Another year has gone by its a been a big one in the world of Yoga Online we are coming to the end of a massive 3 year project where we have been developing a Yoga learning system, along with some pretty advanced technology to deliver this world class yoga instruction. Its only about 8 months behind schedule. But … Continue reading »
We had Paul Barton down again this weekend for the last in our private series of workshops for the year. It was another really successful weekend, Paul bringing with him a good mixture of stories compassion, humor, authority and knowledge among other things. As usual every one had a lot of takeaways to work with. … Continue reading »
This is a great classic video The Ultimate Freedom Yoga filmed in 1976 from BKYS Iyengar . A black and white film that is quite grainy but the content is very good. The video starts ” You all read the title of the film the ultimate freedom. ultimate freedom means complete freedom in body, in mind … Continue reading »
Yoga as a Healing tool? I saw this new report today on various websites, it was about how people with type 2 diabetes could benefit from basic classes says a new study. The research has shown that yoga, even in small amounts can help slightly lower body weight while helping to controlling blood sugar levels. … Continue reading »
Hey All I Finally got to getting part four compressed for the web. Here you go . Enjoy it is very invigorating so book mark the page and give this a go. It may take a few times to get it. Keep trying. Yoga and the Art of Aging Part 4 HEART AND LUNGS: In … Continue reading »
Another year has gone by its a been a big one in the world of Yoga Online we are coming to the end of a massive 3 year project where we have been developing a Yoga learning system, along with some pretty advanced technology to deliver this world class yoga instruction. Its only about 8 months behind schedule. But we are almost ready to go its due for release early in the new year and I can safely say its a big step up from any Online Yoga learning system that ever existed ( beta testers first week of Jan i will email you) . But for now its into the festive season, time to speed some time with friends and family. Personally I have to take care when with the family as they don’t quite have the same dietary requirements. So be mindful that you don’t get sucked to far into the festivities as you will just have to work it off in the new year!!
Thanks for reading the Blog this year and here is to good fortune for now and the coming year.
Merry Xmas everyone and a Happy New year
Namaste
Al and the Crew and Yoga Online
P.S Below is a dish that you can whip up in 15 mins if you need some health food over the Xmas break ! Enjoy.
Steamed Vegetable Salad
Ingredients
1 Broccoli
1 Cup of Beans
2 Carrots
1 Bunch of Spinach
1/2 Beetroot
1 Avocado
1 Lemon
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Fresh Herbs
This is one of my Favourite Chants
A Raama Bhajan Chant from the Satsang filmed at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre New Plymouth, New Zealand. http://www.sivanandayoga.co.nz The centre has early morning Satsang two times a week and also on Wednesday evenings. It is free to come along if you are ever in New Plymouth.
We had Paul Barton down again this weekend for the last in our private series of workshops for the year. It was another really successful weekend, Paul bringing with him a good mixture of stories compassion, humor, authority and knowledge among other things. As usual every one had a lot of takeaways to work with.
Work on your weak link to build the most strength and balance.
The yoga workshop focused on more subtle stuff mostly. On the Friday night we did an exercise where we identified or preferred energy line to follow and or non-preferred. This was in relationship to how the body moved out of the hips and took the weight though the hips and legs. I have been carrying a Basketball related knee injury that I have been working with for the last year. So I think my preferred and non preferred may have changed over the last year. After some confusion I identified my preferred energy line to and my non-preferred. Then we started to work with a series of upward dogs and down dogs with reversing the preferred energy line and non-preferred. WOW this really highlighted a seriously large imbalance, that as it seems is a major contributing cause of the continuing knee issues that I have been having. Then to some standing poses, really working hard to work with the weakness and strength in opposite ways that you would normally. This really was quite liberating as new energy lines started taking the weight and a lot of stuck energy was being released from the hips. It surprises me How did I ever miss this imbalance??? It like massively big. When your sitting standing lying you can be working with it. The key thing Paul stress was to not over do it the other way.
At the end of the 2.5 hour workshop the whole of the right side of my body was burning with a kind of facial realignment, I guess. it was pretty sore and I thought I may have over did it, but the neck was feeling as free as ever. So it felt ok. The next morning 85 % of the pain had eased off and some new wiring was firmly in place.
