...Stress is actually the number one killer of humans on the planet. Stress is a factor and cause of more physical and mental diseases than most of us can imagine. If you have any disease or ailment, stress will make it worse. If you are getting "stressed out," it may bring on an ailment or disease.

Just look at what stress does to your blood pressure and heart. Cancer patients recover better when they are dealing with less stress. There are many reasons to worry, and none of us is without worry or stress. Too much stress can also cause an abrupt withdrawal from society and result in a possible depression.

Stress overload can cause job burn out, chronic fatigue, and nervous breakdowns. All of these conditions can result in long-term effects that can "sap" a person's life energy, focus, and motivation.

Unfortunately, stress can also be caused by the ego, too much attachment to outcome, greed, jealousy, and hate. This is mentioned within the Yoga sutras, by patanjali, which has remained a timeless guide to human insight. Sometimes, we create our own stress and are our own wo...more

Starting a Yoga Practice

...es. The strap is held in the hands and usually wrapped around the foot, essentially acting as an arm extension. You can purchase straps at many yoga studios, online; or you can use a belt or a scarf.

Yoga Bolster - bolsters are cylindrical cushions about two feet long, usually filled with cotton. Bolsters are used for forward bending poses, for many restorative yoga poses, and as modification for certain relaxation poses (e.g., tucked under the knees during savasana). You can purchase yoga bolsters online, many yoga studios will have bolsters available, and may be able to order them for you if there are no yoga supply retailers in your area. If you do not have a bolster, you may also use a stack of blankets.

Meditation Cushion - a zafu or meditation cushion is not necessary but it is a nice item to have, sitting on the edge of the zafu is ideal for proper pelvic alignment and ease of posture when meditating. If you do not have a zafu, a firm cushion or pillow will work as well.

It is always best to purchase good quality yoga props and supplies, but you can improvise with household items while you are developing your home practice.

Un...more

An Objective View of Yoga

...ving people help, without asking for anything in return, you are practicing Karma Yoga. By praying, you are practicing a form of Bhakti Yoga. Also, by seeking and finding the pure, but unobvious truth, you may be practicing Jnana Yoga, (Union by Knowledge).

Yoga literally means Unity or Union, but each Yoga style has within itself a unique way to achieve the union of mind, body, and spirit. Yoga is non-confronting, non-conflicting, and can be integrated with many physical disciplines and religious practices. Any style of Yoga will integrate with other forms of Yoga and healing m...more

How Harmful is Yoga During Pregnancy?

...lly accompanies the experience.

Adrenaline has been known to stop the production of Oxytocin, which is the hormone that causes labor to begin. By practicing yoga breathing techniques during pregnancy, you will be able to calm yourself down, block the over production of adrenaline, and let your labor commence more rapidly.

Practicing yoga during pregnancy will also teach you how to meditate. Practicing meditation takes some work, but once you get the hang of it, you can slow down your breathing and relax your heartbeat. This is beneficial to both yourself and your baby during labor and delivery.

There are a few positions you need to avoid while practicing yoga during your pregnancy. Back-bending poses can put unnecessary strain on your back. And aggravate the back pain that normally occurs at some point during any pregnancy. Also, when doing a forward bend, you will be forced to spread your legs farther apart as your pregnancy advances d...more