It's just another day in gym class, and 50 calm and focused sixth graders are breathing deeply in and out. They sit cross legged on colorful yoga mats, eyes closed and hands resting on their knees as soothing music plays in the background.
"Inhale slowly ... and exhale, and feel your body fill with all that wonderful air," says their physical education teacher, Rochelle Gladu Patten. "We know that yoga is a practice that brings your body and mind and heart all together," she tells them. "And that's what yoga means, to connect."
Every Tuesday and Thursday, students at Susan B. Anthony Middle School in Minneapolis spend 20 minutes practicing yoga poses in Patten's class. It's just one of many Minnesota schools embracing yoga as word spreads about its benefits for students.
By SARAH MORAN
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Friday, 27 November 2009
NAUGHTY YOGA
Speaking with Choudhury, founder of the hot and sweaty Bikram Yoga empire, including more than 350 affiliated studios around the world, is an entertaining and slightly dizzying experience.
The 63 year old charmer easily hops from topic to topic. And he's especially effusive about the benefits of his trademarked Bikram Yoga, a 90 minute class distinguished from other yoga styles by a series of 26 postures practiced in a set order, in a hot room of about 37 degrees C.
"I offer longest life, not life in a wheelchair," he said. "Life. Quality life. The best life possible [that] any human being can offer you. That, I do my job."
It's a job he's been doing for more than five decades.
Choudhury first began his yoga journey when he was three years old. Two years later, he said, he met his guru, Bishnu Ghosh and began doing yoga for "at least" four to six hours daily at Ghosh's College of Physical Education in Calcutta, winning the National India Yoga Championship when he was 13.
By Chantal Eustace
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
The 63 year old charmer easily hops from topic to topic. And he's especially effusive about the benefits of his trademarked Bikram Yoga, a 90 minute class distinguished from other yoga styles by a series of 26 postures practiced in a set order, in a hot room of about 37 degrees C.
"I offer longest life, not life in a wheelchair," he said. "Life. Quality life. The best life possible [that] any human being can offer you. That, I do my job."
It's a job he's been doing for more than five decades.
Choudhury first began his yoga journey when he was three years old. Two years later, he said, he met his guru, Bishnu Ghosh and began doing yoga for "at least" four to six hours daily at Ghosh's College of Physical Education in Calcutta, winning the National India Yoga Championship when he was 13.
By Chantal Eustace
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Thursday, 26 November 2009
STAGING ASANAS
Her colleague of several decades, actor and theatre group Ekjute's manager Hanif Patni blames the constant spotlight as the reason why Nadira Babbar prefers to keep a grave face in public.
Actor Hanif Patni was stumped by Nadira Babbar's request to perform complicated yoga postures on stage.
He agrees that it is one of those intimate moments within the group when she breaks into a smile and asks others to join in. Patni says, "She is quite different when she is not in public. She heads the theatre group, so often she prefers to keep a serious face."
But directing comedies is what brings Nadira into herelement, vouches Hanif, talking about their play Yamraj Ji Kuch Kariye that marks Nadira's return to Comedy of Errors' after more than a decade. Patni says, "It's been 12 years since we last did Dario Fo's Trumpet And Raspberries." The rehearsals of Yamraj provided the entire team with ample opportunities to crack up on the stage.
For one, Patni confesses he has a rather stiff body and was stumped when Nadira asked him to fulfill the role of a hermit who is a scholar of yoga sciences. He laughs as he admits, "I have absolutely no knowledge about yoga. Finally I had to invent some random yoga postures and pass them off on stage as authentic." With a pause he adds, "Luckily, the audience wasn't discerning and I didn't get caught. I was often left quite numb in my legs after particular scenes."
By Sujata Chakrabarti
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Actor Hanif Patni was stumped by Nadira Babbar's request to perform complicated yoga postures on stage.
He agrees that it is one of those intimate moments within the group when she breaks into a smile and asks others to join in. Patni says, "She is quite different when she is not in public. She heads the theatre group, so often she prefers to keep a serious face."
But directing comedies is what brings Nadira into herelement, vouches Hanif, talking about their play Yamraj Ji Kuch Kariye that marks Nadira's return to Comedy of Errors' after more than a decade. Patni says, "It's been 12 years since we last did Dario Fo's Trumpet And Raspberries." The rehearsals of Yamraj provided the entire team with ample opportunities to crack up on the stage.
For one, Patni confesses he has a rather stiff body and was stumped when Nadira asked him to fulfill the role of a hermit who is a scholar of yoga sciences. He laughs as he admits, "I have absolutely no knowledge about yoga. Finally I had to invent some random yoga postures and pass them off on stage as authentic." With a pause he adds, "Luckily, the audience wasn't discerning and I didn't get caught. I was often left quite numb in my legs after particular scenes."
By Sujata Chakrabarti
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
NEW YOGA SPACE
Get out the mats and take a deep breath. The Yoga Loft has moved into Imago Gallery's old space, a considerably more spacious venue, after the art gallery moved next to Market Street's 2nd Story Theatre. The studio moved just a few doors down in the Cutler Mills complex and opened its doors on Tuesday, Nov. 17.
According to owner Jane Bergmarck, the space is a nice change compared to her smaller, darker studio. Upon walking in, patrons are greeted with a reception desk which opens up to the studio complete with high ceilings and polished wooden floors. A metal Sanskrit symbol meaning 'Om' hangs in the entranceway.
'When people came in on Tuesday night, they gasped. People were just in awe,' said Ms. Bergmarck. 'They were beside themselves.'
