SIMHAGARJNASANA ~ ROARING LION POSE

December 11th, 2009
By Dr. Rita Khanna

There are so many Asanas related to the reference point of nature and wildlife. Simhgarjnasana is one of those Asanas. The Sanskrit word Simha, which literally means the powerful one, is the word for lion. This, therefore, is known as the lion posture. While performing, it resembles a roaring lion about to attack. Roaring loudly, like a lion, depicts the fierceness of the lion, which benefits those parts of the body where it is stretched and pulled. Sticking your tongue out stimulates the throat and cultivates courage and fearlessness. If possible, practice this Asana during sunrise time – facing an eastern direction.
Learn the story related to this Asana:

THE STORY BEHIND
There once lived a ferocious king named, Hiranya-Kashyapu. Through penance, he had obtained the boon that he could neither be killed by man nor by beast, neither by day nor by night, neither indoors nor when outdoors, and neither by hand nor by weapon. Considering himself invincible, he wrecked havoc on earth.
Hiranya-Kashyapu despised Lord Vishnu. Strangely enough, Hiranya-Kashyapu’s son, Prahlada, was a pious boy and a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranya-Kashyapu tried to kill him many times. The servants threw Prahlada from the tops of mountains, and into the sea, but could not kill him. Snakes and fire also could not harm him. Each time, Prahlada was protected by Lord Vishnu.
Hiranya-Kashyapu asked Prahlada whether Vishnu was present in the pillar and took his mace to hit the pillar. Finally, Lord Vishnu emerged from the pillar in the incarnation of a dreadful creature, half-man-half-lion, called, Narasimha (the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Nara means man; Simha means lion. The Hiranya-Kashyapu hit Narasimha with his mace, but Narasimha brushed it aside swiftly. It was twilight. The man-lion dragged Hiranya-Kashyapu to the threshold.Narasimha sat on the threshold of the courtroom, placed the body of the demon on his thighs, pierced his nails into the body of the demon, and broke open his stomach – killing him. There, neither indoors nor outdoors, Narasimha tore the evil king apart with his sharp claws.

POSITION OF SIMHAGARJNASANA
Choose the sitting position that’s right for you, depending on your degree of flexibility and practice. It can be Vajrasana (Kneeling), simple cross-legged, or Padmasana (the Lotus pose). Whichever position is used, the method is the same.

POSITION OF READINESS IN VAJRASANA
Sit in Vajrasana, with the balls of your hands on the knees, straighten the arms, and keep the back erect, head straight (not tilted forward, back, to the left or the right). Inhale slowly through the nose, and gently lean over the hands.

OSITION OF READINESS IN PADMASANA
Sit in Padmasana and stand on the knees. Extend the arms in the front, and place them on the floor, with fingers pointing towards your body. Inhale slowly through the nose, gently lean over the hands, and push the pelvic region to the floor.

TECHNIQUE FOR ALL THE SITTING POSITIONS
• While exhaling, through the mouth, do the following things simultaneously:
• Stretch the mouth, the jaws as wide as possible, and extend the tongue out, and downward, as much as you can.
• Open the eyes as wide as you can, and make them look frightening.
• Fix your gaze, either at the tip of the nose, or between the eyebrows, and stretch the fingers straight out from the knees, and make the ‘hhhaaa’ sound, as loud as you can from the throat.
• You need to copy the roaring lion.
• After exhaling out, completely place the tongue inside, and shut the lips closed.
• This completes one round of Simhagarjnasana.
• Then breathe again from the nose and repeat the exercise 4-6 times.

AWARENESS
• For the physical body, awareness should be on the throat.
• For the spiritual body, awareness should be on Vishuddhi or Ajna Chakra.

REFLEXTIONS
• Bring Lord Narasimha to mind while doing the Lion pose.
• Ask yourself – what demons do I need to destroy in myself to expand beyond my limitations?
• Repeat the pose, asking – how do I use my personal power?

