Yoga & Faith

It’s said that faith can move mountains, and could it be true? Well, eternal optimists say yes, though there is no concrete evidence as such.

Faith varies in its definition from person to person, as it is very individualistic in nature. But for anything to work in our lives we need faith and faith in Yoga leads to not only a person’s overall well being but also helps one begin on the path of Moksha or salvation if one desires.

Moksha is spoken of in a spiritual manner and just like faith and everyone has their own definition of spirituality. Spiritual maturity doesn’t necessarily mean years of meditation. It just means a person is aware of every breath of life and tries to make the most of it for self and by helping others. Spiritual maturity simply means realizing that everything is transient hence people stay in the present without dwelling over what is done and without worrying about what is to come.

Pic courtesy: Thinking in Vedas

Instead of getting into the details of types of Yoga, let’s just say that the overall research proves one could reach on the highest peaks spiritually and even attain Moksha or salvation! For this, one needs to go through and then remain in a state of detachment. To realize and practice detachment we have to, once again, accept that everything in this world is transient hence detachment makes sense. Well, is that easy? Definitely not! 

That is where the realization that the soul is immortal matters. And once we realize that our souls are indestructible we definitely need to focus on our thoughts and deeds in human form. Purity of thoughts and selfless deeds is also a form of Yoga- Karma Yoga, this helps one to get onto the path of Moksha, and then to stay on this path, it is very important that one strives for peace in every manner.

In order to gain from this form of health science, one has to practice Yoga not only on the mat, but also off it. Only then can we say that it is not just a form of exercise but a way of life. Also we all know that no spiritual or practical aspect of our lives can begin without our having faith in what we want and what we do to achieve it. The same stands true for Yoga! A person could be practicing Asanas for hours and years, but may get very little results and declare that Yoga doesn't work. On the other hand one may practice Yoga for a limited one hour daily and gain a lot. The difference here would be that of faith. A believer will surely reap more benefits than a non believer from Yoga. ‘Keep the Faith’ does make sense!

Only if we have faith will we be able to reap manifold benefits. Without getting into the details of those benefits, we all know that practicing Yoga not only has physical but also mental and emotional health benefits, and all this put together could help a person mature spiritually as well. Having faith in what one wants or is doing brings more motivation and conviction to the goal or act and the achievement then becomes easier!

(Pic courtesy: beirutyogacenter.com)

There was a time when very few believed in Yoga but with the recent Yoga Day, going global and aptly being titled ‘International Yoga Day’, proves that this way of life is not limited to few cultures but its benefits are now being given a worldwide recognition!

Yoga> Physical-Mental-Emotional Health Benefits> Spiritual Maturity... it’s all in good faith.

Benefits of Yoga in today’s overstressed world

Life happens to all; humans experience it and notice it when it puts them through certain degree of physical, emotional, and psychological demands. Stress at times is welcomed despite of the challenges it brings, like pregnancy and parenthood and other times not so much, when it is related to career, person or material loss.

It’s not possible to avoid life but have to learn to live through its ‘ebbs’, manage these effectively so that it does not impact the state of mind, health and well being.

The tell-tale signs of stress or the impact stress can be stated as:

·       Spectrum of emotions ranging from depression to extreme anxiety.

·       Personality issues like insecurity/lack of confidence/substance abuse/social withdrawal.

·       Functional symptoms like fatigue.

·       Relationship problems.

All it takes to avoid this unfortunate whirlpool is to have a healthy routine. Permanent changes in an individual’s personality can happen from temporary events if their impression last longer than event itself. Yoga and mindfulness are best daily routine to avoid exactly that from happening. These help in doing emotional cleansing each day and provide with better control over negative thoughts and emotions.

Following few asana are particularly helpful in this regard:

Yoga asana together with Pranayama are amazing techniques to counter stress. Both go hand in hand, Pranayama helps you to control your breath, leading to perfect relaxation and balance of body activities. It liberates us from our age old practice of shallow breathing that we become programmed to since our early years; the more deeply you breathe the more relaxed and liberated you feel.

It works like hypnosis, transforming you, taking you from the world of stress to an altogether astral plane where you go in trance and feel lighter as gold flake. It lifts your soul and cleanses your energies.

