February is Black History Month in the United States. US President Barak Obama described it thus:

"During National African American History Month, we recognize champions of justice and the sacrifices they made to bring us to this point, we honor the contributions of African Americans since our country's beginning, and we recommit to reaching for a day when no person is judged by anything but the content of their character."

The #MeToo and Times Up movements in the United States demonstrated that while great strides have been made to open doors for women and minorities, significant work lays ahead to equalize the playing field for all Americans. Issues critical to achieving racial equality include police ethics, the income gap, equal access to high quality education, employment discrimination, workforce diversity, and the impact of redistricting and voter ID requirements on voting rights. In this article we address racial bias, which impacts all aspects of the employment continuum from hiring, pay, promotion, and overall retention of people of color.

Different faces of racial bias

According to the Psychology Today, racial bias is the act of holding prejudices against someone based on their race. Racial bias can take various forms, so lets understand the distinctions:

Practice tips

Racial bias prevents a company from leveraging the full potential of its entire workforce. Studies have long demonstrated the financial benefits of a diverse workforce. With the authority and legal tools to support the companys commercial objectives while steering leaders, managers, and supervisors clear of potential claims, in-house counsel are uniquely positioned to provide the right guidance and challenge bias. Follow this guide to prevent racial biases at your company:

1. Take an implicit bias test

Maintained by Harvard University, this test exposes implicit biases that exist outside the consciousness in categories such as race, gender, gender identity, weight, and religion. If your results denote a bias, dont be dismayed. Now you can consciously ensure that your bias does not manifest in the administration of your work responsibilities.

2. Stand up

Renowned motivational speaker Zig Ziglar said, You've got to be before you can do and do before you can have. For your companys inclusion efforts to stick, choose a philosophy of inclusion and exhibit it in your thinking and the guidance you give your company.

3. Examine company policies

Critically examine your company policies and their enforcement for unintentional yet disparate outcomes. For example:

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4. Address felony convictions

Use the three-part test recommended by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in determining whether to hire a candidate with a criminal conviction.

5. Address double standards

In considering a minority candidate, if a manager emphasizes the need for the candidate to be qualified, while suggesting it would be a stretch role for an unqualified white candidate, unconscious bias might be at work. If, despite a minority candidate demonstrating all objective criteria required for a job, the hiring manager still has unspecified concerns.

6. Examine your preferences

If your year-end bonus were dependent on the racial, cultural, and ethnical balance of your direct reports, would you receive 100 percent payout? Would you resort to the I cant find qualified minority candidates mantra as an excuse? If so, scrutinize your practices.

7. Have the courage to ask

We see this failure in advertising all the time: A company releases an ad and is blindsided by negative backlash for a what appears to be (in hindsight) an obvious bias failure that threatens the products revenue as consumers vow boycotts. Have the courage to ask those affected, and foster an encouraging environment that welcomes sincere feedback.

8. Check your language

If your coworker refers to the black employees sitting together in the cafeteria as a gang or some other derogatory term, address the language of bias.

Parting thoughts

Undoing racial biases, whether implicit or unconscious, is an arduous challenge for one person, let alone an entire society, to undertake. And though you might not be able to change the world, you can do your part to improve working conditions for minorities in your company.

This article was originally published for Black History Month.

The Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) is a global legal association that promotes the common professional and business interests of in-house counsel who work for corporations, associations and other private-sector organizations through information, education, networkingopportunities and advocacy initiatives. With more than 45,000 members in 85 countries, employed by over 10,000 organizations, ACC connects its members to the people and resources necessary for both personal and professional growth. By in-house counsel, for in-house counsel.

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8 Tactics to Roll Back Racial Bias at the Office - Lexology

July 05, 2020

EDWARDSVILLE It was good to be together again.

A group of friends gathered in one backyard Sunday and had a cookout

Social distancing was practiced. People wore masks.

But we all knew each other.

We had great food and great conversation. We laughed, we joked, we caught up with each other.

This is a group not unlike many that held similar gatherings over the July 4th weekend. These are gatherings born of lifelong friendships and family.

These sort of events have been a part of the fabric of America for generations. I fondly recall my parents taking me to these type events where people brought food, had a few adult beverages, played cards, laughed and enjoyed celebrating Americas birthday.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live. We all crave for that return to normalcy that we cherished for all our lives.

