Yoga in Practice - Hidden Opportunities to Learn

Jnana yoga does not have to exist within the study of scripture only. We can also learn useful lessons by observing the actions of others. Have you ever noticed that those people who tend to cause new rules to be instituted, never stay in one place very long?

They wear out their welcome fast. They may go through a number of jobs, creating new rules for everyone else, they leave behind. These are the rule breakers of life. In yoga studios, on the job, or out in traffic, they set precedents everywhere they go.

Rule breakers tend to be self-serving and negative about life in general. Everyone owes them something, life is never fair to them, and their surrounding environment is to blame for all the wrongs life has done to them. Their family, job, society, and friends are at fault for their lot in life.

Believe it or not, you can learn a lot by watching a rule breaker in practice. My grandfather used to say, Even the court jester can teach you something. It is very true in this case, as well.

For a start, we can learn how not to act, but there is much more. How are this persons listening skills? Chances are - this person does not listen to others. In fact, part of making lasting friendships, partnerships, and relationships, is to listen to others empathically.

Does this person take responsibility for his or her actions? Usually, this person feels they are smarter than everyone else, but a victim of circumstance when schemes do not have the desired result.

The irony is - a rule breaker will never be navigated by reality, unless he or she makes a big change in attitude. Therefore, always be guided by common sense and ethics.

Copyright 2007 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free yoga e-book: "yoga in practice," and a Free yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

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Yoga and the Mind/Body Connection

yoga is most famous for its healing ability and the peace of mind that it brings. How does yoga do this?

The body has two nervous systems, sympathetic, and parasympathetic. The sympathetic system, also called the fight or flight system, causes blood pressure to rise, breath rate to increase, and stress hormones to flood the body. This prepares the body for fight, and in todays world, this occurs when we are stressed or agitated. This system, when over stimulated, can cause health problems like ulcers, migraines, and heart disease.

The parasympathetic system does just the opposite, lowering blood pressure and slowing the pace of your breathing. This frees the blood to travel to digestive, reproductive, glandular, and immune systems of the body, because it doesnt need to rush to the muscles. These systems contain the organs that are essential for long term survival. The body has time now to heal from the damage of daily battles. Long, deep breathing exercises encourage the actions of the parasympathetic system, allowing relaxation and healing. The breathing meditations practiced in yoga encourage the parasympathetic nervous system.

yoga encourages the mind to calm itself as well. By concentrating on breathing, your mind doesnt wander, and it is encouraged to stay connected to the body, in the now. The more we daydream and reminisce, the less our mind is open to the good things happening now. We tend to miss out on embracing the moments that are happening now. There is a connection between the emotional and psychological states and the pace of our breathing. When we are excited or frightened we take shorter, quicker, shallow breaths; when we are sleeping, or very relaxed, our breathing is longer and deeper.

yoga teaches the mind to change the breathing pattern, to make breaths slower and deeper, and the state of our mind is similarly affected, being calmer, and quieter. Over time, those who practice yoga will act and think from a state of peace, making them more likely to act with patience and understanding. The breath helps us to concentrate on staying connected to the present time, helping us move on from past grievances and sadness, viewing the world as it is, without false expectations. Those who practice yoga accept themselves and others just as they are.

Being in good shape physically affects peoples moods. Strengthening the muscles and joints helps us feel better physically, and reducing blood pressure and stimulating the immune systems lead those who practice yoga to a state of peace in addition to physical health.

discover more about fundamental principles of yoga and yoga breathing exercises at pilates-yoga.info.

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