This Is Your Brain and Body on Yoga and Meditation: 4 Powerful Scientific Findings - by Sarah Vaynerman

SOURCE - The Huffington Post 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-vaynerman/this-is-your-brain-and-bo_b_8288232.html

The many benefits of yoga, a 5,000-year-old discipline, are finally getting support from modern science.

If you've ever taken a vinyasa class or spent time meditating, you may be familiar with the even-keeled buzz often referred to in the yoga world as "yoga bliss" or "yoga high." As it turns out, several recent studies support that this feeling of mind-body nirvana is not just a fleeting sentiment, but rather an indication of some very real physical responses that could lead to better health, reduced stress and increased productivity.


Yoga gets on your nerves, in the best way

The human body is an incredible, interconnected web of life, but one key player doesn't get nearly enough credit. Many people are entirely unaware of the vagus nerve, which extends from the base of the brain and branches out through the neck, chest and abdomen. It is essentially the command center for regulating the homeostasis of many vital organ systems including the heart, lungs and digestive tract. Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine presented evidence that yoga helps to regulate vagal tone, or the homeostasis of these systems, by stimulating and increasing the activity of stress-blocking neurotransmitters.

Mindfulness meditation can literally change your brain
A team of Harvard researchers compared MRIs of meditators to non-meditators before and after an eight-week course in mindfulness-based stress reduction, where participants practiced meditation on average for 27 minutes a day. Meditators showed a significant increase in gray matter in the hippocampus, which is associated with learning and memory, and a decrease in gray matter in the amygdala, which is associated with anxiety and stress. The non-meditating control group showed none of these changes in brain structure.

A few deep breaths really do go a long way. 
A study published in 2013 by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that participants showed a significant reduction in blood pressure following 10 minutes of alternate nostril breathing and 10 minutes of breath awareness compared to a control group. The study concluded that alternate nostril breathing is associated with improved focus and attention while keeping anxiety levels low. This is significant because tasks requiring focus and attention are usually associated with stimulating the nervous system -- a response that can be dangerous for those with conditions such as hypertension and high stress levels.

Not all exercise is created equal
Think yoga is just one way to get the benefits of any aerobic workout? Think again. A University of Illinois study concluded that 20 minutes of Hatha yoga improved participants' ability to maintain focus and take in, retain and use new information significantly more so than after 20 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity. In fact, participants showed no significant improvements on working memory and inhibitory control scores after activities like jogging, while reaction times and accuracy on cognitive tasks following yoga increased.

Find out more about Sarah Vaynerman

Am I A Yogi Yet? - by Betty Floris

SOURCE: YOGITIMES.COM

When does it happen?

Photography by Natiya Guin

Photography by Natiya Guin

Am I A Yogi Yet? When I first went to a yoga studio, I was not sure what to expect. Coming from a fitness background I had experienced exercise in a number of forms, from aerobics to running to strength training to swimming. Having played soccer, competed in gymnastics and played university level women's basketball, I thought I knew what movement was about.

Then I walked into the yoga studio to my first yoga class, vinyasa flow. At the time, I knew I was heavier than I wanted to be. I knew I was older than many of those in class. I knew I had not been as committed to my workouts. I acknowledged I had taken time off from exercise with some family life that only elevated my weight and made me so very aware I needed a new inspiration. I took a place at the back and waited for class to begin.

For ninety minutes, I did not know the terms, and was unfamiliar with the sequences. I recognized a few movements but was baffled by the wording, and was challenged by my lack of balance and seemingly minimal strength. But, I was somehow thrilled at the same time. I felt something drawing me in, propelling me to continue. This was different than anything I had ever experienced. The teacher was distinct in guiding us through each move with clear description and cues for each step. I felt awkward, not certain of the transitions, and knew I did not look like any of these young slim bodies who moved with such grace. I felt intimidated by the mirrors and knew I had work to do.

What was this yoga? What was this wonderful series of movements reaching every aspect of my physical self, and then some? When the class ended, I left feeling like something shifted inside. As I walked to the car, I felt shaky. I knew I had to come back again. The teacher had referenced us as yogis. I was thinking I was quite far from that. As that first year of yoga progressed, I gradually increased my classes per week as I gained endurance and lost my extra pounds. In class, I moved my mat space closer to the front and began to use the mirror for focus and checking alignment. I started reading everything I could on Yoga. I took every workshop offered at the studio that year, subscribed to yoga posts and online magazines. I began to realize there is only more to learn. 