Here are 3 Asana that together with Pranayama are good for distressing:

1. Balasana (Child Pose)

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia)

Balasana is the most calming poses of all, with the simple pose resembling the serene posture of a child, it allows an opportunity to breathe fully, stretch to release tension with each breath, improves concentration and shut out unnecessary distractions.

2. Sukhasana (Easy Pose)

(Pic courtesy: www.taarago.com)

Excellent pose for inner calm, to find lost tranquillity by eliminating anxiety, besides relieving physical and mental exhaustion and tiredness, it works wonder in just few minutes.

3. Uttana Shishosana (Extended Puppy Pose)

(Pic courtesy: www.fitnessrepublic.com)

As innocent its name is in English equally potent it is in finding the inner strength by submitting feeling and emotions about thing we cannot control in our life. To practice this one has to try to touch the floor with the nose while starting from Balasana. This pose also relieves symptoms of chronic stress, tension, insomnia, physical stress like chronic back and shoulder tension.

These practices help to channelize life’s frustration and create a stable inner core that can overcome it all. Helps to harness something useful out of it, like electricity; it can kill but if channelized properly, same can bring light to the world.

Best possible way to achieve that is by ‘Yoga’.

Are you overweight…? Here are 10 Yoga tips to help you manage your weight

Are you burdened by overweight? Idea of gym gets your thoughts racing with scene of you running on a treadmill while it is calculating your heart rate, respiratory rate, distance you have covered (without reaching anywhere) all in bold flashy figures whereas the person next to you is beaming with his/her new set records. All this brings a pang of anxiety, or spending on the gym membership doesn’t appeal you much because compliance has been an issue, then we have a much simpler solution for you!!

“YOGA” – yes, this magic word is surely your thing, all you need is a Yoga mat and calm composed surroundings, and you are good to go! 

In gym you push your body to get desired results whereas in Yoga you learn to listen to your body, synchronize with it, you attain that delicate balance of incoming and outgoing breath. Yoga not only helps in attaining metabolic equilibrium hence managing weight issues but also helps in posture correction as your body is designed for movement and not for slouching in front of a television or a computer. From fat to fit, from overweight to oh, great!! From obesity to flexibility!! With the regular practice of these asana, your overweight present will soon be a history and that will open up your vision, your mind and add a boost to your self-esteem!!

Here are 10 awesome yoga workouts that help mobilize fat from the belly, strengthen the abdominal muscles, stretch and make your muscles shed plumpness effectively. So, come on let’s begin the ‘Slim and Sassy’ mission:

  

   1.       Suryanamaskar (Prayer pose)

(Pic courtesy: www.harekrsna.de)

As the name suggests the “sun salutation” is the powerful 12 step exercise, a complete body workout to keep you fit and flexible. It takes care of you from head to toe. It’s best warm up for your body before starting the yoga routine.

Practicing it will benefit shape your hips and legs, also tone up your abdominal muscles as controlled breathing is an important part of all steps.

   2.     Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

(Pic courtesy: healthshlok.com)

This asana works on deep muscles of your hip and extensors of your back spine. It also stretches the sides of your body, tones your arms & thighs, and helps in mobilization of fat from waist. It also improves digestion.

   3.    Chakraasan (Wheel Pose)

(Pic courtesy: www.a2zyoga.com)

In this pose your inner thighs roll up, tailbone extends, upper arms swapoutward, upper back twists, head looks down to the ground. It helps to remove fat build up from oblique area, increases the hip flexibility.

1  4.     Utkatasana (Chair Pose)

(Pic courtesy: perusals.wordpress.com)

This one literally has you positioned as if you are sitting on a chair. It can take some time to build up enough strength to hold the pose for more than a breath or two. It strengthens lower back, tones thigh, leg, ankle and knees.

   5.     Veerbhadrasana (Warrior Pose)

(Pic courtesy:  www.howtogetrid.org)

This pose strengthens the arms, shoulders, thighs and back muscles, all in one go. It will strengthen the muscles of your back, thighs, abdomen and core.

