Ten key points that will help your yoga practice (as taken from the Korsi YTT Training Manual)
1. Be physically and mentally relaxed.
2. Learn to breathe correctly with diaphragmatic breathing.
3. Stay in the present. Be in the moment.
4. Do not worry about your life.
5. Visualize each posture before you go into it.
6. Use kinesthetic imagery and feel your body moving into and out of the posture.
7. Give your complete attention to each posture and forget about your likes and dislikes of the pose.
8. Trust that your brain has computed what you need to do to accomplish your goal – then relax.
9. Develop a positive state of mind. Be optimistic, cheerful, and hopeful.
10. Accept what yoga gives you each time you step onto the mat. Let go of all expectations.
How Yoga Is Spreading In The U.S. - Latest Yoga Statistics
It’s pretty accurate to say yoga has taken the country by storm. And the popularity of the practice is visible in lots of ways: in the sheer number of yoga studios in the U.S., in the amount of yoga gear that’s for sale at all kinds of retailers and even in the excited conversations about yoga and meditation practices you can overhear in public places, at least in big cities. But even more, it’s evident in people’s reasons for doing yoga. A new survey by Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal (carried out by Ipsos Public Affairs), queried 2,000 people in the general population and 1,700 more yoga practitioners. The study set out to quantify the spread of yoga across the U.S. But it also looks atwho’s practicing yoga these days and the motivations people have for practicing. And interestingly, all of these elements have changed over the last few years, and will very likely to continue to evolve as well.
Binaural Beats: The Healing Power of Music
Can Binaural beats affectively enhance your meditative state, bringing you into higher states of consciousness? Personally, I feel they do help me reach a relaxed state easier, and aid in meditation for me, but this really is based on each individual's preferences.
Binaural beats, or binaural tones, are auditory processing artifacts, or apparent sounds, caused by specific physical stimuli. The brain produces a phenomenon resulting in low-frequency pulsations in the amplitude and sound localization of a perceived sound when two tones at slightly different frequencies are presented separately, one to each of a subject’s ears, using stereo headphones.
The 'frequency-following response' effect has been used to achieve brainwave synchronization for a period of several centuries. Cultures as physically distant as the Monks in Tibet and the Aborigines of Australia have used a variety of instruments to produce music capable of inducing multiple harmonic resonances.
Meditative states are achieved in the mind due to the 'frequency-following response' effect. When an external stimulus with the desired frequency is heard, the corresponding brain-state is induced in the listener. Headphones are required for Binaural beats. This is because the frequency created with Binaural beats is actually due to a small variation in tone from the left ear, to the right. The mind then attempts to compensate for the minor difference. This causes the 'frequency-following response' effect to induce brainwave synchronization, or entrainment.
A simple search on YouTube will bring up many different types of binaural beats, at varying frequencies, for varying uses, ranging from enhanced sleep, better focus, and emotional healing. The next time you go into meditation, give it a try, and see how and if it affects you. Make sure to use your headphones, find a relaxed place, either sitting or lying down and enjoy!
Supermoon to Coincide With Lunar Eclipse in Rare Celestial Event Sunday Night
September’s Full Moon taking place on September 27th, will likely be one of the year’s biggest planetary events — As the moon will be in its closest proximity to Earth, it will appear up to 14 percent larger!!!
Make sure to go outside at 9:07 p.m. EDT to watch this spectacular event.
A spectrum of lunar events will occur Sunday evening in an event that won't happen for another 18 years.
First, it will be a total lunar eclipse which means that the Earth, sun and moon will all align precisely which only happens a few times a year. During the exact time of the eclipse, the moon will actually pass behind the Earth’s shadow over the span of several hours. Many of us will be able to see this happen visually in the night sky which will no doubt be a gorgeous site. Check out EarthSky for precise times of the eclipse around the world.
Second, it will be a supermoon which means when we look up at the night sky the brilliant glow will be breathtaking. Picture big, bright and beautiful. Supermoons happen when the moon is a little closer to the Earth and this one will be the closest out of all the full moons of 2015.
