Saturday 30 November 2013

Tapas (तपस्) - inner fire!

my salutations to the Tapas (तपस्) - inner fire, which drives me with passion in every aspect of my life....

Thursday 28 November 2013

Gomukhasana / Cow Face Pose - Anatomy!

Gomukhasana Cow-Faced Pose Yoga Anatomy B E N E F I T S 

— Stretches the ankles, hips and thighs, shoulders, armpits and triceps, and chest
— Improves posture
 — Tones abdomen
 — Raises prana and increases energy levels in the torso
 — Aids digestion (due to the torso being unrestricted, the spine being straight and the increased energy levels)
 — Allows you to come into the present moment helping to clear and focus the mind.
Gomukhasana
Cow-Faced Pose
© Leslie Kaminoff’s Yoga Anatomy

B E N E F I T S
— Stretches the ankles, hips and thighs, shoulders, armpits and triceps, and chest
— Improves posture
— Tones abdomen
— Raises prana and increases energy levels in the torso
— Aids digestion (due to the torso being unrestricted, the spine being straight and the increased energy levels)
— Allows you to come into the present moment helping to clear and focus the mind.

❤ Yoga Inspiration
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src:Leslie Kaminoff’s yoga anatomy.


Friday 22 November 2013

a thought!

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Halasana / Plow Pose - Anatomy!

Halasana / Plow Pose - Yoga Anatomy.

 B E N E F I T S — 

  • Stretches all muscles and ligament in your calves and thighs, resulting in greater leg      flexibility 
  • Therapeutic for leg cramps
  • Stimulates your thyroid, parathyroid, throat, lungs and abdominal organs 
  • Helps relieve gas and upper/lower back pain or discomfort
  • Promotes good digestion
  •  Stretches your shoulders and spine
  •  Therapeutic for menopause, infertility, insomnia, headache and sinusitis
  •  Relieves stress and fatigue .

Halasana
Plow Pose
© Leslie Kaminoff’s Yoga Anatomy

B E N E F I T S
— Stretches all muscles and ligament in your calves and thighs, resulting in greater leg flexibility
— Therapeutic for leg cramps
— Stimulates your thyroid, parathyroid, throat, lungs and abdominal organs
— Helps relieve gas and upper/lower back pain or discomfort
— Promotes good digestion
— Stretches your shoulders and spine
— Therapeutic for menopause, infertility, insomnia, headache and sinusitis
— Relieves stress and fatigue

❤ Yoga Inspiration
Buy this book here http://amzn.to/1ctMdtp
Follow Yoga Inspiration on Facebook and Instagram



src:Leslie Kaminoff’s yoga anatomy.

Thursday 21 November 2013

my current feeling....

Free.
Follow circlingindizziness for more!
 

The Yoga of Tantra!

Tantra is not just the yoga of sex. Tantra is the yoga of everything.

On some yogic and spiritual paths, the attitude to life is via negative, and the world is seen as a cause for suffering, as giving us a sense of false identity when we are attached to it. So the yogi’s task becomes to disengage, to free ourselves from suffering or from the attachment, to become a witness to it all.But that is not the attitude of Tantra. In Tantra we actually want to get engaged, tangled up in the world with our spirit still shining.

The attitude of Tantra is that even our suffering, even our attachment is our yoga, our spirituality. In Tantra all problems are potential friends, allies, a support system for deeper understanding, deeper love.

The key to being a Tantric yogi or yogini is to embrace duality and then go deep into and beyond it. Why? Because duality is just another expression of nonduality. In other words, there is, according to Tantra, Spirit, God, Awareness, Consciousness in everything. Even in suffering. Even in pleasure.
This knowledge, this wisdom is called Madhuvidya, or honey knowledge, the idea that the bees of Sprit can turn everything we do and feel, even failure, into nectar.

“The real knowledge issues from the mystic unification of Shiva and Shakti. It is the cause of liberation.”
–Tantraloka

Via Ramesh Bjonnes 

so up...as down!!!


Wednesday 20 November 2013

spinal Nerve Function!


Spinal Nerve, in vertebrates, any one of many paired peripheral nerves that arise from the spinal cord. In humans there are 31 pairs: 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 1 coccygeal. Each pair connects the spinal cord with a specific region of the body. Near the spinal cord each spinal nerve branches into two roots. One, composed of sensory fibres, enters the spinal cord via the dorsal root; its cell bodies lie in a spinal ganglion that is outside the spinal cord. The other, composed of motor fibres, leaves the spinal cord via the ventral root; its cell bodies lie in specific areas of the spinal cord itself.

Tuesday 19 November 2013

ha n tha of hatha yoga!

themythofthejaguarphoenix:
HA                                   THA
RIGHT (side body)    LEFT (side body)
SOLAR                             LUNAR
MASCULINE                FEMININE
ACTIVE                            PASSIVE
EMISSIVE                      RECEPTIVE
GOLD                               SILVER
TULERIC                        COSMIC
SUN                                  MOON                                     
+                                        -              =  0
*Moon receives Light from Sun»
*The side of the body you are more flexible on = your polarity (Lunar <> Solar)
*wear jewelry of the OPPOSING polarity (Silver <> Gold)
YOGA = HA+THA=balance (positive + negative = zero {balance})

Tantric Meditation!

An author talks about the effects of the Yogi Tantric meditation:
"Meditation helps us relax, become a genius, have exceptional spiritual states, etc. The ones who practice meditation do not go further from this world. On the contrary, they become wiser and can thus understand the others better, feel compassion to those who are in pain, be stronger and of more help to the others."(Robert Jungle, PARI SUR L"HOMME)

The efficiency secret in Tantra Yoga:
Generally speaking the secret of meditation and of yoga practice is the subtle energetic RESONANCE. By focusing on the mental level, the practitioner manages to initiate and amplify gradually RESONANCE processes between his own system called the MICROCOSM and the exterior, the MACROCOSM.

There are numerous benefic energies in the macrocosm. Here are some examples: the vital energies and erotic energies, the universal love, the purity energies, the harmonious energies of beauty, who modulate Nature permanently, the energetic sphere of macrocosm mental and even the supreme energies of the Divine Transcendence.

A meditation becomes a journey in these invisible spheres but which are not less real than the physical world we live in. With each meditation we increase our benefice sphere of energy and become, in time, real gods out of common people.

Monday 18 November 2013

Subtle body!

In the Yogic treaty "Shiva Samhita", a clear explanation of the nature of the Subtle Body:

"In this body, the Great Central Axe (which is Meru Mountain, i.e. the spine) is surrounded by seven islands (the vital force, blood, flesh, fat, bones, marrow and sperm/eggs). There are "rivers" and "seas" over there, as well as prophets, wise men, gods, goddesses, intelligent beings, all the stars and planets, the sacred places of pilgrimage, altars and guardian deities.

There are also the Sun and the Moon, the factors of creation and destruction, the five Great Elements: space, air, fire, water and earth. In the Great Central Axe there are all creatures, of all universes.

In this body, called Brahmanda (Brahma's "egg" or "aura") we find an entire macrocosm and the "Moon" from which springs the divine nectar. It lies at the upper top of the spine facing down, allowing the nectar to spring night and day.

The ambrosia of the "Moon" has two "branches", from a subtle point of view: the first nourishes the body and keeps it alive, descending through the left side of the spine, resembling the River Ganges.

The other, shining as the purest milk, comes in through the right channel of the spine maintaining and refreshing the "Moon" placed on top of the Great Axe.

The "Sun" is situated in the inferior region of the spine. From this inner "Sun", placed in the area of the navel, springs a subtle channel, which leads the solar (Yang) energy up, through the force itself of these rays, in the right side of the body.

This channel on the right side is another form of the "Sun" and it goes through the entire body, uplifting the vital emanations and leading the soul to the Ultimate state of Freedom.

The human body is made up of about a few hundred thousands of subtle channels, but of these, only 14 are of great importance. And of these 14, 3 are of utmost importance. They are: Ida (on the left side), Pingala (on the right side) and Sushumna (on the centre).

Sushumna is the most important subtle channel. Ida is on the left side of the body and it "wraps" around Sushumna, in a spiral like movement, until it goes in through the right nostril.

Pingala is on the right side of the body and it "wraps" around Sushumna until it goes in through the left nostril. The one who gets to know the microcosm of the body mysteries will undoubtedly experience the highest state of conscience."


