Essential elements of yoga practice

Yoga essential knowledge.

We are all part of the elements that made up the stars. The Universal laws of nature’s purpose is to seek balance.  Energy lines (meridians) and energy vortexes (chakras) show us how the human body is more than purely its chemistry.  It also includes our physical, mental and spiritual realms of existence. All our body systems are connected and although some asanas focus on different parts of the body, asanas also work the whole body. Understanding of anatomy helps yoga teachers be better at helping others in their yoga practice. 

Our cells are unique to us.  'True health starts at the cellular level and yoga can help.'  Pranayama, ‘breathing practice’ helps develop balance within the cellular level and the respiratory system is vital for balance between nourishment and toxin elimination.  Breathing oxygen in and carbon dioxide out.  The throat chakra being the key to Pranayama as you breathe more deeply you oxygenate your blood which facilitates energy production and waste elimination.  The circulatory system carries this oxygenated blood around our systems.   Deep vein thrombosis and sluggish movement of blood back to the heart can be avoided with physical activity, including inversions, due to stimulating the circulatory system. 

The Solar plexus chakra; ‘the gut’, is the hardest area to work on and relax.   Sahasrara ( crown chakra) is the brain and Pranayama can affect the nervous system and the third eye is a gateway to intuition.  The root Chakra and the sacral chakra relate to the reproductive system and are vital to human survival. 

 Muscles, bones need yoga for a flexible spine and shoulder region and feeling healthy and young.  Our joints and ligaments are also kept healthy and young by practising yoga.  Take care to protect your knee joints, lower back and necks in yoga asanas (postures).

Tracey

(Yogamotorskills).

Purpose of Meditation.

Set a strong goal too meditate each day. Any time set aside for mediation is better than non. Nothing will way you down anymore: joy, love, peace will be the benefits.  The purpose is to ultimately reach higher consciousness. Meditation is medicine for the soul. Watch your thoughts as they can become your actions and emotions.  Look at things from a different perspective. You become more authentic. Let your emotions run with no expectations. Meditation is you observing yourself and checking in on your states of consciousness. Reactive state causes emotional turmoil.        
Formal meditation: sitting comfortably.  Hero pose, if not comfortable sit in easy sitting position 'sukasana'. Tilt through the hips. Sit upright for meditation, support with bolster if needed. Still mind meditation: set the intention to sit still. Remember to activate breath ( pranayama). Physical body can begin to heal.  Switching our nervous system over to a more calm state helps our emotions become balanced. The limbs of meditation need to be working.  Breathe:  'so' 'ham' is the natural sound of the breath.  Dharana- concentration point. Ego mind doesn't want you to meet up with who you really are, it can resist it, observing thoughts-  yoga masters have found supreme Dharana.  Learn to listen to our intuitive self.  Not tempted by the other competitive thoughts and frustrations.  Meditation leads to 'equanimous' (balance and accepting mind).

Tracey.
Yogamotorskills.com
F: Yogamotorskills

To hold a grudge or not to hold a grudge?

My 10 yr.old daughter told my 70 yr. old mother that she would be better off not holding grudges.  Now this didn't go down too well and it got me thinking.  Why do we tell people not to hold a grudge?

Why should we not hold a grudge?

 After a little research these were the answers found:

 Because God forgives us and shows mercy?

 

Because it will eat away at our own happiness as we re-live it and create hate in our heart?

 

Should we then let people hurt us and forgive?

 

You want someone else’s level of sorrow to reflect your own?

 

Because if you don’t let go you will define your life by how you have been hurt,  Self- pity?

 

Because you deserve peace in your own heart, not because you are omitting they are right?

 

There seems to be a dramatic mismatch in our expectations of how another person should act and what is true reality, particularly when a grudge is held over a long time, like generations.

 

But a healthy bit of distance between you and someone who has hurt you can actually be healthy for you.

 

So know the difference and life should be better for you, I hope.

 

Game- rope tied in a circle with knots in it and each person-child or adult,  has to come up and un-tie the knot as they let go of a long held grudge.

Have you and your family practised yoga today?