As I moved into my second year, I signed up for the Yoga Teacher Training at the studio to (as they say), 'deepen my practice'. I was amazed at what fit really is, and wondered why I never did this before now. I no longer feel awkward and am working on mindfulness and intention. And recently, my husband said, "So, what is yoga, anyway?" I invited him to come along with me next class. And, as he sat in the back, at that beginning place, I heard him say to the student next to him, "That is my wife over there, the Yogi on the right..." . I loved it.

Betty Floris Bio - HERE

Heck yeah, it's Hatha!

We've been skipping around our local studios lately trying to mix things up a bit and broaden our practice. It was tonight's practice at EvolveMovement Studio with Laura Nickerson (ERYT 200hr &  RYT 500), that reminded us we really do have a soft spot in our hearts for Hatha.  

Like most practices under the now big umbrella of "yoga", Hatha seeks to align the body in a way that frees the energy through the spine by utilizing postures (asana), breathing techniques (prana), and meditation, but the root of the Sandskrit word "Hatha" actually translates to Sun (Ha) and Moon (Tha). Thus, Hatha yoga is known for uniting pairs of opposites in the human system.

Tami's Madala, the mat used for our Hatha class

Tami's Madala, the mat used for our Hatha class

Maybe that's why we like it so much? The sense of balance it provides. Goodness know we need it! 

These days however, hatha is most often used to describe gentle, basic classes with no flow between poses. A “hatha” class could likely be a slow-paced stretching class with some simple breathing exercises and possibly even some seated meditation.

Laura’s class was, well, not like that.

Her knowledge of the practice, modification options, and hands on adjustments (we LOVE gentle adjustments!), really got us hooked. Her jokes and energetic disposition are pretty catchy too! Every once and awhile she’ll bounce to the middle of the room for a quick demonstration. But even with the laughs, her focus is on each individual’s capabilities and/or limitations. Her philosophy is to have each student "claim their experience".  

"I want everyone to practice according to their own bodies, their own needs. I provide the guidance, but they know themselves best. It’s my hope they claim their experience, that they make each practice their own”.

We like that philosophy and intend to add the class to our repertoire. A healthy dose of Hatha is just what we we’re looking for, and we certainly like Laura’s delivery.

Although some say Hatha has a more serious or traditional approach and there’s little room for humor, and some say Hatha is a slower less flowing practice, we found this particular class to be neither. It was fun, and practical, and quite the workout if we do say so ourselves. So the question is, is it still Hatha?

Heck yeah, it’s Hatha!  

Adult Sleepaway Summer Camps Are The New Yoga Retreats

Source: YOGA DORK  

http://yogadork.com/2015/07/21/adult-sleepaway-summer-camps-are-the-new-yoga-retreats/


Image via SoulCamp on Facebook

Image via SoulCamp on Facebook

Not a festival. Not a retreat. Summer Camp. Like you did maybe when you were 10. Except this time there’s more grown up stuff like adult beverages and adult interactions. The concept of adult sleepaway camps – no kids allowed – is a growing trend conjuring up all kinds of images of what it would be like if “Wet Hot American Summer” meets “Grown Ups” meets all of your 12-year-old fantasies (plus some fantasies from your 20s, 30s, 40s, etc.).

While some of the camps focus on networking and hobnobbing like Camp No Counselors which boasts an enviable attendee pool of “fashion and food bloggers, media execs, music moguls, financiers, lawyers, doctors and more,” others are designed for special interests like Wine Campand Adult Space Academy (which we’re glad hasn’t yet become Space Wine Academy…or are we?).

Catering to the yogi-loving, neo-new age set is Soul Camp, an “all-inclusive multi-day, multi-night, adult sleepaway camp for the soul.” Sounding like a hybrid of a retreat, a yoga festival, and a modern hippie commune, Soul Camp treats its soul campers to a mind/body/spirit immersion, or as they describe it, it’s the kind of place “to unplug and rediscover who you truly are.”

And how might one going about doing that in a single long weekend? Yoga class, meditation, “intuition workshops,” and “prana hikes” are all available activities, as well as astrology and some crafty ops like dreamcatcher weaving and mala bead making classes. In addition to that, there’s a TED Talk-y ”Soul-versation speaker series” billed to be both inspiring and empowering, and also probably your more kumbaya-y moment of the camp.

In case you couldn’t find out who you truly are with all of that, there’s also cardio bootcamp, Buti, intenSati, boating, recreational sports and organic farming. Musical performances from the likes of (who else?) MC Yogi have been scheduled in the past, along with “late night” disco dance parties (a typical day starts at 7:30am so the 10pm dance events are for the “late night” partiers) plus…wait for it…talent shows! And feathers. Surely there will be feathers.

