Did the pandemic kill yoga? Or was Americans' decades-long fascination with the Indian physical and spiritual practice already due for a seismic reckoning?

Ever since yoga's rise in popularity over the last two decades, it hasbeen at the center of discussions around race and cultural appropriation in the wellness industry. Western yoga fitnessclass providers have been criticized for largely catering to the upper-middle class; indeed, one hour-long yoga class in coastalAmerican citiescan run between $20 and $35.

The west's co-optation of yoga has been long-scrutinized. Despite that,the yoga industry has until recentlyonly grown in the U.S., in part due to social media, and the increase in scientific studies aroundits benefits like how it can calm a person's nervous system or improve sleep quality.Many American public schools now incorporate it into their physical education curricula.

When the coronavirus pandemic took hold in March, yoga studios like other fitness businesses closed overnight. Small spaces with people placed less than six-feet apart from each other were a sure recipefor coronavirus transmission.

At first, many yoga teachers and businessesmoved their fitness classes online, when state stay-at-home orders were believed to last onlya couple weeks. But ten months later, not every yoga studio has been able to survive. According to a Yelp economic impact survey published in September 2020, the fitness industry has seen a 23 percent increase in closures since July 2020, with 6,024 total closures; 2,616 of those are permanent. Anecdotally, I've seen permanent numerous yoga studio closures in the San Francisco-Bay Area, which is where the first yoga center in America opened.

Rachel Brathen, a teacher of yoga and the author of the book "Yoga Girl," told Salon via email that she's observed the yoga industry change a lot during the pandemic.

"Of course, not being able to gather in community has been a massive shift, and teachers and studios are struggling all over the world," Brathen said. "As a response to that, more and more classes are being offered online."

But does yoga online lose a bit of its appeal? Similar to the allure of group fitness, yoga has satisfied social and spiritual needs that were dissolving in an increasingly lonely and divided society. Now everybody is at home doing yoga, alone. Brathen said she's been amazed by the "versatility," but it's a bit of catch-22.

"Online classes have also drawn in new practitioners sometimes a yoga studio can unfortunately be an intimidating place, but with offerings online people may feel more comfortable trying something new and stepping outside of their comfort zone,"Brathen said. "But at the same time, yoga asana is such an intimate and physical practice, and I fear we have lost some of that connection by losing the aspect of community."

Jessica Benhaim, owner of Lumos Yoga & Barre, a boutique studio in Philadelphia, told Salon via email that she doesn't believe yoga in America is "over" but that "Zoom fatigue is real."

"People have eliminated many things that moved online that are not necessary for their job/work," Benhaim said. She believes that many of usspend so much time in front of our computers already,and don't want to do spend more time in front of a screen to do afitness class.

Back in the pre-pandemic era, many of ussought out a yoga practice to feel physically, mentally and emotionally better.

"Yogaisathoroughlymainstreamactivity,somethingseeminglyimpossible only twenty years ago, and speaks to a sincere desire to feel better and seek a mind-body connection within the materialism of corporate capitalist society," wrote Sarah Schrank, in a 2014 essay in AMSJ. Schrank believesthe contradiction innate to commodifying yoga is a conflict Americans "can live with."

But for how long?

The yoga industry has weathered many reckonings before. Lulumeon, a yoga-centric clothing brand, positioned itself as aNew Age Nike, beforepublicly tumblingin part due to a CEO scandal and stories of itscult-like toxic positivity culture. When #MeToo erupted in Hollywood and spread across the world, numerous allegations ofabusiveyoga teachers surfaced, emphasizing the need for clear anti-sexual harassment policies in fitness studios.

But this time around, yoga faces more than amere economic crisis. Culturally, the yoga industry faces twomore reckonings: one with race and one with theQAnon conspiracy movement.

After protests erupted around civil rights and racein America, conversations about appropriation resurfacedin the yoga industry. Collectively, itfaced a moment of reflection onthe whiteness of America's yoga industry.

Meanwhile, as the New York Timesfirst reported, this year has revealeda peculiaroverlap betweenyogisand QAnon followers. The overlap became so unsettling that a group of yoga influencers denounced it in a collective Instagram post.

"Too many folks, including many of my dear colleagues, have bought into their divisive and outrageous messaging for me not to speak out," the statement read. "Please be aware of QAnon's ill informed, sensational and exploitative posts on your feed and educate yourself about QAnon's history before you share these posts with others."

There are theories in New Age communities that Donald Trump is a "lightworker," accelerating a "shift in consciousness" on Earth.

Hence, some inthe industry believe it was due for a serious change.

"I think yoga as it was pre-pandemic in the USA needed to change; there were many people who did not feel that yoga studios were welcoming or affordable for them," Nancy Alder who teaches yoga online,told Salon via email. "

And others think yoga as it was pre-pandemic is over.

"What we think is yoga in America is over; the idea of the studio and business model of yoga in America is over," Cheryl Albright, an owner of Soul To Soul Yoga and All Ages Therapy Services in Sarasota, Florida, told Salon via email."I personally think this will be a good shift and what comes next hopefully will be better and more accessible to the masses, not just those of privilege."

Nicole Karlis is a staff writer at Salon. She covers health, science, tech and gender politics. Tweet her @nicolekarlis.

Here is the original post:
Did 2020 mark the demise of yoga in America? - Salon

Adonis Directo (photos by Alex Rosa for OutSmart magazine)

For Houstonian Adonis Directo, 41, yoga was a calling he never saw coming. Directo grew up in Houston, but was born in Quezon City, Philippines. Oh great, now everyone knows the answer to my website security question! Directo jokes.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Directo holds a B.A. in history and a B.S. in kinesiology and exercise science. Though its much more fun to say I majored in story time and gym. I was heavily involved in marching and concert bands, too. I was the first Asian American Pacific Islander president of my college band.

Yoga gives you an opportunity to unplug for fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, an hour. Meditate, flow, and be present. Breathe. Then go tackle all the other things.

When he was growing up, Directo only wanted to be one thing: a Care Bear. Oh, how the universe ironically granted me that wish, Directo muses. Im certainly more of a bear now than I was when I was a little kid, thats for sure. I just knew I wanted to help others and make people happy.

Directo first came to yoga in the early 2000s when an older fraternity brother (who he idolized) advised him to take classes other than weight training to complete his kinesiology degree. In other words, I was a young twink hanging on every word of a hotter, older, muscular guy. We all know that story, Directo, an openly gay man, admits. I also took a separate non-movement yoga class [that emphasized its] history and philosophy to fulfill a cultural requirement for my history degree.

So how did Directo discover that yoga was his thing? Well, he actually discovered that it was his everything. It was athletic. I stretched and strengthened muscles I didnt know I had. It was contemplative. I enjoyed the meditation. It was captivating. I liked hearing about the mythology and history. It was fantasy. One minute Im a dog, another minute Im a warrior, another minute Im a bird in flight. It was unifying. I loved being in a group moving as one. Really, it was everything to mebeing powerful, being graceful, acknowledging that youre alive by moving and breathing.

The only thing that inspires Directo more than watching his yoga students fall in love with yoga is being a student himself. I like to learn from others. To be an effective teacher, you also have to be a student and continue to learn. Adapt, grow, and do it again!

Although his day job in medical sales limits the time he can spend teaching yoga, he actually prefers it that way. If I was doing and teaching yoga all the time, it would lessen the joy that I get from it, he says.

Directos boyfriend of four years, Alexander, is an educator and content specialist at a charter school.

For several years, Directo was involved with Bunnies on the Bayou, thanks to the insistence of his best friend, David Goldberg. I wanted to support him while he was in that groups leadership, and do something for the local community, so I did. Directo is still active in a few LGBTQ excercise groups, as well as a group for gay yoga instructors.

The one thing Directo wishes people knew about yoga is its deep roots in the ancient history of India. You have to honor and respect the source material, so as to not culturally appropriate it. Yes, yoga has evolved more into [a style of] exercise, but theres a rich history, philosophy, and mythology behind it, Directo emphasizes.

And if youre nervous about trying yoga for the first time, not to worry, There is a plethora of varying styles and types of yoga. Yoga is for everybody! he says. Yoga gives you an opportunity to unplug for fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, an hour. Meditate, flow, and be present. Breathe. Then go tackle all the other things. If youre in go mode all the time, youre gonna burn out and run out of fuel.

When it comes to Directos hopes for a better world in the New Year, the passionate teacher offers a lesson worth remembering: Honor the ones who paved the way for you. Support each other. Help each other grow. Learn from others. Say Please, Im sorry, and Thank you. Tell the ones who you love that you love themand do it often.

For more information on Adonis Directo, email @[emailprotected].

This article appears in the January 2021 edition of OutSmart magazine.

See the original post here:
The Art of Yoga - outsmartmagazine.com

The last time I did yoga I got a nosebleed.

In a dimly lit room filled with steam, I noticed droplets of blood hitting my mat as I folded myself forward. I jolted to my feet and began weaving through sweaty bodies, eventually slipping out of the studio while gripping a white hand towel speckled with blood.

