Chair Yoga For the Office

By Angelena Craig

Learning to practice Yoga while sitting in a chair has a multitude of benefits for anyone of any age, shape, size or and fitness level. Chair Yoga is sometimes called Office Yoga. It is a wonderful alternative for anyone who sits at a desk long hours and needs a way to stretch those tired muscles, particularly the back, neck, shoulders and hips, without leaving the office station... and you get all the benefits of regular yoga without ever having to change your clothes or get up or down off of the floor.

Top Five Yoga Exercises to Help You Sleep Well

By Ntathu Allen

Have you ever arrived home from work feeling stressed, tired or fatigued? When you feel like this it is tempting just to slump down in front of the TV, pop a pizza in the microwave for dinner and pray your children occupy themselves chatting to their friends on Facebook.

In the long-term this behaviour is detrimental to your health and family well-being. Apart from the fact you increase the likelihood of developing stress related illness, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and being overweight, your ability to unwind and have a restful sleep is affected.

Sleep is something your body can't very well do without. During sleep, your body relaxes and vital repair work is carried out.

Lack of sleep leaves you feeling ratty, short tempered and emotionally drained. On a physiological level, your immune system functions below par, which means you are more likely to feel run down, lethargic and pick up bugs quickly.

To counteract these negative effects of stress, you can practice yoga.

The following yoga exercises are ideal to practice at the end of a stressful day. They will help your mind to calm down and release tension and strain from your body. As with all forms of exercise, listen to your body and work at a pace which is comfortable for you.

Top five yoga exercises to help you have a good night's sleep

1. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

Lie on your belly with your hands flat on the floor, under your shoulders with your legs straight out behind you and close together. Press your feet and toes firmly down into the floor. Have your forehead resting on the mat. Breathe in and slowly raise your forehead, nose and chest up from the floor, keeping your hands down and pressing your hips into the floor. Hold this pose for 3-5 rounds of deep breaths, then slowly exhale and lower yourself down.

2. Extended Child Pose

Start in a kneeling position, sitting back on your heels. If this feels uncomfortable, lace a folded blanket or pillow between your buttocks and your heels.

Breathe out and slowly lower your body forward until your head touches the floor. If your legs or back are stiff and you find it difficult to place your head on the floor without your hips coming up, make a fist with your hands, place them one on top of each other and rest your forehead on the top fist. If your stomach feels uncomfortable or gets in the way, just spread your feet apart.

Keep your buttocks on your heels. Stretch your arms out in front of you. Each time you breathe out let your chest go closer to your knees. Keep your shoulders relaxed and take your arms back so your hands are close to your feet.

Stay in this position for 10 - 15 rounds of deep breathing. Gently breathe out, slowly kneel up again and be aware of how you feel. Stay still for a few more moments before you get up from this position.

3. Practice Deep Breathing

Lie on your back, close your eyes, focus on your heart centre and take a full deep breath in through your nose. Feel your rib cage expanding and your lungs filling up with fresh rich oxygen then slowly breathe out through your nose. As you breathe out, allow your lungs to empty completely and abdomen to relax. Repeat this calming deep breathing at least 5 - 10 times. You will feel energised, calm and focused.

4. Rag Doll Pose

Simply bend at your waist and flop forward, keep your feet firmly on the ground. Allow your knees to be soft and make sure your head is soft and wobbly. Relax your jaw and allow your arms to swing and flop from side to side. Stay in this position for 1 - 2 minutes.

5. Legs up the Wall Pose 1

Lie on a soft blanket or yoga mat on your right side with your buttocks against a wall. Roll on your back and stretch your legs up the wall. Keep your buttocks against the wall and lie with your back on the floor and your legs elevated against the wall. Keep your legs together. Breathe slowly and deeply and feel your back relaxing and releasing into the floor, whilst gently stretching your heels up the wall, away from your hips. Take 10 - 30 deep steady breaths.

So next time you come home from work, stressed, tired or fatigued, make time to practice at least 2 - 3 of the above easy yoga exercises before you go to bed.

Your mind will feel calmer and your body relaxed and ready for a good night's sleep.

Yoga - Unlocking The Doors To Peace Of Mind In A Stress Packed World

By Roland Poitevin

The world as we know it has become so much consumer oriented that competition has become the order of the day. The results of this lifestyle are there for all to see, the confusion that we see in all the systems that are running our current world. Most people live in a really confused state of mind and they are in search of themselves.

And in trying to get solutions, people end up in practices that not only hurt themselves, but the rest of the population and the physical world, making it a vicious cycle whose end we may never get to see. People simply do not know how to deal with their own lives and the amount of stress we have to deal with is simply overwhelming.

This lack of inner peace and balance in life is what actually leads to dis- ease and a lot of despair as people use the wrong ways to try and achieve happiness by any means. The results of this deficiency in inner peace and happiness is well manifested in the way people relate with others as well. There are a few people who have come to learn that the solutions to the challenges of life are not necessarily found on the outside, but need to come from within. It is this search of answers from within, which is filled with simplicity, that Yoga is all about. The solution is to be found in the balance of the body, mind and intelligence.

The sound practitioner of Yoga learns the way in which to deal with internal challenges by focusing on solutions that are already inside of them. They are able to re-awaken an inner awareness that flows inside their systems and in the process this power gets to banish any negative emotions they would be experiencing such as fear, anxiety, pain, misery, and loneliness. The results are a life full of peace, happiness and simplicity.

Any of the modalities of yoga such as Hatha, Bikram Yoga, Ashtanga or Hot Yoga will contribute to your inner peace. Look for yoga classes in your area.

Yoga Strategies to Help Cram For Exams

By Marilyn Reid

A feeling of anxiousness or anxiety prior to taking an examination is normal. In fact, some experts believe it is healthy as it serves as an effective stimuli that prompts one to come up with a preparation strategy for an upcoming examination.

But some people are not good with handling their nervousness and anxiety such that it affects their performance in the exam. This is most especially true for those who are cramming for their exam. This makes them repulsive to any preparation method as they are unable to clear their mind.

Allow Body Movement

When an individual feels tensed about the idea of taking an examination that s/he isn't fully prepared for, the tension is manifested throughout the entire body. Although you have short preparations to ensure that you perform well on your exam, that feeling of nervous tension often reacts on you mentally making you incapable of thinking logically.

