Yoga is One of My Greatest Discoveries!

The biggest myth I discovered ,you have to be flexible.

Thank God that isn’t true! If it were I probably wouldn’t ever started.

I have to say, yoga does help with your flexibility, which increases your over all health and longevity. I found out the more flexible you are the younger your body gets. Yes, you heard right we Can turn the clock back. I knew it! :)

Over time I became more and more flexible. I was actually surprised at how flexible I became in such a short time. The more consistent I became with my practice the more I started to notice all these other great benefits I didn’t even sign up for. To name a few:

* Mental Focus

* Improved health

* Increased energy

* Relaxation

* Meditation

* Toned body

* A youthful appearance

* Increased strength

* Opens up self awareness

* Balance

I had no idea all these wonderful things were in store for me. I was happy with one or two of the benefits when I first started. The more I got into it the more I discovered this magnificent world of peace, tranquility and health.

I have had so many people asking me questions about yoga I decided this article would be perfect to answer them.

1.“Which type of Yoga should I try?”

It's a good idea to experiment with a few different types. . You would be surprised how each type will give you a completely unique experience.

I have tried numerous classes with many different techniques and instructors before I decided on which one I was getting the most from. Depending on what you are looking to gain from yoga would depend on what type is best suited for you.

Hot Yoga, or Bikram Yoga is very popular in California. This style of yoga was developed by Bikram Choudhury of Los Angeles. This requires a room temperture of 105 F. There are 26 different postures that are practiced by all levels. These postures are then held for long periods of time. The purpose of the high temperature is for you to warm up quickly allowing for a deeper stretch.

If you’re looking for a yoga class where the poses are all simple this may be for you. It is worth putting on your investigation list.

Power Vinyasa and Yin Yoga are also worth investing.

Myself personally, I love Kundalini Yoga with a Power Yoga class here and there. Kundalini Yoga is both spiritual and physical in its approach. I have found it to offer a calm, centered feeling while giving me the flexibility, tone and strength I am looking for.

The meditation and breathing techniques are a major part of this type of yoga. I have found implementing the breathing with the poses has taken me to a higher level experience. One that I want to keep coming back for over and over! Here is a list of my favorite DVD’s for Yoga and Meditation.

2.“What type of yoga is good when you have an injury?”

My answer to that would be Hatha Yoga and or Chair Yoga.

Hatha is focused on breathing. This type of yoga is great if you are injured or in some way don’t have full working access of your body. You can enjoy the benefits without exerting yourself too much.

My suggestion is you either go to a class where you will have the proper instruction or if that is not possible invest in a DVD where you have audio and visual instruction. This way you can try it out and see if it’s right for you.

By the way, you don’t have to be injured to try Hatha Yoga. It is wonderful and I loved it.

3. ”Can you show me a few simple stretches I can do at work to relieve stress and anxiety?”

These poses are done in a chair. (You can also do this at home.)

Sun Salutations in a chair.

1. Begin with the salutation pose by sitting comfortably in your chair with your spine upright and your hands at your chest, breath easily.

2. Inhaling, reach upward with both hands into the sky reaching pose, extending your spine.

3. Bending forward into the hand to feet pose, lay your chest on your knees and allow your hands to rest alongside your feet. Exhale.

4. Arching your back into the extension pose (similar to the equestrian pose), pull your left knee up while looking toward the ceiling. Inhale.

5. Partially exhale while bringing your chin down toward your left knee into the flexion pose (similar to the mountain pose), gently rolling your back forward.

6. Again, flex forward into the hand to feet pose with your chest on your knees and your hands on the floor next to your feet. Exhale fully.

7. With your hands and arms remaining down by your legs, arch your back and neck into the cobra pose while inhaling partially.

8. Now fully inhale as you bring your right knee up into the extension pose(similar to the equestrian pose) while extending your back in a gentle arch.

9. Partially exhale as you bend forward into the flexion pose (similar to the mountain pose), bringing your chin to your right knee.

10. Fully exhaling, bend forward into the hand to feet pose with your chest on your knees, your neck flexed, and your arms alongside your legs.

11. Stretch upward into the sky reaching pose, extending your spine while fully inhaling.

12. Return to the resting salutation pose with your hands at your chest, breath easily.

*If you need illustrations to these poses, they are in Deepak’s book “The seven spiritual laws of yoga” I love that book and highly recommend it to everyone!

These poses can really help when you need a break but can’t actually get up and walk away from your desk.

They are great for increased circulation, which is needed if you’re constantly sitting. They relieve tension which helps with the anxiety and stress that you may be feeling while at work.

You can repeat these poses five-ten times to really reap the benefits.

This last question is one that I’m asked most often.

4. “What relieves stress and anxiety?" Slow Deep Breathing

This type of breathing is great for relaxing, getting centered, creating balance and relieving anxiety. I really love this technique because I can do it anywhere. In the car is a great place to use this, especially during traffic hour.

You can do this before you walk into a crowed room full of people and you want to calm down. The beauty of it is no one will know your doing it! I love that part!

Slow deep breathing calms down the body. It is a natural way of breathing; this is how a baby breathes.

On the inhalation you take a deep full slow breath starting with the diaphragm. You slowly fill up your diaphragm moving the breath up through your ribs and expanding your ribs into your chest, going up to the collar bone, allowing the expansion of your upper chest.

On the exhalation you slowing let out the breath starting with your upper chest going down to your ribs then the diaphragm. You are sucking in the diaphragm so you gently release all the air. Feel your stomach pulling in and under your ribs.

As you practice this wonderful technique you’ll find it becoming easier and easier. You will notice you are able to take longer slower breathes on the inhalation giving a nice long flowing exhalation.

When I find a great site that has some wonderful tips on health and beauty I love to share it. Check out the Beauty Forums at Skin and Scalp Treament. Com

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Wisdom passing from one human being to another is like being kissed by the truth. It is beautiful and powerful…..Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras