Yoga is good for humanity, for stress-free living. With patience and a persevering practice, deeper connection with nature and the self will take place. The dark veil of temptation will dissipate and embodied enlightenment will bring the practitioner to experience true bliss
https://www.youtube.com/@Y0GAWithAlicia
attune to this channel
many informative videos to assist with your yoga journey whether you’re just about to start or if you have been practicing for a while
my direction is clear, complete and well studied and practiced
you can contact with any questions via dogstar.yoga.online@gmail.com
enjoy and be happy
Now the true nature of development is taking place. Between the Sensory Stratum and that of the Godhead, rests the Spiritual Stratum.
As shown already, the trend is ever upwards as the units of one stratum come together to form units in a higher stratum. Just as the cells join to form human bodies, human bodies also join and unite to form spiritual units.
The spiritual stratum is perhaps the most complex of all the Biostrata for the human bodies from the sensory stratum unite in specialized groups to form a plethora of interrelated unit types, those such as ‘family’ which is first in the field of spiritual unit types what with its genetic bonds and those qualities of unique loyalty. Then coming up closely behind the family unit is the vast and ever-widening racial unit. There are far less racial units than family units in the Spiritual Stratum and here is where complexity kicks in even more so for both family and racial units are dependent upon each other for their components (human bodies) and therein lies the fact that each race becomes composed of a greater number of families because more and more we find families belonging to more than one race. Parents of differing races come together to make new families. Atop of all this we then have the multi-complex combining of units via nations, cultural societies, religion and religious organizations, politics and political groups, idealists and their seedlings. Despite all of this mixed up overlapping, the spiritual intelligence is of the highest order, it is the link between the sensory (human) intelligence and the godhead infallible. Spiritual intelligence is infallible at its very best and far more reliable than sensory intelligence at its very worst.
Again, reverting to your triangle Biostrata diagram you will see that the Spiritual Stratum is but one step from the Godhead Infallible. But what is infallibility?
The Godhead holds ‘exclusive’ rights to infallibility, being the most elevated level of intelligence. Being at the most elevated level of intelligence is always by courtesy of the Godhead for the complete Biostrata is an extension of the Godhead. All essential and absolute qualities for Life becoming ever more fallible and as yet, less vital as disintegration and dissipation co-exist in ever readiness to dilute existence back to the basic Pranic stratum, and as such behaviour and intelligence and all extensions exist only as an inert promise to great propensity.
Within the Biostrata, there are three possible states to existence and they are Life, Stagnation and Deterioration.
True Life exists when progress within the Biostrata is in upward motion, moving toward the Godhead. Any movement in the opposite downward motion is a resulting deterioration, life diminishing descent toward death. Stagnation is the state of there being such an enormous variety of inanimate substances present in the Universe about us. Inhibiting influence causes stagnation within a stratum, almost stopping the upward trend of the Life-state. Life forms from every level of evolution all play a role appropriate to its biostrata status and all of these so to contribute to the ascendance or descendance through life and death.
Life status is an ascent, Death status is from descent but stagnation occurs in an outward direction on a horizontal plane. All interact and influence each other and this can have a stabilizing effect but also ensures no single state can gain supremacy without a struggle. Life is indeed a struggle, a continual battle against Stagnation and Death. But deterioration does not just happen, it is brought on by units failing to resist the lure of stagnation. Instead of resisting stagnation, those units who collaborate will eventually lose their vitality and thus must surrender to Deterioration.
Dependent upon which state is exerting the greater influence at the time when stagnation is allowed to succeed on one particular level will rely heavily on whether Life continues or Death ensues and from this we can learn that Stagnation means remaining too long with the bounds of one stratum.
You will see this clearly in this so-called civilized world that there is far too much stagnation. Within the consciousness of almost every human being there is a choice to stay outbound in direction over the whole of the Sensory (mind) stratum of the Biostrata rather than continuing to expand upwards to the Spiritual Stratum and eventually the Godhead. Stagnating in the Sensory Stratum not only increases the struggle for existence but it so weakens life’s upward ‘thrust’ too – as a result, Deterioration’s chances of gaining supremacy greatly improve.
