Yoga Bound

Yoga For Life. Yoga For Every Body.

The Age Of Aquarius

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Welcome to the Age of Aquarius. By YogaBoundDeb

In the age of Aquarius money is worthless and truth is everything. When I was growing up, this song by the 5th Dimension had a profound affect on me (Aquarian Moon). So I have been waiting for this awakening, and am so grateful to be living during this time, albeit in its beginning stage. 

All the shifts, changes, meltdowns, disasters, are all part of the grand design. To shake up our old beliefs, foundations and structures to herald in a time when humans will transition from a reliance on the conscious mind to the heart. We will transition out of the ego or “me” consciousness to a more a highly evolved “we” consciousness or oneness. We humans will become much more concerned with the experience of life rather than the possession of material things. 

Age Of Aquarius lyrics:

When the moon is in the Seventh House
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets And love will steer the stars
This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius
The Age of Aquarius Aquarius! Aquarius!
Harmony and understanding
Sympathy and trust abounding
No more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Mystic crystal revelation
And the mind’s true liberation Aquarius! Aquarius! 

We hear it, know it, and now it is time to be it, as Bob Marley also tells us, “Be Love”. 

Make no mistake about it, 2012 was a year of monumental change and accelerated awakening unprecedented in all of human history put together. This awakening process is only going to increase and get better and better as we venture through 2013, and beyond. 

Behind the scenes, an all-out war continues to rage for the freedom of humanity from virtual enslavement as hundreds and hundreds of years of planning by a negative, dark force lie in ruin, never to be instituted, never to see the light of day. Rather, day by day, we are seeing the complete dismantling of an enormous network of sinister forces who had planned to effectively destroy humanity save for themselves. 

Much progress towards economic, social and spiritual freedom was made during 2012 yet much more extensive and intensive work lies ahead. Again, it is important to be mindful we are only at the beginning stages of this process, we are only in the very initial phases of the Golden Age. 

In the past history of the Earth, for a person to reach an awakened state of consciousness often involved a prolonged, arduous journey as the life stories of Buddha, Mohammed, Jesus and many other ascended masters attest. 

But now, due to the major influx of energy waves pouring in from the galactic center, we are all being pushed hard towards these higher states of awakening. Thus, you can expect your Aunt Tilly, or your Cousin George, or your mailman, or your next door neighbor, or your co-worker in the next cubicle to eventually achieve an awakened state of consciousness even though they may not have ever practiced any special spiritual or mind expanding technique in their life! That’s how unusually and dramatically powerful the times we are living in are. 

The global elitists who fully expected to have their New World Order agenda wholly established by the end of 2012, are now openly in a state of shock and outright panic. They are bewildered to cope as they can only stand by helplessly while the human race, one by one, awakens in ever increasing numbers, confounding their think tanks and study groups alike. 

Throughout 2012, we have gone through a series of the most intense revelations as to how deeply corrupt our major world-wide institutions have become and people are increasingly ready for big changes. And those big changes are coming although gradually at first as many more monumental revelations spill forward. 

The energies of the Age of Aquarius and the Golden Age will obliterate everything which is not authentic and built upon a rock solid foundation of truth. We are witnessing it happen on a daily basis in banking, economics, government, politics, media, religion, sports and on and on.

You simply can’t snap your fingers or turn a light switch on and watch as the world gets turned upside down. The average Joe-on-the-street is simply not ready for that kind of a scenario yet –– but will be if the process is done in a timely, step-by-step manner. It seems very clear we are in that mode now. Although, granted we are living in the times where historic world events have the potentiality to change on a dime without notice. 

Your mission, should you decide to accept it, in the grand scheme of things is quite simple: 

• Remain steadfastly positive and tune out all negativity. With the energies and vibrations now at their strongest ever on the planet, whatever you put your focus on will be amplified ten-fold. So why not go for the most wonderful, fantastic life you can possibly dream of? 

