Category Archives: Yoga

Defining Prana in Yoga

Posted on March 4, 2011 | Leave a comment

Understanding What Prana Means in a Yoga Practice

Defining Prana in YogaContinuing to delve deeper into all things Yoga, there’s a term that is essential in the study, or that you may have heard in a class that offers substantial meaning. Based on the what you already know (the fact that this post is entitled PRANA), let’s consider exactly what Prana is.

Defining Prana

For starters, the definition of Prana is fairly simple. It is referred to as the “breath” or “life force” that exists within all living beings and the natural universe. Stretching far beyond this simplified definition, the physical manifestation of Prana is portrayed by the manner in which our bodies carry out simple, involuntary acts, such as breathing, hunger and thirst. Continue reading →

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Yoga Pose: Utkatasana (Chair Pose)

Posted on February 8, 2011 | Leave a comment

Yoga Pose: Utkatasana (Chair Pose)
By Kerrie Cason

Yoga Pose: Utkatasana, Chair Pose

Yoga Pose: Utkatasana, Chair Pose

Utkata = Powerful, fierce
Asana = Posture

Description:

Begin your pose in Tadasana. Place your feet together, inner heels and big toes touching, or hips distance apart. As you find your Tadasana, be sure the weight is evenly distributed to all four corners of your feet. Lift up with your inner and outer arches as well as your inner and outer ankles. This sounds complicated, but if you focus your attention on these areas, over time you will find that you can accomplish it. Yoga is something to practice without interruption over a long period of time. This is how we grow in our practice.

Lift your arms above your head, palms facing inward. Be sure to slide your shoulder blades down your back and away from your ears, moving them away from the spine while keeping the back wide. If you are experiencing any pain in the shoulders and raising the arms is difficult, then bring your hands to prayer in front of your heart. Your neck should remain long as you look up towards your hands. The upper inner arms are in line with your ears.

With a deep inhale, bend your knees and sink your hips. Move your shins back shifting the weight into your heels. Don’t let your heels lift up off the ground. Even though you’d like to find yourself sitting at a ninety-degree angle, only sit as low as is comfortable for you. Continue reading →

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Yoga Pose: Ardha Chaturanga Dandasana (Plank Pose)

Posted on June 17, 2010 | 1 Comment

Ardha Chaturanga Dandasana (Plank Pose)
By Kerrie Cason

Ardha Chaturanga Dandasana or Plank Pose 2

Ardha Chaturanga Dandasana or Plank Pose 2

Ardha = Half
Chatur = Four
Anga = Limb
Danda = Staff
Asana = Posture

Ardha Chaturanga Dandasana Description:

Find your way into Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog). Inhale and gently rock forward so your spine is long and your wrists are in line with your shoulders. You will be in a pushup position, balanced on the balls of your feet. Your body will be parallel with the floor. Be sure your feet are still hips distance apart and your hands are shoulder width apart. Continue reading →

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Best Resources for Yoga Clothes

Posted on May 24, 2010 | 1 Comment

What to Wear for Yoga — For Beginners and Beyond
Resources for Yoga Clothes

Have you taken a Yoga class yet? Not that you’re expected to participate in Yoga to live a green lifestyle — but if you haven’t hopped in a class, why not? There is no better way to start the day than a Sun Salutation. Regardless of your workout regimen (you do have a work out regimen, yes?), Yoga can fit nicely into your routine.

Now that you’re convinced, what exactly should you wear, or what’s most appropriate to wear when you are participating in Yoga? There’s a sufficient amount of mystique surrounding Yoga for someone who may never Continue reading →

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Essential Yoga Tools

Posted on February 18, 2010 | 1 Comment

Exactly What You Need to Practice Yoga

Essential Yoga Tools

Essential Yoga Tools


Can you participate in Yoga without the proper tools? Sure, as long as you don’t mind bruised elbows and knees. Truth be told, I used to love doing Yoga on a concrete patio in the sunshine, and didn’t mind the fact that I was covered with little pebbles, dust and a mud concoction of sweat and dirt after I was finished.

If that sounds just as fun to you, maybe a career in the military is more of what you’re looking for, as opposed to the Yoga groove? Hands down, Yoga is enjoyable for MOST individuals in an environment accompanied by certain Yoga tools.

Yoga Tools?

You say tomato, I say to-mahto, yes? Yoga tools are all those things you use in Yoga participation. From clothing to straps and bricks, it can all make your Yoga practice a little more intense or focused, and your time spent on a mat more beneficial. Continue reading →

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Yoga Pose: Uttanasana (Intense Standing Forward Fold)

Posted on February 1, 2010 | Leave a comment

Yoga Pose: Uttanasa (Intense Standing Forward Fold)
By Kerrie Cason

Yoga Pose: Uttanasana of Intense Forward Fold

Yoga Pose: Uttanasana of Intense Forward Fold


Ut = Intense
Tan = To Stretch
Asana = Posture

Description:

Begin in Tadasana. Your feet can be together or hips distance apart. First take a deep inhale, and using your exhale, bow forward, bending at the hips. Don’t round your back — the idea is to eventually lay your stomach on your thighs. Until you can achieve this, Continue reading →

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