It is amazing what a Yoga session can do for personal growth. I am not referring to the physical body, as much as the mindset of the average Yoga practitioner. It is agreed that Hatha Yoga is a great form of physical maintenance, but let’s look at the changes that take place within the mind.

Have you ever met someone who is quick to accept impending doom as the eventual outcome in all matters of life? There is always someone in the crowd who will tell you how your idea will never work. The same person will tell you how the sky is falling and the world will end tomorrow.

This negatively charged mindset knows that the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxies will collide in a few billion years. Then they theorize about how the Earth will be torn apart by a black hole during the collision of our galaxy and its closest neighbor. This is referred to as “galactic cannibalism,” when two galaxies merge and a larger galaxy consumes a smaller one.

My questions are: Why worry about possibilities that are billions of years away? What will be the limits of humankind within a few billion years? Will inter-galactic travel be possible? What advancements will our descendants make in science, engineering, or medicine?

There is no limit to the possibilities that could advance, or end, the existence of humanity. The Earth is still safe, for the time being, and we can look for solutions to the problems of the present. For any of us to be consumed, with looking at our limits, is a form of self-created imprisonment.

Luckily, Yoga allows one to free the mind from dwelling on limitations. This principle of living in the present, and focusing on solutions, can be taught to a room full of students or practiced daily. Limitation is only a perception, which we create. Athletes set new records all the time. In professional sports, records only serve as measurements to be surpassed.

There are two Yogic principles to be considered when finding solutions to anything. These are timeless remedies for realizing the endless possibilities to find logical solutions that surround each of us.

1. Collective thought has more value than being a “lone wolf.” Strong philosophies and societies pool the efforts of all members and progress forward as a result of collective efforts. It is also helpful if people are living within a “free society” that allows one to be creative.

2. What lies within each of us has the power to alter what lies ahead of us. Each of us has ability. The largest difference between two people is how we put our abilities to use.

Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

[tags]Yoga, Yoga Off the Mat, hatha yog, Yogic principles[/tags]

Yoga can change your life from ordinary to extraordinary. When someone promises you the extraordinary, you might want to protect your wallet. In life, extraordinary results tend to be much more than we expected. Sometimes, the cost of a coaching session can be far more than we intended to pay.

With that said, we know that a Yoga session is much more affordable than life coaching. Once you have learned the basics of Yoga, you can practice safe techniques for free. If we see our lives as limited, Yoga can bring us far beyond our expectations.

How is this possible that Yoga can raise your self-expectations so much? Within each of us is a belief system. We place limits on our capabilities, due to past set- backs. We feel someone else will be more successful because of a birth right. Our self-worth is bruised because we fail to stand up after falling down.

We are all human and we make mistakes. If you hand someone every opportunity on a “silver platter,” this is no guarantee of success. Why do I say this? One who is not born into the “lap of luxury” is filled with desire. One who lives a life of luxury has little desire.

If you have desire, you can put it to constructive use. Focus on your objective and take positive action in that direction. Taking action is more than most people do in a lifetime. Many people would rather complain than get up and move forward.

How can Yoga extract the extraordinary from you? Yoga is often seen for the physical benefits alone, but a competent teacher should be able to teach you how to meditate and train your mind. Some will say, “Train the mind for what?”

You can train your mind for anything. A pessimist can train his or her mind for failure. A pessimist expects failure at every turn in life. If you expect failure, loss, grief, and pain, you will receive it. Your mind will gladly create what you expect to see.

On the other hand, if you practice Yoga to train your mind for success, you can expect to see joy, bliss, and happiness. There will still be challenges on the extraordinary path to success, but a mind filled with optimism, is a mind trained to try everything toward progress.

To train the mind, in Yoga practice, requires the intention and the right teaching. Most people will not be able to meditate without investing time in training, research, study, and practice, with a teacher or Guru.

At the same time, some Yoga teachers, focus only on physical postures (asanas), which means there is a lack of quality training on the subject of meditation. This makes searching for the right Yoga school a challenge, but quality training is available to those who seek it.

Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

[tags]yoga, yogic, holistic, yogic path, aura wellness center, Yoga Training[/tags]

Did you ever feel as if faithful Yoga practice would grant you immortality? When we are young, we do not see the world with experienced eyes. This does not mean we should give up, but we should realize that Yoga is great for spiritual growth, prevention of ailments, a natural form of therapy, and a good form of pain management for the mind and body.

