Tanpola Articles Directory

It is like life is going at a fast pace today. Technology, faster cars, airplanes, and all forms of transport, and life in general are going faster. It seems hard to keep up, and Yoga, and Yoga meditation with its techniques as old as 4000 years claims to bring peace and harmony today. So, why does yoga and meditation work?

Technology got such a big investment, because it was and is believed that it will allow us to live more easily. The dishwasher stops woman and men everywhere from having to spend hours washing dishes. An airplane makes a vacation and not a pilgrimage. A van is there to help us from carrying heavy things without having to do it ourselves!

However, even with all this added technology, life still has gotten to a faster pace. It seems like every time the computers increase in speed, the world has to move just a bit faster.

Yoga is truly an ancient technique; a gift to man that applies just as well from when it was handed to us, as it is today. But, why does it work? Yoga has more and more people becoming interested in it. More and more people are meditating, and it is no longer a taboo to say you meditate or do yoga.

I remember some time ago hearing about how we breath. We have to options, one is breathing from our chest, while the other is breathing from the stomach. The interesting point is that babies breath from there belly, whereas as we become adults we tend to only breathe from the chest area.

Breathing is a fascinating topic, and one which most people don’t think about. By simply changing breathing from a fast pace to a slower pace, we automatically relax more. As we close our eyes, and do meditation, we relax more.

It seems like all the troubles of the world disappear, and when we open our eyes again, we have new vigor. We have a sense of peace. And if you have not meditated before, then it is something to consider.

Meditation brings peace of mind. And with the added benefit of other parts of Yoga, the diet, the exercises, postures, and positive thinking, it can truly bring us into harmony, even today.

Scientific research has shown the benefits of yoga and meditation. The peace of mind it brings you is simply amazing. Even in a world that can seem chaotic, meditation and yoga can truly bring peace to you.

Looking at people who have done meditation for a while, and regularly, you will see that they can handle more things with a relaxed state of mind, than others who don’t do meditation and yoga.

Discover more about yoga and yoga meditation, and get free meditation techniques at: http://www.biofeedbackmeditation.info

Are you interested in meditation, however, never really tried to meditate? Is meditation something new to you, and don’t know how to begin? In this article, we will take a look at some beginner’s meditation techniques.

In this article, you will learn:
* The Point Of Meditation
* Meditation Is Medication
* The Question Of Time
* Basic Meditation Technique For Stress
* Basic Meditation Technique For Mornings And Before Going Bed

* The Point Of Meditation
What is the point of meditation? Meditation is a subject which is only becoming popular in the west, only recently. Meditation has taken the west by storm, because we understand the importance of centering ourselves. The fast paced world, in which we find ourselves don’t provide that peace of mind.

* Meditation Is Medication
Meditation is simply amazing. If anyone you speak to finds that meditation is something only Buddhist monks perform, and is taboo, then it can be hard finding your space to meditate. However, there are big reasons to meditate. Centering yourself provides amazing possibility to find more spirituality in life, and bring your mind into balance.

The fast paced world has made a lot of stress on people. We need to adapt. Luckily meditation has always been here for our aid. Meditation brings peace of mind. It helps balance the needs of mind, body, and soul. Thus I term meditation as medication.

* The Question Of Time
The first problem you will find is being able to perform meditation for any length of time. Your first attempt could see you trying to stop within the first minute! Meditation to be effective needs at the most minimum 5 minutes, and at least 15 minutes. More advanced people into meditation can go for 30 minutes or hour. And some Guru’s have been known to go for days! Though you will never need to go for such long periods.

* Basic Meditation Technique For Stress
Though meditation is only effective when done for over 5 minutes, and ideally 15 minutes, you don’t have to go to such lengths. Sometimes stress is a problem. You feel your about to burst and need something now. You may be in an office, and sitting and meditating is not always the best option!

Try to get out of the box. Get out of the place you are in, preferably in nature. Then take a deep breath. Hold and then push out, get the air out of your lungs. Then hold for 5 seconds. You want to do this 10 times. You will clear your mind, and can get back to what you were doing. You will find that you are much more able to tackle what is in front of you.

* Basic Meditation Technique For Mornings And Before Going Bed
Meditation can be done walking, sitting or while lying down. Follow above procedure. Then close your eyes. Be silent. Don’t talk mentally, and when you do, just get back to the silence. Over time, you will get better and better. Though there is much more to meditation and there are many techniques, you don’t need elaborate ways to meditate.

To learn more about yoga, and yoga meditation, visit: http://www.biofeedbackmeditation.info or for an automatic way of achieving bliss, visit http://www.journeytowilddivine.info

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by students, with a variety of ailments, in the same class? Are you looking for student solutions to your class scheduling? Do you have time constraints? Let’s look at a question and answer session.

Q: Each student is unique, but what do you do with students of different physical abilities, within the same class? How do you handle one or more students with a pre-existing injury?

Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by the variety of needs within a Yoga class. Really, I am in need of advice about too many special cases, within one yoga class. On top of this, there is an elite athlete in the corner who is bored all the time.

A: You are absolutely correct about each student being unique, but within a Yoga class each student deserves an equal amount of attention. As teachers, we know this is not always possible, but we should do our best to distribute our attention among our students, equally.

About the differences among Yoga students: If you consider mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, no two students are alike. Asana is a superficial measurement of progress in Hatha Yoga practice. A teacher should also be looking for subtle progress in each student.

For example: Is a student able to fully grasp Pranayama techniques? Is a student present for practice? Has a student been able to successfully meditate? Is a student able to transcend his or her practice beyond the mat?

In other words: Would you be proud of a student’s actions in real life. This is important because each of your students is a representative of your teaching. If we praise physical feats, we should also praise good character, and the many good qualities, which Yoga practice gives us.

If you look only at the physical plane of existence, and address each student as if he, or she, were in an exercise class, you can still make it interesting for all levels. The less flexible students will need help with modifications, or possibly, need to use props.

This does not mean that props are for the less flexible students, only, because physically-gifted students can benefit from optimum alignment. There is always a way to challenge a physically-gifted student without putting him, or her, at risk. In this case, it is also a matter of modification.

Lastly, only you know when you are overwhelmed by student needs or the number of students in your class. If you have more students than you can give proper attention to, in one class, it is time to group them according to their needs.

Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit:
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

Have you ever met a Yoga teacher who was disgruntled about his or her position? Is it being around Yoga all the time or is it an ideal occupation? What would it be like to be inspired, motivated, and respected at work?

If you attend Yoga classes, you may sometimes wonder if there is any stress in teaching at all. As it would be, all jobs are capable of having some stress, but stress is more manageable, if you enjoy your line of work.

Fear of losing your job, conflicts, unrealistic production or sales quotas, and a feeling of helplessness, are common in the work place today. Whole departments are being terminated, while their work is outsourced. The chance of a promotion, a raise, or having any input in company decisions are a thing of the past. Where could you find job satisfaction?

To be completely satisfied, one must feel productive, appreciated, respected, and be paid a fair salary. Is this idea of worker satisfaction a complete myth? It is possible to change your attitude toward your work place. You could listen to relaxing music, or a self-improvement audio book, during your morning commute.

This would give you positive energy as you begin your work day. If it is permitted, you may be able to listen to more relaxing music or self-improvement audio books at your work station. It is possible that this might be enough to reduce your stress levels. You might be able to make time to attend Yoga classes, get a massage, or go for a walk, on a regular basis.

To maintain job satisfaction, and reduce stress, is a daily strategy to keep your mental, physical, and emotional health intact. One must make a concerted effort to maintain holistic health. Yet, it can be difficult to remain positive, when your job security is threatened on a daily basis.

The prospect of teaching Yoga classes, helping others, and having a valued opinion, may see like a myth, but you will never know, unless you research it.

One last thing for you to consider: Nobody becomes a Yoga teacher, without some planning. Many instructors start out by teaching a couple of classes per week. You could teach more, if you desire.

Teaching, part-time, leaves you with plenty of energy to attend your regular job. Being a part-time Yoga instructor also places you at a unique point in your life. Much like sitting on a fence, you have a view of what it is like to feel productive, appreciated, respected, and be paid a fair salary. You may decide to teach more Yoga classes, if you wish.

Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

Yoga addresses a multitude of disorders, illnesses, and ailments. Much like any other disorder, insomnia is often the result of an imbalance within the mind and body. Yoga has been proven, over centuries, to help center the mind and body, while providing enough relaxation to help you sleep.

Anyone who has ever experienced insomnia knows how awful it can be. Whether the episodes are occasional, or regular, insomnia can disrupt your daily life. Insomnia sufferers often are depressed, anxious, and irritable; it can cause an overall feeling of helplessness.

Desperate for sleep, many turn to sleeping pills and other quick-fix solutions. In an emergency, most people opt for a sleeping pill. This multi-billion dollar industry thrives off this sense of futility. The biggest problem with choosing a sleeping pill is that these drugs often disrupt regular daily rhythms and can result in dependence. As it is, with all drugs, there are the side effects.

As long as a person’s insomnia is not a result of a medical problem, which needs professional attention, yoga can provide relief. Most bouts with insomnia are a result of stress and anxiety over personal life matters.

Yoga’s main focus is creating balance within the body and mind. Yoga also focuses on the present moment. This is especially true of yogic breathing exercises (Pranayama). With steady Pranayama practice, most stress, which keeps people from falling asleep, or wakes them up in the middle of the night, is over.

Regular exercise, of any sort, helps a person sleep at night. Vigorous exercise, done during the day, leads to looser, more relaxed muscles, at night, and creates a natural drowsiness at the end of the day.
This is, in part, due to endorphins released from the activity.