One of the biggest and most valuable lessons to learn from this piece of knowledge is that the most successful, wholesome form of life and living can be experienced whilst ascending the Biostrata. It would be most prudent to seek avoidance from stagnation and deterioration. Remembering that all of this applies to the impermanent Self (the bodily vehicle) for the Essential Self moves in one direction only, and that is toward Godhead enlightenment.
We have only to resist Stagnation in order to deter and delay Deterioration and prolong life as the impermanent Self thus hastening the Essential Self’s ascent to the ultimate haven of spiritual bliss – the Godhead.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is experienced by all women at one time or another during their lifespan. It is still unknown as to why such symptoms as headaches, stomach cramps, breast tenderness, bloating, weight gain and irritability occur, however through the realms of Ayurveda and Homeopathy, the physicians therein believe that lifestyle factors which disrupt the body’s natural rhythm, creating hormonal imbalances play a significant part in generating all symptoms. Lack of exercise, bad eating habits, overworking, tension, stress, travel and difficulties in relationships will all contribute to cyclic patterns of anxiety, mood swings, emotional turbulence and depression, which all equate to PMS.
Gynecologist and obstetrician, Dr.Guy Abraham developed a classification system for PMS back in 1980. Four types grouped PMS, Type A (Anxiety) often accompanied by mood swings and irritability. Type C (Craving) would result with headaches, fatigue and sugar cravings. Type D (Depression) would have results in the region of memory loss and confusion and Type H (Water H2O retention) would result in weight gain, tender breasts and bloatedness (not to mention the further psychological distress that attaches itself to weight gain and negative body image). Any woman could suffer any combination of any of the above, with symptoms altering with every menstrual cycle depending on the earlier lifestyle factors mentioned earlier plus hormone fluctuations and dominations.
Based on the four main types of PMS outlined above there are self-help measures recommended. Specially selected Yoga positions will provide not only immediate relief for the discomfort of PMS but will give continual opportunity for inner renewal and long-term benefits in reducing (and in some cases eradicating) all symptoms therein.
Yoga Postures for Type A (Anxiety) : The Corpse Pose, The Crocodile, The Child’s Pose All three of these are simple relaxation poses. In turn they will allow the mind to focus inward and relax deeply and completely whilst focusing the breath on the organs such as the abdomen, pelvis and back muscles.
Yoga Postures for Type C (Craving) : The Bow, The Bridge (modified) These two postures will stimulate blood flow to the abdomen and pelvic areas thus helping to regulate sugar levels and metabolism. Further within these 2 poses the ovaries, uterus and abdominal organs will be stretched and toned. Performing these positions will increase energy and lift the mood bringing with it a sense of rejuvenation and relieving of carbohydrate cravings. This type of PMS will translate the need for glucose to that of the need for sugar and/or chocolate (which contains magnesium which is needed to normalize glucose metabolism) however, unrefined sugar and chocolate have the side effect of a ‘let-down’ feeling, fatigue and headaches.
Type D (Depression) : Upward Facing DogThis dog posture is excellent for stimulating both the front and back of the body and bringing renewed strength to the lumbar and pelvic area. Gazing upward together with stretching skyward help counteract the downward pull of gravity, and that too of depression.
Type H (H20 Retention) : Wide-Angle Pose, The Plough Gentle inversions help relieve and reverse the effects of water retention, especially in the feet, ankles and lower legs. Blood and energy circulation is stimulated, the entire pelvic region is opened and energized thus counteracting swelling. Care is to be taken to not do full inverted postures whilst on your menses.
All of the above postures, practiced regularly, during and in between the menstrual cycle, will all contribute to lessening the discomfort of PMS symptoms.
Om/Aum is the ultimate Mantra (repeated sacred word).
Aum/Om has its own symbol
it represents the conscious, the subconscious and the unconscious in everything
The word Om is mighty and omnipresent.
It is believed that Om is the ancestor of Amen.
Om emphasises balance.
Paramahansa Yogananda states: ‘the infinite potencies of sound derive from the Creative Word, Aum, the cosmic vibratory power behind all atomic energies’.
