If you’re thinking of buying a yoga mat for yourself or someone else you may be feeling a little bit overwhelmed by the number of mats on market. There are huge variations of style, thickness, color, material used, and price. Some mats can be less than $10, while others cost over $100.
Let’s begin by considering the purpose. A good mat will provide a stable, nonslip surface that helps prevent slipping and falling, but also can provide cushioning when you kneel or lie on the mat. It also protects you from dirt, dust, splinters, bacteria, fungi and any other foreign matter that might be on the floor at the studio you frequent.
Sharing a mat or using a studio mat is generally not recommended since you are basically lying on a mat where someone else was sitting in sweaty yoga pants, and standing with bare feet; sometimes with our face on the mat! It doesn’t take much imagination to think of the “things” that could on that studio mat. Things like athlete’s foot, plantar warts, toe nail fungus, and bacteria from sweat. If you practice on a regular basis – buy your own mat!
Often, low priced conventional style mats are made of PVC, which according to Consumer Reports, PVC yoga mats may contain lead and cadmium. Or may even contain phthalates which have been linked to hormone disruption. If it is important to you to avoid such contaminants, you would be better suited to choose an ECO friendly mat made of natural plant materials, toxin-free or biodegradable plastics or natural rubber. Do be aware that those with latex allergies should avoid rubber mats as these do contain latex.
PVC mats tend to be very low in price and are moderately sticky with a smooth honeycomb-like surface. Rubber mats are much stickier and provide a better grip for heated practices where the hands and feet can become sweaty which may lead to more slippage. If you practice heated types of yoga, such as Bikrim or Vinyasa flow you may do better with a rubber mat, provided you don’t have a latex allergy. The type of mat you prefer is based on personal preference and the type of practice you have.
For example, if you practice restorative or gentle hatha yoga you may prefer a thicker mat with more cushion for seated poses or when lying down. However, if you practice power yoga you might do better with a thinner mat that will keep the feet more stable when doing standing and balancing poses.
Yoga mats typically are either 68 or 72 inches long, but extra short and extra long mats are available. If you are over 6 feet tall you may want to consider buying an extra long mat.
A good quality mat will resist wear and tear and won’t hold odors. To clean your mat you can wash it in the washing machine and hang it to air dry. Always use only a few drops of detergent in the water. I’ve also found that the surface of my mat last longer if I avoid big fluctuations in temperature, such as those that happen when we keep our mat in the trunk of the car. It gets too hot in the summer, and too cold in the winter which may cause drying of the surface. It is always best to bring the mat inside.
In the end, you need to consider the size, thickness, materials and price range of the mat that best suits your needs and budget. Color, although important should not be the primary decision maker. My personal preference is the JADE Professional mat in 74” length. It is only 5/16th of an inch think and has a great non-stick rubber surface that works well in the vinyasa flow classes I teach. My second choice is a Manduka Pro, and third I like the Kulae ECO mat.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day // Bloggers Unite
Winter Solstice is here, but longest night of year is probably not much fun if you're sleeping in the cold. We have many homeless here on Cape Cod so lets not forget that hard times have fallen on many. National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day // Bloggers Unite
If you'd like to help out locally, check out these organizations:
Homeless Prevention Council
http://www.hpccapecod.org/default.php
Housing Assistance of Cape Cod (HAC)
http://www.haconcapecod.org/homeless-prevention.htm
Everyone deserves to have a safe place to sleep, and no one deserves to die on the streets due to homelessness.
If you'd like to help out locally, check out these organizations:
Homeless Prevention Council
http://www.hpccapecod.org/default.php
Housing Assistance of Cape Cod (HAC)
http://www.haconcapecod.org/homeless-prevention.htm
Everyone deserves to have a safe place to sleep, and no one deserves to die on the streets due to homelessness.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Cartoon Characters as Celebrity Perfume pitchmen?
It really drives me nuts that every celebrity seems to be pitching a perfume. Do they actually come up with this scent on their own, or do they even have a clue what it actually smells like?
According to Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_celebrity-endorsed_perfumes there are even endorsements by fictional characters. Most humorously "Dora the Explorer"! Who the hell is this being marketed to, 5 year old girls?
Ok, I can understand an endorsement by a musician, an actor, or athlete, but a cartoon character?
