our-yoga

Image: Flickr User Last Zolex

I actually meditated every single day this week! Here are a few things that I noticed:

1. Since I'm new at this and easily distracted, it's easier if I face the wall. That way when I can't stand it any longer and I have to peek, all I will see is a white wall. If I peek and see something shiny or colorful ... it takes a lot longer to recover and go back to my meditation.

2. Five minutes is a really REALLY long time sometimes--like when you're 5 years old or learning to meditate. Just think of all the precious five-minute spans I waste staring into a computer screen every day... It's kind of appalling.

3. I have felt happier this week than I've felt in a long time. I don't know if it's the placebo effect or what (I've been reading a lot about the magical benefits of daily meditation lately... but five minutes a day for a week hardly seems like long enough), but I've decided not to question it.

Next week, I'm meditating for eight minutes daily. My goal isn't to sit for long spans of time, but instead to notice the impact of a daily seated practice. However, it seems like five minutes is just long enough for me to get settled.

If you meditate, how long do you sit? Is your goal to sit longer?

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Cholesterol is one of the chemical compound, which is produced by the human body, it is an important component for the producing of bile acid, vitamin D etc. Cholesterol builds cell membranes and some hormones too, Around 78% of the cholesterol of the body is produced by the main part of human body which is Liver while the other 22% comes from the diet which we take.
Cholesterol is mostly found in the meat, fish, dairy products like butter and oil made products, if the level of cholesterol in human body increases from a certain limit than it is the major cause of heart diseases,

Levels For Cholesterol :

There are two main levels of cholesterol one is Low Density Lipoprotein and the other one is High Density Lipoprotein. In which LDL is considered as the "bad cholesterol", where as HDL is considered as "good cholesterol".

Cholesterol Testing :

It is advised that a person should check his/her cholesterol once in a year, the good cholesterol ranges from 120-200 mg/dl and if a person has level 240 mg/dl, then he/she is at severe risk of stroke or heart disease.

Precautions For Cholesterol :

The level of cholesterol must be retained and must be checked periodically from the laboratories, and regular exercise is needed to control it, the patients of heart much avoid it by regular exercise and eating food with less cholesterol.

There's nothing I love more than hearing how other people got interested in the practice of yoga, their first a-ha moments, and the thing that keeps them coming back to the mat time and time again. I get little glimpses into who you and what you practice from your comments, but I want to know more! And I'm sure I'm not the only one...

So this is what I propose:

Write a story about how you came to be a yoga student. Tell us all about the fateful day that you decided to pop into a class for the first time, and why you kept coming back.

Or if you're not the story-telling type, answer these questions:

This is my picture in one of my favorite poses. It's only fair.

1. What made you decide to take your first yoga class? Describe the experience.

2. Tell us about one of your biggest yoga a-ha moments.

3. Besides the teacher who is supposed to teach you yoga, who or what is your best yoga teacher? (Think unconventional teachers here... nature, your dog, your kid, your dentist...)

4. Where is the craziest place you've ever done yoga?

5. Describe your yoga journey in 3 words. (Yes, you may answer with ONLY three words, or you'll be hearing from me!)


Send your story or answers and a photo of you in your favorite pose to SpoiledYogi@gmail.com, and I'll feature you in a blog entry!

I can't wait to read your stories!

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we recommend you to buy some goods below for comfort, safety and ease of your yoga activities

Shingles is a viral disease also known as deadly or harming skin rash. It happens in one part of the body and chickenpox and shingles both causes by the same virus. This virus is known as varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and can be found in the family of viruses. This virus lives dormant in the nervous system of an human being after an individual has chickenpox, this virus never completely removed from the body as well. When someone have stress, immune deficiency (like AIDS) or cancer, this virus reactivates it selves and causes shingles. The risk of developing shingles is more in anyone who has had chickenpox in the past 6 months, although it is more common in people with the age of 55+ years. It has been estimated that millions of people have shingles each year in the United States only.

Symptoms of Shingles :

The patient feels deadly pain and sensitive skin several weeks or days before a rash is visible. These rashes usually come up with small blisters on a red base, with new blisters continuing to form three to five days. The blisters follow the path of individual nerves exiting the spinal cord in a "ray-like distribution (called a dermatomal pattern) and appear in a model of band-like area of skin. In general, only one nerve level is involved. In rare cases, more than one nerve will be involved. Eventually, the blisters pop, and the region begins to ooze. The affected areas will then crust over and heal. The duration of the epidemic can take three to four weeks from beginning to end. Occasionally, the pain will be present but the blisters may not appear. This can be a very confusing because of local pain.

Treatment Of Shingles :

The patient of shingles is given antivirals and pain relieving medicines, doctors advices patients to clean the affected area with a good soap and mineral water as well, healing and cooling powders and lotions are also advised.

