Yoga BLOG
Breathing yoga with positive side effects
by Nick
on Apr 25 2016
Breathing yoga with positive side effects We all breathe too shallowly—or at least, that's the case for most people in our industrialized nations. Somehow, we're always stressed, talking about rushing, hecticness, and lacking time; or we're anxious (for example, before exams); anger can also be responsible. Our muscles automatically tense, so we constantly talk about how tense we are. Our blood pressure rises, as does our sugar level. We get so-called tension headaches in our temples, or a throbbing sensation in the front of our foreheads. Overall, we don't feel well far too often. It's no wonder, then, that wellness is such a high priority in our free time. Yoga , in the broadest sense, is also part of this, although at least we're discerning enough to practice it at least once a week rather than waiting until our next vacation. We primarily practice asanas, or physical exercises , primarily those practiced in Hatha Yoga . The breath should flow. These asanas alone help us breathe more slowly and evenly, because the asanas are performed calmly, and the breath adapts easily to the movements. There are also special breathing exercises called pranayamas. The compound word means something like control (yama) or expansion (ayama) of the breath (prana). There are simple and more complex breathing exercises. If you've never done them before, you should practice with particular caution or seek out a teacher. Even the simplest exercises can make you feel dizzy, so you should definitely stop immediately, take a break, and try again later that day or the next. Anyone with asthma or other lung problems should consult their doctor before practicing specific pranayamas. For example, there are breathing exercises that involve closing the airways or using sudden changes (bellows breathing). We definitely do not recommend these for laypeople trying to do alone! All breathing exercises refresh the mind, balance the body, and accelerate metabolism, making them excellent exercises for the organs. We usually only use the upper chest, so with side and abdominal breathing, we train the entire respiratory system. Overall, with diligent practice, our breathing becomes calmer and more regular over time; we no longer need as many breaths per minute, which, according to renowned yogis, is said to prolong life. This leads us to greater serenity, which allows us to cope meaningfully and effectively with everyday stress. Assume a comfortable, upright sitting position. Here are some exercises, each one repeated several times: - Classic wave breathing : First, breathe deeply into your chest, hold briefly, and exhale. Now breathe into your sides (flanks), hold briefly, and exhale. Then breathe deeply into your belly, hold briefly, and exhale. Now, inhale deeply in all three stations, hold briefly, and exhale. Repeat this process again, keeping your breath flowing evenly. Don't make harsh transitions, but rather smoothly inhale and exhale, and switch between areas. - Inhale, hum the S sound as you exhale. - Bend the index and middle fingers of your right hand. Close your right nostril with your right thumb, exhale through the left nostril. Inhale deeply through the left nostril, close your left nostril with your ring finger, and hold your breath briefly. Open your right nostril, exhale. Inhale again here, and so on. - Place the tip of your tongue behind your teeth on the roof of your mouth and exhale slowly through your open mouth. Place the tip of your tongue in the center of your mouth, inhale. Place the tip of your tongue back on the roof of your mouth, and exhale. - Curl your tongue inward and extend it slightly out of your mouth. Inhale through the tongue tube, uncurl and retract your tongue, close your mouth, and exhale through your nose. - Inhale, hold your breath, and gently tap your chest with your fingertips. Exhale. Image © stylephotographs / 123rf.com
Mudras - small yoga exercises for in between
by Nick
on Apr 20 2016
Mudras - small yoga exercises for in between Do you know mudras, those little finger exercises for in between? MUD means joy, RA stands for giving: A mudra is something that gives us joy. The compound word has many other, sometimes very different, meanings, such as gesture, mystery, and money. The term is also much more comprehensive. When we talk about mudras in yoga, we need to distinguish the familiar finger exercises, along with eye, tongue, and other exercises, from the body postures (mudras as part of the asanas). You may also be familiar with the typical gestures of Buddha statues and Indian deities: These hand and arm postures are also called mudras, but are not our topic here. We have included eye and tongue mudras as examples below. Simple and effective
In this post, we'll focus on a few finger mudras, of which there are many. So sit back and relax on a meditation cushion and practice a bit with us. Our goal is to help you practice one or two mudras on the go. Generally, the finger position should be held at least once a day for 15 minutes; if you're practicing multiple mudras per day, leave at least five hours between each practice. This finger holding shouldn't be too strenuous. Hold your fingers with emphasis so that you can feel them, but not excessively tightly. This way, the 15 minutes won't be difficult. For some exercises, it's possible to rest your hands on your thighs to remain as relaxed as possible. When you 're on the go , you often can't assume a meditative posture or cross your legs. However, you can still sit and practice in a relaxed manner. "On the go" means sitting on a train or in a waiting room, perhaps lying in the bathtub or waiting at a bus stop. Even three minutes are enough if you're short on time: one or two short exercises are better than nothing. The exercises definitely have an immediate relaxing effect. Long-term, experts say they produce excellent results after about four to six weeks. The exercises Our five different fingers represent