Ever since the evolution of globalization and industrialization, the lives of people have been like machines. So, Meditation and Yoga helps people to spare some time for themselves and peace with themselves and their life. Yoga helps people to control an individual’s mind, soul, and body. It also increases a person’s ability to be patient and calm in challenging situations and increases their concentration power. It also helps increase the strength of the body and muscles, making your body fit and healthy.

History of Ancient Practices of Yoga:

• The origin of the name “yoga” came into existence from yuj, which means to unite.
• Yoga came into existence in Rishikesh, India, from ancient times.
• According to the ancient texts in Vedas, Puranas, and other mythological books, introduce the importance of Yoga. Lord Shiva is known as the ultimate Yogi in Indian History.
• According to ancient historians and maharishis, Yoga was a secret affair back then during 300 BC. There is a belief that Yoga has powers within its practice, and you attain enlightenment. Thus, the power needs to be reserved, and there should not be any misuse of that.
• There is an ancient belief that Yoga has mystical powers that improve people’s health beyond the limits.
• Eventually and slowly, the belief in encouraging secrecy in meditation went away. And the name of Rishikesh and its culture were known to the world. And people from all over the world used to visit this place for yoga practice, which is why even today many seekers search for the Best Yoga school in Rishikesh to experience this authentic wisdom.

Importance:

• Working seating on a chair causes neck pains. Yoga and few meditation exercises help to increase the concentration level and also improve a person’s posture. It also helps in reducing the pain in the lower back and necks for continuous working throughout the day.
• Yoga helps to retain the vitality of the body and helps to improve the metabolism power of the system. You don’t only exercise to stay fit, but a healthy eating habit also plays a significant role in good health.
• During this pandemic or breakthrough of coronavirus, it is essential to keep your body fit and improve the immunity system at its best. And you can build a robust immunity system by doing Yoga regularly and fight any virus that renters the body.
• Good MeditationMeditation helps an individual to get some relief from anxiety and stress so that the person can have a sound sleep.  Practicing Yoga regularly also imparts positivity to the body.
• Meditation increases the blood circulation of the body and maintains the body’s balance. Breathing exercises improve lung function and cure the breathing problem.
  
  If someone wishes to learn Yoga deeply and spread it globally, then enrolling in Yoga teacher training in Rishikesh is the most authentic way, as the place offers both traditional and modern learning approaches.

The post Why Rishikesh Is Called The Yoga Capital Of The World? appeared first on Yoga Vini Rishikesh.

Introduction to Yoga

The term of “Yoga” means “to join”, “to add”, “to unite”, “to combine” or “to attach”. Yoga is a mental, physical and spiritual activity and practice.

Yoga is a combination of all the three said practices to rejuvenate the health. The founders of yoga are Swami Vivekananda, T. Krishnamacharya, K. Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar. June 21^st of every year is now being celebrated as ‘International Day of Yoga’.

Origin of Yoga

There is no any strong evidence about the period of the origination of Yoga, but it is mainly considered to be originated in India only, but with the span of time it has spread all across the world. The practice has been created, followed and spread by mainly Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism communities of India.

Yoga has been originated during the 5th or 6th century BC (Pre-Vedic India) but some evidences show about the Indus Valley Civilization during 3300-1900 BC. After a long period, the yoga has also been adopted by the educated western culture prevailing in the mid-19th century.

Top cities for Yoga environment in India

India is the best place to learn yoga. India is one of the best incredible countries of the world. People from any part of the world wish to be a part of yoga but in India indeed. The top places for yoga in India are as follows:

1. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

2. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Related: 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

3. Hampi, Karnataka

4. Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu

5. Kozhikode, Kerala

6. Mount Arunachala, Tamil Nadu

7. Goa

8. Bangalore, Karnataka

Needs to be kept in mind while traveling in India

If you wish to move in India for learning yoga then it is good, but for that, you will have to prepare yourself as per the following details:

Money and Cost of Living

Before moving towards India, one should confirm the living arena and living cost. Arrivals may contact with the valid agents for accommodation and clear the cost /and choose the area as per their choice.

