I believe when we sit in a circle and no longer call anyone a stranger the world will be healed. It is clear that we are all always on our path yet we may never come into contact with our path of light unless we seek it in the simple teachings of our own heart.

Shungo is a Quichua word which means from my heart to yours, Shungo, Joyce founder of Earth Heart Farm

EARTH HEART YOGA Stretch Your Body, Mind & Spirit

SPIRITUAL EXPEDITIONS Spiritual Journeys To Transform Your Heart

SHAMANIC STUDIES & TEACHINGS Workshops, Special Events & Monthly Drum Circles to Deepen Your Connection

HERBAL THERAPY Custom Herbal Programs & Remedies, Personal Consultations, & Workshops

Join Joyce for these classes: Tues 6:15- 7:30pm Open to All

Yoga From the Heart -Yoga from the Heart celebrates the multi-layered aspects of a yoga practice, aligning your mind and heart in the expansive qualities ofself. A full yoga practice includes physical asana, reflective inspiration, aligning with the movement of consciousness in the breath through pranayama, and creating space and expansion in meditation. This class is for anyone who wants to feel joy,have fun and discover your true nature.These classes are open to all.

Location: Summit Health 8 Corporate Drive, Belmont register with Joyce 581-8707 or joyce@earthheartyoga.com

Deepen Your Practice and learn the art & science of teaching Yoga.

Earth Heart Yoga is pleased to announce the offering of a 200hr. Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Program focused on providing students with the appropriate training to successfully and safely teach Hatha Yoga as based on the 8 Limb path of Yoga.

Enjoy this greatopporutnity to simply deepen your own practice and or learn to share the benefits of the physical and spiritual practices of yoga. the program is Hatha based taught by Anusara-Inspired instructors.

Amazonian & Andean Shapeshifting Expeditions...

Travel deep into the Jungle to find the true pulse of your heart and open to a more harmonized world view on this highly experiential journey dedicated toward transformation of our life journey.

Join Fire-blowing Shaman of the Andes and Amazonian Plant Wisdom Keepers in sacred ceremonies, healings and teachings dedicated toward the progress of each individual life journey so that the collective whole is made well and strong.

Earth Heart Farm 532 Union Road Belmont,NH

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Earth Heart Yoga

10 AUG

Yoga teacher trainings create shifts in our lives. Some big, some small and all worth reflecting on. Here are the shifts I have experienced since my Level One Teacher Training w/Baptiste Yoga.

The Shift of Presence

The ability to be present and give presence. Before Teacher Training I only remember being present during exciting or fearful moments; falling in love, preforming challenging moves on the river, finishing a race, flying downhill on my mountain bike, presenting a new topic to my math students. Where I was not present was in the ordinary moments. I would listen to friends and family and constantly think about what I could say next. If I was with someone I felt the need to talk, sitting in silence just felt awkward. The lack of silence and stillness made it hard for me to connect with another on an energetic level. Sending love through my heart was a foreign concept to me.

Yoga has taught me how to take one breathe at a time, relax with what is and how to share love and connection through heart energy.

This past January I had the opportunity to put these lessons into action in a BIG way. Jared and I took a trip on the Colorado River with 15 friends. We were in the Grand Canyon for 21 days camping below the rim. Once we entered the canyon we had no contact with the outside world, we made all of our own food, and lived with whatever we could carry in our six boats. It was freeing to realize we could live for 21 days without a shower, bathroom, phone, TV, internet. I felt humbled and alive within the canyon walls. Each day I would take in the canyon with awe and wonder. From the Nankoweap Granaries to Elves Chasm to Deer Valley Falls to Havasu Creek I felt the soul of the canyon. I began to store memories through presence. Today I can still see the spotlight the moon created while we slept at Upper Ledges and the view I absorbed at the Unkar Peninsula while Jared took the picture below.