both the Buddhist elements and emotions. The thumb represents or regulates fire and worry, the index finger air and fear, the middle finger emptiness and anger, the ring finger earth and sadness, and the little finger water and ambition. If your hands are stiff and cold, warm them up by gently massaging and then smoothing out each finger individually. For all exercises, but especially for the eye and tongue exercises, practice carefully and for shorter periods! If in doubt, it's best to consult a trainer. This is especially true for beginners. Let’s start with an eye mudra : - Squint slightly at the tip of your nose (just practice briefly!); for this exercise, you should also have knowledge of classic yoga eye exercises - increases concentration and influences the heart chakra. Two tongue mudras follow: - Gently press the tongue against the front of the palate - influences the brow chakra. - Gently press the tongue against the middle palate - influences the crown or vertex chakra. Here are some finger mudras that can be practiced with both hands or are even possible with both hands only: - Chin Mudra or Gyan Mudra : in the open hand, curl the index finger and touch it with the tip of the thumb - promotes concentration. - Dhyani Mudra : Place the back of the right hand loosely on the open left hand; both thumbtips touching. This is a meditation posture for deep inner peace. Light a candle if you feel comfortable doing so. - Hakini Mudra : place the fingertips of both hands together (thumb to thumb, etc.); spread the fingers, breathe calmly through the nose - this deepens your breath and relaxes the whole body. - Shaakini Mudra : place the right thumb in the left palm, the right fingers on the back of the left hand, pushing the right hand between the left index and middle fingers - good for tension in the jaw and neck. - Varun Mudra : Hold the hand vertically; place the tip of the thumb on the tip of the little finger - can improve the sense of taste and the body's water balance (good for the kidneys). Image © byheaven / 123rf.com
Inside Yoga – the new yoga generation
by Nick
on Apr 18 2016
Inside Yoga – the new yoga generation
Inside Yoga is a registered yoga studio brand founded by Young-Ho Kim. It is one of the new and modern yoga variations that are based on traditional yoga practices but are less focused on the ancient masters. Inside Yoga sees itself as ideology-free and dynamic, and is based on modern findings combined with techniques from martial arts.
Young-Ho Kim
Young-Ho Kim was born in Korea in 1976. He moved to Germany with his family as a teenager and was particularly influenced by the martial art of Taekwondo. At just 21 years old, he achieved the 5th Dan grade. Young-Ho Kim developed a modern form of yoga that consists of a colorful collection of lively Ashtanga exercises , defensive positions from Taekwondo and basic elements of Anasura.
Young-Ho Kim, a yoga teacher and instructor himself, developed Inside Yoga based on his own concept. He doesn't offer meditation or mantra chanting. Instead, he combines his form of yoga with modern hip-hop rhythms and electronic music, thus reaching a multitude of people who might otherwise never have been interested in yoga.
Together with his brother, Kim now runs several studios and has earned an international reputation as a trainer and speaker.
Young-Ho Kim from Inside Yoga in an interview with YogaMeHome.org
The development of Inside Yoga
Inside Yoga is not only offered in the form of active and dynamic yoga in studios, but is also taught at conferences and in trainer training courses.
Young-Ho Kim founded the first studio in Frankfurt am Main. Within a very short time, the studio attracted a large number of people interested in further training in the Inside Yoga form. This interest culminated in the founding of the Inside Academy in 2010, where numerous people are now trained.
In 2012, the first major Inside Yoga Conference was launched, and the second Inside Yoga Studio was founded in Wiesbaden. In 2013, the main studio expanded into a larger building with more than 800 square meters of space. The following year, the first Inside Yoga Conference took place in Zurich, Switzerland.
The courses and exercises
At Inside Yoga Studios, great emphasis is placed on the interplay of yoga exercises and music. The flow of a practice session is well-structured and usually has a clear goal. At the end of the session, participants should be able to perform a specific sequence of asana exercises to a specific song. The music or melody sets the tempo and rhythm of the exercises. A practice session is usually designed similarly to a choreography. It begins with mobilization exercises and moves on to various asanas. The asanas are initially explained in detail without music. The postures are then demonstrated several times and the participants are gently corrected. The music is gradually added until the yoga session forms a harmonious whole.
The training courses and workshops
Young-Ho Kim offers Inside Yoga training courses at various locations in Germany and Austria. The courses are detailed and comprehensive, qualifying participants to practice as yoga teachers . There is a 200-hour basic AYA training course and a 300-hour advanced training course. The latter is divided into ten teaching units, each lasting three days. In addition, there are various elective modules and workshops.
The workshops typically feature renowned, internationally experienced yoga teachers who, in their capacity as guest teachers, provide instruction in various subject areas. These include workshops on handstand techniques, anatomy, acrobatic yoga, and Inside Flow.
We also offer multi-day retreats, vacation trips with international yoga teachers to the most beautiful locations in the world. These trips include cultural activities, sightseeing, getting to know the country and its people, and, of course, daily inside yoga sessions. Image © orangeline / 123rf.com
Training to become a yoga teacher – dream job as a yoga teacher?!