To get the area in shape for yoga, the owner said the floors had to be sanded down and heaters installed. But other than some minor renovations, she said moving was a snap. She was even able to transport some of her signature installations, including two wooden doors handcrafted by a local artist.
'I couldn't be more excited,' she said.
By Abigail Crocker
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
According to owner Jane Bergmarck, the space is a nice change compared to her smaller, darker studio. Upon walking in, patrons are greeted with a reception desk which opens up to the studio complete with high ceilings and polished wooden floors. A metal Sanskrit symbol meaning 'Om' hangs in the entranceway.
'When people came in on Tuesday night, they gasped. People were just in awe,' said Ms. Bergmarck. 'They were beside themselves.'
To get the area in shape for yoga, the owner said the floors had to be sanded down and heaters installed. But other than some minor renovations, she said moving was a snap. She was even able to transport some of her signature installations, including two wooden doors handcrafted by a local artist.
'I couldn't be more excited,' she said.
By Abigail Crocker
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Monday, 23 November 2009
YOGA AND FITNESS
Yoga is a great way to achieve a healthy diet, daily physical activity and good mental fitness, which can certainly lead to better overall health.
However, the Nov. 23 column 'The yogic immunity boost' suggests that yoga is a 'viable alternative to ... vaccinations.' This claim is irresponsible at best and dangerous at worst.
There are no scientific studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of yoga in preventing illness beyond the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and the placebo effect; vaccines are unquestionably the best way to prevent communicable diseases.
Smallpox, which is estimated to have killed over 300 million people in the 20th century alone, was completely eliminated in 1977. This was not achieved through everyone 'eradicating toxicity' through 'a series of forceful exhalations' but through a miracle of modern Western medicine and science: vaccines. Many other diseases are becoming increasingly uncommon because of vaccination programs. Those who are not vaccinated are protected by 'herd immunity'; since those around them are vaccinated, their risk of exposure is greatly reduced.
Few people will deny that our society needs to start living a healthier lifestyle, and doing so will take large steps toward reducing the occurrence of preventable ailments such as diabetes and obesity. But adhering to the delusion that a yoga regimen will prevent the spread of communicable diseases like H1N1 influenza is the kind of thinking that has led to recent outbreaks of whooping cough in Australia and mumps in Great Britain.
By David Towey
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
However, the Nov. 23 column 'The yogic immunity boost' suggests that yoga is a 'viable alternative to ... vaccinations.' This claim is irresponsible at best and dangerous at worst.
There are no scientific studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of yoga in preventing illness beyond the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and the placebo effect; vaccines are unquestionably the best way to prevent communicable diseases.
Smallpox, which is estimated to have killed over 300 million people in the 20th century alone, was completely eliminated in 1977. This was not achieved through everyone 'eradicating toxicity' through 'a series of forceful exhalations' but through a miracle of modern Western medicine and science: vaccines. Many other diseases are becoming increasingly uncommon because of vaccination programs. Those who are not vaccinated are protected by 'herd immunity'; since those around them are vaccinated, their risk of exposure is greatly reduced.
Few people will deny that our society needs to start living a healthier lifestyle, and doing so will take large steps toward reducing the occurrence of preventable ailments such as diabetes and obesity. But adhering to the delusion that a yoga regimen will prevent the spread of communicable diseases like H1N1 influenza is the kind of thinking that has led to recent outbreaks of whooping cough in Australia and mumps in Great Britain.
By David Towey
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Sunday, 22 November 2009
A YOGA RECORD?
sychiatrist Dr Vinod Kulkarni of Hubli performed Sheershasana for 35 minutes on Saturday in a bid to enter the `Guinness Book of World Records'.
Kulkarni performed the asana (posture) at Nuggikeri Hanuman Temple between 8.50 pm and 9.25 pm in the presence of juries and devotees who had thronged the temple.
Kulkarni said he had contacted the Guinness book authorities and found out from them that nobody had performed Sheershasana for 25 minutes. 'I have been practising various asanas for the past one year. I was attracted to yogasana after attending Baba Ramdev's sessions at Hubli last year. Since I can perform Sheershasana for more than 25 minutes without any problem, I thought I should try entering the `Guinness Book of World Records',' Dr Kulkarni told TOI. He said he would send the CD of his performance along with attestation by the juries to the Guinness book authorities.
The doctor was listening to Vishnu Sahasranama hymns while he was performing his feat. Dr Vijay Desai, psychiatrist Dr Anand Pandurangi, Anupama Pandurangi, former jail superintendents Kambale and S F Patil and others witnessed the event.
By Dr Vinod Kulkarni
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Kulkarni performed the asana (posture) at Nuggikeri Hanuman Temple between 8.50 pm and 9.25 pm in the presence of juries and devotees who had thronged the temple.
Kulkarni said he had contacted the Guinness book authorities and found out from them that nobody had performed Sheershasana for 25 minutes. 'I have been practising various asanas for the past one year. I was attracted to yogasana after attending Baba Ramdev's sessions at Hubli last year. Since I can perform Sheershasana for more than 25 minutes without any problem, I thought I should try entering the `Guinness Book of World Records',' Dr Kulkarni told TOI. He said he would send the CD of his performance along with attestation by the juries to the Guinness book authorities.
The doctor was listening to Vishnu Sahasranama hymns while he was performing his feat. Dr Vijay Desai, psychiatrist Dr Anand Pandurangi, Anupama Pandurangi, former jail superintendents Kambale and S F Patil and others witnessed the event.
By Dr Vinod Kulkarni
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Saturday, 21 November 2009
TOWARDS YOGA
The Yoga Roundup is the first recipient of Travel Pendleton's new event grant.
