Favorite Asana

Everyone has their favorite posture. I have numerous favorite asana (posture) depending on the season, and time of day. I tend to incorporate Triangle posture known as (Trikonasana in Sanskrit) every day.
The corresponding chakra is the second chakra which is located close the genital and the reproductive organs.An imbalance in this charka causes several problem in the body such as pre-menstral sydrome, irregular period, testicular, uterine fibroids, pre-menstrual syndrome, irregular periods, ovarian cysts, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, low back pain and prostate disease.

When done properly, the benefits are vast among other asanas. The benefits are as follows:
• Helps to strengthen legs, knees, ankles, joints, hips, groin muscles, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest and spine abdominal, oblique, and back.
• Stimulates function of all the abdominal organs.
• Relieves stress, sciatica, backache and neck pain
• Improves digestion and constipations.
• Helps with symptoms of menopause, and
• Therapeutically for anxiety, and infertility

One the same note, sometimes we have an asana (posture) that we struggle with. We have to continue to practice because we practice we perfect the posture to a point we close our eye and hold the posture for a longer time. Is it fear or we forgot to incorporate the breath that we will fall out of the posture? Teachers do fall out of posture. We are human and we are constantly practice as well and uniting our body, mind and spirit.

This inspiring quote by Marianne Williamson is from her book, A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles, Harper Collins, 1992. From Chapter 7, Section 3 (Pg. 190-191).


“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”


I will like you to share your favorite and worst posture and why the asana you choose is your favorite or worst. Make sure you subscribe to the blog.

My Yoga Practice

From East to West, and North to South, I have been pleased to share my yoga practices and have been taught by so many wonderful teachers that continue to encourage me to look with. I draw inspiration from this chakra.

In all these years of practicing, I never thought I could recount my experiences of when I embarked on this journey. I have done yoga in a crowded Airport – Atlanta, California, Detroit, Spain, Dubai and many others before I board my plane to a trip. In respect to the strange look, I felt at ease and peace with myself. I can listen better and more patient with others. I have pulled over on a long trip to meditate in respective of time.

As a yoga practitioner, my goal is to share my practice and bring all my knowledge of yoga to newbie, and all level of yoga practitioners in respective of their goal and also continue to learn from inspiring teachers. When I started yoga 12 years ago, in addition to my regimen; running, biking, hiking, practicing tae kwon do, and soccer. I was not in competition with anyone but with my own self. Being in a competition mindset; I wanted to do each asana very well. I did not understand the prana and chakra. At times, I did not join to chant since I was not aware of the meaning of OM.

I will attempt every asana you can imagine as seen in Ivengar. Sometimes, I failed in my tree just moments as I was holding the tree posture. It is almost like I lost in a running competition with myself. I know there was more to yoga than just holding my headstand for 5 minutes. I began to read vast books and attend seminar dealing with yoga, philosophy and teaching. Unfortunately, most yoga studio in America is vastly focused on the asana; the physical posture. I felt there was more to yoga than the physical aspect. Yoga is well rounded. Yoga comprises of meditation, chanting, kriya, fasting, breathing, prana (energy), food, cleanliness, contentment, compassion, and much more.

A majority of yoga practitioners just like me have come to understand that yoga is a way of life not just a hobby or a cult. Some people come to their first yoga class for various reasons, in competition with one another. I encourage you to hold your postures longer and look within your mind, connecting the body with the mind and spirit with come along with the journey. I welcome to share your experience with me.
I am inspired to post this blog for my friend – Margret Nedelkoff and her devotion to her yoga practice. I wish her the very best in this journey. She has an amazing practice and she will share her yoga experiences.

In Summary, I am sharing these words with you. “Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny.” - Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

Where is the best place to practice?

There is no one best place to practice. Make the the time, the place will come. You can find a place to pratice yoga, meditation, kriya and chanting indoors or outdoors. You can bring your practice in the comfortable of your own home, gym, studio, park, rooftop, beach and many other places. All you need is a yoga mat and oneself.

I must say I prefer to practice outdoors because you can enjoy all of nature and elements of charka. It is beautiful to see a tree as your practicing tree. The sound of the bird and stillness of the water. The heavenly light and dark makes your radiant through your practice.

In the cold weather, I practice indoors. I dedicate a portion of my room for my practice. I don't wear my shoes into my room. It is a scared ground where I devote my practice for the union of my body, mind and spirit.

I welcome you to find your home practice as well as devote a place for meditation.


Here are some pictures of my practice.

Who is Yoga for?

Yoga is great for everyone. Children and adulta can practie yoga. Yoga has many aspects ranging from the physical posture known as asana, meditation, pranayama (breath work), eating choices, habits and choice of life. Yoga can improve strength, strong and flat core, and weight lost. Yoga can increase flexibility and help with chronic back pain especially most people. Yoga can provide deep relaxation especially sunset yoga. Yoga can reduce stress. Older people will modify the posture to what they need, very althetic people can hold posture for a long time for extra and children can play in posture with parents.

All you need to practice yoga mat and comfortable clothing.

Smiling and laughter is also part of yoga.

Feel free to comment.

Namaste.

Yoga rock the Mall, Washiggton, DC

It is my pleasure to welcome Shiva Rea in DC. I want to personally thank her for sharing her presence for this yoga festival in Washington, DC.


I am delighted to invited my fellow yogis to join us in the park for our morning saluation and then join Shiva Rea from 1pm to 5pm. I express my gratitude and very much humble to be in Washington, DC for this event. Bring your mat and a friend to share this amazing experience.



If you are free, please come to join and support this event. Location: 15st Sw and Constitution, right in the Mall.


Tip of the Day: Always remember to Breathe


Namaste

Yeah! Yoga in the Park

Namaste Fellow Yogis and Yoginis;
I hope everyone is doing well and having a great spring. I would love to hear of all the fun you had and I in turn share mine, with all my new aspiration with you. The weather is warming up for yoga in the park not minding the little rains that we are keep having here and there.
It is my pleasure again to continue our yoga practice in the Park from May 15, 2010 through September 2010 and even through October 2010, weather permitting. The class time remains the same from 10:00 am through 11:30 am at the Meridian Hill Park also known as Malcolm X Park in Washington, D.C. I will be close to the stage of the main park. I will be there before class.
My desire is to bring yoga to everyone, give back to my community and fellow Indians the gift that was brought to the West many years ago. I enjoy nature at best while feeling liberated to salute the Sun in the great park. Even though it is a donation class, do not feel you need to bring money in order to attend the class. Sometimes the smile, energy, love, hug and friendship we bring to yoga to share with one another is enough. Come and enjoy this practice and share with friend, family or loved ones even at home. Sharing my yoga practice has opened my heart to continue to give back to this Universe here in Washington. I am calling for you to share your practice with others and dedicate your practice to someone that will need the energy and send gratitude for this beautiful space on Earth. I encourage bringing your yoga mat, and more especially (specifically) come with an open mind. Spread the word to your friends and family. I will be open for question and answers.
I will also be sending yoga posture of the week in my blog and email.
Thanks for this moment and live your best life.
http://www.bestlifeyoga.com/
http://www.bestlifeyoga.blogspot.com/
Namaste, Beth

Awesome Spring

Are you getting ready for spring and summer yoga in the park? Don't forgot yoga in the park is about to start in May. I will be there rain or shine. I will be sharing yoga of the week in the park and tips to bring yoga to everyday in the office

Spread the word to your friends, co-workers and family.

Bring yoga to the grassroot level and sharing this practice with the community.
I will be sharing some video on youtube.

It is purely donation class.
Namaste