Tag: life source

Yoga and Premenstrual Syndrome

iamdogstar5 Comments

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

iamdogstar

om

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 You

iamdogstar4 Comments

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.

 

Hatha Yoga / Styles

iamdogstar

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.

 

Final Examination

iamdogstar

the Sanskrit for Prana is ‘moving force’ or ‘life force’ … this force is the fundamental energy and source of all knowledge, it is an upward moving breath which causes spiritual evolution.. it is all-pervading and self auto-energizing… prana is a vital energy .. it permeates the Universe and all individuals at all levels and it’s aim is to both maintain and destroy further creation …… it is both ‘being’ and ‘non-being’, a physical energy, a mental energy (where the mind gathers information) and an intellectual energy (where information is examined and filtered).  Sexual, spiritual and cosmic energy are also activities of Prana.  It is the creator of all things; life is moving because of it … when there is death, individual breath then dissolves into the cosmos.  Without Prana there is no life. Pranayama is the ‘science of Prana’ .. it is first and foremost awareness of the breath. It is the ‘focusing of attention’ to and the ‘observation of’ the breath…. breathing is a dynamic process and there are practical ways to keep attention to it; by focusing on its entrance and exit to the body via the nostrils… by listening to the breath by gently contracting the vocal chords… by following the breath through all areas it passes… through Pranayama one can prepare for the stillness of meditation… the ‘out’ breath is a most important aspect of the body’s elimination processes for one can utilise it as a mechanism to free the mind of any blockages and thus lead to the manifestation of greater clarity…. Pranayama aims to achieve this ‘following of breath’ through the offering of many and various breathing techniques and breath ratios… Pranayama is also the movement of Prana toward Apana (an eliminative derivative of Pranic energy) and Apana toward Prana…..

an excellent way of re-connecting either during or after an argument is to move into the ‘spooning’ position and to lie front to back with the person at the back resting a hand on the front person’s anahata chakra (heart centre)…. both can then lay relaxed and non-goal orientated simply breathing into the abdomens … for greater benefit it is recommended that the faster breather follow the slower breather… this is most often seen as man following woman, but of course, there are exceptions

kundalini is the feminine (shakti, dynamic, creative and energetic) aspect of potential energy which rests at the base of the spinal cord and when awakened, will rise it’s ascension through the psychic centres, the seven chakras (wheels) which lie along the axis of the spine (all of which are consciousness potential) .. this risen kundalini energy will then unite above the crown of the head with its polarity Shiva (the masculine, static quality identified with unmanifest consciousness) and thus pure consciousness unity fuses with the absolute…. the potential of kundalini energy is far-reaching and thus its release must not be forced … it is an awakening and occurrence must happen naturally and with consideration and care …….

familiarity with tantra can help a person to enjoy life to the fullest for tantra is a ‘positive attitude’ toward life… ultimately taking a generally positive attitude toward life will evoke great discovery, adventure and peak experiences … the enjoyment of ‘all and everything’ will be a direct result of this … the same familiarity with tantra will lead to a greater connection to this planet, to nature and to the universal cosmos, it will allow for a higher sense of self which will promote greater values for the self and the universe as a whole… once fundamental good changes become channelled (through processes of tantra) then higher growth ensues …. longevity is a product of all of the above ……….

in the context of tantra the ‘guru’ is one who removes the darkness of ignorance and replaces it with the light of intelligence .. the guru is an essential part of life, his ‘role’ being the essence of all mystical systems …. the guru can be found within all but sometimes this inner relationship is difficult to connect, follow and understand … an external guru can assist with this first linking with the inner ‘self’ guru and thus enlightenment can then continue … the guru aids inner discipline, spiritual energy and primary intention ……..

visualisation is used alongside kegel exercises to increase effectiveness .. the power of the mind is infinite and far-reaching optimum results can be achieved by the strengthening capacity of envisioning images of controlled development … ‘seeing’ the outcome before it occurs is the ultimate path to success ….

the law of karma state is very deep and profound, hence few human beings attain full awareness and understanding of its intricacies … it is generally found through enlightenment, along a spiritual pathway, still unmanifest in much of humankind… it requires continued discipline to perceive the significance, the explanation, the cause…..  continued self-control and order for the human being is not easy when travelling through this modern age of ignorance … (however this modern age is now pivotal to a new time of greater consciousness thus new positive humanitarian karmic light is on the horizon)

a knowledge and arrest of ‘will’ and ‘intent’ is required if one is to foresee, accept and agree with eventuality… for the successful conduct and execution of life and death, great strength and selflessness is paramount… there are many weights to first pull in efforts to become light and lifted in line with the laws of cause and effect …. even when one is unloaded and free in the lightness of intelligence of karma, there is further mass consciousness of dark, unintelligent to contend with, its negative power sometimes draining ….

the greatest thing about karma is that joy will overcome all …. this will be achieved by making no distinction between self and other and having belief that all persons are empty, individually then each will receive karma ….

the true power of karma lies in its latency and infinity for here, time, space and existence have no bounds … karma will return and return again, whenever, wherever, howsoever, simply in relevance to the primary action that occurred …

my experience informs me that every act must have great intent, will and skilfulness, for every act will re-appear with its regenerative force whether that force be negative or positive … reactions have far-reaching effect … if primary action is relative to joy, all will be good …

