KANTILAL TALATI, who turns 90 in October, credits yoga for his good health. He practices a yoga posture in the home he shares with his daughter and son in law in Arlington, Texas. He's a native of India.
He spoke as if he was seated on an examining table, talking with his doctor.
'I am feeling very 'goood,'' he declared.
Any pains?
'No headache. No fever. Never.'
Problem with medications?
Kantilal Talati smiled. 'No med i ca tion.'
The polite, gracious man from India, who turns 90 next month, summarized his well being in economical English.
'I never fall sick. Due to yoga only.'
Arpita Shah's grandfather knelt on the living room carpet of the Arlington, Texas, home where he has lived with his daughter and son in law since leaving Bombay, India, last summer. Limber as an Olympic gymnast, Talati curled his 5 foot, 125 pound frame into a tight ball, and using his head for balance, slowly raised both legs overhead until his inverted body punctuated the accomplishment, forming an exclamation point.
Then Talati lowered his bare feet, turning the soles inward until they met in a posture of prayer.
As he maintained the headstand, the king of yoga poses, his family watched with respect and admiration.
Talati performs a variety of positions, asanas, as part of his disciplined daily yoga schedule.
'Never do I lapse,' he said proudly.
Yoga, an ancient Hindu practice, is aimed at achieving a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility.
Talati devotes one hour every morning to 'pranayam' (breathing exercises), followed by an hour of yoga.
After breakfast he gives yoga lessons to his hosts.
In the afternoon he does another session alone, performing more challenging yoga poses and movements that massage internal organs, enhance blood circulation and act on the joints, increasing strength and flexibility.
According to a yoga philosophy, it's not the number of years that determines a person's age but rather the suppleness of the spine.
Talati credits his 30 year regimen for his good health and longevity.
'I am very young now,' Talati said. "If someone asks me 'How old are you?' I always say, 'I am 18 years!''
By DAVID CASSTEVENS
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Monday, 22 September 2008
YOGA FOR EVERYONE
Costa Ricans can take a deep breath, and stretch. The first national yoga festival, Yoga Para Todos (Yoga for Everyone), takes place tomorrow and Sunday.
The festival, set to coincide with Sept. 21 International Day of Peace, warms up tomorrow morning with free yoga classes at centers, including Bikram Yoga, Casa Ames and Casa Lamat in San Jose, Ser Om Shanti in Playa Tamarindo, in the northwestern Guanacaste province, and VidAsana in Central Pacific's Playa Hermosa.
By www.ticotimes.net
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
The festival, set to coincide with Sept. 21 International Day of Peace, warms up tomorrow morning with free yoga classes at centers, including Bikram Yoga, Casa Ames and Casa Lamat in San Jose, Ser Om Shanti in Playa Tamarindo, in the northwestern Guanacaste province, and VidAsana in Central Pacific's Playa Hermosa.
By www.ticotimes.net
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Friday, 19 September 2008
ARMCHAIR YOGA
For some, yoga conjures up images of impossible and rather funny looking poses. For others, it is the answer to mental and physical well being. But what about those who can barely manage to leave a chair?
'This is a class for people who have issues doing a regular yoga class,' Barbara Reynolds said, as she lowered her arms to her side into the mountain pose.
Beginning its second year, the weekly chair yoga class is back at the Destin Community Center.
Chair yoga is intended for seniors who are seeking to improve their balance, breathing, flexibility and endurance.
The clientele that come to stretch and make a mind-body connection are typically people who have cardiovascular issues, hip and knee replacements, suffer arthritis, are confined to a wheelchair or have another condition that limits their mobility.
The premise behind chair yoga is that just because someone is limited physically, it does not mean that they are exempt from gaining some of the benefits that yoga has to offer.
'If anybody can breath, then they can do this class,' Reynolds said.
And breathing is key.
As inspirational music pumps through the gym, chair yoga students are instructed on how to inhale and exhale with the movements.
'Yoga is a practice, a journey,' Reynolds told the class.
