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Discover inner peace Are you longing for peace and serenity? Your daily life is stressful, and you don't know how to unwind? Then Sahaja Yoga could be perfect for you. Those seeking spiritual experiences can integrate this form of meditation into their daily routine. You'll find all the important information in this article: be inspired and find deep peace within. Concentrated relaxed man standing with closed eyes, having relaxation while meditating, trying to find balance and harmony isolated on gray. Yoga and meditation concept The term Sahaja Yoga: What does it mean? Sahaja Yoga has existed since 1970 and is considered a "religious movement." This concept, considered a meaningful continuation of the ancient yoga tradition, was developed that year by the Indian Dr. Nirmala Srivastava (often referred to as Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi). The focus of this yoga practice is the Kundalini energy, which is meant to be awakened. People with an awakened Kundalini energy are almost unstoppable, as they are fully connected to their self and their inner wisdom. By the way, the word Sahaja means "spontaneous" and in this context means that you are able to enter into meditation spontaneously. What is the goal of Sahaja Yoga meditation? The ultimate goal of yoga and meditation is always for people to be in harmony with themselves—and not just during their time on the yoga mat . Sahaja Yoga also aims to help people connect with their Kundalini energy and thereby experience a peaceful and fulfilling life. Thanks to this meditation, yogis come closer to this goal. What role do the energy channels and chakras play? To understand the principle of Sahaja Yoga meditation, you need to know that the energy channels and centers (chakras) serve as the basis of this teaching. The interaction of the nadis and the chakras is responsible for a person's well-being, whether they have much or little energy, and whether their energy is moving or not. According to Shri Mataji, it is important that all of these are in harmony to enjoy optimal mental, psychological, and physical health. What chakras are there? To give a brief overview, we list the seven most important chakras and their meaning. Muladhara Chakra (root chakra) stands for basic trust and security; it is located at the end of the spine. The Svadhistana Chakra (sacral chakra) is responsible for sexuality and creativity. It is located below the navel, in the lower abdomen. The Manipura Chakra (solar plexus) is responsible for self-confidence, self-control, discipline, and contentment. It is located directly above the navel. Anahata Chakra (heart chakra) is located directly in the heart space and represents compassion, love and empathy. Vishudda Chakra (throat chakra) is important for clear pronunciation and authentic communication; it is located in the larynx. The Ajna Chakra (third-eye chakra) represents intuition. It is located between the eyebrows. The Sahasrara Chakra (crown chakra) represents collective consciousness and direct access to the spiritual world and the universe. It is located a hand's breadth above the top of the head. When these chakras are balanced, you feel good and in harmony. It's also important that the Kundalini is in motion—this makes you feel strong, creative, and centered. There are also nadis, which are referred to as energy channels. There are three different types: Sushumna Nadi (this is the central channel, it runs along the spine to the crown chakra) Ida Nadi (this energy channel is on the left side of the body and represents the energy of desire) Pingala Nadi (located on the right side and includes the physical activities) Can Sahaja Yoga be practiced by everyone? The technique can be used by anyone, meaning it's right for you if you feel it's right for you. Here, you should listen to your gut feeling and simply give it a try if you're interested. Thanks to the great teachers and the worldwide distribution in over 120 countries, it's possible to get a glimpse of it almost anywhere these days. Sahaja Yoga can be an essential step on your path to self-realization. What are the benefits of Sahaja Yoga? This form of yoga is very transformative and has a lasting effect on your well-being. With the help of Sahaja Yoga you can bring your mind, soul and body into harmony. In addition, you will experience a kind of small enlightenment and be able to realize your spirituality. Your experience will change, and you will increasingly connect with your essence. In order to practice meditation in absolute silence, the awakening of the Kundalini is a prerequisite. This allows you to enter a divine, thoughtless state of consciousness. For this, the opening of the third eye is necessary. If you manage to reach this state, you will experience moments of complete silence, meaning no thoughts in your head. If you've done everything correctly, you'll feel a cool breeze on your hands and above your head. Don't stress if you don't feel it the first time. If you're unsure, you should find a guru or yoga teacher who can guide you. This will make it easier for you to reach this state on your meditation cushion . How does the process work? To ensure each participant is well-prepared for the program, it lasts 90 minutes. It consists of a theoretical and practical part: The theoretical part explains everything about the nadis, energy centers, and Kundalini energy, while the practical part reinforces what you have learned through physical exercises. To round off these sessions, the energy field is also cleansed. In addition, these elements play an essential role: Mantras poetry Music Have you tried Sahaja Yoga Online before? If so, how was it for you?

