The practice track that was done was a different kind of yoga by Deborah Fryer- less physical and more meditation based.
The class started with chanting a mantra with corresponding mudra then phased into was done to limber up the spine and lasted about 15 minutes. This was done to increase energy. Then we moved to the floor for 25 minutes of guided meditation that included visualization and various pranayama practices.
The philosophical elements were not overtly stated. This class served as a mental and spiritual realignment- an increase in frequency and pattern of energy.
The philosophical elements of this practiced supported the practice by increasing awareness and enhancing energy...it was awesome
Monday, December 1, 2008
Yoga Practice Track: Class 5
The practice for the day was Ashtanga Yoga-often known as the more intense form of yoga. The goals of the practice
Class commenced with sun salutations to warm the body. After a seriesof these we moved through the standing postures in preparation for the sitting postures- all while concentrating on the breath.
Jessica reminded the class to surrender to the postures, not to force the muscles to a stretch as this often leads to resistance. She also reminded the class to focus on our own abilities and no one else's. This was really just an indirect reminder to keep our eyes in check to prevent any injuries.
Some elements of philosophy included in the practice were prana and pranayama. These elements seemed to support the practice by stressing breath as the life force and emphasized its importance in the practice.
The philosophical elements of this form of Hatha Yoga really supported the practice. Because this form of yoga is so intense and demanding it was helpful to have philosphical elements to push through the physical part.
Class commenced with sun salutations to warm the body. After a seriesof these we moved through the standing postures in preparation for the sitting postures- all while concentrating on the breath.
Jessica reminded the class to surrender to the postures, not to force the muscles to a stretch as this often leads to resistance. She also reminded the class to focus on our own abilities and no one else's. This was really just an indirect reminder to keep our eyes in check to prevent any injuries.
Some elements of philosophy included in the practice were prana and pranayama. These elements seemed to support the practice by stressing breath as the life force and emphasized its importance in the practice.
The philosophical elements of this form of Hatha Yoga really supported the practice. Because this form of yoga is so intense and demanding it was helpful to have philosphical elements to push through the physical part.
Yoga Practice Track: Class 4
The practice done was Bikram Yoga. Bikram practice maintains continuity so really the same postures and elements were used every Bikram track.
Again, Bikram Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga that incorporates heat with the asanas as a cleansing and healing agent.
The goal of the practice is the cleansing of the body in preparation for self-transcendence.
Pranayama was emphasized throughout the practice. Jessica (the instructor) reminded us that pranayama is what distinguishes yoga from common calisthenics.
Stillness was also emphasized in class. The practice room is a quiet room where shoes and other belongings are prohibited.
As in every Bikram session, we closed the class with a purificatory technique- "Breath of Fire".
The philosophical elements really enhanced the practice. The heat, pranayama, and stillness were constant reminders that we were not simply there to exercise- we were there to practice yoga and meditate to find our higher being.
Again, Bikram Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga that incorporates heat with the asanas as a cleansing and healing agent.
The goal of the practice is the cleansing of the body in preparation for self-transcendence.
Pranayama was emphasized throughout the practice. Jessica (the instructor) reminded us that pranayama is what distinguishes yoga from common calisthenics.
Stillness was also emphasized in class. The practice room is a quiet room where shoes and other belongings are prohibited.
As in every Bikram session, we closed the class with a purificatory technique- "Breath of Fire".
The philosophical elements really enhanced the practice. The heat, pranayama, and stillness were constant reminders that we were not simply there to exercise- we were there to practice yoga and meditate to find our higher being.
Yoga Practice Track: Class 3
The practice that I participated in at class today was Kundalini Yoga. Kundalini or "coiled one" is the serpent power which lies dormant in the lowest psycho energetic center of the body. The awakening of this serpent power is the central goal of Tantrism and Hatha Yoga.
Harmony and energy flow were emphasized in this practice. We began the class by chanting a mantra using the abhaya mudra and sitting in easy pose, arms over head hugging our ears, and hands in prayer with thumbs crossed. The mudra was Sat Naam. On "Sat" we inhales and drew in our stomachs so our navel would touch our spines (or as close as they could get). On Naam we exhaled and relaxed the stomach.
We then proceded with Kundalini yoga and then ended the class with another Kriya.
The kriya started with sitting in easy pose and the Gyan mudra. We chanted "Saa, Taa, Naa, Maa" and fost each word touched the next finger to the thumb. We started out out loud, then went to a whisper, then silently,back to a whisper, and back to out loud.