According to the list we've got fragrances by Strawberry Shortcake, Miss Piggy, Superman, Batman, and the Hulk. The list goes on and on. I'm trying to imagine what Hulk colonge would smell like, but all that comes to mind is leather, sweat, and green slimy jello.
Everyone is out to make a buck, but do we really want to smell like Spiderman?
According to Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_celebrity-endorsed_perfumes there are even endorsements by fictional characters. Most humorously "Dora the Explorer"! Who the hell is this being marketed to, 5 year old girls?
Ok, I can understand an endorsement by a musician, an actor, or athlete, but a cartoon character?
According to the list we've got fragrances by Strawberry Shortcake, Miss Piggy, Superman, Batman, and the Hulk. The list goes on and on. I'm trying to imagine what Hulk colonge would smell like, but all that comes to mind is leather, sweat, and green slimy jello.
Everyone is out to make a buck, but do we really want to smell like Spiderman?
Friday, December 10, 2010
Accepting My 40-Something Body
It just occurred to me that I have been spending the past 12-months fighting my body, unsuccessfully trying to get it to behave the same way it did a decade ago. I have gained a “few” pounds, lost a little bit of muscle mass and have noticed that I’m just not able to work quite as hard as I used to.
After my workouts the muscle recovery is slower and more painful. I notice my knees, shoulders and lower back in ways that I never did before. As someone that has worked out consistently for over a decade, it is difficult to accept these new limitations.
This morning I attended a spin class and this afternoon I am completely exhausted; to the point that I needed a nap! Granted, I taught a power yoga class at 6 AM, and attended the spin class a few hours later, but this was a routine my body could handle just fine two years ago.
Recently I took a prana flow workshop with Shiva Rea and asked her a question about how to stay motivated in ones yoga practice as we age. She suggested that perhaps my body needed a more lunar practice these days and that I may do better to accept that. This wasn’t exactly what I wanted to hear, I was hoping for some guru type of motivation that would help turn my practice around…but no, she basically told me to try slowing down for a bit! The good news was that she didn’t suggest doing a lunar practice for a long period of time because we need to keep the body strong. I was grateful for those words as I do not feel ready to concede to gentle, restorative practice in my 40’s!
In any event, my body has changed, my attitude has changed, and my experience in the world has changed. I know that I am aging fairly well and will work to accept these subtle changes more gracefully.
As a yoga teacher, this knowledge will help me to be able to help my students as their bodies change so that we can all continue with our practices, pain and injury free.
After my workouts the muscle recovery is slower and more painful. I notice my knees, shoulders and lower back in ways that I never did before. As someone that has worked out consistently for over a decade, it is difficult to accept these new limitations.
This morning I attended a spin class and this afternoon I am completely exhausted; to the point that I needed a nap! Granted, I taught a power yoga class at 6 AM, and attended the spin class a few hours later, but this was a routine my body could handle just fine two years ago.
Recently I took a prana flow workshop with Shiva Rea and asked her a question about how to stay motivated in ones yoga practice as we age. She suggested that perhaps my body needed a more lunar practice these days and that I may do better to accept that. This wasn’t exactly what I wanted to hear, I was hoping for some guru type of motivation that would help turn my practice around…but no, she basically told me to try slowing down for a bit! The good news was that she didn’t suggest doing a lunar practice for a long period of time because we need to keep the body strong. I was grateful for those words as I do not feel ready to concede to gentle, restorative practice in my 40’s!
In any event, my body has changed, my attitude has changed, and my experience in the world has changed. I know that I am aging fairly well and will work to accept these subtle changes more gracefully.
As a yoga teacher, this knowledge will help me to be able to help my students as their bodies change so that we can all continue with our practices, pain and injury free.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
FREE Yoga & Pilates
Have you been wanting to try pilates? Come to our FREE class on Saturday November 20th. http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Pilates-is-BACK---More-FREE-Classes-.html?soid=1102486542330&aid=0UMZQcQTwUA We also will be having FREE yoga classes on November 21st and 28th at 8:30. Check out these FREE classes and get a stronger core.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Do I need to cleanse to get rid of toxins in the body?
Why & When to Cleanse?
Those who have never completed a cleanse will often ask "why do I need to cleanse"; "doesn't my body take care of this on its own"? The answer is yes and no.Each day, between the food we eat, the air we breathe, and even the water we drink we ingest pollutants and toxins. These toxins can accumulate in the blood and internal organs such as the colon, kidneys, lungs, and liver resulting in a toxic body.