About a week later, on March 15, 2020, that same yoga studio emailed to inform me that all of their New York City locations would be closing until further notice due to the coronavirus. Since March, dozens of yoga studios have closed permanently, from chain locations to smaller, boutique studios, the New York Times reported in September.

The yoga community quickly pivoted, launching a new wave of pandemic yoga. As the Times wrote, "Yoga requires only a clear mind and a few square feet of space, so it is easily converted to remote instruction." Loyal yogis quickly followed along, with Mindbody, a booking software company for the wellness industry, reporting: "Last year, one in five users said they had taken streamed or prerecorded classes, but by this June, more than four of five said they were doing so."

I, however, did not follow suit.

In an effort to fight off digital fatigue earlier this year, I began taking long walks or runs after work instead. But eventually daylight savings time caught up to me, and it was pitch black by the time I logged off each night. Feeling open-minded and even a bit vulnerable as I tried to fend off seasonal depression, I decided to revisit yoga nosebleeds be damned.

Mentally, yoga has also been reported to reduce stress and boost "feel-good hormones." Business Insider reported in 2019 that "yoga may reduce stress by interfering with the central nervous system's ability to release stress hormones." Citing a 2011 study, Business Insider also reported that participants said they felt "significantly less" lower back pain after completing just six to 12 yoga sessions.

I decided to commit to 30 minutes every day for a month and landed on an abundance of videos by "Yoga with Adriene," a YouTuber with 8.89 million subscribers, a soothing voice, and an adorable dog named Benji. Amidst an endlessly stressful news cycle, working from home, and plenty of social media distractions, I hoped that returning to yoga would help me regain some peace of mind all in the comfort of my own home.

On day one, Adriene calmly declared that, "All you need is your body and an open mind." But while standing hips-width distance apart with my body hanging heavy, I found my hand reaching towards the space bar to check how much time was left. I was eight minutes into the video.

I found practicing yoga alone much more difficult than in a crowded class. Instead of holding on to every last minute of quiet, I now found myself watching the time slowly creep by. I couldn't get my mind to be present, which made each deep inhale and exhale feel more laborious than I was used to.

For the entire first week, I wrote "YOGA" at the top of my to-do list. My plan was to do 30 minutes during my lunch break, but I found myself slowly pushing it further along each day, sometimes not unrolling my mat until 11 p.m. I became aware of just how lazy my after-work routine had become. Despite how good yoga left me feeling, one of the biggest challenges was disrupting my pre-existing habits and incorporating something new.

By the second week, I finally felt myself adjusting to consistent yoga. The repetition of phrases slowly caught on, allowing me to close my eyes instead of having them glued to the screen. I also started to seek out the surge of energy it left me with, and found myself turning to yoga instead of making an afternoon coffee.

My body even grew sore, warming up to the daily stretches and strains that it hadn't experienced since early March. I wanted to push my body harder and see just how long I could balance on my shaking leg. Challenging myself left me feeling accomplished and refreshed.

Once again, into the third week, I found myself lamenting how slow time was passing. I felt my balance was not improving, the stretches never came easier, and the mounting frustration made it more difficult to commit myself every day.

None of it had to do with Adriene's videos. Adriene who the New York Times called the "Queen of Pandemic Yoga" has garnered so much success with her practice because her yoga aims to meet you where you are. She isn't trying to push you to hold a pose past your breaking point or guilt you for skipping a day.

In fact, in one of her videos titled "Yoga To Feel Your Best," I landed on a comment that resonated with me. One user lamented, "I'm very inconsistent with my practice. I somehow get into the mind set that I don't have the time ... I have to say, as soon as I step back on the mat, it's like all that negative energy, all those thoughts that keep me from bettering myself ... they disappear."

I related to the YouTube user: Why did yoga feel so easy some days, and nearly impossible on others?

As I inched towards the fourth and final week, I landed on one of Adriene's videos titled "Yoga For When You Feel Dead Inside," her Halloween special. The description reads: "Some days are harder than others, you feel empty, or overwhelmed, it's difficult, and that is okay. Other days you feel stiff, unmotivated, can't quite get moving, almost frozen... staring out. I have your back."

Paced slower than some of the other videos I had tried, I finally felt like I was relinquishing the high standards I had placed on myself. In the final week, instead of seeking out every fast-paced video on the channel, I leaned into the gentle practices.

In the beginning of the challenge, I was placing pressure on myself to completely relax and walk away feeling recharged, which led to a mixture of guilt and dread on days when I just did not want to do it. But by the end of the challenge, I felt my mind easing up. Some days, I would move through the poses while my thoughts wandered elsewhere. Other days, the 30 minutes would fly by and I would opt for another 30. I began listening to my body and giving it what it needed.