It is an excellent Stretching exercise for the chest and lungs, shoulders and neck, belly, and groin.

   6.      Halasana (Plough Pose)

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia) 

Named after the shape of plow (or plough), used to loosen the soil and prepare the land for sowing the seeds, similarly this pose prepares the mind, body, and soul for renewal. It reduces belly fat, and improves balance and flexibility. It strengthens the back muscles.

   7.     Sarvangasana (Whole Body Pose)

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia) 

An excellent body balancing pose, not just well for weight management but also for achieving that delicate whole body balance. Regular practice leads to improved blood circulation, weight loss and better digestion.

   8.      Vakraasan (Twisted Pose)

(Pic courtesy: www.fineremedies.com)

Sitting asana performed by twisting upper body to side with one leg extended and other flexed. Good exercise for stretching and strengthening back muscles.  Works on belly and those rigid side handles.

   9.    Naukasana (Boat Pose) 

(Pic courtesy: eyogaguru.com)

You straighten your legs and bring your palms up to rest behind your head and feet higher than your head. This is a very challenging pose at first, but regular practice will get you there. It not only strengthens the back and abdominal muscles but also tones your legs and arms.

Imgs: 

   10.  Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

(Pic courtesy: healthshlok.com)

In this pose your body shapes up like a flexible arc. It opens your chest, stretches your abs. Besides toning the belly, the spinal flexibility improves your posture and acts as a stress reliever also.

Imgs: 

These asana not just help with weight management but also instil some discipline in your life, make you calm and get your inner energies flowing!! 

The Best time to practice these asana is either in the morning or in the evening. It is the best if stomach is empty prior to the practice. The whole idea is to be more aware of your body, recognizing the weak areas that need attention and taking proper action for strengthening them!! With proper knowledge, something things are as simple as they sound, isn’t it?

Yoga Meets Bollywood

Bollywood celebs make us go wow over them. Beyond films, looks, acting their fitness quotient and their exuberance are also admired. Staunch workouts and crazy diets are believed to be mandatory for such physique and fitness. But Indian civilization has offered something easy and simpler to the world and these superstars too. It is Yoga.

With time, every theory changes, but this one philosophy of life has been firm and quite profound. The beautiful Yoga is like the flow of water that takes shape as per the vessel.

Some of our Bollywood fame like Anil Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty, Kareena Kapoor adopted Yoga as a way of life. Top 5 Bollywood actresses who love and practice Yoga regularly to maintain their perfect and appealing body are discussed below.

Kareena Kapoor

Lady who triggered Zero Revolution

Kareena Kapoor made her extra ordinary presence with zero figure and consequences were such that zero-trend went viral in B-Town and beyond. Everyone praised her fitness thinking she owed it to intense workout and strict diet until she cleared the air in an interview saying, she is completely into Yoga. She thinks that her life has changed because of Yoga and hence, she performs Yoga for an hour and a half. Yoga keeps her going and a day without yoga seems incomplete to her.

Sonam Kapoor

Miss Voguish

Style diva Sonam Kapoor is always the talk of town for 2 probable reasons- designer garbs and fitness attained by Yoga. This fitness freak entices audience every time she makes an appearance and her secret is revealed in one of her tweets, "Starting Bikram Yoga today or as everyone calls it Hot Yoga. It's my dad's secret for looking fab.”

Shilpa Shetty

Young, pretty and an ardent Yogi.

Shilpa has been professionally trained for Yoga exercises and she even released a CD labelled as ‘Shilpa’s Yoga’ in the year 2008. Shilpa shared her Yoga experience once in a conference. She said that she had neck problems and was suffering from chronic spondylitis, but after getting into Yoga she is fit, fine and well-toned.

Kangana Ranaut

Bold and Beautiful

Innocent-looking, erotic and talented actress known for her bold acting and choice of flicks, Kangana Ranaut is not shying away from adopting Yoga these days. Kangana is a power yoga aficionado. In one of the events, she declared that she performs Yoga regularly and intakes proper diet, which reflects in her performance on the screen.

