Archive for September, 2008

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Sound is all around us; yet, sound is within us. Both forms of sound can be used for constructive meditation sessions. A repetitive external sound can easily be used to focus the mind. There are musical compositions for meditation. For beginners, the more repetitive the sound, the easier it will be to focus.

There are many Kiirtan songs which use the words “Baba Nam Kevalam,” which is a Sanskrit mantra that means “Love is all there is” or “Love is the essence of all things.” Kiirtan musical compositions give off a variety of feelings. Some people love it, and some do not.

If you want to try meditation on sound, please be sure the music you choose makes you feel relaxed and able to concentrate. You may have to experiment to find the right music for you. It should also be noted that some people do not meditate well with music at all.

If you decide to practice meditation while listening to music, at a low volume, you will begin to notice the music fades from your mind. As you continue to focus on sound, you will start to take in the sounds of the world around you without judgment. If you listen to the world around you, there is a background hum.

This is “Om,” the most natural of all sounds. This sound is most noticeable when you are away from cities, traffic, and the rest of humanity. For some of us, we can hear this sound anywhere we go. At the same time, some people cannot hear it at all.

This explains why many people go to Yoga, meditation, or spiritual retreats. A retreat gives the practitioner time to focus on the mental and spiritual planes of existence, which are not easily noticed when living in fast-paced industrial societies.

Om is a mantra, which exists all around us, without having to produce the sound within. Om is “pravana,” which weaves its way through the fabric of life. Between the sharp sounds made by humans, machinery, nature, and other animals, the sound of Om is always there.

Many of us have heard of “mantra,” it is an overused word, which is often over simplified. Mantra is a sacred sound, or phrase, which is repeated to expand our awareness and consciousness. At the same time, mantra has the ability to protect our minds from pessimism, stress, anxiety, and negativity.

Meditating on sound gives you the ability to control your consciousness, instead of being dominated by random negative thoughts and emotions, which come to you externally. The ability to create your own heaven on earth can be found in mantra, but the ability to control your consciousness can also be found in prayer and positive affirmation.

On this earth, we the have the choice to enjoy life or live a miserable existence. Your awareness and consciousness are a viewpoint of life itself. A materially rich man can be just as miserable as a poor man, because they both can influence internal awareness and consciousness.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

There are many forms of Yoga. Among the nine main styles, Hatha is the most commonly practiced, outside of India. Some may think of Hatha as a physical exercise, a gateway to physical mastery, or consider it to be a form of Yoga for back pain. Regardless of the reason for practicing, Hatha Yoga is often practiced by those who feel stressed.

The concept of Hatha Yoga, for stress, is nothing new. People who live in urban areas, often experience higher levels of stress and anxiety, in comparison to those who live in rural areas. The birthplace of Yoga is India; and many Indian cities claim this title, but cities of any kind can cause their own form of anxiety.

Crowded living conditions, and the quick pace of daily life, are factors that raise stress levels, while causing back pain, headache, high blood pressure, anger, substance abuse, and much more. Yoga, for stress relief, was a solution the ancient Yogis developed to raise the quality of life.

We tend to think that Yoga for stress management is something new, but now, realize it was a holistic solution, which dates back thousands of years ago. The idea of “Yoga for the people” is a new one. Throughout our history, and for a variety of reasons, the masses did not have access to information like we do today.

Before starting Yoga classes, you should see a medical doctor. There are many pre-existing health conditions, which need to be taken into consideration, such as the condition of your joints, pregnancy, blood pressure, heart condition, glaucoma, aneurysm, joints that have been replaced, and more.

If you require Hatha Yoga for chronic stress, you should look for a gentle style, and find a teacher who is safe and compassionate. There are many forms of Hatha Yoga. Bikram, Iyengar, Sivananda, Kripalu, and Restorative, are just a handful of the many sub-Hatha styles.

All of them focus on physical posture (asana). However, be sure that you will learn pranayama (Yogic breathing), meditation, and relaxation techniques, too. The physical postures will enable you to channel nervous energy in a positive way, but pranayama, meditation, and relaxation techniques, are extremely valuable tools for lowering stress levels.