Swadhaya through Pranayama

iamdogstar

Our breathing not only connects us with the outer world, but it also connects our body, mind, emotions and spirit. Sit quietly with eyes closed and spine erect but supple.  Begin to relax more and more into this very simple posture. Simply follow the breath going in and out of one’s nose. Then follow the actual movement of the air into and out of the lungs. Observe the body and sense where the breath is taking place. Does it take place in the shoulders, the chest or the lower abdomen? Do your shoulders go up when you inhale? does your belly go out or in? Do you feel your breathing in your ribs, your back and your pelvis? As you sense your breathing, are your inhalations and exhalations taking place evenly and harmoniously or do they seem to pull in one direction or another? What tensions do you feel? What does your breathing ‘sound’ like? As you sense the location of your breath, do you feel peaceful, agitated, angry, joyful, sad, bored or wilful? Are you being stubborn or rigid in your thinking? What are you thinking and feeling?

In addition, at the more advanced levels of this work with breathing, one can even sense a certain quality of energy that seems to enter with each breath, and one can follow the movement of this energy in one’s body. The purpose here is simply to observe – not to analyze, judge or manipulate.

Do self-study at least 20 minutes at the beginning of each day.

Swadhyaya through Yoga

iamdogstar

Yoga is a philosophy of life, which is not restricted to just Asanas and Pranayama. It is a path of all-round development of an individual’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual self. As the Vishnu-Purana states that self-study and yoga are not ultimately two separate things but both arise together from each other. Through Yoga and study, we have a chance to observe how our bodies, breath, mind and emotions have responded. For example, when you do a Yoga pose, you follow instructions. You learn as to how to get into the pose and how to align all body parts in tune with gravity. This is just the knowledge and the foundation of the yoga posture. But the power of the practice comes when we add observation or consciousness to the knowledge i.e Swadhyaya. Though consciousness already exists in the body, it needs to be tapped through Swadhyaya. Then in each pose, we align the body mindfully in tune with gravity for maximum balance, space and freedom to the spine, inner organs and to the breath. This observation leads to a deeper understanding and a communion with each asana. In the same way you can add the quality of curiosity, observation and exploration in each step of your life. Whatever you do, do it mindfully and consciously instead of doing it mechanically. It is true that mechanical repetition only dulls, but where there is profound attention one never stops seeing deeper and deeper. The next time you step into your Yoga pose or into your daily routine, add Swadhyaya to it.

Breathing Meditation

iamdogstar

Generally, the purpose of breathing meditation is to calm the mind and develop inner peace.  We can use breathing meditations alone or as a preliminary practice to reduce our distractions.

Simple Breathing Meditation

The first stage of meditation is to stop distractions and make our mind clearer and more lucid. This can be accomplished by practicing a simple breathing meditation. We choose a quiet place to meditate and sit in a comfortable position. We can sit in the traditional cross-legged posture or in any other position that is comfortable. The most important thing is to keep our back straight to prevent our mind from becoming sluggish or sleepy.

We sit with our eyes partially closed and turn our attention to our breathing. We breathe naturally, preferably through the nostrils, without attempting to control our breath, and we try to become aware of the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils. This sensation is our object of meditation. We should try to concentrate on it to the exclusion of everything else.

At first, our mind will be very busy, and we might even feel that the meditation is making our mind busier; but in reality we are just becoming more aware of how busy our mind actually is. There will be a great temptation to follow the different thoughts as they arise, but we should resist this and remain focused single-pointedly on the sensation of the breath. If we discover that our mind has wandered and is following our thoughts, we should immediately return it to the breath. We should repeat this as many times as necessary until the mind settles on the breath.

Benefits of Meditation

If we practice patiently in this way, gradually our distracting thoughts will subside and we will experience a sense of inner peace and relaxation. Our mind will feel lucid and spacious and we will feel refreshed. When the sea is rough, sediment is churned up and the water becomes murky, but when the wind dies down the mud gradually settles and the water becomes clear. In a similar way, when the otherwise incessant flow of our distracting thoughts is calmed through concentrating on the breath, our mind becomes unusually lucid and clear. We should stay with this state of mental calm for a while.

Even though breathing meditation is only a preliminary stage of meditation, it can be quite powerful. We can see from this practice that is is possible to experience inner peace and contentment just by controlling the mind, without having to depend at all upon external conditions.

When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within.  This feeling of contentment and well-being helps us to cope with the busyness and difficulties of daily life. So much of the stress and tension we normally experience comes from our mind, and many of the problems we experience, including ill health, are caused or aggravated by this stress. Just by doing breathing meditation for ten or fifteen minutes each day, we will be able to reduce this stress. We will experience a calm, spacious feeling in the mind, and many of our usual problems will fall away. Difficult situations will become easier to deal with, we will naturally feel warm and well disposed towards other people, and our relationships with others will gradually improve.

TEN RULES FOR LONG LIFE

iamdogstar

1.   Listen to your body and understand its needs – both physical and emotional

2.   Live in the present – do not worry about the future or hold on to the past

3.   Take time to mediate and silence your internal dialogue

4.   Stop looking for approval from other people – you are the only judge that matters

5.   Learn to deal with anger

6.   Accept that you create your own world – the world ‘out there’ is all a projection of your inner world

7.   Do not judge

8.   Do not contaminate your body with toxins – either through food and drink or negative emotions

9.   Forget old hurts – replace fear motivated behaviour with love motivated behaviour

10. Live in balance with the world, accept that you are linked to all creation