What are chakras ?

Posted by author on May 22, 2019 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

You might have heard your yoga teacher mention chakras before and been unsure as to what they were. Look no further as our guide teaches you everything you need to know about chakras.
There are seven chakras in total. The Sanskrit word “chakra” literally means wheel. In our context, they are the centers in our bodies, through which spinning energy flows. It is believed that the blocked energy in these chakras can lead to illness or emotional distress, and so, understanding them can help us to avoid this.

1. Root Chakra

This chakra, located at the base of the spine in the tailbone area, represents a feeling of being grounded. It is concerned with issues of survival, such as food, money, and financial independence.

2. Sacral Chakra

This is located in our lower abdomen, around 2 inches below the navel and 2 inches in. This governs our connection to others and our ability to accept new experiences. In terms of emotions, it is concerned with well-being, pleasure, and sexuality.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra

Found in the stomach area of the upper abdomen, the solar plexus chakra guides our confidence and our ability to control our own lives. Self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence are all linked to this chakra.

4. Heart Chakra

As one might expect, this is located in the center of our chests, just above the heart. As in many other belief systems, the heart chakra determines our ability to love. It also helps us to experience joy and inner peace.

5. Throat Chakra

Found in the throat, this chakra leads our ability to communicate our feelings and truths.

6. Third Eye Chakra

This is sometimes also called the brow chakra. It is located on the forehead between the eyes. This chakra concerns our abilities to see the “big picture” of life around us. It also governs our intuition, wisdom, imagination and decision-making skills.

7. Crown Chakra

This is the highest chakra, found at the very top of the head. This represents our spiritual connection and our ability to experience pure bliss. It is also linked to our understanding of both the inner and outer beauties.

The root, sacral and solar plexus chakras are often known as the “chakras of matter” as they are more physical in nature. The throat, third eye and crown chakras are known as the “chakras of spirit”. Meanwhile, the heart chakra unites the upper and lower chakras and serves as a bridge between the physical body and the spiritual mind.

How can the chakras be healed if they are blocked?

There are several ways to approach blocked chakras, often known collectively as chakra healing. The main ones are chakra balancing and chakra opening.
Chakra balancing consists of attempting to find harmony between the chakras in order to create a sustainable flow of energy. Making one chakra healthy whilst allowing others to flounder will not allow you to achieve a healthy body and mind. Yoga asana (postures) can be a key component in balancing the chakras.

Chakra opening usually involves meditative techniques and breathing exercises. One must become aware of the chakra that is causing you difficulty, and then activate the energy in that area to open the chakra.

The next time you are feeling physically or emotionally uncomfortable, consider the role of the chakras and how you might heal them.

How to Dress to Teach a Yoga Class

Posted by author on Mar 14, 2019 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

If you just received your certification to teach a yoga class, you’re about to enter into an entirely new yoga experience. Being at the front of the room during class time is a unique perspective that you will need to prepare for. The first thing you may need to consider is how you plan to dress in order to teach your first yoga class.

When you headed to the yoga studio as a student, you likely threw on any outfit that was comfortable for your practice. Comfort should still be a key consideration for your yoga outfit, but it isn’t likely to be the only thing you need to take into consideration. As a teacher, your appearance has to be professional and still allow you to move through the yoga sequence with your students.

How should you plan to dress if you have to teach a yoga class instead of simply attending one? Take a look at these suggestions while trying to find the perfect items in your closet.

High-Quality Yoga Leggings Are a Necessity

If you’ve ever wondered whether you could get away with wearing a low-quality pair of yoga leggings, this isn’t the time to make a desperate attempt. These are usually made of thin fabrics that are see-through when you bend over into a standing forward fold. That doesn’t present the most flattering view of a new instructor. Instead, you need to search for high-quality yoga leggings that are designed to last through a rigorous practice.

Look For Shirts That Will Stay Put During Inversions

Even the most basic beginner’s yoga class includes some gentle inversions like the bridge pose, the shoulder stand, or the downward facing dog. All of these postures have the potential to cause your shirt to ride up on your abdomen or to gape and expose your entire chest. You should be sure that your shirt is tight enough to stay put during inversions but not tight enough to restrict your movement. Be particularly mindful not to wear a shirt that is so low-cut that it will expose your chest in a distracting manner either.