"The Subtle Body connects this universe to the subtle ones. No object or doctrine equals in importance the teaching of the Subtle Body - a door opened towards Ultimate Freedom."

Sunday 17 November 2013

Prana / Chi!


Vital energy (Prāṇa-shakti / Chi) is the vital life sustaining energy of both the individual body and the Universe.

There are five types in relation to a person:

  • Energy for the activity of inhalation (prāṇa).
  • Energy for the activity of exhalation and speech (udan).
  • Energy for the activity of the stomach and intestines (saman).
  • Energy for the voluntary and involuntary movements of the body (vyān).
  • Energy for urination, excretion, ejaculation, childbirth, etc. (apan).


full body workout!!!



Friday 1 November 2013

Shoulderstand Pose: Salamba Sarvangasana!

An inverted pose, with your body resting on your shoulders.
Sarvangasana, the Sanskrit name for the Shoulderstand, comes from the word "sarva", meaning whole. This Asana strengthens, stimulates and rejuvenates the entire body, relaxes the tension in well-known stress areas like the neck, shoulders and the lower back. The muscles of your lower back get stronger, the chest and shoulders can move more freely and the back gets straighter. The Shoulder Stand also stimulates the thyroid gland and is good for blood circulation in the chest, shoulders, upper back and the neck. 

In Shoulderstand, the Chin Lock regulates the flow of energy in the head, throat, and heart.
Sarvangasana

   
Benefits
·         Stretches your shoulders and improves flexibility of your upper spine.
·         Calms the brain and nervous system therefore helps to relieve stress.
·         Improves digestion and massages and stimulates the thyroid and prostate glands.
·         Flushes mucous from your lungs.
·         Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause.

Cautions
·         Neck or back problems
·         Heavy period of menstruation
·         High blood pressure
·         Eye or inner ear infection
·         Pregnancy
·         Diarrhea

   

Thursday 31 October 2013

Plow Pose: Halasana II

Halasana
Contra-indications: This asana should not be practised by those
who suffer from hernia, slipped disc, sciatica, high blood
pressure or any serious back problem, especially arthritis
of the neck and heavy period of mensuration.

Benefits: The movement of the diaphragm which takes place
during the practice of halasana massages all the internal
organs, activates the digestion, relieving constipation and
dyspepsia, revitalises the spleen and the suprarenal glands,
promotes the production of insulin by the pancreas and
improves liver and kidney function. It strengthens the
abdominal muscles, relieves spasms in the back muscles,
tones the spinal nerves, improving the operation of the
sympathetic nervous system, and increases blood circulation
to the whole area. It regulates the activities of the
thyroid gland which balances the body's metabolic rate,
and stimulates the thymus gland, boosting the immune
system.

It is used in yoga therapy for the management of asthma,
bronchitis, constipation, hepatitis, urinary tract and
menstrual disorders.

Plow Pose: Halasana I


(hah-LAHS-anna)
 

hala = plow

The Plow Pose stretches your spine, thus, improving spinal flexibility. It benefits the thyroid gland and abdomen, eases tension in the shoulders and back, and reduces stress.

 The Plow pose is also good for your digestion and it strengthens the kidneys, the liver and the gall bladder. 


STEP 1: Lie down with your back on a Yoga Mat.
STEP 2: Your shoulders should lie on the edge and your head rests on the mat. Your legs are drawn in and still stand on the mat.
STEP 3: Lift your hips off the floor and bring your legs up, over and beyond your head.
STEP 4: At this point, lift your back and move your legs further beyond your head.
STEP 5: Straighten your spine and keep your back straight. Move your hands toward your back.
STEP 6: Place your arms against your upper back and try to place your hands as near as possible to the shoulder blades. Try to place your elbows at shoulder-width. If you cannot do this, put them at a somewhat wider distance from each other.

By stretching your back and through relaxation in the muscles and through your position the legs slowly move further and further backwards. Try to relax the shoulders and the neck muscles through your breathing. If your breathing feels oppressed, the pressure in the heart area gets too big or your jaw is pinched off, you should walk backwards a little with your legs.

Slowly bring your legs, one by one, back to the mat, stretch your arms lengthwise away from you and slowly roll off your back downwards, vertebra by vertebra.


