The Physical Practice of Yoga
Yoga requires a full body commitment. Many people assume that the physical practice of yoga is simple and straight-forward and involves the repetition of just a handful of postures, but this isn’t the case. Yoga actually includes a wide range of traditional and adapted postures, as well as movements that stimulate the body and breath. The physical practice of yoga is the culmination of how the postures and breathing techniques are combined into an integrated set of movements that create the overall effects of yoga – physical, mental, and spiritual, or in other words, the total experience.
Asanas are not static positions but rather moving actions which are supported and held; it is these actions that are the foundation for the total experience of yoga. In addition to using the body to perform actions in the postures (asanas), it is helpful to use the breath and the thoughts of the mind to create an experience of balance, harmony, and well-being. Through this combination of the physical and spiritual (asana + pranayama), the yogi has an opportunity to learn to move from an internal sense of balance and strength to an external sense of balance and strength.
Yoga is actually more focused on internal body strength and development than external. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, external strength and the physical body are developed, to a certain point, out of our will and our desire. Internal strength, on the other hand, is developed internally. To fully feel the power of yoga, it is necessary to use the internal, the mind and the breath, the three pillars (shakti) of yoga. By mastering these three pillars of yoga – asanas, breath work, and meditation, the practice of yoga is internalized – we enter into an internal experience of practice.
The concept of a physical practice of yoga
While much of yoga is more spiritual, and sometimes even spiritualized, the physical practice of yoga should definitely have it’s place. A regular practice of yoga is a great way to help increase your flexibility, strengthen your limbs and prepare you for a variety of different physical activities, including martial arts, or yoga inspired activities, such as pole-dancing. In addition to using the body for physical activities, we can use the mind, and the mind’s attention span (it’s called “mindfulness”, where the mind is fully present and aware with every thing that is happening now), to help keep you present in the moment. For example, while you are doing some stretching work on a wall and have just finished a series of stretches that move you in a certain way – say, towards the right side of the room – you may have to remind yourself to stay present and aware of exactly where your body is in space, because after you are done with this activity, you need to use the same degree of sensitivity and awareness while you move from that point
How to do morning yoga
What is the most important thing you need in order to practice your Asana? A mat, a blanket or something else? I suggest a small towel and maybe an eye mask. They are great for relaxation before doing any type of asanas that require concentration (standing poses). You can place them on top of your blankets if you have one, but make sure it’s not too thick/firm so its easy to move around with. 2) Is there anything like “practice time” where you say: OK now my goal is __________? Or what about when u start working out? 3) How do u prepare yourself physically for practicing/working at home? 4) Do yo really feel better after working out, even though ur feeling tired while doing things?? 5)What would be some tips & tricks i could use at home which will help me become more consistent /better etc?? 6 ) Are there certain times during the day that work best for Yoga(before bed,morning breakfast ect…) 7 ) Anybody tried getting up early to try and fit this into their mornings 8 ) Anything special going on in NYC right now??? 9 ). If anyone has any questions just ask! 😀 10.) Do I get points from people who comment here??? 11.) Will we ever see another installment by Rene Vancamp 12.) Shouldn’t Renee write her new book next year 13). Have either of you been able To attend YOGA GIRL’S WORLD EXPO THIS YEAR
19 Health Benefits for Morning Yoga
1) A yoga practice should not be undertaken without prior consultation with a physician to ascertain its safety and
benefits.
2) Persons of greater physical health and activity should be warned that a short yoga practice may produce
acute symptoms of breathlessness and fatigue in healthy persons.
3) Persons taking medications should inform the doctor before beginning yoga.
4) Yoga should not be used as an alternative to proper exercise and diet, since the yoga process of muscle-
stretching is not generally associated with improved body posture and strength, and the body’s normal reflexes
cannot be expected to adapt to the yoga-style positions and postures.
5) Yoga for the elderly should be conducted properly to make sure that no pressure is applied on an injured area.
6) Yoga should be avoided for pregnant women, nursing mothers and patients with a history of previous heart
conditions.
7) Yoga is not recommended for patients who have conditions of the cardiovascular system, lungs, spine or
abdomen, or for patients suffering from high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, angina symptoms,
asthma, chronic bronchitis, arthritis, or other respiratory conditions such as laryngitis or chronic emphysema.
8) Yoga is not recommended for patients with diabetes, gall bladder, spleen, kidney problems, or those
whose vision is defective.
9) Persons on a limited diet must use common sense and be informed that they may be unable to fully perform
the postures.
10) Yoga for patients recovering from surgery or suffering from injuries has not been found to be medically
effective.
11) Yoga should be used with caution in persons with arthritis, sciatica, muscle strains or other musculoskeletal
injuries. Persons with asthma or other breathing conditions may suffer serious aggravation of symptoms.
12) Persons with eye and back problems should do the yoga poses properly to avoid injury.
13) Yoga may not be advisable if a person has severe osteoarthritis, because the exercise may injure back, ankle
or hips joints resulting in swelling, stiffness and pain.
15) Persons with osteoporosis are more likely to fracture a bone and the yoga position may aggravate the condition.
14) Yoga should be avoided by persons with allergies, or by those who are or may become pregnant or could have
to lie down to stop an attack.
16) Persons experiencing nausea, dizziness, loss of equilibrium or any problem of heart or blood circulation
must be particularly cautious. Any of these symptoms may be signs of coronary heart disease, heart failure or
sudden heart attack.
17) Yoga is not recommended for persons with recent surgery.
18) Yoga should be used only under the supervision of a competent instructor.
19) Yoga should not be used in conjunction