Hence, a trick of releasing body tension and nervousness would be really helpful in remaining calm prior to taking your exam. Allowing as much body movement as possible is really helpful. You can do simple exercises such as walking, jogging, or stretching. This will effectively calm your nerves and release any tension that is building up. Doing these body movement enhancement exercises are also quite helpful in waking up your nerves and senses.

Reducing Anxiety and Stress

Stress and anxiety are two of the worst mental and physical health enemies. When people suffer from stress or anxiety, you lose synchronization and focus. This is a deadly combination when you are about to take an examination. The negative emotions or thoughts that you might be having could prevent you from thinking clearly. As a result, you have difficulty remembering all that you have reviewed for the exam and put you at risk for low performance.

Performing Rhythmic Breathing

Rhythmic breathing has been known to offer a wide range of benefits as a yoga practice. Among the physiological effects are increased oxygen supply and re-establishment of the body's natural rhythm.

Mentally though, rhythmic breathing offers benefits that would help those who are cramming for their exam. It helps bring about calmness of the mind, increase your level of self-confidence, and improve concentration ability. These are all mental abilities that would help improve your performance in an examination. Thus, retention of important information that you need to be able to respond to the exam questionnaires is a very useful benefit of practicing this particular yoga breathing technique.

Deep Breathing

Deep breathing in yoga has been known to effectively combat stress. As you know, preparing for an exam is such a stressful situation to be in. The level of stress also adds up when the actual time of the examination is drawing near and you have not done enough preparation to be confident on your exam performance.

Deep breathing comprises of full and cleansing breaths. This relaxation technique is very simple to perform and yet its effects on the body are very powerful. Here are the steps you can follow:

• Find a comfortable sitting position. Make sure that your back is straight while you place on hand on your chest and the other resting on your stomach.
  
• Use your nose for breathing in. Do this fully such that you can see your hand resting on your stomach rise. There should also be movement on your chest.
  
• Use your mouth for exhalation. Do this in a sudden and forceful manner to empty out your lungs.
  
• Repeat the same process all over again.
  

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Here is another well known strategy used for stress relief due to its effectiveness. It involves two process that follows a systematic approach. The first step is involved with tensing specific muscle groups, while the second part helps in releasing that tension to provide relaxation. This is also a very good relaxation technique to use if you are suffering from muscular tension in specific areas of the body. It takes only a few minutes and would be very effective to perform a few minutes before starting your examination.

You must begin by trying to relax and make your entire body comfortable. You can start with slow and deep breathing to provide relaxation. Once you are ready, you can focus your attention on your right foot. Try to tense your muscles on your right foot by squeezing it and holding this position for at least 10 seconds. After that, relax your right foot and bask in the feeling of relaxing your foot.

Use the same method on your left foot this time. The same sequence of creating and releasing tension should be done. Follow this pattern by slowly working your way upwards in your body.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation must not be confused with meditation. The former is more effective if you want to use this method for stress relief or reducing anxiety caused by cramming for an exam. The idea of mindfulness is basically enabling you to get rid of any negative form of thought and becoming more engaged with the present moment. This quality allows you to focus on the task at hand, which in this case is the exam, and increase ability to concentrate.

Although deeper than regular meditation, it does not equal zoning out though. There is still that certain level of awareness of your physical environment but attaining a more specific focus. This will be able you to be more guided in your mental activities.

Guided Visualization

Lack of focus and unorganized thoughts are very characteristic among individuals who are anxious or cramming for an exam. This is crucial as you could basically forget all the information you have patiently reviewed on previously.

To follow this relaxation technique, you must imagine a serene and tranquil scene. Your goal must be to find peace and release any form of tension, whether mental or physical. It could be somewhere tropical or your favorite place as a child, but it has to have a calming effect on you. Do this with your eyes closed and allow yourself to drift away into the scene. Take note of all sensory impulses too for a more effective stress relief.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is one particular yoga style that you can practice to provide more physical and mental harmony that would help your exam preparation. It comprises of a series of slow and flowing movements. Some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi includes relaxation of mind and body, revitalized energy, and increased concentration ability.

Tai Chi is a low impact yoga style that you can perform, which suits even those with minimum fitness level or any age level. Plus, the above mentioned benefits will truly help you cope with the tension of an upcoming examination.

How To Do Yoga Exercises For Maximum Relaxation

When you've made your decision to begin with your yoga practice, it's crucial for you to find out the method to perform an asana correctly. Thus it's good for you to get a right teacher who'll steer} you in the correct style of doing these stances. Since yogic exercises entails the static & isometric contraction of the muscles, where the muscles are maintained in a situation of pressure without leading the next body region to stir; it's essential to note that the extension or contraction of the muscles isn't supposed to be performed rapidly or swiftly. You should attempt to achieve the finishing posture as unhurriedly as you can, so that there's a constant in the pressure of the muscles. For all times achieve the finishing pose leisurely through the midway stances. Get to know well all these stances leisurely 1 by 1.

The movement of each body part must be performed under total control of the muscles exercised. This is achieved only after carrying it out for a certain span of time. There shouldn't be any twitching or aggressive actions. Every step should be implemented without any problem, slickly & elegantly. Initially, when you start to learn the yoga, there's an inclination to use muscles not connected with the particular movement. However over a span of time with due performance, you can do away with the needless muscular action. As you advance, you will get practiced to use only the particular muscles for contraction or extension while the other muscles are kept tension free.

Avoid speeding up into the finishing position of any pose, except if you've systematically mastered the midway movements. For all times ensue as much as you can without any difficulty & maintain this posture for a certain period. This'll educate the necessary muscles in a few days & thus you can get ease & style. Take care not to overburden any muscles. Do not refrain or limit your inhalation. If you're unwell or missing from your practice for a long time, start slowly & arrive at the preceding level only after some period. At the closing stages of the sitting, you must experience bright & tension free. You should experience the weightlessness & elation at the finish of each sitting.

You can change the timing of diverse methods as per to your potential & there should be no exhaustion or strain.

Abiding by all these practices will make certain you achieve a right yoga sitting.

Hatha yoga practice and fear of falling in older adults

By Dr. Rubens D.

Indiana University researchers found promising results in an exploratory study involving yoga practice by older adults who expressed a fear of falling. After a 12-week, twice weekly hatha yoga class, taught by a professional yoga therapist, study participants reported a reduced fear of falling, increased lower body flexibility and a reduction in their leisure constraints.

