Yoga & Health A Newletter for Inner Peace, Health & Happiness
www.omsatyananda.com
2011 Miami, Florida
Emotional, Psychological & Spiritual Healing Release Traumas Rooted in the Unconscious A SPECIAL SEMINAR WITH SWAMI BRAHMAVIDYANANDA
You
have great have great potential to heal yourself. Yoga provides holistic therapies and practices that can help us to release traumas deeply rooted in the unconscious. Learn practical applications for self-healing as revealed in the ancient Vedic tradition. Discover how healing can take place to create deeper peace and clarity. Swami Brahmavidyananada shares decades of experience successfully using these techniques to support health and well-being. Both therapists and laypeople will benefit from understanding these techniques, using them with their students and themselves in the journey towards wellness. “Every man is potentially creative, and the seeds of genius are asleep within him. “
Meet your true inner self Develop self-confidence, courage and will power Experience infinite powers of healing within you Discover your hidden potential and spiritual energy The Power is available for your use, the connection is also ready. It is up to you to switch on.
Sunday, June 12, 2011 10 AM– 4 PM For information The Institute of Holistic Yoga 7970 SW 13 Terrace• Miami, FL Call (305) 267-6772 www.omsatyananda.com
Swami Brahmavidyananda Saraswati Swamiji is the director of the Institute of Holistic Yoga North America Satyananda Ashram Miami, Florida. Swamiji of India is a direct disciple of Paramahamsa Satyananda. For over 40 years Swamiji has served as a guide to thousands of spiritual aspirants, health professionals and people throughout the world who believe that life can be lived joyously, healthily and peacefully. Swamiji has founded Yoga Ashrams and Centers in India, Bolivia, Colombia, Aruba, Santo Domingo and Miami. Swamiji constantly travels around the world spreading Gurudev Paramahamsa Satyananda’s Yogic Mission for the well-being of humanity. Swamiji has attained masterful understanding of the ancient science of Yoga and its powerful and beneficial effects on the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Swamiji transmits divine wisdom and imparts knowledge in a very unique and simple manner. In Swamiji’s presence everyone can experience inner peace, joy and happiness.
Man today is sick because he thinks he is sick. Sickness and disease have no place in the life of a person who does not accept and tolerate the self-limiting thoughts which are the real seeds of our myriad ailments. We stand hypnotized by the belief that disease and illness are our fate and destiny, rather than health and bliss, which are truly You are the architect of your destiny. Think positive, act our birthright and heritage. In order to emerge from our mass hypnosis and collective positive, be positive. You will change the quality of your hysteria and to experience health, joy and creative fulfillment, we must make a systemlife. You can be peaceful by yourself. atic application of yoga in our daily lives. Swami Brahmavidyananda Paramahamsa Satyananda
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Let my life go as it is! Let my life go as it is, In the direction it years to follow Keep your knowledge, your philosophy You spirituality. Your science, your social conduct, your religion, Let my life flow splendidly as a child’s Let me fly like the birds, Let me remain innocent and unknowing.
Pujya Gurudev Paramahamsa Satyananda and Swami Brahmavidyananda
The most important thing in life is peace of mind. Life is a battle ground. One’s who’s mind is peaceful, joyful, happy, content, without hatred or jealousy, one who is constantly sharing and giving without expectation can experience peace, joy, happiness, courage, will power, serenity, love, compassion, and inner strength. These are the qualities of a peaceful and joyful mind who becomes an instrument of the Divine hand. And his life becomes a beautiful garden. Infinite wisdom is within us. Suffering means weak mind, sick mind, fluctuated mind. My dear children remember, infinite ocean of joy is
The Process of Yoga Sri Swami Sivananda Yoga is a process of spiritual or divine life Yoga means union or communion with God. The Yoga system believes in a personal relationship with God and pays much importance to intuitive revelation and self-discipline. Yoga teaches how to live in accordance with the cosmic laws. Yoga holds out to us the way of self-perfection, so that one may learn to live in the Eternal. Through the practice of Yoga, you pass from darkness to light, from duality to oneness, from separation to unity, from bondage to liberation. Even a little understanding of the laws of Yoga reduces misery, lessens the sense of despair and frustration, and promotes confidence, strength, peace and happiness. Yoga purifies, transforms, and divinizes man through its eightfold means: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dhyana, Dharana and Samadhi. In the path of Yoga, the timid, the weak, the dull, and the cringing will not succeed. Those who are bold and those who can sacrifice their little self, will be successful in this path.