The class is made up of three parts. The first part concentrates on moving with your breath. This technique relaxes the student and helps them to get centered, or focused on their inner self.
The second part of the class is a little more challenging, as poses are held for longer repetitions. The body's chakras, or points of physical and spiritual energy, are called to attention.
Relaxation and serenity set in as the body releases toxins and tension with the gentle movements.
In the third segment of the class, those who able are prompted to balance and perform modified yoga poses off the chair.
Reynolds said that balance is a vital skill to retain as one gets older. It helps to prevent stumbling and injury.
Class attendance is off to a slow start so far this year, but last year during Snowbird season, as many as 30 people attended.
Barbara Beecher is one of Reynolds returning students. She said chair yoga was the perfect solution.
'I had done yoga years ago and this sounded interesting,' Beecher said, noting that she was attracted to the program after attending Reynolds’ Zumba class.
'In the class that I was taking before, it was hard to get off the floor and the poses hurt,' she said.
When the three phases of posing, stretching and breathing are completed, Reynolds closes the class by bowing with her palms placed together at the brow chakra.
'Namaste,' she said, a salutation meaning 'I bow to you.'
Want to try chair yoga?
Experience the benefits of yoga without having to get on the floor. Chair yoga classes are offered by Barbara Reynolds on Thursdays at 11 a.m. at the Community Center. Cost is $2. Reynolds also teaches Zumba, a Latin inspired aerobic dance, on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Pilates at 5:30 p.m. Zumba is $6 and Pilates is $5 per session, or enjoy both for $10. For more information, contact Barbara Reynolds at 622 1764.
By Jennifer Rich
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
'This is a class for people who have issues doing a regular yoga class,' Barbara Reynolds said, as she lowered her arms to her side into the mountain pose.
Beginning its second year, the weekly chair yoga class is back at the Destin Community Center.
Chair yoga is intended for seniors who are seeking to improve their balance, breathing, flexibility and endurance.
The clientele that come to stretch and make a mind-body connection are typically people who have cardiovascular issues, hip and knee replacements, suffer arthritis, are confined to a wheelchair or have another condition that limits their mobility.
The premise behind chair yoga is that just because someone is limited physically, it does not mean that they are exempt from gaining some of the benefits that yoga has to offer.
'If anybody can breath, then they can do this class,' Reynolds said.
And breathing is key.
As inspirational music pumps through the gym, chair yoga students are instructed on how to inhale and exhale with the movements.
'Yoga is a practice, a journey,' Reynolds told the class.
The class is made up of three parts. The first part concentrates on moving with your breath. This technique relaxes the student and helps them to get centered, or focused on their inner self.
The second part of the class is a little more challenging, as poses are held for longer repetitions. The body's chakras, or points of physical and spiritual energy, are called to attention.
Relaxation and serenity set in as the body releases toxins and tension with the gentle movements.
In the third segment of the class, those who able are prompted to balance and perform modified yoga poses off the chair.
Reynolds said that balance is a vital skill to retain as one gets older. It helps to prevent stumbling and injury.
Class attendance is off to a slow start so far this year, but last year during Snowbird season, as many as 30 people attended.
Barbara Beecher is one of Reynolds returning students. She said chair yoga was the perfect solution.
'I had done yoga years ago and this sounded interesting,' Beecher said, noting that she was attracted to the program after attending Reynolds’ Zumba class.
'In the class that I was taking before, it was hard to get off the floor and the poses hurt,' she said.
When the three phases of posing, stretching and breathing are completed, Reynolds closes the class by bowing with her palms placed together at the brow chakra.
'Namaste,' she said, a salutation meaning 'I bow to you.'
Want to try chair yoga?
Experience the benefits of yoga without having to get on the floor. Chair yoga classes are offered by Barbara Reynolds on Thursdays at 11 a.m. at the Community Center. Cost is $2. Reynolds also teaches Zumba, a Latin inspired aerobic dance, on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. and Pilates at 5:30 p.m. Zumba is $6 and Pilates is $5 per session, or enjoy both for $10. For more information, contact Barbara Reynolds at 622 1764.