BENEFITS
• The Simha Asana cleans the nerves from the throat to the brain. So, it benefits in alleviating diseases of the throat, nose, ears, eyes, and mouth.
• This Asana involves the stretching of the tongue, as you are required to mimic the roaring lion. So, it increases the circulation to the root of the tongue, and to the throat, and has medicinal value for curing throat trouble, voice deficiency, and tonsillitis.
• Problems, such as tightness of the jaw, like teeth grinding, and clenched jaws, can get relief by performing this Asana regularly.
• It has a good effect on the respiratory system. It activates the larynx, trachea, and all the bronchioles.
• Tension is removed from the chest and diaphragm. Lungs are toned up. Problems, such as asthma and hidden cough, are benefited. It develops a strong and beautiful voice.
• The stretching, and pulling, stimulates the nerves to give you a refreshed look. It can be treated as a very good Asana, which can remove your wrinkles, and can be stated as an anti-aging Yoga Asana.
• The gaze, which is used in the Asana, helps your eyes by keeping them shiny and bright. It removes the tension from the eyes and also clears any burning sensation, which you keep feeling in your eyes.
• It removes anger, as your hands and fingers stretch, while performing this Asana.
• If you are suffering from neck or backache pain, you can get relief. The central nervous system is recharged with energy.
• Simhagarjnasana is helpful for those who stutter or who are nervous and introverted. It adds confidence in your posture and your character. Memory, concentration, and will power develop.

CONCLUSION
Yoga is liberation from limitations, and fear is one of the biggest reactions – not a choice. In the Lion pose, you learn to contact the source of power within yourself. When you embody Narasimha’s power, you can conquer your demons, instead of hiding them, or projecting them out, onto someone else. The Lion shows you that powerful emotions don’t have to be choked back or flung out. They can be released with the breath, transformed through sound, and elevated through intention. It teaches you about courage, about taking risks. You overcome hesitations and tackle fears. At its best, the Lion pose leads you definitely, furiously, and completely into the moment – without an ounce of holding back. In that moment, you experience the refreshing freedom of whole heartedness.
Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio.
A popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health.

CH CH CH CHIA ~ SUPER FOOD ~

Chia Seed -
10 Benefits from this Power Food and Brain Food
By Christopher Westra
Do you want to increase your brain power and body strength with one of the most powerful foods imaginable? Chia seed imparts power and energy to the user. I've used it for years.
Here are ten benefits to using chia seed in your life.
Chia seeds are:
1. Nutritious. Chia seed provides ample calcium and protein to your tissues. The seeds are also rich in boron, which helps the body assimilate and use calcium. The nutrients also support proper brain functioning.

2. Water loving. The seed can soak up ten times its weight in water. Do this fun experiment. Put one tablespoon of chia seed in a cup of water and stir. Wait a few hours and see what happens. When inside your body, the seeds help you stay hydrated longer, and retain electrolytes in your bodily fluids.

3. Easily digestible. The shells are easily broken down, even when swallowed whole. This is an improvement over flax seed, which have to be ground up to be digested properly. If you eat flax seed whole, it will just pass through.

4. Concentrated. If I could only take one cup of food for a few days, I'd choose chia! The food value per volume is simply astounding. You don't need much.

5. Mild tasting. Unlike some seeds, the flavor is very mild. The mild taste makes it easy to put in sauces, smoothies, breads, puddings, oatmeal and whatever you want. They won't really change the taste, but will add to your nutrition!

6. Energy enhancing. The health pioneer Paul Bragg did an experiment an endurance hike with friends. They divided up into a chia-eating group and another group, who ate whatever they wanted. The group eating only chia seeds finished the hike four hours, twenty seven minutes before the others, most of whom didn't even finish at all.

7. Versatile. The seeds can be used to replace less-healthy fat in just about any recipe. You can use them uncooked in salad dressings, spreads, fruit shakes, ice cream, and just about anything you want. You can also add them to cookies, cakes, muffins, and other baked goods. I usually just mix in a couple of teaspoons to my juice or water and drink them down!

8. Slimming and trimming. Yes, the seeds will help you lose weight, for two reasons. The first reason is that they are so filling that you will eat less of other foods. The second reason is that they actually bulk up and cleanse your body of old "junk" in your intestines.

9. Endurance enhancing. Chia seeds are known as the "Indian Running Food". Also, the ancient Aztec warriors used chia seed during their conquests. I'm a runner, and I've used chia seed to enhance stamina and endurance on my mountain runs, some of which are several hours long!