After 30 days, yoga taught me a lot about patience. While it was a mental challenge at times to confront how tight my body felt or how stressed my mind was, giving in to yoga became a gentle, approachable method to doing something nurturing for myself.

In the end, yoga did not grant me the mental or physical improvements that I had hoped for. I never noticed my stress levels dramatically decrease. Vast improvements to my physical health, such as my lower back, never came. Instead, yoga taught me how to ease the pressure I place on myself. I learned that working out at my own pace becomes much less of a mental strain, and intuitive exercise is what works best for my body and mind.

Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.

Read more from the original source:
I practiced yoga every day for a month, and I learned a valuable lesson about listening to my body - Insider - INSIDER

Unknown/Supplied

There are three key things yoga studios can do to keep their doors open and connect with their communities during these challenging times.

OPINION: The global yoga industry is facing tough times as Covid-19 takes its toll. When people need yoga more than ever, famed yoga studios around the world are shutting their doors, as the pandemic and restrictions take their toll on thousands of businesses.

In New Zealand, were relatively fortunate, as we experience an almost back-to-normal life.

However, the hundreds of yoga studios around New Zealand are struggling to bounce back, particularly in Auckland, which has had to contend with two lockdowns.

Growth hasnt recovered from the first Level 2 restrictions, and communities havent come back to their mats in-studio, preferring to continue to practice from the safety of their home.

READ MORE: * Four reasons to plan a Bali wellness break * Strong demand driving up asking prices around NZ, says Trade Me * If the hotel gym is to survive, it needs to get fitter

What does this mean for our yoga industry?

Long-term, whats happening overseas will impact us for many years to come.

Teacher trainers are unable to travel and teach budding yoga instructors, and we risk losing businesses unless we collectively adapt and remain agile.

2020 has turned our lives upside down.

People are wary of others and being in enclosed spaces with strangers, particularly our elderly.

Our work patterns have changed, disrupting routines.

Covid-19 burnout and fatigue mean we arent looking after ourselves as well as we could and turning up on the mat means confronting whats really going on.

Online yoga classes were some of the most popular workouts during Lockdown, but how do we encourage people back to mat in-class to save our studios?

There are three key things yoga studios can do to keep their doors open and connect with their communities during these challenging times.

Adding additional income streams to your business will help you get through Covid-19 until in-studio numbers return to normal. Dont put (or keep) your eggs in one basket!

Demand for online classes wont reduce anytime soon, so if you havent explored online classes now is the time.

Consider other ways you can connect with your yogis - do you offer retreats? Can you go niche - focus on pregnancy yoga, injury/rehabilitation or working with seniors? Perhaps explore yoga for medicine. Offer your community more reasons to engage with you.

Unknown/Supplied

enSoul yoga classes.

The beautiful thing about yoga communities is the strength we gain from helping each other. Talk to your students - ask them for their feedback and how theyre feeling. Are there any classes they want to take that you dont currently offer?

Is there anything you can do to help them return to the mat? Can they spread the word for you? The one thing weve learnt this year is that were all in this together, tap into your client base for help, theyre your biggest fans.

In the early days of Covid-19, we would stay online after our yoga classes to connect with our students, which was crucial, especially for people living on their own.

Communication is everything - especially in the fast-moving world of 2020. Reassure your students youve got the safety and wellness procedures down, that their yoga studio is still here for them and is still the same. Talk about the benefits yoga has in helping them deal with the burnout and stress of 2020, to encourage them back to class.

As yoga teachers, we have a responsibility to help our communities cope with the ongoing impacts of the global pandemic.

The mental health impacts of Covid-19 cant be underestimated - and will continue to be felt for some time.

Yoga teachers, and studios, will play a crucial role in rebuilding connectedness, so lets do all we can to support and help each other succeed.

Established in 2015, Ensoul is a yoga and wellness studio based on the Kpiti Coast. Offering online and in-studio classes, it is led by Shannon Jeffries and Tamihana Paurini. Leading a yoga and wellness revolution, they share the power of yoga to strengthen, heal and promote overall wellness in a safe and supportive environment, creating a community of like-minded people, and life-long habits. You can find out more and join at http://www.ensoul.co.nz.

Stuff

See the original post:
Three ways the Yoga industry can thrive in our Covid-19 world - Stuff.co.nz

Malaika Arora leaves us in awe of her balance as she nails Yoga move inside pool(Instagram/malaikaaroraofficial)

Fitness freaks who followed Malaika Aroras workout challenges all through the Covid-19 lockdowns were in for a fresh challenge this New Year 2021 as the diva encouraged them to pull off Yogas Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose or Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana. Coming as a much needed Monday motivation, Malaika began her workout and Yoga routine for New Year 2021 with Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana and left fans stunned over her sense of balance as she nailed the tricky exercise move inside a swimming pool.