The end result is you feel calm after a Yoga session, and your attitude will change for the best. The most common benefits of Yoga students are developing inner calm and the feeling of being more energized. This is a balanced combination, which will relax your body and mind, without any negative side effects.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

How does Yoga relate to the “Law of Attraction?” We often hear about the universal concept of attraction, but how many of us are aware of it as it happens throughout the day? Let’s take a closer look at our Yoga practice and how we influence the world around us with our thoughts.

Most people feel that actions and words are all that counts. If they think negative thoughts, they assume there will be no repercussions. Yet, negative thoughts create pessimism and influence the outcome of daily situations, for the worst.

If we worry about something long enough, we can influence the end result for the worst. The exact opposite can be said for positive thoughts. Sometimes, the eternal optimist is oblivious of anything, but a good outcome. We must control what we think at all times. Below are a few methods, which can change your life for the best.

Start your morning with a smile, meditate, and give thanks for the blessing of each day. Appreciate the sounds of your family, a bird’s song, and the steady noise of daily life. Never be the person who complains about the weather. This is an imperfect world, but there is still so much to appreciate.

Create a positive affirmation of your own. This is similar to mantra, but much different. If you feel stressed out, you should think, “I look for and find solutions within stressful situations.” This may seem very simplistic and a bit silly to some.

Yet, how many people react to stressful situations with headaches, rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, chest pain, backaches, insomnia, and more ailments? When stress makes you ill, it is unlikely that you will find solutions during a crisis.

Mantra is also valuable, because you block the external signals of stress, with internal sounds of peace. However, if you are in a social environment, a self-created positive affirmation, in your native language, may help you to create a solution to a cycle of stress.

Almost every form of Yoga practices mantra and positive affirmation. If you practice these Yogic methods regularly, you can quell pessimism from within. This is only half of the solution. The other half is to permanently instill positive energy within your mind.

In your free time, meditate on positive feelings. Get to know which images, in your mind, create happiness. It could be God, a spiritual center, a loved one, a pet, your favorite vacation spot, or a beloved teacher.

Regardless of what makes you happy, learn to envision it at any time, and summon into action, all the happiness that comes with it. Kindness and happiness is how a Yoga practitioner can master the power of attraction.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Yoga is often described as “unity.” The root words for integrity are the Latin words, “integritas” and “integer”, which we know as “whole” or “wholeness.” If you practice Yoga, you should be familiar with the concept of working to improve your entire being, in every facet of your existence.

Two different cultures (Latin and Indian) approached a similar concept as a way of life. When we think of integrity, we often think of taking the right action, even when it is unpopular. Historically, doing the right thing could cost you your life. In some parts of the world, your life is at risk for talking about peaceful
co-existence with a different culture.

Unfortunately, men and women of peace have been our martyrs. Consider Mohandas Gandhi, Anwar Sadat, Benazir Bhutto, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Yitzhak Rabin. In each case, we cannot rationally understand why each of them was assassinated. Yet, we all know that talking peace can put your life at risk.

If you have ever been suddenly shocked by hatred against your skin color, ethnic background, religion, or something else that makes you a little different, you are not alone. At one time, or another, each of us has felt an intolerant focus on us. Intolerance, prejudice, and hate crimes are always wrong, but who is brave enough to tell an angry mob?

With all of this said, any of us, who live in a democracy, are extremely lucky to be able to express our opinions with much less chance of sacrificing our lives. Those who live in war-torn countries, see a much different world.

Those of us, who are free to practice Yoga, should “thank our lucky stars” for it. Even in a free society, one cannot be loved by everyone, but many of us should not be surprised if Yoga is scorned by some. The reason is simple: Yoga will enable you to see clearly, to love those who are different from you, and to embrace peaceful solutions.

Fundamentalists, of all kinds, are united in their belief against the concept of peace. A fundamentalist argument, against peaceful co-existence, is that the earth has a north and south pole, and there is no need for a “gray area” in between.