10. Regenerating. After eating, the nutrients travel to the cells very quickly due to the ease in digestion and assimilation. Use them when you want to build or regenerate healthy body tissue.

Mountain Rose Herbs sells one pound of Chia Seeds for $9.00. You can link into their site at the bottom of this page. Give yourself and your loved ones the gift of a superfood this holiday season. "Let your food be your medicine." Hippocrates
100 grams of Chia or 3.5 oz. are : A source of magnesium equivalent to 53 oz. of broccoli
A source of iron equivalent to 10 oz. of spinach
A source of folate equivalent to 2 oz. of asparagus
A source of fiber equivalent to 4 oz. of bran
A source of calcium equivalent to 23 oz. of milk
A source of potassium equivalent to 6 oz. of bananas
A source of Omega 3 fatty acid equivalent to 2.8 oz of Atlantic Salmon
A source of antioxidants equivalent to roughly 10 oz. of blueberries

A Never Ending Flow Of Gratitude

Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something

For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations

Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge

Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes

They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary

Because it means you’ve made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things

.A life of rich fulfillment comes to those

who are also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles

and they can become your blessings.
-Author Unknown

The Glorious Gluten Free Grain Cake

Hippocrates Stated "Let your medicine be your food and your food, your medicine."

Try making these grain cakes. They are delicious and packed with nutrition.

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Red and 1/2 Cup White Quinoa

1 Cup Brown Rice

1 Quart Organic Chicken Broth

2 Organic Eggs

1 Medium Onion

2 Cloves of Garlic

Sea Salt

Pepper

Cayenne

Olive Oil

Earth Balance

Topping of your choice.

I used mango salsa with a drop of sour cream.

Start with 2 cups of organic chicken broth in a stainless steel pot. Add 1/2 cup of red quinoa and 1/2 cup of white quinoa. Drizzle with olive oil and add a sprinle of sea salt, black pepper and a dash of cayenne. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Let this stand while you wait for the rice to cook. 2 cups of organic chicken broth in another pot with 1 cup of brown rice. Also drizzle with olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then simmer covered for about 30 minutes. While rice is cooking sautee chopped onion and garlic in a little bit of olive oil. Let all ingredients cool before you put them in a food processor along with 2 organic eggs. So in the processor you have the quinoa, brown rice, onion, garlic and eggs. You can add more salt and pepper if you like. Pulse a few times to incorparate all ingredients. Just don't over process. Maybe 6 pulses, each machine is different. I set up a stainless steel grill pan with olive oil and earth balance. About a tablespoon of each and set the pan to a medium to low flame. Use cold water on your hands to keep the mixture from sticking to your hands. I formed the grains into balls and then flattened out to a patty. Cook on both sides until golden brown and enjoy with your favorite topping.

"The quinoa seed is high in protein, calcium and iron, a relatively good source of vitamin E and several of the B vitamins. It contains an almost perfect balance of all eight essential amino acids needed for tissue development in humans. It is exceptionally high in lysine, cystine and methionine-amino acids typically low in other grains. It is a good complement for legumes, which are often low in methionine and cystine. The protein in quinoa is considered to be a complete protein due to the presence of all 8 essential amino acids. Some types of wheat come close to matching quinoa's protein content, but grains such as barley, corn, and rice generally have less than half the protein of quinoa. Quinoa is 12% to 18% protein and four ounces a day, about 1/2-cup, will provide a childs protein needs for one day. The 6-7% fat of quinoa is relatively high when compared to other grains, but it boasts a low sodium content and also provides valuable starch and fiber. Quinoa also contains albumen, a protein that is found in egg whites, blood serum, and many plant and animal tissues. The seeds are gluten-free which makes this a nutritious and flavorful alternative grain for those with gluten sensitivity. Quinoa would be a worthy addition to anyone's diet, supplying variety as well as good nutrition. The seed is also excellent feed for birds and poultry and the plant itself is good forage for cattle." Karen Railey