Third—this full moon takes place very close to the equinox (mark of a new season) which amplifies its energy considerably. Many will also refer to it as the Harvest Moon because traditionally this is the time of year that the crops are gathered.
Fourth, this particular lunar eclipse will be the fourth of four total lunar eclipses in a row, or the grand finale. The three preceding it took place on: April 15, 2014, October 8, 2014 and April 4, 2015. This pretty rare phenomenon, of four full lunar eclipses in a row, is referred to as a tetrad. The popular reference of Blood Moon has been given to each eclipse in this series and this one will be called that as well.
The moon itself might even have a reddish tint to it but I’ll leave all of us to be the judge of what we end up actually seeing. The coloring is going to depend on the atmospheric conditions of where in the world we see it from. Known as a blood moon, the moon will pass behind behind the Earth into its shadow, resulting in a red tint across its surface.
How does this affect you personally? For one thing, expect relationship dynamics to change. Many relationships have been in flux from as far back as July. With the shift in the planetary alignment, expect to see these issues begin to resolve and settle. Any old patterns that you've experienced will start to fade away, making room for new, healthier ways of communicating and being. In addition, there will be a bigger drive towards commitment and definition in relationships.
*special thanks to elephant journal
Want to absorb more of the moons energy and power? Why not make a glass bottle of moon water? Take distilled or fresh spring water, place in a glass receptacle and leave outside all Sunday night. Drink over the next fews days to absorb the charged and energized water.
International Yoga Day is June 21st - How will you celebrate?
June 21 is the first ever International Yoga Day, declared by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 2014. This day also coincides with the Summer Solstice, an important day culturally and historically for many nations around the world.
Yoga, a 6,000+-year-old physical, mental and spiritual practice having its origin in India, aims to transform the body and the mind. As the catalyst behind the event, India is planning a massive yoga class, with a world record attempt. The goal is to break TWO world records at once: the largest yoga class in history and a yoga class with the most people from one nationality in one lesson. The current record for the world's largest yoga class is 29,973 people. This will almost double that size! The plan is for a 35 minute class, near the India Gate, in New Delhi, with potentially 45,000 people participating! You can see it broadcasted live in over 100 countries around the world.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., events are being held everywhere. New York’s Times Square will host the United Nations celebration of International Yoga Day, which includes a solstice celebration, in Times Square. There will be a live feed of the event, which can be accessed here
In Washington, DC, the Friends of Yoga and the Embassy of India will host yoga talks, demonstrations, classes, dances, and musical performances at the National Mall.
Many cities, well over 100, plan to host Yogathons, with round-robin type classes being taught by multiple teachers.
In Western Europe many cities are planning events as well. Vienna, Austria, will have a yoga session in Sigmund Freud Park, hosted by Yoga Mystery School; London will play host to the Om Yoga Show at Alexandra Palace; and according to the Economic Times, India plans to organize a “mega” event in Madrid with the cooperation of the Spanish government and 12 yoga schools. The Indian mission in Madrid will offer a yoga master class at the Plaza de Colón, in addition to a yoga conference at the Buena Vista Cultural Center.
In the opposite hemisphere, Australia is planning World Yoga Day celebrations at its famous Bondi Beach which will include yoga classes, meditation, cultural activities, and panel discussions.
However you plan to celebrate the first ever International Yoga Day on June 21, you certainly will have many options!
At Korsi Yoga, we are offering a special SUP Yoga workshop at Lake Lanier on Saturday, June 20, from 1:00 - 3:00 (SIGN UP) and also a 90 minute restorative Yoga class for FREE on Sunday, June 21, at our studio at 10:00am (SIGN UP). Sign up is mandatory, as space is limited.
What exactly are Mudras and why use them in yoga practice?
A mudrā (muːˈdra; "seal", "mark", or "gesture”) is a symbolic or ritual gesture performed by the hands, often used in practicing Hinduism and Buddhism; it is a spiritual gesture that acts as an “energetic seal of authenticity”. Most mudras are performed with the hands and fingers often in combination with movements of the wrists, elbows, and shoulders; some involve the entire body. Hundreds of mudras are used in the ceremonies, dance, sculpture and painting iconography (i.e. representations of Buddha). In the yoga and spiritual practices, of Indian religions and traditions such as Dharma and Taoism, mudras have been used for thousands of years to assist in meditation and/or healing.