Any word spoken with clear realization and deep concentration has a materializing value. Loud or silent repetition of inspiring words has been found effective in Coueism (a method of self-help stressing autosuggestion) and similar systems of psychotherapy. The secret lies in the stepping-up of the mind’s vibratory rate.
Molecular vibration never ceases. Inherent tendencies are equal to the sum-total of impressions/stimuli that you imbibe, which then live on in the mind. Repetition of creative sound is the greatest stimulus that can be given to the spirit, by repeating the Om/Aum mantra, one is keeping great company with one’s own mind. Light enters, ‘the self’ will become manifest.
With AUM, the first letter A is the root sound, the key, pronounced without touching any part of the tongue or palate. The second letter, U rolls from the very root to the end of the sounding board of the mouth. The M, and third letter represents the last sound in the series, being produced with the lips closed. With this in mind it becomes clear to see that Om(Aum) represents the whole phenomena of sound-producing and shows all possibility and range of word making, it is in short the matrix of sound and nature.
Yoga is good for what ails you.
Just for starters Yoga helps manage or control anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, headaches, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, stress and other conditions and diseases.
On top of all that Yoga improves your muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina, it reduces stress and tension, boosts self-esteem, improves concentration and creativity, lowers fat, improves blood circulation, stimulates the immune system and creates a sense of well-being and calm.
That’s all just scratching the surface. If you delve further, deeper, you find connection to your transcendent Self and gain true happiness, liberation and enlightenment.
Regardless of your age and/or level of fitness you can find a style of Hatha Yoga that will appeal and be most appropriate for your particular body and/or personality. Throughout all styles of Hatha Yoga, basic asanas (postures) and pranayamas (breathing exercises) remain the same, however it is within their order, how they are approached and where attention is focused that differentiates them. The emphasis may be on the postures, the breath, the rhythmic movements, the philosophy or a combination of non-exhaustive factors. There will always be the specific characteristics which reflect any particular teacher’s approach too. All styles and all teachers have their own personalities and it is about finding one which suits you.
Ananda Yoga ~ this method combines physical and spiritual with its purpose to clear and energize the systems of your body in preparation for meditation. Every posture looks toward expanding or heightening self-awareness. It is enhanced through affirmations which are a distinctive feature of this system. This style utilizes series of poses called ‘energization exercises’ which involve tensing and relaxing different parts of the body synchronised with breathing exercises to send energy to all parts. There is emphasis placed on relaxing deeply into the poses reflecting the intention that Hatha Yoga is a preparation for meditation.
Ashtanga Yoga ~ this yoga system is a rigorous practice and can be compared with the training of an elite athlete. There are 240 postures done in six successive series which are all linked by the breath (vinyasa flow). This style of Hatha Yoga represents the most intensive form with its purpose to create heat which in turn produces a cleansing/detoxifying effect on the body. There are equal emphasis placed on strength, flexibility and stamina within Ashtanga practice (also known as ‘Power Yoga’).
Integral Yoga ~ this combines all paths of yoga to benefit all aspects of the individual. One approach is made through asana (postures), pranayama (controlled breathing), selfless study, chanting, prayer, meditation and self-inquiry. Integral Yoga is more meditative than anatomical. This approach encourages one to be ‘at ease in body, peaceful in mind and useful in life’.
Iyengar Yoga ~ this is probably the most widely known technique of Hatha Yoga and is prescribed by yoga master B.K.S Iyengar. It is rigorously scientific and therapeutic and concentrates on alignment, correcting those structural imbalances of the physical body. One will pay close attention to the placement of hands, feet and pelvis as well as gaining alignment of the spine and appendicular frame (arms and legs). There is much attention to detail within Iyengar Yoga and props (wooden blocks, belts, straps, blankets, bolsters) are made available to assist in achieving great symmetry of the skeletal frame and progressing in extension within the posture.