They say if you do something for 21 days it will become a habit. After 21 days of practicing presence I feel it in my everyday life most of the time. Through my yoga practice I know how to come back to presence when I step into past/future. Practicing presence with my friends and family has shifted my relationships. I now feel more connection, acceptance and love than ever before. For me,these tools/gifts entered my life through my yoga practice, through teachertraining, and through sharing yoga with others. These gifts have given me limitless gratitude and trust for the path I am walking.

With Love and Light, Amanda

Unkar Peninsula, Grand Canyon 2015 Photo by Jared Callahan

This past weekend, Power Yoga Morgantown hosted the Warrior Workshops a three-day event designed to open you up, ground you down to the present moment, and create space for new possibilities in your lives. It might just sound like a lot of yogi buzz words, but thats exactly what we did.

Day 1 of the workshops really set the stage for what was to come over the rest of the weekend. After a wonderful yoga practice full of open twists and core work sprinkled with laughter (no joke there were 14 Mogis laughing during what is typically a very tense part of the practice), the discussions began. This is where we learned just how real we were about to get with ourselves, and for most of us, how uncomfortable that realness might get. With a room full of light, positive energy and journals in hand, we looked inside to see what our yoga practice brings out in us and where in our lives we may not be giving 100%. Challenged to work toward becoming more authentic in those areas of our lives, we walked out of the studio wondering what Day 2 would bring.

Day 2, we focused on tadasana both in our physical practice and in the rest of our lives. Throughout our practice, we were reminded to start with our feet. Ground down through your feet, then work your way up. This was repeated through every posture from downward facing dog to crescent lunge twist to twisted half moon. Partner work focused on maintaining tadasana, even when we lost the support of the one holding us, and our discussions once again forced us to look inside. What do we feel when we lose tadasana? What takes us out, and what brings us back? Armed with a whole arsenal of positive values, we were challenged to commit to a new way of being, and to stop telling ourselves harmful lies.

Day 3 focused on heart opening. By the last day, every woman in the room felt how safe of a space they were in. Sharing hard truths got a little easier, and partner work requiring extreme trust for some was accessible to all. After a practice full of backbending, partner work, and a little bit of silly strutting, the studio seemed to shine from within. There were tears and laughter and breakthroughs and thank yous. People lingered after class. New friends were made.

Its taken me a few days to get my thoughts reigned in for this post. I wanted to be able to describe my experience in the Warrior Workshops in a few, succinct words. I think I speak for all of us, though, when I tell you I couldnt narrow the list down because the experience was anything but succinct.

They were crying and laughter. Self-confrontation and breakthroughs. I want to be perfect, and I dont even want to try. They were breaking down and building up. They were shame and vulnerability and love and truth and respect. They were I am scared, and Hey, I am, too. They were groundingdown and shaking it out. They were hugs both literally and figuratively. The Warrior Workshops were exactly what one might expect, and they were so, so much more.

Namaste,

Kelli

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Power Yoga Morgantown

Ask anyone what they know about yoga and youll get some sort of response. People come to a Yoga class for many reasons, some like the exercise, others find that their yoga practice benefits their health conditions. Some like the stress relief and others come for the community or the connection with their spiritual side. No matter where or who you are you will bewelcomed. Come find your own reason to practice with us by dropping in or scheduling online. Yoga can be for most everybody and we love offering as many styles of yoga so that you can find the one that is right for you.

We offer the biggest variety of yoga styles in Morgantown. Click the + next to a yoga style to learn more. Stay current on our classes by visiting ourFacebook Page.

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15.

Building on Rebecca Herods popular Yoga for Beginners class on Monday and Wednesday, this Level II class will incorporate new and more challenging asana such as arm balances like crow and side crow and inversions, like head stand and hand stand. As always, poses will be broken down and modified to allow students to work on their practice at their own pace and level. Students should have a basic yoga vocabulary and have taken at least 2 months of a beginner-level course prior to this course.

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15.

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15.

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15.

