Newsletter April, 2019
In this issue:
Shirshasana (Headstand) with variations
Shirshasana (headstand), along with Sarvangasana (shoulder stand), is one of the commonly practiced inverted poses. In today's article, I am going to discuss the Shirshasana - (शीर्षासन) - [audio:http://www.integralyogastudio.com/sounds/shirshasana.mp3](headstand) along with some variations that are incorporated while in the asana. In many yoga texts, shirshasana has been described as "the king of asanas", perhaps due to the many benefits that it provides.
Read more ...
Tripod Headstand (Shirshasana)
 Tripod Headstand-1 (shirshasana) In a recent post we discussed the classical version of the shirshasana (headstand). In this version, the fingers of the two hands are interlaced and the head is positioned against the two palms. The forehead is allowed to rest lightly on the floor.
In this article, we will practice another variation of the headstand called the tripod headstand. In this version, the head is fully on the ground whereas the palms are placed flat on the floor, about shoulder width apart. Effectively then, the two palms and the head are in the shape of a tripod which provides stability and balance for the pose. In this post, we'll be practicing two variations of the tripod headstand or the Shirshasana.
I hope you will enjoy practicing with me using the video demonstration.
Read more ...
Upcoming Programs
Understanding the Mind to eliminate Stress
- What: An Introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
- When: Third Saturday of the month
- Next Session: Saturday, April 20, 2019
- TIME: 2:30 - 4:30 PM
- LOCATION: Integral Yoga Studio, 4000 Bearcat Way, Suite 102, Morrisville, NC 27560
- FEE: by voluntary donation
- To register: please fill out the registration form (if you have filled the form recently, send me an email to register)
Read more ...
Yoga Retreat in Mebane, NC, May 2-5, 2019
 Lakulish Ashram 1
Mark your calendars for this amazing life experience - a yoga retreat at a lovely yoga ashram in Mebane, NC. At this retreat you will be able to slow down and experience yourself at a deeper level, nourished and supported by the beauty of natural surroundings. You will be able to deepen your personal yoga practice and develop an understanding of the yoga philosophy in an ashram-like setting under the guidance of Subhash Mittal.
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14-day Meditation Intensive
- What: 14-day Meditation Intensive
- When: Monday, April 15 - Sunday, April 28, 2019
- Time: 6:00 – 7:30 AM
- Location: Integral Yoga Studio, 4000 Bearcat Way, Suite 102, Morrisville, NC 27560
- Daily Routine: Light stretching (10-15 minutes), Pranayama (15 min), Relaxation (15 min), Meditation - discussion and practice (45 min)
- Commitment: A firm commitment to follow this schedule and attend every day
- Fee: $100 (cash, check, Zelle or paypal)
- To register: fill out the registration form, providing information in all the fields, and submit it online
Strongly recommended
- Light,’sattvic’, nutritious, VEGETARIAN food
- No alcohol, drugs, tobacco or any other item of similar nature
- A personal commitment to continue the practice after the program is over
Please visit here for more details...
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
Substituting Meditation for Detention Apparently Works Wonders For Kids
Buddha once said of meditation that “it is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles.” It doesn’t take much to understand the truth of this statement, especially when it comes to teaching stressed out little kids how to be mindful of their actions. For the past three years, the staff at Robert W. Coleman Elementary in Baltimore, Maryland have sent unruly children to the meditation room instead of detention. The unusual disciplinary method has seen remarkable results.
Read more ....
What does science say about the effects of meditation?
Practicing meditation or mindfulness techniques is, at least anecdotally, supposed to smooth your way to a happier, more healthful life. But what does science say about these practices?
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Yoga linked to lowered blood pressure with regular practice
Adults who practice yoga with breathing and relaxation exercises at least three times a week may have lower blood pressure than people who don't, a research review suggests.
For the study, researchers analyzed data from 49 trials with a total of 3,517 participants who were typically middle-aged, overweight women and men who already had high blood pressure or were close to developing the condition. These smaller trials assessed blood pressure before and after participants were randomly assigned either to doing yoga or to a control group without exercise programs.
Overall, the people in the yoga groups experienced average reductions in systolic blood pressure of 5 mmHG (millimeters of mercury) more than those in the control groups, and diastolic blood pressure was reduced by 3.9 mmHG more with 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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