The $5,000 grant, the maximum anyone can receive for the grant, comes from the Tourism Promotion Assessment Commission, which goes by the name Travel Pendleton. The TPAC receives its funding from Pendleton lodging taxes.
Wife and husband Tania and Cedric Wildbill created The Yoga Roundup, a new Oregon limited liability company. Tania Wildbill and James Dewar had formed the Pendleton Yoga Round Up, which in April drew almost 3,000 participants to the Red Lion in Pendleton. Tania Wildbill said she will dissolve the partnership with Dewar. Next year's Yoga Roundup is scheduled for Aug. 20/22 at the Pendleton Convention Center.
'Thanks to the Travel Pendleton grant, we can continue our work on the 2010 Yoga Roundup,' Tania Wildbill said in a written statement. 'It's our intention to bring participants to Pendleton from all over the country to enjoy several days of yoga, dance and great music, for a no charge weekend to let go and destress amidst our chaotic lives.'
Cedric Bill said the yoga round up is an opportunity to share the rich culture and history of the city of Pendleton and the Umatilla Indian Reservation with participants from across the United States.
TPAC Chairwoman Heather Sandford said the commission believes the Yoga Roundup has 'great potential for years to come and we are happy to help Tania and Cedric to build on the success of last year's event.'
By The East Oregonian
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
The $5,000 grant, the maximum anyone can receive for the grant, comes from the Tourism Promotion Assessment Commission, which goes by the name Travel Pendleton. The TPAC receives its funding from Pendleton lodging taxes.
Wife and husband Tania and Cedric Wildbill created The Yoga Roundup, a new Oregon limited liability company. Tania Wildbill and James Dewar had formed the Pendleton Yoga Round Up, which in April drew almost 3,000 participants to the Red Lion in Pendleton. Tania Wildbill said she will dissolve the partnership with Dewar. Next year's Yoga Roundup is scheduled for Aug. 20/22 at the Pendleton Convention Center.
'Thanks to the Travel Pendleton grant, we can continue our work on the 2010 Yoga Roundup,' Tania Wildbill said in a written statement. 'It's our intention to bring participants to Pendleton from all over the country to enjoy several days of yoga, dance and great music, for a no charge weekend to let go and destress amidst our chaotic lives.'
Cedric Bill said the yoga round up is an opportunity to share the rich culture and history of the city of Pendleton and the Umatilla Indian Reservation with participants from across the United States.
TPAC Chairwoman Heather Sandford said the commission believes the Yoga Roundup has 'great potential for years to come and we are happy to help Tania and Cedric to build on the success of last year's event.'
By The East Oregonian
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Friday, 20 November 2009
YOGA AND DIET
If I were to take yoga classes, I'd want the instructor to be someone like Ashley Turner. The yoga expert and leader of the new DVD Element: Yoga for Weight Loss (Anchor Bay, $14.98) isn't just a fitness trainer but a mind body expert with a degree in psychology. She tells you at the beginning of the workout that she believes that yoga itself isn't the only key to weight loss, but that cardio, diet and mindset are all part of it. Turner encourages you throughout the routine to think about your body’s movement and your weight loss goals.
The vinyasa flow yoga workout is a good one, though the poses and overall routine are not much different from other weight loss yoga DVDs we've tried. This one is suitable for beginners, but if you're a yoga novice, you'll probably find yourself, as I did, concentrating far too much on when to breathe rather than the yoga flow.
The 50 minute workout is filmed in a lush garden overlooking the Pacific Ocean, making for a peaceful setting for a calming routine.
By Stephanie Allmon
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
The vinyasa flow yoga workout is a good one, though the poses and overall routine are not much different from other weight loss yoga DVDs we've tried. This one is suitable for beginners, but if you're a yoga novice, you'll probably find yourself, as I did, concentrating far too much on when to breathe rather than the yoga flow.
The 50 minute workout is filmed in a lush garden overlooking the Pacific Ocean, making for a peaceful setting for a calming routine.
By Stephanie Allmon
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Thursday, 19 November 2009
IS YOGA A SPORT?
It could go a little like this, we're guessing:
'Om, chanti, om, in your face! Namaste, om, chanti.'
Traditionally, as in for thousands of years, yoga has been used for finding harmony and peace within one's self. That you streamlined your legs, abs and arms in the process was seen as a joyful perk along the way to enlightenment.
But now, one of yoga's bold-= faced names, Bikram Choudhury, he of the Bikram style of yoga which employs 26 asanas (poses) in a heated room, and his wife, Rajashree, are setting into momentum the world of competitive yoga, reports the New York Times.
With yoga gaining in popularity so rapidly, maybe creating a space for it competition wise, was just a matter a time, though one has to wonder how the news will be received by the thousands upon thousands of yogis and yoginis who are attracted to yoga for its non-competitive (i.e. zen like) nature.
The Choudhurys have high hopes for this direction: they hope yoga will one day be at the Olympics.
The yoga community will have to think about this one. Is this what we mean by pretzal logic?
By Jac Chebatoris
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
'Om, chanti, om, in your face! Namaste, om, chanti.'
Traditionally, as in for thousands of years, yoga has been used for finding harmony and peace within one's self. That you streamlined your legs, abs and arms in the process was seen as a joyful perk along the way to enlightenment.
But now, one of yoga's bold-= faced names, Bikram Choudhury, he of the Bikram style of yoga which employs 26 asanas (poses) in a heated room, and his wife, Rajashree, are setting into momentum the world of competitive yoga, reports the New York Times.