By detoxing, we take stress off the organs while eliminating old, toxic debris and residue from our tissues. We do this by eating nutrient-dense, live foods and by consuming herbal supplements that gently help facilitate deep cleansing of the tissues and organs while supporting and nourishing the body during the process.Aside from the physical benefits, we also gain positive affects to the emotional and mental state, bringing on a happy, peaceful feeling. As you cleanse the body you may begin to flush out old, unprocessed, negative emotions and memories helping you to feel more spiritually fit.
There are many times of the year when it is beneficial to the body to cleanse. For example, right after the holidays to remove excess sugar and flour that may have been consumed and to help shed excess weight that may have been gained during that period. It is generally believed that cleansing once per season is a great way to stay in harmony with nature. The new moon is also a great time to start anything new. Combining the start of a cleanse with the grounding, supportive energy of the new moon can help to remove food cravings and assist one to begin a new change in dietary and lifestyle habits.
Join us Monday - Friday, June 14th - 25th @ 6:15 am every day for 2 weeks of yoga with an optional cleanse. Challenge yourself...improve your health and well being. Throughout these two weeks you'll be encouraged to attend a daily yoga class, eat well (nutritional guidance will be provided), and meditate (instruction and support will be provided).
Get up early and start each day with an hour long yoga class designed to ease your soul, calm your mind, and help to detoxify your body. If you choose, you may do a week-long cleanse as part of the session (additional fee applies).
Classes are held Mon-Friday (june 14-25) 10 classes total.
Cost: Classes ONLY: $69 for all 10 classes! (if you are already on an unlimited membership there is no additional cost to attend the classes)
Classes PLUS Cleanse: $99 (price includes supplements) You will be able to attend all 10 classes over the 2 week period, plus receive detox instruction and supplements.
Cost of cleanse only for students with unlimited memberships is $35
Those who have never completed a cleanse will often ask "why do I need to cleanse"; "doesn't my body take care of this on its own"? The answer is yes and no.Each day, between the food we eat, the air we breathe, and even the water we drink we ingest pollutants and toxins. These toxins can accumulate in the blood and internal organs such as the colon, kidneys, lungs, and liver resulting in a toxic body.
By detoxing, we take stress off the organs while eliminating old, toxic debris and residue from our tissues. We do this by eating nutrient-dense, live foods and by consuming herbal supplements that gently help facilitate deep cleansing of the tissues and organs while supporting and nourishing the body during the process.Aside from the physical benefits, we also gain positive affects to the emotional and mental state, bringing on a happy, peaceful feeling. As you cleanse the body you may begin to flush out old, unprocessed, negative emotions and memories helping you to feel more spiritually fit.
There are many times of the year when it is beneficial to the body to cleanse. For example, right after the holidays to remove excess sugar and flour that may have been consumed and to help shed excess weight that may have been gained during that period. It is generally believed that cleansing once per season is a great way to stay in harmony with nature. The new moon is also a great time to start anything new. Combining the start of a cleanse with the grounding, supportive energy of the new moon can help to remove food cravings and assist one to begin a new change in dietary and lifestyle habits.
Join us Monday - Friday, June 14th - 25th @ 6:15 am every day for 2 weeks of yoga with an optional cleanse. Challenge yourself...improve your health and well being. Throughout these two weeks you'll be encouraged to attend a daily yoga class, eat well (nutritional guidance will be provided), and meditate (instruction and support will be provided).
Get up early and start each day with an hour long yoga class designed to ease your soul, calm your mind, and help to detoxify your body. If you choose, you may do a week-long cleanse as part of the session (additional fee applies).
Classes are held Mon-Friday (june 14-25) 10 classes total.
Cost: Classes ONLY: $69 for all 10 classes! (if you are already on an unlimited membership there is no additional cost to attend the classes)
Classes PLUS Cleanse: $99 (price includes supplements) You will be able to attend all 10 classes over the 2 week period, plus receive detox instruction and supplements.
Cost of cleanse only for students with unlimited memberships is $35
How To practive Kirtan Kriya
Kirtan Kriya is a meditation chant exercise originating from Kundalini Yoga. Kirtan Kriya involves chanting and using finger poses (mudras). This simple exercise reduces stress levels, increases circulation in the brain, promotes focus and clarity, and stimulates mind-body-spirit connection.
