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“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” – Carl Jung
In the literal sense, yoga refers to a system of exercises that help to control the mind, body and the soul of an individual. Practicing yoga helps a mortal being to reach a perfect state of spiritual calmness through the path of action, knowledge and devotion. The term Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ which means to unite. Yoga aims to unite the body with the mind and the mind with the soul. Yoga paves the way for an individual to attain a joyous and blissful life. Mind is the central point of yoga practice and thus yoga aims to control the mind and draw it away from attachments or desires.
According to the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, practicing yoga (sadhana) is an art that connects the practitioner to the supreme or the ultimate creator. Practice (abhyasa) of Vairagya (non-grasping) and Meditation (dhyana) are keys to Yoga. With the practice of yoga, an individual attain the knowledge of spiritual insight and reaches a state of ultimate tranquility. Yoga Sutra of Patanjali states that yoga practices pave the way for an individual to reach ultimate freedom. Yoga forms and practices may be different from each other, but each style and methods are more effective than the other. The different patterns of yoga and its practice in various styles are merely different ways of reaching the same divine goal. Practicing Yoga helps an individual to experience a state of physical and spiritual well being. The mind and consciousness of the practitioner are brought under control with yoga practices.
Practicing yoga and meditation helps in achieving the common goal of unity – the unity of mind, body and spirit. A state of eternal bliss can be reached with yoga practices and the individual can feel the connection of oneness with divinity. Music is considered to be the best healer and concentrator. In yoga practice and meditation, music helps to create an apt ambiance by obstructing alien noises, thus helping you to concentrate and relax your senses. Today, with the popularity of yoga practice, there are many companies which offer Yoga DVDs and CDs to guide an individual to a path of holistic health. Spirit Voyage, as one of the pioneer record label company represents artistes who have a deep spiritual connection with their music. The meditation music from Spirit Voyage will enlighten your mind, body and soul and shall soothe you with its spiritual hymns and chants. The collection of Yoga Music CDs and DVDs shall refresh your mood and take your senses to a mystic height. Spirit Voyage also offers variety of yoga accessories like yoga mats, yoga rugs, yoga cushions. Yoga Books for children, General books for practicing Yoga and Kundalini Yoga Books will be a the best guide for practicing yoga. Merge in the feeling of an eternal bliss and experience the ultimate peace of mind with yoga practice and meditation.
The different body postures are the basis of yoga practice and thus wearing the right type of apparel is a must. The yoga clothes must be comfortable enough to allow free movement of various body parts in all Asanas. There are many companies which offer apparels for practicing yoga and meditation and Spirit Voyage is one of them. Spirit Voyage offers Yoga Clothing for women and men. These yoga clothing are all white or off-white colored, stitched in natural fibers. The white color absorbs all other colors and is the source of radiant energy. The natural fibers provide a high level of comfort to the practitioner and shall allow proper blood circulation through out the body. Choose the Women’s Cord Embroidered Kurta,the Soft Tie Kurta, Kundalini Kurta or Rayon Summer Tank Top for daily yoga practice and meditation. These apparels would help you to relax and achieve the full level of concentration.
For practice of yoga, it is always recommended to wear stretchable clothes which allow free movement of body parts. The clothes should be light-weight and must be of such quality that it absorbs sweat easily. The collection of cotton shirts and Linen Shirts are some of the most exclusive yoga apparel for men that Spirit Voyage offers. Cotton and Sweat Pants for practicing Kundalini Yoga, shall help the practitioner perform the poses with much ease. These sweat pants are comfortable and feature elastic waist and elastic around the ankles cuffs and thus help to practice the different yoga poses with utmost ease. Spirit Voyage yoga apparels also include Double Button Shirt, Rajasthani Wrap Pants, Capri Wrap Pants for men.
