While breathing the ‘essential breath’ and returning to our natural
rhythms is key to our journey of self-knowledge and vibrant good health,
we need not ignore or turn away from the mundane and often gritty
aspects of our basic selves. There can evolve a pleasant rhythm to the
maintenance activities in life. There is beauty in simplicity. By becoming
mindful and aware in the present moment the most humble task has the
possibility to become a meditation, dance or prayer. If the eye is clear,
said Jesus, our body will be filled with light. When our attention is
receptive and accepting, all that we see may become a source of
teaching.

According to Kabir, the 15th century Indian poet, (a favorite of mine)

“When the eyes and ears are open, even the leaves on
the trees teach like pages from the scriptures.”

Every act or task we perform with mindfulness and care may plant a
seed of awakening. The Buddhists say that even chopping wood and
carrying water can lead us to healing and joy if we bring to them our
absolute full and loving attention. As Mother Teresa said, “We do no
great thing. We do only small things with great love.”

Yet, at times the seemingly simplest of things can become complicated.
Like when it’s time to wash your yoga mat. Can your love for your
practice and hope for a sweet-smelling prop, win over the fear of
wrecking your cool mat?

Can you wash your yoga mat, and if so, how? What is the best way
to do it?

The first thing to consider is what type of mat you have. Is it a
standard synthetic yoga mat or one of the newer, all-natural rubber
mats? Is your mat a padded exercise mat with a foam core? Follow
manufacturer’s directions if at all possible. If needed, follow theses
steps…

~ If your mat is lightly soiled,… use a spray bottle, damp
sponge or terry-cloth rag to apply a solution of 2 cups water, four drop
dishwashing soap and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Rub the soiled areas.
Next wipe the mat with clean water. Finish by rubbing with a dry terry-
cloth towel and hanging to air dry.

~ If your mat is heavily soiled,… submerge it in a solution
of warm water and a very small amount of mild detergent. Any soap
residue may cause the mat to become slippery during future use. Hand
wash mat thoroughly then rinse it in clean water. After squeezing out
excess water, lay the mat on a dry terry-cloth towel and roll them both up
together. Repeatedly step on the mat/towel roll to squeeze out even
more moisture. Finally, unroll mat and hang to air-dry.

***If you have a foam filled mat, do not submerge…repeat spray/wipe
method!

Namaste’

© 2005 Karen B. Cohen All Rights Reserved.

Karen B. Cohen C.L.C. RYT500 is a wellness coach and master yoga
instructor, writer and speaker residing in a college town in rural Virginia.
Karen leads people to their own limitless supply of creativity and vitality
so that they can express their talent and abilities fully in the world. She
incorporates her expertise in mind-body techniques to work with a wide
spectrum of clients. Karen provides seminars, workshops as well as
individual coaching and training nationally and internationally.

For more information go to KarenCohenYoga.blogspot.com
and RockbridgeCoaching.blogspot.com

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If you are thinking about taking a yoga class, please bear in mind a couple of pointers. Not only are all classes not the same, the yoga instructors aren’t the same either. In the right yoga class, you will feel comfortable. That means you are more likely to come back time and time again. Secondly, you are better able to get the most out of the class. Third, you get your money’s worth out of it. So, what should you look for in the yoga class you plan to sign up for?

The Right Yoga Class Can Change Your Life

1) Experience: The most beneficial aspect of taking a yoga class is the one-on-one attention that the instructor can provide. He/she needs to be experienced. Not only should they have all the right certification(s), but they should tell you where they studied and how they are continuing the learning process. It takes years to become a quality instructor so take all the experience into account.

2) Class size: Being comfortable in your yoga class can really help you get the most out of it. If you aren’t comfortable with a large number of people in the class, you will not enjoy the class. Ideally, you should take this class with friends. In this way, you will have your own support group to discuss your progress.

3) Recommendations: As always, feedback from a friend who has taken such classes is the best way to find the good ones in your area. You’ll find that people will be glad to tell you about their experiences if you just ask. If you cannot find anyone to tell you about the course, ask to audit the course for one session. This way, you are not paying into a course that you don’t like or won’t fit well in.