The Great Pumpkin

We are in the midst of the season where pumpkins are abundant. Pumpkins are indigenous to this part of the world. The Native Americans used it as both a food and a medicine. You may have even carved a pumpkin for this past Halloween. Unfortunately you also probably discarded the cut flesh and inner scrapings which include the pumpkin seeds. This is a shame, because the flesh and seeds of a pumpkin possess great health benefits. Pumpkins are a satisfying weight loss food. They are high in antioxidants and fiber. They also contain beta-carotene, which makes pumpkins orange-colored Pumpkins also neutralizes free radicals. Free radicals can attack cell membranes leaving cells vulnerable to damage.Experts say eating pumpkin reduces our chances of developing certain cancers, cataracts, and macular degeneration, which results in blindness. They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, iron, zinc and fiber. Pumpkin seeds, also called pepitas, are high in protein; one ounce of seeds provides about seven grams of protein also copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. Their oil helps reduce blood cholesterol levels. Eating pumpkin seeds is a common folk remedy for detoxifying the intestine.

I experimented with a recipe and I thought it was delicious.

I took a small pumpkin that I purchased at Trader Joes.

Cut open the top so I could remove the seeds and scrape the inside clean

Save the seeds!!!

I peeled and cut up 2 apples which fit perfectly in my pumpkin.

I seasoned the apples with cinnamon, ginger powder, pumpkin pie spice and a pinch of salt

This is where you can get creative , what ever spices you like can be added to your apples

Cardamom would probably be nice. There is no need for sugar.

I then put some apples in the bottom of my pumpkin.

Next layer a sprinkle of STEEL CUT oats. You need 1/4 cup total.

add some dried cranberries and sprinkle chopped pecans.

Follow this order ~ apples, oats, cranberries and pecans.

Once the pumpkin was packed to the top I poured coconut water into the pumpkin.

About 1/2 cup. This baked at 400 ' for 1 hour with the top on.

Let it cool slightly and then scrape and mix all the ingredients together.

It was warm, naturally sweet and spicy. A great comfort food. I like it for breakfast.

Store it in a glass bowl and heat it up in the morning on the stove (no microwaves please) If it seems to dense either add more coconut water as you heat or a little bit of filtered water and you will be energized and satisfied. The breakfast of a Yogic Warrior.

I cleaned and dried the seeds. Tossed with olive oil and an African spice rub.

Then roasted for 12-15 minutes at 300'

Sooooo good. Crunchy, spicy and full of nutrients.

The Most Challenging Asana

Savasana
Also known as Corpse Pose is one of the most important as well as difficult poses. How hard can it be to lie on the floor? Even though you do not need to develop strong ankles or upper body strength total relaxation can be a true challenge for many. The body needs relaxation time in order to assimilate the internal changes that have occurred through asana. Here we experience the power of stillness. While the body lets go the mind must stay alert. Deep conscious relaxation. This process is not just a physical rest. It has roots that extend into the astral and the causal body. Savasana harmonizes the prana at the end of practice. When the breath move freely the mind settles. As the mind relaxes the tongue releases and your palette becomes spacious. The roof of the mouth hollows and the the central core of the body opens. This is where we get to feel the circulation of prana throughout the system attuning us to cosmic energies. The human frame is merely a vessel while the soul is directly connected to the universe. Allow your spirit to soar beyond the limits of its container. Om Shanti

Divine Grace

The Cup of Your Life
The wine of divine grace is limitless:
All limits come only from the faults of the cup.
Moonlight floods the whole sky from horizon to horizon;
How much it can fill your room depends on its windows.
Grant a great dignity, my friend, to the cup of your life;
Love has designed it to hold His eternal wine.

- Jalal-ud-Din Rumi
(Translated by Andrew Harvey)

Advice From A Tree

Advice from a Tree

By Ilan Shamir

Dear Friend,
Stand Tall and Proud

Sink your roots deeply into the Earth

Reflect the light of a greater source

Think long term

Go out on a limb

Remember your place among all living beings

Embrace with joy the changing seasons

For each yields its own abundance

The Energy and Birth of Spring

The Growth and Contentment of Summer

The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall

The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter
Feel the wind and the sun And delight in their presence

Look up at the moon that shines down upon you And the mystery of the stars at night.

Seek nourishment from the good things in life Simple pleasures Earth, fresh air, light
Be content with your natural beauty

Drink plenty of water

Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes

Be flexible

Remember your roots
Enjoy the view!

