Posts tagged PRACTICE
PRACTICE: HASTA (HAND) MUDRAS FOR FOCUS IN YOGA ASANA

Mudra is a sanskrit word meaning seal. In yoga it refers to gestures or attitudes which can be psychic, emotional, devotional, or simply for aesthetic effect. Mudras are used to influence the flow of prāṇa, or life-sustaining energy as well as to alter mood or increase concentration and focus on an object of meditation. A mudra can be a simple gesture with the hands or it can be a complex and prescriptive combination of body posture, subtle physical movements including muscular contractions and breathing techniques along with visualization.

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UJJAYI: Riding the waves of the 'OCEANIC BREATH'

The ujjayi breath is used as a tool to encourage the mind to rest its awareness on the immediate experience unfolding before us. We become a "witness" to the waves of breath continuously coming and going in the present moment of the "here-and-now." Discover the benefits of this transformative breath practice and try it for yourself using the Ujjayi HOW-TO guide.

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YOGA STYLE GUIDE: Find the Type of Yoga Class that is Right for YOU!

SO you've made a resolution to start going to yoga classes, but now you've got to figure out which style of yoga is going to keep you excited and motivated to continue showing up. Whether you're practice yoga to achieve a goal of becoming more flexible, fit, relaxed or disciplined, we've compiled a yoga style cheat sheet based on what you're looking to get out of a class.

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YOGA BASICS: Relaxing in Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

One purpose of yoga is to help us carry out simultaneous self-analysis and self-development. We use awareness techniques and practice listening within so that we are better able to positively develop ourselves. There are many techniques and practices that aim at this; one of the most simple and profound is the practice of shavasana.

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YOGA BASICS: Help, I'm new to Yoga

What is YOGA? There are many different interpretations and meanings of the word yoga that have been handed down for centuries. In Sanskrit, yoga is derived from the verbal root yuj- to join, yoke, to come together. The physical postures performed in classes are just one element to the practice of yoga. Ultimately, yoga is a way to build the confidence to challenge your self-defeating thoughts, quiet your mind and make space to focus on what really matters in your life. 

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YOGA BASICS: Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations)

One of the most important components of a physical yoga practice is Sūrya Namaskāra, more commonly known as the Sun Salutation. Surya Namaskara is a series of 12 unique postures strung together for the purpose of stretching and warming up the entire body before beginning an āsana practice. Together these 12 postures, aligned and in harmony with the breath, create a dynamic and energizing flow.

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