Don’t Wear Distracting Accessories

Maybe your mala bead bracelets are an integral part of your personal practice, but you may not want to wear them while you’re teaching. Jewelry, particularly the kind that makes noise, should be left at home or in your yoga bag during class. The sounds can be distracting as you move throughout the classroom to help adjust the posture of your students. Not only that, but these pieces could also snag a student’s clothes while you help adjust his/her bodies.

When it comes to getting ready to teach a yoga class, you want to wear something that is going to inspire your confidence as a leader. Select an outfit that meets all of these attributes and still allows you to feel like the person you ultimately want to be. The right outfit with new and upcoming fashion trends can help you to feel more confident and prepared to teach a class full of yogis.

Three Reasons Shredded Clothes May Be The New Yoga Trend

Posted by author on Feb 14, 2019 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

A new and rather unusual trend is starting to show up on yoga mats across the country. More and more yogis are arriving at their yoga class, dressed in articles of clothing that appear to be pre-shredded by apparel manufacturers. While many yogis are still holding on to the polished appearance of an ensemble composed of yoga leggings and flowing tunic tank tops, shredded clothes may become the next big thing.

Why is this suddenly such a big deal and how can yogis benefit from shredded clothing? Take a look at these reasons why this item seems to be rising in popularity.

Shredded Clothing Is Cooler 

Many yogis who would ordinarily strip off their workout tops in favor of just a sports bra during a hot yoga class are starting to prefer the modesty offered with shredded clothing. Because tops are torn or shredded across the back or down the sides, there is a lot more air flow which is extremely beneficial for a hot practice.

If you’re self-conscious about the way your body looks in just a sports bra, a shredded yoga top can help you to keep cool while still being comfortable with your overall appearance. The same can go for yogis who prefer long pants to shorts. Shredded yoga leggings or joggers can keep your bottom half cool without the exposure of shorts.

Shredded Clothing Gives An Edgier Vibe

While it’s true that yoga promotes peace and well-being to all people who enjoy the practice, that doesn’t necessarily mean that your style has to be wholesome and pristine. Many yogis prefer an edgy or alternative style that doesn’t lend itself quite as well to a pair of traditional yoga leggings or workout tops.

Shredded clothing offers a vibe that is more reminiscent of the streets and a far more casual appearance. It may suit the personality and lifestyle of some yogis far better than the traditional garb.

Shredded Clothing Can Transition Through The Seasons 

If you’re going to purchase clothing to add to your wardrobe, chances are you want it to withstand the test of time. One of the main benefits of shredded clothing is that it can effortlessly transition from spring to summer to winter with only minor adjustments.

A shredded top or sweatshirt may need a long sleeve shirt or tank top underneath to keep out the chill in the winter. A pair of shredded yoga pants could benefit from a couple of colorful compression pants underneath. Yogis have the option of adding several light layers over or under their shredded clothing to protect muscles from the cold when winter rolls around.

On the other hand, summer is easy enough with these versatile pieces because they can breathe easily in the sweltering heat.

If you’ve been looking to add a few new pieces to your yoga wardrobe, you won’t want to miss out on this growing trend. Don’t waste time and take a look around for popular pieces inspired by the shredded clothing trend today.

Gurus: The Lights that Guide

Posted by author on Jun 3, 2018 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

An old man wearing a long grey beard and dressing modestly while sitting in full lotus position with his eyes closed. This is generally the image we have of a guru, along with other westernized fictional characters that have indirectly taken over this role in a somewhat peculiar way; such as Yoda from Star Wars, Rafiki from Lion King, or Master Oogway from Kung Fu Panda. Most of us recognize words of truth and wisdom when we hear them, be it from a real person or an animated character on a screen. In some way, individuals and society as a whole have always needed an enlightened figure that can make sense out of the chaos and confusion that, at times, seem to be taking over our lives; but who are these illuminated beings? What is their duty or function and how are they important when it comes to your yoga practice and path?