Logic tells us that there is much space between the earth’s two poles. Notice also, that the two polar opposites are both very cold places to live. Our earth’s poles are much like fundamentalists. A fundamentalist has much more in common with another extremist of any religion, or philosophy, than the vast majority of humanity.

The world has never needed integrity, tolerance, and Yoga, more than it does right now. The reason: World peace is a real possibility, when each of us is an ambassador of kindness.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

How can we expect Yoga to be recognized as a viable therapy, along side traditional western medicine? Much like many of the other holistic approaches to health, Yoga is not backed by any “deep pockets” of financial power, in comparison to Fortune 500 companies and the International corporate giants.

In contrast to Yoga, the pharmaceutical lobby is composed of the paid representatives of huge biomedicine corporations, who definitely influence government policies. Yoga has no influence over governments outside of India.

Most Yoga teachers, studios, and ashrams cannot afford to pay for one impartial study to be performed. Yoga does not qualify as an irritation to the eyes of the pharmaceutical lobby. Biomedicine corporations annually pay millions of dollars in research and development of their products.

One might say: “Yoga has no chance of recognition as a genuine therapy, because it has no major financial backing.” Add to this, the lack of medical studies on a 5,000 year old health maintenance system has not added to the credibility of Yoga as a viable therapy.

Yet, all is not lost. Students of Yoga tend to tell their friends, family, co-workers, and anyone who will listen about the benefits of steady practice. Their reason is based on results, which they personally see and feel from the continued systematic training in a science of life we know as: “Yoga.”

This has led to a “grass roots” level promotion of Yoga. Occasionally, a university might receive a grant to run a study about the effectiveness of Yoga on people who have a particular ailment. The end results are usually the same: Yoga is helpful in many areas of health because it approaches the whole being.

For example: If you have a knee problem, Yoga approaches the knee and the rest of your body, as well. Many of us have learned this first hand, because our ailments practically drove us to our first Yoga class. The results are: We keep coming back to class because Yoga helped us.

How can Yoga or any alternative therapy become recognized for its true worth? As already stated, funding for independent trials, research, and studies usually requires a large financial investment. This indicates that Yoga will go through many more years of research before gaining formal medical or scientific recognition.

There may be a few companies that manage to profit by selling healthy lifestyle services and products, but their sales pale in comparison to the prescription drug business. The key to proliferating Yoga therapy is public education about the benefits of proactive health maintenance.

Schools are making the effort to educate the public about the benefits of practicing Yoga. At a time when many families do not have adequate health insurance, Yoga offers cost effective solutions.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Why is there a code of ethical conduct for Yoga teachers?

There is a balancing act between integrity and power. Whether we like it, or not, the position of teacher, in any subject, is a position of power. At the same time, Yoga teachers must establish an environment of mutual trust.

This should be easy enough on the surface, but Yoga instructors are only human. In the words of Lord Acton, “All power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority.”

Power can have a narcotic effect, especially if we begin to believe those who praise us. There is nothing wrong with a positive self-image, as long as it is based on reality. The problems with power stem from situations where one cannot keep his or her ego “in check.”

The ego is intoxicated by power. No matter who we are, all of us have a trace of ego. As a Yoga teacher, one is supposed to have developed enough inner awareness to see his or her own weaknesses. Yet, everyone loves to hear praise, receive recognition, and listen to the approval of those around them.

The fact is – every teacher needs a reality check. If a student gives you a compliment, that is a good thing, but put everything in its proper perspective. Almost every teacher has met a student who did not approve of him or her. In this case, should a Yoga teacher respond in kind?

I ask this because we are trained to repel negative energy without violence or anger, but most of us are not trained to handle an over abundance of positive energy, in the form of affection.

As a teacher of Yoga, you are a leader within your classroom environment. To maintain an air of tranquility with your students, and everyone else you meet in life, you should have a balanced approach to all relationships.

In the words of Mohandas Gandhi, “I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.” To get along with people, we cannot spend our time worrying about love and hate relationships with our students.