In India the currency refers to the Indian Rupees (INR). Arrivals must calculate the expenses as per their country’s currency. Money matters while you are traveling anywhere. Don’t get stuck with the fraud personals.

Weather

The weather of India does not remain same during the year and in all there are four major parts like eastern, western, northern and southern parts of India. The eastern part is very humid due to dense wood and heavy rain. The summer season is quite good here. The western part is almost hot due to the desert spread across the Rajasthan state. Winter season is quite admirable to visit here.

The northern part of India is the most beautiful part of India due to the vision of the Himalayas and other hill ranges. It is the best in all season while winter might have a hand high in this matter.

Southern part of India is full of cultural and Indian traditions and it is loved by the people living across the world. Though the summers are hot, winter season is quite good to visit here.

Arriving & Visa

How to arrive India is the main question, which rises in every mind. So ask your tour and traveling guide about the arriving schedule and visa formalities.

Check the air schedule and make plans as per your convenience.

Health & Safety

Many a times, a different global environment can cause the health issues so, the arrivals are suggested to keep vaccinated themselves before arriving the India so that the harmful bacteria or the viruses can be prevented to spread.

Better if you keep the medicines that suit you, yourself, instead of getting them from somewhere else. Not specifically about India, by means of safety, you should be aware about each step while you are traveling in any country.

The same is applicable here. Do not walk at night, do not talk to any stranger and to stay away from the drug abuse is a better option.

Language

Language matters everywhere while traveling in India. Every state has its own local language.

India is the only country of the world which has a large number of languages spoken.

Biodiversity as well as the cultural diversity prevails in the country. But the mother tongue and national language of the country is Hindi; however English is spoken across the country on a large-scale.

Food

Indian traditional food is admired by the people of any country. There is further a large variety, which can be observed in Indian food.

The taste of Indian food has been liked and praised everywhere. It also serves as the main proponent, which will bind you here with the people of other cultures.

The post Yoga Travel India – A Complete Guide for 1st Time Visit to India appeared first on Yoga Vini Rishikesh.

Meditation is an ancient practice that has been used throughout many cultures. In the yogic tradition, the practice of moving through the physical postures was thought to prepare the body to sit for long periods of time in meditation. However, today, meditation and yoga are accessible to anyone at any time.

Related: Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

Every meditation practitioner must start somewhere, but in the beginning, it may seem overwhelming to start something seemingly so simple. With all of the different methods to choose from, sifting through them can be a lot of work. Here are some meditation techniques for beginners to help get you started on your meditation journey.

The beginner’s mind is free and curious- you, too, can use meditation to cultivate a beginner’s mind all the time.

Why Practice Meditation?

Meditation is one of the best natural ways to alleviate anxiety and stress while improving concentration. This means a regular meditation practice can improve your quality of life! Additionally, meditation affects the physical body in a positive manner as well.

When one meditates, it is not about simply drowning out the outside world or even tuning out your thoughts. To think that your thoughts are going to stop right away the moment you sit down to meditate is simply a fallacy. The truth is that meditation is a practice to get to know yourself and your mind better.

When your thoughts arise during meditation, you can begin to notice your tendencies to be distracted or things you may constantly tell yourself that are simply not true. It brings you into the present moment, which at times can be scary- but only through facing our fears can we rise like the phoenix out of the ashes.

Benefits of Meditation

• Reduce stress
• Relieve anxiety
• Boost mood
• Overcome depression
• Enhance self-esteem
• Help combat addictions
• Increase concentration and focus
• Better memory
• Enhances immunity
• Lowers blood pressure
• Decreases inflammation
• Increases life span
• Lowers risk of heart problems
• Better sleep
• Increased lung capacity

Related: 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

How Does Meditation Work?

Meditation directly affects the parasympathetic nervous, which is the “rest and digest” part of the central nervous system. All too often, we are operating on the opposite system- the sympathetic nervous system. The SNS is known as the “fight or flight” system.

When the SNS is in control, certain body functions shut down so that only what is necessary to survive is on. The heart rate is elevated, which can cause feelings of anxiety and create poor decision-making.