Kripalu Yoga ~ this style of Yoga has been described as ‘meditation in motion’. There is less concern with the structural detail of the poses more rather how the student feels mentally and emotionally whilst holding the posture. This style encourages a gentle, compassionate and introspective approach and due to the nature of holding the position for a longer time, it helps the practitioner to explore and release any emotional/spiritual obstructions. There are 3 stages to this style of practice, willful practice, will and surrender and surrendering to the body’s wisdom. There are differing intensities offered, gentle, moderate and vigorous. On top of all of this there is spontaneity encouraged through sequences of postures and too in individual postures to be guided by the body’s internal awareness.
Kundalini Yoga ~ this is the ancient practice which is designed to unlock and bring forth the reservoir of energy located deep within the base of the spine. The use of breath, posture, chanting and meditation are all encouraged to stimulate and consciously awaken the ‘kundalini’ through the chakras of energy centres positioned along the spine. The most common breathing exercises to be emphasised are : alternate nostril breathing, diaphragmatic breathing and a dynamic technique called ‘breath of fire’.
Sivananda Yoga ~ this style of Hatha Yoga incorporates a 5 point method of practice. It includes proper exercise, breathing, deep relaxation, vegetarian diet and positive thinking and meditation. The practice herein follows a routine of breathing exercises, sun salutations, a series of postures and then relaxation. Short Mantra chants and prayers will always begin and end each class.
Viniyoga ~ this style is ‘middle of the road’ between exacting Iyengar Yoga and demanding Ashtanga Yoga. Its basis is within the realm of ‘organized course of yoga study’. There is the combination of asana, pranayama, meditation, text study, counselling, prayer, ritual, chanting and using the powers of imagination. There is a tailoring of the postures to the physical needs of the individual student, the emotional needs and also the cultural heritage. Breathing is considered to be one of the most important parts of the movement and inhalations and exhalations are consciously coordinated and articulated in varying length and ratios. This style of yoga is tutorial on a private one-to-one basis.
Bikram Yoga ~ this style is also known as ‘hot yoga’ for it is practiced within temperatures of 80 degrees or more (supplemented by a humidifier). The 90 minute class consists of 26 hatha yoga postures repeated twice over and there is a pranayama exercise at the beginning and the end of the session. A brief relaxation concludes the class. This style of yoga is exhilarating and an excellent routine for the physically and mentally fit.
There are a good handful of individual Yoga practices all with the common goal to unify both body and mind. They are as follows:
Hatha Yoga ~ otherwise known as the ‘forceful path’ which relates to the yoga of physical well-being. In our Western society it is used primarily as a physical therapy and consists of asanas (postures), pranayamas (breathing exercises) and meditation. The word Hatha comes from 2 parts Ha (The Sun) and Tha (The Moon) ….
Raja Yoga ~ considered the highest form of Yoga for Raja means ‘royal’ and within this practice meditation is the focal point. Approaching Raja Yoga consists of great adherence to the 8 limbs of Yoga (see The Yoga Sutras by Patanjali). This branch of yoga is also known as ‘classical’. Raja yoga typically starts with practicing hatha yoga which prepares the body in health and strength so as to proceed forward into more advanced stages of training ….
Karma Yoga ~ is the path of service with the principle that what one experiences today is created by one’s actions of the past. With that in mind all present efforts become a conscious way to create a future that gives freedom from negativity, narrow-mindedness and selfishness. Karma Yoga is practiced within everyday work and play in a selfless manner and with intention to serve others ….
Bhakti Yoga ~ is the yoga of the heart, the path of devotion to the Devine. This type of yoga builds a positive way to channel all emotions and provides opportunity to cultivate an acceptance and tolerance of everyone you come into contact with …..
Jnana Yoga ~ is the yoga of the mind, it is the way of the wise, the path of the sage or scholar and requires development through many levels of study of the ancient scripts and texts of yogic tradition ….
Tantra Yoga ~ is a pathway of ritual and brings experience of the Divine in everything undertaken. It is the most misunderstood and misinterpreted path of yoga. It is about cultivating the mind with reverence and encouraging a ritualistic and positive approach to life in all manner ….
All above branches/paths of Yoga can be integrated with each other and one can practice and combine any number of expressions to unlock and release one’s full potential as a human being.
