You hear so much about interactive meditation and Yoga these days, and there are so many Yoga styles to choose from, that it is advisable to research a particular Yoga style which suits your needs. Some Yoga classes are gentle, restorative, athletic, cerebral, spiritual, meditative, or hot. Therefore, research the style of Yoga which attracts you most. Then visit a local Yoga studio, or wellness center, for further information. If you have any concerns, you could set up an appointment with a Yoga teacher, and share your thoughts about your specific needs. Do research online to see what kinds of reviews the studio and teachers have received. Some people think of yoga as a moving or interactive meditation.
BENEFITS OF PRENATAL YOGA AND PREGNANCY YOGA
A prenatal and postnatal yoga practice can help you
Connect you with other parents who are at all stages of pregnancy
Improve your postpartum recovery
Helps to strengthen the body for child bearing and aids in relieving common discomforts
Alleviate many of the discomforts of pregnancy such as nausea, constipation, varicose veins, swelling, back pain and sciatica.
How does yoga transform you physically, mentally and spiritually?
Release chronic pain, tightness and that frozen feeling in your body through juicy stretching and deep breathing.
Each breath, coupled with movement and intention allows you to create the space for change.
Gain clarity to detach from outcomes during your day so that decisions and obstacles become less stressful, which keeps you off the emotional roller coaster for good.
An uplifting & restful class that will leave you buzzing with vitality & connect you to a deep sense of inner wisdom so you can focus on what you want to manifest in your life
For free articles about yoga mailed once a month, email info at synergybyjasmine dot com with “Request Yoga Tips” in headline.
Reduce Stress through the practice of Yoga. This is a universal benefit of all styles of Yoga. If you have stress, when you walk into a Yoga class, you will have much less when you leave. You might feel sore or invigorated after your first class.Some Yoga schools use a variety of methods to purge stress from the body, but the most common are Pranayama (breath techniques), Asana (posture), Mantra (sound), Meditation, and Relaxation Techniques. After a few classes, you will know what works and what does not.
Positive Thinking is a by product of most yoga classes, with the rare exception of a dogmatic Yoga teacher. If you discover you are in the midst of a “drill sergeant,” disguised as a Yoga teacher, you have to make a decision based on your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Do you want to be challenged or do you want to feel supported during your class? Consider this: If you feel negative after listening to your Yoga teacher, you should not return to that class. You may find another Yoga teacher in the same facility or at another Yoga center.
Sleeping Better is a result of the first two, above-mentioned, Yoga benefits. For the most part, the physical styles of Yoga release muscle tension through Asana (movement) and Pranayama (controlled breath work). The less physical styles may focus on Mantra, Meditation, and Relaxation Techniques and often delve more into yogic philosophy.
Relief from Back Pain is a by product of the physical styles, but choose carefully. The more gentle Hatha Yoga sub-styles such as Restorative, Gentle, and Therapeutic Yoga, cater to students with a variety of ailments, including back pain. Styles such as Ashtanga are usually not a great choice for a yoga newbie since the adjustments can be quite aggressive.
Increased Muscle Tone is also a result of the physical styles of Yoga. If you are searching for a Hatha Yoga teacher, studio, or style, choose one that caters to your physical condition. Do not jump into a physically vigorous Yoga class, unless you are physically active. Most injuries, in the physical forms of Yoga occur, when students push themselves too far or the teacher does an inappropriate aggressive adjustment.
Yoga, Spas, Romantic Ideas from Philadelphia and Retreats
We hope you had an enjoyable, and fun Holiday (Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza) connecting with family & friends along with an exciting start to the New Year of 2012.
We finished the last two weeks of 2011 visiting family and friends in Southern California and four days in Las Vegas just the two of us. Vegas. . . a great date night ideas (weekend), and we found a room at The Rio for only $40!
We explored the sights, sounds and smells of Sin City from the gluttonous Rio Buffet, uber romantic Venetian Grand Canal, the luxurious Qua Spa at Cesar’s (the best and most underrated spa in the country…. did you know I used to work at Spafinder.com for 3 years?) and the dreamy Bellagio Watershow from 51 stories above in the Eiffel Tower at the Paris (check out our video).