Choosing the proper clothing for meditation is an utmost necessity. Meditation apparels must be comfortable. The clothes which cling to the body or pinches the body parts are not apt for meditation. The apparel for meditation should breathe and allow air to get into the practitioner’s skin. Spirit Voyage offers apparels for yoga practices and meditation which include Kidari Flare Pants, Rayon Yoga Pants for men and women. The elasticity and the durability are the trademark feature of these apparels. Spirit Voyage offers cotton triangle bandana or head cover for both and women. These apparels will help to keep the head cool during yoga practice in hot days. Yoga blankets are one of the important yoga clothing and meditation. Spirit Voyage offers yoga blankets for meditation and practicing yoga. These blankets are made of sweat absorbing materials and provide extra height, helping to maintain the yoga pose. These blankets shall complement the meditation practice by providing extra warmth.
Spirit Voyage merges devotion in music and with their Yoga DVDs and CDs, it aims to guide every listener on an inward journey. The company, with its collection of yoga music CDs and DVDs intends to help an individual attain a state of purity, peace and tranquility. The Kundalini Yoga Music collection will melt away your stress and pressure and shall guide you into a state of relaxation. Energize yourself by listening to the pieces from Mirabai Ceiba, Snatam Kaur, Wah, Manish Vyas, Shakta Kaur Khalsa and many others and let an unearthly peace conquer you and your senses. Nourish your mind and soul with Meditation Music from Spirit Voyage and let the attributes like ego, anger, lust, greed all become oblivion entities. Connect yourself to the Omnipotent as your mind reach the state of spiritual perfection.
The author writes for Spirit Voyage which is engaged in offering various kinds of yoga music and meditation music . The company offers different CDs and DVDs for practicing kundalini Yoga and other yoga forms.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/yoga-articles/yoga-clothing-and-its-benefits-for-meditation-1441737.html
All impressions and reactions are known as ‘mental fluctuations’ or ‘thought-waves’, and yoga is the control of thought-waves in the mind. – Patanjali
Yoga refers to the system of practices that help to control the mind, body and the soul. There are many styles and patterns of yoga and each pattern is oriented towards exploration and development of mind, body and soul. It is a holistic path that leads to a sense of peace and well-being. Through different poses (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation (dhyana), yoga makes the practitioner aware of his inner self. The practitioner achieves highest potential and experiences perennial happiness. Through the practice of yoga, one becomes aware of the interconnectedness between his/her emotional, mental and physical levels. This awareness leads to an understanding of the more subtle areas of existence. Yoga aims to help an individual to fuse together the material (annamaya), physical (pranamaya), mental (manomaya), intellectual (vijnanamaya) and spiritual (anandamaya) levels within him/her.
Meditation (Dhyana) is one of the important principles of Yoga. It is the seventh limb of the eight limb Patanjali Yoga Sutra. Meditation implies focusing mind’s energy at one point to create a deep state of relaxation and tranquility. Meditation helps in achieving the strength of will. It helps to connect one to his/her actual “self”. Meditation calms one’s mind, enriches concentration leading the meditator to a heightened level of awareness. It eliminates the veils of life, cleanses the mind and the soul and make an individual realize that God is the ultimate truth. Through meditative practices, a person can reach a state of emotional bliss.
Music has a universal appeal. Human body, mind and soul are extremely sensitive to music, sounds and vibrations. Music and sound can influence mental aspects and processes in a human being. Music can create a flow of melody which induces concentration in the listening mind. Since ancient periods, musical instruments were used as a training support for yoga practices and meditation. In recent times too, music invokes strong mood that helps one to concentrate. Today, many record label companies offer DVDs and CDs which contain chants and hymns for daily morning prayers and yoga and meditation. These Yoga DVDs contain enchanting mantras which penetrate in the deeper layers of the human mind helping him/her to merge with his/her actual ‘self’.