The workshop proceeded smoothly, but highlight a few things that I have been working with for a while. Which is working on my weaknesses.
I refereed to this new lesson, in conversation with friends as the Elephant in My Body as it was so pronounced yet invisible to my awareness. Its like one of those aha moments when you go from now knowing that you didn’t know, to now knowing that you didn’t know, therefore you now have something to work with. Going to your strengths is ok sometimes, but when it comes to your body you can’t do it all the time as the weakest link in the chain will eventually given way in some way. We all have weaknesses and its pretty critical to identify them. Having a good variation in your of Yoga postures really helps. So do your un-favourite yoga postures at times as they are there to show you things, which you might never see.
This is something that I really want to expand on at some stage as there is so much to it. Stay tuned.
I am looking forward to next years series of workshops.
This is a great classic video The Ultimate Freedom Yoga filmed in 1976 from BKYS Iyengar . A black and white film that is quite grainy but the content is very good.
The video starts ” You all read the title of the film the ultimate freedom. ultimate freedom means complete freedom in body, in mind and in the self itself. In order to experience this total freedom Indian sages and saitns introduce the subject called yoga. Yoga is a union of the body, the mind, the mind with the soul, so that this ????? of man are brought together so he lives in the stare of poise. Yoga is a means for freedom and is the ying in freedom itself.
It is worth a watch for all those that are interested in gaining more knowledge. BKS is the master of alignment and the body mind connection.
Yoga as a Healing tool? I saw this new report today on various websites, it was about how people with type 2 diabetes could benefit from basic classes says a new study. The research has shown that yoga, even in small amounts can help slightly lower body weight while helping to controlling blood sugar levels.
“The study, of 123 middle-aged and older adults, found that those who added yoga classes to standard diabetes care shed a handful of pounds over three months. Meanwhile, their average blood sugar levels held steady — in contrast to the non-yoga-practicing “control” group, whose blood sugar levels rose.”
“Among the 60 study participants who took yoga classes several times a week, the average BMI — a measure of weight in relation to height — declined from 25.9 to 25.4. A BMI between 25 and 30 is considered overweight.”
I would have suspected that yoga could help with this and many other conditions and it would be great to see more studies about yoga as a healing tool. I am sure that we are only seeing the tip of the ice berg, there is so much information present in the yoga system that the western world is still not really aware that their is a vast knowledge base tied into this and many other “Eastern” Systems.
A more complete yoga, would have also taken into account to a ” modern day yogic diet. ” and I am sure the results would have been a lot more impressive , if the complete system was followed. Still its encouraging to see this stuff appearing in main stream media.
Hey All I Finally got to getting part four compressed for the web. Here you go . Enjoy it is very invigorating so book mark the page and give this a go. It may take a few times to get it. Keep trying.
Yoga and the Art of Aging Part 4
HEART AND LUNGS: In this session we focus on increasing lung capacity and strengthening the heart while cultivating joy and compassion.
How can I use Yoga to lose weight is a very common question that I get asked. Is it in fact possible to lose weight with Yoga ? Personally I can’t give you the I was there once story, but I can offer you my outlook on it, from a place that is working. I am 100% certain that if you adopt a yogic lifestyle it can be the path to a healthier slimmer more vibrant you. You will achieve Weight loss ( if you have it to lose and that’s your goal) , more lean muscle mass ( which helps burn calories even when your doing nothing) and a more optimistic view on life, where you don’t need to compulsively eat to feel better.
The main factors a balanced nutrition the right exercise ( which can be achieved 100% with different yoga practices , which do require knowledge) and rest. It truly is simple.
I can tell you one thing that does not work in the long term and that is Diet in the true sense of the word. Sure it may work in the short term, but for the long term you need a lifestyle change, which involves a shift in attitude.
Ok what I can tell you about yoga and weight loss. Its the same principles that apply with what ever method that you chosen. It comes down to living a balanced lifestyle ( i can’t repeat this enough) . Really its as simple as ABC
A/ Balanced Nutrition
The right ration for YOU ( we all have different metabolic types and respond differently ) of
A/ Quality Lean Protein B/ Good Fats ( IE the correct ratio of Omega 3′s – 6 – 9) C/ Carbohydrates ( ideally with a low GI for sustained release.) Be careful these are not all what they seem. EG white rice has a very high GI !! it may not be for you. Maybe Brown Jasmine is for you with a way lower GI. Maybe rice it not for you?