Instead, create a state of inner harmony, so that you are mentally balanced when you encounter the complex emotions of others. No one expects you to be super human, but we all know the guidelines of ahimsa (non-harming). This one guideline tells us to avoid harming others. Consider ahimsa in your classes and outside them, as well.

© 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, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Whether you are attending an on-site course for re-certification, a refresher, or for your initial Yoga teacher training, you want to learn as much as you can while you are there. Most onsite, or residential intensives, can be quite expensive, so here are a few tips for getting the most out of your training session.

1. Make a commitment to attend the entire session. Many attendants have family and job obligations outside of the training; but if you plan to be at an intensive, you should be there from start to finish. This includes being on time, or starting a little bit early, every day, and not leaving early, unless there is an emergency.

2. Keep any potential relationships in check. Sometimes, romance finds its way into every facet of life. If you suddenly find your missing soul mate, by all means get to know that person better – after the intensive is over.

Your primary reason for attending a Yoga intensive is to learn, but heated romantic relationships should not be on the menu. If you unexpectedly meet your soul mate, at an intensive, the resulting relationship will continue beyond the training. Time spent on romance is time lost at your intensive training.

3. Read the study materials, which are presented to you at your training sessions. The Yoga teacher, who prepared these materials, has most likely given you a concise view of the subjects presented.

Ignoring a trainer’s handouts is much like throwing a road map aside while you are on a trip. If a quiz or exam is attached to the materials – try to see the rewards of learning new ideas and techniques, rather than becoming stressed out over an assignment.

4. If you are told to wear a name tag, please do so, but you should look forward to being lost in the crowd. Do not expect a close relationship with the trainer or the director of Yoga teacher training. If you desire to be in a smaller group, inquire about the maximum number of participants allowed.

It should be obvious that larger trainings are popular, but teachers and interns who attend them, are lucky if the trainers remember them at all. Close association with a Guru or Yoga teacher trainer takes place in smaller groups. This was the traditional way, and it still works. It is extremely difficult to bond with a trainer in groups with over twelve attendants.

5. Follow the guidelines in regard to proper dress, wearing perfume, assisting, eating, shutting your cell phone off, and any other logical policies. Most of the guidelines of conduct are based upon common sense. Most rules are established after someone has already pushed the limits of sound practical judgment, in the past.

Follow the five above-mentioned tips and you will experience rapid growth in your skills and knowledge of Yoga.

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Traditionally, students of Yoga sought out a particular guru. They may have been referred to this specific guru by his, or her, loyal students, or knew of the teacher’s skills by reputation.

At that point, a guru would make a decision on whether or not to take in another student on a trial basis. The trial may have consisted of doing work around the ashram before being recognized as a formal student.

This is the way the Yoga teacher / student relationship operated for thousands of years. In some areas of the world, it still does work this way. Sometimes, a guru was honored as more than a mere man. However, the traditional model of the student / teacher relationship, within Yoga, has changed immensely.

Why doesn’t the traditional model work?

You cannot stop your students from reading books, going to the library, learning from other teachers, having Internet access, watching DVDs, listening to CDs, or watching Yoga on television.

At the same time, no responsible Yoga instructor wants to prevent students from learning. Yet, the reason the traditional model worked was because students studied within a “vacuum.” The guru had all the answers and was respected as an authority.

These days, Yoga teachers often ask me, “What is the role of a teacher in the 21st century?” The role has not actually changed; the first step in establishing a firm relationship, with any student, is based on trust. This is much like a friendship. When students know that you will not hurt them, the wise ones will always come back for more.

If students want to suffer in your classes, do you really want to teach them anything about Yoga? Hatha Yoga was not designed for students who want more pain. Is Hatha Yoga just another form of physical torture?

In fact, we know that pain serves us as a milestone for an area where none of us should be. If a student is not ready to hear the message of “The Middle Way” of moderation, why frustrate the both of you? The “no-pain, no-gain mentality” always finds a way to become injured.