It is advisable to lie on a yoga block with your neck and your back in order to relieve the neck muscles a little and to make the stretching of the back easier. There are three important movements in the Plough: 1) The upper back is stretched up to the top of the chest bone. This means that the upper back does not sink down and there is no bend in the back. 2) Through the upward movement from the upper back you get a movement in the direction of the chest bone 3) You stretch your pelvis upward from the sacrum, with the result that your chest bone gets more space. During this exercise you should try not to lose these three connections. In fact try to work them out further and further. 
src:abc-of-yoga!

Saturday 19 October 2013

Yoga Nidra - Deep Relaxation and Guided Meditation! Part II

Yoga nidra refers to the conscious awareness of the deep sleep state, referred to as "prajna" in Mandukya Upanishad.

Let’s get set for yoga nidra:
In yoga nidra, we consciously take our attention to different parts of the body, which activates the nerves in those areas and helps to integrate the impact of the asanas (yoga postures) into our system.

Here is a step-by-step guide to do yoga nidra.

Tip: It is a good idea to cover yourself with a blanket to keep yourself warm. The body becomes warm while doing postures and a sudden drop in temperature is not suitable.
           
  1. Lie down straight on your back in Corpse Pose (Shavasana). Close your eyes and relax. Take a few deep breaths in and out. Remember to take slow and relaxed breaths, and not ujjayi breaths.
Tip: If you feel any discomfort or pain in lower back, adjust your posture or use a pillow to elevate the legs a little, for more comfort.

  1. Start by gently taking your attention to your right foot. Keep your attention there for a few seconds, while relaxing your foot. Then gently move your attention up to the right knee, right thigh and hip (again for a couple of seconds). Become aware of your whole right leg. Repeat this process for the left leg.
  2. Similarly, take your attention to all parts of the body: genital area, stomach, navel region, chest, right shoulder and right arm, followed by the left shoulder and left arm, throat, face and the top of the head.
  3. Take a deep breath in, observe the sensations in your body, and relax in this still state for a few minutes.
  4. Now, slowly becoming aware of your body and surroundings, turn to your right side and keep lying down for a few more minutes.
  5. Taking your own time, you may then slowly sit up, and whenever you feel comfortable, slowly and gradually open your eyes.
Yoga nidra is thus a joyous, effortless way to end your yoga practice. Just let go, relax and enjoy the experience that follows.

The practice of yoga relaxation has been found to reduce tension and anxiety. The autonomic symptoms of high anxiety such as headache, giddiness, chest pain, palpitations, sweating, abdominal pain respond well. It has been used to help soldiers from war cope with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).


Thursday 17 October 2013

Yoga Nidra - Deep Relaxation and Guided Meditation! Part I

Welcome to Yoga Nidra Practice for Deep Relaxation and Life Fulfillment. Yoga Nidra is a deep relaxation and guided meditation that you practice comfortably lying down on your back with your arms by your sides, your palms facing up and your head on a pillow. 

Yoga Nidra means conscious and aware sleep. It is the moment-by-moment process of actively and openly observing one’s physical, mental and emotional experiences. It is that state when you are totally relaxed yet conscious and aware. Similar to when you are just about to fall asleep. Yoga Nidra practices were developed thousands years ago as a means to achieve the deepest states of inner peace and relaxation. A way to positively impact and recondition your mind's subconscious layers. Yoga Nidra can help you solve problems and enhance both your intuition and your creativity. It will rejuvenate your body and your mind. It is said that 30 minutes of Yoga Nidra is equivalent to 3 hours of deep sleep. It is a powerful and delightful practice that you can do on a daily basis at any suitable time for you. Stay awake, stay still and  do not sleep. 

First take a moment to set an intention, a "sankalpa", a resolve for your life. Something you wish to manifest in any areas of your life or a quality you wish to cultivate/ embody for example: fearlessness, courage, inner peace, fulfillment...etc. Use either the present or future tense in a simple a simple sentence such as: " I am in radiant health and will heal completely" "I will be successful in all that I undertake" " I will awaken my spiritual potential" The wording should be precise, clear and meaningful for you. Stay with the same resolve every day until you manifest it, achieve it, embody it.

 ENJOY THE JOURNEY!