Spirit Voyage is one such record label company which guides you in a journey of spiritual insight. With its Yoga Music CDs and DVDs, the company infuses inspiring and devotional thoughts within an individual. Experience the bliss and delight and sooth your inner self with the Kundalini Yoga Music from Spirit Voyage. Artistes who have lend their voices in Spirit Voyage Yoga DVDs have a deep spiritual connection with their music. The meditation music from Spirit Voyage will create a calm ambiance and help you get rid of all negative thoughts. Rejuvenate your senses as you listen to the sacred hymns and mantras sung and chanted by artistes like Mirabai Ceiba, Snatam Kaur, Wah, Deuter, Dev Suroop Kaur Khalsa and many others.
Spirit Voyage does not only offers yoga music CDs and DVDs, but also brings various kinds of yoga accessories like yoga rugs, malas and jeweleries, yoga cushions and many more. The yoga clothing offered by the company is made of natural fabric. The elasticity of these clothing allow the practitioner to perform yoga poses as well as meditation with utmost ease. The company also offers Yogi Tea. The yogi tea is made with organic ingredients and is an addition to a healthy lifestyle. Spirit Voyage offers exclusive collection of best Yoga books including Kundalini Yoga books, General Yoga Books, Health and Wellness Books. Selected from paths of Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Anusara Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, and Sivananda Yoga, these different yoga books contain in-depth instruction, information and images that will help you practice yoga with utmost perfection.
Today, in daily grinds of life, we undergo severe mental pressures and we often tend to lose our focus. Practice of yoga and meditation helps to comfort the mind and sets it up to concentrate on a stable entity. Asanas and dhyana help to channelize the mind and soul and lead them to a spiritual insight. Fluctuations of the mind ceases and one discover the all-encompassing stillness of mind. The individual attain a state of extreme peace and calmness, improve concentration level and increase his self awareness. According to the classical Yoga texts, one must go through several stages, to attain true states of meditation. The stages are concentration, contemplation and then ultimately absorption. Meditation helps to control tensions and relieves an individual from stress and finally guides him/her to the spiritual insight. Meditation weakens those elements of the mind which leads to negative thoughts. It helps to maintain and control the thought processes of the mind and helps to concentrate on a single point. By ceasing the fluctuations of the mind, meditation leads to the equilibrium of mind. Practicing meditation helps one experience a serene state of mind, which in the process, liberates him/her from anxiety, depression and stress.
By integrating body, mind and spirit, yoga offers emotional stability and clarity of mind. The negative thoughts are effaced and the practitioner experiences a positive vibe from within. The material attachments of life becomes less important as the mortal can connect himself to the universal whole. With proper breathing exercises (Pranayama), the energy within a human being is controlled and helps the individual to maintain health and promote evolution. Pranayama, coupled with yoga practice and meditation reduces everyday stress levels and boosts up the feeling of joy and serenity. With different yoga poses, the muscles of the body are relaxed and the heart beat and blood pressure is controlled. The physical and mental benefits of yoga provide a natural counterbalance to stress, and strengthen the relaxation response in daily life.
Yoga and meditation are steady and comfortable ways to free oneself from pessimism, obsession, greed and lust. Rather, yoga and meditation practice leads a way for reaching a spiritual high, when a human being can identify his actual inner self and realize the divine connection of oneness with the Supreme.
The author writes for Spirit Voyage which features a collection of yoga music and meditation musicand multiple yoga accessories. This site essentially tend to infuse a spirit of harmony and peace of mind and body with its collection of yoga DVDs, yoga clothing and books.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/yoga-articles/relieving-stress-with-yoga-and-meditation-1437166.html
Scott Hughes asked:
Whether you are just starting yoga or you have been doing it for a while, you may need to decide when during the day to do your yoga routine. Most people who have practiced yoga for a long time have probably changed the time they do yoga each day. We all adjust our daily schedules now and then. Let’s explore some of the different times of day you can do yoga.