The holistic approach has sometimes been pushed aside for purely medical and scientific methods that do not take mental, emotional, and spiritual health into consideration. Much time has passed, while the western medical and scientific communities have begun to see a value in the holistic approach to health and life.

Optimum health requires a balanced approach. At the same time, we should realize the individual differences within each of us. Some health problems run rampant through family blood lines. Conditions related to work stress, diet, lifestyle, poverty, and lack of quality water, cannot be blamed on those who suffer as a result.

It is easy to take a view of youthful arrogance toward life, but as we become more aware of the world around us, we should be more thankful for our good health. If we are too poor to eat well, we will eat anything to survive. In many parts of the world, the quality of drinking water is extremely poor.

Never look down on someone in poor health. It is easy to be arrogant when you are in peak physical condition. Beware of arrogance; it distorts your vision and focus. Anyone can become involved in an accident. A sudden head or spinal injury can cause severe brain and nerve damage.

This can change one’s life direction completely. Symptoms from head or spinal trauma can vary from minor headaches, to migraines, dizziness, concussion, coma, or forms of paralysis. As a result of an accident, life is instantly changed. We learn to appreciate each precious moment of life.

With all that said, if we practice any form of Yoga, we are living proof of the holistic approach toward life. We are supposed to be representatives of moderation. This means - avoid extremes such as: overbearing pride and living out fantasies of self-importance.

“A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject”-Winston Churchill. Some of us cannot stop our obsessive enthusiasm for Yoga. To a point, this is fine - if we are humble and quietly lead by example. One who leads by example will help others find the Yogic path.

Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

[tags]yoga, yogic, holistic, yogic path, aura wellness center[/tags]

Some people think Yoga and Kung Fu are polar opposites, but nothing could be further from the truth. Many of today’s martial arts can be traced back to Yogic origins. At the same time, both of these systems develop human potential far beyond normal expectations.

Having seen children develop in Karate, Kung Fu, Ju Jitsu, and Yoga classes, there is no denying the benefits of mental, emotional, and physical training. When my family owned a 4,000 square foot wellness center, with three studios, anyone could easily see the benefits for local families.

Character development is a key component in each of these systems. Children show the most improvement because they are not set in their ways. Yet, adults also do quite well as they learn to believe in themselves. It is easy to doubt oneself during times when one faces hardships.

Divorce, mental stability, domestic violence, substance abuse, and financial hardships are just a handful of the many problems families cope with. Recognizing problems, finding qualified counseling, and developing a strategy for coping, can be the early stages of family reconstruction.

With all that said, there is a need, in every community, for a holistic approach toward the healing of oneself and the family unit. Yoga and Karate studios have begun to network with each other to meet the needs of local families. In areas where martial arts is the only discipline available, classes for Yoga have begun to take hold within these centers.

The first group, to be attracted to Yoga classes are usually mothers of the children, who attend Karate, Kung Fu, Ju Jitsu, or other disciplines; although I have noticed kids Yoga classes do very well, within a martial arts studio setting. Family Yoga classes often do well on Saturdays, when families can find the time for bonding.

Eventually, larger numbers of male adults will begin arriving, due to the healing aspects of Yoga. Many of today’s martial arts lack adequate healing knowledge, despite the potential for injury. For the healing alone, Yoga and martial arts make a perfect partnership, but these systems are not purely physical in nature.

However, martial arts and Yoga both instill self-esteem, emotional growth, focus, and self-discipline, by training the mind. This gives children a head start in a competitive environment. A one year setback due, to a lack of focus, can have a long-term negative impact on a child’s education.

Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

[tags]yoga, yoga teacher training, aura wellness center, yoga help, yogic, martial arts, yoga studio[/tags]

Yoga practice is much more than practicing postures on a mat for a few hours each week. Once the mat is rolled up, we begin to apply the teachings of Yoga to life. Granted, most people will apply the physical mastery, learned from Hatha Yoga, toward other physical activities.

However, the Yogic techniques learned, can also change one’s life on a much larger scale. When you enhance the power of the mind through Yoga practice, you learn to put your dreams to good use. Each of us has a unique description of dreams and dreaming.