Have you practised yoga today? This means have you practised yoga breathing ( pranayama) postures (asanas), relaxation and meditation? If you went to a gym yoga class you may have touched on the body and mind component of yoga, however you may also have only practised the 'fitness' body component of yoga. Which is a good start and is in no way not still yoga. However a different path is available. When children start yoga, just a few asanas a day is enough along with simple breathing and relaxation techniques.  It is important to practise yoga asanas regularly and if possible, daily. To keep attention for children practise learnt ones from day before then gradually add to them daily.  Then start all over again.  Using stories to practise yoga is a great start and as children progress they will make up their own stories based on favourite asanas and then own sequences based on favourite asanas as they get older, say; 9,10yrs of age. 

They will learn that breathing techniques and relaxation, mindfulness and simple meditations can be part of their whole day, not only during their practise. This will help them to cope with everyday ups and downs on a more calm and aware way.  It doesn't mean they cannot experience a whole range of emotions, it just means they will have better control and understanding of how our body reacts during times when our emotions are aroused. They can then make an appropriate chose of how to react. Asanas for children ( and adults) should never be forced, but done slowly with patience in progress and without force. Forcing our bodies can cause injury.  This will set us back on our wellness path.  Focus on what toucan do and feel good about your own practise. Encourage everyone to focus on themselves. Be like a toddler and focus on yourself without concern with what others can do on the mat that you may not be able to achieve as yet.  You will notice what parts of you are tense and what are relaxed and learn to work on these areas of tension during your day and your practise. Use props as you get older and maybe less flexible to help in reducing tension in certain areas of your body eg. Neck, lower back. Just learning to 'be' is an important aspect of yoga and is all part of the new focus for the early years for children. For example; in the ' being' part of the early years learning framework.  Not rushing, just learning to be happy with who you are and where you and others have come from without judgement. 

adjustments for teaching yoga to children with special needs.

Adjustments for Children with Special Needs

Plan a class as you would for a typically developing child, however be ready to be flexible.  Children may want to focus first on what they have done before, practised or feel confident in and what they felt was the most fun!

Adapt the pace to suit the child’s needs, temperament and age.  Learn as much as you can about these needs from parents and carers.

Simplify cues with less talk and explanations, more action.

Stick to the ‘routine’ of the class as much as possible.

Be aware of any triggers which may bother a child or may be distressing in the environment for them – noise, smell, light, closeness of other children.

Use props and visual cues as much as possible – picture cues, poses, rule reminders, story board cards.

Children with limited movement will benefit from breath work, visualisation and supported seated poses or adapted physical movements.

Review and share with parents the positive developments, however large or small and listen to feedback.

And as always….. see each child as competent and capable!

Yoga for busy mums/dads to ease into 2016

fish pose

Easy back bend

For neck and shoulders. Adjusted Locust pose.

 Thread the needle

 childs pose

 cow pose

 cat pose

Lotus emerging clean from the muddy waters.

Coming back to my true self workshop for adults 2016

(Just a few ideas for a 6 week adult program option!)          Being attuned to our feelings, in tune with our bodies, reflecting on our values, aspirations, goals. Knowing our strengths and weaknesses. These are the skills future generations will need in emotional intelligence to succeed. Enhancing there interpersonal skills, teamwork ability and communication skills can never start too early. Yoga and mindfulness education can help the young develop these skills and give them tools for lifelong learning. Ease of connection with themselves and other people. Treat everyone with love, compassion and kindness and meditation 6 week course.
$150 for 2hrs. Per week. Ease of connection with themselves and other people. Treat everyone with love, compassion and kindness.
Yoga, in conjunction with therapy, inspirational texts, and other natural approaches to well-being can facilitate healing for all of us. Sangeeta vallabhan. Think yourself thin. Beliefs and values. Weight loss plan. Moderation is the key. Self hypnosis to Overcome blocks. Change thoughts to change actions.
Take time for self enquiry, gentle yoga practice.
Loose the clutter, loose the weight. Strengthening the nervous system to strengthen the mind.
The essence of yoga is not about external display but internal cultivation. Iyendar.
Spirituality is not some external goal that one must seek but a part of the divine core of each of us, which we must reveal. Iyendar. We need sound bodies so we can develop sound minds. "I have access to infinite potential."
"Everything is a teaching for me." "I am being guided, protected, and inspired every moment."
What do you want to harbour, resentment or love? What do you want to find; peace or conflict of mind? Yoga helps you decide.
Next time you see the big M sign for McDonald's- think: take a minute for some 'mindfulness.' Mindfulness coach.com.au. Crystal healing, yoga, exercise, massage, Healthy living with nutrition and averydic ( yogic eating examples) information. Weight loss control with a mind and body transformation. Not a 12 week plan but an introduction to a lifestyle change for the better with on-going support. Start your process of positive change with support and compassion. Options available: day and evening appointments. Introduction to a healthier you.
Chakra- root balancing poses
Muladhara
Tadasana
Warrior one visualise red going through your body.
Bridge pose
Standing forward bend ( uttanasana)
Tree pose
Boat pose
Revolved powerful/chair pose.
Heart chakra
Camel pose
Throat chakra
Supported shoulder stand.
Easy pose
Third eye chakra
Savasana
Mantra
Supported shoulder stand.
Mantra ' I am safe, I am grounded and I trust that the universe has a solid plan for me.'
I have access to infinite potential.
Everything is a teaching for me. I am being guided, protected, and inspired every moment.'
Contemplate balance.
Balance of your body.
Balance of your mind
Balance in spirituality.
(Example of program).