The Cobra

Bhujangasana

The Gerunda Samhita states that Bhujangasana, which resembles a cobra with its hood raised, "increases the bodily heat, destroys disease, and by the practice of this posture the Serpent-Goddess (Kundalini) awakens." This asana strengthens the spine, increases flexibility in the chest, shoulders and abdomen. Cobra opens the heart and the lungs while it massages all organs through gentle pressure on the midsection. Practicing Bhujangasana increases your inner fire and awakens the Kundalini, supporting the realization of one's full potential.

Your start out in a prone position with your legs extended and the tops of your feet , thighs and pubis firmly rooted into the earth. Hands are placed beneath the shoulders with the elbows reaching back. As you inhale you lift your chest up and allow your shoulders loop back firming your shoulder blades against the back. Your elbows are slightly bent and they draw in towards your waist as you rise to a place where there is no compression in your lower back. Your breath should be deep and free. If your breath is labored or you find you are holding your breath you have probably gone too far. Keeping your abdomen on the floor will give you the maximum stretch of the spine.

Twist And Flow

We welcome the Aries full moon this weekend. The key phrase associated with Aries is "I am". Lets reinforce our practice with thoughts like, I am stable, I am graceful, I am powerful, I am loving, I am truthful, I am wise, and I am open to my highest potential. Mars is Aries ruling planet. Mars is the warrior of the zodiac. Mars also rules the third chakra. Manipura, "the jewel of the navel". We will light the inner flame bringing balance to our solar plexus.

Kapalbhati is on the menu. Be ready to twist and flow. As we uncoil we will expand a surge of individualistic energy. You will draw in stability, depth and a feeling of your own power. Calling all yogic warriors to follow the flow.

Namaste.

Health And Yoga

Discover a POWERFUL mind-detox technique and bring that “spark” into your life

In this issue, I’m going to tell you of a power-breathing technique that is proven to help overcome blues, negativity, stress, depression – all, in a minute!!

Almost ALL mind-body schools and cults have used this single mind-detoxification technique in some form or the other - with dramatic results!! More importantly, it is the ONLY technique used exclusively for mind purification among all the Yoga cleansing routines.

It is called cleansing breath or “kapalbhati” in Sanskrit.So we all know that “Laughter is the best medicine”. But do you really know why??No points for guessing - because, it works exactly the same way as this cleansing breath technique.
Kapalbhati has a remarkable effect as a de-stressing tool and clearing the mind of negative emotions. In fact, the Sanskrit words “Kapal” means the skull and "bhati” means polishing / shining. “Kapalbhati”, as the name suggests, is a method to make the head “sparkling clean” and devoid of toxins.

Before I plunge in to explain the method, the usual important alert on “who should not do it?”If you’re suffering from cardiac problems, nasal obstructions, cold any severe respiratory infection, it is advisable to consult your physician. It should also be avoided if you suffer from High BP, diabetes or abdominal ulcers.

How to do it? Sit in a comfortable position with spine erect. You can sit either cross-legged or in “vajrasana” or in any position that you feel comfortable. Breathe normally for about a minute. Once composed, you can begin. First, Exercise the diaphragm by exhaling suddenly and quickly through both nostrils, producing a “puffing” sound. Don’t focus on inhalation. It will be automatic and passive. The air is exhaled completely from the lungs with a sudden, vigorous stroke while simultaneously drawing inwards the abdominal muscles. The breath should be expelled fully. Inhaling is automatic - the abdominal muscles will relax automatically. This exercise should be done in three rounds, each consisting of 11 strokes (for the beginner). Each round should take about a minute. A little rest can be taken in between the rounds according to your convenience. Throughout the exercise, the chest should be kept still without expansion or contraction. Only the diaphragm is used for breathing and not the upper chest.
Over a month, the number of strokes per minute can be gradually increased from11 to about 30.
Wondering what this amazingly simple method can do for you?
Read on...The heat generated has POWERFUL effects on the respiratory system as it purifies the nasal passage and the lungs. Even in cases of asthma, it removes spasm in bronchial tubes. Kapalbhati works wonders on the mind – you will feel totally de-stressed and should experience a unique calmness with this process. The mind becomes remarkably clear. Regular practice will lead you to higher levels of awareness. The physical benefits include a tremendous stimulation of the digestive organs and the circulatory system.
This technique increases exchange of gases in the lungs manifold. There is large-scale elimination of Carbon dioxide and a huge absorption of oxygen.
Do this technique regularly (once or twice a day) and you’ll be truly amazed at the results of this purification method. It is really one of the ONLY methods to clear the mind of toxins and negative emotions.