With yoga gaining in popularity so rapidly, maybe creating a space for it competition wise, was just a matter a time, though one has to wonder how the news will be received by the thousands upon thousands of yogis and yoginis who are attracted to yoga for its non-competitive (i.e. zen like) nature.
The Choudhurys have high hopes for this direction: they hope yoga will one day be at the Olympics.
The yoga community will have to think about this one. Is this what we mean by pretzal logic?
By Jac Chebatoris
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
YOGA AND BABIES
Maya sits cross legged and takes a long, deep breath. Her arms are outstretched, her pudgy palms facing upward. Her eyelids flutter for a moment and then they're smooth again. Maya isn't your typical yogi. For one thing, she's 3 foot 6, about the same height as the rest of the kids in her kindergarten class.
Maya is one of an increasing number of children, some as young as 9 months old, who are doing yoga. Maya, 5, is enrolled in a weekly extracurricular yoga class for kindergarten students at Kuper Academy in Kirkland, just West of Montreal.
Her teacher, Aline Reizian, and Reizian's business partner, Stephanie Sohan, have found ways to make yoga feel more like fun than exercise. Their students meow when they do the cat posture and sing Twinkle, twinkle, little star.... when they get into star position. No wonder youngsters are eager to roll out their yoga mats when Reizian and Sohan turn up at kindergartens and daycare centres.
Teaching yoga to little kids wasn't Sohan's idea. Two years ago, the director of a preschool where Sohan was teaching fitness asked whether she could teach yoga. 'I thought, 'What the heck am I going to do?'' Sohan recalled.
By Monique Polak
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Maya is one of an increasing number of children, some as young as 9 months old, who are doing yoga. Maya, 5, is enrolled in a weekly extracurricular yoga class for kindergarten students at Kuper Academy in Kirkland, just West of Montreal.
Her teacher, Aline Reizian, and Reizian's business partner, Stephanie Sohan, have found ways to make yoga feel more like fun than exercise. Their students meow when they do the cat posture and sing Twinkle, twinkle, little star.... when they get into star position. No wonder youngsters are eager to roll out their yoga mats when Reizian and Sohan turn up at kindergartens and daycare centres.
Teaching yoga to little kids wasn't Sohan's idea. Two years ago, the director of a preschool where Sohan was teaching fitness asked whether she could teach yoga. 'I thought, 'What the heck am I going to do?'' Sohan recalled.
By Monique Polak
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Monday, 16 November 2009
SITTING YOGA
Have you ever tried Yoga? There's a reason the ancient practice has gained popularity over the years.
It simply makes you feel better by relieving stress, pain and increases your flexibility.
If you don't have time for a Yoga class, there's a practical way to insert it into your day.
Judi Barr is a therapeutic Yoga instructor with Heartlight Yoga Center. She's also the Yoga instructor for the Cleveland Clinic Lifestyle 180 program.
She shows us simple poses you can do right at your work desk that will clear your mind, ease your stress, improve your mood and chances are no one will even notice you're doing Yoga.
By WKYC
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
It simply makes you feel better by relieving stress, pain and increases your flexibility.
If you don't have time for a Yoga class, there's a practical way to insert it into your day.
Judi Barr is a therapeutic Yoga instructor with Heartlight Yoga Center. She's also the Yoga instructor for the Cleveland Clinic Lifestyle 180 program.
She shows us simple poses you can do right at your work desk that will clear your mind, ease your stress, improve your mood and chances are no one will even notice you're doing Yoga.
By WKYC
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Sunday, 15 November 2009
YOGA AND AGE
Some of the health conscious senior citizens of the city got a new lease of life when they took matters of health in their hands and started yoga classes.
Celebrating the two years of their yoga centre Star Yoga Point, many of the members are already heading towards a healthy and long life.
The classes that began on October 2007 in the Imliban Park and ever since then over a 100 members have been attending the classes daily from 6 to 7 in the morning.
'Morning yoga classes in the park have really made me active. The greenery in the park and along with the yoga practices has made me more energetic. I have not missed a single class,' said Kamal Uddin a 72 year old member of the yoga centre.
The yoga instructor Ibrahim Jeelani has developed a package especially keeping in mind the health problems faced by the senior citizens. 'I make them do pranayamas, dhanurasana, kapal bharati, mandukasana that helps to keep diabetes, high blood pressure, spondylitis, arthritis in check,' said Ibrahim Jeelani.
Jeelani who is also a qualified dietician recommends a low protein diet along with plenty of green vegetables to improve health conditions.
'Post retirement I had become very slow and dull. I used to get tired very easily. But after I started yoga I have got my old energy back. I am feeling a lot younger,' said 62 year old Dr. Iftikar Jahan.
The yoga centre also has appointed doctors for free monthly consultations and has invited many health experts to deliver lectures to its members.
By Express Buzz
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Celebrating the two years of their yoga centre Star Yoga Point, many of the members are already heading towards a healthy and long life.
The classes that began on October 2007 in the Imliban Park and ever since then over a 100 members have been attending the classes daily from 6 to 7 in the morning.
'Morning yoga classes in the park have really made me active. The greenery in the park and along with the yoga practices has made me more energetic. I have not missed a single class,' said Kamal Uddin a 72 year old member of the yoga centre.
The yoga instructor Ibrahim Jeelani has developed a package especially keeping in mind the health problems faced by the senior citizens. 'I make them do pranayamas, dhanurasana, kapal bharati, mandukasana that helps to keep diabetes, high blood pressure, spondylitis, arthritis in check,' said Ibrahim Jeelani.
Jeelani who is also a qualified dietician recommends a low protein diet along with plenty of green vegetables to improve health conditions.