Fear of falling is an important public health concern because it can cause older adults -- even those who have not fallen -- to limit their social and physical activity. This effort to avoid falls can create a harmful cycle that can diminish health and quality of life.

"Our study found that yoga was a feasible intervention with older adults and that they perceived great benefit from it," said Marieke Van Puymbroeck, assistant professor in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Studies in IU's School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

Van Puymbroeck discussed some of her findings this month at the International Association of Yoga Therapists' Symposium for Yoga Therapy and Research in Los Angeles and will discuss her findings further at conferences hosted by the American Geriatrics Society and the American Therapeutic Recreation Association. More about the study:

• The study involved 14 men and women with an average age of 78. Five participants had fallen previously.
  
• Van Puymbroeck said the 90 percent weekly attendance rate was notable, as was the 6 percent dropout rate, which she said was much lower than most physical activity and yoga studies. The participants took a class in hatha yoga, which is a gentle form of yoga that easily can be adapted for individual needs and can be performed from a seated position. The twice weekly classes each lasted 60 minutes.
  
• After the 12-week class, participants reported a 6 percent reduction in their fear of falling, a 34 percent increase in lower body flexibility, and a statistically significant reduction in leisure constraints.
  
• Van Puymbroeck said participants reported "tremendous benefits," with emerging themes that included the ability to generalize principals of posture to other situations, increased range of motion, increased flexibility and improved balance.
  

Co-investigators include David Koceja, Department of Kinesiology in IU Bloomington's School of HPER; and Arlene Schmid, Department of Occupational Therapy and Department of Veterans Affairs, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

Yoga Meditation - First Step to Mental and Physical Health

By Brit Forchet

Did you know that practicing yoga meditation can bring you some health benefits? Yoga meditation can be particularly helpful to you if you've been experiencing a lot of stress lately. This practice could be one of the best things you can do. In fact, it can even be life saving.

There are many types of yoga meditation you can try. One of these is Sahaja meditation. However, before you jump into it, you'll need to first learn about this technique and the things involved.

Essentially, it is the fusion of yoga and meditation. Of all the exercises you can do, these two are the most relaxing. The main objective is to get your mind, body and spirit in sync. You don't just focus on one aspect; you focus on all three simultaneously. Exercising regularly can help you tone your body and get you in shape. However, a healthy body isn't complete without a healthy mind and soul. And this is where yoga and meditation comes in.

Nearly everyone can benefit in some way or another from doing it. In fact, yoga meditation systematically deals with every level of your being, and that includes your interactions with yourself and the world. Right after your first session, you'll notice how your stress levels have gone down. This is because it addresses the senses, body, breath and mind. It helps ensure that your mind, body and soul are in sync. It is like no other exercise.

Sold on yoga meditation? To get started, register for a class at your local gym or fitness center. This way, you'll work with pros who know all about the proper way to do it and guide you as you do it. With this set up, you'll have someone who will let you know if you're doing something wrong and possibly prevent injuries The great thing about it is that you'll get to make the most out of it this way. After your first few yoga and meditation sessions, you'll notice that you're less stressed and your muscles feel looser. Best of all, you'll feel better overall.

Mudras Yoga For Your Hands And Fingers

By Carole Fogarty

Mudras are my new found love. They are now part of my daily life and the mudra I have chosen for this month promises to offer me calm, inner core strength and improved focus (yeah, no more distractions for me) plus a healthier flow of energy throughout my entire body giving me more vitality. My clever hands, thumbs and fingers have quickly got my mind into shape and the body has eagerly followed.

The ancient Indian wisdom of Mudras are definitely my new well being energy tool.

Mudras are simple and I love simple. They are gentle and gracious in their actions and can literally be done while you are standing, sitting or in meditation. All you need is five minutes.

The ancient Indian texts explain how they can support the healing of many illnesses along with balancing all your chakras and bringing harmony back into your body, mind and soul. Used as a remedy for disease they are generally practiced for 30 - 45 minutes.

What are mudras?:

Mudras are healing hand postures and are a powerful aspect of yoga. There are Indian texts which explain how mudras are an ancient science that have been used for thousands of years to restore health. Mudras are literally health in your hand. Our thumbs, fingers and the palms of our hands are constantly emitting electromagnetic currents of energy and by creating certain postures with your hands, fingers and thumbs you opening up energy channels to encourage flow and healing.

The most familiar mudra’s:

If you practice yoga or meditation you will definitely be familiar with the Gyan Mudra. This is when the thumb and index finger connect whilst the other three fingers are left open and spread. The benefit of holding this mudra while in meditation is that it increases the flow of energy to your astral self. On a physical level it improves concentration, focus and memory. This mudra I have used for many years to support my meditations

Another mudra which I have used often in certain yoga postures is to hold the hands in prayer pose over the heart chakra. For me personally this is a very nurturing and calming hand posture and tends to bring the energy of peace into my body.

My chosen mudra for this month is the Prana Mudra:

I have chosen just one mudra this month to practice and absorb myself into. The prana mudra or life mudra seemed the obvious choice for me as I can get easily distracted and felt I needed more internal stability.

When doing this pose I sit on my meditation cushion in a peaceful environment (the kids are at school) calm my breathing, focus on my breath and place my subtle awareness on the energy currents being created with this pose. I'll observe the sensations, the blocks and the lightness flowing to different parts of my body. I'll do my best to just let thoughts float by and stay calm and centred. My intention is to repeat this pose twice a day for five minutes at a time. I’ll keep you posted with my progress and share my experiences before I move onto another mudra next month . All mudras will be filed under healing mudras.

The benefits of the prana mudra:

This particular mudra is said to benefit and increase the life force energy within you. Strengthen immunity, muscles, eyes and remove nervousness.

Nervousness or anxiousness can be an indication of weakness and reveals itself by being easily distracted due to lack of internal stability. This mudra strengthens the base chakra which will in turn strengthen and calm your inner core. The finger positions stimulates the nourishing energy in the pelvic flow and gently increases vitality and assists in reducing fatigue.

Keen to learn more about mudra’s:

My research, reading and study of mudra’s is in full swing. I’ll be featuring once a month a specific healing mudra that I am personally working with.

In the meantime I’ve ordered a book, DVD and a card set from amazon which I must say looks absolutely fabulous by Sabrina Mesko. She was taught sacred mudra techniques by a Master of White tantric yoga; Yogi Bhajan who then gave her the responsibility to share it with the western world. She is also an executive member of the world yoga council in India so I figured her books and DVD was a great place to start.