By Jennifer Rich
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Thursday, 18 September 2008
YOGA AND NINTENDO
This new yoga companion is personal and portable, but not really 'quick'. Players get more than 180 poses and different camera angles (referred to as point change, not camera angle), a possible target for player perversion due to some compromising stances motion captured and approved by Mai Hashimoto and the Swami Vivekananda’s Yoga Research Foundation.
The journey begins after confirming a special exercising agreement, then records are kept as players maneuver through daily power yoga, prescription yoga, free selection and practice logs. Players can read all the information in English or Sanskrit and search several challenging poses by posture and action. Information on specific details and benefits help players customize their experience. Actions can be added to the practice menu as lessons are learned. Eventually, players can make their own routines. Skip step and rewind/fast forward options are available…if you can touch the screen with the stylus while exercising.
Players have no real guidance or interactivity, plus constant glancing at the screen during these physical activities. Special voice features eliminate voice overs, but not the need for them. Players also use the microphone to check breathing techniques. The voice features should be helpful throughout the text heavy sets, viewable on both screens, but are not really practical unless you have a headset on. Even then players must move and perform the actual poses, a challenging task without trying to keep up with viewings (yes, the font is a bit small) and voice commands (a voice recognized 'pause' would have been nice, but players can still touch the screen for one).
Other features show calories burned, also represented by food and special relaxation techniques to treat insomnia, ease worries, tired eyes, and clear that head. The tools mode includes quizzes, terms, search options (a great place to start), breathing practice and a physical test that determines 'how old your body is'. Music (with limited options) and sound effects provide limited cues for breathing and progression.
This latest yoga video game training assistant does not really qualify as a game and furthers mild displeasure with inconvenient navigation and functionality. This companion could use several improvements and might be used initially in more private settings due to the occasionally confusing instruction and required close proximity. Find a reachable viewing spot even with your eye line, possibly even completing sets by posture (sitting, standing, laying down, etc.) so you can complete several at a time. Once past the considerable learning curve, this title provides a helpful portable yoga companion for players willing to invest the time.
By Tall Writer
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
The journey begins after confirming a special exercising agreement, then records are kept as players maneuver through daily power yoga, prescription yoga, free selection and practice logs. Players can read all the information in English or Sanskrit and search several challenging poses by posture and action. Information on specific details and benefits help players customize their experience. Actions can be added to the practice menu as lessons are learned. Eventually, players can make their own routines. Skip step and rewind/fast forward options are available…if you can touch the screen with the stylus while exercising.
Players have no real guidance or interactivity, plus constant glancing at the screen during these physical activities. Special voice features eliminate voice overs, but not the need for them. Players also use the microphone to check breathing techniques. The voice features should be helpful throughout the text heavy sets, viewable on both screens, but are not really practical unless you have a headset on. Even then players must move and perform the actual poses, a challenging task without trying to keep up with viewings (yes, the font is a bit small) and voice commands (a voice recognized 'pause' would have been nice, but players can still touch the screen for one).
Other features show calories burned, also represented by food and special relaxation techniques to treat insomnia, ease worries, tired eyes, and clear that head. The tools mode includes quizzes, terms, search options (a great place to start), breathing practice and a physical test that determines 'how old your body is'. Music (with limited options) and sound effects provide limited cues for breathing and progression.
This latest yoga video game training assistant does not really qualify as a game and furthers mild displeasure with inconvenient navigation and functionality. This companion could use several improvements and might be used initially in more private settings due to the occasionally confusing instruction and required close proximity. Find a reachable viewing spot even with your eye line, possibly even completing sets by posture (sitting, standing, laying down, etc.) so you can complete several at a time. Once past the considerable learning curve, this title provides a helpful portable yoga companion for players willing to invest the time.