Morning – You can do yoga in the morning if you want. Doing yoga in the morning will help wake you up fully and prepare you for the day. Also, assuming you usually shower in the mornings, you can use your morning shower to wash off after yoga practice. Unfortunately, if you have to go to work early in the mornings, you will probably need to get up earlier. Also, you may have trouble squeezing in breakfast with your yoga practice. You want to eat when you wake up before doing yoga, but you also probably do not want to do yoga immediately after eating.
Afternoon – Trying to do yoga in the afternoon may not work if you have a busy schedule. You may not find time for it. Even if you do find time, you may find yourself feeling rushed and stressed during your yoga practice, which may ruin it for you. On the plus side, doing yoga in the afternoon may help you avoid doing yoga when you are tired in the morning or at night. Many people find that they are at their physical and mental peak during the afternoon. Also, afternoon yoga may act as a stress-relieving break from your daily activities.
Evening and Night – You can do yoga during the evening or at night. This would probably include any time from when you get home from work until you go to bed. By waiting until nighttime, you can do your yoga without having to worry about your daily chores and getting to work on time. On the downside, you may feel tired at night, which can negatively impact your yoga routine. Also, if you are worn out from the day, that may cause you to skip your yoga practice. Some people may also find that doing yoga at night hinders their ability to fall asleep.
Obviously, the best time for you to do yoga depends on your personal schedule and preferences.
People who take yoga classes at a studio or gym may be have less options because they have to go at the set time of the class. Although, many studios and gyms offer at least some selection between different classes during the day. People who do yoga on their own at home will have more leeway in choosing the time.
With the options you do find for yourself, try to choose the time that will help you get the most out of your yoga practice. You want to be at peak condition to perform yoga, but you also do not want the practice to disrupt the rest of your day.
Whatever you do, good luck and have fun!
Getting fit with yoga is a fantastic way to improve your muscle strength, increase your overall flexibility and to balance your mind, making you feel great, more motivated and, of course, fitter.
BUT, you must take care when getting started with yoga practice. Yoga is an intense workout, even though you may not feel that you re doing a lot. Yoga poses are intense and you must take your time, listen to or watch the instructor carefully and listen to your body. Beginners instruction should be thorough and show you each movement as you get into a pose.
The stages of you practice are like any other sport or activity.
1./ Beginner – all poses are new and care should be taken to explain each move and what it is doing and how it should feel. Body will be stiff and awkward and you will find muscles you never knew existed!
2./ Intermediate – many poses are now familiar and various sequences are practiced often to music. Instruction is still required but you will know the routines used to get into each position. Your body will now be more flexible and strong, but you will also know your own limitations to work with. A couple of years of practicing yoga.
3./ Advanced – all poses are well practiced and sequences are natural and flowing. Your body will be functioning at its peak performance, feeling strong, flexible and relaxed in all positions. Fantastic work! This can take years.
If you are anything like me when I first started yoga, you will be very weak in the arms, torso and legs due to lack of use, or sedentary lifestyle to be more precise. I am in my forties, have had three children and have done very little in the way of sport or fitness since being a teenager! Yes, I work around the house and garden, but cafes and shopping malls just don’t cut the mustard as far as fitness is concerned. I was very stiff in all of my joints, had tight shoulders, neck and back problems (could never touch my toes) and my hamstrings were so tight I would get hip and lower back pain if walking long distances. Not a good place to be when you hit middle age.
WHAT BEGINNERS NEED TO KNOW.
It is vitally important for beginners to find a good source for their instruction, such as a teacher or a really good Getting started CD or Video. This is what I did and it was fantastic if I forgot a move because I could replay it again and again or pause it while I got myself into position! Yoga positions have to be clearly explained and demonstrated and you should be aware of what muscles you should be feeling for each pose.
Take you time to get into each pose. If you rush, you will get it wrong and probably end up hurting yourself.
Do not try to do what others are able to do. You need to honour your own body and its uniqueness. I didn’t listen to this when I first started and ended up almost crippled after the first class. You don’t realise it at the time, you think you are doing great…
Practice your yoga regularly and consistently.
