YOGIC METHODOLOGY Archives

Lotus Flowers, Yoga and the Ajna Chakra

September 11, 2023September 6, 2023

There are a number of Yoga practices that can help to stimulate and balance the Ajna Chakra. These practices include physical Yoga postures, pranayama exercises and chanting the bija mantra of this chakra, “Aum.” Because the very essence of the energy that creates, sustains and dissolves physical reality resides in the Ajna Chakra, chanting this primordial seed mantra will re-calibrate this energy center, so that it is balanced and healthy. If you chant Aum while holding your gaze in Shambhavi Mudra, the effect of your practice will be much stronger. Shambhavi Mudra simply means to hold your gaze at the point directly between your eyebrows in an unremitting fashion.

The Seven Chakra System of Hatha Yoga

September 6, 2023September 6, 2023

Just as the state of our physical health depends on our habits, so does the state of our chakra balance. If we are regular yoga practicener our chakras are generally get balanced and the flow of cosmic energy through these chakras is smooth. Since the imbalance in the chakras is caused by emotional stress, you can evaluate the state of your chakras by symptoms reflected by the individual chakra for its balance or imbalance.

Modified Yoga Poses

August 31, 2023August 31, 2023

Some students may even feel fear when they step onto the mat because they are afraid they will not be able to meet their own high expectations of themselves or the perceived high expectations of their teacher or the class at large. For instance, in some Yoga teacher training classes, there is a strong emphasis put on being able to drop back into Upward Facing Bow from a standing position. However, dropping back into this challenging backbend may not be appropriate for all teacher trainees, during every class.

Yoga Poses for the Fourth Chakra

August 30, 2023August 27, 2023

The Fourth Chakra or Anahata Chakra is located in the heart region in both the front and backside of the torso. It is the mid-way point…

Throat Chakra Balancing – Singing Kirtan

August 13, 2023August 13, 2023

Chanting mantras and the sacred names of Gods and Goddesses with the ragas is an important element of Kirtan singing in the context of a Yoga practice. The musical arrangements of the notes themselves deeply impact the chakras. There are a number of Kirtan musicians who have recorded a variety of devotional chants in a classical Yogic fashion.

Yoga Exercises for Mindfulness

October 14, 2024August 5, 2023

Yoga training is a great practice for mindfulness because your yogic practice can teach you how to be more aware of your entire experience from start to finish. The great thing about adding mindfulness to your asana practice is that it can also help you to avoid injury.

How to Keep your Heart Open in Warrior 1 Pose

September 4, 2023August 4, 2023

Warrior 1 Pose is a solution to much of what ails humankind. In our day-to-day lives, many painful, difficult and stressful experiences are held in the body and mind. Relationships that are challenging at best, and devastatingly painful at worst, often close down our heart areas. A collapsed chest area and tense shoulders also restrict our capacity to breath fully and deeply.

Yoga Poses for Lower Back Pain

August 16, 2023July 22, 2023

Several Yoga asana techniques are especially helpful for lower back pain. Caution should be exercised when beginning these postures if…

Yoga Poses for the First Chakra

March 10, 2024July 4, 2023

To practice Uttanasana, stand at the top of your Yoga mat in Samasthiti with your feet parallel and hips’ distance apart. With an inhale, raise your arms over your head. With an exhale, slowly bring your arms down along the sides of your body until they reach your knees, shins or toes.

Beyond the Science of Yoga

July 2, 2023July 1, 2023

Dharma is the “Way,” or the laws that govern nature and the universe itself. According to the texts of The Bhagavadgita, yoga is one of the paths toward salvation and realizing the inter-connectedness of everything, from microscopic creatures to the massive sun that shines down on us all.