We also explored some of the not so visited areas of Vegas like the Atomic Testing Museum which chronicled the nearly 1,000 nuclear detonations in the Nevada desert. Quite a contrast to the entertainment on the Strip with the fiery tribal volcano show at The Mirage, and haunting Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.
We started 2012 attending a series of performances and a spiritual kirtan (concerts and chanting) at the World Beat Center in San Diego.
We thoroughly enjoyed the music, food and vibe all for a the recession special price of $27.50. I usually hate New Year’s Eve with all the crowded drunken revelry but this celebration was joyous and soulful.
Yep, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to entertain yourself and your significant other at some of those pricey events that are so heavily promoted.
Wondering what you can do for your next date night as we start 2012?
We will soon have a section on our website sharing pictures and video of creative and fun date night ideas you can use to spice up your love life from the zany and esoteric to exceptional value that your wallet will smile about.
We recently started sharing romance and yoga lifestyle related ideas on our website under Stuff I Like and Product Reviews.
Want to share creative date night ideas, we’d love to hear your ideas.
Yoga, Spas, Romantic Ideas from Philadelphia and Romantic Retreats
Guys, its good to start thinking about this stuff from now, especially with Valentines’s Day about a month away.
Venus Kriyas are meditations for couples and are excellent as a regular spiritual practice. There are several Venus Kriyas, but they are especially effective if couples choose one meditation to practice consistently for 40, 90 or 120 days to integrate a particular aspect of the relationship (40 days to change a habit, 90 days to confirm the habit and 120 days to make the new habit part of you. These couples’ meditations are an especially beautiful practice that can elevate your relationship to a higher level.
Couples Yoga Poses and Meditation Benefits
For couples who want to explore safe, playful ways of being tender and loving together, couples yoga poses can transform your connection. You will take turns placing each other in restorative poses and then massaging your partner’s hands, feet, neck and face while they simply get to relax and melt. In poses and exercises, partners rely on each other’s support to keep correct body alignment, balance, and concentration. In a deeper sense, this physical support fosters deeper feelings of nurture and acceptance. Couples are reminded to respect their own and their partner’s limitations of stretching and physical fitness and not push beyond them to the point of discomfort.
How does yoga transform you physically, mentally and spiritually?
Release chronic pain, tightness and that frozen feeling in your body through juicy stretching and deep breathing.
Each breath, coupled with movement and intention allows you to create the space for change.
Gain clarity to detach from outcomes during your day so that decisions and obstacles become less stressful, which keeps you off the emotional roller coaster for good.
Feel connected to the ether of the universe and the divine spark that resides in us all
Synchronize through breath, touch, intention, and movement and learn how to be sensitive to your partner’s needs with a healing, soothing practice
For free articles about yoga mailed once a month, email info at synergybyjasmine dot com with “Request Yoga Tips” in headline.
Jasmine Kaloudis teaches couples yoga poses as well as gentle beginner yoga in various Philadelphia area locations and is the author of the top mind body blogs and websites for 2011.
Yoga Couples Retreat near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Videos
Partner Yoga is a great way to learn surrender, build trust, and deepen intimacy. Partner Yoga can be practiced by anyone – no previous yoga experience is necessary. Some poses challenge your balance, strength and flexibility, others require your total trust and surrender. Each exercise and breathing technique uses the power of the partner dynamic to achieve more than one person could alone. From creative exercise to profound spiritual work, Partner Yoga delivers a diverse range of benefits to a wide array of people. This well rounded practice requires no special equipment and can be done in any open space (the living room, gym, or park).
Dating Ideas in Philadelphia for the Recession Wallet
For couples who want to explore safe, playful ways of being tender and loving together. You will take turns placing each other in restorative poses and then massaging your partner’s hands, feet, neck and face while they simply get to relax and melt. In poses and exercises, partners rely on each other’s support to keep correct body alignment, balance, and concentration. In a deeper sense, this physical support fosters deeper feelings of nurture and acceptance. Couples are reminded to respect their own and their partner’s limitations of stretching and physical fitness and not push beyond them to the point of discomfort.