Yoga of the Air - How you can gain new lightness through yoga The elements of fire, water, earth, and air are the foundation of our being. Humans, animals, and plants receive valuable energy from them. Elemental yoga supports these nourishing and healing processes. Yoga blogger Sandra Buchwald describes which yoga practices are suitable and the contribution of Ayurvedic nutrition. This article is about the yoga of air. "I can barely breathe." Or, "It feels like everything is twice as difficult as usual." These are statements made when the lightness of the moment has vanished. Given all the problems 2022 has brought us, this is no surprise. Numerous restrictions have burdened us and made life difficult, literally. Good to know: Yoga supports you in discovering and enjoying a new sense of lightness and freedom, a sense of carefreeness and ease. This blog post offers ideas on how you can shed restrictive and burdensome shackles through the yoga of air. The element of air: the lightness of being There is no movement without breath, and no breath without movement. The rise and fall of your chest and abdomen proves this to you. Every day. Every second. Through your breath, you supply yourself with vital oxygen, which travels through your blood vessels to every tiny corner of your body. Your mind and soul are also moved, nourished, and activated by the breath. Blockages are released. These are all good reasons why asanas and breath are inextricably linked in yoga. Yoga of Air utilizes this connection in a special way. These yoga exercises make you light and free Many people work at a desk all day, their upper bodies hunched forward. This is an example of how our natural breathing space can be restricted by everyday life or work. This one-sided posture shortens the chest muscles, and the upper back, as its counterpart, tends to weaken. Yoga, which serves the element of air, also offers valuable asanas that expand the chest area and give you the joyful experience of opening your heart both externally and internally. Many of these "heart openers," as they are affectionately called by yoginis and yogis, are true classics among asanas. A typical example is the Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana). A well-known and popular asana from both the Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) and the traditional Rishikesh sequence, the Cobra Pose is representative of the many backbends found in Aerial Yoga. An easier alternative to Cobra Pose is the Sphinx Pose, Salamba Bhuangasana. It's easy to perform even for beginners because the forearms are comfortably positioned on the mat. Even more comfortable is Heart Opening from a supine position. Roll vertebra by vertebra into Shoulder Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana). There, you can either support yourself with your upper arms and elbows or tie your hands underneath your body to intensify the bridge. Want more effective asanas? Fish Pose and Upward-Facing Dog are also classic backbends and heart openers! Graceful and effective at the same time are two kneeling heart-opening poses you're surely familiar with: the deep lunge (Anjaneyasana) and the camel pose (Ushtrasana) – both of which are also great hip openers, by the way. If you prefer standing, the Warrior I or Sun Warrior poses are recommended. Both are also great to practice outdoors, so your yoga practice will be enriched with an extra dose of oxygen. Yoga of the Air: Breathing is the be-all and end-all Pranayama is an essential component of a yoga practice designed to promote the air element. Both the heart-opening asanas and the breath are perfect for creating a soothing space, a space filled with air, lightness, and freedom. Through backbends, we create the foundation for giving space to our feelings. Through conscious breathing, we connect to a life that, through lightness and permeability, offers precious treasures. Young woman practicing breathing yoga pranayama outdoors in moss forest on background of waterfall. Unity with nature concept Be light and free – which yoga style suits you? If you've read the examples of Air Yoga, you'll probably realize that Hatha Yoga provides a solid foundation for it as well. Whether elements from the Sun Salutation or the Warrior Poses, Hatha Yoga and the four elements are inextricably intertwined. The beauty of the Hatha style is the connection between air and earth. It is particularly healing because it recognizes that we need both: roots and wings. Things get especially airy, however, when you devote yourself to Aerial Yoga. Wrapped in sturdy blankets, you practice yoga poses – completely independent of the laws of gravity. Free floating perfectly supports aerial yoga. Depending on your mood (and, of course, what the Aerial Yoga school offers), this light and airy form of yoga can also be complemented with elements from dance or acrobatics. You can express your feelings in a