And its been a difficult pandemic to say the least. The contagion level of the coronavirus is higher than any before. People can be exposed, not realize they are carrying it and transmit it to others, many who are extremely susceptible to the effects of COVID-19.

So we must be cognizant of this when we venture out in public. We may feel we are invincible, but we are not. And I have witnessed the effort being put forth by most.

So when we gather, we protect ourselves from the virus and we protect our friends and family.

And thats really what friendship and family are all about.

Even with our masks on and social distancing, we still got to see each other, talk to each other and enjoy each other.

And on this July 4th weekend, there were more fireworks emanating from backyards that I have ever seen before. With apologies to all the pets out there, the fireworks were an expression of celebration of gatherings that people not only wanted, but really needed.

I truly believe that this pandemic will pass and a vaccine/cure will be found. Its just that we dont know when that day will come. So until it does arrive, we must remain diligent in practicing those mitigation tools we have been taught.

This group of ours is a vibrant group. We enjoy doing things together. One of our favorites is the annual dance at Irem Temple pavilion with Joe Nardone & the All Stars and Eddie Day and the Starfires. Sadly, this event that annually attract 700-plus, may not be held.

I will also miss the annual Plymouth Alive Kielbasa Festival that provides so much fun and renewal each year. And Plymouth Alive raises money that is put back into the community.

Same with other events like the Edwardsville Pierogi Festival, not to forget all those bazaars of churches and fire companies.

It will all return, we just dont know when.

And we will again celebrate together have fun again together.

But one thing Sundays gathering at our friend Deidre and Franks home proved one thing remains crystal clear.

No pandemic can ever change the love we all have for each other.

Good food, good friends, good conversation, great fireworks, great time.

That will always be with us all.

July 05, 2020

Jason Carr bought a small corner lot on Catlin Avenue in Wilkes-Barre in 2016 because it was only $500 and adjacent to a single-family residential structure he already owned.

The 0.17-acre lot, which Carr said is too small to house a building, was available cheap because it had been abandoned by the prior owner and wasnt sold in popular Luzerne County back-tax auctions. The county typically has about 1,000 of these repository properties up for grabs, and taxing bodies are eager to unload them.

Assuming he was stuck with the countys $10,000 real estate tax assessment on the lot, Carr said he almost fell off the chair at a county government meeting earlier this year when officials discussed a state law covering repository property assessments.

This statute says the purchase price of repository properties shall be deemed to be the fair market value of the property for tax assessment purposes.

Carr argued this means the county should have automatically reduced the assessed value to the price paid in his case $500.

Instead, the county has required property owners to file assessment appeals to receive a reduction. The county also set the minimum repository assessment at $1,000 as part of the countywide reassessment that took effect in 2009.

County lawyers continue to vehemently maintain the county is in compliance with the law because the statute refers to fair market value instead of expressly stating the purchase price must become the assessed value.

Fair market value does not necessarily equal the appropriate tax assessment, which is why an appeal is required, the county administration says.

Nevertheless, the county administration has decided assessors office procedures would be simplified if the assessment change is automatic. Starting Sept. 1, the repository purchase price will be the assessed value, county Manager C. David Pedri recently announced.

Carr questioned if this new directive will be applied retroactively.

The administration said it will not, which leaves a legal challenge as the only recourse for purchases before that date.

Convinced the Sept. 1 change is what the county should have been doing all along, Carr said he is exploring legal options and has contacted government investigatory agencies attempting to force officials to lower his assessment to $500 dating back to the 2016 purchase.

A Saylorsburg resident who owns multiple rental properties in the county, Carr said its a bigger issue than his own purchase because he has identified many other vacant lots purchased from the repository that still contain the original assessments.

Carr also believes the county should have informed property owners of its requirement to file assessment appeals to qualify for the reduction, particularly because hes found at least 18 other counties that have been making the assessment change automatically.

Repository buyers are helping taxing bodies by taking ownership of properties that had been deserted and maintaining them, Carr said.

The repository assessment issue has come up before.

In 2017, New York resident Alex Zbinovsky said he cant proceed with plans to fix up a former Wilkes-Barre factory he bought for $500 from the repository in 2013 until the assessment issue is addressed.