by Nick
on Apr 08 2016
Training to become a yoga teacher – dream job as a yoga teacher?! Is the yoga mat your favorite place? Or do you dream of making it your career? Then yoga teacher training is exactly what you need. You can teach yoga full-time or part-time. However, you should have qualified training, because yoga is more than just teaching others exercises of varying difficulty levels. A career with a future It's a demanding and rewarding profession. You interact with a lot of people, working in a quiet atmosphere full of concentration and contemplation. You're your own boss, perhaps with your own studio—which naturally brings with it additional obligations and a great deal of responsibility. Your own advantages include a fit body, the perspective on new issues (because each student brings new perspectives), and the enjoyment of an active lifestyle. Furthermore, the future prospects are not bad, as yoga caters to trends and hype: general interest in exercise, engagement with Eastern wisdom, and the desire to find oneself, to find peace, and to bring more relaxation into a hectic life. Traditional and modern elements must be combined in your teaching in such a way that your students enjoy listening and practicing. The basic idea of yoga is just as important as encouraging their own reflection, but this shouldn't be intrusive. You need to be a good listener, able to assess individual flexibility, encourage the anxious, and rein in the overzealous. Yoga is therefore also a profession for people-watchers . Much of this can be learned very well through a thorough training program. Yoga also means lifelong learning for teachers There are numerous ways to get a teaching position. Of course, you can point to your years of practice, but as a qualified yoga teacher, you always have a better status and a credential that your students trust – provided you invest in high-quality teacher training and ongoing professional development. The job title itself isn't protected, but with appropriate certifications and a positive attitude, you're sure to be successful. Affordable... Some books present yoga teaching in a fun and easy way, but you should be careful. Yoga requires years of personal development; if you want to teach it to others, you need to create a harmonious combination of your practice, what you've learned, and what your students tell you about themselves. Sequences, or practice patterns, must be well-adapted to the target audience. Very experienced yogis sometimes teach based on instinct, but this requires years and decades of intensive yoga practice. ... or very expensive
A rather expensive option is to visit teachers in the Far East. Learning yoga in the country of origin or in a stunning setting certainly has an exotic feel, but you have to weigh the costs and benefits. You could plan such a trip as a substitute for a vacation and use it alongside another training course. This way, you combine the pleasant and new with the useful. On the safe side...
You can also contact the BDY, the Association of German Yoga Teachers, for example. In a reputable association, you'll be well integrated for the future and receive the latest information and continuing education opportunities. If something isn't going well or you're in crisis, you can seek advice. Publications and a special member service round out the program. In addition to training, great emphasis is placed on medical and educational aspects, as well as the background of yoga teachings. ... or on your own
Furthermore, many different institutions offer training courses. We recommend that you carefully check the individual websites for their offerings, reliability, costs, certifications, and overall impression. Otherwise, the internet is a helpful resource when it comes to general questions, such as mistakes you might make as a yoga teacher and thus as a self-employed person. The best way to start your dream job as a yoga teacher is with plenty of reading material, lots of questions, and a few phone calls. Image © creatista / 123rf.com
Spirit Yoga - Yoga tradition meets zeitgeist and modern lifestyle
by Nick
on Apr 06 2016
Spirit Yoga - Yoga tradition meets zeitgeist and modern lifestyle The English term "spirit" is most often used synonymously with mind or spirit. Spirit can also mean mood, vigor, and enthusiasm. However, none of these translations alone can accurately describe the essence of Spirit Yoga. Yoga has always united body and mind into a strong unity, but Spirit Yoga adds a particularly powerful dynamic. In this respect, Spirit Yoga is a fundamentally traditional, yet still very young style of yoga, in which spirit represents life energy. Founded in Berlin in 2004 by Patricia Thielemann, Spirit Yoga, with several locations and studios, is now one of the best-known European yoga movements based on the American model. Patricia Thielemann's path to becoming a yoga teacher and trainer With Spirit Yoga, Patricia Thielemann created a variation of Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga, which she had learned and loved during her stay in Los Angeles. Instead of concentrating on an acting career in the USA as planned, she trained as a yoga teacher there. A few years later, the athletic young woman returned to Germany and took off: She founded a yoga studio in Berlin and created her own label, Spirit Yoga. She gained a reputation as an expert, particularly in the areas of prenatal and postnatal yoga. She wrote several books on yoga during pregnancy and after birth, and she also released numerous CDs and DVDs on Spirit Yoga. More than 100 yoga classes are taught every week in Berlin alone – most of them open to the public. The levels range from beginner courses for newcomers with no prior knowledge to classes for advanced and professional students. There are also classes with different focuses, such as back strengthening, power, or pregnancy. Learning and teaching Spirit Yoga
Spirit Yoga is, on the one hand, a style of yoga that is now practiced in three Berlin studios and one licensed studio in Aachen. At the same time, the studios are also yoga schools. There, yoga teachers are trained to pass on the "spirit" as yogis and yoginis. Spirit Yoga does not claim to completely reinvent yoga, but rather to be a bridge between Eastern and Western styles. The physical exercises are dynamically flowing, very precise, and breath-focused. Inspired by Power Vinyasa Flow, many elements are similar to this style, but are more clearly structured. A certain luxury is characteristic, such as the studio's own spa area with sauna and massage. The basic idea of Spirit Yoga includes retreats that take place in exotic locations and high-class (and correspondingly expensive) hotels. In addition, regular training and continuing education courses, workshops, and seminars are offered. The philosophy of Spirit Yoga: Stepping into your own light "Step into your light!" is Patricia Thielemann's unique approach to yoga and the guiding principle of Spirit Yoga. She distances herself from promises of healing and esotericism, instead emphasizing the importance of individual spaces of experience and resources that each person can create for themselves through yoga. She believes that modern yoga should be relevant to life, challenging, and free-spirited. Meditative elements help you face everyday challenges and stresses more calmly and with renewed energy. Yoga is intended to be an inspiring source of strength for people of all ages. A matter of the heart, then—without coercion, without pressure to perform, and without intense spiritualization. The motivation is sufficient to want to do something lasting good for yourself that equally addresses body and mind. Since Patricia Thielemann has trained over 350 teachers in recent years (as of 2015), you don't necessarily have to live in Berlin or Aachen to find a course where this style of yoga is practiced and taught. Image © styleuneed / 123rf.com
by Nick