Highly active exercise is not recommended right before bedtime. It stimulates the body and raises the heart rate. These are not the conditions under which to try to fall asleep. Therefore, sun salutations would not be a good option at the end of your day, but would fit well into the early part of the day.

Yoga is an excellent choice, because performing the correct poses, actually prepares the body for sleep. Hatha Yoga poses are generally divided between those that give energy and those that relax. The soothing category influences the nervous system to respond with calm. Yoga relaxation incorporates breathing, focused mental imagery (or visualization), and slow, deep stretching movements.

Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

Patients, with Multiple Sclerosis, can expect to feel benefits from regular yoga practice. Fatigue, pain, numbness, weakness, and lack of coordination, plague sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Yoga can alleviate these symptoms with regular practice, and help students find their bodies again.

Yoga has been practiced for centuries - to holistically balance four elements of our existence. Our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health are addressed in the practice of Yoga. Historically, the vast multitude of diseases has shown a profound and wide imbalance of these elements. MS is a disease of the Central Nervous System.

This auto-immune disease breaks down nerve insulation (myelin) in the cerebral and spinal nerves. In turn, this causes confusion within the nerve communication, and signals get crossed or blocked. The result is a body and mind that can become completely disabled.

The good news is that in recent studies, the benefits of yoga have shown promise. In fact, the National MS Society has several chapters that hold regular yoga sessions. Study participants experienced lower levels of pain, more coordination, and higher energy levels.

MS can be very unpredictable. Different symptoms can affect different sufferers and at varying levels. Fatigue and stress are the most disabling for the highest majority of MS patients. Regular, physical activity is absolutely essential to maintain quality of life for sufferers of MS. Yoga is an excellent, low impact activity that has a high level of success in fighting stress and fatigue.

Another benefit is yoga’s adaptability to meet the needs of the individual. Yoga postures can be modified and altered for differing levels of ability. Some with MS lead fairly able lives, while others spend most of their days in wheel chairs. There are a variety of terms used to define the levels of Multiple Sclerosis, such as:

1. Relapsing/Remitting (RRMS)

2. Secondary Progressive (SPMS)

3. Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (PRMS)

4. Primary Progressive (PPMS)

These might be considered the main four categories, but there even more terms used, because multiple sclerosis can attack in a variety of ways. For yoga instructors, this means pursuing continuing education, recognizing differences, and becoming creative with props, modifications, and assists.

When they are available, yoga teacher assistants can assist those who cannot hold a pose, themselves, by physically helping them into position. This in itself has become an art form. In this way, the student will gain the maximum benefit from yoga practice, despite their daily struggles.

Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

Yoga instructors, who have students with MS, can use a wall, counter top, walker, or parallel bars, to assist with balance, and to give their students a physical reference point. Depending on the level of physical ability, a hands-on assist may be required.

Often, the nervous system does not successfully relay all the necessary information to the body. A physical assist helps with coordination and balance. As students progress with yoga postures, nerves are further stimulated, stress is reduced, and symptoms of MS are lessened.

Yoga breathing (pranayama) exercises will reduce stress and enable relaxation. No matter what level of ability yoga students with MS have, they can benefit from the different methods of pranayama.

Some theories, about how MS attacks the nervous system, state that high stress levels may cause further lesions of the nerve insulation (myelin). By preventing and relieving stress with regular yoga practice, MS sufferers may suspend the progression of the disease.

Other benefits that yoga can provide are flexibility and strength. Damaging lesions to the central nervous system are aggravated by muscle atrophy. If nearby muscle tissue, that is otherwise healthy, becomes weak, the disease progresses at a faster rate. Yoga postures strengthen, and increase, muscle tone throughout the body, resulting in a higher degree of immunity and physical integrity.

By stretching the muscles, and holding the poses, the muscles gain strength and release their tension (lessening spasms). Regular yoga practice also improves circulation and improves oxygen absorption in the brain. This means the brain is getting more of what it needs to perform. Increased circulation directly correlates with improved nerve function, body awareness, and overall well being.

Students with MS should consult with their doctor for advice about which level of exercise is appropriate for their particular situation. Remember that breathing, in and of itself, is a physical exercise. Competent yoga instructors must stay informed, current, and be aware, when teaching students who have disabilities.

Teachers should guide students to focus on symmetry and precision while practicing yoga techniques. Students can build strength by holding postures for 30 seconds to a minute, if possible.

The synchronicity of movement and breath are extremely important. Through regular practice, for 15 to 30 minutes minimum, students with MS will see a great improvement in their range of movement and energy levels. Make certain to encourage your students to practice yoga at home.

If you have been diagnosed with MS, find a competent yoga teacher, who has experience with teaching students who have MS. Start making a daily habit of practicing yoga, right now. You have nothing to lose, and quite possibly, everything to gain.

Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html