In yoga, mudrās are hand gestures used in conjunction with pranayama (yogic breathing exercises), and are generally done while seated in Padmasana, Sukhasana or Vajrasana pose. Mudras act to stimulate different parts of the body involved with breathing and to affect the flow of energy in the body and even one’s mood. The specific hand gestures and positions act as “locks” to guide energy flows and reflexes to the brain. By curling, crossing, stretching and touching the fingers and hands, we can manipulate the mind body connection as each area of the hand corresponds to a certain part of the mind or body.
On a more spiritual level, practicing specific mudras is an outward representation of one’s inward intentions. There are many different mudras and it is said that meditating on a specific mudra will help manifest certain hopes, energies, or devotions into your life. Mudras are a way to concretely see what we want to be, what we need most. When your hands come into a mudra, it allows a physical connection with an intangible wish.
How to do a Mudra
The most well-known mudras are simple to do and are those performed while meditating in lotus position or seated in a straight backed chair. Start each Mudra session by "washing" your hands (rub your hands against each other about 10 times, hold hands before your Navel Chakra) this will help energy to flow in your hands.
To perform Dhyani Mudra, place both hands like bowls in your lap, with the left hand on top and two thumb-tips touching (see photo).
Placing the palms together in the "Namaste" greeting gesture where the hands are held in front of the chest, the palms touching, is the Atmanjali Mudra.
In each Mudra, exert enough pressure to feel the flow of energy but not enough to whiten fingertips. To use a mudra effectively, keep it for at least a couple of minutes, however it is more effective to do them 15 minutes or so. You might spread that time over the day, but you could also make it part of meditation. Some mudras are simple enough so that you can even do them with your hands in your pockets, without attracting attention.
To learn more and to find 5 cooling mudras to do during the summer, CLICK HERE
A Meditative Moon Salutation - Chandra Namaskar
Full moon affecting your sleep patterns and emotions? It's more common than you think. We are made up of 60% water, and the gravitational pull of the moon directly affects us. Did you know the moon's gravitational pull is two and a half times that of the sun?
If it's affecting you, try this Moon Salutation, also known as Chandra Namaskar, a soothing yet empowering variation and counterbalance to classical Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar). It allow us to honor the yin or feminine side of our energy, in contrast to the Sun Salutations, which are more yang, or masculine, in nature.
Chandra Namaskar helps you in channelizing the lunar energy; which has cool, relaxing, and creative qualities. Chandra Namaskar also stretches the spine, hamstrings, and backs of legs; strengthens legs, arma, back, and stomach muscles. Like all other yoga practices, it is important that you learn Chandra Namaskar under proper supervision and guidance.
The poses in order:
Mountain (pranamasana)
Easy Back Bend (hasta uttanasana)
Easy Forward Bend (padahastasana)
½ Moon Lunge (ardha chandrasana)
Downward Facing Dog (parvatasana)
Chin, chest, knees (ashtanga namaskara)
Cobra (bhujangasana)
Downward Facing Dog (parvatasana)
Child’s Pose (balasana)
Downward Facing Dog (parvatasana)
½ Moon Lunge (ardha chandrasana)
Easy Forward Bend (padahastasana)
Easy Back Bend (hasta uttanasana)
Mountain (pranamasana)
Repeat again, this time leading with the left leg back and forward. This will complete one round. You can do 2 or more rounds.
Want to learn more? Follow this sequence by Shiva Rei on Yoga Journal.
10 Great Reasons to Maintain an Active Hot Yoga Practice in the summertime:
- You’ll better acclimate to the heat outside: Practicing Hot Yoga during the summer months can help acclimate you to the season’s heat and humidity. Your body cools itself more efficiently and effectively through sweat. So when you leave the yoga room, the outside air feels cooler than inside! If you practice often enough, you may notice that outside weather doesn’t feel as hot as it used to, that you don’t need your air conditioning as much, and that you don’t mind being outside as much when it’s sweltering.