The assessment on the 43,000-square-foot brick property at 447 New Grove St. is $225,000.

His attorney, William Vinsko, said last week that litigation is still pending on the matter. Vinsko has long argued the county should have automatically lowered the assessment to the repository purchase price and said he still holds that position.

The county assessment appeals board had issued a ruling in April 2013 keeping the New Grove property assessment at $673,100. The board reduced the value to $225,000 in September 2014 but declined a further reduction, records show.

Most properties that land in the repository are rundown structures, land slivers or large undeveloped parcels with access problems or other hurdles, officials have said. The properties can be purchased at any time, and a list of those available is updated regularly and posted at http://www.luzernecountytaxclaim.com.

In a separate issue related to these properties, councils real estate committee also is recommending repository purchases be increased from $500 to $1,000 if a parcel contains a structure, with land-only properties remaining at $500. Council is set to vote on the proposed purchase price change this month.

July 05, 2020

WILKES-BARRE The Pennsylvania Department of Health Sunday reported six new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Luzerne County and no new deaths.

Those numbers bring the total cases to 2,956 and the death count remains at 178.

In Lackawanna County, there are 1,733 confirmed cases and 207 deaths; in Monroe County, there are 1,436 cases and 109 deaths.

The Department of Health Sunday confirmed that there are 479 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 89,854. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 6,753 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 4 new deaths reported.

Mask wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 634 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases.

There are 734,846 patients who have tested negative to date.

Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

Nearly 1% are ages 0-4;

1% are ages 5-12;

Nearly 3% are ages 13-18;

Nearly 8% are ages 19-24;

Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;

24% are ages 50-64; and

Nearly 27% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 17,923 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,346 cases among employees, for a total of 21,296 at 709 distinct facilities in 52 counties.

Out of our total deaths, 4,592 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities.

Approximately 6,806 of our total cases are in health care workers.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit Responding to COVID-19 on pa.gov.

Currently, all 67 counties are in the green phase of reopening.

July 05, 2020

Luzerne Countys administration recently started collective bargaining negotiations with the detective union, which is operating under a contract that expires the end of this year, said county Administrative Services Division Head David Parsnik.

Only one expired county union contract is still outstanding with the assistant district attorneys/public defenders, Parsnik said.

Binding arbitration became necessary with those workers because both sides reached an impasse negotiating a new contract to replace one that expired the end of 2018, officials have said.

Parsnik said he has no idea when the arbitrators decision will be completed and released to the county.

Courthouse eatery

The Center City Cafs recent opening in the county courthouse basement cafeteria has been a phenomenal success, said county Manager C. David Pedri.

Workers and visitors at the courthouse on River Street in Wilkes-Barre can dine in, with social distancing enforced, or pick up their orders, Pedri said.

He recently enjoyed a salad there and said the prices are reasonable.

The food is delicious. The people love it, Pedri said.

Council approved the lease to business owner YonKondy Enterprises LLC in March. The business will pay monthly rent of $500 for the first half of the five-year contract and $525 for the second half.

Wedding rental

After cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic, the county has booked its first courthouse wedding in months a small ceremony on July 11, Pedri said.

Information on holding weddings at the facility is posted on the building/grounds department section at http://www.luzernecounty.org.

Tax sale

Luzerne Countys popular main Aug. 13 free-and-clear delinquent tax auction has been postponed to Nov. 5, according to Sean Shamany, a representative of county tax-claim operator Elite Revenue Solutions LLC.

This final-stage sale typically draws crowds because liens and back taxes are no longer attached.

Shamany said the rescheduling does not stem from coronavirus-related limitations on large gatherings because Elite could space people apart and limit attendees to registered bidders with no spectators. County tax sales are held at the Kings College auxiliary gym on North Main Street in Wilkes-Barre.

Instead, Shamany said the concern is fitting in all required court hearings tied to the auction while judges work to catch up on cases backlogged because of the pandemic.

There are no plans at this time to delay the Sept. 24 upset sale, which is a first stage auction, Shamany said.

Write-in votes

Luzerne County primary election voters can get a glimpse of why it took the county Election Board days to count write-in votes.

The final June 2 election results, posted on the main page at luzernecounty.org, now include the extensive list of nominees voters wrote down instead of selecting contenders on the ballot.