wonderfully creative way. Backbends are also well-suited to Yin Yoga. The simplest asana: Place a bolster or folded blanket under your thoracic spine and open your heart space while lying on your back. Activate the heart chakra Inextricably linked: Air Yoga and the heart chakra (Anahata Chakra). When you expand your chest with the heart openers, you also stimulate your heart chakra. Located in the center of the chest, it is important for expressing our feelings. This makes us free and light. Try it! Anahata, heart chakra symbol. Colorful mandala. Yoga of the Air and Ayurvedic Nutrition Ayurveda connects the air element with the Vata constitutional type. This dosha needs a diet that provides calm and warmth. Lightness comes from anything that isn't burdensome and not difficult to digest. Soups and stews are ideal, but risotto is also good. Vegetables should be cooked. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin are perfect. If you like sweet things, try warm porridge. Fruit is best made into compote or warmed up. Baked apples are a fragrant example. Sufficiently warm liquid is important. Teas are especially beneficial. Good flavors that support the air element include vanilla, ginger, and basil. Be light through meditation

How to gain new energy through yoga Yoga is a holistic practice. It has positive effects on body, mind, and soul. This is especially true when the four elements of earth, water, fire, and air are incorporated. Why not give it a try at the start of the new year? Yoga blogger Sandra Buchwald has inspiring tips for you. This article is dedicated to the yoga of fire. "This year has drained all my energy." - Many people who took stock of 2022 at the turn of the year feel powerless, exhausted, and empty. This is no wonder. The coronavirus pandemic, climate change, the war in Ukraine, and inflation have all taken a toll on our personal energy reserves. With so much bad news, it's not easy to start the new year courageously and motivated. How do you manage to recharge your energy batteries? - You will receive valuable support through your regular yoga practice. In this article, you will learn about the energetic benefits of fire yoga. https://videopress.com/v/DqcQfwPQ?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&playsinline=true&posterUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yogabox.de%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F01%2Fadobestock_467128006_mp4_std.original.jpg&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true The element fire: energy from the sun Why do we get spring fever when the first rays of sunshine of the year tickle our noses? Why do we love spending our holidays in the sunny south? And what is the reason why even those who are grumpy in the morning find it easier to get up when the sun is shining? Sunlight causes our bodies to release serotonin, a true happiness hormone. It also produces the sunshine vitamin D and simultaneously slows down the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. All of this gives us energy – and through the yoga of fire you can recharge your batteries even when it's cloudy and rainy outside. These asanas ignite fire energy Whether it's yoga or a fitness exercise, you've probably heard yoga teachers or trainers tell you to tense your stomach and draw your navel inward and upward. This advice primarily serves to protect your spine and avoid unhealthy posture. In yoga, this practice also serves the purpose of generating heat. You ignite this inner heat—the fire—through body tension. It gives you new energy and arms you against the challenges that await you every day. A good example of an asana that requires a lot of body tension is Navasana, the Boat Pose. Rotations also characterize Fire Yoga. Typical twists include the seated twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana) and Parivrtta Trikonasana (the twisted triangle). A particularly graceful asana is Parivrtta Utkatasana, the twisted chair pose: You first assume the classic chair pose (Uttkatasana) and place your hands in prayer position (Anjali Mudra). Then you turn to the side and press your elbow or upper arm against the knee on the other side of your body. Such twists detoxify the internal organs and activate your metabolism. https://videopress.com/v/yD1dvTgt?