'Post retirement I had become very slow and dull. I used to get tired very easily. But after I started yoga I have got my old energy back. I am feeling a lot younger,' said 62 year old Dr. Iftikar Jahan.
The yoga centre also has appointed doctors for free monthly consultations and has invited many health experts to deliver lectures to its members.
By Express Buzz
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Friday, 13 November 2009
A YOGA VACATION
Chi Life is offering the gift of health during this holiday season and beyond. We offer stress reduction and fitness classes for better health and the art of ageless living to the Denver Metro area. This is a free class that combines Hatha Yoga and traditional Tai Chi together called Yochi. You will leave this class feeling rejuvenated and stress free with a clear and open mind so you can better handle the stress of everyday living.
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Thursday, 12 November 2009
SEX AND YOGA
Once it became public knowledge that yoga had taken over my life, people started asking if I'd learned any new sexual positions, largely because they wanted to make fun of me. Someone asked if I was now more 'bendy.' Another said, 'so, are you like having that Tantric sex stuff for 12 straight hours at a time, you know, like Sting and Trudy?'
Well, I'd definitely grown more agile and more flexible. I wasn't flopping around like a decked marlin in bed, and didn't find myself wheezing for breath when I was done. But it's not like my wife and I continually writhed in sweet Kama Sutra sexual congress, tenderly moving our outstretched hands in a circle while facing each other in half moon pose. Allow me to quote Sting from a revealing interview he did with a British tabloid: 'Yes, you can have sex for six hours, but it includes dinner, a movie and maybe a lot of begging! Tantra is a well documented science, it's not just about sex. It's a devotional exercise to express adoration. Sex is a sacred act and incredible fun.'
What he said. Let me add that I actually hadn't studied Tantra, at all, so I definitely wasn't having rock star intercourse. Plus, if Sting, a physically impeccable world famous billionaire musician who owns most of Scotland, has to beg his wife for sex, where did that leave guys like me? By the time Regina and I got done with dinner and a movie, all we cared about was rushing home so we didn't have to pay the babysitter an extra ten bucks, which didn't really put us in the mood to make the sexy time.
By Neal Pollack
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Well, I'd definitely grown more agile and more flexible. I wasn't flopping around like a decked marlin in bed, and didn't find myself wheezing for breath when I was done. But it's not like my wife and I continually writhed in sweet Kama Sutra sexual congress, tenderly moving our outstretched hands in a circle while facing each other in half moon pose. Allow me to quote Sting from a revealing interview he did with a British tabloid: 'Yes, you can have sex for six hours, but it includes dinner, a movie and maybe a lot of begging! Tantra is a well documented science, it's not just about sex. It's a devotional exercise to express adoration. Sex is a sacred act and incredible fun.'
What he said. Let me add that I actually hadn't studied Tantra, at all, so I definitely wasn't having rock star intercourse. Plus, if Sting, a physically impeccable world famous billionaire musician who owns most of Scotland, has to beg his wife for sex, where did that leave guys like me? By the time Regina and I got done with dinner and a movie, all we cared about was rushing home so we didn't have to pay the babysitter an extra ten bucks, which didn't really put us in the mood to make the sexy time.
By Neal Pollack
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
TEACHING YOGA
People who know a little about yoga may think of it as a series of body poses. Downward facing dog, mountain pose, warrior. But for Bend resident Amanda Stuermer, yoga is about much more. Yoga is not only a way of staying physically fit, it is a way of life that inspires her to give back to the community.
She says yoga is a way of going inside. 'When you connect with yourself, you start wanting to connect with others,' she said.
After more than 20 years of yoga practice, Stuermer has started two community service projects this year. She is teaching yoga and creative writing to high school girls, and she is raising money to help build a school and birthing center in Uganda.
Stuermer was inspired by the national movement called Off the Mat, Into the World, which encourages yoga practitioners to do good in the world. She started asking herself, 'How do you live your yoga?'
'I knew I needed to be of service,' she said.
By Alandra Johnson
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
She says yoga is a way of going inside. 'When you connect with yourself, you start wanting to connect with others,' she said.
After more than 20 years of yoga practice, Stuermer has started two community service projects this year. She is teaching yoga and creative writing to high school girls, and she is raising money to help build a school and birthing center in Uganda.
Stuermer was inspired by the national movement called Off the Mat, Into the World, which encourages yoga practitioners to do good in the world. She started asking herself, 'How do you live your yoga?'
'I knew I needed to be of service,' she said.
By Alandra Johnson
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
THAT YOGA MOVIE
Enlighten Up!
CRITICAL CONSENSUS
Enlighten Up! is a funny, warmhearted documentary that's uneven in spots, but thought provoking nonetheless.
SYNOPSIS
Kate Churchill is a filmmaker and a dedicated yoga practitioner who insists that yoga can transform anyone. She decides to prove it. Her plan: select a subject, immerse him in yoga and follow him until he finds a yoga practice that transforms him. Her subject: Nick Rosen a skeptical, 29 year old journalist living in New York City.
Intrigued by the opportunity to peek behind the curtain of a 5.7 billion dollar "spiritual" industry, Nick signs on to investigate yoga for 6 months. Before he can say OM, he finds himself twisted up like a pretzel, surrounded by celebrity yogis, true believers, kooks, entrepreneurs and a gentle teacher from Brazil who leads his class with his feet behind his head.
By My Fox
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
CRITICAL CONSENSUS
Enlighten Up! is a funny, warmhearted documentary that's uneven in spots, but thought provoking nonetheless.
