Yoga poses for beginners

"Be proud of who you are"

-Unknown

As a beginner in yoga, you soon find that there are some distinct poses that routines are made up of, often revisiting them throughout the routine. Here I will briefly explain some of them and what they look like when you do them correctly.

Downward dog or downward facing dog

-One of the most basic poses that is revisited again and again, the name comes from what its appearance

A good downward dog is vital in yoga! 

Childs pose

-One of the most relaxing and restorative poses in yoga, at the beginning or end of a routine- Its a nice position to be in!

Shavasana

- Another thoroughly relaxing pose, that basically involves lying on the floor on your back. This generally takes place at the end of a routine- a welcome break and a time to cool down

Upwards facing dog

-Almost the opposite of a downwards facing dog, another dog themed pose name!

Plank

-A traditional stretch non yoga related, basically like a push up

These are only a few of the hundreds of poses that are included in yoga routines, you can find more by just typing in yoga poses to google!

Recapitulation- What is it?

"Wake up to your own truth"

-Unknown

Last night, I decided to do one of my favourite yoga routines, and it ended with something that the instructor called recapitulation. The definition of this is not actually related to yoga, but is instead a general term defined as: 

This links in with what recapitulation was in the practice; it required you to go through the aspects of your day, extracting conversation and interactions and how they made you feel, instead focusing on the basic activities that you took part in that day from waking up, lunch and finally to the present time. 

It was beneficial in making you feel as though you were letting go of the day- pushing it to one side so that tomorrow you can start a new one without thinking about the previous.  

 

Don't Forget To Breathe

"Wake up to your own truth"

-Unknown

 

During a yoga routine, one of the key aspects that you are instructed to draw attention to is your breath. Why is this, You ask? Well let's find out...

Breathing connects with and has an effect on our emotional, physical and mental state. Breathing is also something that you can focus on, and draw your attention to, especially when you find your mind busy and occupied with the trials of everyday life. The concept of drawing full attention towards ones breathing also links in the practice of meditation, closely connected with yoga. Becoming conscious of ones breathing even activates a different part of the brain, I won't go into the complex names and explanation, but to put it simply activating this part of the brain has a relaxing and balancing effect on the emotions a person experiences. 

Breathing during a yoga practice can also help to ease you into a pose that may be more challenging. 

"Awareness of breath and synchronizing breath and movement is what makes yoga, yoga; and not gymnastics or any other physical practice."

-Esther Ekhart

More can be found on:

http://www.doyouyoga.com/why-is-breath-so-important-in-yoga/

http://www.ekhartyoga.com/blog/the-importance-of-breath-in-yoga

There's No Excuse!

"Act, Don't React"

-Unknown

I was recently on holiday in Bali, Indonesia home of zen, great surfing and amazing chicken satay for a couple of weeks, when I realised something; There is No excuse to Not do yoga or meditation even when you are away from home. Even taking just 10 minutes to do a few stretches and bends and some deep breathing can be beneficial, and also prevent you from taking a complete break from yoga. In one of the hotels that we stayed at we could even practice yoga outside on the deck, which was brilliant for breathing, especially with all of that fresh air available! 

Below are a few photos taken in Bali... 

Some of the hotels we stayed in even supplied their OWN yoga mats specially for you to use, which was amazing and completely unexpected!

Yoga Outside Your Own Practice

"Live light, Travel light, Spread the light, Be the light"
-Unknown



June 21st 2015

Thousands of people flock to New Delhi, India to join the international day of yoga celebration taking place in India. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi led the general public, including school children and members of the armed forces, in aim to clear peoples mind and put yoga on the World map.


The pictures below further show that the practice of yoga can also bring people together on a common ground, despite their differences and prejudice. Here are the photos taken from all over India:

Read more about this at: http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2015/06/21/indias-narendra-modi-leads-thousands-in-international-day-of-yoga-celebration/