Jivamjkti Yoga: What can you expect from a class

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Of the many different branches in the yoga tree, Jivamjkti Yoga may well be one of the lesser understood types of class. Created in 1984 by David Life and Sharon Gannon, it has gained a huge amount of popularity in a short space of time, and has spread worldwide – but what exactly is it, and what should you expect from a Jivamukti yoga class?

It is one of the most powerful and structured practices for experiencing yoga. As well as an intense physical asana practice, it incorporates many spiritual aspects of yoga – making it both physically and emotionally challenging and stimulating.

A Jivamukti session encompasses the 5 core tenets of the Jivamukti practice. From learning more about ancient scripture (Shastra), to offering your intent of devotion (Bhakti), the practice also focuses on practising kindness to others and yourself (ahimsa). We especially love the focus on music (nada) and meditation (dhyana).

What many love about Jivamukti yoga is the richness of the practice. Many teachers start their practice with a scripture of choice, demonstrated in a form of chanting and reading. Even if you are not used to chanting, it is a great way to experience by being in a room of people who are comfortable doing so. Use it as a chance to immerse yourself in the vibes of music and let go a little.

After the initial opening, a class will then move on to warming up to an energetic and stimulating flow of sequences. A Jivamukti sequence is a really great mix of energies – it’s less str[……]

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IYENGAR YOGA SELF-PRACTICE SEQUENCE

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The ability to practise yoga alone in your own space, in your own time, at your own pace, with your own feelings and reflections, is beneficial in evolving and deepening one’s practice. Here an Iyengar practice sequence is provided that can be used to develop a self-practice routine.

Benefits of self-practice

Practising within the energy of a group in a class environment, in a dedicated yoga space, and with the direction and assistance of an experienced teacher, is necessary in the beginning, and is vital for generating the impetus, confidence and maturity to practice alone. Moreover self-practice is not something that everyone one wants to pursue. For some, life is busy, and attending classes regularly is aspiration enough! Depending on one’s circumstances, however, self-practice may be more viable for some, and perhaps seem a natural evolution from attending classes.

Practising alone allows for a level of reflection that may not be as possible to achieve within a class context. For the most part, in a class, students are guided by the teacher, both in terms of the sequence and where to direct one’s attention within the pose. Of course, this is all necessary for at least the first few years of one’s yoga journey, to become acquainted with how to do the poses with a sense of competence and what adaptations may be required for one’s individual circumstances. At some stage, however, for the practice to become a true yoga practice space is needed for the reflective (or vairagya[……]

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What Is Hot Yoga For?

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As the temperature drops and the stress of school, darkness, and squeezing back into fall jeans closes in upon us, I’ve been on a streak of showing up to a very (very) warm room to do yoga. It is calming, and exceedingly pleasant. And it has me wondering: Why did we start doing yoga in a hot room? Is this a wellness trend on the level of, say, Peloton or working out in a cold room, that is expensive and gimmicky but perhaps worth embracing nonetheless? Or is the “hot” in hot yoga actually doing something for you?

Hot yoga was invented by Bikram Choudhury, a man from Kolkata, India, with a directive to spread yoga throughout the world and a distaste for shivery rooms. He opened up a studio in San Francisco in the ‘70s, made his name synonymous with the exercise, and gathered followers from Lady Gaga to George Clooney, according to a 2011 GQ profile that dubbed his “cult” both “overheated” and “oversexed.” With a penchant for yelling things like “Miss Teeny Weeny Bikini” (and more explicit) to address students, Clancy Martin writes, Choudhury’s persona made some sense for popularizing his take on yoga in America, where we love a personality shouting at us to move in a certain way.

Choudhury has been embroiled in scandal since allegedly raping a student, and then in turn allegedly harassing his former attorney for trying to look into it (the attorney was awarded $7 million; Bikram has since decamped to Acapulco, Mexico—where he still teaches, according to HuffPost). But there a[……]

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Hot Hatha Yoga: Your Inner Fire and Transform Your Life

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In the bustling world we live in today, finding a sense of balance and tranquility is more important than ever. One way to achieve this harmony of mind and body is through the practice of yoga. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of hot hatha yoga, compare it to other yoga styles, and explore the benefits it offers. So, roll out your yoga mat, put on your comfortable attire, and let’s embark on this enlightening journey.

What Is Hot Hatha Yoga?

this is a variation of traditional hatha yoga that takes place in a heated room, typically at temperatures ranging from 90°F to 105°F. The practice incorporates a series of physical postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama) to promote flexibility, strength, and relaxation.