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&playsinline=true&posterUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yogabox.de%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F01%2Fadobestock_183304357-1_mp4_avc_240p.original.jpg&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true A particularly effective massage for the internal organs is offered by asanas that involve a twist from a prone position. Try the Scorpion Twist, where you twist to the left from a prone position and place the foot of your bent right leg on the mat behind your back. Of course, always practice the opposite way too! The Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) already carries the power of fire within itself: Enjoy how this dynamic sequence gives energy, courage, and motivation! Yoga of Fire: Paying attention to your breathing Heat, intensity, and body tension play an important role in Fire Yoga. Therefore, breathing is especially important in the demanding asanas. Through special breathing techniques, you can draw on valuable life energy. Practice Ujjayi and Kapalabahti. These yogic breathing techniques are considered purification techniques and generate energetic heat. Awakening valuable energies – which yoga styles are suitable? The classic yoga style with which you can ignite the beneficial heat energy within you is Vinyasa Yoga. It is characterized by its dynamic and flowing sequences. The individual asanas are usually supported by guided breathing. The graceful, seamless movements are performed and connected without beginning or end. This flow creates the heat that blazes within you like fire and gives you new energy. You can also practice Vinyasa Yoga in various combinations, for example, as Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Power Yoga is also an important representative of the Yoga of Fire. The name says it all: This demanding yoga style promotes strength and endurance, but also gives you the vital inner energy to mentally overcome everyday challenges. When it comes to external heat, Bikram Yoga is unbeatable. In this style of yoga, you practice a set sequence of 26 asanas. What's special about it: The yoga room has a temperature between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius, so the energy of the fire is activated by the external warmth. But of course, you can also create a different warm setting: What fire yoga could be better than dynamic asanas in the sunshine on the beach or in your own garden? Source of energy: the solar plexus chakra Yoga and the chakras are closely connected and mutually reinforce each other. Fire yoga includes a chakra whose name already includes the sun: the solar plexus chakra. The Sanskrit term "Manipura," the luminous jewel, is also sunny. This chakra is located above the navel on the solar plexus. You open this chakra through challenging yoga asanas, but also by courageously facing difficult challenges in everyday life and at work. Complement Fire Yoga with Pitta food In Ayurveda, the Yoga of Fire is associated with the Pitta dosha. Warming vegetables and grains should be on the menu if your constitutional type is Pitta, or if you want to generate energetic heat through Yoga of Fire. Choose from nature's rich treasures according to your taste. Buckwheat and amaranth, oats and spelt, broccoli and cauliflower, carrots and potatoes are particularly suitable. Protein-rich meals are perfect for giving you the energy you need. Try well-seasoned stews made with red lentils or chickpeas. Spices are essential in Ayurveda to activate Agni, the Ayurvedic digestive fire. Use plenty of pepper and chili, allspice and cumin, but definitely also ginger. Turmeric and cardamom also go well. Ginger's natural spiciness also makes it ideal for drinking. Choose between ginger water and ginger tea, depending on your taste and the season. Other valuable teas that support the yoga of fire include licorice tea and teas enhanced with cinnamon. Meditation for the fire element

Earth, water, fire, and air are important elements for our health and well-being. The start of the new year is ideal for incorporating these elements into your yoga practice. Our yoga blogger Sandra Buchwald provides valuable ideas. This article describes the yoga of water. The year 2022 has held many of us back. Fears, worries, and the flood of bad news in the media have disrupted our normal rhythms. "Things aren't working right anymore." This is how many people describe how the pandemic, along with environmental problems and the energy crisis, has made our entire lives seem bumpy and full of obstacles. Daily life, work, relationships—the effects of the past year have impacted every facet of our being. The good news for you: Yoga offers an effective tool for dissolving these blockages. This article describes how you can draw new energy through the yoga of the element of water. The element of water: Everything in flux Our planet is largely made up of water. Our bodies are too. Our blood is about 90 percent water. But digestion, metabolism, the lymphatic system, and joints also need fluids to function properly. Observe which areas of your body need moisture. And how do your skin, eyes, or the inside of your nose feel when it lacks moisture? By drinking enough and practicing water yoga, you ensure that your body, mind, and soul are supple and free of blockages. This yoga practice strengthens the water element Of course, it's primarily the flowing movements that make water yoga so valuable. Movement promotes blood circulation and metabolic processes. A