With its Sanskrit word Gu standing for “darkness” and Ru meaning “dispeller,” the term Guru refers to that one who dispels darkness. In other words, these saint-like people are those ones who have already found light and thus help others find it too. They act like spiritual transmitters who radiate peace, love, and compassion in a continuous way; while helping their disciples get in touch with their higher Self. A Guru does not have students but devotees.

Some might confuse acarya or upadhyaya who are yoga teachers with Gurus, but the difference relies in that a yoga teacher knows about asanas, yoga philosophy and ideas and thus trains his or her pupils accordingly. A Guru, on the other hand, is an individual who has found unity and enlightenment and hence guides his or her devotees toward their own journey of illumination; because as master Paramahansaji once said “the blind cannot lead the blind.” Of course, an acarya or upadhyaya can become a Guru, just like any other human being, but not all yoga teachers are necessarily Gurus.

In ancient times, parampara or yoga knowledge was passed on from a Guru to a disciple as this was the only way to make sure that yoga teachings were effective, true and complete. The devotee was able to start imparting knowledge himself solely after having spent several years under his master’s tutelage. It is said that the Guru was a living example of his teachings and his presence would bring fulfillment to all relationships.

As it can clearly be seen, the world surrounding yoga has substantially changed, especially in the West were this venerable tradition was adopted with no in depth foundation, philosophy, and let alone history. Yoga schools keep being conceived by the second, while yoga teachers keep getting their instructor certificates by the minute and, so, progressively the importance of genuine Gurus and the overall basics of the Vedic philosophy that moves yoga are washed away. For many dedicated yoga practitioners, finding a trustable and authentic Guru may sound like an impossible or frustrating challenge, but when circumstances truly do not allow it; then one must not stop with authentically walking the path of yoga. Although there is no real substitute for a human being that has reached illumination, you can always find guidance in texts that previous or modern Gurus have left behind or in people whose positive qualities you truly admire. It is clear that we are the only ones setting limits to our own existence and experience; therefore, nothing should be able to stop you but yourself. You can be sure that when the time comes, you will find your way to that great sage you have been waiting for.

Yoga for a Calm Mind

Posted by author on Apr 24, 2018 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

There are a lot of benefits to practicing yoga. It is a great way to add activity to your day, improve flexibility, and build strength. These are some of the physical benefits of yoga, but today let’s take a look at poses that are going to help your mental health as well. Being calm comes from a number of things; first being grounded, second being still, and finally being present. Here are some poses that can help you achieve these states, summing up to help you enjoy a calm mind.

Being Grounded

Grounding is the feeling of being part of the Earth. This grounding lets you pull energy from the Earth, and remove negative energy by letting the Earth take it away. It is a very common idea within the yoga community, and while not to be taken literally, it is a great visualization. Grounding is part of almost all poses, as your balance and energy for all poses come from grounding. Mountain pose is an example of a pose that focuses almost exclusively on grounding. The visualization of grounding lets you clear your mind, calming your adrenal systems, and relaxing your body.

Being Still

A mind that isn’t calm is going to be looking for ways to react. This can be exhausting for your mind and body. Taking some time to just be still can help you get your mind into a calm state. Poses that focus on balance are going to help you the most with being still. It allows your busy mind to be focused on your keeping your balance, letting you be calm. You will find that poses that rely on balance can be very dependent on your skill level. To start building your balance, begin with a Tree pose. As this becomes easier you can expand onto a Bent Tree, or even up to a Half Lotus pose.

Being Present

Poses that help you be present in the moment rely on being difficult to hold. This effort makes you focus on the pose, and can help release tension that comes from being agitated. Depending on where you are in your practice, you may need to modify these poses, either to make them more difficult or to make them easier. The Plank pose is a great pose to increase your presence. You can make it easier by staying on your knees, instead of coming up to your toes. If you can hold a Plank pose for a minute or more, you may need something more challenging. Try doing a Plank pose with just one foot on the ground, or a side Plank pose, to make this suit your yoga experience.

To calm your mind you want to be grounded, still, and present. There are a number of different poses that can help you do that; however, here is a place to start. Mountain pose is going to be a great pose to ground you, Tree pose is a great way to work on being still, and Plank pose is a good start to help you be present. As you continue your practice you are sure to find modifications to work the best to calm you.