• Dedicate yourself to expanding your consciousness with whatever most resonates within you. Whether reading inspiring books, watching informative, uplifting videos, bonding with nature, meditating, praying, yoga, fellowship, serving your community, counseling others or just being happy –– whatever works best for you. It is your choice. 

• If you are so moved, do whatever spiritual practice or technique you are drawn to with genuine sincerity and forthrightness. We are in the times of great possibilities. Whatever you truly put your heart into is now possible to unfold more than ever. Now is the time to go for it! Just go for it. 

• Learn to trust your heart, your gut instincts or that little, tiny voice inside of you which is your inner Divine, your Higher Self or your Inner Child. As we stated above, the Age of Aquarius is all about moving from the mind to the heart, from separateness to oneness, from duality consciousness to unified consciousness. 

• Ultimately, realize we are liberating ourselves from the constrictions and the limitations of the conscious mind which has trapped us in an illusionary world of primitive, outmoded beliefs no longer serving us. Freedom from the mind is the really most important factor of all in the grand scheme. 

So with those parting words, I say unto you –– welcome to the Age of Aquarius. Let the sun shine in. YogaBoundDeb 

Our Workshops and Retreats begin again in August should you wish to join us for more information on this and other spiritual happenings. And how to create a new blueprint for making the transition.

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama

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Nadi Shodhana Pranayama

Nadi is a tubular organ for the passage of prana, or energy carrying cosmic, vital, seminal, and other energies, as well as sensation, intelligence and consciousness in the causal, subtle, and physical bodies. Shodhana means purifying, or cleansing. The term nadi shodhana means the purification of the nerves. This pranayama is also referred to as ‘alternate nose breathing’.

Before you engage in any Pranayama practice please read these general guidelines.

The Technique, Stage One Prepatory:

Sit in a comfortable cross legged position, spine straight, shoulders down, and relaxed. Head centered between the shoulders, chin tipped slightly downward, eyes closed. Use the thumb, and fourth finger (ring finger) of your right hand. The two middle fingers can rest gently on your forehead. To avoid strain in the neck, and shoulders, keep them closed into the palm. The pinky is not in use.

Use your thumb to close off the right nostril, as you breath into the left. Initially start off the inhalation to the count of five. Should you experience dizziness, reduce the count. As soon as you reach the top of the inhalation, immediately close the left nostril with your right ring finger, removing your thumb from the right nostril at the same time, and begin a slow, rhythmic, effortless exhalation through this nostril. Do this to the count of five. This completes a half round.

Inhale through the right nostril to the count of five. Close the right nostril with your right thumb. Exhale through the left nostril to the count of five. This completes one full round. Start by doing three rounds, adding one round per day. Once you reach eight rounds you can begin Stage two.

Stage 2:

Once stage 1 is going well, and there is no discomfort of any kind, you can begin to increase the length of the inhalation, and exhalation to a higher count, as well as increasing the number of rounds. Give yourself time, working up to this gradually, staying aware, and mindful at all times of the breath, keeping it deep, and rhythmic, and making sure it is never forced.

Stage 3:

After you master stage 2, which could take some time, the duration of the exhalation may be doubled. Begin with a ratio of 4 on the inhalation and 8 on the exhalation, moving up from there to a maximum of 6 and 12.

Advanced Nadi Shodhana:

Advanced stages of Nadi Shodhana should only be practiced under the direct guidance of a yoga teacher knowledgeable in teaching pranayama breathing techniques.

Advanced stages involve internal retention, external retention, and the application of the bandas (locks) Jalandhara Bandha (chin lock), and Moola Bandha (root lock).

Special Note:

Do not force the breath in any way. At the slightest sign of discomfort reduce the time of each inhalation, and exhalation or discontinue the practice, and check with a health professional.

Alternate nostril breathing should not be practiced if your nasal passages are blocked in any way. Forced breathing through the nose may lead to complications.

Some of the Effects:

In nadi shodhana pranayama, due to the deep penetration of prana, the blood receives a larger supply of oxygen than in other types of pranayama The nerves are calmed and purified, and the mind becomes still and lucid.