A special service offered privately in your home while in the early stages of labor. Heidi will visit you at home and provide up to 3 hours of caring laboring support with yoga-centered techniques. Breathing practices, vocalizations, guided relaxations, and gentle postures will be shared to help you stay strong, focused, and calm while you naturally progress. You are better able to relax and cope with the intensity of the experience while laboring in your comforting environment, which may lessen the likelihood of medical intervention and time spent at the hospital. This service is perfect for laboring mothers who are temporarily alone at home, or to provide collective support to the mother and birth partner/s prior to heading to the hospital. This service does not replace any necessary medical treatment by midwives or doctors. If interested in this incredibly helpful service, please contact Heidi in the last couple weeks of your pregnancy in order to discuss on-call plans. Private sessions are available between 6am 10pm. Members: $55/hour. Guests: $70/hour

On a physical level we create space in the joints and connective tissue by learning to relax muscles while engaging very basic long held yoga poses. On an energetic level these poses pressurize the bodys organ meridians to cleanse and purify, facilitating the flow of Chi, our vital life force. On an emotional level we practice letting go and connecting to our heart center coming into stillness to find peace within. Enjoy this class to only the flickering lights of candles that allows you to find full relaxation for a good nights sleep, as well as, rejuvenation that will continue through the entire week!

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15.

Chakra Flow is a feel-good blend of abiding in poses and seamless dynamic movement that incorporates poses to balance our chakras. The practice explores the empowering dance between the flow and the pause, and allows your experience to be a meditation in action. The combination of fluid sequencing and static poses has many benefits that include strengthening the bones, ligaments and tendons, improving balance and flexibility, toning muscles, and enhancing mental focus and body awareness. All levels are welcome and each class will include centering, warm-ups, flowing sequences with static yoga postures (standing and seated), inversions, breath awareness, and deep relaxation. This Chakra series will focus on balancing our energy fields with yoga.

Flow designed to expand your consciousness and bliss! This class combines heart oriented themes with intentional asana practice, linking movement with breath for optimal expansion. Taking time to fully experience each pose and integrate the breath allows for an exploration of yoga at a deeper level. This class is appropriate for all levels, from beginners to those more experienced practitioners seeking to further their understanding of yoga. Each class includes a one hour asana practice followed by softening poses and heart centered meditation.

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15.

This weekly class explores several types of meditations which are topic and theme oriented.Each week, a new offering of meditation is explored and expanded upon, to gain further understanding and clarity to use in ones daily life. This class includes a guided meditation and a brief silent meditation. Some of the topics and meditations include: Chakras, Kindness and Compassion, Relationships and Silent Mantras.

Deep Flow Vinyasa This is a challenging, slower paced class that combines breath, movement, and deep holds to cultivate mind and body awareness.Poses are held longer utilizing deeper breaths and fluid movements to deepen our mind, breath, and body connections.

Deep Flow Vinyasa will pull from the 5 elements of yoga: Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.Classes will alternate element focus to allow a deeper knowledge of these elements and to further experience these elements physically and internally through vinyasa. All classes will include a meditation.

Looking for an opportunity to reflect and connect your mind, body, and spirit through gentle movement, breath-work, and meditation? Hit your reset button and set the tone for your week by joining Elizabeth, Heather or Emily for Dharma Flow each Sunday at 2-3PM.

After an active day, transition your body and mind into chill-out mode at Evening Yoga. This class combines a balanced mix of fluid movement, soothing twists and forward folds, gentle inversions, and guided meditation that will leave you ready for a good nights sleep. All levels welcome.

EVENING YOGA YUMMINESS: Counters the effects of daytime stress and negative postural habits. Releases muscular tension in the body. Alleviates restlessness in the mind. Calms and soothes the nervous system. Improves circulation and lowers blood pressure. Promotes feelings of gratitude and positive well-being, which lessen insomnia.

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15.

