Beginning Yoga For Its Many Health Benefits

Originally, the meditation techniques of yoga were developed primarily as a spiritual practice amongst the polytheist religion of Hinduism, in the Indian sub-continent, around 6000 years ago. In India, or to devout Hindus, success in yoga would ultimately mean that they have escaped the birth and rebirth cycle and become an immortal soul. Today, especially in western countries, the practice of yoga is associated with the benefits that can be derived from standard meditation and its exercises, as... Read more »

Ways to Alter Consciousness. Is it a New Idea?

Everyone’s talking about this thing called ‘altering consciousness.’ But what does it all mean? Some say it means improving our IQ or memory or sleep patterns. Others think it is becoming psychic, meditating and levitating, or clairvoyance. Still others say it’s all about being able to roll with the punches- and be calm in the face of any storm. Perhaps it is all of this. I’m inclined to think that altering consciousness is shifting, at our core, our entire way of... Read more »

Is Yoga Meditation Practical Or Theory?

Is Yoga meditation practical in nature or theory? Can someone in university study Yoga, and know about Yoga or see the benefits? Can reading a good book make us experienced at Yoga? This is an interesting topic; after all, to succeed in many fields, to pass that course, you need to be graded. You need grades to achieve becoming an accountant, lawyer, etc. However, is this same with Yoga meditation? Yoga meditation however, can not be viewed in such a light. Whereas in life we learn that education... Read more »

Teaching Yoga for Teen Stress Management - What Parents Should Know

Are you looking for an alternative method, instead of a prescription, for your stressed-out teenager, at home? If you have researched natural methods to lower the levels of anxiety, and stress - Yoga is probably a top consideration, by now. Before you make any quick decisions, you should discuss your options with your primary care or family physician. If you do not like what you hear, you can always get a second or third opinion. Sometimes, a prescription is a solution, but prescriptions can have... Read more »

Teaching Yoga for Teen Stress Management - It’s a Matter of Perspective

Yoga is a viable solution to teen stress. However, some adults cannot understand the nature of teen anxiety and stress. Some will state that “Kids nowadays have it better than any previous generation.” This reminds me of the self-absorbed statement, “I have problems of my own.” Adults are often familiar with terms like: Commuter traffic, job burnout, chronic fatigue syndrome, and work overload. These are the conditions adults recognize as stressors, but let’s take a... Read more »

Learning the Popular Styles of Yoga

There are many styles of yoga, but teachers should be familiar with the nine main forms of yoga, from India, and their relationships to contemporary styles. The nine main styles are: Bhakti, Hatha, Jnana, Karma, Kundalini, Mantra, Raja, Tantric, and Yantra Yoga. Bhakti yoga is widely practiced in India, yet barely known by the masses outside of India. If you’re looking to become a yoga instructor, you must be thoroughly trained and ready to cater to a variety of student needs. A competent yoga... Read more »

How to Become a Yoga Instructor

Is yoga a key part of your health and fitness routine? Are you interested in becoming a yoga instructor? Teaching is a wonderful opportunity to enrich your life, and make a difference in the lives of others. If yoga is one of your talents, consider sharing your gift, and teaching yoga professionally. Choosing to be a yoga instructor is easier than you think. If you are a natural leader, who has been practicing yoga for years, you are a great fit for the position already. The next step, in the process,... Read more »

The Path of Yoga Certification

What does it take to become a yoga instructor? You’ve practiced the positions and breathing techniques, almost every day, for years. You’ve gained a deeper understanding of the benefits of yoga and wish to share your knowledge with others. If you’re willing to find a training program, the steps to yoga certification are simple. Though the discipline has been popular for some time, yoga teacher training is far from standardized. Most training programs require that you have a minimum... Read more »

Modern Benefits from the Ancient Practice of Yoga

Where should one start learning about yoga? The classic yogic texts are a good start. In particular Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras are a good summarization of early yogic philosophy. While these early texts can provide us with many lessons, they are not the limits of modern yoga. In India, Nepal, and Tibet, many of the old traditions are kept alive. Many people, in these countries, have derived beliefs from the traditions, even though they aren’t dedicated to the philosophy. The old system of... Read more »

Yoga Teacher Training Aspects - Physical Commitments and Communication with Students

If you teach any form of Yoga, you are expected to be a living example of good health. This can be easy for some and a daunting task for others. Any one of us could suffer from any one of the multitudes of ailments or diseases, while living a healthy lifestyle. When students see you for the first time, they make initial judgments. Whether it is right or wrong, people make judgments. Bearing this in mind, Yoga teachers should be eating correctly, cross training, getting a good night’s sleep,... Read more »