I’ve also enquired about her practitioner training program which looks like being held in 2008 in America. Now that is something I would definitely be keen to put on my schedule for 2008.

The Benefits of Power Yoga

By Jeanette Pollock

Today's power yoga basically branched out from the Ashtanga Yoga of the Hindu tradition and religion of India.

Power yoga is emphasizing the development of one’s flexibility and the nurture of the desire for a vigorous whole body workout. The activity most of all facilitates for concentration and mental stability.

There are various reasons why power yoga classes abound everywhere. Nowadays, different and major gyms all over the world are offering power yoga classes.

No wonder. That is because those who have already immersed in the activity openly acknowledge the benefits and health effects to them.

Power yoga classes have become popular for various reasons. Not just vogue, more and more people are getting into the activity because of the proven benefits the exercise can do to them.

Bodily gains from the Power Yoga

First of all, the power yoga promoted overall well-being of the body. Because power yoga also involves physical activities that are sometimes stretching and working out muscles, power yoga is sometimes made as alternatives to ordinary and daily workout routines.

There are several significant benefits of doing the power yoga to one’s body. Among these benefits are the following:

- Power yoga bolsters flexibility, stamina and strength.

- Power yoga promotes improvement of one person’s ability and capability to focus and concentrate.

- Power yoga helps people release the distracting anxiety and overall tension.

- Power yoga helps one person develop and maintain good and proper posture.

- Power yoga tones the body in a way that is neither hard nor stressful.

- Bodily toxins are removed from the physical or body system through the sweat the body excretes during power yoga session.

- Power yoga also serves as a great warm up or training activity for all sorts and types of athletes.

- Power yoga, when done regularly would help improve an athlete’s overall performance especially in demanding sports like golf, football, cycling an of course, swimming.

Health clubs

Various and numerous health clubs all over the world are now offering different power yoga classes because the popularity of the exercise is truly rising.

Power yoga practitioners frequent health clubs that offer power yoga training and classes because they know and attest that power yoga help them attain physical improvement, mental power as well as spiritual enlightening.

Touching on the mental and spiritual facets of one’s overall personality is one attribute of the power yoga that is significantly missing and left out in all other forms and kinds of exercises.

Health clubs nowadays appreciate this fact. That is why most of them are trying and aiming to offer their members with such classes and offerings.

The spiritual and mental facet

The spiritual and mental facet of one individual is hard to tap, develop or nourish. That is why when power yoga started becoming popular, it became the venue and task on how people touch on their spiritual and mental aspects.

Overall relaxation and well-being is improved by becoming attached and involved in power yoga activities and exercises.

It is important to know about power yoga if you want to start doing the activity regularly. You will be surely surprised how much more benefits can be offered and provided by the activity or exercise.

Do the power yoga now and experience its benefits yourself.

Fat-Blasting Yoga

By Selene Yeager, Prevention

If you bypass yoga because you're more interested in firming your body than raising your consciousness, here's a mind-body routine your muscles will love.

This fat-blasting yoga-inspired workout, designed by Beth Shaw, owner of YogaFit in Redondo Beach, CA, turns up the burn with multiple repetitions of each pose. Once you complete one pose, you flow directly to the next, with no resting between sequences. Yoga, when practiced in this vigorous style, works just as well as strength-training for shedding fat. It also makes your heart stronger and boosts cardiovascular fitness, found a study from the University of California, Davis. Practice regularly to stay slim, fit, and serene.

Workout Basics:

Reps and sequences
Start by quickly inhaling and exhaling through your nose for 20 breaths. Then perform each sequence the specified number of times before moving on to the next without a rest. Aim for 4 or 5 workouts a week. Each should take about 30 minutes.

Equipment

A sticky yoga mat (available at most sporting goods stores for about $20).

Technique

To oxygenate muscles and relieve stress, do one movement per inhalation or exhalation.

Cooldown

Relax by lying on your back with hands on abdomen, legs extended, for 15 breaths.

Results

You should feel stronger and look slimmer in 2 to 4 weeks.

Sequence 1

Chair Flow

Tones thighs and glutes

Stand with feet hip-width apart. Extend arms straight out in front. Lower body (don't let thighs go lower than parallel to floor). Straighten legs and raise arms overhead, palms facing forward. Return to start. Do 10 to 15 reps.

Sequence 2

Moon Flowers

Tones thighs, glutes, and core (abdominal, side, and back muscles)

Stand in a wide straddle, toes pointed out slightly. Extend arms straight up.

Lower until tailbone is almost level with knees (keep knees behind toes) and pull elbows down toward ribs. Return to start. Do 15 to 20 reps.

Sequence 3

Cat to Cow

Tones core and upper-body muscles

Get on hands and knees. Pull navel toward spine and round back, dropping chin to chest and tucking buttocks.

Lift head, chest, and tailbone. Allow belly to lower toward floor and arch back. Return to start. Repeat 10 to 15 times.

Sequence 4

Downward Facing Dog, Warrior I, Plank Push-Up

Tones and shapes all major muscles and improves balance

From Cat position, move into Downward Dog by tucking toes, pressing palms into floor, and lifting hips. Straighten legs and press heels down. Hold for 10 to 15 breaths.

From there, step forward with right foot (keeping palms on the floor, left leg extended) and bend right knee (knee should be directly over ankle). Come up and extend arms overhead to perform Warrior I (see image). Go back into Downward Dog by bending at hips, planting hands on floor at each side of right foot, stepping right foot back, and lifting hips.

Shift into a modified Plank pose by dropping knees onto floor. Body should form straight line from head to knees, and hands should be directly beneath shoulders.

Do a Plank Push-Up by bending elbows back, close to ribs. Slowly lower chest toward floor. Press back up to Plank position. Lift hips back into Dog. Repeat sequence, this time stepping left foot forward into Warrior I. Repeat sequence 10 times per side.

Sequence 5

Boat Angles

Tones core and abdominals

From Downward Dog, lower knees to floor, sit back, and raise torso. Shift butt to floor and bring legs around to sit with knees bent and feet flat on floor. Grasp lightly behind thighs.