1. How is partner yoga different from traditional yoga? Traditional yoga is an internally focused experience while partner yoga is about connecting, trusting, supporting, balance in relationship and play. Some poses challenge your balance, strength and flexibility, others require your total trust and surrender. You need to be mindful of your boundaries and limits while being sensitive to your partner’s boundaries as well. Each exercise and breathing technique uses the power of the partner dynamic to achieve more than one person could alone. From creative exercise to profound spiritual work, Partner Yoga delivers a diverse range of benefits to a wide array of people. This well rounded practice requires no special equipment and can be done in any open space (the living room, gym, or park). Working with a partner can also help you move beyond your own self-limiting ideas of what you can and can’t do. You experience being able to support and also be supported, trusting that someone will be there for you and letting someone trust you to be there for them, letting go and holding on as well. You can focus on your inner awareness and spirit and enrich your partner’s as well.
2. How does partner yoga enhance intimacy and communication? The poses are simply a doorway for you both to step deeper into your connection. When you stretch with you partner, your bodies melt each other’s tension and tightness. As a supportive partner, your role is to listen as well as share openly, and to treat the person you’re practicing with as you’d like to be treated. By exploring physical give-and-take, you and your partner can dive deeply into the principles that govern successful, supportive friendships and loving relationships. Be present and focus on each other during your partner yoga class or practice — and try not to take anything too seriously, Partner yoga is full of the hilarious and the divine
3. Is there a sensual aspect to Partner Yoga? Partner Yoga is not sexual in nature but can be emotionally intimate. It is a physical practice that can be done by couples, friends or families (mothers and daughters or sisters). Partner Yoga is not Tantra Yoga or any form of tantric practice. Tantra is a way for lovers to become united on more than just a physical level. Partner Yoga is not just for lovers. Partner Yoga is done fully clothed and there is no sexual touching that is involved. Participants are encouraged to come with their own partner since this is not a forum that encourages the exchange of partners. Partner Yoga honors and respects the commitments that couples have made to each other. Partner Yoga is open to couples of all orientations, gay, straight, bisexual or lesbian. If one does not have a romantic partner, one can still come with a good friend of either gender and feel comfortable and safe while engaging in the hands-on aspects of the practice.
For free articles about yoga mailed once a month, email info at synergybyjasmine dot com with “Request Yoga Tips” in headline.
Yoga for couples is a fun adventure into intimacy, play and relaxation. The poses are simply a doorway for you both to step deeper into your connection. When you stretch with you partner, your bodies melt each other’s tension and tightness. Whether your relationship is new or old, partner yoga will reinvigorate your life and renew your connection.
Couples Yoga Therapy
Couples Yoga is a medium created to build stronger communication and intimacy between human beings in a relationship. These Yoga Postures, breathing exercises and meditations are designed specifically to bring communication into a tangible form. We are here to help you to discover and experience the dynamics existing within your relationship
Couples Yoga compels companions to lay aside their differences while working to achieve a common goal. The simple act of breathing together and participating in a practice grounded in acceptance, unity and love translates to more open and authentic communication between partners.
This practice re-establishes weakened bonds. On the mat partners must have complete faith in each other. Postures are dependent on showing up for one another and giving equal effort. It is developed on trust and is a great metaphor for the nut and bolt aspect of all relationships.
There’s no finished, perfect pose or situation. This is about learning new methods to connect, and cooperate, while finding new ways to support each other.
Spiritual Couples Yoga Retreats in Pennsylvania near NYC and Philly
In these sessions you will learn a combination of the following practices:
Yoga postures
Breathing exercises
Partner Meditations
Massage techniques
Affirming your partner and Being Affirmed
The Power of Intention
If you begin a couples yoga class with an existing partner, talk with each other before going to the first class about what you want from this. Try not to let your expectations get overblown in terms of how the class can remedy any specific relationship challenges you’re having. Go in with an open mind and heart — not with a sense that this is going to fix something, but a willingness to learn and grow together by sharing and connecting through yoga.
