Monday, January 2, 2012

Yoga Dose


4 comments:

  1. I want to do yoga. but recently i heard on news that an indian medial research reveal that yoga is harmful for joints of the body. is this true?

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  2. I would argue that there is far more evidence to show that yoga is good for the joints because it exercises, strengthens, stretches and keeps them and the surrounding muscles moving. My position is that while it is definitely possible to injure yourself in yoga (as in any physical exercise), a serious yoga practice can help you to develop awareness, especially of your own body. This awareness will help you listen closely to your body's limits and hold back when necessary in order to keep from injuring yourself. I have also heard countless stories of people who have healed themselves physically/mentally/spiritually/emotionally through the practice. This will also give you some other ideas about what the practice is about: http://www.healthyselfblog.com/p/why-yoga.html. In regards to truth, I tend to refer to this old adage by the Buddha, "Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense." My reason, common sense, and own experience have led me to believe that yoga has profound healing power.

    Here is a great place to practice; it's online so you can do it from your own home: http://www.yogaglo.com. Although, since your question implies that you might be new to the practice, I think it's best to start out by taking in-studio classes as these have a very different feel and you probably need some initial guidance on how to position yourself better to keep from injuring yourself (e.g. I injured myself once by not pressing through my finger tips and bearing too much weight on my wrist.) Keep in mind that finding the right teachers and committing to practice make all the difference, so look around and try many. You'll know when you find the right class/teacher because you'll want to go back. And remember, no teacher knows how you are feeling or your own limitations so no matter what the teacher says or what anyone else is doing, ask yourself if it feels right for you and your own body. One of my favorite teachers in LA, Travis Elliot, says, "It's ok to flirt with the boundaries. Just do so with respect." Namaste.

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  3. Thanks A lot for such a detailed reply. i will act acording to your advice and i will let you know about my progress.. i really loved last 6 lines "And remember, no teacher knows how you are feeling or your own limitations so no matter what the teacher says or what anyone else is doing, ask yourself if it feels right for you and your own body. One of my favorite teachers in LA, Travis Elliot, says, "It's ok to flirt with the boundaries. Just do so with respect" and especially the quote.. thanks a lot again...

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  4. I never understood why some people believe that being fit means having to perform extreme movements under extreme conditions. And yet yoga is revered as being better, safer and more spiritual than other forms of physical exercise.

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