Bonus Tip: Try looking for studios that offer the sessions at different times of the day. So, in case you miss one regular session you can go to one of the other sessions to maintain continuity.

The right yoga class will provide you with the right area and the right environment to enjoy all the benefits from yoga. Don’t stop looking until you find the right one for your specific needs and preferences.

Mike Singh is the publisher of http://www.yoga-made-ez.com/ On his website he provides more articles about free yoga exercises online and health benefits of yoga.

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More than ever now there seems to be people with ailments and sicknesses that doctors can not cure. Even doctors claiming to be the best in their field cannot relieve their suffering.

It’s obvious today’s society is in need of a radical change.

Years ago I was very much in need of such a change. I was in terrible shape adn seemed to catch every little thing that came along. I felt miserable most of the time. And with little or no no energy I would feel my body growing weaker each and every day. I saw doctor after doctor but no one could tell me what was wrong with me.

I decided I try like many to self-heal myslef and tried everything I could get my hands on; herbs and vitamins, tonics and cleanses, massage, acupuncture, Reiki, Rolphing, Tai Chi, all promising optimum health. But it’s when a friend invited me to partake in a hot-yoga session that my health and life eventually changed!

So what is Hot Yoga you ask? Well although Yoga may be a common phrase around the households of the world, rarely do people really know what it is.

Yoga has many different types and practices, and the one that really impacted my health is “Hot Yoga”. This is the nickname for Birkram yoga. This type of yoga was named after its creator, Bikram Choudury. The reason it is called hot yoga is because this form of yoga is practiced in hot rooms where the rooms are normally at an average temperature of 115 degrees Fahrenheit. This form of yoga focuses on balancing and stretching and is also used to create pressure in your body. This pressure is created by blocking the circulation and blood flow in your body with your stretching and then feeling the blood rush through your veins with the release of your stretch. You can feel your veins being flushed out and cleansed. This is one of the main points of hot yoga.

Hot yoga has 26 different poses for you to practice. And the reason that this is performed in a hot room is so that your entire body is warmed up which allows you to work deep into your muscles and tendons. This helps to heal and exercise your body inside and out. This type of yoga, like many others, is great for decreasing any chronic pains that you may have and even maintaining the health that you already have. With hot yoga you can reduce stress, lose weight and much more. You will find yourself in great physical and mental health by practicing hot yoga.

People tend to imagine yoga as something that is hard and painful, but you’d be surprised at how different it is to practice yoga in a hot room. The heat allows you to go deep into the yoga pose and saves your body from feeling any pain. You begin begin with the standing poses, backbends, forward bends, and then twists and once you reach the last of the 26 poses you feel like you have accomplished something amazing, which you have. Each of these poses are done twice and held for a certain amount of time. Depending on whether you are a beginner or a professional with yoga, these times will differ so that you do not injure yourself and you are familiar with the process. Each of these poses does not only work your muscles and limbs, but it also works on your organs and nervous system. Because hot yoga promotes sweat it’s the perfect way to eliminate your inner toxins!

There are a few tips that you need to be aware of before you begin your hot yoga practice. This type of yoga includes an extreme amount of sweating. This means that it would be best for you to wear as little clothing as possible and clothing that you would be comfortable sweating in. Also because of all this sweating, it is important to drink plenty of water before beginning your hot yoga session.

If you are searching for your hot yoga studio there are a few things that you should look for. There are many hot yoga studios that are not certified by Bikram himself. This means that they are not authentic and may not follow the proper procedures. Before you sign up for any classes, you need to ensure that the studio has been certified by Bikram. This will ensure that you are getting the proper instruction that you require. Hot yoga is a great alternative method of healing and can help you make that healthy connection between your body, mind and soul. Yoga of all kinds can help you achieve this connection, but hot yoga does this in a more obvious and powerful way.

If you’re already interested and curious about Yoga and are looking to start I highly recommend you try the cleansing power of Hot Yoga!

Fuel your mind, body and soul and come get the facts on your health and
wellness, nutrition and weight loss, stress and anxiety management and self
improvement at Health And
Wellness Center

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