on Apr 04 2016
Not in the mood for yoga? Every yoga fan is probably familiar with brief moments or even longer periods of reluctance to exercise. It's like with any sport or most hobbies: we just don't always feel like it. The reasons for this can be very different. Today it's the rain that keeps us from leaving the house; tomorrow it's a stressful day at work that we don't want to add another appointment to. Even the thought of changing our clothes is daunting. Theoretically, we know a few yoga poses would do us good, but we just can't get ourselves motivated. The group pressure Being in a group or class makes it a little easier due to peer pressure: You know that your acquaintances are there, that friends are coming, and that it's always a nice atmosphere when everyone practices together. You also know that things will be easier once you're there, changed, chatted with the others, and then followed the instructor's instructions. Everyone practices at the same pace, which makes things much easier. That's why you pack your things much lighter – and once you're in the car and driving off, the world already seems much friendlier, at least when it comes to yoga. Practicing at home It gets more difficult when we practice alone at home. Admittedly, it takes some discipline to stick with it. But it's important that you also relax and don't view your routine as difficult work. It's obvious that you'll then become unmotivated. Perhaps you've taken on too much? False ambition is like the proverbial backfire: You overexert yourself and feel worse every day. At the same time, you can't truly let go and believe you absolutely have to complete the mammoth program. So you either torture yourself through the many exercises or you torture yourself because you have absolutely no desire and don't do anything at all. Neither of these is, of course, beneficial to your health and balance; the wonderful power that yoga can impart is lost. Remember We strongly advocate for de-escalating such stressful situations—and you're under stress when you find yourself in this dilemma. A proven tool is to remember how good you feel each time you do the exercises. You know that pleasant feeling when you've thoroughly worked your body and are in the relaxation phase. Your mind becomes completely calm, your limbs feel both strengthened and relaxed. You can enjoy the rest of your day much more. Moreover, the effects last longer, and you'll continue to benefit from them in the days to come. Work with tricks
Admittedly, this little mental trick doesn't always work. Sometimes the reluctance is simply stronger than any attempt to pull you out of your lethargy. Then there are other methods to outsmart you. First, try the dead man's pose. Lie on your back on the floor; you can also make yourself comfortable on the couch or bed; you don't even need to change. Place a blanket over yourself, let your toes curl slightly outward, place your arms loosely at your sides, and close your eyes. Try not to think about anything at all, let go of every thought: Place it on a cloud and simply let it drift away. You've already tried the first yoga pose , even though it usually concludes any program. Perhaps this will whet your appetite for more exercises? From this position, you can pull your knees toward your chest, wrap your hands around your legs, and gently rock from right to left. This is also a relaxation exercise that requires little effort but is excellent for our stressed "sitting back." If you stop now, you've already practiced two easy yoga poses. If you want to continue, choose only those you enjoy and don't try to complete a massive program. You'll feel good then. Image © venimo / 123rf.com
by Nick
on Mar 25 2016
Yoga as therapy Whether mental or physical, serious illnesses initially pull the rug from under our feet. Those who aren't born with a disability and are familiar with this condition, but are instead torn from a vibrant work and private life, must completely reorient themselves. Some activities and movements may no longer be feasible; others must be restarted and relearned. An accident results in visible injuries, a difficult-to-recover stroke of fate causes inner pain – both are equally important, because suffering is always an individual matter: What one person can cope with quite well after a while can derail another for the rest of their life. Concentration against the carousel of thoughts Yoga can help in many cases. The exercises (asanas, breathwork, meditation) are performed with concentration on a simple mat or a stylish meditation cushion . The aspiring yogi is completely at peace with themselves and forgets the world around them for a while. This concentration prevents them from brooding: an important point not only for mental health problems. Every healthy person experiences this healing power when their thoughts are collected and not running around like wild horses. Above all, this running around is useless; it very rarely leads to practical solutions, but instead causes incredible stress, which, in turn, is an additional burden for the body. It is precisely this grounding, the inner letting go, and the calmness inherent in these powerful exercises (both physical and mental strength) that bring the body into harmony with itself. Mind and soul relax, and everyday problems lose their significance for a while—ideally, for a longer period. If we embrace this, we can find lasting peace, even if our living conditions are not (or no longer are) what we would like them to be. Being single can make some people just as unhappy as living in a wheelchair: We should therefore not compare or judge one situation with another, because unhappiness can mean something different for everyone. So everyone finds their own approach to yoga: One attends a class, another learns from a friend, a third already knows a bit and takes a closer look at their books or DVDs. Some practice in the morning when everyone else is still asleep, while others prefer to try it in the hour between finishing work and watching the evening news. Perhaps you split up your yoga routine and prefer to start with a candle in the morning; instead, you treat yourself to comfortable clothes and a mat in your favorite color in the evening. Therapeutic-professional yoga Incidentally, there are doctors who are also trained in yoga therapy. Such specialists combine Western wisdom with Eastern healing powers. They work holistically, a trend that is fortunately becoming increasingly popular here as well. Ayurveda and similar treatments are often found here. It's not just about quickly prescribing medication for a specific illness; that has often proven to be a short-term, but not long-term, solution. One thing is certain: the body won't heal if the mind works against it; and the mind won't be permanently at peace if the soul is ill. Yoga continues to be used by yoga therapists, similar to physical therapists. The trainers are often yoga teachers who have completed additional training. The goal is to find exercises that are individually suited to the patient, incorporating the body, mind, and soul. Last but not least, there is also a course combination of yoga and psychotherapy for committed therapists. Yoga can therefore be used as a preventative measure against the onset of illness, as a companion during the healing process, and as long-term support for both mental and physical ailments. It's definitely worth a try, because in addition to improving your constitution, practice also offers peaceful moments for yourself. And who doesn't need that? Image © yommy8008 / 123rf.com
Balance Yoga - Your path to inner balance
by Nick
on Mar 22 2016
Balance Yoga "I want to find my inner balance." "I feel like nothing is right with me anymore." Many sayings and emotional expressions revolve around the topic of balance. Yoga helps you train your balance, experience a sense of inner equilibrium, and rediscover your stability. Are you in balance?