Pull navel toward spine and, keeping back straight and feet on floor, lean back to a 45-degree angle. Hold for 2 to 5 breaths. Straighten back up. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

Sequence 6

Boat Lifts

Tones core and thighs

From the start position for Boat Angles, contract left quad and lift and extend left leg. Lower leg to start. Repeat with right leg. Repeat 5 to 10 times on each side, alternating legs.

Power Yoga For Modern Living

By Keith Langevin

This power yoga routine is excellent for a total body warm up before you begin your exercise program and, in fact, is a very good workout in itself. It stretches your muscles and works your breathing, as well as strengthens your arms, back, chest and legs. It is important to breathe fully and to do each part of the exercise slowly. Do not hurry through this and concentrate on your breathing throughout.

You start in a standing position with your arms hanging at your side. Slowly breathe in deeply while you look to the ceiling and raise your arms overhead. Try to touch the sky. Slowly bend forward, breathing out, and touch your hands to the floor. Keep your legs as straight as possible but it is important that you stretch down as much as possible. In the beginning, you will probably have to bend your legs. Your head is close to your body and you want to look between your legs. If you are limber, place your palms flat on the floor. Breathe in and, holding the same position, lift your head and look forward. Breathe out and walk your feet backward as you get into a pushup position.

When you become efficient at this routine, you can jump back into position if you like. Breathing in, lower your belly close to the floor, at the same time shift your feet so the top of your feet are flat on the floor and stretch your upper body upward. You stretch your neck muscles as well by looking up at the ceiling. Breathe out and move your body so that the bottom of your feet are now flat on the floor and your butt is as high in the air as possible. Look between your legs. You are in an inverted V position. Breathe in and walk your feet forward until you are back into the position where you are touching the floor with your head close to your body and you are looking forward. Breathe out and lower your head so you are now looking between your legs again. Breathe in and slowly stretch up, standing and reaching for the sky, looking at the ceiling. Now breathe out and return to your starting position, hands at your side. You have just completed one set.

Your goal is to work up to five sets eventually. Remember to concentrate on your breathing. When you breathe in, do it slowly and take in as much breath as possible. When you breathe out, exhale all your breath and try to touch your back with your belly button. Do these before exercising or do them first thing in the morning to get your body ready to face the day.

Tips for Yoga Beginners

By Maggie Spilner, Prevention

Try to force yourself into a yoga posture to look like the instructor or a picture in a book, and you may end up in worse shape than if you had run a marathon.

"Yoga is meant to be a nurturing form of exercise, not a rigid imitation of poses," says Richard Faulds, author of the upcoming Kripalu Yoga: A Complete Guide to Practice On and Off the Mat (Bantam, 2004). It's very possible to stretch and strengthen your body without having to touch your nose to your knees or your feet to your head.

Here's how to help ensure that you leave yoga class serene, not sorry!

Style Guide: Look for gentle styles such as Kripalu, Viniyoga, or Integral Yoga. Bikram, Ashtanga, and Power Yoga are generally too vigorous for beginners and inflexible people.

Teacher Training: Find an experienced, certified yoga instructor who asks about your physical limitations and will modify pace or offer alternative poses to meet your needs. To find a certified instructor in your area, go to the Yoga Alliance Web site, or call them toll-free at (877) 964-2255 (from the US) or (610) 777-7793 (from Canada).

The Warm-up: Ten minutes of easy movements will increase circulation, lubricate joints, and ready your body to stretch. Poses should progress from simple to more difficult.

X-rated Postures: These poses can place tremendous strain on joints and disks: the plow, full shoulder stand, headstand, and full lotus. Beware!

Back Protection: Keep knees slightly bent, and hinge from the hips when bending forward from standing positions. When arching backward in any pose, concentrate on opening the front of the body by lengthening from the navel to the sternum. Don't overarch the lower back, which compresses lumbar disks.

Knee-savers: Don't lock your knees in standing postures, despite what a teacher may say. If you feel any strain during sitting or kneeling postures, place a cushion or folded blanket under your bottom.

Neck Care: Always keep your neck in alignment with the rest of your spine when arching backward. Don't let it flop back or down.

Your Limits: Get to know your body and its injury-prone zones. Back off from any movement that causes pain or cramping. Don't compare yourself with others.

Hands On or Off: Many teachers assist students during classes. In general, a light touch that brings your awareness to an area and allows you to make your own adjustments is safest. Teachers who adjust you by moving your body for you or forcing you into a posture may cause injuries. Just say no!

What Is Iyengar Yoga?

By Mike Selvon

Belur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, founder of Iyengar yoga, has been practicing this relaxation technique for over 60 years and is considered to be one of the foremost meditation instructors in the world. He was born into a poor Iyengar family in the village of Belur Karnataka, South India. Iyengars are a community of Brahmins (a priestly class) who study the vedas and ancient religious texts that indicate a Supreme Being, as well as subsidiary gods, whose existence depends upon the all-powerful God.

After receiving spiritual treatment, B.K.S. Iyengar survived malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid fever and malnutrition. He began teaching this meditation technique in 1937 and has since traveled the globe, spreading his ideas to the Western world.

He has won several awards and published fourteen books, including "Light On Yoga," which has been dubbed "the bible of yoga." Time Magazine called Iyengar one of the "100 most influential people" in 2004. Iyengar yoga is one part spirituality and one part physical fitness, paving the way toward a united mind and body.

Spiritually, Iyengar meditation is based upon Patanjali's eight limbs of raja yoga. The first is Yama, meaning physically and mentally abstaining from the following five things: violence toward others and oneself, from coveting others' belongings, from sexual intercourse, from attachment to possessions and anything that is untrue.

The second limb is called Niyama, referring to the five observances: cleanliness of body and mind, satisfaction with what one has, penance and mental control, introspection and surrender to God. Asana refers to posture and position (ideally an erect stance with relaxed muscles) and Pranayama is the directed control of one's breath, which is so vital to successful yoga practice.

Pratayahara calls for the quieting of senses connected with the outer world. Only then will Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (oneness with the Supreme Being) naturally follow.

In practice, Iyengar yoga is characterized by the use of belts, straps, sandbags, benches and blocks to aid in performing 200 asanas (postures) and creating body alignment. Equally important are the 14 pranayamas (breaths). Less emphasis is placed on muscular effort and more importance is given to finding the ideal position.

Standing yoga poses can build strong legs, improve circulation and coordination and help students with skills they can take to other forms of this meditation. The instruction is rigorous, compared to other styles, with highly trained and certified teachers actively placing students into the right positions and correcting misalignments. Beginners will surely get individualized attention and the most out of their instruction if they attend Iyengar meditation classes.