A large part of what we do is to help our students find a tranquil state of mind and a healthy body. Always remember this the next time a student wants you to push him or her harder. It is not your job to become a “Yoga Nazi.” When you hurt your students, you have violated a trust that goes back thousands of years.

What do most students expect from a Yoga teacher? Most students expect an honest relationship. Our job is to make a difference. By this, we should make safety a priority while, at the same time, we help our students progress toward development of awareness and transformation.

If a student does not appreciate honesty, compassion, and the way of moderation, you will have a difficult time being a trusted guide on the Yogic path. The ancient Yogis were extremely wise to have realized this. That is why Yoga students were accepted on a trial basis.

© 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, Paul
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By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Many people feel that therapeutic Yoga styles are an alternative form of therapy, because they have seen changes in their lives, or in the life of someone close to them. Yet, Yoga must undergo scientific and medical scrutiny in the form of studies or research.

Without research, science and medicine would take the “blind faith” of Yoga practitioners as fact. Testing is an integral part of science and medicine. Every procedure, process, prescription, and therapy has undergone this same scrutiny.

Very often, prescription medicine is linked to the medical community in an unfavorable light. Side effects are a major concern to the public. Most people do not want to take prescription drugs, due to a variety of reasons. To some, it seems that taking medicine is seen as a form of weakness.

Generalizations about prescription medicine, and health conditions, show up in print all the time. Patients are often blamed for their health conditions. While it is true that being negligent in areas of health can result in a poor state of well being, there are many cases when genetics and circumstances, beyond a patient’s control, result in taking a prescription.

Let’s look at high blood pressure as an example. How often do you hear that eating, smoking, and drinking too much, are the causes of high blood pressure? Here’s a reality check for you: According to the American Heart Association, “In 90 to 95 percent of high blood pressure cases, the cause is unknown.” This is not encouraging news. Nor is it a reason to celebrate with a cigarette and an alcoholic beverage.

However, work conditions, stress levels, and genetics, get a closer look when you do not have a solid reason why someone has high blood pressure. In the case of students, who practice Yoga on a regular basis – many of them have good blood pressure readings after their practice. To quote the American Heart Association again: “Blood pressure less than 120/80 mm Hg is generally considered ideal.”

For many reasons, Yoga is helping people with borderline or high blood pressure. Does science and medicine have an exact answer? Not yet, but they will – after many more studies. This is not a reason to be discouraged. Yoga teachers must realize – we are no longer “flying under the radar.”

Scientific scrutiny, research, testing, and studies, should be welcomed by the Yoga community. At the same time, anyone who teaches Yoga should be careful to avoid making assumptive claims.

If you have a case, where something has worked, by all means record it, but science is more interested in a “track record.” Their line of reasoning is, “How many times did it work and why?” Debate and scrutiny is healthy for Yoga.

If you are teaching Yoga to students with health conditions, you should record your results. As far as science is concerned, the time is overdue to find out why Yoga works.

© 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, Paul
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Written By Mona Sethi

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise, as known by most of the people. Yoga is Indian and very Hindu. It has been popular in many forms in India for centuries. It is a way of life and not just a form of exercise as believed by most of people in the west. It is embedded in the Hindu way of life and people practice yoga everyday, without even thinking or knowing they are performing a yoga act.

For some, Yoga is the ultimate goal and for some yoga is a path to the ultimate goal. Most yogis believe that the union of one’s soul, which is atman and the whole universe and beyond, called Brahman, is the ultimate goal of yoga. Yoga is also considered a science by many modern followers. It has shown desired results in overall improvement of health in all the parts of the body.

Yoga is about 5000 years old and there have been many forms of yoga since centuries but in today’s world we can safely classify Indian yoga in nine forms. Jnana Yoga or yoga of knowledge achieved through study and meditation making one wise. Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of love and devotion is practiced via bhajans, shalokas. Karma yoga is a way of life and it can be practiced everyday with no effort. Karma means doing your duty selflessly without thinking of the outcome or the end.