The tree pose is one of the most well-known asanas and clearly demonstrates time and again that many people struggle to maintain balance safely. Balance Yoga offers a mix of physical exercises, breathing techniques, and relaxation methods that support you in your search for balance. There are different levels at which you can be in balance or imbalance. Your external balance is easy to recognize. Those who can hold balance asanas effortlessly have a well-balanced body and can sense their equilibrium with strength and mindfulness. Balance is also an important topic within your body. On a mental level, balance is closely related to the virtues of serenity and calm. Those who are quick-tempered, easily upset, or find themselves confronted with sudden emotional outbursts should strengthen their mental balance. Fundamentally, balance is always achieved when opposing forces are exactly equal in strength. While striving for balance, it's important to combine it with self-confidence and clarity. Otherwise, there's a risk of overadaptation, which is considered a negative exaggeration of balance. If you want to strengthen your balance, you'll find many positive suggestions in yoga. In addition to the exercises explicitly suggested in Balance Yoga, appropriate mantras and nutritional tips will also help you restore your equilibrium. Ayurvedic cuisine always aims for a balancing effect and helps you discover the ideal food for your dosha. Balance Yoga – what you can do to strengthen your balance
The use of strength and relaxation, dynamic exercise sequences and phases of pause – Balance Yoga is about practicing the seemingly opposing elements in such a way that their interaction has a balancing effect. Among the 84 main asanas, you'll find some simpler and more difficult balance exercises. An example of an easier exercise is the Eagle Pose (Garudasana). In this balance exercise, you wrap your left foot around your right calf and your left arm around your right. The centering you experience in this asana will help you grow in your sense of self-determination. Ardha Chandrasana—Half Moon Pose—requires a bit more flexibility and practice. This asana is reputed to immediately reduce feelings of stress and significantly strengthen inner balance. Dancer's Pose (Natarajasana) is an incredibly powerful balancing exercise. It is modeled after the dancing Shiva, who constantly destroys and recreates the universe. The balancing position on one leg is usually only achieved after extensive practice. But the perseverance is worth it: Natarajasana reveals the insight that the opposing forces of destruction and creation create a balance from which deep inner contentment can grow. Warrior III, the headstand, and the handstand are also prominent balance exercises that you'll encounter repeatedly in yoga. Vasistasana, the side plank pose, is a balance exercise that requires both flexibility and strength. Even if finding your balance is just one of many goals of your yoga practice, with the appropriate mindfulness, you can easily discover your equilibrium again and again. In different phases of life and everyday life, certain influences gain the upper hand and make you seem either angry or depressed, too loud or barely audible. On a physical level, such an imbalance causes pain. It's not always easy to resist the dominating influences and maintain balance. However, constantly working on your balance will help you achieve the stability that truly makes you happy. Image © szefei / 123rf.com
by Nick
on Mar 16 2016
Yoga and consumption
In our Western world, yoga is hardly conceivable without consumption. It's not about excesses, but about fundamentals:
A yoga or exercise mat is the minimum equipment that can be found in every household where yoga is practiced.
Those who attend a course pay a fee and need their own yoga bag for some additional items.
Some people might want to pack a special yoga towel or their favorite soap in here.
Meditators love the glow of a tea light , relax with a cymbal or let mala beads glide through their fingers.
All of these things, of course, fall under consumption, since they are purchased and paid for – if you receive them as gifts, others have paid for them.
Consumption then and now
Consumption in itself is not a bad thing. We all buy food, clothing, travel tickets, or gasoline. Some drive cars, and we also travel or go to the cinema. Fortunately, our leisure activities are diverse and offer something for everyone. Nevertheless, consumption has a negative connotation for some, even though the idea of transforming from self-provider to consumer is ancient: The moment the first humans began to exchange things to acquire new things, consumption, as we understand it today, was born. We want certain things and are willing to give up other things—whether goods or money—in exchange.
Interestingly, the idea of having/buying is strongly involved in the concept of consumption; however, the Latin verb consumere only means to consume in the sense of exhaustive or consuming use: Thus, the farmer also consumes his food by cooking and eating it, but produces it through his own cultivation without further purchases (we omit fertilizers and the like here to make the basic statement clearer).
Yoga and consumption
In this sense, the fundamental concept of consumption in yoga has less to do with this: we consume things as slowly as possible and replace them only when necessary and worn out; instead, we use them extensively, so that the purchase is worthwhile. The idea of bargain hunting and spontaneous, expensive purchases may not seem entirely appropriate for yoga, let alone the Eastern tradition. Here, more emphasis is placed on clarity of mind and physical balance than on fashion or other short-term values.