On both the Republican and Democratic sides in the presidential race, for example, numerous other names were entered. Among the unsuccessful nominees were docuseries tiger owner Joe Exotic, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Elon Musk and Bishop Joseph Bambera.

In all seriousness, names entered in jest slow up the processing of votes, particularly with the increase in mail-in ballots requiring the Election Board to decipher handwriting instead of reading letters typed on an electronic voting machine.

Each new write-in name also had to be manually entered into the voting results system during the review process.

July 05, 2020

Luzerne and Lackawanna counties are working with a consultant to develop a regional blueprint for transportation, land preservation and development and other issues facing their communities for years to come.

Recommended every decade, the last comprehensive bi-county plan was released in 2012.

Read the original here:
Yoga on the riverfront returns - Wilkes Barre Times-Leader

The Seventh Annual Yoga on the Roof was held Saturday morning at the Marketplace at Steamtown.

SCRANTON, Pa. One Fourth of July tradition in the Electric City looked a little different this year.

The Seventh Annual Yoga on the Roof was held Saturday morning at the Marketplace at Steamtown.

The number of attendees had to be cut in half to allow for safe social distancing and participants were asked to wear a mask until practice began.

"I'm just so happy that so many people came. I think we all needed a break it's been a long lockdown and the news is challenging but we work very hard to make sure that it would be namaste stay six feet away."

The yoga class costs $10 and all the money benefits the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic's educational programs.

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Yoga on the roof in Scranton - WNEP Scranton/Wilkes-Barre

JOHNSON CITY (WBNG) -- Yoga Body Shop in Johnson City reopened its doors Saturday.

Owner Linda Sambursky said the studio was approved to open through the Department of Labor, as yoga instruction falls under phase three.

Like many local businesses, Yoga Body Shop has been closed since mid-March.

"It was scary," said Sambursky. "Not knowing if you could pay your bills, not knowing if your members were going to stick with you, not knowing if they were going to come back. It was just really scary."

Sambursky says they found out they could reopen for in-person classes, just one day before the reopening.

"We had everything ready. We were ready to go," says Sambursky.

A number of changes have been made to keep clients and staff safe. Clients receive a temperature check upon entering, and must be below 98.6. Everyone must wear a mask, until settled on their mat.

There is no physical interaction between instructors and clients, and classes have been significantly reduced. The main room has a maximum capacity of 75 people, but is now cut down to 24.

Yoga Body Shop offered virtual classes throughout the pandemic, and the virtual option is still available for clients who don't feel comfortable coming to the studio just yet.

While being closed was challenging, Sambursky says she's thankful for the ability to teach classes in-person, once again.

"Everything has a purpose and things are starting to slowly open and we're very grateful to open, and continue supporting the community."

More here:
Exercising body and mind: Yoga studios reopen - WBNG-TV

Obtaining a six-pack or achieving the flat stomach of your dreams doesn't necessarily mean spending the rest of your days performing crunches or repping out sit-ups in a dark corner of your local gym, when gyms reopen.

Yoga, often perceived as a spiritual undertaking to cleanse the mind, is also fantastic for building overall strength, especially when it comes to the core muscles. We think it's one of the top 5 reasons you should try yoga, other than the attractive athleisure-wear buying opportunities it brings. In fact, it plays a starring role in our drive to help you get fit in 2020, and it's a great way to find out how to get a six pack.

Hannah Barrett (@yoga_girl_london), a yoga instructor, author and health and fitness specialist, believes yoga is the perfect way to increase happiness, while improving overall fitness levels and strength.

"This quick workout aims to fire up your core with five of my favourite yoga-inspired core-burning drills. They will help you build strength, power up your practice and work up a sweat. No need for gym equipment, just roll out your mat and put on some favourite tunes," she says.

On top of this, Hannah believes working the core is the best way to move from her basic yoga for beginners workout to more complex yoga moves.

"If youre looking to get into arm balances and inversions, or simply hold these moves for longer, then strong core muscles are key.

"They also can help alleviate back pain, improve posture and keep the stomach toned. This fiery sequencebuilds yourcorefrom the inside out," she says.

Also, make sure you follow Hannah on Instagram for plenty more tips, workout videos and expert advice to get you feeling chilled and improving fitness levels.