The philosophical elements were stated to be the repatterning of energy and frequency as well as pranayama. This supported the practice by giving meaning to the mantras, kriyas, and mudras- thus, enhancing the experience.
Harmony and energy flow were emphasized in this practice. We began the class by chanting a mantra using the abhaya mudra and sitting in easy pose, arms over head hugging our ears, and hands in prayer with thumbs crossed. The mudra was Sat Naam. On "Sat" we inhales and drew in our stomachs so our navel would touch our spines (or as close as they could get). On Naam we exhaled and relaxed the stomach.
We then proceded with Kundalini yoga and then ended the class with another Kriya.
The kriya started with sitting in easy pose and the Gyan mudra. We chanted "Saa, Taa, Naa, Maa" and fost each word touched the next finger to the thumb. We started out out loud, then went to a whisper, then silently,back to a whisper, and back to out loud.
The philosophical elements were stated to be the repatterning of energy and frequency as well as pranayama. This supported the practice by giving meaning to the mantras, kriyas, and mudras- thus, enhancing the experience.
Yoga Practice Track: Class 2
The practice I participated in was Bikram Yoga. Bikram Yoga is a practice of yoga that incorporates heat (a room heated to about 100-105 degrees) as a cleansing and healing agent.
The goal of this practice is cleansing of the body. The elevation of room temperature aids in the release of impuritites by sweating and pranayama. Bikram yoga is concerned with physical and energetic purification and training. Its goal is to bring the body and mind into a perfect state of health through a series of physical postures and breathing exercises.
The class started with a deep breathing exercise to warm the body. Hands were interlaced under the chin; as a deep inhalation began the elbows opened to the top of the head while the head tilted back. This is done as a toxin release.
Pranayama was emphasized throughout the practice to emphasize that class as more than a mere physical exercise.
The class closed with the purificatory technique "Breath of Fire" (relating to fire) as an inner cleansing. The philosophical elements supported and added to the practice by emphasizing the need to cleanse the body of impurities and change of energy in order to attain enlightenment.
The goal of this practice is cleansing of the body. The elevation of room temperature aids in the release of impuritites by sweating and pranayama. Bikram yoga is concerned with physical and energetic purification and training. Its goal is to bring the body and mind into a perfect state of health through a series of physical postures and breathing exercises.
The class started with a deep breathing exercise to warm the body. Hands were interlaced under the chin; as a deep inhalation began the elbows opened to the top of the head while the head tilted back. This is done as a toxin release.
Pranayama was emphasized throughout the practice to emphasize that class as more than a mere physical exercise.
The class closed with the purificatory technique "Breath of Fire" (relating to fire) as an inner cleansing. The philosophical elements supported and added to the practice by emphasizing the need to cleanse the body of impurities and change of energy in order to attain enlightenment.
Yoga Practice Track: Class 1
Ashtanga Yoga was the form of Hatha Yoga practiced today. The goals of this practice are, ideally, are to transcend the ego and find realization of the true self. As well as develop the body's potential to withstand transcendental realization.
The goals of the practice stated in the class did not overtly indicate that self transcendence was the goal. However, it was indirectly stated that without coordination of the breath with the postures yoga was just another exercise.
The elements of yoga philosophy that were made part of the practice instructions were pranayama (breath control) and prana (life force). These two elements supported the practice by emphasizing the philosophy over the actual practice. The incorporation of these made the experience more of a personal endeavor rather than just another exercise class.
My instructor also emphasized the concept of stillness and quieting the mind. The room practiced in is a "Quiet Room". Shoes and other belongings are left in a neighboring room to ensure this.
The goals of the practice stated in the class did not overtly indicate that self transcendence was the goal. However, it was indirectly stated that without coordination of the breath with the postures yoga was just another exercise.
The elements of yoga philosophy that were made part of the practice instructions were pranayama (breath control) and prana (life force). These two elements supported the practice by emphasizing the philosophy over the actual practice. The incorporation of these made the experience more of a personal endeavor rather than just another exercise class.
My instructor also emphasized the concept of stillness and quieting the mind. The room practiced in is a "Quiet Room". Shoes and other belongings are left in a neighboring room to ensure this.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sadhana Yoga: 4th class
It was a great night for Astanga Yoga! With this time change and cooler weather, meditation at the end of class was exactly what I needed! In the evening the studio really sets the mood for yoga, its great. So great that it made me forget about all the homework and chores I had waiting for me at home- so peaceful.