Currently on a vacation with beau Arjun Kapoor while staying at sister Amrita Aroras new holiday home at the Candolim Beach, Malaika has kept fans regularly updated with sneak peeks of her intimate family and leisure time and this Monday was no different. Donning a pink swimwear with her hair pulled back in a top knot, Malaika was seen standing against the pools wall for support as she pulled off the Yoga move effortlessly.

Lets kickstart our Workout and Yoga routine for a new year and and a new week with a shimmer of sweat and an unwavering commitment (sic), the actor shared in the caption. She added, To begin with the first #MalaikasMoveOfTheWeek of 2021, lets strike a pose just as amazing as Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose) sic.

Sharing a few benefits for this workout, Malaika revealed, This pose strengthens and stretches the legs and ankles. It challenges and improves your sense of balance, enhancing your focus and concentration (sic).

Method:

Stand-up straight with your legs together. Lift your left knee towards your belly and hold its big toe with your left hand.

Inhale, extend your leg to the side shoulder level while maintaining the balance with your right leg. Lift your right hand up but keep both your knees straight and look forward.

Hold onto the pose for 10 to 15 seconds before releasing the posture.

Malaika cautioned that those suffering from an injury of the hip, ankle, back, knee or shoulder should refrain from practicing this pose.

Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter

Read the original post:
Malaika Arora kickstarts New Year workout with Yoga inside pool and we are in awe of her balance - Hindustan Times

Please Support Local Advertisers

IPSWICH The library has a number of programs to help get the new year off to a good start.

All will he held over Zoom, so there is no need to worry about catching COVID-19 off infected townsfolk.

Wine 101: Tasting and Pairing: Sunday, January 10 at 7 p.m.

Organizers welcome back Colin Budzyna (WSET II) for an introductory look at winemaking, tasting, and pairing. He also has tips for buying wine.

Please Support Local Advertisers

For those who are interested, there will be an opportunity to taste and discuss together. The recommended wine to have on hand for the tasting is a Bourgogne Pinot Noir. Clickhere to register.

Budzyna began his wine studies as a server at Eataly Boston, where he first fell in love with Italian wines, organizers said. As his knowledge and interest grew, he enrolled in Boston Universitys Elizabeth Bishop School of Wine, they added.

At BU, Budzyna received his WSET Level 2 Award in Wines (with distinction). He is originally from Newburyport and currently lives in New York City.

Stretch, Flow + Restore Yoga: Wednesday, January 13 at 6 p.m.

You can join Elissa Shoreman from Buddhaful Souls Yoga Studio, Rowley, on the second Wednesday of each month for a relaxing yoga session via Zoom. This class is designed for all levels and will leave you feeling deeply nourished and refreshed, organizers said. No prior yoga experience is necessary. Click here to register.

My classes are eclectic yet available to all. I teach yoga from the heart with the intention of encouraging others to love themselves (as they are) and the world a little bit more each day, Shoreman says.

For me, yoga is about allowing yourself the space to go deeper within. To feel. To breathe into. To be. To recognize. To connect. To honor. I want you to come to the mat as you are. And I promise to do the same, she adds.

Armchair Travel:Northern Sicily: Tuesday, January 26 at 10 a.m.

Reference librarian Jeff Klapes The Traveling Librarian is back with another of his popular armchair travel presentations. This month, hell visit northern Sicily, at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and influenced by many different cultures throughout its history. He will start in Taormina, climb Mount Etna, and follow the northern coast to Palermo and some of the towns of the west coast. Clickhere to register.

Ipswich Public Library Craft Club: Wednesday, January 27 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

This is our first ever (virtual) crafters meetup! organizers said.

Each month, we will create a take-home crafting kit (for adults) that includes all the materials needed to make something special at home. Once registered, participants may pick up a craft kit at the Circulation Desk, they added.

The group will meet on Zoom on the last Wednesday of each month to craft together. Clickhere for more information.

The registration page noted, We love kids, but this event is for adults only.

Like Loading...

Originally posted here:
Yoga, Sicily, and wine-tasting among library's offerings in January - The Local Ne.ws

Yoga is not only a healthy practice, but it is immensely enjoyable, too. In the winter season, as the temperatures plummet, it is necessary to continue doing yoga, so the body can defend against seasonal illnesses and other health problems. Namita Piparaiya, a yoga and Ayurveda lifestyle specialist, and the founder of Yoganama tells indianexpress.com that in Ayurveda, the winter season is a powerful time when our bodys natural strength and stamina are the highest. Not only that, even the digestive fire called agni, is balanced and powerful. This allows the body to assimilate nutrition and stay warm throughout this season. Naturally, our yoga practice would also evolve with the weather change to ensure the doshas remain balanced, she says.