Yours truly,
Arun Goel

PS: For maximum benefits, do the practice regularly, twice a day.
PPS: This technique should be done on an empty stomach or at least 2 hours after eating.
Courtesy: http://www.healthandyoga.com A popular website that helps you find natural solutions for complete health and detoxification.
Discover health and beauty…. Naturally!!

Simple Secrets To A Hapy Life

Put a smile on your heart. Watch this beautiful movie.

Click the link below.

http://www.findingjoymovie.com/miami/

Gomukhasana

Cow's Face Pose

To come into this pose you will bend your left knee and place your left foot next to your right buttock. Then bend the right knee and cross the leg over the left placing your right foot next to your left buttock. The left arm reaches in line with your left ear, then you bend at the elbow reaching down the center of your spine. The right arm rotates internally and you reach the back of your hand up the spine. If you have freedom in your shoulders you will clasp fingers. If not you can use a strap and work towards bringing your hands to meet. In this arm position the spine is automatically straightened. Gomukhasana stretches the hips, thighs, ankles, chest, shoulders, armpits and triceps. This Asana tones the muscles and the nerves around the shoulders as well as the cardiac plexus. The nadis (comparable to the meridians of acupuncture) in the legs are squeezed stimulating the reproductive organs and glands, thus regulating hormonal secretions. Gomukhasana generates a perfect energy circuit surging in the spinal region. The arm position mimics the shape of the infinity symbol. This signifies the balance of prana between the higher and lower forces.

Chakras and Endocrine Glands

September 19th, 2009
By Dr. Rita Khanna
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHAKRAS

The word, Chakra, literally means wheel, circle, vortex, or whirlpool. The chakras are connected to a network of psychic channels called, Nadis, which correspond to the nerves but are more subtle in nature. The major chakras are seven in number and are located along the pathway of sushumna nadi, which flows through the centre of the spinal cord. Sushumna nadi originates at the perineum and terminates at the top of the head. The chakras are depicted symbolically as lotus flowers, each having a particular number of petals and a characteristic colour. The lotus symbolizes the three stages- ignorance, aspiration, and illumination. It represents spiritual growth from the lowest state of awareness to the highest state of’ consciousness. The petals of the lotus, inscribed with the beeja mantras, or seed sounds, of the Sanskrit alphabet, represent the different manifestations of psychic energy, connected with the chakras and the nadis, leading into and out of them. Within each chakra is a yantra, comprised of the geometrical symbol of its associated element and beeja mantra. Within the yantra, there is also a presiding deity, which represents particular aspects of divinity, along with the corresponding vahana, or vehicle, which is an animal form, representing other psychic aspects related with the particular centre.

CHAKRAS ASSOCIATION WITH THE PHYSICAL BODY

On a physical level, chakras are associated with the major nerve plexuses and endocrine glands in the body. Endocrine system is a system of glands which secrete hormones directly into the blood stream, rather than through a duct, to regulate activity in other parts of the body. It is instrumental in regulating metabolism, growth, development, puberty, tissue function, and also plays a part in determining mood. The names of the glands and the chakras are muladhara (adrenal glands), swadhasthana (gondas/ovaries), manipura (spleen/pancreas), anahata (thymus), vishudha (thyroid/parathyroid), ajna (pituitary gland), and sahasrara (pineal gland). The ideal condition of chakras is that they all be open and active, and neither underactive (closed) or overactive. If your chakras are closed, you can perform meditations to open them again. Sit in meditation and focus on each chakra for 30-40 seconds, one at a time going up, then focus on each one going down, then again going up. This is one round. In this way, you can make one more round. While doing this, you will just be in a flow through all your chakras, running both the upward and downward current. Once your chakras are open and active, you should feel more balanced, happy, and at peace.

Courtesy: Dr. Rita Khanna’s Yogashaastra Studio, a popular studio that helps you find natural solutions for complete health and detoxification.

