Regular practice of yoga can help you to approach life in a less stressed manner, and in doing so, you will get more out of life. You may find you are able to achieve more each day and still feel more energized at the end of the day.
One of the most important things that you will learn from yoga is the correct manner of breathing. Most of us breathe too shallowly, and this can lead to stress and tension. It is only with correct breathing that you will teach your mind and your body to gravitate towards a more natural state of relaxation.
You will be able to bring about a peaceful and relaxed state more easily and that in turn will help you to cope with stressful situations.
The deep breathing techniques that are taught in yoga can lower stress and bring more calm in your life, while at the same time energizing you. Many people feel that they need some form of stimulation to get energized, but yoga will show them that this can be far from the truth. Yoga gives you long-lasting energy that is not influenced by hyper activity or nervousness.
You can practice the basic yoga breathing techniques wherever you like - even while sitting at your office desk.
Just follow this simple technique to quickly lower your stress levels and feel calmer and more relaxed:
1. Sit up straight in your chair with your feet flat on the floor. Rest your hands on top of your thighs and begin to relax, slowly closing your eyes.
2. Now begin to think about the various parts of your body, starting with your feet and working your way up. Relax each part one at a time as you feel your muscles become soft and relaxed, releasing all the tension that is being held there.
3. Feel your lungs filling with breath, expanding and contracting in a relaxed manner. Allow your breath to go deep into your belly, expanding your diaphram naturally. Don't 'push' your breathing. Just maintain a relaxed breath in and out. With each outwards breath expel the tension that is being held in your body. Set it free and breathe in the next breath of relaxed energy.
This will come more naturally the more often you do it, and you will find that you can get into a relaxed state faster each time. It used to take me several minutes to relax when I started a yoga session, but now I can relax within seconds of starting the yoga breath technique. The energy that you get from this exercise will carry over further into each day of your life, until you find it easier to be relaxed in nearly all situations.
Try it now and see how you feel, and then make this a regular practice in your daily life to reap the benefits of yoga just by breathing!
Showing posts with label Kundalini yoga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kundalini yoga. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Video: Kundalini Yoga Breath of Fire
I wanted to post an example of a Kundalini yoga workout from Ana Brett & Ravi Singh for you this week, but I'm sorry I was unable to find a free one anywhere.... So this week instead of a workout, I'm sharing with you this instructional clip on how to do the "Breath of Fire" - an important form of breathing used during many Kundalini yoga sessions.
This unique form of breathing detoxifies the body, supports the immune system, raises the heart rate, and tones the midsection. It may be a bit challenging at first. Stick with it, and practice it when instructed during any of the Kundalini yoga routines by Ravi and Ana. It WILL get easier, and you may even come to love it like I do!
Kundalini Yoga Breath of Fire Primer
Author of #1 bestselling yoga and fitness DVDs on amazon.com present a breath of fire primer.
For some excellent Kundalini Yoga DVDs check out the suggestions below:
This unique form of breathing detoxifies the body, supports the immune system, raises the heart rate, and tones the midsection. It may be a bit challenging at first. Stick with it, and practice it when instructed during any of the Kundalini yoga routines by Ravi and Ana. It WILL get easier, and you may even come to love it like I do!
Kundalini Yoga Breath of Fire Primer
Author of #1 bestselling yoga and fitness DVDs on amazon.com present a breath of fire primer.
For some excellent Kundalini Yoga DVDs check out the suggestions below:
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Review: Kundalini Yoga Workout for Beginners & Beyond
I got several new yoga DVDs for Christmas this year, and I'm still
working my way through them all, so I'm not sure what my favorite is
yet, but if you're new to Kundalini Yoga, you can't go wrong with the
excellent Kundalini Yoga for Beginners & Beyond,
with Ana Brett & Ravi Singh. I absolutely love their simple,
soothing style, and all of my Kundalini yoga DVDs that I have tried so
far feature them.
This DVD is a great introduction to Kundalini yoga, which
is quite different from the Hatha forms of yoga typically taught in
yoga fitness classes, so if you're expecting more of the same old Downward Dog
and Crescent poses, you may be disappointed. But if you're open to a new
form of yoga which challenges your mind and spirit as much as your
body, give this one a try without any expectations, and see what it can
do for you.
This workout contains exercises for flexibility, strength, aerobic efficiency, stress relief, back care, and more - together with explicit instructions on breathing and guided meditations. This amazingly effective daily routine features two yoga sets which can be done individually or together, as well as a guided meditation and relaxation segment.
The first exercise set focuses on maintaining a strong and flexible spine - important for every aspect of health. The second set consists of a series called "The Five Tibetans," and yes, it does include some of the traditional yoga poses, but you will flow through them repeatedly and rhythmically, rather than holding them, along with specific types of breathing, so it really works all of your muscles and increases your heart rate as well, and provides quite a challenge for your entire body. I've only done this set a few times so far, and I can't do all of the repetitions yet, and still end up very sore for a couple of days afterwards, so don't let the "beginner" title fool you - this is a real workout!
This DVD also includes the "Matrix" option, which I love - I wish all workout DVDs had this! This allows you to choose which segments you wish to do, and program them to play in the order you choose. It makes it really easy to set up your workout to fit into whatever time you have available. If you have a whole hour, you can just play the whole DVD through. But if you only have 20 minutes, you can choose the opening "Tune In" prayer, the first (or second) workout set, relax, and you're done. Or add the meditation if you are feeling extra stressed that day. It's up to you!
If you want to try a new, fun way to exercise this year, check out this DVD and add a new element to your fitness.