Lara Dutta

B-Town beauty and a hot Mommy

Lara strongly believes that a strict routine and Yoga helped her in maintaining her seamless shape in spite of giving birth to a baby. This belief in Yoga led her to launch a Yoga DVD to help other women to get in shape after pregnancy.

What If there was International Day of Yoga ?

As the sunlight falls on our faces a little longer than usual, there is another reason to rejoice the day that marks the longest day of the year. June 21 has been declared as the International Day of Yoga and the world celebrated first Yoga Day with high spirit and enthusiasm.

Yoga is the science of world peace. There couldn’t have been a better day to celebrate and give a tribute to yoga. 21^st June has special significance to communities from all over the world. According to the Vedic scriptures, the first full moon after the summer solstice was the day when the first ever Yoga practitioner and Yoga Guru; Adi Yogi imparted his knowledge of Yoga to the seven sages known as Saptarishis, who then taught Yoga to the mankind.  

Actions spoke louder than words for India’s Hon’ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on this day as he led thousands of people to such a grand event. He proposed this day, which was approved by the United Nations General Assembly last year.  New Delhi witnessed ministers stretching their bones and embracing this healthy practice with their attempts to inspire the nation.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said that we need to take Yoga to the doorstep of everyone and free the world of misery. His organization, the Art of Living, has been spreading the knowledge of Yoga to people of every age group all over India as well as abroad too. This event that aims to unite the world on a health level was successful as thousands of people paid their tribute to Yoga across the world. The International Day of Yoga has encouraged people to embrace this spiritual discipline with passion and pride. Yoga has been well practiced in India for centuries and this day has let the entire world gain awareness to an ancient science.

A question arises though. What if there was no such day to acknowledge the importance of Yoga? It is a shame that we haven’t imbibed Yoga into our daily routines yet as we all know, we should. Our knowledge is incomplete and most of us lack the strength of mind to meditate. This day marks our respect for this ancient art. Of course, the world has one day in one year for everything worth respecting. Rarely will anybody remember the significance of Yoga otherwise.

A bunch of famous celebrities practicing tough asanas on the television inspires us to stretch. Yes, people stretch their arm to get to the remote or a glass of water. The importance of Yoga and its healing power is known and still not respected. People religiously watch their favorite shows for an hour each day but can’t perform the sun salutation once a day.

We all know Baba Ramdev and the controversies he’s been in, yet we forget why he is so influential. He is somebody who has power over his own mind and body and has reached out with this power to help other people. Yoga teaches us to gain complete control over our bodies and minds. Yoga enables us to attain power. The International Day of Yoga gives power to this practice.

If there was no such day, Yoga would’ve been limited to a few countries and not many people would’ve known about its benefits. The purpose of Yoga is to unite oneself with the entire universe that is situated within one’s body. There is a possibility that there will be a day when everybody on this planet will become a practitioner of Yoga. Yoga or ‘Yog’ literally means union with the supreme power. And if every single person on this planet was on the path to ‘Yog’, this world would definitely become more peaceful.

It was very noble of Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi to promote world peace with actual substance, indirect but highly effective. 

Is Balding stopping you from getting married? Perform the below 5 Yoga Asana

For people of all ages, colors, breeds or races, one problem is common - Balding or hair thinning. Blame our lifestyle, culinary habits, ever-growing population and pollution or whatsoever, nothing can ever cover enough the shame and dullness, one with no or less hair has to encounter. From Mr. Kumar to Mrs. Chopra everyone must have eyed on your smooth patches and commented at least once that you will get some 30 years old to marry you, and your friends must have obviously played a tabla on your shining football ground.

But, ladies and gentleman, no more misery, no more mocking, just read on the important facts below to keep rocking. The remedy for being bald to bold has been lying around us for ages, only if we had been taught about it earlier. It is YOGA.

Friends, do not underestimate the strength and power of Yoga, this ancient art is different from other forms of isometrics, as it not only focuses on physical aspect of health, but also on rationale and oneness of the spirit with the cosmic power around us. Hence, Yoga has got a mention even in the sacred epic, “Mahabharata” when Lord Krishna tries to explain to Arjuna about the necessity of making the mind the driver of life than the other way around.

However, we now present you 5 easy yoga exercises to cure your hairlessness.