When the PNS is activated, however, the heart rate slows down and allows the body to react in a calm manner to stress. It also helps the body heal from injuries, which is why getting a good night’s sleep is so important.

Preparing for Meditation

1. The first thing you need to do is prepare your space for meditation. Find a quiet area in your home or park where you won’t be disturbed.
2. Schedule your meditation at the same time each day. Morning is best.
3. Turn your phone off or put it in airplane mode. Many meditations close the eyes, but some also keep the eyes open so that is up to you.
4. Decide how long you want to meditate for.
   In the beginning, you may want to set the amount of time you meditate for. If you would like to meditate for a specific amount of time, choose a soft bell sound on your timer to keep the mood light.
   If you have a busy schedule, using meditation techniques for stress will be helpful and all you need is a short amount of time in the beginning. Start with 5 or 10 minutes and gradually build yourself up to longer periods of time. Once you become comfortable meditating, you may not even need or want to use the timer.
5. Accept yourself as you are.

Develop an attitude of love for yourself, no matter what thoughts or challenges arise.

How to Sit for Meditation

There are various ways to sit when learning meditation techniques for beginners.

1. It is recommended to sit on a cushion on the floor, as it will be more comfortable for an extended period of time. It also allows the hips to be elevated so the spine can lengthen.
2. Cross the legs comfortably or stack one leg on top of the other.
3. Another method is to try kneeling on the knees and sitting on the heels. This is not recommended if you have knee issues.
4. If you are unable to sit on the floor, you can also try sitting on a chair or bench. Keep your feet on the floor and the spine straight and tall.

Types of Meditation Techniques

Mindfulness Meditation

This is an easy meditation for beginners to start with. The goal of this type of meditation technique is not to stop the mind, but rather to notice what is happening in your mind or body in a mindful way. A common starting point is the breath. Notice it’s quality and length. Let this be the focus of your mind. Release any judgments about whether anything is good or bad. Just simply observe.

Guided Meditation for Beginners

Participating in a guided meditation is also a great meditation technique for beginners. You may find a guided meditation online, or take part in a class where someone else is leading you. In this method, you will be guided step-by-step through a meditation by a teacher.

When someone else is guiding you, you may find it easier to relinquish control over what you are doing and follow the flow of the meditation for efficiently. Many meditations are passed down from teacher to student and this is a great way to become truly active in your quest to learn meditation techniques. Classes are also great ways to meet fellow meditators, form a community, and feel supported in your meditation goals.

Chakra Meditation for Beginners

Learning about the chakras is a great way to use visualization during meditation. The chakras are a great meditation technique for stress, anxiety, and learning more about ourselves. Chakras are energy vortexes that run along the spine.

Each chakra corresponds to a different body part and thus has different color and meaning associations.

1. Root chakra: red, located at the bottom of the pelvic floor, survival
2. Sacral chakra: orange, located below the navel, creativity
3. Solar plexus chakra: yellow, located at the bottom of the sternum, confidence
4. Heart chakra: green, located in the center of the chest, love
5. Throat chakra: blue, located in the throat, communication
6. Third eye chakra: purple, located above the brows, wisdom
7. Crown chakra: white, located at the crown of the head, enlightenment

When performing a chakra meditation, you can visualize each area as a glowing orb in the associated color. You can go through all 7 or choose to focus on just 1 if something needs extra attention in your life.

Mantra Meditation for Beginners

Mantra meditation is a great tool to focus the mind by using a sound or a chanted syllable. It doesn’t have to be audible but can be repeated inside the mind. Mantras are traditionally repeated 108 times, which is a sacred number in certain Eastern traditions. To count this number of repetitions, mala beads can be used. Mala beads are strings of 108 beads. You can hold them in your hand and move your finger along the beads to ensure you have completed your meditation.