Difficulty: Easy
Frequency: 12 minutes once a day
Step-by-Step:
Sit on a cushion, block or blanket in an upright position on the floor or in a straight backed chair. You may also rest against a wall. Rest your hands on your knees with palms facing upwards.
Chant the syllables Sa, Ta, Na, Ma - lengthen the ending of each sound as you repeat them, ...aaaaaaaaah.
Touch your index finger tip to the tip of your thumb as you chant Sa.
Touch your middle finger tip to the tip of your thumb as you chant Ta.
Touch your ring finger tip to the tip of your thumb as you chant Na.
Touch your pinky tip to the tip of your thumb as you chant Ma.
Do the finger movements as shown in steps 3-6 as you chant in the following sequence:
Chant out loud for 2 minutes
Chant in a whisper for 2 minutes
Chant in silence for 4 mintues
Chant in a whisper for 2 minute
Chant out loud for 2 minutes
Sanskrit chanting sounds translate to:
Sa - birth
Ta - life
Na - death
Ma - rebirth
Make this meditation a daily routine. It is most beneficial to repeat this chant at the same time each day.
Difficulty: Easy
Frequency: 12 minutes once a day
Step-by-Step:
Sit on a cushion, block or blanket in an upright position on the floor or in a straight backed chair. You may also rest against a wall. Rest your hands on your knees with palms facing upwards.
Chant the syllables Sa, Ta, Na, Ma - lengthen the ending of each sound as you repeat them, ...aaaaaaaaah.
Touch your index finger tip to the tip of your thumb as you chant Sa.
Touch your middle finger tip to the tip of your thumb as you chant Ta.
Touch your ring finger tip to the tip of your thumb as you chant Na.
Touch your pinky tip to the tip of your thumb as you chant Ma.
Do the finger movements as shown in steps 3-6 as you chant in the following sequence:
Chant out loud for 2 minutes
Chant in a whisper for 2 minutes
Chant in silence for 4 mintues
Chant in a whisper for 2 minute
Chant out loud for 2 minutes
Sanskrit chanting sounds translate to:
Sa - birth
Ta - life
Na - death
Ma - rebirth
Make this meditation a daily routine. It is most beneficial to repeat this chant at the same time each day.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Home Practice for Connecting to your Core
This core strengthening practice will help provide a sense of strength and self-confidence.
Begin by putting on some uplifting and energetic music.
Begin by putting on some uplifting and energetic music.
- Begin in Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) with Feet close together. Incorporating Ujjayi Breath (ocean sound in back of throat). Hold for 10 breaths.
- Inhale as you shift yourself forward into plank. Hold for 20 breaths.
- Press back to Downward Dog, then flow forward to Plank. Repeat 10 times
- Hop to the front of your mat, fold forward into Standing Forward Bend. Hold for 5 breaths, then reverse swan dive up to Tadasana (mountain pose)
- Move into Eagle Pose by wrapping your right thigh over your left and hook the toes around your lower leg. Place the left arm over the right and touch plams together (eagle arms). Stay upright and bend the supporting knee, lift elbows up and move hands away from the face. Hold for 10 breaths, then repeat on the other side.
- Squat down, sit on your mat, moving into Boat Pose with knees bent or straight and hold for 5 breaths. Bend one knee in towards the body, extending the opposite knee. Switch to the opposite site. Repeat 10 times total working the core. Then lie on your back.
- Come into Revolved Abdomen Pose by walking the feet in with knees bent and pointing towards the ceiling. Spread the arms wide in a T turning the palms facing down. Drop the knees to the right side, and turn the head to the left taking care to keep the shoulders locked to the floor. Hold for 20 breaths, repeat on the other side.
- Now interlace the fingers behind the head and bend both knees bringing the feet off the floor. Exhale as you extend the right leg out (not touching floor) draw the left knee in and touch it with the right elbow. Inhale, release and change sides. Do this 8 times on each side. Then pull both knees into the chest and take a few breaths.
- Bridge Pose - bend knees and press hips upwards into bridge. Exhale and roll down one vertebra at a time. Repeat 10 times.
- Move into reclining pigeon pose on the right side by placing both feet on the floor, knees bent. Place the right ankle on the left knee and draw the right thigh towards you. Hold for 10 breaths and change sides.
- Stretch the legs out. Inhale and press forearms and elbows down, lifting the chest into Fish Pose. Resting on the crown of the head, hold for 10 breaths.