within you. Do not go to the temporary pleasure that will always bring you pain and unhappiness. But, experience the real knowledge and wisdom and your suffering will disappear instantly and your life will be blissful and your mind will become a beautiful garden of happiness. There is no space for any negativity in your mind because you are the immortal soul. Peace is your nature. You are born with peace. Look within, meditate how wonderful you are. The Lord is always within you. You are never alone. Remember this as an open secret towards peace and happiness.
I don’t need your knowledge, I love to roam in the jungle. Let me sing with the birds, don’t stop me. Let me laugh in the flaring garden of life Let me run amongst the rustling leaves. Let me glimpse nature at sunrise. Let forest leaves, spring water, clear air sustain me. Keep your civilization, your pride, your reputation. Let me go whenever the horizon Where worldly ways do not penetrate. Where worldly ways cannot reach. Don’t bind me by your social rules. Don’t influence me with your religions. Don’t drag me down with your conventions. Leave me alone, Let me be. Pujya Gurudev Paramahamsa Satyananda
Pranic & Psychic Healing Spiritual Retreat 2012 January 13, 14 & 15 with Swami Brahmavidyananda
Paradise Nature 3401 SW 72nd Avenue Miami, FL 33155 Registration & Information Institute of Holistic Yoga 7970 SW 13 Terrace Miami, FL 33144 (305) 267-6772 www.omsatyananda.com holisticyoga@bellsouth.net
Yoga & Health News 2011
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Reprogramming the Mind by Paramahamsa Satyananda
This is definitely possible, at least to a degree. The content of out mind is due to our environmental interactions since birth. Our mental programming has been written in response to the situations we have faced in life. It is continually being updated and modified in the light of new experiences. In this way it is possible to influence the direction in which our mind is being programmed by consciously developing attitudes, such as the ones suggested at the end of this topic. Of course, we can never overcome deep seated mental impressions. These can only be removed or at least neutralized by deeper exploration of our mind through meditational techniques. But the process of consciously developing attitudes to life is a positive step towards cleaning the whole mind, gaining relaxation and starting to live life joyously. The choice is ours: we can either take steps to make this world a veritable heaven on earth or we can remain as we are. Codes for Mental Reprogramming The codes we have formulated are not intended to be moralistic. They are a means to an end. To reiterate, they are suggestions by which you can start to consciously alter your attitude towards life‟s situations. They are intended to relax you sufficiently, so that you can eventually delve into you mind through meditational practices and thereby root out the deeper negative aspects of your mental nature. These codes are not supposed to change you lifestyle, and we don‟t advise you to force them on yourself at all times. Only remember them as you go about your daily routine and their presence will help you from within, from your subconscious „attitude centers‟. Code 1 Make the effort to begin to accept other people fully. Try not to see them merely as objects to be used for your own gratification. Try to accept others as also acting in accordance with their mental conditioning. What you see in them is only an external manifestations of their mental program. In this way they are no different from yourself, except their program may be a little different. You are now aware of your dependence on your mental conditioning; perhaps they don‟t realize it yet. If you can accept others more they in turn will start to accept you. Laugh at yourself, at your behavior and at your antics.
