What is willpower? Merriam-Webster dictionary defines willpower as “energetic determination”. That means we make an enthusiastic mental resolution to achieve a certain goal in a certain period of time and then use “energetic determination” to stay on course to achieve success in our endeavors.
We are all too familiar with people making lofty New Year resolutions. Just a few days or weeks into the New Year, these resolutions seem to evaporate into thin air for most people. Why is that so? It is all because of the lack of willpower or the “energetic determination” to stay on course with the resolve made on the New Year Eve.
Let us take weight loss as an example. This is perhaps the most common resolution people make for the New Year. Of course, at a high level, everyone knows how to lose weight. It involves only two ingredients – exercise more and eat less – more output, less input! Simple, yet difficult to achieve. What prevents them from following this simple regimen? Lack of willpower!
Here is the eight-fold path to follow to end suffering
Five Kleshas
The Yoga system of Patanjali presents a concept of suffering, or pain, which is very similar to the one mentioned above from Buddha. In modern terminology, ‘stress’ is another name for this suffering. Patanjali uses the term ‘klesha’ to denote afflictions, pain or suffering. He talks about five different kleshas, their cause and the remedy. These keshas are:
I am pleased to announce the next Pranayama intensive. In this program, we will be practicing some of the main pranayama techniques given in our ancient yoga texts. I will also discuss the underlying concepts in the practice of pranayama and all the wonderful benefits that the practice can bring us.
No prior asana, pranayama or meditation experience is required.
Here are the particulars:
What: 14-day pranayama intensive
When: Monday, August 5 – Sunday, August 18, 2019
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 AM
Location: Integral Yoga Studio, 4000 Bearcat Way, Suite 102, Morrisville, NC 27560
In today’s post, we are going to focus on one of the poses that is highly recommended as a hip and chest opener – the Kapotasana – कपोतासन -(Pigeon Pose). There are a few different variations of the pose that are commonly practiced, some more challenging than the others. We are going to focus on the beginner level pose and a couple of variations. Even these variations can seem somewhat challenging for those with tight hips, knees or thighs. As always, maintain your stretch at a level that is comfortable for you.
I hope you will enjoy practicing with me using the video.
Marichyasana (मरीच्यासन) is named after the sage Marichi (not sure why!). The word Marichi (मरीचि) literally means a ray of light. As per the Hindu mythology, Marichi was the son of Brahma and chief of the Maruts (also called vayu or wind-gods). He’s one of the seven (sometimes 10 or 12) sages (rishis) or lords of creation (prajapatis), who intuitively “see” and determine the divine law of the universe (dharma).
This asana can be performed in addition to or as an alternative to the more commonly practiced Ardha Matsyendrasana (Spinal Twist). It offers many of the same benefits as the Spinal twist.
Hope you will enjoy practicing with me using the video.
I am pleased to announce the next 21-day Yoga Immersion program. The past programs have been very well received by all the participants. For most of them, it has been truly a life-transforming experience. I invite you to join me on this exciting and deeply rewarding 21-day yoga journey. Here are the particulars:
What: 21-day yoga immersion
When: Monday, June 10 – Sunday, June 30, 2019
Time: 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM
Location: Integral Yoga Studio, 4000 Bearcat Way, Suite 102, Morrisville, NC 27560
In previous two posts, I discussed both the classical version as well as the “tripod” version of the Shirshasana (headstand pose). In today’s post, we will practice a few stretches that will help us prepare for the practice of headstand (shirshasana).
I hope you will enjoy practicing with the video demonstration.
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 today’s post, 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.
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.
Preparation for the asana
It is highly advisable that the shirshasana be learned under the guidance of an experienced teacher.
Beginners should use a wall for support in the early stages. This will help them develop the necessary strength in the neck, shoulders and the head as well as help them develop balance and self-confidence so they can eventually practice it without any support.
Recent Comments