Be prepared to sweat. The process of sweating releases toxins, and exfoliates and rejuvenates the skin, which is the largest organ of your body. You will leave glowing. Hydration is extremely important so drink plenty of water before coming to hot yoga. Some yoga postures squeeze and flush your kidneys which release toxins in your body. Water is essential to help flush those toxins out. It is also important to drink water after class. You will be sweating and drinking water will help replenish the fluid that was lost during class.

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15.

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15.

Power Hot Yoga is a flowing series of asanas (vinyasa) linked by the breath, designed to build strength and stamina in the body, tranquility in the mind. The flow is vigorous but suitable for all levels with modifications given throughout.

Be prepared to sweat. The process of sweating releases toxins, and exfoliates and rejuvenates the skin, which is the largest organ of your body. You will leave glowing. Hydration is extremely important so drink plenty of water before coming to hot yoga. Some yoga postures squeeze and flush your kidneys which release toxins in your body. Water is essential to help flush those toxins out. It is also important to drink water after class. You will be sweating and drinking water will help replenish the fluid that was lost during class.

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15.

Mix it up in this class suitable for all levels. Elements of many yoga styles will be explored including Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini, etc. Each class will include different themes, tapping into the subtle energy of the body, relaxing the mind, and balancing the spirit. Class will end with a 10-12 minute guided meditation.

This class brings about balance in the masculine / feminine, the yin / yang, the right / left, and the negative / positive? Join this class to celebrate the polarities with Hatha style Asana and kundalini infused repetition of postures linked with breath, movement and mantra. Enjoy Shiva / Shakti!

Shiva is the god of the yogis. He represents the destruction of the ego. His consort is Shakti. Shakti is the personification of the divine feminine creative power. She is the agent of change and liberation. Balanced, united, together, these energies create the whole and bring us to the state of Bliss.

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15.

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15.

This is not a class but a private session designed specifically for the client and their needs. This hour long session can be shared by two people.

We offer offer a special invitation to join us most Friday nights from 6-7pm for our Happy Hour Yoga class. This is a donation class designed to give you an opportunity to meet the yoga teachers at BlissBlissBliss and explore some of the many styles we offer to start your weekend off right! These classes are designed for any level of student, from first timer to regular practioner. Happy Hour classes are fun and easy-going yoga for anyone so we encourage youy to bring a friend. Donation means that you set the price for your class. Pay what you want or can. Your class contribution is donated to one of the four local charities that we support through out the year.

.OBSOLETE CLASSES

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15.

Each practice session is a journey. Create a practice that best suits your needs so that it is something that you look forward to. David Swenson

[class-schedule for=Intro to Ashtanga]

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15. [class-schedule for=Ashtanga Practice]

Members: Double dip your yoga pass. Guests: $25. [class-schedule for=Ashtanga Primary]

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15. [class-schedule for=Ashtanga Mysore Practice]

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15. [class-schedule for=Ashtanga Flow]

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15.

When you master the jumps, you will not get a congratulations card from Mysore youll just be given something else to work on! The Jumps are a difficult challenge, take joy if/when you can do them, but remember they are just one part of the practice of Ashtanga Yoga, not a goal or an end in themselves. Asanas are not the goal. They are a vehicle to access a deeper internal awareness. David Swenson

[class-schedule for=Ashtanga Primer]

BlissToddler & Me is a fun-loving, active yoga class in a safe, friendly environment for toddlers and their parent or caregiver. Together we will animate yoga poses that encourage and support toddlers physical explorations and growth. Stories, music and dance will be integrated to embrace the joy of being happy, healthy & blissful! [class-schedule for=BlissToddlers Yoga]

BlissKids Yoga embraces the joy of being a kid by providing a safe, fun and active way to be happy, healthy and blissful! Through storytelling and imaginative play, children will explore yoga poses, breathing practices, and guided relaxation to foster creativity, self-esteem, and calming techniques. [class-schedule for=BlissKids Yoga]

