http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/Yoga - life without borders, life beyond borders...ennoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:38:39 PSTBlogger http://www.blogger.com73125noreply@blogger.comnoYoga - life without borders, life beyond borders...http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/kzpRnd-OJmQ/try-yoga-to-enhance-your-sport.htmlHealthYogaTeachnoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:27:20 PDTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-1004565809614319837I instructed a yoga class for a high school football team last week. A bunch of the teens didn't want anything to do with yoga. I guess they thought it would have no benefit to them and I think they felt embarrassed to be out on the field in plain view practicing yoga.The guys that stayed had an open mind to a point, but mainly had the idea that this was an easy workout and they were humoring the2009-09-09T23:27:20.279-07:004http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2009/09/try-yoga-to-enhance-your-sport.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/RsS61x74WTk/handstand-fear-factor.htmlAsanaHealthHatha Yoganoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Sat, 13 Dec 2008 13:16:32 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-8690805013921940689I should say that inversions, and especially Handstand or Adho Mukha Vrksasana, are not difficult poses physically, although it do require a certain level of strength and flexibility. Instead, the real challenge of Handstand for many practitioners is working on the necessary physical skills in a calm, focused way while facing the primal human fear of falling. For a beginning inverter, the 2008-12-13T13:16:32.695-08:002http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2008/12/handstand-fear-factor.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/AfnMKPOgqzU/ahjali-mudra.htmlWisdomnoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:44 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-2442184691030364736Practicing Anjali Mudra or Salutation Seal is an excellent way to induce a meditative state of awareness. Start your practice sitting in meditation in Anjali Mudra for five minutes. You can also use this hand position in Tadasana prior to beginning the Sun Salutation sequence, as you contemplate the "sun" or light of awareness that the yogis say is resident in your heart. Here are several steps 2008-12-09T06:57:44.586-08:002http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/07/ahjali-mudra.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/kElCqlK1idc/neck-release.htmlAsanaHealthnoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:44 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-4412855896076261777No matter how careful you are to avoid putting yourself in taxing situations, as long as you're living on this earth, stress will hunt you down and wreak havoc on your day. More often than not, it will set up camp in your neck and shoulders, causing even more tension and discomfort. If you're stressed out today, breathe deeply as you try this easy neck release:Stand in a strong but soft Tadasana 2008-12-09T06:57:44.712-08:002http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/07/neck-release.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/1iTbuSkarjs/kundalini-rising.htmlKundaliniHatha Yoganoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:44 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-8582894729214925464We often think of the masculine principle as active and creative, while the feminine is passive and receptive. While in hatha yoga, these are reversed: The goddess Shakti (literally "power") creates and nourishes the world, while her spouse, the god Shiva (the "auspicious one") is her silent audience. Shakti and Shiva are the heroes of an old parable that epitomizes the practice and goal of hatha2008-12-09T06:57:44.860-08:002http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/07/kundalini-rising.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/U-Z_mO3s70M/ayurvedic-bathing.htmlHealthOrganic BeautyAyurvedanoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:44 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-1773389869928916799Bathing, the daily chore or indulgence we've come to know as a way to wake up and scrub ourselves clean, is actually much more than a simple hygiene regimen. In many cultures, it's seen as the final step in a detoxifying process that can begin with circulation, digestion, breath, sleep, or even thoughts and emotions. Nowhere is this approach more evident than with Ayurveda. Ayurvedic bathing goes2008-12-09T06:57:44.953-08:002http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/07/ayurvedic-bathing.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/Xca1_20f1JE/yoga-vitamins.htmlTipsWisdomnoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:45 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-2392336651841945948If you're developing a dedicated yoga practice, you have surely heard of the yamas and niyamas of Patanjali's classical yoga, which include such virtues as ahimsa (nonharming), satya (truthfulness), and samtosha (contentment). Lesser known are the "yoga vitamins," as B.K.S. Iyengar named them in The Tree of Yoga. These five partner virtues, set forth in the Yoga Sutra, reinforce the classical 2008-12-09T06:57:45.136-08:003http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/07/yoga-vitamins.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/AORsb3kBAqo/kitchari.htmlDietAyurvedaFoodnoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:45 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-9183865519275848662In US downing a hearty grain dish would not be called fasting. But in India kitchari — a soupy porridge made from rice and mung beans, lightly spiced with ginger, cilantro, and other spices—is considered a fasting food and is used to purify digestion and cleanse systemic toxins.Ayurvedic physicians often prescribe a kitchari diet before, during, and after panchakarma, a rejuvenative treatment 2008-12-09T06:57:45.327-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/07/kitchari.