The benefits of Iyengar yoga include: increased circulation and comfort, better posture, stronger muscles, better balance and coordination -- in addition to feeling more at peace, with less stress and anxiety.

Yoga Helps Asthma Patients In 10 Weeks

Adults with asthma reported increased quality of life and reduced asthma symptoms after 10 weeks of yoga practice, according to research presented today at the 56th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in Seattle. The study followed 20 subjects age 20-65 who were beginners at yoga.

Subjects received one-hour yoga classes twice per week and were asked to practice an additional half-hour weekly at home, for a total of 2.5 hours per week. After initial warm-ups, deep breathing and stretching, the participants practiced yoga positions, or asanas. The goal was to hold poses during deep breathing. According to lead researcher Amy Bidwell, M.S., this replicates the stress of an oncoming asthma attack. Most previous research measured the acute effects of yoga on asthma-for example, after a single, two-hour session. This study, said Bidwell, looked at the effect of a 10-week training program.

Study participants completed St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire before and after the 10-week regimen to assess impacts on their overall health, daily life and perceived well-being. The results were impressive: participants' scores on the questionnaire improved by an average of 42.5 percent.

For Bidwell, who began practicing yoga years ago as an alternative to back surgery and now is a certified instructor, the results were dramatic but not surprising.

"I have a number of friends with asthma," she said. "Many have side effects from taking medications such as corticosteroids. The main question was whether or not we could reduce their need for medication and improve their quality of life."

Bidwell worked closely with a physician to design and conduct the study. He had been teaching breathing techniques to his patients. Based on the study results, he now is prescribing yoga practice as well.

Further research, said Bidwell, might include a larger sample size over a longer term. A 12-month study, for example, could incorporate the effect of changing seasons on participants' symptoms. Bidwell said the current study supports the validity of yoga as a therapeutic tool.

"Modern medicine carries many side effects," she said. "This is especially true with corticosteroids, which many asthmatics take for quick relief. Yoga is an excellent alterative because there are no side effects. It's a natural, holistic discipline that can benefit a person's body in many ways."

Source: American College of Sports Medicine

Prenatal Yoga - How it Can Help You During Your Pregnancy

By Patrick Attlee

Yoga originated in India more than 5000 years ago. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning union. A regular yoga practice can yield many benefits from increased relaxation to a stronger, more supple body. People who practice regularly also notice that their weight stabilizes.

People often ask if yoga is appropriate during pregnancy. As long as simple precautions and common sense are followed, prenatal yoga is a fantastic way of staying fit during your pregnancy and will help prepare you for labor.

Without doubt the most important thing to remember when performing yoga poses is to breathe. Few us breathe properly today, we are very uptight and constricted as a rule and tend to breathe from our chests. If you look at a sleeping baby, you will see her tummy rise and fall - this is where we have forgotten to breathe from. Yoga breathing fixes this, thereby relieving tension and ensuring that oxygen rich blood is circulating in your body which is obviously very beneficial for your baby. Yoga breathing can also make your labor much more manageable. When my wife was recently giving birth to our daughter, yoga breathing techniques were central to her strategy. She gave birth without any drugs, gas or air.

As with any physical exercise, you need to take general precautions when you are pregnant. Any poses that mean lying on your back for extended periods should be avoided. Unless you are accustomed to inversion postures, you should not practice them while pregnant. Deep forward or back bends may also not be appropriate, as they may put too much strain on the abdominal muscles. As with everything associated with pregnancy, listen to your body at all times and do not push yourself. You should finish a yoga session in a state of deep relaxation, not heading for the freezer to get an ice pack!

As your body changes in each trimester, you will want to adapt your yoga practice accordingly. In the first trimester, it will likely be possible to perform poses that involve deeper stretching. Standing postures are very beneficial as they will strengthen your legs and improve your circulation. Spine strengthening poses may also be tried. In the second and third trimesters you may want to look ato postures that will help open your hips, for example, Triangle Posture. At this point you should take with your back and forward bends. At all times listen to your body and focus on your breath - this cannot be overstated. Once your breathing is out of control while in a posture you are not receiving any benefits. Back off until your breath returns to normal. Yoga is not about how deep you go, someone in the full expression of the posture will be getting just the same benefits as someone who is only in the first 5 percent of a pose but is working up to their limit.

Sirsasana (Headstand) - The Queen of Yoga Poses

By Jez Heath

Sirsasana meaning headstand is considered to be one of the most important yoga poses. Sirsasana is known as "the queen of poses", and the reason relates to the effect it has on the brain and mind. The inversion of this pose causes increased and unrestricted blood flow to the brain. This brings increased oxygen, nutrient and vitality providing energy to the mind, clarity of thought and ease of concentration.

The increased blood flow to the head stimulates the pituitary gland, considered to be the "master gland", controlling the function of the endocrine system including the thyroid, adrenal gland, ovaries and testes among others. These glands in turn regulate metabolism, growth, blood pressure, sexuality and other fundamental body functions. An imbalance of the secretion of the various hormones produced by the pituitary gland can lead to many serious disorders of the endocrine system.

In yogic terms, the increased blood flow to the head helps to awaken the Sahasrara (crown) Chakra (energy center). Sahasrara is considered to be the most important Chakra intimately connected to, and influencing, all other Chakras and controlling consciousness. It is when the Kundalini energy unites with the Sahasrara Chakra that the yogi achieves Samadhi, becoming enlightened and united with the universe and god.

Benefits of Sirsasana

The increased blood flow to the brain stimulates the pituitary gland which revitalises the mind and central nervous system. The pose is considered to have a profound effect on anxiety and other nervous disorders which can lead to other illnesses, and is therefore used in the yogic treatment of many conditions.

The final position requires muscles in the neck, shoulders, arms, back and abdomen to be active, which strengthens and revitalises the entire body. The inversion changes the effect of gravity on the body, which has an important effect on blood circulation to the legs and head; increases pressure on the diaphragm which aids deep exhalation to expel waste gases and bacteria from the lungs and can relieve the daily effects of gravity on the spine.

Contraindications

Despite many cautions, with a little preparation including strengthening the arms shoulders and neck as well as some practice balancing, Sirsasana can be performed by almost anyone. However there are contraindications and those exhibiting these conditions should not practice Sirsasana.