Its practice keeps the body warm, destroys diseases, gives strength and brings serenity. The vital energy drawn in from the cosmic energy through inhalation, passes close to vital chakras and feeds the glands. The respiratory control center of the brain is stimulated and becomes fresh, clear, and tranquil. The light of intelligence is lit simultaneously in the brain as well as in the mind. This leads to right thinking, and sound Judgement.

 

The Five Techniques of Yoga

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Hatha Yoga has a very precise set of tools for bringing us deeply in touch with our true nature through the body. They are the five practical techniques, which together constitute the method of Hatha Yoga.

Each one of these techniques embodies, and expresses one of the energetic qualities of the five elements. In order for yoga practice to be balanced, and access its depths, all these energies must be present and balanced.

Together they create an energetic model of the full potential of life. This allows each of the natural energies, and Hatha Yoga techniques, to support all of the others. This not only deepens their effectiveness, but also prevents imbalance between the five energies.

The wheel of Hatha Yoga has five major spokes. Its effectiveness depends upon the presence of all of them. If one or more are missing, the wheel will not roll true, and is susceptible to damage. If one is emphasized at the expense of the others, the same is also true.

In short, drushti is the quality of our awareness, asana the quality of our posture, vinyasa the quality of our movement, bandha the quality of our energy, and pranayama the quality of our breathing. It is the quality of these things, not the quantity, that matters in yoga.

All of them can be either overemphasized, or neglected. Overemphasis on space leads to withdrawal; neglect to anxiety. Overemphasis on earth leads to rigidity; neglect leads to weakness. Overemphasis on water leads to fragility; neglect to hardness. Overemphasis on fire leads to depletion; neglect to dullness. Overemphasis on air leads to instability; neglect to heaviness.

Balanced application of the five techniques of drushti, asana, vinyasa, bandha, and pranayama, brings about a nurturing balance between the five elements. Only then can the effects of each technique, or presence of each element or energy, lead to its fruition.

When our practice is balanced, we manifest stability, adaptability, radiance, grace, and directness. As these qualities mature in us they allow us to let go more, and more, of the structures within which we have been hiding ourselves from our true potential.

Pranayama KapalaBhati or Breath of Fire

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Some call kapalabhati a pranayama, while others call it a kriya (kapala means skull and bhati means light or lustre). This is similar to bhastrika, only milder. In it inhalation is slow, exhalation vigorous, but there is a split second of retention after each out-breath. Do kapalabhati instead of bhastrika if the latter proves too strenuous.

Technique:

The key to effective Kapalabhati Pranayama, as with all types of pranayama, is to remain relaxed. And to stay focused and mindful of what is occurring. Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position with an erect spine, shoulders wide, sternum lifting with each inhalation. Close the eyes. Take several deep breaths and feel tension leaving the body through each exhalation. Relax the body, yet keep it active and engaged. Tension free. Allow the throat to open, and relax. Exhale forcefully through the nostrils, contracting the abdominal muscles. The inhalation happens passively. Repeat slowly at first to make sure the belly is relaxing after the contraction. Then resume the forceful exhalation, finding your own rhythm.

Always start slowly, limiting your repetitions until the body is ready to move to the next level. As you become more comfortable with Kapalabhati, you can increase the repetitions, working towards 100 repetitions per round. If you feel short of breath, slow down to allow more time for the inhalation. To practice alternative nose breathing, close the right nostril with the right thumb, exhaling sharply. Switch the hold on the nostrils, and close the left nostril with the ring finger, exhaling sharply.

Some of the Effects: 

Both these activate and invigorate the liver, spleen, pancreas and abdominal muscles, and improve digestion. They strengthen the abdominal muscles, diaphragm and heart, deeply massage the internal organs, stimulate digestion and elimination, remove stale air and toxins from the lungs, and pumps fresh Prana into the cells of the body. They energize, massage and cleanse the central nervous system, bringing mental clarity, and alertness. They drain the sinuses, and stop the nose running. They also create a feeling of exhilaration. When done through alternating nostrils, there is a balancing effect.