By Tall Writer
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Monday, 15 September 2008
LAUGHTER YOGA
Goddess Diana and her husband Noah Wiesenfeld want to achieve world peace through laughter, one person at a time.
So on most weeknights you'll find them in Hollywood or Hallandale Beach, giggling among a group of people as they do the hokey pokey while they turn themselves around.
The two are practitioners of laughter yoga, a free form exercise that includes laughing, singing and dancing.
With a faithful following, the couple holds sessions at Topeekeegee Yugnee Park in Hollywood, the Hollywood Beach Culture and Community Center and Memorial Senior Partners centers in Hollywood and Hallandale Beach.
'What happens is that after five to 10 minutes, the shoulders start to go down and the people start to relax,' Diana said. 'We do a lot of breathing. We do some stretching and we laugh. We let the inner child come out and play.'
She said members of the group make sure to hug each other.
'It is really important that we hug so that people can really feel that bonding power of laughter, plus it makes them feel good,' she said. 'They go out into the community and they're happy and they make other people happy. It's kind of like a ripple effect.'
Developed in 1995 by Indian physician Madan Kataria, laughter yoga has grown from just five people to more than 6,000 clubs in 60 countries.
By Sergy Odiduro
THE LATEST LAUGHTER NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
So on most weeknights you'll find them in Hollywood or Hallandale Beach, giggling among a group of people as they do the hokey pokey while they turn themselves around.
The two are practitioners of laughter yoga, a free form exercise that includes laughing, singing and dancing.
With a faithful following, the couple holds sessions at Topeekeegee Yugnee Park in Hollywood, the Hollywood Beach Culture and Community Center and Memorial Senior Partners centers in Hollywood and Hallandale Beach.
'What happens is that after five to 10 minutes, the shoulders start to go down and the people start to relax,' Diana said. 'We do a lot of breathing. We do some stretching and we laugh. We let the inner child come out and play.'
She said members of the group make sure to hug each other.
'It is really important that we hug so that people can really feel that bonding power of laughter, plus it makes them feel good,' she said. 'They go out into the community and they're happy and they make other people happy. It's kind of like a ripple effect.'
Developed in 1995 by Indian physician Madan Kataria, laughter yoga has grown from just five people to more than 6,000 clubs in 60 countries.
By Sergy Odiduro
THE LATEST LAUGHTER NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Thursday, 11 September 2008
CHILDRENS YOGA WORKSHOP
The Sutter Lakeside Wellness Center is hosting a seven week Saturday yoga workshop for children ages 5 through 8 and for youths ages 9 through 13 beginning Saturday, Sept. 27.
The Bitta Yoga workshop (for ages 5 to 8) will occur from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Instructor Rama Deva will lead the children through an imaginary journey were they will climb mountains, venture through the jungle and meet friendly animals along the way. Participants also will learn songs and dances. A healthy snack and special treasure will be provided at every class.
The kids workshop (for ages 9 to 13, though older children are welcome), which takes place from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., will feature exercises designed to teach increased relaxation techniques, build self confidence and improve mental focus and balance. Attendees also will participate in activities that are intended to sharpen intuitive responses. Healthy snacks will be provided in this session also.
The autumn session runs from Sept. 27 through Nov. 8. There also will be a winter session, from Jan. 3 through Feb. 14. The cost is $10 per class; $7 each if three or more classes are taken or $45 for the whole seven week-session.
Instructor Rama Deva, HHP, is a regular yoga instructor at Sutter Lakeside's Wellness Center. He has trained in Deep Yoga, in San Diego with Bhava and Sundari Ram, and achieved Level 2 in the Radiant Child Yoga Program taught by Shakta Kaur Kalsa.
Rama honors the 'beautiful energy that the youth of today hold' and focuses on fun during these two workshops. He has worked with kids in local schools and focuses his life work on creating a space for the youth to express themselves in positive ways, bringing balance into their lives as they grow strong, becoming the leaders of tomorrow.