Bliss Big Kids will improve strength, flexibility, coordination and Literacy! Children will learn how to focus and center themselves with various breathing and visualization techniques. They will explore the art of story telling with yoga. They will also learn self-respect and respect for others with the practice of fun postures, group games, breathing and music. Class is 45 minutes. Ages 6 10 year olds welcomed. [class-schedule for=Bliss Big Kids Yoga]

Feel the aches and pains of daily living and know yoga can help? No matter if you are a busy parent, sit at a computer for hours, or work your body hard with various sports & activities, this is a class for Every Body. Experience how good yoga can make YOUR body feel. This class will blend Hatha Yoga (static poses) with Vinyassa (stringing poses together to create a flow). Focus area that carry tension like back, hamstrings, and hips will always be explored. No experience necessary.

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15. [class-schedule for=Hatha Flow]

This yoga helps to promote happy, healthy, & peaceful Yogis! For many, Kundalini yoga, is a spiritual practice. This class will combine breath work, repetitive kriya, meditation & mantra. Awaken your life-force energy Feel joy and vitality that Kundalini Yoga brings to the body. [class-schedule for=Kundalini Yoga]

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15. [class-schedule for=Tai Chi]

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15. [class-schedule for=Teen Yoga]

This class introduces the practice of flowing smoothly through our yoga poses to build focus, concentration, and determination. A greater focus on proper alignment, arm balances, strengthening poses will help youth appreciate and understand their growing bodies. Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques will help youth cope with stress in their every day lives. We will incorporate meditation and mindfulness exercises.

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15. [class-schedule for=Anusara Inspired]

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15. [class-schedule for=Hatha Yoga]

Members: Use your yoga pass. Guests: $15. [class-schedule for=Vinyasa Yoga]

Read more:
Yoga in Morgantown, WV - BlissBlissBliss

Bliss Body Yoga

14 hours ago

Bliss Body Yoga created an Arm Balances & Inversions 101 with Rachel. ... See MoreSee Less

Have you been wondering how to safely incorporate inversions and arm balances into your yoga practice? In this workshop we will work with the wisdom of strength patterns in the body to safely learn ho...

Arm Balances & Inversions 101 with Rachel

Sep 13, 1:00pm

Bliss Body Yoga

Have you been wondering how to safely incorporate inversions and arm balances into your yoga practice? In this workshop we will work with the wisdom of strength patterns in the body to safely learn ho...

Bliss Body Yoga

16 hours ago

It's back to school time and back to yoga! We are offering another round of Early-Bird Yoga with Nancy starting September 15th. Join her for 6 weeks on Tuesdays from 6-7am. Sign up here: goo.gl/qVDyUN ... See MoreSee Less

Bliss Body Yoga

2 days ago

Check out our pretty new studio yoga mats and nifty wall storage system! ... See MoreSee Less

Bliss Body Yoga

4 days ago

All the single ladies! Rockin it out at Beyonce Yoga tonight with @autmist ... See MoreSee Less

Bliss Body Yoga

6 days ago

We are so excited to offer a new Yin Yoga class during lunch time starting next week with Mary. Join her on Tuesdays from 12-1pm for a soothing mid-day Yin practice. Just $10 to drop in! ... See MoreSee Less

See the article here:
Bliss Body Yoga

Private sessions on Yoga, Pranayama or Meditation

Private Sessions are a great way of meeting your individual needs for bodymind health, recreation and stress management. Availing the private sessions, you can Sessions can take place in our studios, an office or your home and are led by our sen...

Quite like other types of childbirthpreparation classes, prenatal yoga is a versatile approach to exercise targeted at enhancing stretching, mental health and focused breathing. Prenatal yoga is completely safe and offers many benefits to pregnant ...

A Pilates mat class is based on systematic mat based exercises. Each class is designed to improve your posture, core strength, flexibility, muscle tone/contouring and body awareness. This is done by focusing on core stability, including pelvic and sh...

Meditation is a process that helps in bringing our mind into a state where it gets free from restless thoughts and attains relaxation. Its an art that has been in existence since ages; however, its only now that people have turned towards it...