Code 2 Accept yourself. Know that your actions are the result of your mental makeup. For this reason don‟t worry about your deficiencies and problems. Accept your limitations. But at the same time feel the need to clean out the mind of its conflicts. It is out inability to accept ourselves that causes so much anguish in our lives. Code 3 Watch your habituated reactions to people around you and to your environment. Watch how your attachment to the external can result in so much discontentment. Try to reduce your need to find happiness in outside things. This does not mean that you should not follow external attractions for this would result in suppression which causes more harm than good. It means that you should carry on your life as it is now, but if you don‟t get what you want then accept it with a shrug of the shoulders, with a sense of detachment. Code 4 Find out your greatest needs, attachments, desires, etc. Be as critical as you can. A good method of discovering your attachments is to trace the cause of your present anger or your present unhappiness back to its source and there you will find the emotional and mental attitude that caused the disturbance. Particularly notice how you react with people whom you distinctively dislike or don‟t get on with. These persons will help you to recognize and to eventually remove your emotional hang-ups. View the whole world and everyone in it as being your teacher. Code 5 Try to live in the now. Don‟t live in the past by worrying about what has already happened or by reliving pleasurable past experiences. Don‟t anticipate the future. Plans can be made, but see the planning as being part of the now, not as really being for the future. Try to live each moment, each present moment as fully as possible by giving your attention to the now. In this way you will start to live life to the fullest. When you do anything, form taking a bath to eating food, or sweeping the floor to earning your living, try not to think of when it will be finished. Enjoy every action that you do at the time that you do it. Try to enjoy the fact that you exist and that an expression of your existence is in your every actions.
What is the relation of creation to the heart? By Paramahamsa Satyananda God’s love has to be felt just as a mother’s love or a friends love is felt. The feeling of friendliness or even of hatred is called bhava. It is an attitude of the heart. Man has various attitudes in him which are fully matured. You do not have to learn how to develop your heart. Every human being, whether a saint or an ordinary person, a child, a young woman, an old man or even a two year old infant, has a fully developed heart, because they can feel love, pain, animosity and hatred. You do not have to develop feelings, they are natural to every living being, not only human beings. Trees and animals have feelings. It is the natural tendency of every living being to react. This reaction to each other is an outcome of feeling. In order to understand the relationship between the heart and the universe you have to understand that God is the center of the universe. The heart is the eye through which you can see Him. You will never be able to see Him without heart. You can study the scriptures, the Puranas, the Koran and the Bible, but it will be to no avail. You can only see God through the eyes of your heart. The same God is the center, the inner soul of the universe and the totality of the universe. God and the universe are identical; there is absolutely no difference. Om shanti
Institute of Holistic Yoga 7970 SW 13 Terr. Miami, FL 33144 (305) 267-6772 We Offer the following Courses for Personal Physical, Mental, Emotional & Spiritual Development to Experience Inner Peace, Joy & Happiness 1. 2. 3. 4.
5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Hatha Yoga (Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced) Pranayama (Breathing Techniques) Yoga Nidra (Psychic Sleep) Deep Relaxation Meditation (Mantra yoga, Raja yoga, Kundalini, Kriya Yoga, Laya Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga) Meditation Spiritual Retreat Yoga Seminar & Workshop Pranic & Psychic Healing Course Yoga Therapy Yoga Education for Children Stress Management Workshop Time & Energy Management Seminar Special Course for Reprogramming the Mind Yoga Teacher Training Course Regular Satsang, Bhajan & Kirtan with Swami Brahmavidyananda Saraswati Private Yoga Therapy Session Mantra Diksha
Those who are interested to join our yoga activities it will be convenient to have a personal appointment with Swamiji.
