Shivakti Tantra Yoga

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“Namaste, I want to once again express my deepest gratitude for your guidance to a beautiful far away space of such spiritual enlightenment. You have indeed drawn upon the vast pallet of metaphysical consciousness from the ancient world to compose a beautiful new world ritual that magically unifies all elements of its diverse origins. Through your enlightened presence and creative improvisations at each sacred enactment, this beautiful ritual appears to evolve and lyrically transition through so many memorable experiential phases. You certainly have opened the door to a magical world beyond. I would be so deeply honored to be invited to explore further…” :RA

“Shall Time’s best jewel in Time’s chest lie hid – or who its’ beauty shall forbid?”

Here at the Holy Love Institute of Tantra Yoga, we are on a path of devotional embodiment. We are lovers of love for the Divine, a rapturous love with God as the ocean of pure Holy Love or prem. We see the whole world as our Beloved.

“Shivakti” is the inner alchemy sacred union of Shiva & Shakti, the dance of the divine, which we aim to awaken, embody and integrate through our full range of practices. We bring awareness to breath, asana, movement and stillness. We shine the light of our own experience on the ancient sutras, teachings and transmissions, while exploring how they are relevant for us today and what is revealed through our own bodies as divine channels.

We will explore from the roots of the Tree of Yoga, Stone-age Shamanism, on up through the ages and stages of the sacred journey. We will be learning about the “Soma”, and integrate this into our understanding that all truth is found within and always has been. We will open ourselves to be the vessels and holy instruments of Source Wisdom.

Shivakti Tantra Yoga is inspired and guided by the Saiva tradition of the Tantras on the Kaula lineage left hand side, yet goes deeper into the esoteric and shamanic roots that focus on the Divine Feminine as Supreme.

Shivakti is the Union of Shiva and Shakti, that which could never be separate from the whole of itself and functions as a dynamic One, comprised of Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine Unity with its driving force that creates a complex whole of existence, or Trika(“Threefold”).

At its fundamental core it is comprised of a trinity, plus 1. 3+1. When the trinity is complete and balanced, it creates One. It is the sum whole of the Divine Union of Holy Love, Fullness, or Purna.

You can split Purna into as many pieces and fractals as you can compartmentalize, yet Purna, IS fullness and completeness; this holiness ALWAYS still remains. This holiness can never be depleted, cut in half, reduced, separated…none of that. This awareness, this force that encompasses both reflections – IS the observer and the observed in a complete and complex experience of itself. A reflection of all that came before, and an echo of that which will come.

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In the Shivakti Tantra Yoga asana classes, we will experience through yoga practice and discussion of the anatomical and physiological dimensions on a gross or dense level through all the various levels of existence, including the subtle body energies, chakras and dimensions. We will contemplate and experience in our own unique journey on this path how everything is interconnected at some point, creating the fullness of Shiva and Shakti right here within ourselves.

We will look into historical content, various lineages and “styles” and/or “brands” (and the ancestral lineages thereof) with a compilation of many great philosophical and sacred works throughout the ages to guide this dance. Through lecture, discussion and practice we will experience various poses originating in various lineages – with special focus (though not limited to) discourse on Patanjali, and the yoga sutras. More specifically the 8 limbs of yoga, the Yamas and Niyamas.

As may be expected in a holistic and organic garden of possibilities, Shivakti Tantra Yoga highlights these great teachings in layers of classes. Each class yields its’ special amrita of knowledge. Through Asana we will embody the teachings of those before us, the written words of the scholars, and the individual experience as reflected by the whole of the immersive intensive to contemplate the resonance of any lineage in sacred ceremony of life.

We will contemplate in our daily functions, the moment to moment and subtle layers of existence, as described by the sages and rishis who originally illuminated this path. We offer ourselves up as divine channels to be illuminated in the same ways as the original yogi & yoginis. After-all, we ARE the vessels and holy instruments of Source Wisdom.

We weave Intention, Ritual, Pranayama, Kundalini Flow Yoga, Tantra Yoga Movements, Anusara Principles of Alignment, the interplay of Dynamic Vinyasa & Passive Deep Yin Yoga, Temple Dance, Mantras, Mudras, Meditations, Ayurveda, Ecstatic Expression, deep inward reflections, Artful embodiment, Deity Yoga, Sound Healing, Vibrational toning, Loving Communication, Tantric Philosophy and more, all into the ceremonial tapestry of the eternal dance as Shiva and Shakti. May we brilliantly shine the light of Holy Love in our Divine Presence of Radiant Being.

