Tag Archives: Yoga

Yoga Pose: Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)

Posted on December 21, 2009 | Leave a comment

Yoga Pose: Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)
by Kerrie Cason
Downward Facing Dog Yoga Pose
Adho-Mukha = Face Downward
Svana = A Dog
Asana = Posture

Description:

Come onto your hands and knees; your wrists should be in line with your shoulders and your knees in line with your hips. Breathe in, and with your exhale, press into your palms as you tuck your toes and extend back with your heels. Your hips will draw up and back, thereby elongating the spine.

At first, keep a slight bend in the knees and then slowly straighten your legs. If you experience pain in your hamstrings or lower back, then Continue reading →

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Yoga

Tagged , , , ,

A Comprehensive Study of Yoga: Etymology, History, Poses and Instruction

Posted on July 2, 2009 | 1 Comment

A Total Approach to Understanding Yoga

What is Yoga

Understanding Your Toga Practice

Power Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Basic Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga: No, it’s not the little green dude from STAR WARS. And no, as some tend to be easily confused, it doesn’t come in flavors. So what, in essence, is Yoga? I’m glad you’re thinking along those lines… let’s take a little journey to India.

Etymology of the Word Yoga

Derived from the ancient tongue of Sanskrit, yuj, the root of the modern and contemporary term of yoga, carries with it many different meanings. Yuj itself would be considered a verb in many Latin-based languages, meaning “to control,” “to concentrate on” or “to yoke.” It has been concluded that other meanings represent the action of a uniting or joining, as well as conceptual definitions of a “mode, manner or means.”

History of Yoga

When considering the root of the word yoga, it is easier to grasp its original intention. Originating in India, Yoga is in actuality not just something, but some things. The ancient practices that are still utilized today are believed to offer Continue reading →

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Yoga

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Yoga Pose: Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

Posted on July 3, 2008 | 5 Comments

Yoga Pose: Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
By Kerrie Cason
Yoga Pose: Tadasana (Mountain Pose)\'
Tada = A Mountain
Asana = Posture

Description of Tadasana (Mountain Pose):

Tadasana is the foundation for all standing poses. At least one foot in every standing pose is in Tadasana. Everything builds from the ground up. When you stand firm and tall as a mountain, you can increase awareness of what’s going on in your own body.

Stand at the top of your mat with your feet together or hips distance apart. Make sure your toes are parallel to your mat. Gently lift all ten toes and spread them as wide as is still comfortable, and then Continue reading →

→ 5 Comments

Posted in Yoga

Tagged , , , ,

Yoga Pose: Balasana (Child’s Pose)

Posted on May 22, 2008 | 1 Comment

Yoga Pose: Balasana (Child’s Pose)
by Kerrie Cason
Balasana: Child’s Pose Side
Bala = Child
Asana = Posture

Balasana (Child’s Pose) Description:

Begin by sitting on your heels; the tops of your feet should be on the floor. Keep your knees slightly apart, about as wide as your hips, and bring your big toes together. Inhale and grow long through the spine. Exhale as you come forward, allowing your hips and the sides of your waist to rest between your thighs.

If you are a bit stiff, you can rest on top of your thighs or you can bring your knees wider apart. This will allow you to completely relax in the posture. Rest the top of your forehead on the floor (or a blanket or block if your head doesn’t reach the floor), and lay your arms next to your torso, palms face up. Continue reading →

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Yoga

Tagged , , ,

Yoga Pose: Virasana (Hero Pose)

Posted on May 15, 2008 | 5 Comments

Yoga Pose: Virasana (Hero Pose)
by Kerrie Cason
image
Vira = Man, Hero
Asana = Posture

Virasana (Hero Pose) Description:

Kneel on the floor; your knees should be touching. With the tops of your feet flat underneath you, separate them so they rest on either side of your hips. Inhale, allow yourself to elongate the spine, let your shoulders fall away from your ears. Exhale; start to sit down between your ankles. Before you fully rest your buttocks on the floor, take a moment to slide the calf muscles towards your heels. This will enable you to be more comfortable in the pose.

Your sit bones should be resting on the floor. If this is not available to you, then place a block or a blanket under them. Be sure to Continue reading →

→ 5 Comments

Posted in Yoga

Tagged , , ,

Kerrie Cason: Easy Ways to Go Green Yoga Instructor

Posted on May 1, 2008 | 4 Comments

An Introduction to Kerrie Cason: Easy Ways to Go Green Yoga Instructor

My name is Kerrie Cason, and I have been practicing yoga for over eight years with a focus on hatha yoga and vinyasa flow during the last six years.

I suppose my life experience is what has led me to the path of yoga; once I discovered it, there was nothing else I wanted to do.

I grew up overseas and traveled for most of my youth, seeing different cultures and art and people. This all affected who I am and made me curious about the philosophies of India and other countries in South East Asia. Continue reading →

→ 4 Comments

Posted in Yoga

Tagged , ,