Find you inner Zen with this yoga workout

(Image credit: Chevanon Photography from Pexels)

"Focus on moving mindfully with your breath and keeping a strong core to help you control the movements. Listen to your body and take it to the level that is right for you. It is always possible to adapt the moves slightly to work with your level of strength and flexibility," she says

Yoga Burpees

Main muscles targeted: Deep core, quads, glutes, hamstrings and shoulders

Start at the top of the mat, feet slightly wider than hip width and at 45 degree angles. Now, exhale and slowly sit the hips down towards the mat into a 'yogi squat'. Keep the chest lifted and the core engaged.

Place the hands on the floor in front of you, shoulder distance apart. Jump the feet back to plank and then jump straight back into the yogi squat (keeping the core strong and a gentle bend in the elbows). You can always step the feet backward instead of jumping, if required.

Inhale and pushing through the balls of the feet and engaging the glutes, return to standing position for one rep. Repeat this ten times.

A quick look at yoga's version of a classic burpee

(Image credit: Hannah Barrett)

Chair to Warrior 3

Main muscles targeted: Deep core, quads, glutes, hamstrings and shoulders

Start in chair pose, sit the hips back and squeeze the glutes. Inhale lifting the right knee up towards the chest.

Now exhale, sending the right foot back behind you, folding the torso forward until the right leg is fully extended behind you, leg fully engaged and hips square to the floor.

Straighten the left leg, pressing firmly into the big toe and spreading the weight over the entire foot. Inhale and bring the right knee forwards, bending into the left leg and returning to one legged chair with hands at the heart centre.

Exhale, returning the foot to the floor and arms above the head into one-legged chair. Repeat ten times and then switch legs and repeat.

The complex but worth it Chair to Warrior 3

(Image credit: Hannah Barrett)

Down Dog Flow

Main muscles targeted: core, quads, hamstrings, calves, lats and shoulders

Starting in downward facing dog, lift the seat bones up, keeping the spine long and moving the chest towards the thighs. Draw the heels towards the ground and actively press into the hand, externally rotating the upper arms to widen the shoulder blades away from the spine. Engage the core by hugging navel to spine, keeping the ribs drawn in.

Inhale and reach the right leg to the sky pointing through the toes engaging the glutes and keeping the hips square. This is three legged dog.

As you exhale, pull the right knee in towards the nose and hinge the weight forward, so the shoulders are over the wrists. Push the ground away, rounding the back and keeping the core super strong.

Inhale back to three legged dog and repeat ten times. Return to downward facing dog and repeat with the left leg.

Downward Dog Flow works lots of muscle groups

(Image credit: Hannah Barrett)

Side Plank Leg Lifts

Main muscles targeted - Glute med, external obliques, deep core and shoulders

Begin in a side plank with the left arm to the sky. Stack the hips and draw the waist upwards, pushing firmly through the right hand to stabilise the shoulder. There is also the option to drop the lower knee to make it easier.

Keep the hips facing forwards and stacked as you inhale and lift the top leg up and exhale to lower the leg back down. Repeat for ten reps and then repeat on the opposite side.

(Image credit: Hannah Barrett)

Dead Bugs

Main muscles targeted - deep core, deltoids, hip flexors

Begin on your back with the arms raised, fingers pointing to the ceiling. Bring the knees up over the hips, bent at 90-degrees with the shins parallel to the floor.

Now engage the core. There should only be a small gap between the lower back and the ground, which should stay the same size throughout this exercise.

Exhale and at the same time, slowly lower the right arm backwards and the left leg forwards, also lowering it and extending the knee until they are both hovering off the floor. Keep the core engaged, making sure the lower back isn't overarching. If it this is too intense, drop one foot to the ground and do one side at a time.

Inhale and slowly return to the starting position and repeat with the opposite side. Repeat ten times on each side.

Hannah demonstrates the 'Dead Bugs' pose

(Image credit: Hannah Barrett)

Read the rest here:
Get a six pack in 15 minutes with this yoga-inspired core blaster - T3

Rewari: A two-day international webinar on Yoga, Ayurveda and Immunity over the theme of role of yoga, pranayam and ayurveda in improving immunity to fight Covid was organised by Indira Gandhi University (IGU). The webinar commenced with a keynote speech of Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Director, Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research, Pondicherry, while MP Dharambir Singh put his practical approach to fight hard times, in a simple but effective manner. Vice-Chancellor Prof SK Gakhar said more than 1,000 participants from 16 states across the country ranging from Jammu and Kashmir to Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to Gujarat participated in the event.

