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
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)