Dance is born out of yoga and is an extension of it, as it goes beyond static postures, incorporating graceful and rhythmic movements. It incorporates traditional Asanas (yoga postures), Pranayams (controlled breathing), Mudras (gestured expressio...

In the present day lifestyle, we hardly get time to strengthen and nurture our relations by spending quality time. This is what gave us the idea for designing Moms & Todds Yoga. Mom Todds class is for Mom and children from 18 months to 4 years. ...

Yoga is a great way of keeping your kids stay away from stress and anxiety. It acts as a stepping stone for helping your kids control their minds and develop more of positivity within. The different yoga postures, designed for kids from all age gr...

Our mind is occupied with different thoughts and even if we sit still, the thoughts keep coming in and we find it really hard to control these thoughts. Chanting is one process in yoga that allows you to bring your mind at ease and control the flo...

Chanting is a form of yoga that is designed using the various mantras as derived from our ancient Vedas. These Sanskrit mantras are aimed at healing human life and have been in existence since many years. The main pillar of chanting is Sound. ...

Our state of mind affects our productivity, the quality of our work, and our ability to work with others. Yet people at all levels of an organization from executives to employees are often expected to boost their productivity while handling e...

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Yoga Classes | Yoga Ashram

Adam Brown/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Updated May 24, 2014.

As yoga becomes increasingly diffuse and diverse, a single, common definition that can be agreed upon by everyone is all but impossible. Complicating matters further, the term yoga has been in use for several thousand years and has shifted in meaning many times. Since my primarily concern is the modern interpretation of the physical practices of yoga, it is there that we will look for our definition.

The word yoga comes from Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. It is a derivation of the word yuj, which means yoking, as in a team of oxen. In contemporary practice, this is often interpreted as meaning union. Yoga is said to be for the purpose of uniting the mind, body, and spirit.

How can this union be achieved? Meditation is one way, but sometimes it is necessary to prepare the body for meditation by stretching and building strength. This is the physical practice of yoga, also know as asana.

Most modern yoga practices rely heavily on the Yoga Sutras of Patajali, a series of aphorisms written c. 250 CE, as the basis for their philosophies. Patanjali classifiesasana as one of the eight "limbs" of yoga, the majority of which are more concerned with mental and spiritual well-being than physical activity.

Many people think that yoga is just stretching. But while stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility.

This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits. The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement (vinyasa-style yoga) or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment of the pose. The poses are a constant, but the approach to them varies depending on the yoga tradition in which the teacher has trained.

Yoga teachers will often refer to "your practice," which means your individual experience with yoga as it develops over time. The amazing thing about yoga is that your practice is always evolving and changing, so it never gets boring. Although the poses themselves do not change, your relationship to them will. Anyone can start a yoga practice, even if you don't feel like you are very flexible or very strong. These things will improve the longer you practice. Another great thing about thinking about "your practice" is that it encourages the noncompetitive spirit of yoga. One of the most difficult, but ultimately most liberating things about yoga is letting go of the ego and accepting that no one is better than anyone else. Everyone is just doing their best on any given day.

In addition to practicing the poses, yoga classes may also include instruction on breathing, call and response chanting, meditation, or an inspirational reading by the teacher. The variety and amount of this will depend on the individual teacher and the yoga style in which he or she is trained. Typically, a yoga class at a gym will be more focused on the purely physical benefits of yoga, while one at a yoga center may delve more into the spiritual side. Some people find that the physical practice of yoga becomes a gateway into a spiritual exploration, while others just enjoy a wonderful low-impact workout that makes them feel great. Whatever your tendency, you will be able to find a yoga class that suits your style.

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What is Yoga?

Back by popular demand, Yoga in the Outfield is returning to Nationals Park for the second time in 2015!

Fans have seen their favorite players stretch in the on deck circle or stretch to make catches in the outfield for the past few years, but always from the confines of their seats at Nationals Park. However, on Sunday, September 27, fans will have a chance to do some stretching of their own - and we're not just talking about the kind during Take Me Out to the Ballgame - following the 1:35 p.m. contest between the Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies.

