yoga
Yoga and meditation are essential in living a health and wellness lifestyle. Longevity highlights yoga poses, celebrities, trends, and fads.
The Ego
What is the ego? There has been talk of this going on as far back as Freud however there is such a variety of interpretation that it seems to fall somewhere in the area of mysticism. It is something that is found in everyone which is why this topic is fascinating. The dichotomy between the opposing functions of the ego is where much of the confusion lies. Some define ego as a driving force. As something we need to stay motivated and survive in the world. Others are completely against the ego knowing that it is not in fact the ego that drives us but our mind in the witnessing state. Witnessing is that state where we feeling like we are in the “zone,” so to speak. Where we are pure existence doing something we love or enjoy and are fully immersed in. It is a separateness from the body which we identify with. Our body and mind are so grounded in what we think & feel that it sometimes takes a lifetime to undo the conditioning and in most cases several lifetimes. Which one is right: science or mysticism? Both. In order to access our true self we need to step outside of the confines of the mind. Ego is what keeps us from the core of our being which is pure bliss. Acting from this place allows us to use the mind in an efficient way. The mind is like a highly technical invisible computer located in everyone that has vast capabilities of both great things & mass destruction. When the mind hinders our well-being the ego is present. Keeping this as technical as we can, one can say many people suffer from the fluctuations of the mind (Ego) which is in short what keeps us from our own equanimity. It has also been speculated that the mind is the origin of all disease as it relates to the cause and or our attitude about it. Science has figured out many ways to help control the mind mostly through the use of medication by inhibiting the feelings & thoughts that are troubling us. This method only treats the symptoms of the mind instead of eradicating the source of problem. Mysticism would suggest facing these feelings head on with a number of different lifestyle changes and techniques. The latter has proven to be very effective however extremely difficult to maintain. It is usually when life becomes difficult and throws us a curve ball that we tend to seek out these types of lifestyle changes. A good first step is looking at our adversities as a catalyst for future positive change. There are numerous ways to commence this lifestyle change however conquering just one at a time could be an approachable way to begin living these practices slowly and in a way that will facilitate the consistency needed. The practice of yoga, mindfulness and meditation has found its way back into the mainstream even though it has been around for thousands of years. People are realizing that no matter what lifestyle they have, their are bodies crave the benefits of stretching, releasing stress from their body and mind, an overall calmer presence and just plain happiness. I have encountered so many different types of people on and off the mat opening up to me about how much they know yoga and mediation can help them. It is calling out to so many people now which makes me want to get the word out as far and wide as possible. It is not easy, but with help it can happen. The first step is establishing a strong mind body connection by attending a yoga class that resonates with you. There are many different teachers and styles out there so allow yourself to explore what is our there and once you find it, do your best to stay consistent with the practice. The benefits will begin to flourish in your life and you will begin to wonder how you survived without it!
By Jackie Mazzarella9 years ago in Longevity
Yoga Vs Pilates
I am qualified to teach both Yoga and Pilates, and though my preference, by and large, is Yoga, I am going to try and make this as non-biased as possible. I began my Yoga journey 8 years ago but Pilates is fairly new to me. Frequently thrown into the same pot, I think most people are under the impression that Yoga and Pilates are exactly the same. I was also under this impression. Largely because, when I began training to teach Yoga, my school offered me a discounted rate on the Pilates course based on the fact I would already have the required anatomy and physiology certificates to go forward with another course. At first I didn’t want to, I had never taken a Pilates class in my life and didn’t think it would be possible to learn an entirely new skill alongside learning to teach it. However, I was assured that Pilates was EXACTLY like Yoga and that the qualifications went hand in hand. A lot of Studios look for teachers qualified in both.