It’s basically your dream scenario if you want a chance to let go of your regular routine, join some 300 other like-minded folks in sweating, hugging, and intuiting out all of your stresses, and return back to your normal life by the end of it all with a fresh outlook, some cool new mala beads and maybe a souvenir organic tomato from the garden. That or you’ll set up camp and refuse to leave.

By the way, if all of this sounds a little trippy, we can tell you there is no kool-aid, at least not the literal kind. Soul Camp is completely alcohol and drug free, so if you thought this would be your chance for a soul-searching bender, you might want to choose another adult summer camp experience. We imagine there’s already someone out there cooking up the Yoga, Weed & Wine Adult Sleepaway Adventure. Maybe in Colorado.

What will all of this finding your true self cost? Well, there’s the kicker. A four or five day Soul Camp experience will run you from $1,100 – $1,500 – definitely more expensive than your average Wanderlust and on par with some of the (using the term loosely) affordable yoga retreats. This year there are two dates, September 9-13 for Soul Camp East at Camp Towanda in the Poconos (we kid you not, the actual location of “Wet Hot American Summer”) and October 28-31 for Soul Camp West at Wonder Valley in the Sierras. All meals are provided and accommodations range from a 5-6 person dorm setup to private cabins for those needing soul-healing alone time (for an additional cost, of course).


Now this is the kind of Summer Camp we could get into!!!

BREATH OF ..... Is that the FIRE Alarm?!

Safety first!

Safety first!

Well it's bound to happen once right?  You're transitioning from Urdhva Mukha Svanasana to Adho Mukha Svanasana, you're breathing, you’re focused, you're fluid… you are yoga, then BAHHM BAHHM BAHHM BAHHM, off goes... the fire alarm?!  Such was the case for yesterday's Flow practice at Bliss Body Yoga.

I've been lucky enough to never question why I go to class, or why I practice yoga, but I can say now I'm also lucky enough to have experienced the kind of ah-ha moment in my practice that turns knowing into understanding. 

It WAS right in the middle of transitioning from one pose to another when the alarm came on.  Like an air horn at a ball game it boomed, the studio’s hardwood floors only bouncing its echo louder.  Our instructor Rachel (Wright, RYT 500… she’s great by the way!) handled it all very gracefully, even reaching instinctively for the fire extinguisher before deciding it was best to usher the class outside... Come to think about it, yoga mats probably are pretty flammable!  After the initial surprise wore off and although no fire in sight, we calmly shuffled out the door and into the afternoon sun.  Twenty minutes, a couple of firetrucks, and a few "why are they barefoot?" stares from the patrons of the restaurant two doors down, we got the all clear for re-entry.

The alarm was off, but the strobe was still going and making a tick-tick-tick noise like a metronome in the background.  We decided to resume with our practice anyway. I'm surprised to say yet extremely grateful, despite the ticking and strobing, there was a moment somewhere between Uttanasana and Samasthiti where my focus had come back so strong, and where the Ujjayi breath and movement were so as one, that I realized I actually forgot for a moment that any of it had ever happened.  Bliss?  Nirvana?  Who knows, but for that moment all was perfect.

The epiphany came that this was what all the teaching and practice has been for.  To take that same serenity, that simple existence, out into our world that seems to be blaring its daily fire alarm at us... Bahhm Bahhm Bahhm.  Between our projects and children, our work and play, the strobing of images off our computers, and TV's, and cell phones, and even those we create on the movie screens in our own heads, there is just being.  That moment of centering that transcends us from life to actually being alive.

That, which I knew before but now fully understood, was what it was all for. 


Uttanasana (Forward Fold)  | Samasthiti (Mountain) | Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-facing Dog) | Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-facing Dog)


Thanks to Rachel & Bliss Body Yoga!! 

Bliss Body Yoga | 4035 Lake Boone Trail #111, Raleigh, NC 27607 | (919) 480-2887 | www.blissbody-yoga.com

"We Are Stronger When We Come Together"


 
Sherry Fair Hoff on our Bhaiṣajyaguru mat

Sherry Fair Hoff on our Bhaiṣajyaguru mat

What do you get when you have an inspired yogi with worldly ideals, the classic startup budget, and a dream? A beautiful studio nestled above a red barn antique store, with a focus not only on great yoga but also striving to bring yoga at fair cost or fair trade to all. Based on the trade and barter system, Fair Trade Yoga Studios aims to provide a space for yogis to practice while also maintaining connections with businesses willing to share their love of yoga too by extending space, products, or merchandise discounts to students. As their website says "we are stronger when we can come together". Pretty cool idea if you ask us! 

