Posts Tagged ‘Energy Flow’

Here's How The 5 Tenets Of Yoga Promote Healing Through Positive Thinking

There is scientific evidence that shows that optimists tend to live longer than pessimists? This is because positive thinking helps promote a physiological environment that is optimal for healing. The five tenets of yoga can help enhancing positive thinking. Here’s how.

1. Exercise. With exercise, feel-good hormones called endorphins are released, making you feel fresher and happier.. thereby replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. But more importantly, yoga helps unblock energy pathways, thus allowing energy healing to work.

2. Breathing. Most of us don't realize it - but we're actually not breathing right. Yoga emphasizes the usage of proper breathing techniques that increase oxygen intake which then enhances the circulation of both blood and energy in our bodies. As such, oxins of our bodies and the mind, are dispelled more efficiently and can be replaced by positive thoughts.

3. Relaxation. Yoga is a calming and rhythmic exercise, involving a lot of stretches and breathing. Through practicing the asanas and various yoga poses, tension is drained from our muscles – promoting relaxation of the body. This relief increases your happiness levels and general well-being, encouraging the development of positive thoughts.

4. Diet. Yoga promotes holistic healing and practices, and therefore encourages wholesome eating as well. It recommends eating mainly fresh foods with lots of fruits and vegetables. What we eat has an effect on both our bodies and our minds and food with high oil and preservative content introduces an endless list of toxins to our bodies, thus disrupting our energy flow. Eating habits prescribed by yoga encourages not only happiness and optimism, but higher energy levels!

5. Meditation. Lastly, meditation is a crucial element in the practice of yoga and energy healing. While the asanas and breathing techniques help to calm our minds, meditation allows us to take the time to contemplate our thoughts. It is through deep introspection  that the active release and dispelment of negative and hurtful emotions from our minds occur. Now, these negative emotions can be replaced with more serene and positive thoughts.

What Does Chakra Meditation Mean?

Meditation is widely known as a potent method of focusing the mind and healing the body, as well as attaining self-realization. There are many different ways to mediate but one of the most powerful of these is Chakra Meditation. This process is also known by its alternative names of Chakra Healing and Chakra Balancing.

Introduction to Chakra Meditation

To put it in simple terms, Chakra Meditation is a method of energizing and bringing into balance the seven energy centers (or Chakras) in order to create an alignment which is conducive to energy flow. The seven Chakras are.

*The Root, or base Chakra. This Chakra is located at the base of the spine and represents the element of Earth. The Root Chakra is responsible for our health, security and prosperity.

*Orange Chakra, also named as the Naval or Sacral Chakra, is positioned at the middle of abdomen. It is often linked to the ‘Water’ element, which normally governs our sexuality and feelings.

*The Solar Plexus, or Power Chakra. This Chakra is located right above the navel and represents the element of Fire. This Chakra is responsible for will power and metabolism.

*Heart Chakra is located exact at the middle of human chest. It is associated to the ‘Air’ feature, which often governs our approach of love, sympathy, and common relations.

*The Throat Chakra, at the base of the throat represents the element “Sound”. This Chakra is responsible for communication and creativity.

*The Third Eye Chakra, or Brow Chakra is located between the eyebrows and represents the element “Light”. This Chakra controls perception, imagination and related functions.

*Crown Chakra is located at the apex of human head. It is connected to the ‘thought’ component, which usually administers our intelligence, awareness and attentiveness.

An intense mind working towards the attainment of harmonized activities of these 7 Chakras with in the body can truthfully bring inestimable rewards in someone’s life. Your body, mind and soul would become comfortable and you’ll definitely appear as an improved and much informed human being who can simply see the religious region to every money-oriented custody in this world.

Chakra Meditation Unleashed

Chakra Meditation involves three techniques in the following manner.

*Grounding Method. As is obvious by its name, the Grounding Method makes your body feel associated with the Earth. The function of this technique is much easy. Just imagine a root mounting from your body and inflowing towards the Earth. Easier it may resonance, but needs strong attention and psychological consciousness while performing the Grounding Method.

*Centering – this technique is intended to prepare you for the benefits which Chakra Meditation has to offer. Take a few (three to five ) deep breaths and visualize your entire body relaxing – from the top of your head to your toes. The next step is to visualize a piece of pottery being centered on a pottery wheel.

*Relaxation Technique. The Relaxation Technique is the primary act in the entire Chakra Meditation process. Everyone has his or her own method of relaxation. Just find out your preferred mode of relaxing the body and stick to it. In a nutshell, Chakra Meditation is all about relaxing, visualizing, and directing the flow of energy through the seven energy centers (Chakras).

This is an easy way of doing a Chakra Meditation.

*Sit comfortably or lie down in a comfortable position.

*Untie all your clothing so that there is no stress on any part of your body, and close your both eyes.

*Breathe in a relaxed manner, which should be neither too fast nor too slow. The idea is to give up the control on your breath, and let it flow naturally, but healthily.