good example of this are the intervertebral discs, which act as important buffers between the individual vertebrae. Did you know that we are a few centimeters shorter in the evening than we are in the morning after getting up? The answer to the mystery: Standing and sitting during the day squeezes fluid out of the intervertebral discs. The good news: Through yoga, you improve the water content of the intervertebral discs and thus also their protective buffer function. We bet you already know a flowing sequence of movements that supports your spine? It's Surya Namaskar, the Sun Salutation. Whether it's Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), Downward-Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana), or the classic Forward Bend Pose (Uttanasana), the spine and many other parts of your body are moved and nourished by the Sun Salutation. You can complement this by practicing spinal twisting movements. These include the Seated Twist Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana), the Triangle Pose (Trikonasana), and, of course, the relaxing and soothing Crocodile Pose (Makarasana). Water yoga naturally also takes into account our detoxifying lymphatic vessels and the meridians – the energy pathways in our body. The more blockages there are, the less these processes can flow. Therefore, stretching asanas are also valuable because they break down blockages and promote cleansing and detoxification. The hip, chest, and armpit areas are particularly important. Classic hip openers include Mandukasana, the Frog Pose, the perfect aquatic animal, or the Low Lunge, Anjaneyasana. A great opener for the armpits is the Side Angle Pose (Utthita Parsvakonasana) or, of course, Child's Pose (Balasana). Asanas that open the heart space include the Warrior Poses – especially the Sun Warrior (also known as the Peaceful Warrior). Yoga of Water: a valuable addition If we want to promote the invigorating and purifying water element and release blockages, flowing breathing is an essential foundation. Through pranayama, the targeted yogic breathing exercises, you recharge your life energy and create the flowing harmony we need to feel good and healthy. Mulabandha is the lock that holds the water energy in the body. Flow and harmony – through which yoga styles? The asana examples already show you that classical Hatha Yoga also supports the water element. This is especially true when the movements involve the torso area, as this also supports digestion and detoxification through organs such as the liver or kidneys. This is another reason why it's important to further promote these healing processes by drinking plenty of fluids. If you appreciate the beneficial effects of flowing asanas, Vinyasa Yoga and Flow Yoga are ideal. The dynamic sequences of asanas improve fluid circulation and stimulate metabolism. Yin yoga offers effective stretches that release blockages. It makes you supple and permeable. In Yin yoga, the idea of breathing into specific parts of the body is often used. These are usually the groin or armpits—areas through which the cleansing lymphatic system flows. You can also decongest these vessels—for example, by putting your feet up after a strenuous day at work. Supporting the sacral chakra Water yoga and opening the sacral chakra should be combined. The sacral chakra—the Svadhisthana chakra—is located in your lower abdomen, just below your belly button. By circling your hips or alternating between cat and cow poses, you activate this chakra, which is so important for well-being. Another great opening exercise is the reclining butterfly pose. Supporting the Yoga of Water through Good Nutrition In Ayurveda, the element water is associated with the two constitutional types, Pitta and Kapha. Both doshas share the commonality that the water element is primarily nourished by water-rich vegetables. These include, in particular, green and crunchy leafy vegetables, but also vitamin-rich broccoli and healthy artichokes. Beets are also ideal for a healthy diet. Among berries, blueberries are the perfect snack between meals. Among grains, quinoa and amaranth are particularly recommended. Drinking plenty of fluids is essential if you want to support your individual water yoga. Mineral water—preferably still—is a good thirst quencher. Jasmine and calendula teas are good options, as are the classics rosehip and fennel—give them a try! Harmony through meditation The beginning of the year is the perfect time to benefit from the restorative effects of meditation. If the element of water is the theme of your meditation, you can enhance the meditative effect with a short imaginary journey. This way, you can imagine yourself being rocked, carried, and protected by the waves of the sea. Enjoy the gentle sound of the ocean and feel the refreshing water seeping through your pores, giving you the hydration you need. Be protected and well cared for. Namaste.