If you're in the Powell, Ohio area and feel like experiencing some yogic love for yourself, do check out this magical space and say hello to Sherry and the team at Fair Trade Yoga Studios! 

 

 

35,000 Bend It With Modi As India Launches World Yoga Day



You don't expect to see world leaders getting down on all fours to perform yoga in public, let alone in a mass yoga class that draws observers from Guinness World Records.

But India's Narendra Modi did just that when he launched International Yoga Day on Rajpath, the central Delhi mall that represents the nerve center of power in India.

"Who would have thought that we would turn Rajpath into Yog-path [Yoga Road]," Modi asked the assembled yoga enthusiasts.

U.S. Ambassador Richard Verma was among the participants who stretched out in a carpet of yoga mats numbering anywhere from 35,000 to 37,000.

A mass yoga session on Rajpath, New Delhi's ceremonial boulevard, marks International Yoga Day.

A mass yoga session on Rajpath, New Delhi's ceremonial boulevard, marks International Yoga Day.

On a day intended to project India's "soft power," school children, yoga instructors and government employees gathered before dawn eager to extol the virtues of India's ancient passport to harmony and inner peace. Home Affairs Ministry employee Urmisha Nandi called yoga India's "hidden treasure."

"It's very healthy and helpful also because we are nearing the age of 40s, and at this age we need it badly," she said with a laugh.

Looking out at the sea of yoga mats — made, by the way, in China — Modi said that yoga was more than physical fitness. The prime minister, who has been under attack by the opposition for "usurping" yoga to highlight himself, insisted that today's occasion was a program for "human welfare, stress-free living, and a message of love, peace and harmony.

 

GOATS AND SODA

Who Knew Yoga Could Be So Stressful!

"There is a great misconception that yoga is about physical flexibility," Modi said. "If that were so, circus performers would be yogis. Bending your body and being flexible is not yoga."

Just as the asanas, or poses, are but a small part of the entire concept, Modi said "the full journey of yoga is very long ... We are making an attempt to begin it today."

Modi enthralled on-lookers when he took up position on a teal blue mat at the head of columns of participants who stretched for a mile to India Gate in neat rows along the covered road and two adjoining lawns.

In marathon preparations, nothing was left to chance. The Hindustan Times reported that when a wind storm scattered nearly all of the yoga mats Saturday morning, the army was called in "to avert a last-minute disaster."

Modi, dressed in white, mopped his brow with a scarf in the tri-colors of the Indian flag in the early morning heat. He joined the program following instructions in English and Hindi. Giant screens projected images of the instructors leading the drill of breathing and balancing. "This asana helps in treating back aches," a female instructor intoned.

Throughout the 35-minutes exercise, Modi's moves looked nimble and his face relaxed.

Modi came to office vowing to propel India onto the world stage. Jahan Zeb, a Muslim, said he'd done that with International Yoga Day, and made India "proud." Other Muslims said by showcasing yoga, Modi was showcasing Hinduism – the majority religion in India. But Zeb brushed aside that criticism and said he had come for the physical fitness and to broaden his mind.

"Some Muslims believe that life is completely governed by religion. Whereas the Koran says, 'one should learn and expand their knowledge,' " Zeb says.

A commemorative coin and a new Indian stamp helped mark the first International Yoga Day, celebrated from Ankor Wat to Time Square.

The Traveling Yogi Gets Her Butt Kicked

Heidi & Angie from Harbor Yoga 

Heidi & Angie from Harbor Yoga 

The one on the right doesn't look mean (and she's not) but man is she tough, and motivating! It's always a joy in our business to experience new studios, instructors, and styles of yoga when we travel, and our Wednesday night class with Angie at Harbor Yoga was no exception. The studio was filled with beginner and advanced yogis alike, the music was up and so was the energy...and so it began. 

"Sometimes we're traditional in class, sometimes we're not. Just do what's right for you." Angie says. It's this philosophy and two wonderful instructors that helped found Harbor Yoga, and what continues to draw people back to the specific Vinyasa based "hip and hot" heated flow and to the studio itself. 

Although this and most of their classes from beginner to advanced are heated, they also offer a Slow Flow non-heated, as well as some pretty cool monthly Children's Yoga Workshops. If you're in the Columbus area be sure to check them out! 

Thank you so much for the warm reception and yogic love Harbor Yoga!

 

Harbor Yoga | 4325 W Dublin Granville Rd, Dublin OH 614-799-2434 www.harboryogastudio.com