Yoga & Health News 2011
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AYURVEDIC COOKING with Indian Cuisine
Yamuna Devi
Food is consciousness. Food nourishes not only the body but also the mind and your awareness. Learn how to choose foods for your constitution,
emotional patterns, and environmental fluctuations. A standard tri-doshic diet is suitable for everyone and we will learn a practical, simple way of cooking balancing foods. Healthy food is equal to a healthy body and a happy, healthy human being. Learn about the energetic effects of different foods, the role of taste in Ayurveda, their effects on the doshas, and their actions on the body and mind. Enjoy a combination of lecture and practical “hands on” cooking as Yamuna Devi brings her Ayurvedic cooking experience to the classroom. Yamuna Devi will discuss the importance of proper food combining and appropriate diets based on the season and geographical location. You will learn some tasty and balancing recipes for self-healing, and get the chance to eat a complete meal cooked by Yamuna Devi with class participation. Course begins first Saturday of every month Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Cost: $331.00 per person (Includes course materials)
Health is Wealth Here are a few basic suggestions which can help you and your family on the road to good health: 1. Buy fresh foods and store at a cool temperature. Fruits and vegetables in season are cheapest and also best suited to body needs. 2. Rinse all the dirt and chemical sprays off the surface of fruits and vegetables. 3.Steaming or baking is better than frying or boiling. 4.Do not overcook. 5.Cooking and eating is a great art. Eat with a peaceful, joyful and content mind, in order to increase prana, energy. 6.Bathe before meals or not until half an hour after, as it diverts the blood from the stomach and intestines to the skin. The body needs a little food and a little fasting if it is to grow in a balanced way, just as a plant will die if it is watered too much and does not get enough sun. Telephone: (786) 210-0648
Yamuna Devi is a yoga instructor under the
guidance of H.H. Sri Swami Brahmavidyanandaji, whom selflessly dedicates himself to the service of humanity. Yamuna Devi is dedicated to continuing Swamiji’s mission of teaching yoga for the well being and service of all people who seek sincere ways of improving their day to day life. Yamuna Devi also conducts special intensive courses on Ayurvedic Nutrition and balanced diet. Yamuna Devi has lived and traveled in Japan, Korea, the Caribbean and the U.S. conducting seminars and workshops on yoga and its bountiful health benefits.
For information & Registration The Institute of Holistic Yoga 7970 SW 13 Terrace• Miami, FL Call (786) 210-0648 VeggieCookingWithYamunaDevi@gmail.com www.omsatyananda.com
What is Ayurveda? Ayurveda is the traditional medicine of India, which originated over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda emphasizes re-establishing balance in the body through diet, lifestyle, exercise, and body cleansing, and on the health of the mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda is an ancient holistic science of healing, healthy living and proper food combining. Poor food combining can produce indigestion, fermentation, putrefaction and gas formation and, if prolonged, can lead to toxemia and disease. According to the teachings of Ayurveda, every aspect of life contributes to overall health. A regular and healthy balanced lifestyles includes: regularity in sleeping, waking, eating and elimination, and of course, following a daily routine, brings discipline and helps to maintain the integrity of good health. Yoga, the sister science of Ayurveda suggests specialized postures that help stimulate gastric fire, improve digestion, relieve constipation, as well as relaxation and sound sleep. Sweating helps to eliminate toxins, reduce fat and make you feel good. Over-exercising may cause dehydration and breathlessness, even chest pain and muscle aches, eventually leading to arthritis, sciatica or heart conditions.
Food to avoid
Food to use
Denatured foods: white flour, white bread, cakes and buns, polished white rice
Whole wheat, barley, rye or corn flour bread, whole or partially polished rice
White sugar,sweets,jam,sweet syrups, fruit in syrups, heavily sugared drinks and glucose drinks
Honey, brown sugar, molasses, fresh fruit, agave
Fats and oils of animal origin, saturated acid fats
Vegetable oils and clarified butter
Heat treated, canned foods, processed foods in which artificial sweeteners, flavorings and chemical preservatives are used.
Fresh foods, naturally processed foods like dried fruit or lentils, organically grown products.