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/94KtOdVOwyg/knee-story.htmlAsanaTeachHatha Yoganoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:45 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-1638181004267026381If you've ever experienced knee pain or a chronic knee problem — you know how frustrating and limiting it can be. Unfortunately, it's not unusual for yoga students to practice asanas with small misalignments in the knee. Repeated over months and years, these small misalignments can contribute to pain and long-term joint problems. On the other hand, yoga poses practiced with conscious good 2008-12-09T06:57:45.473-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/07/knee-story.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/oOpEpyx62O4/yoga-vacations.htmlTipsnoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:45 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-2065373679117296318Even if this is not your first yoga vacation, choosing among the vast number of offerings can be a challenge. How do you select the experience that's right for you? With a bit of common sense and the right resources, it's not as hard as it might seem. Ask yourself the right questions, and you'll soon determine the type of yoga vacation that best suits your needs.You'll want to start by looking 2008-12-09T06:57:45.800-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/07/yoga-vacations.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/s8ZT3QeVwE0/some-precepts-of-karma-yoga.htmlMeditationWisdomnoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:45 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-2952054643418731773Most religious traditions place high value on apology, forgiveness, and making amends. Yoga teaching, too, speaks to the importance of dealing ethically with others. The concept of karma tells us, in part, that our actions will come back to us. Karma yoga is the practice of selflessly putting ourselves in service to others, and part of this is trying to right the wrongs we have done. But how do 2008-12-09T06:57:45.909-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/07/some-precepts-of-karma-yoga.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/b-loDXaeiHY/tea-time.htmlTipsFoodnoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:46 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-7624100682561614404One of the highlights of an early morning practice usually refers to the aroma of homemade yogi tea wafting from the kitchen. Sure, you can purchase Yogi Tea bags at any health food store, but why not put some love into making it from scratch?It’s well worth a bit of chopping and measuring for the multitude of benefits you’ll receive. Black pepper is a blood purifier; and cardamon, a digestive 2008-12-09T06:57:46.083-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/07/tea-time.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/azlZDhtO4TI/neem-skin-rescue.htmlOrganic BeautyAyurvedanoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:46 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-1042046610619273495With its long leafy branches and lotuslike flowers, the neem tree has long enjoyed a prominent place in the Ayurvedic tradition. Centuries ago, Sanskrit writings made mention of its medicinal applications, and healers in India continue to call neem the "village pharmacy" in acknowledgment of its versatile range of uses. Today, the benefits harbored in the leaves, fruits, oil, and bark of this 2008-12-09T06:57:46.302-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/07/neem-skin-rescue.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/pUOs59fDyqo/focus-on-feet.htmlYoga ClassAyurvedanoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:46 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-1860068814722915011Whether we're standing tall in Tadasana (Mountain Pose)or flexing our toes in Supta Padangusthasana (Reclining Big Toe Pose) , yoga gives us many opportunities to focus on feet. Alas, it's often the only time we do. Foot care is not something many of us find time for, and when a yoga instructor directs our attention toward our feet, we're often unpleasantly surprised. According to the American 2008-12-09T06:57:46.474-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/07/focus-on-feet.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/udrdNwCGDNk/summer-meditation.htmlMeditationnoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:46 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-7821548168735537564During this summer, it's easy to get overloaded and miss out on the most important part of the season — connecting with others. To be loving toward your friends and family, you need to slow down. Try the meditation below, from spiritual teacher Sally Kempton, for a few minutes each day. By imagining a flame in your heart, you'll radiate loving energy from the inside out.Sit in a comfortable 2008-12-09T06:57:46.593-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/07/summer-meditation.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/pZq1TOG4HDE/r-terms.htmlTermsGlossarynoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:46 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-6126770477056329871Raga: in Indian music, a series of five or more notes upon which a melody is based; a particular melody. Ragas evoke particular moods in the listener and are often performed to resonate with a season or time of day.Raja: meaning royal; a king.Raja Yoga: royal yoga. The Yoga path of meditation. Hatha Yoga is actually a branch of Raja Yoga.Rajas Ajas: one of the three Gunas which generates passion2008-12-09T06:57:46.794-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/06/r-terms.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/RKaJoDN2UQc/prenatal-yoga-for-advanced.htmlParentingTipsnoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:47 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-8758337540284325045During pregnancy it is most important to listen closely to your intuition whenever something in the practice doesn't feel right. But an experienced practitioner can do a pretty normal practice for the first three months. In the vinyasa sequence, some women prefer stepping instead of jumping back into Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose) to reduce the risk of miscarriage. Since nausea is 2008-12-09T06:57:47.099-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/06/prenatal-yoga-for-advanced.