- You’ll cope more effectively with the heat: During summer yoga practice, you are reinforcing the proper coping tools for handling heat—learning to focus on the breath when things heat up, or to kneel or sit in order to lower your heart rate.
- You’ll take your practice deeper: Keeping up your practice is the key to maintaining all the headway you made during the winter. It’d be a shame to lose all that range of motion you worked so hard for! In fact, your muscles, joints and ligaments will already be nice and warm when you enter the studio, so you will likely find you’re more flexible and can go deeper into the postures during the summer. Take advantage of the summer months to increase your joint flexibility, core strength and spinal mobility and make gains in your practice.
- You’ll encourage good habits: Hot Yoga encourages you to stay well hydrated and to replenish your electrolytes regularly. This can be a great benefit during the hot summer months. Warmer weather often means you have a lighter appetite, which can take your Hot Yoga practice to a new level by relieving you of that ‘full’ feeling and letting you go much deeper into the postures.
- You’ll be in better shape for summer recreation: By adjusting to the heat in the yoga room, you’ll be in top-notch shape for any summer sports or outdoors activities you like to do. If you make time for your yoga practice, you may notice that you don’t mind the heat and have more endurance when you’re running, biking, pushing the stroller, hiking, or playing other sports outdoors. Building strength and flexibility through your practice for these activities will certainly help, too.
- You’ll energize your body and mind: Often the summer months can leave us feeling a bit “fried,” both mentally and physically. We’ve all had days when the heat makes us feel super-sleepy and we can’t be bothered exercising. Yet we know that Hot Yoga helps energize our bodies and our minds and provides us with so many health benefits. Committing to a strong summer practice will keep you from that sluggish summer feeling and give you quality time spent focused on your Self.
- You’ll surprise yourself: That relaxed ‘can’t-be-bothered’ attitude can transform into a relaxed and therefore enhanced practice. I’ll bet you can remember a class when you came in expecting very little and walked out feeling amazing, can’t you? Same sort of thing applies here.
- You’ll detoxify more: If you sweat more during class, you’ll release more toxins. This is great for your internal organs and skin, just remember that with more sweating comes a greater risk of dehydration, so don’t forget to drink lots of water and juicy fruits throughout the day.
- You’ll take advantage of your summer schedule: If you work in a profession where your summer schedule is lighter or more flexible, take advantage of the fact that you have some extra time to spend on yourself and your health. Your body and mind will thank you!
- You will tone up for the summer: You’ll look great and feel more comfortable and confident all summer long!
Exercise scientists are just discovering the benefits that you may already be experiencing. Here is one study that explores how “Exercising in the Heat May Improve Athletic Performance in Cool and Hot Conditions.”
TIPS FOR SUMMER PRACTICE:
- Hydrate Properly. Proper hydration is extremely important for every physical activity but, due to the increased sweating in Hot Yoga, hydration is even more important. Drink at least 1 to 1.5 liters of water before every class. Such preparation will also prevent you from needing or wanting to gulp lots of water during class, which can cause stomach cramps and generally act as a distraction.
- Replenish Electrolytes. Electrolytes are salts and minerals, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium that may be lost from the body during periods of heavy sweating. Symptoms of electrolyte deficiency include dizziness, headaches, cramping and fatigue. Electrolytes are contained in most sports drinks, but drinks that are low in sugar, e.g. coconut water, are preferable and healthier. A mixture of water, sea salt and lemon juice can also work to restore lost electrolytes, as well as tomato juice.
- Eat right. As with any physical activity, you’ll want to make sure you’re eating right to help you perform your best. While a snack or light meal an hour or so before working out is recommended (fruit, fruit juice, raw vegetables, a small serving of almonds or trail mix are all viable options), you might want to allow two hours between any snacks and four hours between any heavy meals and your yoga practice. The only thing worse than practicing with a belly full of water is practicing with a belly full of food! You’ll want to eat a snack or meal that contains both protein and carbohydrates within an hour of finishing your practice.