By Samantha Bentley9 years ago in Longevity
Yoga to Stay Young
Yoga makes you feel and look more youthful. It literally slows the aging process by stretching the body. Muscles can be developed two ways: by building them up into hard little knots of power, which is what you get when you lift weights, or by making them flexible and elastic, which is what you get when you practice yoga. Kinesiologists learn toward the latter method of body development, evenly distributing lean tissue, rather than tightly packed muscle bulges. The younger you are when you begin a yoga practice, the probability increases for extended life and better health.
By Mackenzie Lu9 years ago in Longevity
How Tension Affects Beauty
Notice how a president ages in office? A year in the White House with all its concomitant pressures can make a man look five to ten years older. Few of us have the worries of a head of state, but in the stresses of modern life, we all encounter and must learn to cope with tension. The amount varies from person to person, as does the tolerance for it. Those of us who cannot cope with our tension, find it taking a toll on our beauty; the pain on the inside shows on the outside. The resulting wrinkles, grey hair, and pinched-up facial muscles all can make us look old before our time.
By Mackenzie Lu9 years ago in Longevity
Tips for Creating a Yoga Space at Home
If you care very much about your health and body, then you might not be a newcomer to the word “yoga.” Yoga has no linguistic, cultural, or regional differences. It can be practiced easily. If you are familiar with a few postures and can guide yourself using instruction CDs, then there is no better place for you to practice than at your home, albeit some modifications are in order. Here are a few tips for creating a yoga space at your home.
By Mackenzie Lu9 years ago in Longevity
Holistic Gym Bag Must Haves
The word “holistic” has been throw around a lot lately in the world of health and fitness, but what does it really mean? Living a holistic lifestyle means practicing preventative care, namely through exercise and healthy eating. Rather than the traditional healthcare system which focuses on specific symptoms, holistic living takes a whole person approach. We often don’t realize the effects that nutritional deficiencies, food allergies, lack of exercise, stress, and lifestyle choices can have on our bodies. You can start living a holistic lifestyle by stocking up on these holistic gym bag must haves to set you up for success before, during, and after your workouts.
By Longevity Staff9 years ago in Longevity
What is Hatha Yoga?
While exercise fads sweep the country yearly, encouraging intelligent people to do the strangest things, there is one exercise system that has maintained an enthusiastic following for over 6,000 years: hatha yoga. This system employs techniques western physiotherapists are still just exploring: the stimulation of internal organs, nerves, and muscles through a number of unique postures combined with deep rhythmic breathing. The exercises evolved from the yogic belief that no man is healthy unless his heart, lungs, liver, nerves, eyes, glands, hearing and so forth are functioning correctly. A man with well developed muscles is not necessarily healthy — he can easily succumb to a kidney or nerve ailment. Consequently, the ancient yoga postures were devised to stimulate individual organ and nerve groups. A healthy mind relies on a healthy body.
By Izzy Erlich9 years ago in Longevity
The Most Gorgeous California Yoga Retreats
Breathe. Stretch. Unwind. Whether you're hoping to become a certified yoga instructor at an intensive two-week program or just relax on a weekend getaway, a yoga retreat is probably the perfect thing - and sunny California is the perfect place. You can camp out in tents and sleeping bags or revel in a luxurious room complete with an organic mattress and breakfast in your room. And when you're not in warrior pose, you can fuel yourself with healthy, fresh (usually vegetarian) meals that will help you feel amazing. At many locations, daily hour-long massages are also included - ohhhhhh yeah. If that's not enough to put you into a complete state of bliss, you can wander over to the hot tub or hot springs and soak away your remaining woes. What are you waiting for? Grab your mat and book your retreat right away - most are filled up a year in advance.
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Longevity
Funny Things That Only Happen to Yogis
Yoga is so much more than just a workout - it’s a lifestyle. It changes you as a person—it contributes to your self-development and it improves your overall health. Through yoga you can meet your future friends, soulmates (and I don’t mean just your yoga mat) and even start a new career you never knew existed. Once you’re in it, you’re a yogi for life. And the results are phenomenal.
By Mackenzie Lu9 years ago in Longevity