SYNOPSIS
Kate Churchill is a filmmaker and a dedicated yoga practitioner who insists that yoga can transform anyone. She decides to prove it. Her plan: select a subject, immerse him in yoga and follow him until he finds a yoga practice that transforms him. Her subject: Nick Rosen a skeptical, 29 year old journalist living in New York City.
Intrigued by the opportunity to peek behind the curtain of a 5.7 billion dollar "spiritual" industry, Nick signs on to investigate yoga for 6 months. Before he can say OM, he finds himself twisted up like a pretzel, surrounded by celebrity yogis, true believers, kooks, entrepreneurs and a gentle teacher from Brazil who leads his class with his feet behind his head.
By My Fox
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Monday, 9 November 2009
YOGA IS A DEPRESSION CURE
There are innumerous benefits of Yoga. It is one of the most popular forms of exercise practiced all around the globe. Yoga exercises benefit your life not only physically, but mentally and spiritually too. The benefits of yoga enrich your life in many ways. Yoga training is a great way to stay fit and live a balanced life. Not only this, but yoga can also cure emotional disorders like Depression.
Depression is the most unpleasant experience one can go through. This may vary from feelings of slight sadness to utter misery and dejection. It is far more difficult to cope with than a physical ailment. The growing complexities of modern life add mental stress that leads to this disorder. It can also be a result of the monotony and drudgery of a daily routine, without any meaningful variation in urban life.
It is a little difficult to diagnose depression clinically. However, there are certain symptoms to suggest that the person is going through depression, like-feelings of acute sense of loss and inexplicable sadness, loss of energy and loss of interest. The patient feels tired and lacks interest in everything and usually wakes up frequently and is unable to return to sleep.
Among the available natural cures for depression, Yoga exercises are the best. These exercises not only keep the body physically and mentally fit but also provides recreation and mental relaxation. It changes the levels of hormones in blood and helps in elevating beta-endorphins; a chemical that affects the mood. Exercises can also improve the function of the autonomic nervous system.
Divine Wellness is an interactive health portal that provides a great deal of information on yoga for depression. Regular practice of yoga helps in curing conditions like high or low blood pressure, hypertension, joints pain, acme, allergies, and bronchitis, amongst others.
Written and Published by Divine Wellness - Please visit their wonderful website - CLICK HERE!
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Depression is the most unpleasant experience one can go through. This may vary from feelings of slight sadness to utter misery and dejection. It is far more difficult to cope with than a physical ailment. The growing complexities of modern life add mental stress that leads to this disorder. It can also be a result of the monotony and drudgery of a daily routine, without any meaningful variation in urban life.
It is a little difficult to diagnose depression clinically. However, there are certain symptoms to suggest that the person is going through depression, like-feelings of acute sense of loss and inexplicable sadness, loss of energy and loss of interest. The patient feels tired and lacks interest in everything and usually wakes up frequently and is unable to return to sleep.
Among the available natural cures for depression, Yoga exercises are the best. These exercises not only keep the body physically and mentally fit but also provides recreation and mental relaxation. It changes the levels of hormones in blood and helps in elevating beta-endorphins; a chemical that affects the mood. Exercises can also improve the function of the autonomic nervous system.
Divine Wellness is an interactive health portal that provides a great deal of information on yoga for depression. Regular practice of yoga helps in curing conditions like high or low blood pressure, hypertension, joints pain, acme, allergies, and bronchitis, amongst others.
Written and Published by Divine Wellness - Please visit their wonderful website - CLICK HERE!
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Friday, 6 November 2009
IS YOGA TAXING? YES!
Is yoga karmic or commercial?
Missouri insists that it's the latter and therefore should be taxed.
The state Department of Revenue on Sunday began enforcing collection of a 4 percent tax on yoga and Pilates classes, upsetting instructors and studios who contend their practices transcend mere recreation.
And yoga practitioners aren't taking the change lying down, or even in the corpse pose.
'This are a couple people up in a room somewhere far away from yoga classes making arbitrary decisions so the state can make more money,' said Debbie Borel, studio director at The Yoga Barn in south Kansas City. 'It's inappropriate.'
State officials said the classes, which are rooted in Eastern religions but abound in fitness centers and commercial studios, are subject to a sales tax on places of 'amusement, entertainment or recreation.'
'It was not because of the state's revenue situation,' said Ted Farnen, a Revenue Department spokesman. 'It was based on the fact that we wanted to apply this tax in a fair and even way.'
Revenue officials argue that a 2008 state Supreme Court ruling upholds the tax's applicability to services provided at fitness facilities.
By JASON NOBLE
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Missouri insists that it's the latter and therefore should be taxed.
The state Department of Revenue on Sunday began enforcing collection of a 4 percent tax on yoga and Pilates classes, upsetting instructors and studios who contend their practices transcend mere recreation.
And yoga practitioners aren't taking the change lying down, or even in the corpse pose.
'This are a couple people up in a room somewhere far away from yoga classes making arbitrary decisions so the state can make more money,' said Debbie Borel, studio director at The Yoga Barn in south Kansas City. 'It's inappropriate.'
State officials said the classes, which are rooted in Eastern religions but abound in fitness centers and commercial studios, are subject to a sales tax on places of 'amusement, entertainment or recreation.'
'It was not because of the state's revenue situation,' said Ted Farnen, a Revenue Department spokesman. 'It was based on the fact that we wanted to apply this tax in a fair and even way.'
Revenue officials argue that a 2008 state Supreme Court ruling upholds the tax's applicability to services provided at fitness facilities.
By JASON NOBLE
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
YOGA AND THE ARMY
Up with the sun to sit cross-legged, finishing the day with curry and naan, the 250 odd US soldiers in India for a fortnight long joint exercise got more than what they expected, but they weren't complaining.
