communication skills. Class time is specifically reserved for student needs. A Yoga instructor should always be a shining example of how to put one’s ego aside.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”
Visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
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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
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