- Pull the knees into the chest moving into Happy Baby for 10 breaths.
- Extend arms and legs for 3 deep breaths, relaxing into Savasana for 5-10 minutes.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Salt Water Flush as Start to Master Cleanse
Many of you may have heard that you should drink a mixture of 1 QT of warm water with 2 tsp of Organic Sea Salt as a way to start a cleanse. This is supposed to cleanse the colon and induce a series of bowel movements in the next 1-2 hours. Sounds little hokey, so of course I decided to give it a try.
I went into the kitchen a mixed up a quart of water with 2 tsp of sea salt as is recommended. I mixed it up and placed it into the biggest drinking glass I could find in the houses. It was one of those collector Coke glasses. I took the first big gulp, and it tasted completely discusting. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get it down. Then I took another, still pretty terrible.
Fortunately, I was standing next to the kitchen sink because I took one more big gulp and swalled and immediately vomited right into the sink. So much for cleaning my colon!
I'm not sure if this is common or not, but I have found several blog posts describing similar results. My body did NOT want that much salt in it, so I'm not planning to attempt this again anytime soon.
So much for the Salt Water Flush - next time I'll stick with a fruit and veggie cleanse.
I went into the kitchen a mixed up a quart of water with 2 tsp of sea salt as is recommended. I mixed it up and placed it into the biggest drinking glass I could find in the houses. It was one of those collector Coke glasses. I took the first big gulp, and it tasted completely discusting. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get it down. Then I took another, still pretty terrible.
Fortunately, I was standing next to the kitchen sink because I took one more big gulp and swalled and immediately vomited right into the sink. So much for cleaning my colon!
I'm not sure if this is common or not, but I have found several blog posts describing similar results. My body did NOT want that much salt in it, so I'm not planning to attempt this again anytime soon.
So much for the Salt Water Flush - next time I'll stick with a fruit and veggie cleanse.
Sizzling Summer Membership Deals
We've just added a few new membership options for students and summer residents.
Get UNLIMITED yoga classes for the months or June, July & August for a huge discount.
Students with a valid student ID only pay $150, everyone else pays $225. You can come to class every day over the summer and not have to worry about having cash, or brining a check or credit card with you. This is a great deal and your best value if you've got lots of extra time in the summer.
If you're a beach bum, we've got classes at 6:15 am on Monday, Wednesday & Friday which will leave you plenty of time to head to the beach or launch the boat. If you like to sleep in, we've got classes every evening except Saturday! There are also plenty of classes later in the morning during the week.
Don't miss out on this great deal. Click the link below to purchase online.
http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=5868&stype=41&sLoc=0
Get UNLIMITED yoga classes for the months or June, July & August for a huge discount.
Students with a valid student ID only pay $150, everyone else pays $225. You can come to class every day over the summer and not have to worry about having cash, or brining a check or credit card with you. This is a great deal and your best value if you've got lots of extra time in the summer.
If you're a beach bum, we've got classes at 6:15 am on Monday, Wednesday & Friday which will leave you plenty of time to head to the beach or launch the boat. If you like to sleep in, we've got classes every evening except Saturday! There are also plenty of classes later in the morning during the week.
Don't miss out on this great deal. Click the link below to purchase online.
http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=5868&stype=41&sLoc=0
Friday, May 14, 2010
Yogathon Fundraiser
Please join us for a Yogathon Fundraiser to support Off the Mat, Into the World’s Global Seva Challenge - South Africa 2010!
Off the Mat, Into the World® (OTM), a program of the nonprofit, The Engage Network, is dedicated to bridging yoga and activism. Founded in 2007, OTM’s mission is to use the power of yoga to inspire conscious, sustainable activism and ignite grassroots social change.
Each year, Off the Mat, Into the World sponsors an international service project called the Global Seva Challenge. The Global Seva Challenge is a transformational journey that builds community, provokes critical consciousness about global issues of social justice and equity, and raises significant funds to support communities in crisis.
In 2010 Off the Mat, Into the World’s Seva Challenge will be focused on supporting humanitarian efforts in South Africa. Over 33 million people are living with HIV/AIDS today with 67% living in sub-Saharan Africa. By contributing to this fundraising effort your donation will help fund and build health and education programs that will provide tools and resources for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. See our partners below.