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Sivananda Yoga 101: All About The Vedantic Yoga School Based On Selfless Service

Sivananda Yoga is a style of yoga that was founded by Swami Vishnudevananda. It is a system of yoga postures or asanas and relaxation techniques that is encapsulated in a 90-minute class.

Vishnudevananda named the school and system of yoga after his guru Swami Sivananda. The teachings of Sivananda have been incredibly influential to other teachers and styles of modern yoga.

In this article, we’ll take a look at:

The Sivananda method: principles, asanas, benefits

Swami Sivananda

Swami Vishnudevananda & Abuse Allegations

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What Is Sivananda Yoga?

There are many types and styles of yoga, which range from Restorative to Rocket Yoga. Sivananda combines elements of Vinyasa Flow with Hatha Yoga to create a balanced approach to yoga.

Sivananda Yoga features a substantial amount of sun salutations which require you to take a breath with each movement. They generally feature in the warm-up section of the practice.

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Sivananda Yoga is a fusion of movement and relaxation.

While the sun salutation element will get your heart rate up and your body moving, the more static postures, which are held for a longer period of time, encourage you to relax the body and the breath, making it a very balanced practice.

A long savasana and meditation are used to promote relaxation.

Sivananda practices combine yoga asana with pranayama, meditation, and relaxation as a way to gain control of the mind.

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Sivananda Yoga is an approach to living well which includes a healthy approach to vegetarian eating as well as positive thinking. Mastery of the mind is key – this is a mind, body spirit practice.

The five key principles of Sivananda Yoga are said to reduce stress and improve energy, as well as focus the mind and create a sense of connection to the universe. These principles were honed by Swami Vishnudevananda. They are:

1. Asana

This entails the physical postures and movements that make up a class. An asana practice makes for a healthy body and can help calm the mind.

2. Pranayama

This is the use of breathing exercises. Prana means energy or life force, and learning to harness this energy can help not only with physical health but also with controlling the mind.

3. Relaxation

Optimized relaxation is important for mental and physical well-being. This is different from sitting in front of the tv and zoning out.

Practicing relaxation and reducing stimulation is a super important tool. Yoga is a great way to start learning how to relax – especially in more gentle forms.

4. Meditation

Meditation within Sivananda Yoga includes positive thinking which is said to improve mindset and energy levels.

Meditation is the focusing of the mind – often on a single object. There are many health benefits associated with this practice such as improved sleep and decreased anxiety.

5. Diet

Having a plant-based diet rich in healthy and nutritious foods is an important facet of Sivananda Yoga. Balance is key in this style of yoga, and what you eat is no exception.

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Restorative Yoga & Meditation

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Transformative Home Practice – Discover the Benefits of Restorative Yoga

Open to individuals of all skill levels, including complete beginners

Slow, supported yoga poses, each held for 10-15 minutes at a time using props like folded blankets, pillows, cushions, and blocks

Engages with parasympathetic nervous system, recognized as the “rest & digest” system

Focus is on joint range of movement, flexibility, and mobility

Incorporate mindfulness in relation to your senses – sight, touch, smell, hearing, taste, and thought

Ideal for those times where you may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, or when recovering from illness or injury. The invitation is to cultivate a habit of self-care and self-compassion through deep relaxation.

Cost: €15 drop-in / Package 4 classes for €40 / €50 for monthly membership to join any hatha or restorative drop-in classes each month.

Testimonials

Córa’s Restorative Yoga and Mindful Movement is wonderful. I find the mindfulness aspect easier when combined with yoga instruction, and the class is gentle enough for those recovering from/ with chronic injury or illness. Very calming effect. I also found it very effective if you are a carer – this is a class where you genuinely feel no stress but do feel cared for yourself.

I attended Córa’s 5-week Restorative yoga course. I found it to be very relaxing and really helped me to listen to my body so now I can identify the areas in my body I am holding stress and take action.

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Manage the Physical Challenges of Pregnancy with Prenatal Yoga

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Many primary care doctor in Sugar Land, Texas prescribe this form of exercise to pregnant patients. This is because a woman’s body and mental outlook are transformed during pregnancy.