- Listen to your body and respect your edge. Only you know how far you can comfortably push your body. Listen to those signs that your body offers you. When our muscles are warm, it’s easier to stretch them, which means that suddenly body parts find it easier to reach one another—forehead to the knee, fingertips to the toes, foot behind your calf muscle. Move slowly and mindfully to a point where your muscles feel challenged, breathing all the while! Don’t feel the need to “keep going” in a pose if the intro level is enough of a stretch and challenge for you. Your yoga practice is yours and yours alone. Quiet the ego–that little voice that tells you to push harder when you know you could risk injury–and just breathe and enjoy being where you are now.
- Dress for it. Hot yoga is not the time to be modest. No one is there to judge you, and no one looks his or her best when dripping in sweat. Wear tight-fitting clothes, as looser garments trap heat. Tank tops are a great choice, as they allow for better range of motion and generally stay in place better than a T-shirt. Regular cotton clothing is not recommended—once drenched in sweat, it will feel heavy and clammy against your skin. A moisture-wicking headband is great for keeping sweat from dripping in your eyes. That’s a surefire way to break your concentration!
- Invest in a Yogitoes Towel. There’s nothing worse than trying to focus on a pose only to keep slipping because of all the sweat dripping off your body. If you decide that hot yoga is right for you, invest in a Yogitoes towel that you can lay over your mat while you practice, which is made of microfibers that absorb moisture and become grippy when wet. The Yogitoes also have silicone beads for added stickiness.
- Go au natural. Though it seems counterintuitive to shower before a workout, I often rinse off before yoga practice to remove any lotions or oils that will make my skin even more slippery once my body starts to sweat. Skip the perfume, the smell of which can be overwhelming in heated, humid rooms.
- Take rest as needed. If you feel lightheaded, dizzy or otherwise ill at any point during the practice, take a break. Take a knee, sit down on your mat (keep your head above your heart), or if on the floor, rest in Savasana.
See you in the Hot Room!!!
*courtesy of Hot Yoga Clearwater
8 Things You Should Know About AcroYoga
1. AcroYoga combines yoga, healing arts, and acrobatics.
It's good to mix things up, even if it sounds like an odd recipe. All three styles truly balance each other out (pun intended). Let's drink straight from the source at AcroYoga.org: "AcroYoga blends the wisdom of yoga, the dynamic power of acrobatics, and the loving kindness of healing arts. These three lineages form the foundation of a practice that cultivates trust, playfulness, and community.” Who can say no to that?
2. You don't need a partner to find partnership.
Flying solo? No worries—you’ll find someone to soar with once when you arrive! While you are welcome to train with a dedicated partner, there is much knowledge to be gained in mixing it up from time to time. This partner-based practice develops your skills to work with a wide variety of people... no matter the personality, shape, size, or skill.
3. AcroYoga is for Every Body.
You need not be a master gymnast, circus acrobat, or seasoned yogi to enjoy. Can’t do a handstand, or even touch your toes? No big deal. AcroYoga is a practice of substance, not flash. You’ll learn necessary building blocks to literally take whatever physical skills you have to new heights.
4. Size matters not.
You may think big people do the lifting, and tiny people do the flying. This is not the case. AcroYoga doesn't defy gravity, it honors it. Technique is more important than strength. You’ll quickly learn that muscles tire while bones don’t—whether lifting someone above your head, pouring weight through hands for a healing touch, or counterbalancing someone twice your size.
5. One must give to receive… and vice versa.
When was the last time you let someone else physically move you? A good AcroYoga class creates a safe container in which participants learn the art of allowing movement. Depending on the material taught, this could mean total engagement, utter release, or some degree of both. Everyone in class goes through the same experience. As you learn to support others, you end up allowing yourself to be supported. This is a fundamental of trust: take control by letting go.
6. Get what you need by asking for what you want.
Unlike practicing alone, where we spend a lot of time in our head, partner work is deeply rooted the shared experience. In addition to honing the skill of sharing a physical practice, AcroYoga helps to develop open, direct, and compassionate verbal communication with whomever we’re paired with. Try giving someone directions while in handstand. Up becomes down. Left becomes right. Things can get mixed up when life gets flipped asana over tea kettle. Work together or fall apart. You decide.