Swadhisthana Chakra The Swadhisthana chakra is also called the sexual chakra or sacral chakra. People with an active sexual chakra possess a high degree of creativity and enthusiasm, sensuality, and eroticism. A blockage of this chakra leads to a lack of energy and desire. Here you can learn how to improve the energy flow in your sexual chakra. What is the Swadhisthana Chakra? The Swadhisthana chakra is located approximately a hand's breadth below the navel, at the level of the lumbar spine. As the second of the seven main chakras, it lies between the Muladhara chakra (root chakra) and the Manipura chakra (solar plexus chakra). The Swadhisthana chakra is associated with the color orange, which represents sensuality and joie de vivre. The sexual chakra is associated with the element Apas—water—which represents all flow, purification, and clarity. Meaning of the Swadhisthana Chakra The Swadhistana Chakra is not called the sexual chakra for nothing: It is associated with, among other things, sexuality, sensuality, and thus also reproduction and species preservation. On a physical level, it is connected to the abdomen, the pelvic plexus (lumbosacral plexus), the sexual organs, and the gonads. The energy flow in the lumbar spine, bladder, and Kidneys runs through the Swadhisthana Chakra. People with an open, unhindered Swadhisthana chakra are often very passionate in every way. They practically overflow with creative power, creativity, zest for life, and positive energy. The Swadhisthana chakra enhances emotions such as compassion, love, devotion, and trust. Sexual energy is also increased by the Swadhisthana chakra. An active sexual chakra is often associated with a positive attitude toward one's own body, with fertility, and with relaxed enjoyment of sex. People with an active sexual chakra often also have very sensitive senses. The senses of touch, smell, and taste are especially heightened. When the Swadhisthana Chakra is blocked A blocked or disrupted energy flow in the Swadhisthana chakra often manifests as listlessness: a lack of energy, motivation, and desire. Other possible symptoms include an inability to enjoy life, mood swings, bladder and kidney problems, or lumbar pain. A disorder in the sexual chakra often has a direct impact on sexuality: loss of libido and erectile dysfunction can occur. People with a blocked Swadhisthana chakra often find sex unstimulating or even unpleasant, or have trouble experiencing orgasm. Some experience guilt-related feelings or general problems with intimacy. Conversely, a disorder can also lead to compulsive sexual behavior, increased impulsiveness, and sexual desire. The cause of a sexual blockage can be suppressed desire, for example, due to a very strict, anti-sexual upbringing or social and cultural conditioning. Disturbances in the Swadhisthana chakra can also occur in people who have experienced little affection for a long time or have had negative experiences in interpersonal relationships. How to activate the Swadhisthana Chakra Activating the sexual chakra stimulates everything that flows on a physical level: the bloodstream, the lymphatic system, menstruation, and even tears. A strengthened sexual chakra promotes and controls sensuality, intimacy, emotions, and desire. One's own sexual perception and body awareness improve. Fertility and sexual desire increase. The element of the Swadhisthana chakra is water. Accordingly, all flowing movements are suitable for stimulating it. 5 tips for activating the sexual chakra (Swadhisthana chakras): Yoga asanas Cat (Marjaryasana) and Cow (Bitilasana): Activated the Swadhisthana and also the Manipura Chakra Yoga Asanas Twisting Seat (Ardha Matsyendrasana) and Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana): Stimulate the abdominal organs Swimming or thermal bath: Movement in the element of water is ideal for activating the Swadhisthana Chakra Meditation : Visualize a spring, waterfall or river while meditating Orange, jasmine, sandalwood or ylang-ylang are suitable as fragrances or massage oils to stimulate the sexual chakra ©iStock.com/helgy716