• The inversion of Sirsasana increases the pressure of blood flow to the brain and eyes. It is therefore important the Sirsasana should not be practiced be those with high blood pressure, headaches, hemorrhaging or other brain or blood disorders.


• Sirsasana should not be practiced by those with eye conditions such as weak eye capillaries, cataracts, or conjunctivitis.


• Sirsasana should not be practice by pregnant or menstruating women.

Performing the pose

When performing headstand there are a few steps that need to be achieved before the final pose should be attempted. These include building strength in the neck and shoulders and developing balance in the inverted position.

• The preparation steps will help to build the necessary strength in the neck and shoulders, and should be practiced until sufficient strength is obtained to hold the final position. Once the neck strength (and sufficient balance) is developed, the weight of the body should be borne by the neck, the arms and hands are only used for support and stability and are not used to bear the body weight.


• Until balance is developed, it is recommended to practice Sirsasana next to a wall. In this way, in the final position, the heels can be brought into contact with the wall to prevent falling backwards. The feet should be moved away from the wall to learn the correct balance for an unsupported headstand. Kneel facing the wall sufficiently far away so that when placing the head into the hands, the hands are about 20cm from the wall.


• If you should fall when practicing Sirsasana, bend the body into the fall (forward, backward or to the side) so that it is possible to land on the feet first. When falling, it is unusual to hurt the body since the height is not great, but be careful not to collapse the neck as this could cause injury - remember to use the arm and shoulder strength to support the body weight.


• When learning Sirsasana, it is strongly advised to seek the guidance and assistance of a trained yoga instructor who can help support the balance until sufficient experience is gained.

Sirsasana - Preparation steps

• Kneel on the floor.


• Bend forward and place the elbows on the mat below, and slightly wider than the shoulders. The distance can be measured by moving the arms to hold each elbow from the inside.


• Without moving the elbows, move the forearms to interlock the fingers, the elbows, forearms and back of the hand should be in contact with the mat.


• Lower the head so that the top of the head sits in the hands and is held securely to prevent movement and the crown of the head rests on the mat.


• Tuck the toes under and raise the knees from the floor, distributing the body weight between the legs and back. While learning, use the arms to support the weight so the full body weight in not on the neck.


• Walk the feet closer to the head, straightening the back and moving the buttocks above the head.


• From here, walk the thighs close to the chest, toes on the mat. Raise one foot from the mat at a time exploring the balance and counter balance of the movements.

Sirsasana - full pose

• Kneel on the floor.


• Bend forward and place the elbows on the mat below, and slightly wider than the shoulders. The distance can be measured by moving the arms to hold each elbow from the inside.


• Without moving the elbows, move the forearms to interlock the fingers, the elbows, forearms and back of the hand should be in contact with the mat.


• Lower the head so that the top of the head sits in the hands and is held securely to prevent movement and the crown of the head rests on the mat.


• Tuck the toes under and raise the knees from the floor, distributing the body weight between the legs and back. While learning, use the arms to support the weight so the full weight in not on the neck.


• Walk the feet closer to the head, straightening the back and moving the buttocks above the head.


• Slowly and with control, bend the knees and walk the feet in, bringing the thighs close to the chest


• Raise both feet together off the mat, adjusting the body with small movements, to counterbalance the weight of the legs.


• Slowly move the feet up, close to the buttocks, using the back muscles, until the feet are pointing up and the knees are pointing down.


• Raise the knees, keeping the legs bent and feet close to the buttocks, until the hips are facing forward, the thighs are vertical and the knees are aligned with the buttocks.


• Slowly straighten the legs, raising the feet above the knees so that the entire body in aligned. This is the final position.


• Relax the legs and feet. Keep the back active to support the spine and hold it straight.


• Relax the mind and breathe normally.


• Exit the pose by slowly reversing the sequence of steps. Bend the knees, bringing the feet close to the buttocks. Bend at the hips, lowering the knees. Lower the feet and then the knees to the mat.


• Relax in child's pose with the head down for 1 minute to avoid dizziness that may result from the change in blood flow to the brain.

Discover the 3 Most Popular Forms of Yoga

By Veronica Volk

Everyday life can be hectic with all that there is to deal with, such as jobs, families, and relationships. Therefore, it is important to find a way to get rid of the built up tension and stress within the body; it is not healthy for you. Yoga is known to help to relieve body stress, but it also provides other benefits.

For beginners to yoga, here is a short and quick overview of the 3 most popular Yoga types that many people choose as a starting point:

1) Hatha Yoga - This is the most popular and commonly practiced form of Yoga, and it's a combination of asanas synced with a balanced breathing. It combines meditation, pranayama (lengthening of the breath), and relaxation techniques. This make Hatha Yoga perfect for de-stressing the body and bringing a sense of peace of mind.

2) Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga - This form of Yoga helps to build strength and power; it is widely practiced among athletes and those looking to get more from their physical workouts. The focus here is to build a strong level of stamina from within and internally improve the body's health. Ashtanga Yoga is comprised of many different postures where bandas (seals) and ujjayi (victory) are used as a means of raising the body heat to cleanse to the body of toxins.

3) Kundalini Yoga - This type of Yoga is commonly known as the "Yoga of Awareness" because it helps to awaken blocked energy. It is a combination of physical and meditative balance, which improves the mind-body connection; it helps a person to become one body, mind, and spirit as it helps an individual awaken the unused or blocked energy. This deep state of relaxation results from a carefully structured combination of asanas, mantra chanting and pranyama.

You might want to spend a week practicing Yoga at a retreat center to make your experience more fulfilling. You need to be somewhere peaceful so that the calmness around you can surround you, and take your mind and body to a new higher level.

Yoga For the Face - An Anti-Aging Technique

By Stephanie Younger

Modern folks are consistently on the lookout to either improve their appearance or slow down the effects of aging. Skin condition, genetics, stress, work and many other issues affect how quickly we age.

Our diet is one of the many determining factors that affect the way we age. The healthier we eat, albeit more vegetables and fruits vs. unhealthy consumption of sugar, fat and meat, the slower we age...this is a proven fact. If you can't change your diet completely overnight, changing the way you eat slowly over a period of time will suffice. And of course, exercise can also slow down the aging process because it helps the body detoxify and exercise massages the internal organs, helping keep it well-oiled.