Mobile: + 919849772485

Ph:-91-40-65173344

Email: yogashaastra@gmail.com

The Power of Stillness

A praying mantis crossed my path this morning. I ran for my camera hoping to capture this peculiar insect. There was no need to rush, my chartreuse friend was peacefully waiting for my return. The sound of the zoom lens caused the praying mantis to turn his triangular head in a curious manner. I snapped away and he remained still. So what is my lesson here? I took out my Animal Speak book by Ted Andrews and was not surprised at my message for today. " Praying Mantis ~ Power of Stillness. Through learning to still the mind and go within, we can draw upon great power~~physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. The stillness can be simple contemplation, a meditation, or even sleep and dreams. The ancient mystics spoke of seven levels of silence that can be used by us, the first being simple contemplation and the last being death. In between them are dimensions that can add tremendous power to our life. This is part of what praying mantis teaches. It teaches how to still the mind, so that when it is time to act (in any form) it is done with surety, accuracy, and great power." One of the goals of yoga is to still the mind. Ananda, the bliss of being. If a praying mantis crosses your path ask yourself, am I being impatient? Do I need to spend more time practicing yoga? Being present? Is my breath deep and free ? Am I missing life's simple blessings ? Take some time out of your day to meditate on the power of stillness and enjoy the sweetness of being.

Namaste !!

www.flowintoyoga.com

A Year of Rumi
by Andrew Harvey

Gazing at the Light

The lamps are different,
But the Light is the same.
So many garish lamps in the dying brain’s lamp-show,
Forget about them.
Concentrate on the essence, concentrate on the Light.
In lucid bliss, calmly smoking off its own holy fire,
The Light streams towards you from all things,
All people, all possible permutations of good, evil, thought, passion.
The lamps are different,
but the Light is the same.
One matter, one energy, one Light, one Light-mind,
Endlessly emanating all things.
One turning and burning diamond,
One, one, one.
Ground yourself, strip yourself down,
To blind loving silence.
Stay there, until you see
You are gazing at the Light
With its own ageless eyes.

- Jalal-ud-Din Rumi
(Translated by Andrew Harvey)

http://www.flowintoyoga.com/

Pisces Full Moon

The full moon swims into sensitive Pisces this Friday giving us the opportunity to pause and reflect. It is opposing the sun in Virgo which will amplify emotions. Virgo is the sign of logic where Pisces is the sign of intuition and mysticism. Virgo can be looked at as the physical embodiment and Pisces as spiritual transcendence. The Sabian Symbol for this full moon at 13' of Pisces is, "A sword used in many battles, is now in a museum". Maybe it is time we lay down our swords, opting for more peaceful solutions. Placing the sword in a museum reminds us of battles from the past. As yogic warriors lets move forward with an open heart. What do you need to let go of? What possibilities are manifesting in your life? Let this powerful lunation bring illumination, balance and blessings. www.flowintoyoga.com

Namaste

The light and spirit in me bows to the light and spirit in you. Om Shanti Om. www.flowintoyoga.com

Check Out Flow Into Yoga!

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Pose of the Week

Cow/Cat is the Pose of the Week. This incredible pose strengthens the core muscles, lengthens and aligns the spine, and creates balance and tone for brain and body. Start out on all fours, keep the toes and feet straight as in the photo, inhale deep through the nose and curve the body upward like a cat, flexing the stomach muscles. Exhale through the mouth, tuck the belly in, lengthen the spine deep into extension. Lift the head and chin slightly up and stare into a focal point. Repeat this pose three times. Relax into Child's Pose. www.flowintoyoga.com

Sunrise Exercise

Every morning, focus on the cleansing power of your breath. At sunrise, sit in lotus pose and enjoy this revitalizing, breathing exercise for ten minutes. Clear your mind. Close your eyes. Inhale deep through the nostrils, fill your belly with pure, white light and exhale through the mouth. Release all toxins, fears and emotions in one, smooth breath outward. Focus on pure joy, well being and happiness. This powerful exercise will ease your mind, relax your body and uplift your spirits throughout the day. www.flowintoyoga.com

The Mandala

The mandala is magical...and surrounds our every step in the natural world. The sun, the moon, the stars, the human eye, the chakras, the wonder of a lotus blossom. Mandala means "wheel" in Sanskrit, and is both elemental and mystical. Mandala's are the ever-flowing entity to which all creation flows. www.flowintoyoga.com