Mantra Yoga is rhythmic repetition or chanting of a word, like OM or other phrases and shalokas that brings relaxation and calm to mind and body. Yantra Yoga is practiced through the sights in the surroundings, in nature, temples and pictures, or by visualizations and forms that we achieve tranquility. Laya and Kundalini Yoga is a yoga that involves breathing and meditation to arouse the power centers or chakras in the body through the nerve forces to the attain samadhi should be practiced under the supervision of a teacher.

Tantric Yoga is sexual yoga which unites by harnessing sexual energy. It is a kind of yoga that is kept closed and guarded and for obvious reasons is often not accepted by the masses. Raja Yoga makes you the ruler of your whole being is practiced through asana and pranayam and works on the purification of the mind and then the body. Finally, Hatha Yoga which is widely practiced in the west via asanas or postures, meditation or pranayam (breathing exercises) and ultimately leads to the purification of the body and mind or the total being.

All the above yogas provide relaxation and tranquility through different mediums, thus making yoga just not physical form of exercise but much more than that. One could practice any or all of these forms of yoga along with other guidelines described later to achieve the ultimate goal and benefits.

Yoga in total is a combination of asana or postures, breathing the right way, relaxation, diet, meditation and becoming a better person. One cannot practice yoga like an exercise just for body toning and health if all the other aspects are not followed. Yoga makes the whole being healthy. Yoga is very different from other physical exercises.

Yoga exercises are slow rhythmic movements focusing on mind and body, while other physical exercises involve vigorous, violent movement that may build muscles and help in achieving great body but the stresses it puts on the muscles and body are harmful for the body in the long run.

Also, these exercises do not relax our mind or body and mind and body tranquility is the main aim of yoga. It advises one to go slow and according to ones abilities and capabilities. Yoga is also considered safe for kids, old people and people with ailments unlike most of the other form of exercises. There are certain low key exercises which are for beginners or people with disabilities and once they develop the strength and ability, they can gradually move on to more challenging poses.

Meditation and relaxation along with proper breathing are eminent parts of yoga. The most desirable part of a yoga exercise is that it relaxes the body and mind. One experiences relaxed mind and body in the first few sessions. Meditation is a technique and should be practiced daily and mastered to bring serenity and inner freedom. It is becoming increasingly popular and has shown to bring physiological and psychological changes due to deep subconscious relaxing quality.

It also reduces stress, breathing rate and oxygen consumption, lowers blood pressure thus improving the health of the physical body. Due to deep rest and relaxation qualities, mediation also reduces depression and stressful intake of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and other harmful substances. Meditation, relaxation and right breathing make life more open, spontaneous, anxiety free, healthful, creative and rewarding.

Diet is another very important part of yoga. One cannot practice yoga completely, if one does not take care of the foods we eat. If the foods one eats make him unhealthy and sick, he will not benefit from yoga at all. There are certain foods that are needed by the body and some that are harmful for the body. We all know that alcohol, smoking and other substances that are addictive should be avoided. Food can be divided in three categories, based on their qualities. Sattvic or pure, natural foods are very beneficial to us. Foods that are good for the body are fruits and vegetables, milk, ghee, honey, grains and legumes.

Rajasic food or stimulating foods like meats and strong tasting foods that stimulate the nervous system should be consumed in small quantities. Meat in some quantities is okay since it provides protein. Finally, Tamasic or impure food that should not be consumed are very spicy, salty, oily foods or foods that cause acidity or the foods that are reheated or rotten with fungus or bacteria should be avoided.

The general guideline for good health is to cut down on meats and meat products, avoid processed foods as much as possible, eat moderately, keep foods simple as to not overcook and include few good foods in a meal than lots at a time and at the same time chew your food well to aid in good digestion and cleansing.

Along with the right kind of food and exercises, good habits should be practiced. Kind words, good acts, modesty, devotion to god and service to people are suggested in yogic way of life. Karma should be the essential core of our being. It is how we live our life defines us and our atman. Karma has always been an essential element of Hindu life and thus a yogic way of life. “What goes around comes around” is the essence of Karma.