Piparaiya says that since it is natural for the body to crave a change with the seasons, a few simple tips can help balance your winter yoga practice.

* Start with joint rotations (also called Sukshma Vyayama): Winters are when vata and kapha dosha tend to get disturbed easily. Both can cause stiffness and lethargy. Plus, the cold weather requires us to warm up sufficiently before starting our practice. The colder it is, the more important it becomes to practise joint rotations. Start with moving the toes and gradually make your way up to the ankle, knee, hip, fingers, wrist, elbow, shoulders, and neck in that order.

* Focus more on holding postures: Early winter season is when vata dosha (wind element) is stronger. Vata, like the wind, tends to disperse energy, which needs to be reeled back in. It is also the time for festivals and celebrations, which further scatter our energy, pulling our focus into various activities. Thus, it is time to focus more on grounding yoga practices like Hatha yoga that prioritises holding postures for a longer duration. Too much movement, such as running or excessive walking, can aggravate vata. Sun salutations can be slow with controlled movements.

* Include flow-based Vinyasa yoga in late winters: Late winters are the time when kapha (earth and water elements) starts accumulating. Kapha gets vitiated right after winters in the spring season. This is, therefore, the time when your yoga practice can focus on melting kapha. Include heating yoga postures like Plank Pose, Head Stand, Boat Pose, Warrior Poses, etc. Practise moderately-paced Vinyasa yoga and sun salutations regularly and use ujjayi breath during the asana.

* Challenge yourself: The human body is the strongest in the winter season. This is when you can work on challenging yourself a little more and let your practice be more vigorous, especially if youre a kapha personality type. As always, practise moderation; by overdoing, we can reduce our immunity. But by pushing ourselves just the right amount, we can enhance our strength.

* Practise breathing kriyas: Gentle breathing kriyas like Kapalabhati and Bhastrika can be practised regularly. And once youve had enough practice, with proper guidance, you can include Agnisara and Nauli in late winters. While both are good for kapha dosha, they can aggravate those with pitta type personalities. So, those who have gastric issues should be careful. And its best to stop these practices if they make you irritable or give you a headache.

* Daily pranayama and meditation: These are integral components of a wholesome yoga practice, and you must continue practising them as per your usual routine. You can practise pranayama techniques like Equal Breathing, Double Breathing, and Alternate Nostril Breathing. But please seek guidance before practising cooling pranayama like Sheetali, Sheetkari, or Chandra Bheda. Meditation practice is not influenced by seasons, and you can continue the same routine throughout the year.

These adjustments and changes usually would not require much effort as they follow natures natural rhythm and should come to you seamlessly. All you need is to stay consistent and listen to your body to enjoy each season to its full potential, Piparaiya advises.

For more lifestyle news, follow us: Twitter:lifestyle_ie|Facebook:IE Lifestyle| Instagram:ie_lifestyle

Originally posted here:
Love doing yoga? Here are six winter practices to incorporate into your everyday life - The Indian Express

