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
Namaste is a word from the ancient Sanskrit language.
Its best interpretation/meaning is ~ the light within me bows and honours the light within you and together we are one, connected by a soul recognition of the universe and beyond.
it is a gentle yet profound reminder to not ‘sell our soul’ or ‘buy into anything that disconnects us from it’
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.
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 …
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.
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.
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.
Yoga With Alicia (Dogstar) 
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