This time, I settled very gently into every pose and took in the yoga readings for the day as I moved through the postures. I achieved some new poses and progressed to binding and more advanced stages. I didn't resist tension this time, just surrendered to it, breathed deeply and put myself in a higher state of being. Lots of progress in todays class. Jessica has always said to surrender to the tension, not to fight it and I never quite understood what was meant by that until today.
Meditation at the end of class yielded a completely peaceful me...so peaceful that I didn't even get mad after class when I went to start my car and found that it was not working...
This time, I settled very gently into every pose and took in the yoga readings for the day as I moved through the postures. I achieved some new poses and progressed to binding and more advanced stages. I didn't resist tension this time, just surrendered to it, breathed deeply and put myself in a higher state of being. Lots of progress in todays class. Jessica has always said to surrender to the tension, not to fight it and I never quite understood what was meant by that until today.
Meditation at the end of class yielded a completely peaceful me...so peaceful that I didn't even get mad after class when I went to start my car and found that it was not working...
Sadhana Yoga- 3rd class
Bikram again...yes! I was all set up with my towels and water, ready to go! This class was especially wonderful, I had the day off and no where to be, so I could just DO yoga. Its amazing how much of a difference walking in with clear mind can make. I thought about this for a while during sun salutations and then realized that yoga and the meditation is all about clearing the other thoughts from your mind...
In any case, what a wonderful class! I stayed very focused almost the entire time. Earlier in the day I had read the assigned readings on Jnana Yoga and reflected on those teachings while practicing-very cool-and gave me a deeper understanding of some of the material. I realize that it may be incorrect to think on Jnana while doing Bikram but I was just working with what I had at the time.
I was called out of my trance to demonstrate a pose for the class, and lost some of my concentration but all in all it was a great class!
In any case, what a wonderful class! I stayed very focused almost the entire time. Earlier in the day I had read the assigned readings on Jnana Yoga and reflected on those teachings while practicing-very cool-and gave me a deeper understanding of some of the material. I realize that it may be incorrect to think on Jnana while doing Bikram but I was just working with what I had at the time.
I was called out of my trance to demonstrate a pose for the class, and lost some of my concentration but all in all it was a great class!
Sadhana Yoga: 2nd Class
I came prepared for this Bikram class- I brought my sweat towel, a towel to lay on, and a big bottle of water, I was ready!...and then we did Ashtanga. Not a disappointment, just not what I had geared myself up for. Acutally it was probably just what I needed. I had gone to the Tuesday evening class and went for a run afterwards, resulting in lots of aching muscles that needed some yoga.
We began class with sun salutations, which I had done thousands of times before but kept messing up the order for some reason or another-very frustrating. Even more frustrating when the instructor called me out every time I messed up. And then the ego running amok...
Eventually I quieted my mind and started to actually focus on what I was doing. We closed class with about 5 minutes of meditation. I chose to focus my attention on a crack in the ceiling. After class I started to think about all that I've taken in from class and realized how much more sense it makes when applied to a practice!
We began class with sun salutations, which I had done thousands of times before but kept messing up the order for some reason or another-very frustrating. Even more frustrating when the instructor called me out every time I messed up. And then the ego running amok...
Eventually I quieted my mind and started to actually focus on what I was doing. We closed class with about 5 minutes of meditation. I chose to focus my attention on a crack in the ceiling. After class I started to think about all that I've taken in from class and realized how much more sense it makes when applied to a practice!
Sadhana Yoga Studio- 1st class
I was so excited about my first session at Sadhana Yoga...I had taken plenty of Yoga classes before, but this would be the first to concentrate less on the fitness angle and more on the philosophy of yoga.
I was totally unprepared for my first class, the instructor opted to do Bikram Yoga...and I didn't bring a towel or water! I was still pumped, I hadn't ever tried Bikram before and was excited at the opportunity. We started the class with breathing exercises to warm up and then transitioned into standing positions. As we were going through the postures I started to notice a funny little voice in the back of my head (definitly my ego), that said "Wow, you're pretty good as this...way more advanced than you thought." I very quickly acknowledged my thoughts and silently told my ego that it was time to be quiet. That brief episode made me think about what a funny thing the ego is, it pops up when least expected and tries to cloud the mind. I directed my attention back to the class.