The Origin of Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga has its roots in ancient India and has been practiced for centuries. The term “hatha” finds its origins in the Sanskrit words “ha” (representing the sun) and “tha” (representing the moon), signifying the equilibrium between contrasting energies.

Key Differences: Hatha vs. Yin Yoga

Before we dive deeper into the world of hot hatha yoga, let’s clarify some common misconceptions by comparing it to another popular style, Yin yoga.

Hatha Yoga

Focuses on active, physical postures.

Promotes strength and flexibility.

Incorporates controlled breathing techniques.

Suitable for all fitness levels.

Aims to balance mind and body.

Yin Yoga

Emphasizes passive, seated postures.

Targets deep connective tissues.

Involves prolong[……]

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WHY RUNNERS NEED BIKRAM YOGA

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I spent my high school years running indoor track and cross-country, and while I was never very fast, I loved running because it was something I could do anywhere, anytime, and all I needed was my sneakers.

Running could be social time where I would chat away with my friends or it could be more of a reflective opportunity for me to be alone with my thoughts.

And no matter what, it always gave me a great workout.

From the time I was five-years-old, I watched the Boston Marathon every spring. The runners would race through my hometown en route to Boston, and the energy from the crowds, year after year, rain or shine, helped carry them to the finish line.

The Boston Marathon + my high school running days was the perfect equation to make me want to run a marathon…

And want I did. During my junior year in college I started following a marathon training plan. I logged a lot of miles that fall, and sadly never made it to any starting line due to a stress fracture in my tibia.

Major bummer.

This injury was frustrating, because I wasn’t in a cast and I didn’t feel super hurt, but I was and running would hurt me more.

The next year, I got my act together and applied to raise money for a Boston charity in exchange for a number to run the Boston Marathon. I was official! And I’d be damned if I was going to get hurt again.

It was during this time that one of my college roommates invited me to attend my first Bikram Yoga class. I was intrigued, especially because she said it was the best[……]

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Bhakti Yoga: Origin, benefits & practices about divine healing

Bhakti yoga is a spiritual practice that emphasizes the devotion and love of an individual towards God. It is one of the four main paths of yoga, along with karma yoga, jnana yoga, and raja yoga. Bhakti yoga is considered to be the easiest and most natural path to achieve spiritual enlightenment. In this blog, we will explore the concept of bhakti yoga, its history, practices, benefits, and how it can be integrated into daily life.

What are the origins of bhakti yoga?

Bhakti Yoga is a spiritual path in Hinduism that emphasizes the devotion and love towards a personal God or goddess. It is believed to have originated in ancient India and has been practiced for thousands of years.

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The roots of Bhakti Yoga can be traced back to the Vedas, which are among the oldest Hindu scriptures. The Vedas contain hymns and mantras that express devotion to various deities. In the Bhagavad Gita, an important text in Hinduism, Krishna teaches Arjuna about the importance of devotion and surrender to God, which forms the basis of Bhakti Yoga.

Bhakti Yoga became more prominent during the medieval period in India, when various saints and mystics began to spread its teachings. One of the most influential figures in the history of Bhakti Yoga was the 12th-century poet and saint, Jayadeva. He is credited with composing the Gita Govinda, a devotional poem that celebrates the love between the Hindu god Krishna and his consort Radha.

Other famous saints and poets who contributed to the development of Bh[……]

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VINYASA FLOW AND ASHTANGA VINYASA YOGA

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WHAT’S THE MEANING OF “ASHTANGA”?

The word Ashtanga itself means “the eight limbs (branches)” of yoga which according to the ancient knowledge. There are: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. Pattabhi Jois and T. Krishnamacharya established Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga in Mysore (South India) in the 20th century. These branches are meant to expand the whole discipline into other fields to:

learn different techniques to control your breathing and vital energy.

improve your concentration and knowledge

have a better control of your senses

learn different methods of inner and outer purification and of course to balance the mind within the physical body: yoga asana.

Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic, flowing style that connects the movement of the body with a specific technique of breath called “ujjai ”. The importance of this yoga asana practice relies on the daily practice of a sequence series of postures. According to the progress of the yoga practitioner, there are six series of Ashtanga yoga sequences where the level of the asanas as well as the level of concentration in the mind increase.

Check here: 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishike

Mysore style of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga classes means that the students have to memorize each asana sequence, develop it individually, but setting the energy together and get adjustments from the teacher supporting the class. They should master each posture in the sequence they are working before they move on[……]

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