bio: a bit of a biography. i have practiced yoga and meditation at different points of my
life. my most recent practice has been pretty consistent since 1999. i practice
iyengar yoga. i certainly do not consider myself an expert, though it is a topic i take very seriously and have studied.
i am not a yoga teacher, although, i have filled in for my teacher on a few occassions.
i am keeping this yoga blog for a number or reasons. first of all, to experiment
with a different style of blogging, next, in a hope it will enrich my practice - by focusing my reading and by keeping my focus on my
daily practice - on and off the mat, and lastly, in an attempt to provide a resource for new and experienced yoga practitioners -
a resource that will contain links to what i find interesting, informative, etc., about yoga admittedly, filtered
through my own biases. i keep another weblog _monk in case you are interested
in the more mundane events of my life, or a potpourri of random thoughts.
10:11 PM
Bikram Choudhury being sued
from the article:
The eccentric Calcutta-born yogi who popularized the form of yoga known as "Bikram" is being sued over his claims that he owns the copyright to a 26-posture series used in the practice, which is done in a heated room.
and
The suit asks the court to rule that his copyright and trademark claims are unenforceable because his series of poses stem from postures that have been in public use for centuries.1 James Harrison, a lawyer for the Open Source Yoga Unity.)
"No one can own a style of yoga," Harrison1 told Reuters on Thursday.
and
"All he is asking is that they teach (Bikram yoga) honestly and purely, and that's not too much to ask," said Lynn Whitlow, co-owner of Funky Door Yoga in the bay area. "If you want to change it, don't call it 'Bikram.'"
i am not a fan of bikram, and the notion of copyrighting yoga poses or sequences seems totally antithetical to yoga to me. that being said, i can see bikram does not want his techniques misapplied by those using his name. of course, bikram may also be concerned with loss of revenue. who knows what the law says about this...the right thing, imho, would be for yogga teachers to teach whatever they see fit, but cannot use the name "bikram" without permission.
posted by Mike at 10:11 PM
Thursday, February 05, 2004
7:06 PM
Yoga and High Blood Pressure from the American Yoga Association
from the article:
Yoga has been recognized for some time as being effective in reducing high blood pressure, particularly the diastolic (lower) number, which is the most crucial. You can experience the relaxing effects of Yoga by committing to a short daily routine of breathing, exercise, and meditation. Yoga techniques improve your body’s strength and flexibility, teach you how to relax mentally and physically, and show you how to better manage stress reactions such as muscle tension (most commonly in the face, stomach, neck, shoulders, and breath), rapid heart rate, constricted breathing, and anxiety.
of course, as always, consult with your physician.
posted by Mike at 7:06 PM
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
10:30 PM
lower cholesterol and unblock arteries with yoga
"It's not about postures and breathing. I would say it's more about inner self-empowerment," said Dr Satish Gupta, the Indian cardiologist who founded the Coronary Artery Disease Regression through the Healthy Lifestyle therapy programme that is offered to patients at the Global Hospital and Research Centre in Rajasthan, India.
The programme centres on Rajyoga, a unique practice that advocates positive thinking and self-awareness.
personally, i believe my yoga practice has increased my awareness and i think that has had an impact on every aspect of my life, including diet.
posted by Mike at 10:30 PM
Sunday, February 01, 2004
6:33 PM
THE SPEAKING TREE - Unlock Your Energy With True Yoga - The Times of India
from the article:
The term ‘yoga’, for many, means physical postures, and that too twisted, impossible ones. But that’s not what we’re referring to as yoga.and
There is a whole techno-logy of applying this energy for higher possibilities. Each one of us must explore and know this. Otherwise, life becomes limited and accidental; you get to do only what you’re exposed to. Once you start activating your inner energies, your capabilities happen in a different sphere altogether. Yoga is a tool to find ultimate expression to life.
posted by Mike at 6:33 PM