Hatha Yoga Site

Yoga techniques cover almost everything, from all of the simplest stuff to the most complex ones. They were developed to guide yogis in their quest to self improvement and advancement. They serve as a direction as to how one should perform Yoga in the most efficient and proper way. They normally include techniques and tips on choosing the right foods to eat, customs on how to have proper posture or alignment, habits on improving one’s breath control, behaviors in overcoming pain and ways on learning how to meditate properly.

Choosing the Right Foods to Eat

There are certain ways on how to choose the right foods to eat. In order to make sure that you are going to select the right foods, analyze if they are fresh and healthy foods. In terms of fruits, choose fresh, sweet fruits. While when it comes to vegetables, you can have almost everything except onions and garlic.

On the other hand, remember not to eat meat, fish and eggs. Also, avoid artificial, processed, junk, and canned foods, except naturally canned fruits and tomatoes. Animal fats, margarine and poor quality oils are also not that good for your health.

Factory farm dairy products, garlic, onions and other over-spiced food are also on the watch list. But above anything else, remember that alcohol, tobacco and all other stimulants are the most not allowed provisions when you are into Yoga.

Always remember that foods also affect your Yoga practice. And so, in order to achieve the full benefits of Yoga, keep in mind to always eat the right, recommended foods.

Having Proper Posture or Alignment

In order to have the proper Yoga posture or alignment, you will need to consult a qualified teacher because alignment instructions can be very detailed. Pictures and text can only be used as a reference. Learning the important positioning of the body from a qualified teacher or instructor is still the best thing to do.

Improving Your Breath Control

When we talk about breath we are actually referring to one full inhale and exhale cycle. Remember to always breathe through you nostrils and not through your mouth. Sometimes, when you are trying to do something new or broadening beyond your comfort zone, you may have a tendency to hold your breath during an asana. Always be aware and do not seize your breath.

Overcoming Pain

To avoid pain, do not overstretch or force yourself into a pose. Likely, there should be no pain of injury. Your eyes and face should be soft and not tensed. You should be watchful of how deep you can go based on your own competence at the moment. You may experience mild, provisional pain due to your practice, but this feels dissimilar from the pain of injury. Remember to always feel comfortable.

Meditating Properly

Ultimately, the technique behind in having a complete, meaningful meditation lies within the essence of sincerity. The success of yogic meditation will depend largely on the seriousness and strength of the yogi behind it. And it is not the duration but rather the intensity of the hopeful realization, which is more important and eventually helpful. Hence, fatigue is also to be avoided, since it wanes the power of concentration and distracts the mind.

Also, in order to perform well during your meditation, there are few simple yogic samkalpas or will techniques that you need to remember:

• Devotional Samkalpas:
  Utter “OM! I will perform the following yogic practices as an offering to the Divine Beloved. May all the divine powers bless me in this endeavor!” before starting your session.
• Knowledge Samkalpas:
  Before starting your meditation say “OM! I will perform the following meditations to gain knowledge of God and the higher Self. May God and the great teachers aid me in this effort!”
• Service Samkalpas:
  Prior to your meditation session remember to say, “OM! I will perform the following actions as a service to God and to living beings in order to help alleviate suffering!”