Namaskar,

At the beginning of 2009, I announced that there would be upcoming changes to our Blogs, Forums and Newsletters. Thank you for your kindness and patience while we made those changes to our Blogs and Forums. Thank you, also, for your positive feedback about those changes.

Now it's time to change our newsletters.

Please read carefully, so you'll know what to expect:

On June 16th you will receive an extra Email from us.

This will signal our upgrade to a brand new email system and format. That first message will serve as your introduction to the new system and will help you to understand how to manage your subscription preferences.

Due to popular demand, we will be simplifying our newsletter choices (only one type of newsletter instead of two) and giving you the ability to change the frequency with which you receive them.

You will still be receiving the same great articles, but now there will be one article per newsletter.

The new shortened layout will improve the newsletter's readability so you won't have to scroll so much to find links to items you follow, such as new blog postings and hot forum topics; and we'll be adding more quick links for other items like the latest web clips about assisting students, using props, lectures, Pranayama, and Yoga teacher training tips.

Now, you'll be receiving them as frequently as you wish, up to one per week or as few as one per month. You'll be able to change your frequency as often as you like, so you can get just the number of articles per month that suits you best. We'll start everyone off at weekly and you can change that right away, or you can try it like that for a few weeks to see how you like it.

You can always slow it down anytime you like.

We think this will improve your experience with our newsletters and make it easier for you to get all the value you need from our articles. Instead of receiving newsletters with multiple articles, like we've always done -- making it sometimes difficult to find the time to read them all in one sitting -- you'll be able to throttle the articles to a pace that suits your lifestyle.

Whether you're a graduate, an intern, or just considering becoming a Yoga teacher, this new email format will give you as much information as possible to help you be the best you can be. Continuing education is a valuable part of any teacher's path and our main objective is to give you the latest interactive tools to assist you on your journey as a Yoga teacher.

Again, I thank you for your support and look forward to seeing all of you get the most out of the opportunities our new email newsletters will provide. I wish you and your families much happiness and success.

And don't forget to watch for our special newsletter on June 16th.

OM Shanti,
Paul

© Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Makarasana means Crocodile Pose; hence, it assumes the shape of a Crocodile. This simple & beautiful asana is a boon for those with conditions like neck pain, spondylosis, lower back pain, knee pain, sciatica, & the pain due to displacement of the spinal disc. One should practice this Asana for a longer duration as it encourages the vertebral column to resume its normal shape & releases compression of the spinal nerves. In this Asana, it is essential that the belly, chest & thighs continue touching the ground fully so that the stomach & the intestines are stimulated. It is useful for digestion, acidity & respiratory problems like asthma. By regular practice of this Asana, a subtle power develops in the body, which brings balance, stability & mind becomes calm and composed. There are various methods of performing this Asana.

Technique 1
Lie face down on the abdomen on the mat with legs apart about 2 to 2 ½ feet, toes out to the sides, heels are in facing towards each other. Now form a pillow with the arms by crossing the arms (place your right hand on the left shoulder, left hand on the right shoulder), head and face tilted one side. Abdomen and chest supposed to rest on the ground .Take your mind towards the breath. Breathe in as slow as possible; breathe out as slow as possible. With each inhalation, expand the abdomen & touch it to the ground & with each exhalation relax the abdomen. Remain in this position for 5-10 breaths or as long as you wish. It is a complete relaxation posture.

Technique 2
In the second mode of Makarasana, keep both the legs straight & slightly apart, raise the head up & rest the chin on the palms of the hands with the elbows on the floor. If you want to cure upper neck stiffness, move the elbows forward & keep them apart. In this position, the pressure increases on the neck. For the lower back problem, bring the elbows together & closer to the body; the pressure thus moves towards the lower back. For both upper & lower back, adjust your elbows to the position where you can feel the pressure on the neck as well as on the lower back. Do each position with natural breathing. Remain in each position as long as you wish. You could do it with closed eyes, open eyes, while watching TV or talking to someone. With eyes closed, it is a good posture to be in while you introspect.

Technique 3
In the third mode, come into the second position. Now from behind, bend alternate knee towards the hips with natural breathing for some time or as long as you wish. Then do the same with both the legs by bringing the feet together as long as you wish before getting up slowly.

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: "Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna's Yogashaastra Studio. A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health and detoxification."

Mobile: 09849772485 Ph:-040-65173344 Email: yogashaastra@gmail.com

Do you want to contribute an article about Yoga for today's world?
To submit an article for review, enclose it in your e-mail text (no attached files) and send it to: paul@yoga-teacher-training.org

Pass this newsletter on to your friends.

We invite you to take a tour of the Yoga Teacher Forums at:
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Audio & Video Resources for Yoga Teachers

With our Video Resource and Audio Resource Center for Yoga Teachers you can listen to, Podcast or download these resources at no charge. This material is useful for teaching your Yoga classes, learning more about different aspects of Yoga, or expanding your mind.

I want to thank those of you who wrote me for your kind words about the articles on my Blog. I also want to thank the guest authors for their fresh ideas.

Located at: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/blog

You will see a variety of articles from other authors, so please accept my invitation to write and have any of your articles published at my new Blog. If you want to comment at my Blog, you are welcome to.

Please feel free to visit our upgraded Forum at: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum

With our new forum format, there are many improved features in the user's control panel, making it easier to track conversations, find favorite posts and more.

If you would like to exchange ideas with other Yoga teachers, worldwide, the Yoga teacher forums are a great place to discuss topics that concern each of us.

If you are interested in becoming a Moderator, please feel free to contact me at paul@yoga-teacher-training.org