Yoga is a long-term lifestyle. It's not about outdoing others because you have the nicer meditation cushion or the trendiest clothes . A raffia mat or blanket is sufficient as a simple base, and some accessories are essential for intensive yoga practice. But consumption, just to buy something new or because an object looks nice, is rarely the point of your yoga purchase. Purchases as gifts for yoga fans or in the form of practical gift certificates are, of course, something else entirely.
Consume sensibly
So, sensible consumption is always possible, necessary, and certainly welcome—this applies to every purchase, really. Buying two mats, several bags, and a bunch of extras you'll never use is great for your consumption index, but whether it's good for you is up to you to decide.
Yoga is more about reducing the external in order to gain more of the internal: being more yourself, being more focused and fit, more serenity and wisdom, better breathing, and a new outlook on life. A vegetarian or, alternatively, a simpler diet has a similar effect: By deliberately cutting back, you have more time for other things, gaining greater clarity of mind and the opportunity to devote yourself to more important, more meaningful things than food. True to the motto: Man does not live to eat, but eats to live.
With this in mind, we wish you the right choice when shopping at yogabox – and then a wonderful time with new yoga experiences!
Image © ennona / 123rf.com
Sun Yoga – a special yoga tradition
by Nick
on Mar 10 2016
Sun Yoga – a special yoga tradition Sun Yoga is also known as Hot Yoga. It combines tried-and-tested classical yoga exercises with high temperatures in the practice room. The basic idea behind it is to adapt to the conditions found in India, the homeland of yoga. Temperatures in India are considerably hotter than in Western cultures. The increased heat is artificially created in the practice room to induce similar biochemical reactions in the body as is the case in India. Effects of Sun Yoga
The high temperatures in the exercise room are intended to stimulate the cardiovascular system sustainably and improve long-term fitness. The heat necessitates increased water consumption, which in turn is intended to promote the body's detoxification and purification processes. Sun Yoga also reduces the risk of injury, which can occur especially among beginners due to excessive practice. The high temperatures prevent the body from cooling down during the relaxation phases of the exercises. How Sun Yoga works
Sun Yoga is practiced in affiliated yoga schools and offered in the form of courses. A series of exercises is designed to address the entire body. All cells and the entire organ system benefit from the exercises. Stress is reduced accordingly. Regular practice sustainably improves fitness, thus ensuring coordinated and balanced posture. Flexibility is generally increased, and strength is built. Regularly performing the exercises for approximately 90 minutes at least three days a week can often result in a significant reduction in numerous symptoms, even those that have previously been chronic. These include, in particular, symptoms associated with arthritic conditions, respiratory problems, and back pain. In addition to the physical effects, Sun Yoga aims to create a connection between body and mind, increase the individual's energy level, and bring participants closer to a spiritual level of consciousness. Suitability of Sun Yoga Most people generally tolerate exercises in higher temperatures well. Even those with high blood pressure or circulatory problems can usually cope well with the heat. If you have current or chronic cardiovascular problems, you should always consult a doctor beforehand to see if the high temperatures during Sun Yoga are a problem. Sun Yoga Integration
Sun Yoga is offered by the respective schools or yoga studios and is integrated into the centuries-old traditions of yoga. The most common styles include Hatha Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga . Hatha Yoga is primarily about establishing balance between body and mind through three building blocks: breathing exercises (pranayama) , physical exercises (asanas) , and meditative exercises . Vinyasa Yoga focuses on physical exercises and breathing exercises. In Western cultures, however, meditation is rarely included in the practices. Sun Yoga exercise sequences
In most cases, several exercise options are offered. They vary in composition and each has a slightly different focus or is geared to the different needs and abilities of the participants. The temperature in the practice room is 40 degrees Celsius for most classes. The duration of a practice session can vary between 60 and 90 minutes. Some sessions alternate evenly between static asana exercises and relaxation phases. Others have a fixed sequence, usually consisting of 26 asanas combined with two breathing exercises. A particularly challenging sequence is usually offered, aimed at experienced participants and comparable to an active full-body workout. For some practitioners, 40 degrees Celsius is too much room temperature, or at least too high for beginners. For this reason, a Sun Yoga session is usually offered at a slightly lower temperature of 35 degrees Celsius. Image © gloffs / 123rf.com
by Nick
on Mar 09 2016
Start anew with yoga Time and again, there are situations in life that we view as crossroads: relocations, job changes, or major accidents are among them. Children move out, parents die, or we recover from a serious illness. We usually view the difficult moments from which we emerge as more serious than the good ones. This is why a wedding, while wonderful, is seen as less of a life-changing event than a divorce. Evolutionarily, we are programmed to avoid and resolve difficulties rather than to revel in the good things. This makes sense when we consider the life situations of our earliest ancestors, who were all about survival by being able to quickly assess critical situations. This all seems far-fetched, but this is precisely why we experience upheaval and change, stress and excitement much more intensely and remember them more lastingly than the beautiful moments in life. What we're getting at here? The fact that when we're starting over, whatever the kind, we can use a good inner and outer framework to overcome this deep-rooted shyness, sadness, or discontent. And that brings us to the idea of trying yoga! A particularly elegant yoga mat is rolled out in the new apartment, and the nearest available class is attended in an unfamiliar city – in this case, we also casually and pleasantly make new contacts. These are always important, but we need good friends, friendly neighbors and acquaintances, and every possible social contact especially urgently when we're not feeling well. Whatever affliction we're