Newsletter January 2025
In this issue:
Bharadwajasana, asana for spinal twist
Bharadwajasana
Asanas that involve a spinal twist are known to offer many benefits. The most commonly listed benefits include improved blood circulation in the body, enhanced mobility and range of motion of the spine, managing discomfort or pain in the lower back, detoxification and cleansing of the organs. One of the most commonly practiced asanas in this category is the Ardha-matsyendrasana. In this article, I will be discussing the twisting asana called the Bharadwajasana (bhāradvājāsana – भारद्वाजासन).
This is an intermediate level asana and involves flexibility in the spine, hips, knees and shoulders. For our practice, we’ll do two variations of the asana. The first variation will prepare us for the second and the final version of the asana. For the practice, it will be helpful to have a strap as well as a cushion, a pillow or a folded blanket handy.
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Weekly ongoing classes
As many of you are aware, I teach weekly ongoing yoga classes as per the schedule given below. These classes are offered both online via Zoom as well as in-person at my home studio.
Home studio address (for in-person participation on Mon, Tue and Sat): 206 Redwood Park Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560. Please note: in-person participation for the Wednesday class is at the Hindu Temple (HSNC) cultural hall.
Schedule:
- Monday: 6:30 - 8 PM (level 1)
- Tuesday: 6:30 - 8 PM (level 1)
- Wednesday: 6:30 - 8 PM (level 1)
- Saturday; 10:15 AM - 12:00 noon (level 1/2)
Instructor: Subhash Mittal
Registration: Fill out the registration form, providing information in all the fields, and submit it online.
Zoom Access: Login info for Zoom access will be provided upon receipt of registration.
Schedule and Fee: Please visit my website here for the current schedule and available payment plans. If you are a new student, the fee for the first month is $40.
How to pay: check, Zelle (use subhashmittal@gmail.com), Venmo (use 9199269717) or paypal (go to bottom of page)
My book on Pranayama
Pranayama
I recently published my book, “Pranayama for energy, vigor and vitality”. This book contains detailed instructions on all the Pranayama practices that I cover in the various yoga courses that I offer. You are welcome to get a printed version of the book from me ($10). You can also buy the book on Amazon – both kindle version and printed version are available.
As you are aware, buyers depend on product reviews on Amazon to make their buying decision. Once you obtain a copy of the book, I'd truly appreciate your writing a review on Amazon. That will help promote the book further so more people can get the book and derive benefits from their pranayama practices.
Upcoming Programs
Samkhya Karika study group, 2nd and 4th Saturday
FREE yoga class, focus: pranayama
Vishnu Mudra
Energize, revitalize and recharge your body, mind and intellect. Learn how to handle stressful situations, how to relax and calm your mind.
I invite you to join me for a FREE yoga class wherein we'll focus on Pranayama practices.
You can download the flyer here. Feel free to share it with your own distribution lists.
Program info
- What: FREE morning yoga class; focus on Pranayama
- When: Sunday, January 12, 2025
- Time: 8:00-9:30 AM (US East Coast time, EST)
- Participation: online via zoom only
- Zoom Access: Login info will be provided upon receipt of registration
- Instructor: Subhash Mittal
- Register here
The class will consist of:
- Light stretching, basic Surya Namaskara
- Pranayama (six breathing practices)
- Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation)
podcast channel
As you may be aware, I have been offering monthly workshops wherein I discuss various aspects of yoga philosophy. The main focus in these workshops is to discuss the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali in some depth. In addition, from time to time, I also discuss concepts from the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and other related ancient scriptures. In order to preserve these talks for future reference, I have been making an audio recording of these discussions and sharing them with the participants. These audio recordings are now available on the podcast channel on my blog. You are welcome to download these audio recordings for your use. In addition, you can listen to these podcasts as well as subscribe to them on itunes as well.
youtube channel
As you would have noticed from many of the recent posts on my blog, I have been adding short videos of many of the commonly practiced asana and pranayama sequences. I strongly urge you to subscribe to my youtube channel and visit the channel frequently to get instructions for your own asana and pranayama practices. Please share the link to the channel with your friends who might benefit from these detailed video instructions.
I would love to hear your feedback and, of course, would welcome suggestions for future videos that you would like to see on the channel.
Yoga in the News
This Ancient Activity Is Rumored to Boost Your Longevity, But Is It True?
In a recent interview on her 105th birthday, Taylor told the BBC she attributes her long and healthy life to yoga – alongside her optimism and appreciation of the little things. She says yoga especially helps her to stay mentally fit. She's still practicing yoga even at her age – although now more often in a chair than on a mat. As an aged and, above all, mentally fit yogi, Taylor is not alone. Many of the world's most notable yoga practitioners have lived long, healthy lives.
Read more ...
Laughter yoga boosts well-being and reduces stress in nursing students, study finds
A new study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being has found that laughter yoga boosts well-being and reduces stress in nursing students, offering a potential aid to the mental health challenges common in higher education. While the findings suggest benefits for stress and emotional health, the research shows no measurable impact on students’ academic self-confidence.
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Yoga prevents diabetes risk by 40 percent, says study from India; experts weigh in
Can we prevent diabetes by practising yoga? A study done by the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI), an organisation of diabetes researchers and practitioners found that 40 percent of diabetes risk can be reduced by doing yoga.
Read more ...
Have a question/suggestion?
If you have a yoga-related question, please write to me and I would do my best to provide an answer in a timely manner. I would love to hear your suggestions for future newsletter articles.
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