Click Here to Buy It On Amazon.com...
with Ana Brett & Ravi Singh. I absolutely love their simple,
soothing style, and all of my Kundalini yoga DVDs that I have tried so
far feature them. This workout contains exercises for flexibility, strength, aerobic efficiency, stress relief, back care, and more - together with explicit instructions on breathing and guided meditations. This amazingly effective daily routine features two yoga sets which can be done individually or together, as well as a guided meditation and relaxation segment.
The first exercise set focuses on maintaining a strong and flexible spine - important for every aspect of health. The second set consists of a series called "The Five Tibetans," and yes, it does include some of the traditional yoga poses, but you will flow through them repeatedly and rhythmically, rather than holding them, along with specific types of breathing, so it really works all of your muscles and increases your heart rate as well, and provides quite a challenge for your entire body. I've only done this set a few times so far, and I can't do all of the repetitions yet, and still end up very sore for a couple of days afterwards, so don't let the "beginner" title fool you - this is a real workout!
This DVD also includes the "Matrix" option, which I love - I wish all workout DVDs had this! This allows you to choose which segments you wish to do, and program them to play in the order you choose. It makes it really easy to set up your workout to fit into whatever time you have available. If you have a whole hour, you can just play the whole DVD through. But if you only have 20 minutes, you can choose the opening "Tune In" prayer, the first (or second) workout set, relax, and you're done. Or add the meditation if you are feeling extra stressed that day. It's up to you!
If you want to try a new, fun way to exercise this year, check out this DVD and add a new element to your fitness.
Click Here to Buy It On Amazon.com...
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Guide to Different Yoga Styles - Part 1
If you’re considering taking up yoga you may feel overwhelmed. There are many styles of yoga. Understanding them all and knowing which one is right for you can be complicated. You are welcome of course to try several different styles of yoga and see which you like best, but this guide can also help you make a choice.
Image via WikipediaHatha Yoga
Most yoga styles are Hatha based. In fact there are more than 90 different types of Hatha yoga. Hatha yoga is based on poses or asanas, cleansing techniques and breathing. If you’re looking at a yoga class or practice chances are it is a form of Hatha yoga. Ha and tha mean sun and moon. It’s a forceful type of yoga that can be physically demanding. However, when most people talk about yoga they’re referring to Hatha yoga. It’s the most popular type of yoga.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga is a type of Hatha yoga. It is physically demanding. You’ll move quickly through series of postures. This type of yoga is designed to build strength, flexibility, and endurance. If you’re a beginner, only take an Ashtanga yoga class if they offer beginner instruction classes. Consider starting with a basic Hatha yoga class to learn the postures and breathing first.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga is more focused on the breath and release of energy than other forms of yoga. In a Kundalini class you’ll likely see the same classic poses you’d find in a Hatha yoga class. However, you’ll spend more time focusing on breathing and coordinating your breathing to your movements. You’ll also likely spend a bit more time on meditation than in a standard Hatha yoga class.
Cover via AmazonPower Yoga or Power Vinyasa
Power yoga is often also Hot Yoga meaning it takes place in a heated room. Most rooms are gnerally around a 100 degrees. The goal is to eliminate toxins from your body through sweat. Power yoga is more active and physically demanding than other yoga styles. Generally the goal is to improve strength and flexibility however you’ll move through the poses quite quickly.
Take a beginners course if you’re not familiar with standard yoga poses. In a power yoga class you certainly won’t have time to figure out what the instructor is doing before they move onto the next pose. It is important to be somewhat knowledgeable so you get the most out of the class.
Also, if the course is taught in a hot room make sure it’s safe for you. If you have high blood pressure or other conditions spending ninety minutes in a 100 degree room while exercising may not be good for your health.
Be sure to check back on Thursday for Part II, where we will cover several more yoga styles! Or if you are ready to get started with some fun yoga workouts, check these out below.
Fun Yoga For Beginners (and Beyond):
Image via WikipediaHatha YogaMost yoga styles are Hatha based. In fact there are more than 90 different types of Hatha yoga. Hatha yoga is based on poses or asanas, cleansing techniques and breathing. If you’re looking at a yoga class or practice chances are it is a form of Hatha yoga. Ha and tha mean sun and moon. It’s a forceful type of yoga that can be physically demanding. However, when most people talk about yoga they’re referring to Hatha yoga. It’s the most popular type of yoga.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga is a type of Hatha yoga. It is physically demanding. You’ll move quickly through series of postures. This type of yoga is designed to build strength, flexibility, and endurance. If you’re a beginner, only take an Ashtanga yoga class if they offer beginner instruction classes. Consider starting with a basic Hatha yoga class to learn the postures and breathing first.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga is more focused on the breath and release of energy than other forms of yoga. In a Kundalini class you’ll likely see the same classic poses you’d find in a Hatha yoga class. However, you’ll spend more time focusing on breathing and coordinating your breathing to your movements. You’ll also likely spend a bit more time on meditation than in a standard Hatha yoga class.
Cover via AmazonPower Yoga or Power VinyasaPower yoga is often also Hot Yoga meaning it takes place in a heated room. Most rooms are gnerally around a 100 degrees. The goal is to eliminate toxins from your body through sweat. Power yoga is more active and physically demanding than other yoga styles. Generally the goal is to improve strength and flexibility however you’ll move through the poses quite quickly.
Take a beginners course if you’re not familiar with standard yoga poses. In a power yoga class you certainly won’t have time to figure out what the instructor is doing before they move onto the next pose. It is important to be somewhat knowledgeable so you get the most out of the class.
Also, if the course is taught in a hot room make sure it’s safe for you. If you have high blood pressure or other conditions spending ninety minutes in a 100 degree room while exercising may not be good for your health.
Be sure to check back on Thursday for Part II, where we will cover several more yoga styles! Or if you are ready to get started with some fun yoga workouts, check these out below.
Fun Yoga For Beginners (and Beyond):
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