B/ Right Exercise
You need to get your Heart rate up into the fat burning zone (Interval training is good, Hi intensity movement then rest then repeat) The right Yoga is great for this is as it works muscles ( often multiple groups simultaneously) stretch’s muscles ( again often multiple groups simultaneously) as well as giving you the cardio that you need. It does work to speed up your metabolism for days afterwards. It can take a while a year or so to have enough knowledge to use only yoga for this. ( Be mindful this is only a small part of the bigger yoga picture, but if this is the only reason you want to use it for, its a good start)
C/ Rest
Let the work that you are doing do its work. Get plenty of quality sleep .
And yes this can be easier said than done as there is a lot of conflicting information out there, to the point where the mind can boggle. It never ceases to amaze me as to what people can mistake A B C to mean.
Its easy to start removing something for a couple of weeks to see how you feel. Things like diary , wheat, alcohol.
If you have let things slip a little, sure there will be a bit of hard work in the beginning ( maybe to the point of feeling unbalanced) , but where ever we are we did not get there overnight, life is a process and its always one step after the next. You really just need to make better choices. Better choices come from better information, you need to work on your discernment between was it true and right for you and what is not. Beware of the latest FAD DIET that wants to take your money. Ask your self is this person about my well being or making a buck ? Will it last?
One thing about yoga is that it has been around for 1000′s of years, so you can be sure it is not a fad. It is a long term repeatable system. It is also about more than just movement, the full system is about lifestyle choices of what you eat and tools to guide your thought in the direction of your higher self.
Seriously in the western world we have the challenge of too much abundance, there is more people sick and dieing from over eating than from starvation. Yes its a very weird thing.
Below in the video Ram and I touch on a few of the main points.
This is some good information about radation Exposure as there is a lot of that going on at the moment . This information is from Gabriel Cousens, M.D., M.D.(H), D.D. Whom really does know his stuff and I really respect what he has to say. I eat a heap of Green foods like spirulina and chlorella as they are great for life in general.
In Summary:A Comprehensive Holistic Approach to the Plague of Radiation and What To Do
Based on the post-Chernobyl studies of peri-natal mortality and overall mortality, the increase in the U.S. in these two statistics faded out about 3 months after the Chernobyl meltdown, which, in the Japan meltdowns, would be approximately the period between now and the end of June as the most important time to follow the recommended protocol.In review, some simple things to do to choose life:
I. Mineralize well for nuclear plant meltdowns with
A. Iodoral (50-100 mg daily) – 1-2 tablets daily
B. Kelp tablets – 4-10 tablets daily
C. Spirulina (Added Buy Organic Spirulina ) is a great source of iron to protect against radioactive plutonium.
II. Chelate
A. Use NCD as the primary chelator at 10 drops, 4 times daily.
B. Use kelp (5-10 tablets) for I-131
C. Use dulse for chelating plutonium
III. Increase your antioxidant intake.
A. Nano-Green Tea (½ tsp, 2 times daily)
B. Mega Hydrate (400 mg, 2 times daily)
C. Antioxidant Extreme (10 capsules, 2 times daily)
IV. Foods and Herbs
A. Increase spirulina, chlorella, and E-3 Live in the diet
B. Increase all leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
C. Take bee pollen (2 Tbsp, 2 times daily)
D. Increase garlic and onion intake
E. Use Siberian Ginseng, Panax Ginseng, Chapparel, and Rosemary
V. Eat an organic, plant-source-only diet, which naturally alkalizes the body and is low on the food chain. Additionally, cover your garden.
VI. Take political action to eliminate all potential sources of radiation exposure such as use of nuclear power plants, DU weaponry, and all nuclear weapons, as well as minimize use of cell phones and cell phone towers, for minimized EMF exposure to the environment. It is significant and a hopeful inspiration that Germany is the first country in the world with an explicit plan to shut down and phase out all nuclear power plants. They plan to do this by 2020.