1.     Vajrasana

One needs to sit upright on knee balancing the whole body on the bended legs. Sit upright and concentrate on your breath. Continue in this position for at least 2 minutes at a stretch. This position enhances energy flow in the upper body and the lungs get a better supply of oxygen.

 

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia)

2.     Kapalabanti

Make sure to do this Yoga right the first thing in morning with an empty stomach as this asana involves heavy stomach muscle clenching.  First of all, sit crisscrossed in Padmasana with both your legs on the top of one another. Then sit upright and close your right nostril with thumb and inhale with the left. While you do so make sure to take short breath that will make your stomach clench in the process. While you exhale, do with a force that releases your stomach as well as some sound from nostril.

(Pic courtesy: www.justin5mins.com)

Repeat until 10 or 15 counts. Start with lesser counts and increase gradually.

3.     Sasangasana

Kneel down and then bend down to place your head on the mat. Make sure to hold your heels with your hands for a better balance. This position releases the blood flow towards the head; while balancing the whole body weight on the head, it stimulates the pressure points in the head.

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia)

4.     Ustrasana

Kneel down and bend your body back facing the heel. Again hold the heel for a better balance. This position too increases blood and energy flow to head which is great to stimulate pressure points in the head.

(Pic courtesy: Wikipedia)

5.     Balam Yoga

You can do this anytime of the day, literally anytime. Just rub your nails together (many of you might have done so at many points without realizing it’s actually a method of Yoga). By doing this you increase blood flow and as they are directly connected to the pressure points, this incites them better.

(Pic courtesy: www.beautyandgroomingti)

What is the Right Time for Performing Yoga?

Starting a new activity can be tough but adding the new activity to one’s schedule, an everyday schedule, is what can be tougher than you realize! It is ideal to have a proper place and time to practice Yoga but it is not worth it when the same starts getting in your everyday routine and makes you miss Yoga altogether.

When and how to do Yoga?

Generally, for people who have fluctuating routines, anytime they can manage some peace and a place to lie down is the best time to practice Yoga. Here are a few simple tips on when to perform Yoga and how to ensure that it is the best time your routine has to offer:

·        Practicing Yoga, first thing in the morning, before any breakfast item or beverage, is very rewarding and ideal for every individual. Besides, commencing the day with a calm and soothing Yoga routine is the key to a stress-free and relaxed day.

(Pic courtesy: northcountryclimbing.com) 

•       Other than early morning hours, an evening Yoga session, just around sunset, would also be very favorable for people who have early morning offices or colleges.

·       Yoga exercises that are a part of one’s routine should be given enough thought to. Certain exercises are feasible only with an empty tummy while some might need a gap of few hours between the meals and yoga session.

·     Meditation can be done at any time of the day, at one’s convenience, in one’s need for relaxation or even after a tired day of work.

(Pic courtesy: www.onlineyogaguide.com)  

    ·       Pranayama in particular, helps break the tension or tiredness in one’s body and often needs a gap of at least 1-2 hours post a meal.

    ·       Another important routine, the Yoga Nidra, can be performed any time of the day and even immediately after meals but the individual, however, has to ensure that he or she doesn't fall asleep in the routine.

    

       

           It is said that along with the time of the Yoga routine and the place, it is very essential to perform the exercises on a Yoga mat as it helps you relax in postures and meditate with ease. However, this isn't much important when compared to simply removing time for Yoga, for a healthy and well balanced life.

As far as clothing is concerned, anything that is loose and comforting and allows you to stretch easily for various asanas, is the right attire. Another thing that is often advised by instructors is for the individuals to place all their gadgets, belongings, accessories and spectacles aside. This is often done to remove the distraction, avoid injuries and ensure that the yoga routine is calm, stress free and more focused.

(Pic courtesy: www.huffingtonpost.com)

Ideal Yoga routine is when asanas are practiced first, then Pranayama, the breathing exercise which is later followed by meditation to soothe one’s body and calm the mind. However, for people who lead a busy and stressful life, doing Yoga whenever and wherever feasible is better than being too rigid about the time and space, and not getting to do it at all.