currently putting behind us, yoga can be a valuable aid. Simply relax: For this very simple exercise, close your eyes and place a silk pillow over them. You can also use the eye pillow in the corpse or dead man's pose—usually the final position after your workout. A meditative environment can also be the starting point for a new beginning: We offer incense sticks or singing bowls for this purpose. To do this, choose a meditation cushion in your favorite color, sit down in comfortable clothing and posture, and close your eyes. Do you know a mantra you'd like to hum? Otherwise, try the famous Om, the perfect sound used by yogis for thousands of years. It consists of the sequence of A, U, and M. Then take a break and feel your body's response. If you wish, you can also glide a mala through your fingers. These prayer and meditation beads can be worn as jewelry around the wrist or neck; otherwise, the beads (ideally 108, a sacred number for Buddhists and Hindus) are passed through the fingers, similar to a rosary: a calming gesture with powerful power. The different lengths are created by the various designs and materials. We also offer several color variations. You can receive a mala as a gift, or you can give one to someone for a birthday or other special occasion. These are all ways to make a fresh start with yoga in a peaceful way. This will help you find balance and find yourself. You can also do your daily or weekly exercise sessions, then take a relaxing bath and pamper yourself with our fragrant soap . Perhaps you could use the fascia massage roller with your partner or a good friend: It's much more fun to massage each other instead of doing it alone. The relaxation is also significantly greater when we don't have to do anything ourselves during the massage, but can relax completely. Image © Krisdog / 123rf.com
by Nick
on Mar 07 2016
Heart Chakra Meditation Definition of chakras
In traditional Hindu and Buddhist concepts, as well as in yoga, chakras are considered energy centers located along the body's central longitudinal axis. There are seven different main chakras. The perspective on the chakras varies somewhat depending on the underlying teaching. The key commonality is the assumption that various physical and mental symptoms, as well as organ regions, can be associated with the chakras, which are influenced by blockages on the one hand and openings on the other. The consumption of certain teas, herbs, foods and aromas is considered just as helpful for balancing chakras as meditation or the use of special healing stones. The heart chakra
The heart chakra is the fourth chakra and generally represents love, affection, empathy, security, and the kindness of the heart. It is located in the center of the chest at heart level. It is associated with the color light green and the element air. The heart chakra lies exactly in the middle of the seven chakras and is considered the link between the three upper and three lower chakras. From a spiritual perspective, it is also understood as the connection between the worldly and spiritual realms. The heart chakra is associated with various themes, including forgiveness, surrender, the ability to trust, and the ability to feel pain. Karma is also associated with the heart chakra. Physically, the heart and lungs, as well as the chest, circulatory system, and immune system, are connected to the heart chakra. The more open and sensitive the chakra, the more beneficial the positive influence on the corresponding organs. Heart chakra meditation during yoga
A heart chakra meditation can look different depending on the particular yoga school. Every yogi who offers a corresponding meditation offers their own variation. What they all have in common is the effort to open the heart chakra. To do this, it's important to release any blockages and free yourself from stress. For meditation, it is essential to choose a quiet and undisturbed place. The sitting position is either the lotus position or the cross-legged position. The hands are placed loosely on the thighs. If you wish, you can open them with the palms facing up, but the back of the hands in the upper position is also fine. Close your eyes, and gently and as relaxed as possible, focus your attention on the position of the heart chakra. It is helpful to first get a feel for the current situation. Are there any disturbing influences or pain, light or heavy feelings? Fantasizing about light and brightness in general can help open the heart chakra. In your imagination, you can let the light flow through your heart and chest. The image of brightness will automatically lead to the chakra gradually opening. Helpful meditation exercises in motion In addition to light imagination, various breathing exercises ( pranayama ) are considered essential for opening the chakra. These are performed in conjunction with opening the chest. To do this, sit and breathe calmly, spreading your arms out at chest height. As you inhale, the arms are extended outward and then brought together again as you exhale. Another exercise is performed while standing. Here, the eyes are open, and the focus is initially on a calm flow of breathing. Both hands are placed on the heart chakra. Feel the rhythm of the heartbeat with the palms. As you exhale, both arms are moved horizontally forward and the right leg is placed forward. As you inhale, return to the starting position. Furthermore, all exercises based on backbends are helpful for opening the heart chakra. The classic sun salutation , which has an activating and invigorating effect, is also considered an ideal exercise for opening the heart chakra. Yoga beginners are recommended to take a guided chakra meditation. This not only explains the position of the heart chakra, but also teaches a number of helpful meditation exercises that can be practiced together. Image © goku347 / 123rf.com
by Nick
on Mar 06 2016