We have our work cut out for us. We have been given the warnings. Prophecy has spoken. Will we pay attention? I pray that we do. Thirty-three hundred years ago in Deuteronomy 30:19, Moses said, “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” As you see, the problem of radiation and EMF’s goes way beyond a nuclear tragedy in Japan. We are surrounded by ionizing radiation and EMF caused radiation in a way that is actively supporting the Culture of Death. In these very unique times, it would be very important to look at our lifestyles to see how we can change our lifestyles to minimize our radiation and EMF exposure. What turns out to be a technological convenience may turn out to be a more serious inconvenience of disability and death. I would urge you to choose life. [read more]
Yoga course Yoga and the Art of Aging Full DVD Yoga Routine Week 3 of Week 7
Week 3. STRENGTH AND DIGESTION: In this session we focus on a practice that will build lean muscle mass which, will increase the function of the digestive system, improving vitality and cultivating empowerment and enthusiasm.
If you have missed part one and two of these Yoga DVDS sign up to the Yoga Online newsletter and the auto reply will give you the download instructions.
HI all thanks for the emails with your concern after hearing about the Big Earth Quake in New Zealand. I am on the other Island and not directly affected, Heart felt wishes to all those affected and still have friends and family missing.
Announced in the video below the winner of the Toe stretchers. Also we go into a few of the top comments on the last blog post and I give away 5 copies of Pranayama self to the Soul DVD .
HI beautiful people… and Happy 2011 to you! Honestly think about this deeply for a second, that me speaking to you now you are probably the wisest that you have ever been in your life.
Seriously you are ! So you have the ability to create the best year ever!
OK now we are hitting February how the year is rolling on.
What about your New Years Resolutions ? Are you on track with them over the past month? These are the building bricks to the future, that your higher self wanted to achieve this year. If your not achieving them, start by cleaning out all negative thoughts, feelings, beliefs, attitudes and ways of being. An inquiry into the nature of your personality and inner being is imperative, what’s going on why are you not following through? Think about being that glass half full person, a mover, shaker and a creator you can be inspiring, not just to self, but to others also. We all know what it is like when we have goals to reach, errands to run and deadlines to meet… yet I see people pussy footing around wasting time and avoiding action… and then another day comes to a close where they haven’t achieved they we set out to do, which does not leave you feeling so good about yourself… in fact you can feel more drained, tired and lethargic than you would have had you put our energy into being the creative, being that we all really are…. Are you guys tracking with me? Do you know what I mean?
Knowledge is not power. Applied knowledge is power.
Well its time to stop those days and start the days where you make a list of things to achieve and get done in the day and the week ahead… and then set about actually doing those things. And check the items of the list off each time you check the list its as if you put another deposit in the bank of vitality…. and simply put you FEEL BETTER. Action is way more invigorating than non action. You know it! Its the effort you put into struggling with it all that is so taxing. So you just need to stop the struggle and start the doing.
With the right supportive beliefs you can grow up and wake up, and with the unsupportive ones you can be going no where fast. I know which I prefer!
Your thoughts are EVERYTHING. What you think and what you put your energy to is what you are creating as your experience of life. This isn’t new news! But it is so, so important, especially now that time is running faster than ever before. We are creators and it is up to us to create the life we want to live. And the time between the creation of thought and the manifestation of thought-result is so FAST now that we have to more aware of the thoughts we are having.
So if you haven’t resolved for 2011 to be your best year ever yet, and, you have things piling up that you need to put some attention to, then get your A into G before you realize half the year has gone already!
While you’re at it, look into the nature of your beliefs and attitudes about life, change and moving forward into new experiences. If you are feeling blocked or stagnant, fearful or anxious then stay tuned, I am going to be putting out the news letter A LOT more often this year and trying to get some tools together to help you guys.
Using yoga and meditation we can look into different realms of consciousness to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of our internal landscape and this helps use do what we need to dol. By better knowing our inner mechanisms we are then able to re structure and re program our mind to transform blocks, fear and anxieties into creativity, inspiration and joy.
Hear is to the best year every
Till next time
Namaste
Al
PS. There is this guy is a Multi Millionaire Yogi and Business
man and he’s really really on to it and a great teacher. He offeris
some training about how get serious about finance. His first free video is
worth A watch. Click Here for the video
PPS. If your new years resolution is to stop smoking then your you can access a excellent 4 week stop smoking audio download series over Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy here!