I have a lot of experience being the youngest. I am the youngest in my family. I've been the youngest student in my class, the youngest intern, the youngest yoga teacher trainee, the youngest teacher... Being young has its advantages and disadvantages--particularly in the yoga community. The older students might smile at the youngsters--possibly envious that we got an early start on the practice, possibly envious that our backbends are deep and effortless (though, that's not always the case.) It's all fine and dandy until a youngster decides he or she knows enough the practice to share it with others.

When I decided to blog about my teacher training as a sweet and innocent 22 year old, I was kind of crushed when I received a critical email from someone I'd never met who was "sick and tired of these 20-somethings" who think they can teach something to someone--anyone!--for that matter. I'm still thankful to my editor who smiled and said, "Don't listen to them."

When I read the criticism of fashion-model-turned-yoga-mogul Tara Stiles following her recent story in the NY Times, it all came back to me. Of course, I expected the criticism about Stiles breaking from tradition, focusing on the physical benefits/weight loss, and wearing clothes that show her model-icious body (the scandal!)... but I was a little surprised by the collective attitude toward her age. I mean, come on! She's 29, not 16.

Image: NYtimes.com

In case you haven't been following, here's a sampling:


That someone so young, with so little training, but with a big megaphone due to her celebrity, is off training yoga teachers? Sounds like hubris to me. -- comment on YogaDork.com

And even with a pro-yoga business plan, the emphasis on youth and beauty puts such young teachers in a position where they don't have the time to naturally develop their practice to the place where they're really absorbed a lot of the wisdom that's come before and then really honestly decide that it's time to innovate. If they take this time, they will miss their marketing moment, and the lucrative contract will go to someone else. -- comment on ElephantJournal.com

Maybe one of these days a little light will shine on in her head and she’ll 'get it.' Probably not until she’s 40, but you never know. -- comment on FlyingYogini.wordpress.com


What's with all the age-ism when it comes to yoga teachers? Is it a jealousy thing--that they get to be young, beautiful, talented, AND successful that rubs people the wrong way? I just don't get it. Some young yoga teachers devote years of daily practice with their teachers (hours every day) and log more time on the mat that teachers twice their age. It's entirely possible that teachers like Tara Stiles (29), Kathryn Budig (28), and Alanna Kaivalya (30) have more experience teaching and more wisdom than older teachers, too. And thank goodness for them! And even if the younger up-and-coming yoga teachers don't have more experience, they're more relatable to a lot of people! I've studied with a lot of older, more seasoned yoga teachers ... and while they have lots of experience and knowledge to offer, I can't relate to their experiences at Woodstock or their contentious objector status during the Vietnam War. But here's the thing.... even though I can't relate to all of their teachings, I realize that I can still learn something from them. And I certainly don't go around questioning their teachings. That would be disrespectful, wouldn't it?

I admire Stiles for saying her teacher training wasn't up to snuff--many teacher trainings aren't. I admire her even more for choosing not to publicly disclose what teacher training that was (just because it wasn't what she was looking for doesn't mean it won't work for someone else). And I'm glad she's a successful teacher now with the opportunity to teach every single day if she wants to--because just think about how wise and amazing she's going to be in a few years! 

For the record, I'm 27 ... and I've spent the last five years of my life (eight hours a day) practicing yoga, reading about yoga, writing about yoga, studying yoga, and pondering yoga. That's about 10,000 hours if you DON'T include my nights and weekends.

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This is what I image prolonged meditation should feel like.. floating on a cloud...  in a bathrobe..

In the last few days, it seems there have been little reminders to meditate everywhere I look...

Mindfulness Meditation Training Changes Your Brain
Meditation, Your Key to a Stress-Free Life
The #1 Health Habit You're Not Doing ... Yet

OK, Universe, I get it! Meditation can change your brain ... It will help you calm down, manage stress, and focus--not to mention a whole slew of other positive benefits! So, why is it so hard to commit to just a few minutes of quiet reflection every day? I don't know... It shouldn't be so difficult, should it? I'd like to think I can do ANYTHING for five minutes.

This week, I'm starting a daily meditation routine--not because I feel guilty, but because I want to see if it's really lives up to all the hype! (The last time I was able to meditate every day it was only for about 30 days, and I really enjoyed it.. but what if I could do it for 60?) I'll start with just 5 minutes a day, and I hope to build from there. Every Monday, I'll let you know what I'm focusing on and update you on my progress! Sound good?

Do you sit to meditate daily? Do you just sit in silence following your breath or follow a guide of some sort? Do you have a mantra? Do you use mala beads? What changes have you noticed in yourself after long stretches of daily meditation?