ALO-HA
The Alo-Ha meditation is a good base technique. ‘When we’re born, we’re very connected to our soul and our physical self, but as we get into our lives we become separated further and further. Meditation can help reunite your body and your soul.’ The meditation is broken into two components – ‘Alo’ means being connected as one, ‘Ha’ is the essence of life, where the evolutionary process unfolds. ‘Meditation is about focus, focus, focus and the Alo-Ha brings the meditator’s attention back to focus’.
Alo-Ha can be performed anywhere. The practitioner should naturally inhale on the Alo and exhale on the Ha. ‘Observe yourself, observe your breath, feel every muscle that moves from the natural movement of the breath.’
KUKULU OKE AO
Known as ‘The Pillar of Light’ and speaks to the native Hawaiians unique relationship with the earth. Both the human and the earth’s templates are the same. ‘Templates are blueprints of all matter’. They are sound and light grids. Often our templates are shut down, limiting our connection to the earth. Kukulu o kea o is used to bring harmony into a dis-harmonic environment. ‘Our body is programmable by language and thoughts’. Every thought we have affects our body and creates a frequency or combination of density and light. Most of us are stuck in density, unable to access the higher light frequency of our being.
During this meditation, visualise a teardrop. Many symbols were envisioned by kahuna and passed down through the generations in secret. The teardrop represents the energetic fields or ‘encasements’ for our higher bodies, which is linked to our higher level of consciousness. The meditator visualizes a multi-dimensional teardrop moving with the exhale breath like a lizard, from the mind’s eye or pineal gland, along the spine, down to the sacrum, or ‘core of the earth.’ The earth’s piko, or chakra, has a pale silver colour. This colour is brought into the teardrop.
Next, the teardrop is brought about 12 inches below the meditator’s feet or seat if sitting, with a cord that is pale silver and connected to the earth’s core. From here the practitioner ‘opens’ their template that is about four feet in diameter. The cord is expanded to match the diameter of the template and then lifted up and around the body and into the universe. The teardrop is then taken through the spine up to three feet above the head, and then expanded into the earth’s atmosphere.
Ha ‘EHIKU
This final meditation enables hearing. Here, ‘ha’ means the essence of life from which the evolutionary process unfolds. ”Ehiku’ means seven, the number of times the meditation is to be repeated. Breathing is key. Whether the meditator breathes through their nose or mouth is inconsequential, although it is advised to close the throat a bit to control the breath.
On an inhalation of seven seconds the practitioner is to focus on their desired result or goal through a stated thought such as ‘I am healthy’. The next step is to hold the breath for seven seconds. During a seven second exhale, thanks is given through a stated thought, such as: ‘Thank You’. Your thoughts create many things, and the power behind this meditation is infinite. You are responsible for your personal energies.
Equipped with the knowledge of these three meditations, practitioners should be invigorated and ready to seize the day. There are secrets in our chants that have all the information you really need to be successful in life, healthy in life and to be on a path. It’s not that Hawaiians have all the answers, but we have part of the puzzle.
Dr.Maka’ala Yates, founder of the Hawaiian Healing Academy.
forgive all who hurt you in the past
and forgive yourself for the same
let go of the past
no judgments
think positive
no attachments
send love
send light
morning affirmations
nightly review
never fear
everything’s ok
what is tantra?