*Start feeling every part of your body from toe to the head in that direction. While your eyes are closed, feel the earth you are lying or sitting on, or the bed you are lying or sitting on, feel the aura around you, feel the clothes you are wearing. Feel everything you’d have had your eyes been open. Visualize life in darkness!

*All the negative thoughts and emotions should not be avoided. Let them be! With time and regular practice, these thoughts will disappear automatically. Rather, when no such negative emotion disturbs you, that is the time when you should consider that you have perfected the art of Chakra Meditation.

*Be aware of each and every detail of your body and let your mind wander at will from one to another.

Chakra Meditation can be performed by anyone at convenient hours. There is no rule for the duration of time to perform Chakra Meditation. Suit your comfort levels!

Health, Hygiene, and the Yoga Towel

So, what’s all the fuss about a yoga towel? A towel is a towel, right? No, not really. But, before we extol the diverse benefits of a good yoga towel, let’s talk a little about Yoga, itself.

The Benefits of Yoga

Yoga practitioners have discovered that regular yoga practice awakens both mind and body! Doing each pose perfectly requires your undivided attention, and such focus cultivates your mental awareness. Regular yoga practice fosters a healthy body through proper breathing for more oxygenation, greater flexibility for ease of motion, added muscle strength for confident movement, and perfect alignment for enhanced energy flow. The goal of yoga practice is to create a union between the body, mind and spirit.

Patience is not only a virtue, it is the “key” to mastering a yoga pose, specially when combined with ample time and commitment. Do not expect perfect poses in the beginning. But, slowly over time, as you practice and attempt to perform each pose correctly, without pushing yourself too far physically or beating yourself up mentally, you will notice that you are developing flexibility, strength, and energy physically and feeling more peaceful and clear mentally.

Try to create an uncluttered, serene space for your yoga practice, with a bare floor, preferably, and a clear wall. Avoid distractions, such as cell phones, during your yoga practice. For optimum function, you should not eat for at least 2 hours before practicing. If you find you need to eat, then try to eat something light, such as a piece of fruit, but no more than 1 hour before you start your yoga practice.

Always be mindful of how your body feels, and stop or pause if you feel any pain or discomfort while trying out a pose. Then try again.

Yoga props and yoga accessories, such as yoga mats, yoga bolsters, yoga straps, yoga blocks, yoga mat bags, and even yoga towels are made with the intention to help you in moving deeper into a pose, in performing a flawless pose, and in practicing in a sound way.

There are a lot good reasons to think about using yoga props, not the least of which is that they help in relieving discomfort, even pain, during difficult yoga poses.

Yoga props also help to prevent injury when you are sometimes tempted to push too hard to “get it right.”

Relief from tension and relaxation benefits are an integral part of any yoga practice. Yoga props can give necessary support so you’re not tempted to “stress out” because you’re unable to do a certain pose.

The plumb line, that is, “head-over-heels” body alignment, is crucial in doing yoga poses correctly. Yoga props help you maintain appropriate alignment.

Ease and flexibility of movement are are another healthy part of the benefits to using yoga props. Certain props create space in the joints and let the body more fluid movement without causing stress on a particular joint.

And, finally, we’re back to one of the extraordinary benefits of yoga, i.e., the development of awareness and understanding. When you are free to focus on doing your yoga poses perfectly, rather than worrying about any limitations you might be experiencing, you are more capable to experience the deeper gifts of a regular yoga practice. Yoga props can assist in doing away with any limitations to your doing flawless yoga poses.

How to Use and Appreciate Your Yoga Towel

A yoga towel does exactly what you think it would, and more! Most often, when you think of a towel, you think about absorbency, expressly if you’re a hot yoga (think Bikram) enthusiasts. The capacity to wick away moisture (and sweat!) after a expressly energizing routine is important, and there are quite a few super-aborbent yoga towels composed of microfibers that do just that. Plus they dry faster than cotton towels. Most are colored with organic dyes and can easily be washed and dried safely. Though you may want to get more than one size towel, if you want to place a hygienic layer between you and your yoga mat, be certain to get at least one mat-size yoga towel.

But, there’s more than one use for your yoga towel. In addition to promoting good health and hygiene, many yoga towels are made specifically to prevent slipping while as you move into your yoga poses. There are some distinctive non-slip designs, like one with “silicone eco nubs” on one side, and another with clear rubber dots. Some others have a latex-free “gripping” agent. When placed face down, the nubs or dots, or a similar gripping agent, grip your yoga mat (or the floor if you’ve forgotten to buy a yoga mat and there isn’t one available!). The gripping action actually starts as you disperse your weight in a yoga posture. Yoga towels are crucial for a steadier, more stable practice.