Let’s look at dreams while we are awake. We classify this as day dreaming or fantasy. Some of us may classify this as indulging in imaginative thoughts while we are awake. To go further, we may classify hope and aspiration as a form of day dreaming.

Every creation, made by humans, was a result of hope and aspiration. To indulge in imaginative thought is to envision. This exercise may seem worthless to someone who has difficulty concentrating. It may also be worthless to someone who could care less about the subject.

Yoga, in all of its forms, gives each of us the ability to turn an intangible thought into a reality. The initial gateway is the mind and body connection. Whether one is present for Yoga practice in an ashram, or in daily life, we have the ability to concentrate through the use of pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques).

Pranayama is the key to becoming present in life. This is not a complicated formula. On the surface, this may not seem like much, to someone who has never established a mind and body connection. Some people go about life completely unfocused. Some of us have no dreams, hopes, plans, and we take no action to change our direction. Chances are - these people are very unhappy with life because they have no direction and no life purpose.

The next step is to find a life purpose. What are we good at? What do we want to be when we grow up? Why are we here? These questions are asked by children and adults alike, but adults are painfully aware that their time to answer these questions, about the purpose of life, is limited.

Again, Yoga gives you the tools of pranayama, meditation, and self-realization. Once you know where you are going, it is time to stand up, move forward, and take progressive action. The results of your actions will be progress and happiness. There is no guarantee of success in anything, but if we fail to act, we are guaranteed that we will never succeed.

Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

[tags]yoga, yoga teacher training, aura wellness center, yoga help, yogic, yoga life[/tags]

Taking an intensive Yoga course is a great way to take control of your life, direction, and destiny. Not everyone wants to teach Yoga classes, but an intensive course will instill inner confidence and reveal many methods for establishing self-mastery.

Intensives often reveal hidden facets of Yoga practice. These are not usually covered in regular classes, due to the revolving door of new students. It is easy for most students to become side-tracked during class time, in pursuit of physical mastery, but that is only one preliminary step toward mastering oneself.

The mind sits in the “driver’s seat” of the body. To develop a trained mind, through study, meditation, transformation, self-analysis, and self-realization is true self-mastery. To be in control, when surrounded by criticism and pessimism, is pure inner strength.

How often have you seen an elite athlete lose concentration during a competitive event? In a sporting event, the difference between victory and defeat is often related to the competitor’s frame of mind. Just the slightest lack of focus can become a major difference in the outcome during contests between professional athletes.

Many of us are so addicted to thinking that physical prowess is the final answer to everything; we often forget the mind is the driving force behind our physical actions. We see many people who display control, compassion, grace, awareness, and fortitude into their senior years.

Yet, seniors are often under appreciated, when engaging in conversations with their grandchildren. Who holds a grandchild’s attention longer - the cell phone or the good conversation with Grandma? If the cell phone rings off, most grandchildren will answer, even though they are in the middle of a conversation with a grandparent.

There is no need to say, “Excuse me” anymore. Do we blame society, parents, or technology? This is not the time for blaming anyone, or anything. It is time to realize that the power of the mind is being ignored by too many people. Technology has leaped so far forward that we are losing touch with ourselves.

It is often said that we are losing touch with nature. While this is true for a great many, it is also true that many of us run on auto pilot. Sometimes, children grow and nobody notices, until they move out. Sometimes, people consume two or three thousand calories during their commutes to work, without giving it a thought.

What could a Yoga teacher training course do to change this rapid pace of life? It depends on the subject matter covered, but you can easily find out by researching the course online or over the phone. You may want to inquire about the objectives, benefits, and requirements of a Yoga teacher course.

Recently, a friend of mine mentioned that the top requirement for all teacher interns, to graduate, was to stand on their head, at one of the Yoga intensives she attended. That is such a silly, ludicrous, and superficial requirement, that I could not contain my laughter.

Most children, who are 10 years of age, can easily pass the test; but if you have eye problems, have had a previous stroke, high blood pressure, heart problems, neck problems, sinus problems, or epilepsy - you would be wise to avoid performing a headstand.

Therefore, do your research about courses before taking one. Yoga is much more than a gymnastic event. Yoga instructors are human too. Many good teachers have eye problems, have had a previous stroke, high blood pressure, heart problems, neck problems, sinus problems, or epilepsy.

Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

[tags]yoga, yoga teacher training, aura wellness center, yoga help, yogic, yoga life, yoga teacher course[/tags]

Dharana is the sixth limb, of the eight limbs, described by Maharishi Patanjali, within the Yoga Sutras. We also classify Dharana as a focused concentration of the mind. In this world of cell phones, lap tops, and television, the mind becomes trained to sift messages quickly - without looking at them in depth.

Unfortunately, we can miss out on valuable knowledge and relationships by skimming over everything, without really reading into it. The value of pointed thought, self-analysis, and introspection, cannot be understated. Time spent on self-observation of inner thoughts, desires, and conduct, helps guide us toward Dharana.

Many Yoga teachers, and respected Gurus, believe that the mind must be brought under control, through withdrawal of the senses (Pratyahara), before attempting Dharana. It is logical to look at the Eight Limbs as steps, but a seeker (sadhaka) could benefit from self-observation at any point in life.

Time spent on introspection is not a “short cut” to higher levels of concentrated meditation, but it serves as a measurement of progression while training one’s mind. At the same time, self-analysis and introspection are good foundational practices for Dharana. To completely still the mind, and focus the mind, is not an easy task.

When viewing classical Yoga texts, some students ask: “What is the objective of Dharana?” The purpose of this practice is to train the mind, and the ego, by mentally pointing toward one single object, subject, or experience. The controlled mind then becomes an ally in all aspects of life.

How many people can say their mind is their best friend? Based upon the number of people, who seek relief from their minds, it might be safe to say that very few people can achieve mental mastery. The mind commonly wanders through the past, immersed in guilt over decisions that have already occurred.

How often do people say: “If only I could go back into the past and change that”? The past is “water under the bridge.” Past deeds, experiences, and mistakes, must be put to rest in order for us to make progress at this moment. The past is also a useful tool - if we learn from our mistakes.

One of humankind’s greatest mistakes is our failure to learn from the past. People and governments repeat mistakes because of the inability to learn from set backs. History does not have to repeat itself, if we learn from past experiences.

How can humanity change a cycle that never seems to end? The answer is within Dharana. Point the mind toward a single entity, and hold it there. After enough time has passed, a logical solution will be revealed.

Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

[tags]yoga, yoga teacher training, aura wellness center, yogic, Dharana, eight limbs, Yoga Sutras[/tags]

Just last week, I was asked, “At this point, what is your goal in life?” This question came from a respected colleague and fellow teacher. My answer came right away: “I want to spread the word about Yoga, because if everyone faithfully practiced it, we should be in a state of world peace.”

Maybe it is just my blind optimism, but Yoga has already done so much good for this world. Can you imagine a world, where Kim Jong-il began to practice Yoga, and peacefully sat down to negotiate with other countries? If you practice any form of Yoga, on a daily basis, you realize the changes within are gradual; but change for the best is a natural result of the journey.

You see the changes Yoga has made in the lives of practitioners around you, but imagine them on a global scale. Now, let’s consider your dreams, aspirations, and goals. Do you have a life purpose? Do you clearly know what your life goals are? Do you know what holds you back from pursuing your dreams?

Many people have a list of reasons why they cannot succeed in reaching their objectives. The most common reasons could be age, financial status, work obligations, travel, and responsibilities at home. Some of us believe we were born to fail.

It is this acceptance of doom, which some people feel they deserve, that holds the majority of us back from going after our dreams. In some families, the acceptance of doom becomes a state of pessimism or depression. One respected member of a family unwittingly creates a pessimistic “domino effect.”

This family leader unknowingly steers an entire family toward lives without purpose. The way we view life - is the picture we paint. Each of us has a choice, because the picture we paint is our visualization of life around us, and it becomes our reality.

This also happens in the workplace, where the mantra becomes: “That will never work.” It is part of human nature to take the sure bet. People believed the world was flat, flying is for the birds, and going to outer space was just science fiction fantasy.

The truth is: For anything to happen is either a matter of luck or planning. To become a Yoga teacher is not a matter of luck. It requires motivation, planning, and the desire to engage in studies, in order for one to develop the skills to teach classes. Most of all, teaching Yoga classes gives us a deep sense of purpose.

Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

[tags]yoga, yoga teacher training, aura wellness center, yoga teacher, yoga help, yogic, purpose of yoga[/tags]

We are often taught to scorn doubt and fear, but some may claim this is the age of doubt. After so many political, banking, and business scandals, what is left to believe in? Many sports icons, movie stars, musicians, and religious figures have fallen from grace. Who are we to believe in?

In Yoga, we are taught to look within and believe in ourselves. If the sky falls tomorrow, the people, who work to solve the problem, will have to look deep within to find the solutions. This is the gift of humanity today: People can create positive solutions during the worst of times, and these are not the worst of times.

This is the timeless gift of Yoga: This ancient system can help anyone grow mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Your initial exposure will likely be through a physical system like Hatha Yoga, but there is so much more in terms of holistic benefits.

Yet, there are doubters who believe there are no solutions to depression, anxiety, stress overload, and poor health. The same people will tell you there are no solutions to poverty, hunger, global warming, or the current global economic crisis; but there are solutions if we seek them.

At this time, new world leaders are being elected for their abilities to lead us out of the darkness. We can shake, panic, and cry, but we cannot afford to stand still. The change within each of us is to discard the “self-doubt chip.”

Much like computers, we are programmed; but it is time to look at self-doubt for what it is. Self-doubt is only a hurdle, but it can be so formidable that people freeze in their tracks. It is the little voice within that says: “I can’t do it.” You can listen to that little voice all of your life, or find the inner-strength within each of us.

Remember that even a mouse will bite, if it is cornered. This reaction is not by choice, but it is primal behavior we call “survival instinct.” If a mouse can muster up some inner fortitude, we can too. Does this mean we need a dose of faith?

In each time period, spiritual leaders had made statements about the need for more faith. While faith is a wonderful quality, blind faith has caused senseless violence, Holy wars, holocausts, and witch hunts. Faith, with a careful dose of understanding, compassion, and loving kindness, toward one’s neighbors, is a powerful formula.

Therefore, we must move forward with compassionate faith and realize that doubt is often the driving force behind innovation and creativity. Yogic philosophy is consistent. In the higher forms of Yoga, such as Bhakti, Raja, Jnana, and Karma, an aspirant learns to find the good within.

Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

[tags]yoga, yoga teacher training, aura wellness center, yoga self help, yoga help, yogic[/tags]

Organic yoga wear has become some of the most popular clothing for relaxation, meditation, and routines for many different reasons. The organic cotton that most of the clothing is made of has been used for centuries, and for a while in the 20th century the cotton became overly treated with toxins, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals. Once people began to realize the damage that could be done by those chemicals, the green movement and the shift towards organic yoga wear began.

The demand for natural cotton that is free of the negative chemicals is increasing across the globe, and the quest for environmentally friendly clothing, machines, and production methods is also catching on fast.

Even though it is difficult to see the nasty toxins that are used on yoga wear that is not organic, think about this: In many Third World cotton growing countries, a full 1/3 lb. of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used for every one pound of cotton that is produced! The amount of chemicals that is used to produce one cotton t shirt has damaging and long lasting effects on the environment, and with yogis being at the forefront of peace, inner harmony, and calmness, it is no wonder that organic yoga wear is almost a staple for participation in exercises!

Many of the toxins that are used on regular non organic crops are cancer causing agents, and they can leave a harmful residue on the skin that can cause everything from allergic reactions to skin conditions to respiratory distress. Naturally grown crops are not processed with anything that is carcinogenic, so these things are much easier on the skin and also on the environment. Although these natural items are often a bit more expensive than their chemically treated counterparts, people who buy them say it is certainly worth the extra cost to know that they are being ecologically responsible and healthy.

Soil is considered to be organic when there have been no chemicals of any kind used on it or on its crops for at least three years, or three growing seasons. It instead needs to be enriched with fertilizers that are natural, such as compost and manure. The supply and demand of organic cotton clothing production has increased by five times in the last five years, and a good portion of that clothing is the yoga wear. More farmers are reaping the incentives and the benefits that come with farming in ecologically responsible ways, and with their lands not being soaked with all of the chemicals their environment is healthier for their families as well. The benefits of supporting the growers of natural cotton reach far beyond the clothing itself, and even beyond the value of organic yoga wear!

To know more about organic yoga wear, please visit our website.

[tags]organic yoga wear[/tags]