6 week beginner yoga, chakra balancing and meditation/mindfulness course. Individual Averydic diet plan. Vision boards, goal planning . $150 per person. Maximum of 6 participants.
Find your true self. Feel more balanced and centred. Work through your inner energy systems and work on those that need support. Find your true self. Find mindfulness and the feeling of living in the present moment. Do away with negativity and bring in positive energy. Build your self-esteem and courage. Stop pretending to the world that which you are not. Become less judgemental and more forgiving. Find your purpose and serve others. Practice gratitude. Learn to observe your thoughts and begin taking control of your mind. Feel compassion for others no matter what they say or do to aggravate you. ' Dodge the arrows' thrown at you.' Be around people that, ' zap you and don't Sap you' of all your goodness. It's all up to you. Make the change happen within your body, mind and soul. Stay on the path to your own enlightenment. It's there for you, it needs commitment and time, but it can be found. It doesn't need fancy, 'out there' language and a non- analytical mind, just one that is willing to heal in its own time with its own reality and positive belief system. It needs an open mind and just respect for where these philosophies came from and how they have helped so many find a healthier, happier path with good morals and a positive outlook.
Averydic diet. I have recently been more mindful of my diet and I've found benefits from following on from a diet based on my 'doshi', which is my personality type. I am mainly a 'vata' type and need nourishing, starchy type vegetables, especially in winter eg. Casseroles, hearty soups. Not too spicy foods, herbs light ginger and chamomile tea. I used to think potatoes and breads were a no no for me, but I need them to keep my weight in check and to feel full and grounded. If you would like to know more about your type of 'doshi'. I will be offering some help in this area and guidance if you'd like to try. I really do feel better and am less prone to sickness. Yoga with this type of eating has set me on a good path. Thinking 'why me?' Just leads to more misery. Pausing to breathe then thinking, what now? With compassion for yourself and others will lead to a better path. Have faith.
Mindfulness
what is mindfulness?
Being aware of our surroundings.
Focusing our minds.
Mindfulness emotions: being aware of the impact our emotions can have on us.
Self centred acts produce misery.
Protecting ourselves from any challenge to our happiness by dwelling on ourselves and our perceived notions of outside disturbances causing our suffering, which may not even really exist but in our minds. Altruistic motivated actions work better if we are to stop the cycle of searching for happiness and creating more suffering by the self/centred behaviour. (Dalai Lama)
Messages you received about communicating and your self esteem came from your family environment and community as you grew up. Once you realise this you can make the changes within yourself that you need to.
What if we read our experience of life from a different viewpoint? Are our senses, thoughts, and emotions are real simply because we experience them? When you cannot hold the body still, you cannot hold the mind still. When you can control your breathe you can also control your mind. (iyendar, light on yoga). It is all part of yoga and integrating your mind and body and self-awareness without self-consciousness. Perfection can end up in paralysis. It's the silence between the notes that makes the music. No such thing as failure, just results. It's what you do with the results that counts. Being against something disempowers you, being for something empowers you. One of the most important things you can do as an adult is think and do more like a child. Take risks, live and be yourself. (Wayne Dyer).Door of complaints is shut today
You ll have to walk to the solutions desk
And start listening to yourself.

Do you want to join me and life coach: Karen Sinergy on this great start to 2016? Register interest at Yogamotorskills.com