Pregnancy can:

Change a woman’s posture.

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes a natural shift in gravity as she gains weight, which causes a curvature of the spine.

Tighten her hip sockets.

This is to support the additional weight they are carrying.

Anxiety about pregnancy and giving birth.

Women tend to worry about their child’s well-being and their upcoming labor experience.

Performing yoga poses can help ease the discomfort and pain that a lot of women may experience as their pregnancy progresses. It can also help mitigate the stress they feel and improve their mental state.

Other benefits according to the American Pregnancy Association are:

Improved sleep

Reduced stress

Increased strength, flexibility, and endurance

Decreased lower back pain

Reduced risk of preterm labor

Acquiring medical services in Texas that can guide you through your pregnancy journey is important, especially for first-time mothers.

Get a certified and reliable Family and Internal Medicine Doctor in Sugar Land by contacting us here. Sugar Land Physicians would be happy to help you out!

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4 Best Pranayama Breathing Exercises for High Blood Pressure

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Almost everyone, from teenagers to the elderly, is highly affected by high blood pressure, which is a very common ailment.

A higher occurrence of high blood pressure has been linked to poor lifestyle choices such as eating the wrong things, being inactive, and having trouble sleeping. Stroke and heart disease are more likely to affect those with high blood pressure.

Yoga can help lower blood pressure by bringing these lifestyle changes: exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and stress reduction.

Pranayama, a part of yoga that deals with breathing and its regulation, is highly effective to control blood pressure. It plays a vital role in calming the mind, stabilizing the heart rate, and increasing lung capacity, all of which can directly lower blood pressure.

In this article, we will discuss which pranayama is good for high blood pressure, how it works, and which pranayama one must avoid in case of hypertension.

What is high blood pressure?

When your blood pressure is higher than the normal range, it is typically called high blood pressure (also known as hypertension). Before understanding the situation of high blood pressure, we should first understand what is normal blood pressure.

The force of blood against the artery walls is known as blood pressure.

Systolic blood pressure is the first number, and it represents the pressure in your arteries while the heart beating.

Diastolic blood pressure, or the second number, gauges the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats.

You would say “120 over 80” or write “120/80 mmHg” if the measurement was 120 systolic and 80 diastolic.

Symptoms of high blood pressure

Even when blood pressure measurements are extremely high, most persons with high blood pressure don’t exhibit any symptoms. Without showing any signs, high blood pressure can exist for years. This is also the reason it is known as the “silent killer”.

However, a few people might exhibit the following symptoms:

Headaches

Shortness of breath

Nosebleeds

Sweating

Facial Flushes

The majority of the time, they don’t show up until high blood pressure has become serious or life-threatening. You are putting at risk your life if you disregard your blood pressure in the hope that another symptom or sign would make the issue obvious.

Keeping a regular check on your blood pressure by either going to a healthcare professional or measuring it at home with a BP machine is the best way to keep your BP in check.

Problems due to high blood pressure

The harm increases as blood pressure rise and remains uncontrolled for a longer period. Important organs including your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes might suffer severe damage. High blood pressure damages blood vessels and internal organs by placing an excessive amount of pressure on the artery walls.

You may experience complications like:

Heart attack, heart failure, heart disease, or stroke

Aneurysm

Chest pain

Chronic kidney disease

Thickened, narrowed, or torn blood vessels in the eyes

Metabolic syndrome

Reduces cognitive ability

Dementia

How pranayama helps in lowering high blood pressure?

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One direct aspect of pranayama’s effective working for high blood pressure comes from its ability to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

When we do pranayama which involves slow and deep breathing, our parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest system) gets activated. The activation of the parasympathetic nervous system immediately sends relaxing signals to the brain resulting in a decrease in heart rate and dilation of blood vessels. This results in easy flow of blood in artery walls and hence reduces high blood pressure.

The respiratory and cardiovascular systems are closely related. Consciously controlling the breath through pranayama positively affects cardiovascular indicators such as chest pressure, blood vessels widening, etc. This is due to the fact that different types of pranayama breathing create variations in heart rate, which in turn directly impacts blood pressure.

The physiological effects of pranayama are designed to be therapeutic. It unites the body and mind and gives the body oxygen while expelling toxins. Pranayama’s stress-relieving qualities enhance sleep quality, boost mindfulness, and lower blood pressure.

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