Following the game, fans who purchase a special ticket will receive a one-of-a-kind Nationals yoga mat and have the opportunity to participate in a 45-minute yoga class on the outfield grass led by certified yoga instructors.

Whether you prefer the Bryce Harper "Warrior Pose," the Jayson Werth "Mountain (Man) Pose" or just plain "Spanning," Yoga in the Outfield is a must for all local yogis!

For more information or to purchase group tickets, contact Kiersten McGreer at 202.640.7692 or kiersten.mcgreer@nationals.com.

Game time subject to change. Ticket offer can only be redeemed online through this page. Offer is not valid at the Nationals Park Box Office.

Read this article:
Group Tickets | nationals.com: Tickets

It seems like a hot new trend, but yoga actually began more than 3,000 years ago in India. The word yoga is Sanskrit (one of the ancient languages of the East). It means to "yoke," or unite, the mind, body, and spirit.

Yoga includes physical exercise, but it's also about life balance. Training your mind, body, and breath as well as connecting with your spirituality are the main goals of the yoga lifestyle.

The physical part of the yoga lifestyle is called hatha yoga. Hatha yoga focuses on asanas, or poses. A person who practices yoga goes through a series of specific poses while controlling his or her breathing. Some types of yoga also involve meditation and chanting.

There are many different types of hatha yoga, including:

Yoga has tons of benefits. It can improve flexibility, strength, balance, and stamina. In addition, many people who practice yoga say that it reduces anxiety and stress, improves mental clarity, and even helps them sleep better.

Many gyms, community centers, and YMCAs offer yoga classes. Your neighborhood may also have a specialized yoga studio. Some yoga instructors offer private or semi-private classes for students who want more personalized training.

Before taking a class, check whether the instructor is registered with the Yoga Alliance, a certification that requires at least 200 hours of training in yoga techniques and teaching. You may also want to sit in and observe the class that interests you.

You could also try using a yoga DVD. Websites, DVDs, and books can't compare to learning yoga poses from a teacher, but they can help you find out more. They can be especially helpful if you have already taken yoga classes and want to practice at home.

Dress comfortably for your first yoga session in clothing that allows you to move your body fully. Stretchy shorts or pants and a T-shirt or tank top are best. Yoga is practiced barefoot, so you don't have to worry about special shoes.

Read more:
Yoga - KidsHealth

Yoga is a mind and body practice with historical origins in ancient Indian philosophy. Like other meditative movement practices used for health purposes, various styles of yoga typically combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation. This fact sheet provides basic information about yoga, summarizes scientific research on effectiveness and safety, and suggests sources for additionalinformation.

Yoga in its full form combines physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and a distinct philosophy. There are numerous styles of yoga. Hatha yoga, commonly practiced in the United States and Europe, emphasizes postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Hatha yoga styles include Ananda, Anusara, Ashtanga, Bikram, Iyengar, Kripalu, Kundalini, Viniyoga, andothers.

According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which included a comprehensive survey on the use of complementary health approaches by Americans, yoga is the sixth most commonly used complementary health practice among adults. More than 13 million adults practiced yoga in the previous year, and between the 2002 and 2007 NHIS, use of yoga among adults increased by 1 percent (or approximately 3 million people). The 2007 survey also found that more than 1.5 million children practiced yoga in the previousyear.

Many people who practice yoga do so to maintain their health and well-being, improve physical fitness, relieve stress, and enhance quality of life. In addition, they may be addressing specific health conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, arthritis, andanxiety.

Current research suggests that a carefully adapted set of yoga poses may reduce low-back pain and improve function. Other studies also suggest that practicing yoga (as well as other forms of regular exercise) might improve quality of life; reduce stress; lower heart rate and blood pressure; help relieve anxiety, depression, and insomnia; and improve overall physical fitness, strength, and flexibility. But some research suggests yoga may not improve asthma, and studies looking at yoga and arthritis have had mixedresults.