Kapalabhati purifies ida and pingala nadis, removes sensory distractions from the mind and is used to energize the mind for mental work. It removes sleepiness and prepares the mind for meditation. It has a similar cleansing effect on the lungs as bhastrika does. It is good practice for asthmatics, and those suffering from emphysema, bronchitis and tuberculosis.

After a few months of proper preparation, it can be effective for women to use during childbirth. It balances and strengthens the nervous system and tones the digestive organs. For spiritual aspirants, this practice arrests thoughts and visions.

Precautions: 

If pain or dizziness is experienced, stop the practice and sit quietly for some time. When the sensation has passed, recommence the practice with more awareness and less force. If the problem continues, consult a yoga teacher.

Contra-indications:

Kapalabhati should not be practiced by those suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, vertigo, epilepsy, stroke, hernia, gastric ulcer, colitis, recent surgery, emphysema, or during menstruation or pregnancy (unless you have been practicing prior to becoming pregnant). You may instead do Ujjayi Pranayama. Or, Dirgha Pranayama.

Note: 

Kapalabhati is also one of the six shatkarmas. The Sanskrit word kapal means “cranium” or ‘forehead’, and bhati means ‘light’ or ‘splendor’. Also ‘perception’ or ‘knowledge’. Hence, kapalabhati is the practice which brings a state of light or clarity to the frontal region of the brain. Another name for this practice is kapalshodhana, the word shodhana meaning ‘to purify’.

Basic Guidelines For Beginning Hatha Yoga

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Basic Guidelines for Beginning Hatha Yoga

All forms of Hatha Yoga, like many fitness programs, involves using your muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and mind. Some of postures are challenging, and move your body in ways it may not be accustomed to. While all of the movements are possible, and none of them is inherently harmful, you must be careful. Yoga is not about force. To avoid injury only move into a posture to that place you feel resistance, and use the breath to release the tension.