Apart from the mechanized exercise, the men from 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division of the US Army, took off their running shoes and traded their standard physical training for yoga.
They rose with the sun, sat on a mat in the grass, cross legged, eyes closed, fist closed and controlling their breathing. A qualified instructor was deputed from the Indian side to teach them yoga.
"It was a different experience for them. Besides swapping soldiers, sharing equipment and trading war stories we also gave a taste of Indian culture. The US troops were given yoga classes twice or thrice a week," said a senior Indian Army official.
BY Times of India
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Apart from the mechanized exercise, the men from 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division of the US Army, took off their running shoes and traded their standard physical training for yoga.
They rose with the sun, sat on a mat in the grass, cross legged, eyes closed, fist closed and controlling their breathing. A qualified instructor was deputed from the Indian side to teach them yoga.
"It was a different experience for them. Besides swapping soldiers, sharing equipment and trading war stories we also gave a taste of Indian culture. The US troops were given yoga classes twice or thrice a week," said a senior Indian Army official.
BY Times of India
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
YOGA AND CHILDREN
Janet Williams had barely started studying yoga when her instructor pegged her as a future teacher of the centuries old posture and breathing exercises.
Children try yoga moves featured in a new book "What I see, I can Be" at a parenting and family literacy centre at Northern Heights public school in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
That was in 1988 when the Sault Ste. Marie native was a second-year English major at University of Western Ontario.
"When I was doing the yoga I felt, 'This is amazing.' When I left, I felt so good," said Williams.
"I was so calm and so relaxed."
Her teacher's prediction was accurate. Williams started teaching yoga in 1996 and has studied the art not only in Canada, but also in Australia, England and Spain.
Earlier this decade, friend and former schoolmate Gratia Giovanatti suggested that with Williams' educational background, she's also a York University faculty of education graduate, she pen her own yoga book.
It took eight long years, but her first work is now published.
"What I See, I Can Be: A Guided Yoga Flow for Children" was released Sept. 1 through her own publishing effort, Light Connections Press.
The book and accompanying CD of "soothing" music encourages teachers, parents and youth group leaders with no yoga experience to lead youngsters aged three to nine in 13 different moves.
"We have to model (physical activity) to our children," she said.
"If we do not show how important exercise is, how important to move your body is, how are children ever going to know that's an important thing?"
Children, said Williams, benefit from strengthening, stretching and concentrating during traditional exercises with kid-friendly names such as dog, tree and cat.
"The kids love it. They want to move their bodies. They're designed to move their bodies," she said.
"Children cannot grow into healthy adults if they haven't moved during their childhood."
Williams hopes her work can be used by elementary school teachers during mandated 20 minute daily physical activity in their classrooms.
By Brian Kelly
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Children try yoga moves featured in a new book "What I see, I can Be" at a parenting and family literacy centre at Northern Heights public school in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
That was in 1988 when the Sault Ste. Marie native was a second-year English major at University of Western Ontario.
"When I was doing the yoga I felt, 'This is amazing.' When I left, I felt so good," said Williams.
"I was so calm and so relaxed."
Her teacher's prediction was accurate. Williams started teaching yoga in 1996 and has studied the art not only in Canada, but also in Australia, England and Spain.
Earlier this decade, friend and former schoolmate Gratia Giovanatti suggested that with Williams' educational background, she's also a York University faculty of education graduate, she pen her own yoga book.
It took eight long years, but her first work is now published.
"What I See, I Can Be: A Guided Yoga Flow for Children" was released Sept. 1 through her own publishing effort, Light Connections Press.
The book and accompanying CD of "soothing" music encourages teachers, parents and youth group leaders with no yoga experience to lead youngsters aged three to nine in 13 different moves.
"We have to model (physical activity) to our children," she said.
"If we do not show how important exercise is, how important to move your body is, how are children ever going to know that's an important thing?"
Children, said Williams, benefit from strengthening, stretching and concentrating during traditional exercises with kid-friendly names such as dog, tree and cat.
"The kids love it. They want to move their bodies. They're designed to move their bodies," she said.
"Children cannot grow into healthy adults if they haven't moved during their childhood."
Williams hopes her work can be used by elementary school teachers during mandated 20 minute daily physical activity in their classrooms.
By Brian Kelly
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Monday, 2 November 2009
Techno Hot Power Yoga Classes
I took a two hour Hot Power Yoga class at Samadhi Yoga Studios in South Windsor on Friday. The class was taught by my new friend Alysse, and two live DJ's (my husband, DJ Originate, and Yoga instructor Nick Ricciardi) accompanied the class. It was quite an experience!
I had never been to this studio, or even to a Hot Power Yoga class before, so I was excited and nervous about the class. Especially since I hadn't stepped into an actual yoga class in over a month! As soon as I walked into the studio I could hear the boom of the bass from the music. As a big fan of Drum & Bass, Dubstep, and Electronic Music, I couldn't wait to get into the class!
I laid down my mat in the middle of the room. There were about 16 people in the class, and we were all different ages. I was glad to see such a diverse group of people. But then again, Yogis are pretty much always open for new things!
After setting the initial intention for the class, Alysse began leading us through Sun Salutations and the pulse of the music became louder. I do have to say that I LOVED having techno music blasting during the class! I am not sure if it is just because I am used to being driven by music because I am a dancer, or because it was helping me get through the millions of Chaturangas I struggled through (something Bikram students like myself are NOT used to!!!), but it was great! It was also comforting to occasionally look up at the two DJ's and see that they were both totally into the music and the energy of the room as well.