Certain yoga exercises along with medical attention and under the guidance of a teacher are very beneficial in treating certain ailments like heart problems, blood pressure which is sometimes stress related, headaches, migraines, insomnia, and other modern diseases.

Yoga is also extremely beneficial for the health and well being of both adults as well as kids. Kid’s yoga exercises are very popular now days especially at younger age. Our children live in a hurry-up world of busy parents, school pressures, incessant lessons, video games, malls, and competitive sports. We usually don’t think of these influences as stressful for our kids, but often they are.

Due to the time constraints and the social pressure of participating in extra curricular activities, children tend to adapt similar stressful lifestyle as adults. The bustling pace of our children’s lives can have a profound effect on their innate joy and usually not for their good.

It is very important that parents provide children with a healthy lifestyle that would impact their physical, mental and spiritual well-being. As mentioned before, Yoga is a way of life and emphasizing on certain practices that promote healthy body as well as healthy mind and inculcate habits that are long lasting and not practiced just for immediate result.

Good eating habits and knowledge of healthy versus unhealthy foods should be emphasized all the time to help them make right choice in their lives. Exercise not just in form of sports and physical education (PE) but teaching them how to breathe effectively and relax their body in stressful situations or to calm down or just to relax their body for sleep. We see lots of kids with attention and behavior issues and are treated with drugs. Yoga exercise and right kind of foods along with medicine and counseling has proven effective.

It is very unfortunate that due to pressures of doing well in school, sports and otherwise, children are under tremendous pressure from everywhere and everyone. Relaxation becomes such an important part of a child’s daily routine but is not emphasized at all.

Teaching the child how to unwind their bodies at the end of the day or recharge them in the mornings through meditation, breathing and exercises will be very beneficial to them and help them throughout their life. When children learn techniques for self-health, relaxation, and inner fulfillment, they can navigate life’s challenges with a little more ease. Fostering cooperation and compassion—instead of opposition—is a great gift to give our children.

Children derive enormous benefits from yoga. Physically, it enhances their flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness. In addition, their concentration and sense of calmness and relaxation improves. Yoga helps them develop better body awareness, self-control, flexibility and coordination through a physical activity that is non-competitive.

They can carry these skills beyond class and into their daily routines. Yoga has also been shown to help the hyperactive and attention-deficit child. These children crave movement and sensory/motor stimulus. Yoga helps channel these impulses in a positive way. Certain poses like warrior pose and tree pose help instill calm, confidence and balance in kids. They feel strong and confident like a warrior and in control or the situation.

Doing yoga, children exercise, play, connect more deeply with the inner self, and develop an intimate relationship with the natural world that surrounds them. Yoga brings that marvelous inner light that all children have to the surface. Partner poses develop trust and fosters bonding. Working with each other on poses, the children develop team skills.

The benefits of yoga are very similar for both children and adults. The advantage is when we start practicing yoga at an early age and stage of life; the results are long lasting and will keep us healthy for a long time. Parents play a vital role in day to day living of children and have a lasting impact on their personalities and lifestyle. It is the responsibility of adults to make it better for children.

Children’s personalities are a result of how they are brought up by their parents and society and their environment and early yoga can have added benefits on kids’ lives for years to come.

To sum it all, Yoga which includes exercise, meditation, breathing, proper diet and a good lifestyle, can help one get rid of ailments and disabilities, physical or mental stresses and help us achieve a healthy body physically, mentally and spiritually at all stages of life and for life.

References-
Complete yoga book- Hewitt
Complete illustrated book of yoga- Swami Vishnu-Devananda
Lisa Orkin, www.yogasite.com
Marsha Wenig, Yoga Journal

By Mona Sethi, California
I started practicing prenatal Yoga in 1999. Since then I have been practicing yoga and I am a big advocate of yoga for kids. My kids have been doing yoga with me for a long time. It has helped them in various ways as it has help me improve my health.

Currently, I am teaching Kids Yoga in Pleasanton CA. For more information contact me at monasethi@hotmail.com