After we made the transition to the floor and assumed corpse pose for a few moments of stillness my ego popped back into my thoughts. It was easier to quiet it this time around and continued to get easier throughout the class. We ended the class with Fire Breath, which was very interesting and very different. I was absolutley drenched in sweat when I left the studio but felt fantastic! Yay for Bikram!
I was totally unprepared for my first class, the instructor opted to do Bikram Yoga...and I didn't bring a towel or water! I was still pumped, I hadn't ever tried Bikram before and was excited at the opportunity. We started the class with breathing exercises to warm up and then transitioned into standing positions. As we were going through the postures I started to notice a funny little voice in the back of my head (definitly my ego), that said "Wow, you're pretty good as this...way more advanced than you thought." I very quickly acknowledged my thoughts and silently told my ego that it was time to be quiet. That brief episode made me think about what a funny thing the ego is, it pops up when least expected and tries to cloud the mind. I directed my attention back to the class.
After we made the transition to the floor and assumed corpse pose for a few moments of stillness my ego popped back into my thoughts. It was easier to quiet it this time around and continued to get easier throughout the class. We ended the class with Fire Breath, which was very interesting and very different. I was absolutley drenched in sweat when I left the studio but felt fantastic! Yay for Bikram!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Kundalini 3
I practiced Kundalini Yoga, doing the Gyan Chakra Kriya.
The goal of Kundalini Yoga is to awaken the serpent power in the lowest psycho energetic center of the body. The goal of the Gyan Chakra Kriya is to attract abundance and prosperity as it opens your heart.
The philosophical elements were inadvertently stated as the effects of the arm movements which are said to stimulate the radiance of your halo, expand the brilliant protection of your aura, as well as strengthen our nervous system. Apparently, this particular kriya also positively adjusts your life force.
The philosophical elements support that Kundalini Yoga is much more than just a system of physical exercises, it is a way to expand awareness.
The goal of Kundalini Yoga is to awaken the serpent power in the lowest psycho energetic center of the body. The goal of the Gyan Chakra Kriya is to attract abundance and prosperity as it opens your heart.
The philosophical elements were inadvertently stated as the effects of the arm movements which are said to stimulate the radiance of your halo, expand the brilliant protection of your aura, as well as strengthen our nervous system. Apparently, this particular kriya also positively adjusts your life force.
The philosophical elements support that Kundalini Yoga is much more than just a system of physical exercises, it is a way to expand awareness.
Kundalini 2
The practice that I participated in at class today was Kundalini Yoga. Kundalini or "coiled one" is the serpent power which lies dormant in the lowest psycho energetic center of the body. The awakening of this serpent power is the central goal of Tantrism and Hatha Yoga.
Harmony and energy flow were emphasized in this practice. We began the class by chanting a mantra using the abhaya mudra and sitting in easy pose, arms over head hugging our ears, and hands in prayer with thumbs crossed. The mudra was Sat Naam. On "Sat" we inhales and drew in our stomachs so our navel would touch our spines (or as close as they could get). On Naam we exhaled and relaxed the stomach.
We then proceded with Kundalini yoga and then ended the class with another Kriya.
The kriya started with sitting in easy pose and the Gyan mudra. We chanted "Saa, Taa, Naa, Maa" and fost each word touched the next finger to the thumb. We started out out loud, then went to a whisper, then silently,back to a whisper, and back to out loud.
The philosophical elements were stated to be the repatterning of energy and frequency as well as pranayama. This supported the practice by giving meaning to the mantras, kriyas, and mudras- thus, enhancing the experience.
Harmony and energy flow were emphasized in this practice. We began the class by chanting a mantra using the abhaya mudra and sitting in easy pose, arms over head hugging our ears, and hands in prayer with thumbs crossed. The mudra was Sat Naam. On "Sat" we inhales and drew in our stomachs so our navel would touch our spines (or as close as they could get). On Naam we exhaled and relaxed the stomach.
We then proceded with Kundalini yoga and then ended the class with another Kriya.
The kriya started with sitting in easy pose and the Gyan mudra. We chanted "Saa, Taa, Naa, Maa" and fost each word touched the next finger to the thumb. We started out out loud, then went to a whisper, then silently,back to a whisper, and back to out loud.
The philosophical elements were stated to be the repatterning of energy and frequency as well as pranayama. This supported the practice by giving meaning to the mantras, kriyas, and mudras- thus, enhancing the experience.