If you're into anti-aging products, services and methods, you must have heard about how beneficial yoga is for us emotionally, physically and psychologically. After a long day of sitting down in front of the computer or stuck in a frustrating traffic gridlock, stretching all those aching muscles with yoga can invigorate the body. But did you know if you want to look years younger, apart from using the right products, by doing facial yoga twice a day.

Facial yoga may make you look a tad odd if you do it in the middle of a crowded bus stop but stretching your facial muscles can tighten muscles on your face and in the process, strengthen sagging skin and also reduce lines and wrinkles. So, if you want to look years younger faster, all you have to do is to head over to the office bathroom twice a day and stretch those facial muscles of yours. Dermatologists and skincare professionals agree that there are too many benefits to doing yoga to ignore.

Step one, tighten ALL the muscles on your face as much as you can, hold it and then release it. Step two, round up your mouth the way you would when blowing out candles, hold it and release. This action makes for firmer lips and reduces lines around the mouth. Step three, open up your eyes and without moving your head, look up, down, left and right very slowly, holding the direction for a couple of seconds before looking elsewhere. This helps reduce the lines around your eyes, especially crow's feet.

Step four, open up your mouth and stick your tongue out as far as it will go! You'll feel the muscles around your mouth stretching, hold it while it works! Step five, purse your mouth and lips up very strongly. Hold this for a few seconds. This exercise helps strengthen the chin, cheeks and neck. Finally, open up your eyes as huge as you can open them, look ahead of you. You can feel your eyebrow disappearing into your hairline...yes, you're doing it right.

By doing the above on a regular basis on top of using the right products to make you feel and look absolutely smashing can push the hands of the clock back by as far as eight years. Don't believe me....try it and see it for yourself.

Bikram Yoga Can Assist Your Healing Progress

By Dennis Francis

I've been moving more and more toward the benefits of Bikram yoga after a brief visit to a local studio. I found that the addition of heat and sweat to the smooth movements made my middle aged body feel great.

Bikram Yoga is widely known as Hot Yoga. Some know it as The Bikram Method. Bikram yoga is derived from Hatha yoga; a healing style designed for the recovery of mind and body. There are many Bikram enthusiasts who have been swear by this system for their recuperation from alcoholism to shingles. Many people have changed their lives after mastering the basic positions.

Bikram Choudhury, the founder of the yoga style was born in Calcutta in 1946. Bikram began practicing yoga at the age of four with India's most-renowned physical culturist, Bishnu Ghosh. As a youth, this heavily muscled and vigorous practitioner was very competitive in the exhibition circuit.

Bikram Yoga developed his system after recovering from a leg injury. Some people practice Bikram Yoga for healing purposes and physical therapy. This type of Yoga was proven helpful in bringing health and wellness to many of its practitioners.

In fact, there was a patient who suffered from a knee injury. He tried to practice Bikram Yoga and just six weeks after continuous practice, his knees started to feel better. Some difficulties and pains that he suffered from were all disappearing.

In order to be successful with the healing process of Bikram Yoga, you need devotion in practicing it.

With the help of scientists Bikram Choudhury developed his yoga style. These scientists from the Tokyo University Hospital proved that Bikram Yoga created valid therapeutic results. Some of its benefits include tissue repair and even remedial effects of chronic ailments.

What Bikram was able to produce was a process that replenishes the cells of the body and the flushed toxins from your body. It also oxygenates blood throughout your body in order to keep it healthy and clean. The scientists were able to validate all the findings.

He discovered that the healing process takes place when all the body's systems are functioning normally. If the subject was weak, applying the practice to produce healing was difficult.

Bikram developed twenty-six posture exercises which were to be practiced daily. The posture exercises focused on stretching the muscles, tendons and ligaments; while stimulating the organs, nerves, and glands.

The series of postures were designed to work in order and to promote specific effects on the body. Once the body returned to its optimum level of stability, healing was much easier to accomplish.

Through contraction and extension, the postures attend to every bodily system including: digestive, respiratory, circulatory, immune, endocrine, lymphatic, skeletal, muscular, and nervous. It stretches and strengthens every single muscle, ligament and joint in the body down to cell membrane stretching.

It is an excellent compliment to all other forms of exercise and sport. Bikram yoga has proven itself effective for more than thirty years.

Mantra Yoga Focuses On Using Chants To Achieve A Spiritual Balance And Peace Of Mind

By Tim Gorman

The term ‘mantra’ literally means chanting of words, phrases or syllables. From mantra comes Mantra Yoga, which is a type of meditation that involves the chanting of mantras. The chanting continues until the attention span of the chanter surpasses the physical environment and enters a stage of super consciousness. In this stage, the emotions and thoughts of a person get elevated to a high degree of clarity and revelation.

Mantras are an effective way to reach super consciousness because they help the mind to calm down and move away from daily distractions. The sole object of meditation is then fully realized and achieved. Chanting mantras have a soothing effect, and the combination of the meaning and rhythm of the mantra helps your thoughts to settle into the meditative state. This ritualistic chanting helps bind the mind to a single thought until it attains the state of samadhi or self-realization, which is at the peak of the practice of Yoga.

Achieving Samadhi through meditation is a slow process, and requires great patience, concentration and practice. Mantra meditation usually proceeds in three stages. First, you begin by chanting the mantras out loud, ideally in an isolated space. Saying the words and phrases out loud draws your attention away from other distractions and trains your body to sit still in a single place while meditating. Once the body is relaxed and the mind serene, the chanter automatically switches to whisper chanting. In whisper chanting the prana, the vital life force in the body, is balanced and harmonized, preparing the way for the balance of mind and emotions. At this stage the person is highly relaxed and calm.

Once the chanter is completely comfortable with whisper chanting, the prana flows deeper through the energy channels or nadis, and you move to the stage of mental chanting. This highly advanced stage helps you get rid of all forms of distractions because as soon as unwanted thoughts and distractions crop up, the mantra is simply chanted in the same area of the mind where the distraction is occurring. Soon also the distractions melt away and the mantra then begins to reach the border of super consciousness or samadhi. At this stage, chanting becomes a free flowing process that gives the chanter pleasure and peace.

The highest stage of mental chanting is called the ecstatic stage, whereby you experience total peace and a feeling of ‘returning home’; you are in a state of continuous joy, which lasts for about 15 to 20 minutes after which you return to the ‘outer world’. The words of the mantra filter-out in the mind and you reverse the whole process, going into whisper - and then out loud – chanting.