Yoga & Health News 2011
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The Higher System of Yoga
by Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati
consciousness, expanded consciousness or higher consciousness. Through the practice of meditation, the lower consciousness is made to ascend and commune with this super consciousness, and this communion is established for all time. This is the ultimate aim of yoga but it is not possible for everybody to start practicing yoga with this purpose, therefore yoga has often been misunderstood. It is true that we practice and teach yogasana and pranayama, as well as other aspects of yoga. These are important but, at the same time, there is a higher state of consciousness in every individual which he should realize. This realization is the ultimate purpose of yoga. In order to achieve this purpose one must have a strong and healthy mind. Therefore, in order to bring about mental health, we practice other yogas of relaxation, sensory withdrawal and concentration. These yogas are not at all difficult and everyone can practice them. A matter of awareness oga is the science of right living. The main purpose of Such things as infirmity of will and the concept of sin dissolve the moment one knows that it is only consciousyoga is to bring higher enlightenment to all mankind. The ness and nothing else. This is the subject matter of yoga word yoga literally means 'union' and this means that the and when we practice yoga, we deal with our consciousindividual consciousness expands gradually and becomes ness. This consciousness seems to be in the form of infinite. Attainment of infinite consciousness by shutting awareness, rather than as it is philosophically or metaoff the empirical and objective personality is the main physically understood by eastern and western philosopurpose of yoga. However, everybody is not ready and fit phers. for this aim, and thus we have other aspects such as hatha This awareness in man is not manifest in animals. It is yoga, karma yoga, raja yoga, jnana yoga. through this awareness that you know you are and I know If a man has achieved control over his mind and is able to I am; that you know you are listening and I know I am dive deep into the innermost recesses of his personality, speaking. This awareness is completely dormant in aniand if the winds of thought do not disturb him, then there mals, therefore they do not know that they move and live. is no yoga for him except meditation. However, when the Sometimes animals do great deeds, but they do not know body is ill, you need hatha yoga and when the mind is ill, what they are doing. Self-awareness and the ability to you need raja yoga, bhakti yoga, karma yoga. Neverthedevelop the state of witnessing are completely absent in less, these are all the means, and they do not represent the them, but these have become developed in every man. higher system of yoga.
Y
The ultimate aim of yoga When you are able to close your external awareness and attune yourself with a different state of consciousness, then yoga begins. Sometimes it is said that yoga begins when someone starts doing karma selflessly, but this is not true. Some people feel that yoga begins when one starts to achieve concentration of mind, when the mental tendencies begin to become one-pointed, but this is not true. Union begins when the notion of duality is completely lost for the individual who has been trying to experience this state of oneness.
In our case, this self-awareness is associated with sensory knowledge, intellectual knowledge, mental knowledge, etc. The awareness is functioning through the lower media and therefore in vedanta we say that this awareness is associated with the senses, the mind, the prana and so on. Is it possible, however, that this awareness can be freed, can be made independent, insofar as its function is concerned~ from these lower, limited and finite instruments?
The nucleus of our personality Therefore, first of all, let us try to understand something about this awareness that is within us, through which we know we are, through which we are aware of the consciousness and through which we are aware of the functions of yoga in relation to our personality. Is this awareness an expression of our brain, expressing itself through the senses, or is it completely distinct from the brain waves? Is the brain the origin of consciousness, of awareness, or is the brain independent of awareness? Eastern philosophy, especially Indian philosophy, says no, the brain is not the basis of consciousness and awareness is not the action of the brain. The awareness that I am existing, you are existing and everything is existing, is not an offspring of the brain. The brain is not the source of consciousness. When a man dies the consciousness does not leave the brain. This consciousness or awareness in man is the nucleus, the center or the hub of his personality. If you see a spider busy spinning a web, you can understand that this spider is the cause of the whole web and that this web again goes back inside the spider. The web is the manifestation of the functions, of the abilities and the qualities of the spider. In the same way, within us there is consciousness which is the nucleus of our personality. Some call it atman, the self, or pure being. In vedanta it is known as Brahman, which is the existence, the knowledge and the bliss. Actually it is nameless, but some name must be given so that people can understand this concept.