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/9DtezglOMmo/depression-therapy.htmlMeditationAsanaHealthnoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:47 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-2071811031582254511Traditionally, the word "depression" refers to a state of melancholia, unhappiness or sadness, or to a relatively minor downturn in mood that may last only a few hours or days. This is generally seen as quite distinct from the diagnosis of clinical depression. However, if the depressed mood lasts at least two weeks, and is accompanied by other symptoms that interfere with daily living, it may be 2008-12-09T06:57:47.261-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/06/depression-therapy.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/Eqaa6sfyGqs/padma-lotus-lotus-flower.htmlTermsLotus PoseGlossarynoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:47 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-5278155059208701884Padma: Lotus, lotus flower. Another name for the chakras, because sometimes they are visualized as spoked wheels, and at other times as lotus flowers.Padukhas: The Guru's sandals, objects of the highest veneration and a figurative term for the Guru's teachings.Panchakarma: A series of traditional cleansing and balancing treatments.Panir: A type of soft, fresh cheese.Paramahansa: Parama meaning '2008-12-09T06:57:47.576-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/05/padma-lotus-lotus-flower.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/4-wdIWuJ14o/props-to-use-or-not-to-use.htmlYoga MatYoga ClassTipsnoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:47 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-6052159300050061333The original yogis didn't practice with foam blocks, D-ring straps, or purple sticky mats. But as yoga evolved, many practitioners discovered that props could help deepen their explorations. Among modern yogis, attitudes toward props range from the Zen-like minimalism of those who shun all but a sticky mat to the abundance of those who travel with an extra suitcase filled with yoga accessories. 2008-12-09T06:57:47.688-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/05/props-to-use-or-not-to-use.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/XmQoG24kt8E/henna-tattoo.htmlOrganic Beautynoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:47 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-7095107686275832675Actually, henna tattoos have their roots in ancient India, the Middle East, and Africa, where Egyptian emperors went to their royal graves with henna-adorned nails. Today, Indian women continue the tradition of mehendi, or henna design, decorating their hands and feet before weddings and other special occasions. In Niger, as in other African countries, henna artists (called tchinaden) use the 2008-12-09T06:57:47.909-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/04/henna-tattoo.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/_Lx7ei3A1fM/n-o-terms.htmlYogaTeachTermsGlossarynoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:48 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-2757074261625789976Nada: Inner sounds that may be heard during advanced stages of meditation; nada may take the form of sounds such as bells, the blowing of a conch, and thunder.Nadi: A channel in the subtle body through which prana and kundalini flow. The channels loosely correspond to the central, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Nadi also refers to the normal veins and arteries of the physical 2008-12-09T06:57:48.040-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/04/n-o-terms.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/yrf5b0hvIMg/styles-of-hatha.htmlMeditationKundaliniHatha YogaMantranoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:48 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-1058132421312339720At the beginning of the 20th century, a number of inspired and influential teachers of Hatha Yoga emerged in India. They adapted the ancient asanas to the West using different combinations of poses and breathing techniques and emphasizing different aspects of the tradition. In the process, they transformed yoga from the domain of an elite few, to a practical regimen used by millions all over the 2008-12-09T06:57:48.218-08:001http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/04/styles-of-hatha.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/mGJJ_QajhmQ/approaching-mastery.htmlAsanaTipsTeachHatha Yoganoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:48 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-1982348461330959892Learning simple asanas is easy enough, when you look at your yoga teacher and follow along. When you're ready for more complex postures, however, this Simon Says strategy may need to give way to a more methodical approach. So just how do you master a new pose? While every practitioner develops his own secrets of success, these tried-and-true principles can get you started. Break the pose into 2008-12-09T06:57:48.352-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/04/approaching-mastery.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FireSticks/~3/BbPU-qmwoGU/ayurveda-nourishing-your-hair.htmlHealthOrganic BeautyTipsAyurvedanoreply@blogger.com (Alexa)Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:57:48 PSTtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26387838.post-6160972872706208297Best known as the classic text for yogis, the Bhagavad Gita also dispensed a bit of ancient hair-care wisdom: you should know that long, luxuriant hair reflected a control of the senses. Today, this traditional association between healthy tresses and overall well-being is still the basis for Ayurvedic hair and scalp treatments. Experts in this ancient health science advise that in nurturing the 2008-12-09T06:57:48.680-08:000http://sticksoffire.blogspot.com/2007/04/ayurveda-nourishing-your-hair.html