Aerial Yoga Like many exciting yoga trends, aerial yoga also comes from the USA. It was developed by the creative acrobat and founder of the group AntiGravity , Christopher Calvin Harrison. So if you've always wanted to fulfill your dream of flying, want to do something for your fitness at the same time, and are looking for a variation on the otherwise perhaps somewhat overly serious yoga workout, then this is the right place for you. Because aerial yoga is primarily about fun and not so much about spiritual moments. Perhaps this relaxed form of yoga also leads to more introspection, as nothing is tense or forced here. Rather, it's about letting go, and you'll do that easily and automatically when you're dangling in one of the giant trapeze fabrics and are reminded a little of your toddler years. While in other forms of meditation and yoga, the mind still represents an obstacle, and a negative attitude can inevitably lead to a blockage that you first have to resolve in a lengthy process, in aerial yoga you have no time and certainly no interest in encouraging any skepticism that might arise. Rather, from start to finish, it's all about fully enjoying the exhilarating moments of suspended animation. The special features of Aerial Yoga at a glance Although aerial yoga exercises may seem daring at first glance, they are a yoga technique that can be practiced by both young and old. The appearance of a more demanding yoga style is deceptive. In fact, many stretching exercises are much easier in the air because the body weight is significantly reduced. The asanas performed in the inverted position are particularly suitable for those who suffer from back problems. This position relieves pressure on the back and neck, thus achieving a state of maximum relaxation. Furthermore, all muscle groups are strengthened and the internal organs are massaged. In addition to these aspects, aerial yoga also proves beneficial when it comes to building confidence in a world characterized by constant change, instability, and uncertainty. Of course, the inversion movements in particular have a corresponding effect, as they ensure that you reach a state of letting go. This encompasses all the essential elements in life, be they everyday problems, worries or desires, during your yoga exercises in the air you gain a new, healthier perspective on the things that really matter. It is certainly not surprising that the swinging motion alone provides a wonderful counterbalance to the often one-sided physical strain of work and dissolves potential stress within minutes. Experts consider a combination of aerial yoga and classic exercises on the ground to be ideal. Whenever traditional yoga causes you too many problems and you are too tense and cramped for some particularly difficult asanas , an hour in the air proves to be extremely relaxing. Of course, aerial yoga, which in short is a harmonious blend of Pilates , aerial acrobatics and the familiar yoga positions on the ground, also has other positive factors to offer as a standalone workout in addition to the advantages already mentioned. These include the development of natural balance, the feeling of protection and security and, last but not least, the not to be underestimated fun factor, which has a positive effect on body, soul and mind equally. Of course, this can only be a limited, theoretical description of this increasingly popular form of aerial yoga. You'll experience the full extent of its positive effects once you sit in the soft acrobatic cloth yourself and finally have the opportunity to relax not only your limbs but also your soul. Image © dmytr / 123rf.com
by Nick
on Mar 04 2016
Is yoga “esoteric”? The answer is simple: It depends on how you define "esoteric." Some people understand it as an interesting secret doctrine, perhaps with a mystical approach; new insights into unusual things that most people neither understand nor recognize. Others use it to dismiss "unreasonable" things; for them, anything is esoteric that science can't prove, that sounds strange and is beyond their comprehension, or that they instinctively reject. Incidentally, this derogatory attitude has only existed since the 20th century. Before that, esotericism was very elitist, something only for select groups of people like scientists, and sometimes even only for initiates. This gave it this mysterious, fantastical, and even cult-like character. Esotericism essentially means nothing other than "relating to the inner." Esoteric content Today, these two groups—esoteric fans and those who reject it—continue to oppose each other. Esotericism encompasses a wide variety of topics: Native American and Far Eastern myths, gurus and lunar calendars, crystal healing and pendulums; geomancy, clairvoyance and clairaudience, fortune-telling, card reading, and the famous round table readings for contacting the deceased. Alongside the spectacular, there are deep religious mysteries that elude conventional knowledge; dream interpretation, spontaneous healing, theosophy, telepathy and telekinesis, and the spiritual relationship to numbers. Yoga seems downright "harmless" in the context of some of the rather dubious practices, which we find almost indistinguishable from charlatanism. Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out today that some of these topics will one day gain conclusive evidence or become as widely accepted as we know them to be. Gymnastic exercises and spiritual experiences So, the question is what your personal yoga looks like, or rather, what you want to adopt from the ancient tradition. If you view yoga purely from a sporting perspective, the asanas have no esoteric elements, but are on a par with Pilates and gymnastics . The breathing exercises can also be explained quite well by biological processes, such as nasal cleansing, more oxygen for the organs, and so on. Meditative exercises, on the other hand, are already in a transitional stage. Here, sensitive people can experience extraordinary and strange experiences; some might even speak of soul journeys or other flights of the mind that are difficult to explain and thus esoteric. If we now consider the concept of meridians, which originates from TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and only slowly gained acceptance in the West, we are already entering a realm that was once considered esoteric but is now considered entirely acceptable. Health insurance companies have even begun to cover acupuncture treatments under certain circumstances. In contrast, areas like kinesiology are still not recognized treatments. Nevertheless, they work wonders in many cases, and even people who have never dealt with them respond and are healed. Various forms of exercise The current influx of yoga classes is greater than ever. Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Zen , and similar practices are also popular, but by a considerable margin; perhaps because yoga can also be seen purely as relaxation and exercise. No one needs to change their diet or delve into the deepest secrets of yoga; they simply practice dog , cat, and tree poses . In contrast, Tai Chi and other forms offer special exercises such as rooted walking, the swimming dragon, and the visualization of capturing the chi and directing it to the lower core. Some people may have difficulty with this. Yoga is therefore less esoteric in our part of the world, as so many people now practice it that it can hardly be described as a teaching "only for the initiated." Incidentally, (unlike in the Far East) more women than men attend classes with their yoga equipment ; some others may prefer to practice secretly at home. In this respect, we suggest: simply enjoy “your” yoga, whatever your stance on the subject of esotericism! Image © styleuneed / 123rf.com