Spiritual Retreat with Swamiji New Jersey Area
At the Girl Scout Camp in Waretown September 9, 10 & 11, 2011
Is it possible that my awareness could function without the help of any medium? Is it possible that I can know without the mind? Is it possible that I can see without the eyes? Is it possible that I can hear without the ears? Is it possible that all kinds of knowledge, every form of knowledge can develop within me, without depending on these material instruments?
Yoga does not mean duality. Yoga means unity. Duality is a kind of hallucination and in order to correct this mistake, the practice of yoga should be done. In the practice of yoga the lower consciousness, which operates through the body, the senses, the mind, the intelligence, the ego, is This is what yoga achieves and it has been proven from negated through the process' of meditation, which devel- time to time by those people who have developed the ops and illumines the inner part of your personality. suprasensual, the transcendental knowledge within them. There have been people in every period of history who It has been said that the light is within, but there is an have been able to know things without the help of any infinite realm of consciousness in man. We call it super medium at all.
For Registration please call
(917) 825-9155 Ram & Namdeo
arthurfama@yahoo.com
Yoga & Health News 2011
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Meditation and Health
Meditation is something that most people
have heard about, few have any true conception about and even fewer have actually experienced. Like all other subjective experiences it cannot really be described in words. The reader must try to find it for himself to know what it is really about. The experience is real whereas a description is really nonexperience, especially in the case of meditation. However, we will do our best to throw some light on the subject. Let us first define the way that modern psychology categorized different factors of the mind. The subconscious or unconscious mind can be roughly divided into three groups as follows: the lower mind, the middle mind and the higher mind. The lower mind is concerned with the activation and coordination of the various activities of the body, such as respiration, circulation, the abdominal organs and so on. It is also the area of mind which gives rise to instinctive urges and it is from this part of the mind that complexes, phobias, fears and obsessions manifest. The middle mind is the part of the mind that concerns itself with data that we use during the waking state. It is this part of the mind that analyzes, compares and reaches conclusions in relation to incoming data. The results of its work manifest to our conscious attention as required. It is this part of the mind that gives us answers. For example, most of us have been faced with a problem which we cannot solve at the time, only to find out that the answer surfaces to consciousness at some later time. It is the middle subconscious that has done the problem solving without our awareness. This is the realm of rational or intellectual thinking. The higher mind is the area of so-called su-
by Paramahamsa Satyananda
per conscious activity. It is the source of intuition, inspiration, bliss and transcendental experiences. It is from this region that geniuses derive their flashes of creativity. It is the source of deeper knowledge. Throughout our waking hours we have consciousness of certain phenomena. We are conscious only of a small part of the activities of the mind, usually in the realms of the middle mind. It is this consciousness that is allowing you to read these words and to be aware of their meaning. Another part of the mind is the collective unconscious that Carl Jung did much to bring to scientific acceptance. It is in this part of the mind that we have records of our evolutionary past. It contains records of the activities of our ancestors and the archetypes. It is the part of the mind that links us to all other human beings because it is the blueprint of our common past. Behind all these different parts of the mind is the self or the very core of existence. It is the self that illuminates everything that we do, though we are not aware of it. Most of us assume that the center of our being is the ego, yet the ego is really no more than another part of the mind. It is the self that illuminates even the ego. So what happens when we meditate? When we meditate we are able to take our consciousness to the different parts of our mind. Normally, as we have already explained, our consciousness is confined to surface activity in small areas of the middle or rational parts of the unconscious. We are able to move away from intellectualization during meditation. Meditation acts as a holistic, or whole treatment for disease. It is a more widely encompassing method of treatment than is provided by drugs, which tend to „cure‟ the disease of an organ but can have unforeseen negative repercussion on other parts of the body. Many cases of this can be cited. Meditation takes the treatment back to the sufferer. The patient will be able to exercise more power himself over his health for the removal of his ailment. The treatment will concern the whole mindbody complex. Through meditation the mind can be trained to cure the ailment, but first one must know how to meditate and exercise a greater control over the mind-body. When one becomes aware of the inner processes of the mind and body, one can direct energies where they are most needed. People with diseases will know how to direct their inner energy to the diseased organ. Meditation is a most powerful way of controlling physiological processes and also of controlling physiological reactions to psychological events. Meditation is the road to leading a healthy and happy life.