The Dharma Connection in Sandwich, MA
Friday, June 11, 2010 starting at 5:30pm until…9ish
with Lynn Gifford, Donna Larson and Elizabeth Whirlabout
Suggested donation of $25
Take your yoga Off the Mat, Into the World!
Off the Mat, Into the World® (OTM), a program of the nonprofit, The Engage Network, is dedicated to bridging yoga and activism. Founded in 2007, OTM’s mission is to use the power of yoga to inspire conscious, sustainable activism and ignite grassroots social change.
Each year, Off the Mat, Into the World sponsors an international service project called the Global Seva Challenge. The Global Seva Challenge is a transformational journey that builds community, provokes critical consciousness about global issues of social justice and equity, and raises significant funds to support communities in crisis.
In 2010 Off the Mat, Into the World’s Seva Challenge will be focused on supporting humanitarian efforts in South Africa. Over 33 million people are living with HIV/AIDS today with 67% living in sub-Saharan Africa. By contributing to this fundraising effort your donation will help fund and build health and education programs that will provide tools and resources for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. See our partners below.
The Dharma Connection in Sandwich, MA
Friday, June 11, 2010 starting at 5:30pm until…9ish
with Lynn Gifford, Donna Larson and Elizabeth Whirlabout
Suggested donation of $25
Take your yoga Off the Mat, Into the World!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Chakra Energy - what is it?
Chakra is the Sanskrit word for circle or wheel. Ancient theories proposed by Hindu mystics are based on seven chakras that link the body and the mind into one unit - the mind/body connection. It was through the practice of yoga in India many centuries ago that chakras became identified with centers of energy at major points throughout the body. Beginning at the base of the spine and moving up to the skull, there are seven chakras, each associated with a corresponding color. The opening of each of these energy centers plays an important role in our ability to achieve our fullest potential.
1.) Root (Red)
2.) Sacral (Orange)
3.) Solar Plexus (Yellow)
4.) Heart (Green)
5.) Throat (Blue)
6.) Brow (Purple)
7.) Crown (White)
The Chakras also serve as metaphors for various levels of human development and religious sacraments, with each one having its own goals for development.
· Root Chakra – gives one the ability to feel safe, stable, courageous and secure
· Sacral Chakra – emotional and sexual development
· Solar Plexus – Socialization, social interaction, and self confidence
· Heart Chakra – compassion, love and forgiveness
· Throat Chakra – provides the ability to communicate and interact based on higher vision
· Brow (3rd Eye) Charkra – spiritual vision, intuition, understanding and wisdom
· Crown Chakra – clear understanding of the world around us and beyond
Illnesses in the physical body can be associated with blockages in the Chakra energy systems. By practicing yoga, we can help to clear any blockages in the energy system, helping to keep to body healthy and to aid in healing. By opening an energy system we allow the healing energy of prana to flow into it. As our energy systems become clearer, prana is able to flow more freely throughout the body, creating balance in all of the bodily systems.
For the next seven weeks I will post detailed information on each Chakra, and suggest specific yoga postures, breathing techniques and mantras that will help clear the energy system associated with the specific Chakra. We will begin next week with the Root Charkra.
Namaste
1.) Root (Red)
2.) Sacral (Orange)
3.) Solar Plexus (Yellow)
4.) Heart (Green)
5.) Throat (Blue)
6.) Brow (Purple)
7.) Crown (White)
The Chakras also serve as metaphors for various levels of human development and religious sacraments, with each one having its own goals for development.
· Root Chakra – gives one the ability to feel safe, stable, courageous and secure
· Sacral Chakra – emotional and sexual development
· Solar Plexus – Socialization, social interaction, and self confidence
· Heart Chakra – compassion, love and forgiveness
· Throat Chakra – provides the ability to communicate and interact based on higher vision
· Brow (3rd Eye) Charkra – spiritual vision, intuition, understanding and wisdom
· Crown Chakra – clear understanding of the world around us and beyond
Illnesses in the physical body can be associated with blockages in the Chakra energy systems. By practicing yoga, we can help to clear any blockages in the energy system, helping to keep to body healthy and to aid in healing. By opening an energy system we allow the healing energy of prana to flow into it. As our energy systems become clearer, prana is able to flow more freely throughout the body, creating balance in all of the bodily systems.
For the next seven weeks I will post detailed information on each Chakra, and suggest specific yoga postures, breathing techniques and mantras that will help clear the energy system associated with the specific Chakra. We will begin next week with the Root Charkra.
Namaste
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