Basic Guidelines

  • Do arrive at least ten minutes before the class begins if you are new. Arrive on time, or earlier if you are a regular.
  • Introduce yourself, and let your instructor know if you have any medical conditions or injuries. Your instructor will be discreet, and only wants to be helpful. Your yoga class is a place of safety where you can simply let go, and enjoy whatever it is your body is capable of at that moment.
  • Always check with your physician before beginning any new form of exercise. Yoga is very therapeutic, and will help many medical conditions, but it is not a substitute for certain medical treatments.
  • Pregnant women should also check with their physician before beginning any new exercise. In pregnancy there are two lives involved. Pregnant women should not practice inversions, deep twists, postures that involve lying on the stomach, or any abdominal tightening postures. It is imperative to let your instructor know if you are pregnant.
  • Try and come to class well hydrated. Though you may drink in class at anytime you feel the need, it cools the body. Internal body heat is consistently being built from one asana to the next. This increases your metabolism, warms the muscles allowing you to enter into a pose more deeply, and without injury, and assists in detoxifying the body.
  • Allow at least 1 ½- 2 hours after eating before practicing yoga.
  • In class you will practice Pranayama, which is yogic breathing, asanas, which are postures, as well as relaxation and meditation techniques. Savasana, or corpse pose is the final relaxation pose, and is one of the most significant parts of the yoga practice.
  • Yoga is NON-competitive. Try to relax, and focus not on how well you look in the postures, or what your neighbor may be doing, but on your breathing, how you feel in the postures, where your thoughts are, and the like. Do not be competitive with yourself, or others. Each person in a yoga class is doing their own yoga. It truly does not matter where anyone else is in their practice. Stay internal, focusing on your breath, and being mindful of your body, and any issues you are experiencing at the moment.
  • You are never required to do anything in a yoga class except breath. You alone are responsible for your own body in a class, though your teacher will be watching to make sure you are doing the asanas with the proper alignment. If you are being adjusted, timely communication is critical. Always honor, and respect where your body is at the moment, not allowing the mind to lead you into territory that could cause injury.
  •  Acceptance is a big part of the practice of yoga. Accepting where you are today, knowing that what you are doing is good for you, and understanding that you cannot move on to the next level until that layer of tension is released, is a valuable tool for enjoying, and getting the most out of your practice.
  • Everyone looks different in their yoga practice. None of us has the same bodies, or the same specific strengths, or limitations. Don’t compare yourself with others, it wastes energy, and distracts you from what you are doing. Know that each moment of every day you are different. Every time you practice you will be, and feel different.
  • Cultivate patience. Challenge yourself in each asana, but not to the point of struggle. Find comfort in each posture and allow yourself to be nurtured in each.
  • No two Yoga practices are the same. The same asana may even feel differently from side to side. Our body, and mind is never the same. Expect this, accept this and allow yourself to simply be in the present moment with that awareness. Refrain from judgment, criticism, or analysis. Simply observe.
  • Yoga cultivates a union of the mind, body, and spirit. Over time you will get to know your body, gaining valuable insights into your strengths, and challenges. As the body becomes less restricted, you will find the mind does as well.
  • Always err on the side of caution, and use good judgment when dealing with a body part that has been injured, or is prone to injury. It is much safer to be half way in a pose with correct alignment versus forcing for the sake of range, and risking injury. Force simply adds another layer of tension to the layer that is there. The aim is to release the tension layer by layer. This takes time.
  • In yoga practice we approach each asana to the point we feel resistance. We refer to that as ‘The Edge’. When you stretch, or are in a strength posture, and force to the point that you lose your breath, this sends a signal from the body to the brain that you may be injured, and the body tightens up even more. Do not go beyond this point. Approach your ‘edge’ with an open mind, patiently, with deep breathing, and sensitivity. Be patient. Your strength, flexibility, balance and concentration will improve with time, patience, attention, and dedication.
  • Yoga is practiced with bare feet as we want to keep our foundation strong, and flexible. Take care of your feet. They have the important job of supporting your whole body! Wear comfortable clothing that allows full range of movement, and that you feel comfortable in.
  • And, most of all, breathe, move, relax and have fun. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Allow your yoga to happen, and never force yourself beyond your limitations. You may be surprised at how wonderful you will feel after class!
  • To Reiterate:The movements must be approached gradually. And with patience. You never rush, push, or force your body to do something it isn’t ready to do. There are times you may get away with it, especially if you are strong or flexible. But this is not the preferred way to approach your yoga practice. Muscles if strained will soon repair. However, ligaments, and tendons may not. Keep in mind that knees, and necks are especially vulnerable. You should inform your teacher of any injuries you may have.

Hatha Yoga is not just another form of exercise. It is an extremely potent agent of transformation which can precipitate the release of deeply embedded emotional blocks. The postures, the Bandhas, and the breathing, even when done partially, or with difficulty, bring about deep changes in your energetic equilibrium.

Take your practice to your edge, where you feel some resistance, but go no further than this. Your breathing should be easy, comfortable, and deep. Be conscious of this, and allow whatever is happening to resolve itself. At times it can have a disturbing effect on both mind, and body. Pay attention to what you are doing at all times, feeling the effect of each movement, and respond accordingly.

Pregnancy is an excitingly beautiful time in your life that brings about many physical, emotional, and mental changes. Pregnancy, labor, and birth, considered to be one of the most transformational times in a woman’s life, is thought by many cultures to be an expression of the divine in physical form.

Linking the postures to the breath, prenatal yoga leads to self-discovery, strengthens the uterus, and pelvic muscles, improves circulation, aids in digestion, and exercises the spine allowing you to dance through your pregnancy with greater comfort, and confidence.

Yoga will help alleviate many common discomforts of pregnancy such as nausea, swelling, constipation, backaches, sciatica, and varicose veins. You will be in better shape, more prepared to face the challenges, enjoy the miraculous beauty of labor, and delivery, and find recovery, and getting back to your pre-pregnancy size quicker, and easier.

The therapeutic aspect of Hatha Yoga is a blessing, and one that should not be taken for granted. For additional information check out these additional tips.

Deb Bobier – E-RYT500 – Founder, YogaBound.com

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