Speak Sweetly Speak Softly Speak Lovely Speak Truthfully Swami Sivananda
Inner Peace Meditation Swami Brahmavidyananda Duration One Month In today’s world we have everything we need to experience and enjoy life but we do not have a healthy mind. A few minutes of meditation each day will give sufficient strength to face life and live it fully. The Inner Peace Meditation Program will help you to develop creative and positive thinking. The welltrained, steady, calm and relaxed mind will bring harmony to your day to day life. It will improve your personal relationship. You can Achieve to: 1. Meet your true inner self 2. Break through all addictions 3. Experience infinite powers of healing within you. 4. Discover hidden potential and spiritual energy.
Information & Reservation: Institute of Holistic Yoga (305) 267-6772 www.omsatyananda.com holisticyoga@bellsouth.net Compassion The positive aspect of non-injury is the development of universal Love. If you are filled with compassion, with a spirit of Love, brotherhood and affection towards all creatures, you cannot hurt anyone. You can never do violence to one whom you love. So universalize your love. Love filled with compassion is the surest base for peace. Compassion is the basis of spiritual life. Be kind to everyone. Love is the greatest healing power in this world. Love of God really means Love of humanity. Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize Be Good, Do Good Swami Sivananda
Yoga & Health News 2011
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Yoga For the Management of Depression
Stress Management Workshop By Swami Brahmavidyananda Duration one month
Anyone who has suffered from depression, as distinct from, sometimes feeling miserable, may recognize the truth of this statement. The feelings of excessive tiredness, lifelessness and apathy, often accompanied by intense introversion and inferiority are characteristic of the condition. If we follow the yogic approach, we will not immediately look for the causes of this depression but, instead, look at the energetic state of the person. It is not so simple, but probably they are thinking too much and not doing sufficient physical exercise whether that is in the form of physical work, sport, gardening, or yoga asanas. So, the first approach through yoga is to practice hatha yoga, to regain some balance between the ‘ha’ and the ‘tha’, pingala and ida nadis. We know that the aim of hatha yoga is to balance the flow of energy, Prana, in these two nadis, so that neither physical nor the mental faculty predominates. In the yogic management of depression, this is a central tenet. Asanas Asanas, physical postures, form a very important part of the management program, especially the dynamic standing postures and the sequence surya namaskara. Strong backwardbending asanas such as bhujangasana, uslitrasana and dhanurasana are ideal because of their direct effect upon the adrenal glands and less directly on the thyroid gland. But, of course, this depends on the fitness and age of the person. Often, those with long-term mental health problems also have bodies that are stiff and otherwise unwell. So, in these cases, we need to begin asana. Learning with the practices of pawanmuktasana will enable the practitioner to progress safely to the more powerful asanas at a later date. Recently, scientific research has shown that all dynamic physical exercise releases endorphins: chemicals which affect the brain and enhance the mood (producing what is sometimes termed the feel good factor). However, we know that yogasanas also have much more profound effect on the whole body-mind complex. Pranayama Pranayama practices can contribute enormously to a person’s state of well-being by giving them the skills and confidence to control physiological response to stress. It is important that the individual, as well as mastering the practices, understands which practice is to be used to address each mental state. We begin with nadi shodhana, a balancing pranayama, may be safely practiced by everyone. It is quickly recognized to bring about a calmer, more peaceful state and it helps to understand the positive effects and benefits that proper breathing techniques have on our mental states. Relaxation Relaxation plays an important part in yogic management of depression. It offers the possibility of relief from the incessant flow of negative thoughts. When wholly engaged in a systematic relaxation practice such as yoga nidra the mind rests and is refreshed. The use of a carefully chosen sankalpa (personal resolution) during the practice will help the practitioner to grow in strength and self-esteem. Also, the decision to dedicate 30 minutes daily to this form of self-care is an important step in healing. It results in increased energy and reduced tiredness, and will probably be deemed enjoyable! To summarize, the yogic approach to managing depression is to take the energetic view. By exploring and mastering myriad ways in which it is possible to alter our energetic state, by understanding ways to manipulate our energies at will we can reduce depressive states and gather the strength and willpower to embark on the next phase-that of examining and resolving the underlying cause of depression.