Tributes paid to former PM

Kurukshetra: Kurukshetra University Registrar Dr Bhagwan Singh Chaudhary said the ideals of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Gulzari Lal Nanda need to be held in life. A person who adopts his virtues will surely achieve his goal, he said. He spoke on the behalf of Gulzari Lal Nanda Ethics-Philosophy Centre Museum and Library at a function organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of Gulzari Lal Nanda on Saturday. Earlier, a havan yajna was performed. Dr Chaudhary, KDB CEO Gagandeep Singh and other dignitaries paid floral tributes at Nandas virtuous tomb. The Registrar said Bharat Ratna Nanda contributed significantly to the development of Kurukshetra. Dr SM Mishra, Director of the centre, explained various activities of the centre.

Online group discussion

Hisar: The Training and Placement Cell of Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, organised an online group discussion (GD) contest under its fortnightly virtual speakathon programme. In all 27 students of various departments participated in the online GD. Pankaj Chaudhary, Director, TIMES, Hisar, was the chief judge of the event assisted by Rajneesh from TIMES and Dr Savita, Associate Professor from the Haryana School of Business. The programme started with orientation about How to participate effectively in GD by Pankaj Chaudhary. He said in most of the placements or admissions, GDs are used as an elimination process and therefore it was important to be good in it. He said using GD tool assessor judges the communication skills, knowledge of the topic, confidence, content, interpersonal skills, maturity, problem solving skill, leadership skill, body language and creativity of the candidates.

Developers of Desi Kalakar lauded

Hisar: Students of Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Kishan, Rahul and Rohit who passed out BTech IT in 2017 were lauded for developing an App named Desi Kalakar on which various small videos can be downloaded/uploaded for entertainment purpose. One more student namely Sushant of same batch of the university is also associated with them. The app is a challenging alternate of TikTok which has been recently banned by the Government of India. This already has 21,000 downloads and has got 4.8 ratings. The team of these students is very conscious to take views of the users for making it more user-friendly. Prof Tankeshwar Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Harbhajan Bansal, Registrar, Prof Usha Arora, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Dharminder Kumar, Chairperson, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Partap Singh Malik, Director, Training & Placement Cell and Prof Sunita Srivastava, Department of Physics, congratulated the students. The VC assured them of any help required to extend the development of the application.

Webinar on research methodology

Mahendragarh: The Central University of Haryana (CUH) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science and Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, and Students for Holistic Development of Humanity organised a week-long workshop on Research methodology. RSS Seh-prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar while addressing the participants as chief guest said amid the pandemic, time had come to proceed towards self-reliance and to do research on subjects that prove helpful in highlighting the way to relief in contemporary conditions.

Read more:
Webinar on yoga and immunity - The Tribune India

It has been five years since the United Nations started observing International Yoga Day. During this brief time, yoga as a practice has gained an astonishing amount of acknowledgement and popularity.

Most nations have acknowledged that yoga boosts physical health, and stimulates emotional and intellectual growth.

Similar to Ayurveda, yoga is a priceless boon the world has received from the ancient rishis of Bharat.

The meaning of the word yoga is coming together or joining. Yoga brings together our body, breath, mind and awareness in the proper way.

If we can control our body, we will be able to control our breath. If we can control our breath, we will be able to control our mind. If we can control the mind, we will be able to rise to self-realisation.

This is the way of yoga. It uses gross elements to control subtle elements. Then using these subtle elements, it controls even subtler ones.

In this way, it continues to control subtler and subtler elements. Our ancient rishis teach us that by gaining victory over the body, mind and intellect, yoga can help us attain completeness.

Even if one is unable to achieve completeness, yoga still plays a great role in daily life. Perhaps most importantly, it can help keep us in good health.

Yoga can help us purify our inner faculties, glands and nerves, and promote their smooth functioning.

In everyday life, too, yoga helps to increase our efficiency, health and happiness. In these modern times, when lifestyle diseases and mental illness are on the rise, the relevance of yoga continues to steadily increase.