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Guest Post by Amy Annis, cleanspirityoga.com
 

In August of 2009, I was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer during my first regularly-scheduled mammogram. It was completely unexpected and pulled the rug out from under my world. As yoga teacher who had consistently valued and promoted good health, it was a severe blow to my emotional psyche. Part of the road to recovery included much more than the nine month process of chemo, radiation, and surgery. That was critical to my physical body of course. But after that last radiation treatment wrapped up I began the process of caring for my emotional well-being, which is where the true nature of yoga revealed itself to me.

I began teaching in 2003, understanding that it provided me the opportunity to maintain my love of the practice as well as speak to my four young children about the connection of a healthy mind and body. I adored teaching and attended trainings whenever I could fit them in to my very busy, yoga-mama world but would often feel guilty and restless when I was away from the kids.

Fast forward to the cancer diagnosis, and, admittedly, I didn't practice throughout most of the chemo....I too sick (headaches and nausea) and too weak. I'll never forget the first Downward Dog after the second surgery. My arms wobbled and the lack of mobility in my left shoulder from the mastectomy rendered a pretty imperfect asana. And yet, as the breathing instinctively returned, there was a feeling of relief of being on my mat, a familiar place, knowing that my recovery was ahead.

What I did next was uncharacteristic. Cancer forces you a raw glimpse of your mortality. The benefit: a renewed desire to live my life at a different level. I put aside my feelings of mama guilt (all mamma's have it) and enrolled in a teacher training program at The Yoga Center of Minneapolis understanding that the 2 1/2 hour commute and the year of Sundays spent away from my family was a major sacrifice, both in time and in finances. Thank God for my husband, who I know thought I was a little crazy, not to mention realized pretty quickly that after a long work week he would be pulling single Daddy duty all weekend. Looking back, I think he was probably just so grateful for my survival that I could have told him I was going to India for 3 months and still received a feeble OK.

So there I was attending trainings every week and yoga became my new medicine. I would imagine that all of that chemo and drug that I reluctantly pumped into my body would release with my breath. My mentor, Monique, gently but firmly (and that's not an oxymoron in her case) didn't give me too many breaks or excuses why I could not do an asana. But she warned me that the emotions may present themselves during the hip openers, and sure enough I spent a few Pigeons head down weeping on my mat.

School unwittingly became an extension of my therapy. I gained a deeper appreciation for the culture and history of yoga. More than the Sutras themselves, but how they applied to my life and my practice. I'll ever have the eloquence of some of the great teachers who guide us on the Yamas and the Niyamas, but I feel as though the understanding of them, as well as the insight of a mother and a survivor, that I can speak of them in real world words.

Oddly enough cancer was a gift. One that I never wish to receive again, mind you, but it nonetheless forced me forward on many levels. The benefits of my newly created yoga community inspired me to take some huge leaps of faith. I re-discovered my love of writing and speaking, there is a deeper appreciation for my family who won’t disintegrate in my absence, and it was the springboard to take my dreams to the next level and develop my yoga retreat business on the beautiful Madeline Island.

There is much mention lately in the news as to the benefits of yoga in cancer patients. In fact, cancer patients may want to read the book Cancer Fitness by Anna L. Schwartz; it is very good. But in my journey of recovery yoga was much more than a traditional exercise. It healed my heart.

Amy Annis has taught yoga while raising a small army understanding that her practice not only gave her balance in a hectic life but also spoke to her children about the connection of a healthy mind and body.  After a bout with crazy cancer in 2009, she decided to take her dreams to the next level and developed her yoga retreat concept on beautiful Madeline Island, WI.  She also found her writing voice and recently launched her own blog.  As a yoga mamma, wife, outdoor enthusiast, and dog lover she delights in life a little off balance.  Lately, she is very grateful for hair. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook.

we recommend you to buy some goods below for comfort, safety and ease of your yoga activities

we recommend you to buy some goods below for comfort, safety and ease of your yoga activities

we recommend you to buy some goods below for comfort, safety and ease of your yoga activities

Image: Canada.com

When I first started practicing yoga, I had this idea of what a yoga student should be like. They're obviously health nuts who are incredibly fit, morally and ethically responsible, and have amazing self-discipline. Somewhere along the line I got the idea that yoga students should be, well, perfect. So I spent a lot of time feeling guilty about the fact that I, in fact, was very far from perfect. When classmates discussed their raw food diets or recent trips to an environmentally-friendly spa, I would be quitely (pardon the expression) sweating like a hooker in church. After a few years of yoga under my belt, I now know that this was really REALLY stupid.