Brij Mohan Sharma Nowhere in the world, except in India, has there been a real and sincere research to discover a pragmatic, life-moulding and universally applicable scientific method of reaching Infinity by awakening the consciousness in man of his inherent divinity. The scientific method, so discovered, has been named Yoga by our ancient rishis and accomplished spiritual personages. This is the science which all lovers of God irrespective of their caste, creed or religion may apply to attain the Divine Bliss which is the common goal of all religions. By this, however, it should never be construed that the various religions we practise are, in any way, diffident or lack the requisite ethos to attain the desired objective. In fact all the great religions of the world preach the necessity of finding God and promoting brotherhood among men. What, then, creates the difference among them ? It is the bigotry in mens minds. As the things stand, it seems religion has been hijacked by vested interests whose main mission in life is to keep the pot of bigotry and religious intolerance boiling so as to keep mankind divided. Mine is the only one the best one is the declaration of most of the denominations and cults. The evil spirit of hate and fanaticism has so powerfully infuenced the minds of men that they have lost their moral sense of reason and discrimination. Fundamentalists and fanatics have no ears to lend to the sane voice of humanistic groups who advocate and stress for more and more universal approach to religion. They have installed their henchmen in the places of worship who dance to their tune and parrot their voices. In such a deplorable state of affairs, the practice of a science of religion has become imperative, and Yoga is that science. This is the only time-tested scientific approach to religion which can regain the rejuvenate the lost and much wanted cohesion and harmony among various religions of the world. Yoga teaches us how to rise above the delusion of separation and realize our oneness with God. It enables man to perceive the universal basic truths underlying various religions and defeat the divisive and fundamentalistic tendencies. Once human beings realize that they are all children of the one Father, and that there is no difference in the basic truths of all religions, there will be no more difficulties or dogma. To teach this science of Yoga to the world, India has produced a number of yogis ad Self-realized masters. It is due to their unceasing efforts that Yoga has received world-wide recognition and is being practised almost all over the globe. Paramahansa Yoganandaji was one of such great Yogis and the first great master of India who lived in the West for over thirty years to teach yoga and its universal scientific and spiritual truths. He entered this world in India on January 5, 1893, and left it in America on March 7, 1952. He personally initiated numberless students in yoga and other scientific techniques of meditation for awakening divine consciousness in human beings. Today, more than ever, he is recognised as a world teacher, an enlightened exponent of universal science of yoga, a great son and spiritual ambassador of India, a benefactor of mankind. His nature was universal, his life a blend of spiritual wisdom and practical efficiency. Whatever mans own affiliations, he will definitely benefit from Yoganandajis non-sectarian and scientific instructions. The great master explains the laws of life each of us needs to know. They are valuable for our daily physical, mental and spiritual welfare. By steady and patient practice of Kriya Yoga and other scientific techniques taught by him, man becomes capable of removing the delusive covering of human forgetfullness and the divine love of the heart bursts forth in a joyous flow to meet Gods love. In India, religion has always been understood to be a matter of seeking, finding and verificatons as any of the branches of science. The Indian thinkers discovered by their investigation that there are two fields in which man functions. One, the external field, the other, the internal. They studied both in a scientific spirit. And, it was by this investigation that the science of Yoga, which pertains to the inner field, i.e the subtler laws that rule the hidden spiritual planes and inner realms of consciousness, came into being. For this, the ancient rishis of India adopted the same methods of investigation as are largely applied in the discovery of positive sciences: collection of facts, their classification, dispassionate study of these so as to reveal the law or laws underlying them and finally the application of such knowledge for alleviation of human suffering and enrichment of human life. The insights thus gained were retested and amplified by a galaxy of subsequent thinkers leaving to posterity the invaluable legacy and dynamic scientific tradition known as Yoga. So, Yoga is not a sect but a universally applicable science which enables man to realize his self. Yoga is for everybody, for the people of the East as well as for those of West. It is not meant for any particular religion. All men, irrespective of their caste, creed and religion, have the right to practice yoga to know their immortal divine nature. In brief, realization of the oneness of man and his Creator is the whole essence of Yoga. An understanding of mans inescapable need for God, in every aspect of living, removes the other worldliness from the religion, and makes knowing God the basis of a scientific and practiced approach to life. God is approachable. Talking of Him and listening to His words in the scriptures, thinking of Him, feeling His presence in meditation, you will see that gradually the Unreal becomes real, and this world which you think is real will be seen as unreal. There is no joy like that realization, says Paramahansa Yogananda. To be honest, it is difficult to describe in words the glory of the science of Yoga. As the saying goes, the proof of the pudding is in its eating. So, why not start practising yoga meditation from today. (Yes, I mean from today!) Let me give you some hints from Chapter VI of holy Gita: Sit in a quiet place on a soft cushion with your spine erect and straight. Close your eyes, and focus their gaze on the space between the eyebrows- the centre of concentration and the seat of intuition. Meditate as deeply as you can without winking your eyes. Those who go deep enough in their concentration and meditate regularly are sure to penetrate the third eye and feel Gods presence. However, for actual training and practice, you shall have to seek guidance of a true Guru. I use the word true Guru because in this age.it is a rare thing to find a combination of perfect purity and perfect learning, as correctly observed by Mahatma Gandhi once. Without realization through meditation, religion is the most mysterious book of all. You will never be able to understand it. So, make religion real by scientific methods of yoga. Science gives you definiteness and certainty. If I have not spent hours seeking God in meditation, I would not have known that religion is a science, said Parmahansa Yogananda. (The writer is former Additional Secretary to Govt) feedbackexcelsior@gmail.com

Read the rest here:
Yoga- The scientific approach to religion - Daily Excelsior

DEAR MAYO CLINIC >> I have always been fairly flexible, so I have never felt compelled to include yoga in my fitness routine. Typically, I just walk and maybe do some weights for strength training. I was talking to a friend who said her physical therapist recommended yoga as part of a well-rounded workout routine. What is the benefit of yoga? Should I add it to my routine or stick with what I'm doing?