What is Stress? Stress can be defined as a reaction which we experience when we cannot cope with a situation. The result is emotional or physical discomfort in the face of danger. Psychological stress is often caused by mental and emotional demands from personal beliefs, family, work or friends. Symptoms of Stress: 1. Physical– Digestive problems, fatigue, head aches, insomnia 2. Mental-Boredom, confusion, forgetfulness, negativity and lethargy 3. Emotional– Anxiety, depression, nightmares, frustration, and short temper 4. Spiritual-Apathy, doubt, emptiness, loss of meaning and loss of faith 5. Relational-Blaming, distrust, less loving, lack of intimacy, arguing and intolerance. Information & Registration: Institute of Holistic Yoga 7970 SW 13 Terr. Miami, FL 33144 (305) 267-6772 www.omsatyananda.com holisticyoga@bellsouth.net
Holistic Yoga with Yamuna Devi For inner peace, joy and happiness
Yoga Can Help You To: Develop Good Health Eliminate stress Balance the emotions Sharpen the intellect Develop will power Information & Registration: Holistic Yoga (786) 210-0648 1008yoga@gmail.com SAANE MEDICAL CENTER The Crossings Shopping Village 13033 SW 112th Street, Miami, FL 33186
Yamuna Devi
Yamuna Devi offers Private Yoga Therapy and Healing Sessions By Appointment Only (786) 210-0648
Yoga & Health News 2011
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Yoga Therapy Courses Offered with Swamiji
Donation/Pledge Form I would like to support the Institute of Holistic Yoga Satyananda Ashram Miami, Florida Name:_________________________________ Address:_______________________________ City:__________________________________ State:_________
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NOW AVAILABLE English & Spanish Swamiji’s DVDs & CDs 1. Yoga Asana 2. Meditation 3. Yoga Nidra For Order Information Call (305) 267-6772
Although we live in a modern technological society, with every comfort and convenience, people are still suffering from mental, emotional and psychosomatic diseases. Many seek to relieve their boredom and tension through drugs, alcohol and various other addictions. This leads to further pain and suffering, greater anxiety and desperation. The integral science of yoga aims to remove not only the symptoms, but also the root cause of suffering, which is buried in the mind. With a strong, balanced mind we are better able to handle the stresses and obstacles of everyday life. The yoga practitioner gains greater control over the modification of the mind so that he can become master of his destiny. The inner mental stability is reflected outwardly in the form of peace, success and harmony with the world. The objective of yoga is total health. The integration of yoga techniques and philosophy helps increase levels of awareness and equilibrium, and facilitates the mental self control.
Yoga can help you to:
Awaken the spiritual energy Sharpen the intellect Develop an attitude of tolerance and compassion for all living beings Understand the real purpose of your life Have good health and resistance to disease Eliminate tension and stress Balance the emotions and improve personal relationships Discover your inner creativity
Institute of Holistic Yoga Call (305) 267-6772
Tel Home:______________________________ Tel Cell:_______________________________ Email:________________________________ Profession:____________________________ Enclosed is my tax-deductible donation of $____________________ In addition I pledge an additional $_________________ to be sent before date __________________ Please make your checks payable to Institute of Holistic Yoga of North America Mail to Institute of Holistic Yoga 7970 SW 13 Terr. Miami, FL 33144 Please note that Institute of Holistic Yoga is a nonprofit organization and all donations are welcome. (305) 267-6772 www.omsatyananda.com holisticyoga@bellsouth.net Thank you for your generous donation