Kundalini Yoga
Gyan Chakra Kriya is quite interesting! The goal of Kundalini Yoga is to awaken the serpent power in the lowest psychoenergetic center of the body. It is supposed to attract abundance and prosperity, as it opens the heart. The arm movements stimulate the radiance of our halo, expand the brilliant protection of our aura, as well as strengthen our nervous system. This kriya also adjusts our life force so that we can move through any intense situation with grace and creativity.
I've always been really into the teachings of Wayne Dyer and others who focus on quantum physics and energy, so this was my cup of tea!
I found it very cool the way chanting the mantra sort of induces kind of a trance...I suppose that way my mind being repatterned and my frequency changing. My arms got pretty tired after 11 minutes but in the end it was worth it; I felt like a new person when I was finished with the kriya!
I've always been really into the teachings of Wayne Dyer and others who focus on quantum physics and energy, so this was my cup of tea!
I found it very cool the way chanting the mantra sort of induces kind of a trance...I suppose that way my mind being repatterned and my frequency changing. My arms got pretty tired after 11 minutes but in the end it was worth it; I felt like a new person when I was finished with the kriya!
Monday, October 6, 2008
More Mindfullness
October 3rd
I'm having some difficulty quieting my mind. Maybe I should meditate in the morning as soon as I wake up just so my mind is a little fuzzy and I'm concentrating on waking myself up. i understand that meditating is about quieting your mind and focusing, however, my mind is obnoxiously loud and quite defiant! Perhaps I'll do that until I really get the hang of this. Life is crazy right now with jobs and school, thus my mind is running crazy as well!
Today, I assumed my usual upright position on my bed before going to sleep and found that my mind was still operating at its own will. I concentrated on my breathing and maybe a minute after doing so found myself making a "To Do" list for the next day and wondering if I had packed a snack for work the next day. Ugh! How frustrating! I brought myself back to breathing and put myself in non- busy bee mode for about 5 minutes and then the "Tp Do" list resurfaced. I have a whole new respect for Buddha!
I'm having some difficulty quieting my mind. Maybe I should meditate in the morning as soon as I wake up just so my mind is a little fuzzy and I'm concentrating on waking myself up. i understand that meditating is about quieting your mind and focusing, however, my mind is obnoxiously loud and quite defiant! Perhaps I'll do that until I really get the hang of this. Life is crazy right now with jobs and school, thus my mind is running crazy as well!
Today, I assumed my usual upright position on my bed before going to sleep and found that my mind was still operating at its own will. I concentrated on my breathing and maybe a minute after doing so found myself making a "To Do" list for the next day and wondering if I had packed a snack for work the next day. Ugh! How frustrating! I brought myself back to breathing and put myself in non- busy bee mode for about 5 minutes and then the "Tp Do" list resurfaced. I have a whole new respect for Buddha!
Mindful Meditation
October 1st
I decided that since I almost fell asleep the last time I meditated that it would be a great idea to do it before I went to bed...and it totally was! I sat on my bed in an upright position and began to become aware of my breath. My mind wandered a bit so I brought myself back to my breathing and focused on how I felt as in inhaled and exhaled. Soon enough 15 minutes had passed so I decided to shoot for about 10 more but this time while lying down in a supine position. I felt myself drifting off into sleep and realized why its probably best to meditate while sitting upright, but because I had already fulfilled my 15 minute requirement I allowed myself to drift back into sleep. Since this event, I allow for 30 minutes of meditation per day, 15 of actual documented meditation and 15 minutes before sleep-I completely recommend this to everyone seeing as I havent slept this well in years.
I decided that since I almost fell asleep the last time I meditated that it would be a great idea to do it before I went to bed...and it totally was! I sat on my bed in an upright position and began to become aware of my breath. My mind wandered a bit so I brought myself back to my breathing and focused on how I felt as in inhaled and exhaled. Soon enough 15 minutes had passed so I decided to shoot for about 10 more but this time while lying down in a supine position. I felt myself drifting off into sleep and realized why its probably best to meditate while sitting upright, but because I had already fulfilled my 15 minute requirement I allowed myself to drift back into sleep. Since this event, I allow for 30 minutes of meditation per day, 15 of actual documented meditation and 15 minutes before sleep-I completely recommend this to everyone seeing as I havent slept this well in years.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)