The two hour class flew by, and was full of flowing postures, balancing postures, and many breathing exercises. It was actually the toughest class I have ever taken - even more so than any Bikram class, if you can believe that! I definitely need more Hot Power Yoga classes in the future, at least to build my arms strength. My arms are STILL sore from all the Chaturangas, and it is 4 days later!
At the end of class, when we came back from Savasana, we sat up and faced Alysse and the two DJ's beside her, who were all seated in cross legged positions with their palms up in front of us like they were thanking us for the class and the energy we had shared with them.
I didn't get to talk to any of the class members about their experience, but I did talk with my husband after. It was great to see him looking so happy after class. He has NEVER been to a Yoga class before, so I was eager to hear what he thought about the class. From the look on his face, I could tell that he may have gotten some of the benefits of doing Yoga just by being in that hot room with all of us practicing in front of him.
He told me that he felt he was feeding off our energy during the class. His song selections were chosen based on what postures we were doing. He said that when we began flowing, he would pump the bass up a bit more, and when we were still, he changed to play more smooth songs. Nate used to DJ our dance rehearsals sometimes and has become really aware of how to play off his audience, so I was really excited to hear how that translated into DJ'ing for a Yoga class.
Nate and I spoke to Alysse and Nick after class and we all agreed that perhaps a 'TechnoYoga' class would be a good idea to add to the class schedule at the studio. Though the mixture of Yoga and Electronic music is not something you'd think that would blend together that well, it surely was an experience we'd like to explore again!
Written and Published by Yoga Maendy - Please visit their wonderful website - CLICK HERE!
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
I had never been to this studio, or even to a Hot Power Yoga class before, so I was excited and nervous about the class. Especially since I hadn't stepped into an actual yoga class in over a month! As soon as I walked into the studio I could hear the boom of the bass from the music. As a big fan of Drum & Bass, Dubstep, and Electronic Music, I couldn't wait to get into the class!
I laid down my mat in the middle of the room. There were about 16 people in the class, and we were all different ages. I was glad to see such a diverse group of people. But then again, Yogis are pretty much always open for new things!
After setting the initial intention for the class, Alysse began leading us through Sun Salutations and the pulse of the music became louder. I do have to say that I LOVED having techno music blasting during the class! I am not sure if it is just because I am used to being driven by music because I am a dancer, or because it was helping me get through the millions of Chaturangas I struggled through (something Bikram students like myself are NOT used to!!!), but it was great! It was also comforting to occasionally look up at the two DJ's and see that they were both totally into the music and the energy of the room as well.
The two hour class flew by, and was full of flowing postures, balancing postures, and many breathing exercises. It was actually the toughest class I have ever taken - even more so than any Bikram class, if you can believe that! I definitely need more Hot Power Yoga classes in the future, at least to build my arms strength. My arms are STILL sore from all the Chaturangas, and it is 4 days later!
At the end of class, when we came back from Savasana, we sat up and faced Alysse and the two DJ's beside her, who were all seated in cross legged positions with their palms up in front of us like they were thanking us for the class and the energy we had shared with them.
I didn't get to talk to any of the class members about their experience, but I did talk with my husband after. It was great to see him looking so happy after class. He has NEVER been to a Yoga class before, so I was eager to hear what he thought about the class. From the look on his face, I could tell that he may have gotten some of the benefits of doing Yoga just by being in that hot room with all of us practicing in front of him.
He told me that he felt he was feeding off our energy during the class. His song selections were chosen based on what postures we were doing. He said that when we began flowing, he would pump the bass up a bit more, and when we were still, he changed to play more smooth songs. Nate used to DJ our dance rehearsals sometimes and has become really aware of how to play off his audience, so I was really excited to hear how that translated into DJ'ing for a Yoga class.
Nate and I spoke to Alysse and Nick after class and we all agreed that perhaps a 'TechnoYoga' class would be a good idea to add to the class schedule at the studio. Though the mixture of Yoga and Electronic music is not something you'd think that would blend together that well, it surely was an experience we'd like to explore again!
Written and Published by Yoga Maendy - Please visit their wonderful website - CLICK HERE!
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
YOGA CHI GUNG
INDOOROOPILLY breast cancer survivor Sarah Varghese knows all too well about the long recovery process after diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Yoga Chi Gung, a style of yoga, helped her with that recovery.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, the mother of three underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Despite being tired from the treatments, Mrs Varghese decided to start practising yoga to help address both her physical and psychological needs.
'The fatigue lasts for many months after the treatments finish and I did not feel right for at least a year after the chemotherapy and radium,' she said.
'I found that yoga was of great benefit in managing the fatigue and anxiety associated with the cancer diagnosis and treatment.'
Now a yoga teacher herself, Mrs Varghese wants to share her knowledge and techniques with other women who may be in similar situations.
She teachers classes at her home every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
She is also a yoga teacher with the Kim Walters Choices program.
For more information phone 3870 5535.
By Westside News
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Yoga Chi Gung, a style of yoga, helped her with that recovery.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, the mother of three underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Despite being tired from the treatments, Mrs Varghese decided to start practising yoga to help address both her physical and psychological needs.
'The fatigue lasts for many months after the treatments finish and I did not feel right for at least a year after the chemotherapy and radium,' she said.
'I found that yoga was of great benefit in managing the fatigue and anxiety associated with the cancer diagnosis and treatment.'
Now a yoga teacher herself, Mrs Varghese wants to share her knowledge and techniques with other women who may be in similar situations.
She teachers classes at her home every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
She is also a yoga teacher with the Kim Walters Choices program.
For more information phone 3870 5535.
By Westside News
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
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