A yoga towel works as a top layer for your yoga mat, as a yoga mat substitute when a mat isn’t available, or as suggested above, while performing “hot” yoga, such as Bikram. Because most yoga towels are of super-absorbent components, they are more utilitarian than a regular towel. A yoga towel that is the same size as your yoga mat is quite fashionable, as well as hygienic and healthy.

There are a variety of yoga towel colors available, but most come in earth tones.

Benefits of Yoga Mats and Bags

A yoga mat will take the slip and slide out of your yoga practice by providing the stability you must have to do each pose with balance and poise. But, before we applaud the benefits of this most essential of yoga “props,” as well as discuss yoga mat bags, let’s talk a little about Yoga, itself.

Yoga Mind/Body Benefits

Yoga practitioners have discovered that habitual yoga practice awakens both mind and body! As you clear your mind to give your undivided attention to each pose, you awaken your “inner body” awareness of the present moment. Habitual yoga practice encourages a healthy body through proper breathing for more oxygenation, greater flexibility for ease of motion, added muscle strength for confident movement, and perfect alignment for enhanced energy flow. The goal of yoga practice is to create a union between the body, mind and spirit.

If you want to master a yoga pose, you will need extraordinary patience, plus time and dedication. A beginner should not give up if they don’t do a pose precisely on the first try. But, slowly over time, as you practice and try to perform each pose perfectly, without pushing yourself too far physically or beating yourself up mentally, you will find that you are developing flexibility, strength, and energy physically and feeling more peaceful and clear mentally.

Choose a clean, graceful space for your practice area, preferably with a bare floor and an accessible wall. Remove any distractions from your yoga environment. Preferably, you should not eat for at least 2 hours before practicing. If you find you need to eat, then try to eat something light, such as a piece of fruit, but no more than 1 hour before you start your yoga practice.

If you should feel pain or discomfort as you try a pose, pause or stop, then try again with more mindful movement.

Yoga props and yoga accessories, such as yoga mats, yoga bolsters, yoga straps, yoga blocks, yoga mat bags, and even yoga towels are perfect for benefiting you in moving deeper into a pose, in performing a flawless pose, and in practicing in a wholesome way.

There are many excellent reasons to give consideration to using yoga props, not the least of which is that they assist in relieving discomfort, even pain, during difficult yoga poses.

Yoga props also help to prevent injury when you are sometimes tempted to push too hard to “get it right.”

Relief from tension and relaxation benefits are an integral part of any yoga practice. Yoga props can give necessary support so you’re not tempted to “stress out” because you’re unable to do a certain pose.

Another dynamic of using yoga props is that they assist you in sustaining proper alignment and, as we all know, alignment is crucial to getting the most benefits from a pose.

Yoga props help to enhance movement. When your joints move with ease, instead of “rubbing you the wrong way,” your yoga poses are more fluid. Certain props actually open space in the joints.

And, finally, we get back to one of the extraordinary benefits of yoga, i.e., the development of awareness and understanding. When you are free to focus on doing your yoga poses correctly, rather than worrying about any limitations you might be experiencing, you are more capable to experience the deeper gifts of a regular yoga practice. Yoga props can help in doing away with any limitations to your doing flawless yoga poses.

Yoga Mats

There are many benefits to using the thin, rectangular (often rubber) mat, known as a yoga mat, or a sticky mat. First and foremost, as you move into various yoga poses, a yoga mat keeps you from sliding. Its non-slip surface provides stability to your practice.

It is also made of material that gives it the “perfect” texture, the one Baby Bear would have if he practiced yoga. If you were to attempt to do your yoga practice on a surface that was too soft, like a carpet, you would find it difficult to balance or to position yourself correctly. But, a surface that’s too hard, like a hardwood floor, would make your hands, knees, and feet uncomfortable in many poses.

Most yoga mats are made of lightweight, durable latex-free rubber or natural rubber and jute fiber that provides not only stability as you practice, but insulation from cool floors. There are yoga mats on the market, however, that are more eco-friendly.  One is a new “environmentally friendly” yoga mat made of PER (Polymer Environmental Resin), a fabric that is ascribed to be more “responsive” to the environment and your health than rubber yoga mats. This particularly mat doesn’t contain phthalates or heavy metals, and its method of production is said to be completely non-toxic. However, if being “super” green is your goal, there is a rubber and cotton mesh mat available that comes straight from a “tapped” tree that continues to live.

Yoga Mat Bags

Yoga mat bags help to protect your mat and yoga supplies, and make hauling them more convenient. There is a small yoga mat bag, sized only marginally larger than your mat, that is terrific if you bring simply a few things with you to your yoga class. But, if you’re someone who feels the necessity to “take it all” with you, there are roomy, duffel-style mat bags that can hold extra accessories like yoga blocks, towels, water bottles, extra clothing, you name it.

If you’re the creative type, there are plenty of great websites that give instructions on how you can make your own yoga mat bag out of silk or other materials. Off the rack yoga mat bags are generally manufactured from nylon, cotton, organic cotton, or hemp.