As a supportive partner, your role is to listen as well as share openly, and to treat the person you’re practicing with as you’d like to be treated. Sound familiar? By exploring physical give-and-take, you and your partner can dive deeply into the principles that govern successful, supportive friendships and loving relationships.
Be present and focus on each other during your partner yoga class or practice — and try not to take anything too seriously, cautions Mahoney. “Take a deep breath and relax. Laugh together. Partner yoga is full of the hilarious and the divine.”
Spiritual Couples Yoga Retreats in Pennsylvania
A partners yoga pose sequence to try
Child’s pose is a simple favorite to explore with a partner. Everyone loves the deep release that the partnered variations give the sacrum and lower back. Child’s pose can also serve as a solid base for other heart openers such as Camel pose.”
Now add the couples elements: For a simple but delightful partners yoga massage, begin with one partner resting in child’s pose and then moving into the following sequence:
The active partner stands between the resting partner’s outstretched hands, and the resting partner takes firm hold of the active partner’s ankles.
The active partner leans forward and walks hands down the resting partner’s back until you come to an Upward Dog-like position with hands resting on the lower lumbar or sacral area of the back.
From here, the active partner moves his or her weight forward into the hands to give the resting partner a deep low-back release.
The active partner shifts weight back into his or her heels, releasing the pressure. Repeat several times. Very, very nice!
Cat position and Cow pose, often referred to together as ‘Cat-Cow,’ are 2 of the most basic – yet beneficial – yoga positions that virtually anybody can perform. As always, if you are under the care of a physician or do not lead an active lifestyle, check with your doctor before performing any new exercise – including Yoga.
As you can imagine by their names, these poses mimic the actions of a cat and a cow. Interestingly enough, by performing these exercises in animal-like motions, we are able to reap a wealth of benefits from clearing our mind and comforting our body in preparation for meditation to working out tension in our back. Cat-Cow is not only a highly effective Yoga position, it’s an exercise that can be performed daily for winding down!
Cat-Cow For Back Pain Relief
Many hard working men and women and those with disabilities suffer tremendously from back pain of all sorts. From upper back and shoulders capturing and holding in tension to the lower back feeling twisted with a source of pain that’s so severe yet somehow unidentifiable, cat-cow pose can help you begin to relieve some of that pain any time during the day!
Cat-Cow For Meditation Preparation
Meditating effectively involves clearing your mind of all obstructions so that you are able to focus on one thing in the moment. A general target – especially for beginners – is the breath. There are other variations of mediation including images, specific conflicts, and other topics of contemplation which are all difficult to achieve without the mind, body, and spirit feeling in synch with each other.
How to Do Cat-Cow
For Cat-Cow pose start off on the floor on all fours. Make sure your arms are strait down from your shoulders, your palms are facing forward and your midsection and knees are at a 90 degree angle with your feet pointing out behind you.
Cat Pose
Inhale deeply as you raise the center of your spine and drop the top of your head towards the floor. You are imitating a cat stretching, so you will arch your back as high as you can while rounding your shoulders and your buttock.
Move into this position slowly, and count how many seconds your deep breath takes you to inhale. Once your lungs are full, hold for an equal amount of time, then exhale slowly – again counting to the same number. An ideal count should be anywhere between 6 and 10.
On your next inhale, transition to Cow pose.
Cow Pose
For cow pose, you will be mimicking a cow as you see them standing in a field. While taking in your deep breath, bring your back down as if you are now trying to reach the floor with your belly. Raise your head high and look strait ahead while raising your rear.
Repeat the same sequence of breaths as you did in cat position and transition between these poses at least 4 more times. Repeat at least 10 times focusing extra attention on deep breathing if you are preparing for meditation. If you are conducting cat-cow to relief pain, repeat the sequence slowly until your tension is gone.
Yoga and meditation are key factors in my personal recovery from nicotine addiction. For more free information on yoga positions including the cat position and cow pose, make sure to visit http://stop-smoking-now-for-life.com/yoga-poses-beginning-yoga-positions.php
We thoroughly enjoyed the music, food and vibe all for a the recession special price of $27.50. I usually hate New Year’s Eve with all the crowded drunken revelry but this celebration was joyous and soulful.
