Yoga - yoga class equipments, yoga apparel and clothing for beginner

Yoga - yoga class equipments, yoga apparel and clothing for beginner

Yoga is a form of exercise based on the belief that the body and the breathe are intimately connected with the mind. By controlling the breathe and holding the body in steady poses or "asanas", yoga creates harmony. Yoga is a vast collection of spiritual techniques and practices all aimed at integrating mind, body and spirit and achieving a state of enlightenment or oneness with the universe.

Yoga practice consists of five key elements:

1. proper breathing
2. proper exercise
3. proper relaxation
4. proper diet
5. positive thinking
6. meditation

Why do yoga?

* Improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina
* Reduces stress and tension
* Boosts self esteem
* Improves concentration and creativity
* Lowers fat
* Improves circulation
* Stimulates the immune system
* Creates sense of well being and calm.

History of Yoga

The tradition of Yoga has always been passed on individually from teacher to student through oral teaching and practical demonstration. The formal techniques that are now known as Yoga are, therefore, based on the collective experiences of many individuals over many thousands of years. The particular manner in which the techniques are taught and practiced today depends on the approach passed down in the line of teachers supporting the individual practitioner.

There is a common misconception that Yoga is rooted in Hinduism; on the contrary, Hinduism's religious structures evolved much later and incorporated some of the practices of Yoga.

Yoga's history has many places of obscurity and uncertainty due to its oral transmission of sacred texts and the secretive nature of its teachings. The early writings on yoga were transcribed on fragile palm leaves that were easily damaged, destroyed or lost. The development of yoga can be traced back to over 5,000 years ago. Yoga's long rich history can be divided into four main periods of innovation and development.

Types of Yoga

As you ponder the possibilities and methods of the eight types of yoga, bear your own nature in mind. Consider which form most appeals to you. In this way you may find some suggestions which will richly benefit you right now.

1. Bhakti Yoga: the way of devotion, devotion to a supreme being absorbing the emotions and self in pure love.
2. Karma Yoga: the way of right action, serving without the motivation of obtaining the results of labor.
3. Jnana Yoga: the way of knowledge, studying god and learning to discriminate between illusion and the reality that all is god.
4. Raja Yoga: the path of meditation, controlling the mind from wandering and obtaining mastery over thought.
5. Mantra Yoga: Mantra yoga meditation involves chanting a word or phrase until the mind and emotions are transcended and the superconscious is clearly revealed and experienced.
6. Laya Yoga: Through laya yoga meditation, for example, you sense the heart center which is located inside the spine, directly back of the heart.
7. Tantric Yoga: the feminine path, worshiping the goddess energy and seeing the body as the temple of the divine.
8. Hatha Yoga: the physical path, using the body through asana and pranayama to control the mind and senses.

You may also heard of Kundalini Yoga : the path of energy, arousing the energy stored in the chakras through breathing and movement.

Yoga is designed to enable people to begin from their immediate, present state of consciousness and move forward, day by day, into a state of wholeness, well being, and enlightenment. Even the beginning student is able to shed much physical tension, mental/emotional turbulence, and prepare the way for a life of higher consciousness.

Open Letter To Sean Penn

For many of us, the arrival of autumn means it's time to stock up on Kleenex and cough drops. Along with seasonal allergies, autumn means colder weather that can bring with it colds and flu. But yoga can help by strengthening and balancing your basic weapon against sinus conditions -- the immune system. Yoga postures, pranayama, relaxation and meditation are powerful tools for helping to stimulate or calm the immune response depending on the situation.