The average human lifespan has increased, aided by new medicines and treatment options. However, our health is declining due to poor lifestyle choices.

Good health is not the mere absence of disease; it is the ability to work for long hours without tiring, having mental peace, clear memory and a sharp intellect. Yoga is a practical system through which we can achieve this.

There is a difference between physical health and mental health. While the body needs exercise and movement to keep fit, the mind needs to remain still. However, in modern society, work requiring the body is decreasing, and the thoughts and agitations of the mind are growing.

This is harmful to the body and mind. Yoga is a scientific system that helps us increase the efficiency and agility of the body and the mind. Surya Namaskara and other asanas, meditation and pranayama are all part of this.

Through pranayama and other asanas, one can balance the bodys prana-sakti and through this, we can improve our health. In addition to this, yoga asanas and meditation relax the body, calm the mind and still its thoughts.

People can choose the technique that suits them best. In these trying times, when coronavirus is threatening the entire world, yoga is even more relevant than ever. It is when humanitys immunity decreases that such diseases are able to take root in society. Yoga, on the other hand, is a good way to enhance our bodys immunity.

For yoga to be effective and provide us with strong immunity, we also have to follow a proper diet. If even one person in the home learns yoga, they will be able to teach everyone else in the family. If everyone in the home practices yoga and meditation, the entire atmosphere of the home will be transformed.

For this to happen though, the principle behind yoga has to be understood as well. Then, conflicts will decrease. Love and cooperation will increase.

There is one more thing that Amma would like to stress. Yoga is not like an ordinary physical exercise routine that you practice for one or two hours a day. It is a comprehensive way of life that gives a high level of importance to dharmic values and principles.

Yoga brings success in both material life as well as in spiritual life. Whichever spiritual path you pursue, yoga will definitely help you.

Regardless of the country, human nature remains the same. Therefore, the practice of yoga can help one and all, irrespective of nationality or religion.

May we be able to use this priceless wealth bestowed on the human race by the ancient rishis of Bharat in the right way.

(The writer is a world-renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian)

View post:
Yoga: The priceless wealth - The New Indian Express

Tokyo-bound Lovlina Borgohain is waiting to join national camp as virtual training keeps the Assamese boxer on her toes.

Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain is one of India's rising boxing stars.

The 22-year-old, who has two bronze medals at the World Championships, won the national welterweight trials to travel to Amman, Jordan for the Asian boxing Olympic qualifiers in March.

Lovlina Borgohain enjoyed a brilliant outing there, qualifying for her maiden Olympic Games at Tokyo next year, and was subsequently ranked third in the world in the 69kg category.

The Olympic Channel caught up with the Indian boxer, who is back home in Assam, to learn how she has been dealing with the national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

When was the last time you were indoors for this long?

It is the first time for me to be at home for so many months at a stretch.

Earlier, I had to go away to camps and tournaments after barely a two-day break, so the lockdown has treated me well.

How do you spend your time at home?

I try to keep myself busy throughout the day. One thing I have done is analyse a lot of opponents videos to know more about them.

Other than that, I occasionally cook at home, do some yoga and read.

So, which book(s) did you enjoy reading?

I have been reading a lot of local Assamese literature, some of the short stories are amazing.

Any new skill that you have tried out?

No, not really.

Actually, my two elder sisters and their kids had come home to visit my parents before the lockdown. So, chit-chatting with them takes up a lot of my free time (chuckles).

Your preferred way to workout from home.

I don't really have a favourite workout per se, cannot really pinpoint one.

If I had to pick one, Id say the daily stretching before my exercises is something I love. It really relaxes my body every day.

How useful have the video calls with the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) been?

I feel that has been a good initiative from them. It helped us connect with everyone, even though it was virtual.

The BFI has been helpful with tips for training and techniques, informing us about doping and the medications to avoid, so those aspects are good.

First thing you will do after lockdown ends?

Obviously, my first priority is preparing for the Tokyo Olympics, so I really want to get back to the national camp once this ends.

There is a sporting environment there and it will allow us to do proper training with specific instructions, which is what I need a year from the Games.

Continued here:
Yoga, books and family help Lovlina Borgohain make the most of lockdown - Olympic Channel

MARION The towns recreation programs will begin to hold yoga sessions, private tennis and private sailing lessons. Programs are open and available to the public. Registration for sailing and tennis are first come, first served.