ANSWER >> Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise that provides benefits that walking or strength training don't provide. In Eastern cultures, yoga is not seen as exercise, but rather "a moving meditation." In the Western world, many people know power yoga or vinyasa yoga, which are classified as exercise.

Regardless of the type of yoga, when practiced mindfully, there are many advantages for the body, mind and soul. Yoga can provide three primary benefits that a typical gym routine may not provide.

Benefit 1: Yoga improves the function of the nervous system. Since yoga is based on breathing, parts of the nervous system are affected when exhales are lengthened and breath is controlled. This is cued throughout particular yoga sequences. Specifically, yoga can help lower the fight-or-flight response and improve the body's "rest-and-digest" response.

Practicing slow, controlled breathing stimulates the body's vagus nerve, which takes information about the current state of relaxation and relays it to the rest of the body, including the brain. One area affected when the vagal nerve is stimulated is the parasympathic nervous system, which controls the body's rest and digestion functions. The mindful breathing practiced in yoga increases the activity of the parasympathic nervous system. As a result, yoga lowers the heart rate, improves digestion and quality of sleep, and strengthens the immune system. Another benefit is an improved stress level.

Benefit 2: Yoga can improve joint range of motion. The difference between flexibility and active range of motion is important. Think of flexibility as how much a muscle can be passively stretched. In contrast, range of motion is how much muscles can be used to control a joint's movement.

It is not uncommon these days for people to report neck and back pain, and poor range of motion in their thoracic spine due to constant sitting, typing on computers and looking down at cellphones. Yoga is excellent in improving thoracic range of motion because many poses involve extending the body through the rib cage and using strength to hold these postures.

Yoga incorporates all four motions of the spine: flexion, extension, rotation and side-bending. Therefore, yoga can prevent stiffness and disuse that also can occur with age. Being able to control the available range of motion in joints is crucial to good posture and decreasing the risk of injury.

Benefit 3: Yoga improves dynamic balance, decreasing the risk of falling. Think of balance like a muscle. By working hard at different exercises, balance can improve. This is similar to improved strength by lifting weights.

Balance is a complex system, requiring three parts: the sensation of the foot on the ground, or proprioception; vision; and the inner ear, or vestibular system. These three parts tell the brain where the head is in space. These three components work together to control both static and dynamic balance. Yoga trains the proprioception and visual systems to improve balance. Depending on the pose, cues are sent to focus, for instance, on the foot rooted to the ground. By concentrating in an attempt to maintain contact, the big toe, little toe and heel form a tripod of sorts, which in turn helps focus the proprioception portion of balance.

In yoga, you may hear the term "drishti," which refers to obtaining a focused gaze or focus in the mind. The concept comes into play as people aim to hold a pose with their eyes closed. Certain poses become more challenging with eyes closed, which improves the visual part of balance.

Also, moving back and forth between poses without fully touching a limb to the ground can increase the ability to dynamically move and not lose balance. Over time, this will reduce the risk of falling while walking on uneven ground or turning quickly.

While it may be hard to add one more thing to your busy life routine, incorporating yoga into your workout routine can benefit your stress level, mobility and balance in ways that may not be achieved from a regular gym routine.

Lauren Hubbard, D.P.T., Physical Therapy, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida

More:
Mayo Clinic Q&A: The health benefits of yoga - Reading Eagle

After the stresses of the pandemic and other challenges of 2020 taking a toll on the mental health of many, local yoga experts are offering tips on how to shake off all the 2020 baggage and enter 2021 with a better state of mind.

DULUTH, Minn. After the stresses of the pandemic and other challenges of 2020 taking a toll on the mental health of many, local yoga experts are offering tips on how to shake off all the 2020 baggage and enter 2021 with a better state of mind.

The co-owner of Yoga North in Duluth details some ways to turn inward and focus on making you feel more resilient.

She stresses practices like meditation and finding a sense of stillness and quiet to help combat mental health problems, just some of the many activities she says to help stabilize and calm your mind for the new year.

So practices that get you a little bit more embodied, whether it be a yoga practice or walking in nature or exercising or dancing or whatever it is that helps you be in your body, and then coupling that with practices that help you calm your breath and your mind can be a stabilizer for mental health, said Molly McManus, the co-owner of Yoga North.

Yoga North in Duluth offers virtual classes via Zoom for patrons to get involved. The first classes of 2021 start Monday.

Facebook

Pinterest

Linkedin

Follow this link:
Yoga Instructor Gives Tips for a Healthy New Year - FOX 21 Online