Many mantras also have specific meanings, which may correlate to things you wish to work on or invoke in your life. Mantras are known to be tools of transformation, as their sound holds special vibrations. Popular mantras include:

1. OM: the sound of the universe, divine, or God
2. Om Namah Shivaya: I bow to Shiva (a representation of my Highest Self)
3. Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu: May all beings, everywhere, be happy, free, and at peace

There is a myriad of other forms of meditation to try from Zazen to Transcendental Meditation. You can always experiment with several forms of meditation to see which one suits your lifestyle the best. You may even enjoy a variety of them and prefer different meditation techniques for beginners on different days, depending on your mood or what you hope to accomplish.

The post How to Meditate: Meditation Techniques for Beginners & Benefits appeared first on Yoga Vini Rishikesh.

What is Hatha Yoga?

The word Hatha comes from the two terms “ha” which means the sun and “tha” which means moon. Hatha Yoga is all about achieving harmony, balance and unification of mind, body and spirit soul. This practice requires great willpower and discipline. It is a physical technique that helps prepare the mind and body for effective meditation.

The Proper Way to Breath

Correct breathing is crucial in the practice of Hatha yoga for beginners. Hatha yoga is not only about perfecting the yoga pose. Aside from the external abilities to twist the body, we should be more mindful about the workings of our breath control or pranayama. In this way, we can get the full benefits from the yoga pose.

1. Correct Inhalation
2. Proper Exhalation

You must fill your chest and fill the abdomen.

It makes you aware of the contraction in abdomen, you must first start with the abdomen, then empty your lungs and let your chest fall.

Five stages of Hatha yoga breathing

1. Inhalation brings nourishment and energy.
2. Retention or holding of the breath in allows the prana or life force to fully enter and energize.
3. Exhalation cleanses the system and quiets the emotions.
4. Suspension or holding of the breath out extends the benefits of the exhalation by further calming the body.
5. Full deep breathing that includes all four stages properly fuels, energizes, cleanses, balances, and releases the entire system. It is best though to begin by simply focusing on the exhalation.

Related: Yoga Teacher Training Rishikesh

Breathing Tip

In Hatha yoga, each movement must be guided by breath. However, while doing hatha yoga exercise, remember not to be over conscious about the proper breathing. Otherwise, it will just make you tense around the chest, shoulders and neck. Well, this is vital to learn in yoga for beginners. Once you are able to make your exhalation long, smooth and steady then the rest will automatically follow.

Guidelines for Effective Yoga Practice

Yoga postures, especially inversions and those that compress the abdomen are not good on a full stomach. Listen to your body-if you practice too soon after eating or drinking, certain poses will definitely feel uncomfortable.

1. It’s best to practice asanas barefoot, using a yoga mat or other nonslip surface for standing poses. A mat, rug or folded blanket will provide firm padding for other asanas.
2. Wear comfortable clothing, something that allows you to move freely. Ideally, the room should have good ventilation.
3. Have enough space to extend your arms and legs out in all directions without hitting anything.
4. While practicing, concentrate on the feeling that the asana is producing in your body. If you feel too week or shaky in a pose, come out of it. Gradually you will build up your strength and be able to hold the pose longer. Keep in mind to give quality relaxation for every yoga pose that you perform.
5. Don’t go beyond your personal limitations, but extend your boundaries gently. Doing the asanas correctly means doing them safely and to the best of your ability.

Develop The Right Attitude in Yoga

Hatha yoga is not a competitive type of exercise so just try to enjoy doing a pose. You can gradually learn or master a difficult pose by patience and constant practice. Nevertheless, you will be more aware of your body movement in the long run. Moreover, do not go beyond your personal limits as it will only cause you injury. Simply rest and relax in hatha yoga for beginners. overall improvement of health and wellness.

Related: 200 Hours Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

Benefits of Hatha Yoga

You can absolutely gain a lot from practicing Hatha Yoga. Aside from relieving stress, you can achieve healthy and fit body. More so, doing yoga also has anti-aging effects!

1. Strong back and spine

Everything in the body is connected to the spine. As a matter of fact, the strength and flexibility of the spine determines the real age of the body. Unhealthy spine can make a person susceptible to different ailments or disease. The functioning of different body organs can improve by ensuring the health of the spine. It is a good thing that the primary physical focus of yoga for beginners is the spine.