7. In order to know one, you must truly experience the other.
The practice of AcroYoga is split into two parts, Acrobatic (Solar) and Therapeutic (Lunar). Each side explores the relationship between the mover and those being moved. In the dynamic Solar practice, participants learn three different roles: Base (mover), Flyer (being moved), and Spotter (knowledge of both). Lunar theraputics embraces the deeply healing connection to metta—loving kindness. Here, the Giver is the mover, and the Receiver is the one being moved. Balance is the midpoint between extremes, so it's best to explore this practice from all sides to know where your grounded passion truly lies.
8. Trust Communication = Community.
Amazing things happen when one steps outside the box, and there is no coincidence that a yoga mat is rectangular. Don't confine yourself to the soft routine of this non-slip comfort zone. AcroYoga creates a tangible sense of tribe and celebration which is hard to find anywhere else. Remember, it is entirely up to you how high you want to soar or how slow you want to enjoy the process of getting there. May these tips help further your existing practice or inspire you to give it at try... with love, light, and flight.
Click Here to read the article on MindBodyGreen, courtesy of writer, Daniel Scott
10 Ways Yoga Makes You a Better Mom
Are you a yogi mama? Share with us the ways yoga helped you become a better parent. Or vice versa, how being a parent makes you a better yogi.
For myself, personally, I'd say number 8, practicing together is perfect bonding time. Nothing makes me more giddy than when my 4 y.o. son randomly goes into tree pose, whenever and wherever, and proudly says 'look mama'.
Read more with the article HERE
The Yoga Market from 1980 to the present and it's changes
Chapman University Research on the Yoga Market from 1980 to the present shows how meanings and practice of Yoga changed as it was adapted by the U.S. market
Fascinating article on how yoga came about in the US, following it's growth, to what is now 20.4 million Americans practicing yoga, up from 4.3 million in 2001. Quite an amazing growth!
We'd like to know when and how you first came to yoga?
Find the article HERE
Is it possible to heal depression and anxiety with yoga?
We say 'yes', it is possible, with the process of being mindful. Mindfulness seems to be a buzz word lately and for good reason. As we each become busier in our lives, the process of making it through the day becomes less about being present and more about presenting your being.
That auto-pilot mode we all slip into can be altered by periodically asking yourself two questions, "What is the quality of my mind right now?" and "How deep is my breath?"
By asking yourself these two, very simple questions, not only in yoga class, but throughout your day, particularly the part of your day that experiences the most stress, you can access the mind-body communications network within and learn to become more mindful. Mindful of where you are in that moment. Are you tensing your shoulders at certain times, are you zoning out during conversations, are you getting angry? What causes you to be at that place at that moment? This is how you affect change, how you let go of stresses and let go of anxiety.
Find the article here at CBS News.
Reflections on Earth
Here are 12 Ted Talks that reflect on earth and all it has to offer.
Our planet is a wonder, a perfectly improbable incubator for life. It’s also in danger because of our indifference.
Reflections on both those truths.
Hiking and Yoga
Vickery Creek waterfall. Located right behind the Korsi Hot Yoga studio. Would be a GREAT way to celebrate the earth for Earth Day this week. Take a hike, do some yoga.
Earth Day Yoga Sequence!
Earth Day is April 22nd. Let's celebrate Mother Earth this week. For this, we'll start with Shiva Rea and her 10 mudras for mother earth yoga sequence. CLICK HERE to read the Yoga Journal article.
"When you start to waste/pollute less, spend more time in natural light, and shift toward locally grown foods with an emphasis on an organic, primarily vegetarian diet, you are making such a positive shift for the Earth by your simple lifestyle actions," Rea says. "I think yoga naturally starts to connect us to all the elements in our body. There is a direct connection to our body, our home, how we care for our resources. It's about shifting our awareness through our actual experience of nature in our body, an elemental understanding of how an embodied practice like an asana/body mudra can help us wake up and take positive action."
Each of the following body mudras has inner qualities, or "bhava," to help you connect to the Earth. Practice one per day for 10 days or perform the entire sequence as a flow honoring the elements.