No pre-registration required for yoga. Participants are asked to bring their own mat, none will be provided. Social distancing will be enforced as required by the state.

Yoga at the bandshell:This class is open and encouraged for all levels. This class will focus on stress reduction, breathwork, stretching, strengthening, and balance. Cost is $10. Proceeds benefit Damien's Place Food Pantry and Friends of Marion Recreation

Sundays: July 5 to August 23, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.Thursdays: July 9 to August 20, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Yoga at Silvershell Beach:This hour-long session is suitable for all ages and abilities. Bring a towel and or yoga mat, sunscreen, water, and a light scarf or shirt if needed. Cost is $10

Tuesdays, 8 a.m.Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.

Family yoga:Mondays from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Silvershell Beach

Over the Net Tennis Lessons: Private tennis lessons for up to three players in the same household, four days a week. All ages are welcome. Lessons will be tailored based on skill level and on what students want to learn.Sessions run from July 13 to August 20.The cost is $175/week, which includes one hour of instruction for each day.

Session 1: July 13 to July 16Session 2: July 20 to July 23Session 3: July 27 to July 30Session 4: August 3 to August 6Session 5: August 10 to August 13Session 6: August 17 to August 20

Lesson makeup day is Fridays. To register, call Marion Recreation at 508.748.3537

Sailing Lessons on Sippican Harbor: Private sailing lessons for up tothreein the same household. The program will teach basic sailing skills including boat handling, how to identify parts of the boat, boating terms, and basic knots. Classes will be tailored to fit the needs of those enrolled. Students are encouraged to bring water, a hat, and sun block. Personal flotation devices will be provided. This program is for all ages.Individual private sailing instruction is also available at an hourly rate.

Session 1: July 13 to July 16Session 2: July 20 to July 23Session 3: July 27 to July 30Session 4: August 3 to August 6Session 5: August 10 to August 13Session 6: August 17 to August

To register, call Marion Recreation at 508.748.3537

See the rest here:
Marion Recreation starts yoga, tennis and sailing summer programs - Sippican Week

When you think of yoga, what comes to mind? Do you think of yoga pants, a clean yoga mat and a soothing studio? What about the types of people who do yoga? Are they young, able-bodied and white?

When Paul Winfield, a local yogi and author, returned to his hometown of Baton Rouge from Puerto Rico, he noticed microaggressions and a lack of diversity at local yoga studios. As he finalized his yoga teacher training in 2019, he decided to open his own yoga studio where all people, no matter their race, size or mobility, could feel welcome.

You dont need legs or arms to do yoga, Winfield says. You can actually lay in your bed and do yoga in your mind, and you will get the benefits from it. No physical challenge is a challenge. No ability or lack thereof is an impediment to success.

Winfield opened More & More I Am Yoga Studio on Juneteenth 2019. Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in the Confederacy. So it was a special date for Winfield to open a yoga studio in a primarily black area. He aimed to provide a safe space in north Baton Rouge for locals to practice yoga in a judgement-free and inclusive studio.

When locals step into the studio, that is exactly what they feel. Students are comfortable. They wear everything from cozy sweatsuits to yoga leggings and a T-shirt. No two students look the same. They are different ages, experience levels and backgrounds.

The quaint studio on Florida Boulevard offers different styles of yoga classes, including power yoga, restorative and intermediate. Locals can drop in for a single class or register for an unlimited membership for $50 a month. Students and seniors get a discounted membership rate for $40 a month.

Winfield wants to encourage people to practice yoga consistently. The meaning of the studio name was chosen to motivate yogis to grow in their practice by applying themselves more and more each day. He wants the studio to be a place where people can start where they are, with their current resources and not feel like they have to perform in exclusive, all-white settings.

Its important to have a space that is here for a part of the city that is not appreciated and people are never given hope or told you can, Winfield says. This is a space for them to get that message and experience.

More & More I Am Yoga Studio is at 1714Florida Blvd. moreiam.org

This article was originally published in the July 2020 issue of 225 Magazine.

See more here:
Meet More & More I am Yoga Studio: the inclusive yoga studio in north Baton Rouge that aims to make yoga accessible for everyone - [225] - 225...