2. Feel and look young

Believe it or not but you can actually smooth away the wrinkles on your face with regular yoga practice. You can also achieve healthy glowing skin because of the oxygenating and rejuvenating effects of yoga. Yoga for beginners can relieve back pains and as a result, you can sleep and rest better. Moreover, levels of melatonin and endorphins or happy hormones increase. Weight gain also slow down.

3. Movement and breathing coordination

Most people only do shallow breathing. Therefore, they only use a little bit of the 5 quarter lung capacity. Coordination of breathing and movement is what makes the hatha yoga distinct from other types of exercise. Good coordination of movement and breathing can help improve concentration, clearer head space, dissipation of stress and strong emotions like anger. More so, yoga also improves the functioning of the all bodily systems.

4. Healing benefits for injury

Yes, yoga can bring healing effects for injury. It can speed up the recovery of the body from back muscles injury. Most of yoga poses are modifiable to meet the needs of both young and old students.

Know Your Dosha

Firstly, you should know your dosha. There are varied ways to learn yoga according to one’s body type and constitution. Determining your dosha can help you learn yoga asanas with the most appropriate learning style.

What is Dosha?

Ayurveda offers the oldest healing systems. It is India’s wonderful gift to the world. There are three different types of human body-mind classification by the Ayurvedic System. It is called the doshas. It is the unique physical and mental constitution, which heavily affects the personal well-being. Different individuals may react differently. Therefore, an effective teacher of yoga for beginners utilize different strategies for students.

The Three Doshas

Knowing the Doshas is very important in order to determine the characteristics or qualities of a person. The three Doshas are known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Normally, each person is a unique combination of these three Doshas. Learning the characteristics of each can help individuals to understand how to successfully learn yoga for beginners.

The description for doshas are fairly general. it is imperative to note that in rare cases, some folks may have a dual dosha or combination of two and sometimes three doshas. The dosha is the blueprint that you have since birth with and will not change. However, it may go out of balance. There are factors that can aggravate the doshas and you need to pacify it. Therefore, the goal is to get back to the state of balance and it is possible.

Pitta Qualities

Persons who have pitta dosha usually have medium height and body frame, they can be slender. More so, they also have medium prominence of veins and muscle tendons. The muscle development is also moderate. They have the tendency to be intense, ambitious and passionate. They need to avoid holding inverted poses for long period of time as it can cause a lot of heat in the head.

Kapha Qualities

Individuals with kapha dosha generally have well-developed bodies. They have the tendency to carry excess weight. Moreover, their chests are expanded and broad, veins and tendons are not obvious. They have good muscle development as well as good stamina. However, they usually move slowly with a tendency to laziness. People with kapha dosha needs stimulating and energizing yoga practice.

Vatta Qualities

People with vatta dosha may have underdeveloped muscles. Most of them have the tendency toward flatter chests. Their veins and muscle tendons are protuberant. Generally, they often have dry and cracked skin. Nevertheless, they are often out of proportion. Meaning, some of them can be very tall, too short and can have thin frames. They have the propensity to move quickly with fair flexibility. However, they are very easy to distract. The calming and grounding yoga poses are recommended.

Yoga for beginners could be one hundred percent fun as long as you practice it correctly and safely. Hatha yoga is an amazing method to feel more connection to one’s self. It offers a special time to let go of whatever consumes you and be free.

Yoga is a low impact exercise that you can do for the rest of your life. Yes, even when you already reach old age. It can still be very empowering and life changing. Nevertheless, yoga offers a brilliant way to discover one’s self. It is an amazing way to learn how to listen to your inner voice and gain trust in yourself.

The post Yoga for Beginners: Useful Guide for Newbies appeared first on Yoga Vini Rishikesh.

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Pretium lorem primis lectus donec tortor fusce morbi risus curae. Dignissim lacus massa mauris enim mattis magnis senectus montes mollis taciti accumsan semper blandit nibh aliquam metus morbi cras magna vivamus per risus. Dapibus imperdiet praesent magnis congue gravida magna. Netus inceptos iaculis montes habitant taciti primis tempor.

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