Parents of interested children are asked to call the Wellness Center at 262 5171 for registration information.
By www.Lakeconews.com
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
The Bitta Yoga workshop (for ages 5 to 8) will occur from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Instructor Rama Deva will lead the children through an imaginary journey were they will climb mountains, venture through the jungle and meet friendly animals along the way. Participants also will learn songs and dances. A healthy snack and special treasure will be provided at every class.
The kids workshop (for ages 9 to 13, though older children are welcome), which takes place from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., will feature exercises designed to teach increased relaxation techniques, build self confidence and improve mental focus and balance. Attendees also will participate in activities that are intended to sharpen intuitive responses. Healthy snacks will be provided in this session also.
The autumn session runs from Sept. 27 through Nov. 8. There also will be a winter session, from Jan. 3 through Feb. 14. The cost is $10 per class; $7 each if three or more classes are taken or $45 for the whole seven week-session.
Instructor Rama Deva, HHP, is a regular yoga instructor at Sutter Lakeside's Wellness Center. He has trained in Deep Yoga, in San Diego with Bhava and Sundari Ram, and achieved Level 2 in the Radiant Child Yoga Program taught by Shakta Kaur Kalsa.
Rama honors the 'beautiful energy that the youth of today hold' and focuses on fun during these two workshops. He has worked with kids in local schools and focuses his life work on creating a space for the youth to express themselves in positive ways, bringing balance into their lives as they grow strong, becoming the leaders of tomorrow.
Parents of interested children are asked to call the Wellness Center at 262 5171 for registration information.
By www.Lakeconews.com
THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
YOGA FREE IN THE PARK
Miami's Bayfront Park can be a place for reflection, especially with the Dade County War Memorial and the monument to Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak, who died from wounds suffered during a 1933 assassination attempt on Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Down a walkway from those two monuments, at the Tina Hills Pavilion, a different sort of reflection is available. Three times each week people gather here with their mats and their water bottles for yoga classes, free of charge. On a recent summer day, instructor Jannee Alt was guiding about 70 students through various challenging moves. 'Imagine your favorite dessert, it makes it a little more bearable,' Alt tells the class, eliciting laughter.
One student is Dean Nieves of Miami, a self employed real estate investor. 'I was doing yoga at home and I found a better place,' says Nieves, who has been coming to the class for about two months.
This month marks the third anniversary of the free classes, which have become increasingly popular, especially with people who work in nearby office buildings. 'One afternoon, some people came to me from a bank across the street with their yoga instructor, and they had been doing yoga at the bank,' recalls Bayfront Park's director, Timothy Schmand. 'They asked me if they could do yoga in the park.'
Schmand thought that was a splendid idea, and so, with his blessing, the first class took place September 12, 2005. According to Schmand, a grand total of eight people showed up. One recent class attracted more than 120 participants.
by Sylvia Gurinsky
THE LATEST FREE YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
Down a walkway from those two monuments, at the Tina Hills Pavilion, a different sort of reflection is available. Three times each week people gather here with their mats and their water bottles for yoga classes, free of charge. On a recent summer day, instructor Jannee Alt was guiding about 70 students through various challenging moves. 'Imagine your favorite dessert, it makes it a little more bearable,' Alt tells the class, eliciting laughter.
One student is Dean Nieves of Miami, a self employed real estate investor. 'I was doing yoga at home and I found a better place,' says Nieves, who has been coming to the class for about two months.
This month marks the third anniversary of the free classes, which have become increasingly popular, especially with people who work in nearby office buildings. 'One afternoon, some people came to me from a bank across the street with their yoga instructor, and they had been doing yoga at the bank,' recalls Bayfront Park's director, Timothy Schmand. 'They asked me if they could do yoga in the park.'
Schmand thought that was a splendid idea, and so, with his blessing, the first class took place September 12, 2005. According to Schmand, a grand total of eight people showed up. One recent class attracted more than 120 participants.
by Sylvia Gurinsky
THE LATEST FREE YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA
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