mario

...ssisting in teaching a yoga class, etc. On-site courses are typically very hands-on. The higher quality off-site courses may have a community, teacher forum, Blog, regular newsletter, and Email or telephone support. Some hands-on training is important, so when possible, study with local teachers to enhance the practical component of your training.

* How much support will I get from my instructor? In an on-site course, students are in close, regular contact with an instructor. That means there is always someone there to troubleshoot with, ask questions of and to demonstrate things live and in person. Off-site yoga courses lack this characteristic. This doesn't mean that an off-site course won't give you the kind of training that you need. Rather, look for one that gives unrestricted access to an instructor (by phone, Email, etc.). You'll fare better than choosing one that offers little in the way of support.

Once you evaluate your own situation, weigh your needs and resources against available courses. You'll have a better idea whether to choose on or off-site yoga training. No matter which you pick, quality content is the key to your success. Choose wisely and the results will be worth the investment.

Copyright 2008 - Jerard & Granger / Aura Publications

Yoga positions For Beginners - Be the Tortoise, Not the Hare

...sentially, you must learn to 'listen' to what your body is telling you; don't push too hard for too long. Your capabilities WILL improve over time but if you initially attempt too much then injury could result and this will set you back even further. A yoga instructor is necessary to provide a daily routine for you to follow. Yes, yoga books have their place, but you simply can't make as much progress as with the guiding hand of an experienced practitioner of the art. Join a class, see what problems and benefits other beginners are experiencing and then go for it.

Remember, yoga positions for beginners are simply that - a stepping stone to more advanced techniques which will yield even greater physical and mental benefits.

Here's to speedy progress!<...more

Yoga And Depression? Yoga Teaches About Depression

...lps with depression:

1. One of the main ideas of yoga is to bring balance into our lives. Yoga creates balance in the structure of the body that leads to balance of the mind. Depression is like leaning to far of to one side, it only becomes easier to fall into it the closer you get. Being depressed causes the mind to become obsessed with a particular thought pattern. So in yoga we stand evenly on both feet. This balances our body that leads the mind to balance and out of depression.

2. Practicing asanas makes us strong, flexible and resilient. As these qualities move into our body the mind takes on the similar patterns. With time yoga helps us develop strength to push through depression, flexibility to accept changes in how we believe thi...more

Kriya Yoga - Brief History

...at happens to a soul when he reaches a state of Samahdi, one would have to listen to the story of that raindrop who fell into the ocean, suddenly realizing that he was no longer a raindrop, but the ocean itself.

Kriya Yoga is but one of many yoga techniques that prepare the candidate for this experience and it is said to be the ultimate liberation from suffering and the consequences of maya (illusion). The souls who managed to attain Samahdi are definitively freed from the bondage of kharma, the law of action and reaction or consequence.<...more