December 10th, 2008
If you are going to practice yoga you should definitely become familiar with the nutrition aspect of doing so. Generally speaking, the basic principle of nutrition as a yogi is to eat high quality food in small quantities. This may be a big change for you, but soon enough you will see how this goes along with practicing yoga on a regular basis. High quality foods are defined as those that help both mentally and physically without producing excess toxins.
Recommended foods include nuts, fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. Again, this may not sound like a balanced diet but once you learn more about yoga and the best nutrition practices you will realize that there are plenty of options to consider.
Green vegetables are considered the best and include broccoli, spinach, and lettuce. These are thought to have a higher life force than other vegetables, as well as the ability to promote overall well-being.
Fruit is also important from a nutrition point of view as a yogi. Of all foods, fruits have the highest life force and are easily digested. By providing quick energy without toxins it is easy to see why fruits are so popular among those interested in practicing yoga.
What about meat? This is one question that many new yogis ask time after time. You should be cautious of eating meat if you truly want to live this lifestyle. While you do not have to become a vegetarian, it is important to keep meat out of your life for the most part. It is believed that eating meat can result in a lower life force for the person consuming it. To go along with this, meat will increase the level of bodily toxins.
As you can see, practicing yoga can be much more than learning the postures and meditation. It can also dictate the type of diet you follow.
Tags: diet, nutrition
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December 9th, 2008
Urdhva Hastasana arises out of Tadasana. In this pose the sides of the body are full stretched and the spine lifted. By practicing the pose one feels rejuvenated and light.
- Find an even surface and stand with the feet together. Look down at the feet as this will help you to be more conscious of them. Bring the big toes to touch evenly together and press the balls of the big toes down. Keep them pressing down as you spread the weight to the inner heels and outer edges of the feet. Distribute the weight evenly on both feet.
- Take your fingers to the thighs and looking at the thighs press them back until you feel the weight come onto the front edge of the heels. Do not shift or move the feet about. You will notice that with weight on the heels, the thighs lift the kneecaps up and the legs become firm and straight.
- Keeping the thighs back, take one hand to the lower belly and the other hand to the buttocks. As you lift the pit of the belly up, draw the buttocks down. This lifts the pelvis to vertical, prevents the buttocks from sticking out, and minimizes arching of the lower back. Keep the legs firm and straight.
- Maintain the position and actions of the feet, thighs and pelvis as you roll the thighs in so the knees point straight forward.
- Now spread and open the chest, by turning the upper arms out, and bring the shoulder blades into the back. This is Tadasana
- Now, extend the arms to front and in line with the shoulders. Keep the arms firm, straight and parallel with the fingers extended and the palms facing each other.
- With an inhalation raise the arms to vertical so that they are in line with the ears. Do not let the back arch and work to maintain tadasana in the trunk.
- Stay in this pose for up to a minute as you quietly lift the trunk and extend the arms. If the arms remain bent then take the palms wider apart and stretch from the inner elbows to the palms to make the arms straighten.
Tags: Urdhva Hastasana
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December 9th, 2008
General Guidelines: An open mind, empty stomach, and bare feet are recommended. Do not strain or force any movements.
Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Pay special attention to breath and body alignment. Hold each pose for a minimum of five inhalations/exhalations (about half a minute).
- Stand with your feet completely together, heels and base of big toes touching; weight centered through the front of the heels.
- Arms at your side (no hands on hips!), fingertips drip down to the floor.
- Roll your thighbones off one another, pelvis in neutral alignment.
- Broaden your collarbones and roll your shoulders back.
- Chin level with the floor, keep the crown of the head spiraling upward, spine straight.
- Engage abdominal muscles.
- Breathe with the ujjayi breath, in through the noseout through the mouth with a slight ha sound.
Tags: Standing Mountain Pose, Tadasana
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