The human body has energy centers called chakras. By keeping our bodies and our minds healthy, our chakras are kept balanced and energized. Maintaining a healthy mind is best done by learning to love ourselves and others and avoiding judgement. When we are kind to ourselves and try to think and act positively, our bodies and minds are vitalized. A healthy body is achieved through eating right (lots of fruits and vegetables and other natural foods), getting enough sleep, and engaging in physical activity. Certain asana, or yoga postures, can be used to activate and direct energy to open our chakras. Certain negative emotions or feelings can be related back to an imbalance in a specific chakra or several chakras. These poses can help to clear our bodies and allow our natural energy to take over.
1.) Root Chakra: located at the base of the spine, foundations, grounding, stillness, stability
Pose: Crow Pose
2.) Sacral: located in the lower abdomen, creation, desire, relationships
Pose: Frog Pose
3.) Solar Plexus: located right above the navel area, will, power, action, laughter, joy, anger
Pose: Stretch Pose
4.) Heart: located in the center of the chest, love, compassion
Pose: Camel Pose
5.) Throat: located in the throat, creativity, communication
Pose: Cobra Pose
6.) Third Eye: located in the center of the forehead above the eyebrows, seeing, knowing, intuition, wisdom
Pose: Child's Pose
7.) Crown: located at the top of the head, understanding, bliss, transcendence
Pose: Sat Kriya
http://www.spiritvoyage.com/blog/index.php/7-kundalini-yoga-postures-to-clear-the-chakras/
http://www.yogabound.com/chakra-activation/
Monday, March 25, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Yoga With Your Dog
My Intention: Try to have more positive thoughts; about school, other people, and myself.
Doing yoga with your dog can help increase the calming benefits of the routine for yourself as well as help your dog feel less stressed. Dogs are very in touch with the energy of their surroundings. They instinctively notice when you are stressed or anxious and respond by changing their own behavior. By slowing your breathing and calming your mind during yoga, your dog is able to pick up on your energy and also relax. Even though your dog can't do yoga itself, you can incorporate them into some of your poses. Throughout the session the goal is for you and your dog to be reading each others calming energy. It's also a great opportunity for you and your dog to spend some quality time together!
http://www.active.com/fitness/Articles/Yoga-With-Your-Dog
Doing yoga with your dog can help increase the calming benefits of the routine for yourself as well as help your dog feel less stressed. Dogs are very in touch with the energy of their surroundings. They instinctively notice when you are stressed or anxious and respond by changing their own behavior. By slowing your breathing and calming your mind during yoga, your dog is able to pick up on your energy and also relax. Even though your dog can't do yoga itself, you can incorporate them into some of your poses. Throughout the session the goal is for you and your dog to be reading each others calming energy. It's also a great opportunity for you and your dog to spend some quality time together!
http://www.active.com/fitness/Articles/Yoga-With-Your-Dog
Sunday, March 3, 2013
The Dynamics of Warrior Pose II
Daily Intention: Focus on breathing, especially when stressed.
http://www.cnyhealingarts.com/2011/06/01/the-health-benefits-of-virabhadrasana-ii-warrior-ii-pose/
Virabhadrasana II is meant to embody the fiery power of a fierce warrior created by the Hindu god Shiva. While performing this pose, one should try to imagine and exemplify the strength and power of the warrior for which it was named. Warrior Pose II helps to strengthen and stretch the legs, hips, ankles, and feet. Practicing it regularly can help build stamina and concentration, energize your limbs, stimulate your internal organs, relieve backaches (especially for pregnant women), and help you develop balance and stability. While performing Warrior Pose II, it can be easy to forget to maintain focus on your upper body in addition to your lower body. Your arms should be stretched away from the space between your shoulder blades and parallel to the floor. This will help stretch and strengthen your shoulders, a main focus of Warrior Pose II. It is also important to keep your torso centered equally over your hips and to keep your chest open in order to allow your lungs to expand fully. This will help keep your breathing even and help improve your circulation. Maintaining proper breathing should always be a focus while practicing yoga, and it is personally something I've always struggled with, especially during poses that require a lot of stamina. If you find yourself struggling to hold a pose or wanting to quit, focusing on breathing can help yourself to relax and pull through. Practicing proper breathing techniques during yoga can also have applications in other areas of daily life. Stressful situations can occur everyday, but taking a couple minutes to allow yourself to breathe can be calming.
http://www.cnyhealingarts.com/2011/06/01/the-health-benefits-of-virabhadrasana-ii-warrior-ii-pose/
Virabhadrasana II is meant to embody the fiery power of a fierce warrior created by the Hindu god Shiva. While performing this pose, one should try to imagine and exemplify the strength and power of the warrior for which it was named. Warrior Pose II helps to strengthen and stretch the legs, hips, ankles, and feet. Practicing it regularly can help build stamina and concentration, energize your limbs, stimulate your internal organs, relieve backaches (especially for pregnant women), and help you develop balance and stability. While performing Warrior Pose II, it can be easy to forget to maintain focus on your upper body in addition to your lower body. Your arms should be stretched away from the space between your shoulder blades and parallel to the floor. This will help stretch and strengthen your shoulders, a main focus of Warrior Pose II. It is also important to keep your torso centered equally over your hips and to keep your chest open in order to allow your lungs to expand fully. This will help keep your breathing even and help improve your circulation. Maintaining proper breathing should always be a focus while practicing yoga, and it is personally something I've always struggled with, especially during poses that require a lot of stamina. If you find yourself struggling to hold a pose or wanting to quit, focusing on breathing can help yourself to relax and pull through. Practicing proper breathing techniques during yoga can also have applications in other areas of daily life. Stressful situations can occur everyday, but taking a couple minutes to allow yourself to breathe can be calming.
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