However, studies show that certain health conditions may not benefit fromyoga.

The video from NCCIHincludes:

There are many training programs for yoga teachers throughout the country. These programs range from a few days to more than 2 years. Standards for teacher training and certification differ depending on the style ofyoga.

There are organizations that register yoga teachers and training programs that have complied with a certain curriculum and educational standards. For example, one nonprofit group (the Yoga Alliance) requires at least 200 hours of training, with a specified number of hours in areas including techniques, teaching methodology, anatomy, physiology, and philosophy. Most yoga therapist training programs involve 500 hours or more. The International Association of Yoga Therapists is developing standards for yoga therapytraining.

This fact sheet has discussed research on yoga for conditions such as low-back pain, depression, stress, blood pressure, and insomnia. NCCIH is currently supporting research on how practicing yoga mayaffect:

Link:
Yoga for Health | NCCIH

The Yoga Way of Life!

Derived from the Sanskrit word yuj, Yoga means union of the individual consciousness or soul with the Universal Consciousness or Spirit. Yoga is a 5000 year old Indian body of knowledge. Though many think of yoga only as a physical exercise where people twist, turn, stretch, and breathe in the most complex ways, these are actually only the most superficial aspect of this profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and soul.

The science of Yoga imbibe itself the complete essence of the Way of Life, including - Gyan Yoga or philosophy, Bhakti Yoga or path of devotional bliss, Karma Yoga or path of blissful action, and Raja Yoga or path of mind control. Raja Yoga is further divided into eight parts. At the heart of the Raja Yoga system, balancing and unifying these various approaches, is the practice of Yoga Asana.

The Art of Living Yoga is a holistic way of life that integrates all elements of ancient knowledge of Yoga, to make a prayerful discipline uniting the body, mind and soul. Along with the series of simple, yet effective yoga postures and breathing techniques, a greater emphasis is placed on the inner experience of meditation, for the well-being of mind and other hidden elements of human existence. We believe when one is in harmony within, the journey through life becomes calmer, happier and more fulfilled.

In The Art of Living Yoga programs, the wisdom and techniques of yoga are taught in a pure, joyful and thorough manner. The programs restore balance by helping to strengthen our body, calm our mind, regain our focus and improve self- confidence. It is a complete package for beginners as well as regular practitioners and has something for everyone - of all age groups.

Regular practice of The Art of Living Yoga has brought remarkable lifestyle changes in the practitioners. They have experienced relief from chronic illnesses and have observed behavioural changes. Participants have reported a healthy, happier living with reduced anxiety, increased tolerance and mindfulness.

The Art of Living Yoga is the secret to better health and greater sense of happiness.

One of the beauties of the physical practice of yoga is that the poses support and sustain you no matter how old or young, or fit or frail, you come to your mat. As you age, your understanding of asana becomes more sophisticated. You move from working on the external alignment and mechanics of the pose to refining the inner actions to finally just being in the asana.

Yoga has never been alien to us. We have been doing it since we were a baby! Whether it is the Cat Stretch that strengthens the spine or the Wind-Relieving pose that boosts digestion, you will always find infants doing some form of yoga throughout the day. Yoga can be many things to many people. We are determined to help you discover your Yoga Way of Life!

Ayurveda is the worlds most sophisticated and powerful mind-body health systems. More than a mere system of treating illness, Ayurveda is a science of life! It offers a body of wisdom designed to help people stay vibrant and healthy while realizing their full human potential. It uses the inherent principles of nature, to help maintain health in a person by keeping the individual's body, mind and spirit in perfect equilibrium with nature. Practicing Ayurveda also improves your yoga practice, a perfect win-win situation! This section brings you a wide range of Ayurvedic tips and suggestions for a healthier lifestyle.

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Yoga : What Is Yoga? | Art of Living India