Don’t forget the relaxation at the end of each practice.
Don’t forget to breathe!!! Very important this one. You often find yourself holding your breathe, but this makes your body tighten up more instead of relaxing and letting go.
RESULTS YOU CAN EXPECT.
I started learning yoga a year ago and have never looked back. Just the fact that I was doing something good for myself, made me feel great and more inspired and motivated to go on. I have had amazing improvement in my flexibility and my strength is getting better each week. My hips and back are much freer and breathing is also easier. Most of all though, is the benefit to my mind. I feel more calm and relaxed after yoga and I am clearer in many ways too. The relaxation exercises at the end of each yoga practice are wonderful and bring balance back to your life.
I hope all of you people who are thinking of beginning yoga for your health go ahead and make it happen. It is absolutely worth the pain and pleasure!
I am a Registered Nurse interested in natural remedies for health and wellness. Yoga is a wonderful part of my life and I invite you to look at these sites to find something that may suit you in your yoga practice.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/yoga-articles/how-to-get-fit-with-yoga-getting-started-1426151.html
In the daily humdrum of life, human beings face innumerable problems and lead a stressful life. Busy affairs of the modern world pose difficulties that create stress on the brain. Kundalini Yoga, is one of the most effective styles of yoga to relieve external and internal stresses of the body. Practicing this ancient form of yoga, one finds extreme solace of body, mind and spirit. Kundalini means awakening of oneself. It is a divine state of mind that leads to self actualization. Awakening the Kundalini has a general purifying effect on the body and mind.
Kundalini is nothing but energy inside our body. Once the kundalini is awakened , we feel enhanced energy within us. Kundalini yoga is a system of healing and purification of the mind. It is a combination of asanas or body postures, breathing exercises, prayers and chants, visualizations and meditation. With the practice of Kundalini yoga the mind and the body fuses to lead to a state of peacefulness of the mind helping one to relax and manage stress and anxiety. Kundalini yoga and many other forms of relaxation exercises is often enhanced by listening to yoga music. Music and rythm has always been said to be a medium of relieving stress. Different forms of yoga music are extremely helpful to relax the mind and meditate and purify the innerself. Kundalini yoga is not just about performing yogic excercises, it also incorporates the habit of leading a healthy and balanced life, serving the poor, conscious parenting and partnering. Kundalini yoga and meditation music helps in shedding out the impurities and tiredness of the mind and releases the body of all its toxins.
Spirit Voyage is a company whole heartedly dedicated to spreading awareness about kundalini yoga worldwide. With its huge collection of yoga dvd, yoga music CDs , spirit voyage is a complete knowledge bank for enhancing knowledge about different forms of yoga and the benefits reaped from them. The songs and music created by some of the famous artists like Snatam Kaur , Guru Ganesha Singh,Deva Premal and Krishna Das are self rejuvenating in itself. They provide the hearer with the power to elevate oneself away from the mundane world and thus help in relieving stress and providing relaxation. The yoga classes are a learning insight, with gurus sharing their experiences of self awakening. These yoga sessions teach to incorporate yogic lifestyle to improve life and health.
At Spirit Voyage , yoga and meditation music finds a new meaning. The teachings of great saints, compiled in Yoga music Cds and recitations provides extreme enlightment and takes one to a stage of realization and calmness. Daily hearing and performing of pranayama and asanas generate immense energy and provides balance and freshness in life. It helps to relax and strengthen the nerves , helps in restoration of peace and mental tranquility.
Awakening the Kundalini has a purifying effect on the body and mind. General health improves,one feels light and energetic; the mind becomes restful. Happiness is felt from ones within. So come lets join hands and start our journey of health and wellness through practise of kundalini yoga, listening to meditation music, chanting of prayers and leading a simple and balanced life on earth.