the roots of the word ‘tantra’ are Sanskrit
tan = thread, web, stretch, spread or expand
ta = tool or instrument
tantra = tool for expansion or a ‘weaving’
tantra is an ancient spiritual path
has much to offer anyone who is seeking to :
~ develop a personal integration of spirituality or sexuality
~ bring some spark back to personal relationship
~ open blocks to feeling and enjoy sensuality
~ heal from sexual traumas of the past
tantra and tantric practices have had to evolve, the issues confronting individuals and couples in this modern society are very different from the predominant issues of ancient cultures where tantra emerged
this evolution has brought about an integration of tantra with modern psychology and thus modern music and dance have found their way in to this body of work
tantra refers to the weaving of energy and consciousness, the interconnectedness of all living things throughout the universe, extending beyond time and space
tantric methods seek to develop awareness of this embodiment of weaving and to do this certain elements are necessary, including the ability to raise one’s vibrations to where oneness and connection are possible
concentration, focus and the ability to skilfully move energy are requirements – an increase in energy is needed – there are methods to learn to amplify energy and increase the capacity for holding that energy thus to sustain higher levels of vibration
the most powerful energy is sexual/sensual – ancient yogis named this ‘kundalini’ / the serpent fire energy – stored at the base of the spine and ignited by sexual arousal
sensuality aids relaxing, opening and raising energy levels – ‘turned on’ is a popular term – this empowering energy can be developed and worked with either with or without intercourse
individual work and non-sexual practice of tantra is termed : white tantra
~ can be adapted to modern life
~ can be integrated into other spiritual paths
~ does not require an individual to be celibate or recluse
partner practices, meditations and sexual practice assist in cultivating interconnectedness and the feeling of oneness ..
typical methods of tantra include:
~ meditations, both solo and with a partner, develops focus and concentration
~ awareness practices to aid progress in attitude, appreciation and intention
~ ritual and ceremony / including creating ‘sacred space’
~ breathing practices
~ spinal yoga and movement
~ sound and toning practices
~ sensitive, loving touch
~ verbal and non-verbal communication
benefits of tantra are vast, individualised and lasting
through the practice of tantra one can experience expansion of consciousness and recognition of the web of interconnectedness – it is a great body of spiritual and physical knowledge – the practice of yoga is a rewarding doorway in
the practices are aimed at expanding consciousness and liberating the self ‘through life and not through escape’ – the body is an instrument and in tantra, the body’s energies are the fuel to spiritual and self-development
although popular press has tainted tantra as being the ‘yoga of sex’ it is so much more than that … tantra can expand one’s capacity to give, receive and experience pleasure in not only the realms of sex but in all areas of life (provided the person is willing to work with their own self-discipline and lay solid foundations of strength and discipline)
“liberation through expansion, breaking through personal barriers and courageously going forward toward the Divine Bliss both as an individual and as a society”
ultimately, tantra is the path of the spiritual warrior, Shambhala/avadhuta (buddhist pure land) .. encouragement to fight unceasingly against limited or prejudiced thinking, against shallowness and all that is foe to inner and outer genuineness
ananda / the divine bliss – this is to be sought, not merely to be trapped in the cage of looking for pleasure and avoiding pain
tantra encourages the savouring of life to its fullest, with all its pleasure and pain, beauty and ugliness, living and dying
tantra teaches us how to go beyond and further, how to reach union with all opposites, how to transcend them
everything is viewed as having two aspects / female and male / now and then / here and there / self and other-than-self … the continuous relationship between these opposites generates energy and matter
thus we get caught in the play (Lila) = energy + mass / holding onto ever-unresolved infinitely complicated relationships between the opposites …….. this makes for our edification and imprisonment in the world of the perceived self and other-than-self
tantra therefore naturally aims to engage in eternal play : the attraction and relationship between the sexes
Female embodies Operative Principle
Male embodies Cognitive Principle
tantric techniques help an individual to balance these two principles within each and every one of us, to reach a state of equality of female/male – animus /anima
well-balanced tantric training would typically include :
developing a solid moral foundation
daily practice of yoga postures (to help calm the tug-o-war game of opposites within the self)
mental exercises of concentration and meditation
rituals of appeasement of deities (advanced)
serving a guru
# Viira = a brave individual
a viira has gained control over the six enemies and eight fetters
the six enemies
~ physical longing
~ anger
~ avarice
~ vanity
~ blind fascination
~ jealousy
the eight fetters
~ hatred
~ apprehension
~ fear
~ shyness
~ hypocrisy
~ pride of ancestry
~ vanity of culture
~ egotism
the yoga of dissolution (laya yoga) is entry toward becoming a viira
genuine tantra seeks to free the eternal human soul (atman) from the bondage of the world
Yoga With Alicia (Dogstar) 
You must be logged in to post a comment.