Feeling guilty doesn't help us reach our health goals. It doesn't make us happier. And it certainly doesn't help us to change our habits or make us better, more balanced people. In fact, feeling guilty about the things that make you who you are is directly contradictory to the practice of yoga. Instead of feeling guilty about something, I'm trying to learn to accept it, admit that no one is perfect, and move on! It doesn't mean that I stop striving to be better. It just means that I stop beating myself up about being who I am.

Here are 5 things I'm choosing not to feel guilty about any more...

1. I am not the picture of health. I guess the most unhealthy thing I do is consume mass quantities of sugar. I'm a Southern gal that grew up on sweet tea ... and it goes straight to my thighs. However, I consider it as much a part of my culture as Krishna is to the ancient yogis and I will not (EVER) give it up completely. Don't even THINK about trying to talk me into it. Oh, I also love potato chips, and and I watch more television than really any person really should. But, this is all a part of who I am. And yoga teaches us to celebrate who we are in this moment, not some fake, idealized version of who we want ourselves to be in the future. So, there it is.

2. I do not meditate and/or practice every single day. My television habit could be partially to blame, but there are days when I'm simply not in the mood for all this yoga crap (yes, I did say yoga crap and no, I'm not sorry). It's usually just when I've had a bad day and, admittedly, need my yoga practice the most--but I'm not always rational enough to see that in the moment. I almost always remember why I love this practice so much the next time I get to my mat and realize I was crazy for skipping a day... which is punishment enough.

3. Sometimes, I'm not nice. Here's the thing about being human... It's not always pretty. Sometimes people are jerks, and yoga students are people, too. You get where I'm going with this? No one should expect you to be perfect just because you practice yoga. And those people who might expect perfection, like I did when I first started practicing, don't know much about yoga ... so screw them! (See? I told you sometimes I'm not nice!) 

4. I hate reading ancient yoga texts. They're just so ... boring and hard to understand! I'd rather read a yoga memoir, magazine, or blog any day of the week. I learn better from my peers who write in normal, clear, easy-to-understand English. As of now, I see no reason to sit and torture myself with the Yoga Sutras when I can be inspired, educated, AND entertained by the works of a modern writer instead.

5.  I like things.  Shiny things, stretchy things, new things, old things, big things, little things... I just like things! I know, I know.. Shocker! And I like people, too (most of the time). So I'm never going to be like the ancient yogis who gave up all their material things and went to live in isolation in a cave somewhere. I keep aparigraha (non-grasping) in the back of my mind--which helps me come to a place of balance. But I believe I can can live a modern lifestyle and still reap at least some of the benefits of yoga, and that's good enough for me. 

What things have you felt guilty about since you started practicing yoga, and how has the practice helped you to overcome your feelings of guilt?

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Wow, how did it get to be the weekend already again? This week has been exceptionally busy, and although I did manage to get in a few morning practices they were a bit rushed and not quite satisfying.

An update on yoga in the cold: I have been layering up and adding extra sun salutations to warm up my body in the chilly temperatures.  It is still so strange to practice in full clothes (long pants, long sleeves!) and not be drenched in sweat!  I am still struggling to get up early enough to get in a proper practice before work - but really that's not about cold, just about discipline!

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I always wanted to be one of those people who could wake up before the sun rises and have a green smoothie, meditate, and hour-long yoga practice. What a great way to set the tone for a the day! Unfortunately, my body (or is it my mind?) doesn't think it's such a good idea. Every time I've tried it, I have a dialogue with myself that goes like this:

"What is that wretched noise? Why is my alarm going off at 5:30 in the morning? Am I supposed to go to the airport or something? Oh. I'm just supposed to get up and do healthy things. OK. I'll start with Savasana. A quick 30 minute Savasana.. then I'll get up and practice."

I hit the snooze button for the next hour.

"Ah... Screw it. I can do healthy things at 8 instead." (End scene.)

What can I say? I love to sleep.

But all of this is about to change. Tomorrow, I have to get my butt up and teach a yoga class at 6:30 am. That means I have to actually wake up at 5... in the morning! If everything works out as planned, I'll be teaching that early once a week regularly. (Gosh, I hope writing that doesn't jinx it.)

That said, I've got a few things to figure out. How do I become not only a cheerful, happy morning person, but  a cheerful, happy morning person who can stand in front of people and guide them through Sun Salutations with a smile on my face? 

I'm hoping maybe my faithful readers can help me out. Please share your morning yoga rituals with me. What do you love to practice first thing in the morning? What motivates you to get out of bed and get it on the yoga mat? What time do you go to bed at night? And what benefits have you noticed from getting up early and practicing first thing in the morning?

A little support would be nice, too. I can do this... Right?

we recommend you to buy some goods below for comfort, safety and ease of your yoga activities

we recommend you to buy some goods below for comfort, safety and ease of your yoga activities

we recommend you to buy some goods below for comfort, safety and ease of your yoga activities