Wellness Haven Yoga

Author: Umang Goel

Meditation
The Art and Science of Meditation

Many have not even begun to reap the benefits of a simple meditation practice simply because they are under the mis-conception that it is a difficult practice or not possible for everyone!

Here is my attempt to eradicate the myth that “not everyone can meditate.”

What is meditation?

Meditation is finding the space between thoughts.

As long as we have breath we will have thoughts; so thinking that meditation will allow you to have no thoughts is not only a myth but something that we should have no need to aim for!

Benefits of Meditation:
- Calms the mind
- Decreases the stress hormone, cortisol.
- Reduces anxiety.
- Decreases blood pressure to optimal levels
- Reduces cholesterol
- Strengthens the immune system
As one continues to spend minutes each day being in silence, the calm gradually seeps into every facet of one’s life, bringing harmony and balance, compassion for every being, and urges one towards the Source creating a sense of peace within.

Key concept in reaping the benefits of meditation:

Just get started with complete faith that everyone can do it and then do it consistently every day!
And if you can do it at the same time every day, it is even better for it gives it the much needed consistency that builds a life-long habit.

How to get started with simple Meditation:
- Find a peaceful, comfortable, and safe spot of your choice.
- You can sit on a cushion against a wall for back support and cushions under your knees (You can even sit on a chair or you can lie down too if neither of the other options work for you.)
- Once comfortable, close your eyes and focus on breathing – inhale and exhale with mouth closed.
- Whenever your mind wanders, strive to bring your focus back to breath, again and again.
- Start with 5 minutes and gradually increase to 10 to 15 to 20 minutes.
That is all it takes. Just do this every day and form the healthiest of all habits and reap the benefits for years to come. ~ Umang Goel

We would love to read your comments below. And remember to share your joy with others.
June 23, 2014
Yoga And Reflexology
Yoga and Reflexology

At Wellness Haven we believe in staying away from medicine as much as possible for we believe in the natural healing capacity of our body when supported by natural and healthy alternatives to medicine.

These alternatives are:
- Daily Yoga Asanas
- Pranayama
- Meditation
- Eating Natural Food
- Chiropractic Care
- Homeopath
- Ayurveda
- Massage
- Reflexology
Yoga and Reflexology are intertwined together for reflexology is a part of our yoga asana practice.

Let’s talk about Reflexology and what a wonderful role it plays in our life.

Reflexology was discovered thousands of years ago. It is a completely safe and natural way to enhance health. It uses the technique of massage and pressure to stimulate nerves especially on palms of hands and soles of feet which are connected internally to our organs and glands.

There are more than 7000 nerve endings on the foot connecting to internal organs and glands and when pressure is applied on them they create multiple benefits by:
- opening up the energy channels that may have been congested
- producing relaxation to tired limbs
- releasing stress and anxiety
- enhancing blood circulation
- creating a sense of peace and calm
- releasing muscle pain in various body parts like the neck, shoulders, back, legs
- helps the digestive system, endocrine system, sleep issues, headaches and migraines
How to get help from reflexology?

Massage the parts of the hands and the feet that are connected to the internal organs and glands that have the ailment.

For example:
- Headache/Stress/Anxiety: Massage the parts of the hands and the feet that are connected to the head, neck and sinus.
- Sleep Issues: Massage the parts of the hands and feet that are connected with the pituitary gland.
- Colds and the Flu: Massage parts of the hands and the feet that are connected to sinuses, nose, throat, and lungs.
- Asthma and Bronchitis: Massage parts of the hands and the feet that are connected to the lungs.
During yoga asanas:

Apply pressure on the soles of the feet by stretching and widening the toes, planting the feet more firmly on your mat.
Apply pressure on the palms by interlacing the fingers and rubbing the palms together.

In general massage the palms, the fingers, the wrist, and in between the fingers, the soles, the ankles and in between the toes regularly to ensure health of your whole body.

Spend some time with yourself and take charge of your life. ~ Umang Goel

We would love to read your comments below. And remember to share your joy with others.
June 8, 2014
Gayatri Mantra

The Gayatri Mantra

Students are welcome to join in the Gayatri Mantra that Umang chants at the end of each class to create wonderfully calming, peaceful and therapeutic vibrations in the surroundings that one can soak into every cell of ones being even without chanting. It has absolutely nothing to do with religion and so is the case with A-U-M vibrations.

Let me draw an analogy for you:
Imagine a guitar in the hands of someone who has no idea what a guitar is. What happens? The guitar is strung and a disharmonious, jarring sound and vibrations are produced! That is what happens to a mind-body in a constant chaotic and toxic state! But when the vibrations of this chanting soaks in, it created harmony in the being just like the same guitar in the hands of a musician creates melody!

Click on the link to listen to Gayatri Mantra in the beautiful voice of Anuradha Paudwal: Gayatri Mantra

The Gayatri Mantra

Om Bhoor Bhuvah Svah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yonah Prachodhayaat

Meaning of the individual words in Gayatri Mantra:

Om: The primeval sound
Bhur: The physical world
Bhuvah: The mental world
Suvah: The celestial, spiritual world
Thath: That; God; Transcendental Paramatma
Savithur: The Sun, Creator, Preserver
Varenyam: Most adorable, Enchanting
Bhargo: Luster, Effulgence
Devasya: Eesplendent, Supreme Lord
Dheemahi: We Meditate Upon
Dhiyo: The intellect, Understanding
Yo: May This Light
Nah: Our
Prachodayath: Enlighten, Guide, Inspire

Meaning of Gayatri Mantra:

We meditate upon thy supreme splendor.
May thy radiant power
Illuminate our intellects,
destroy our sins and guide us
in the right direction.
~ From the Sage Vishwamitra

“O God, you are the giver of life, remover of pain and sorrow, the bestower of happiness, may your light destroy our sins, and may you illumine our intellect to lead us along the righteous path.”

Remember to share your joy with others.

June 8, 2014
Beware Of Toxins In Our Homes

Beware Of Toxins In Our Homes

We all live in a world where the manufacturers are busy creating toxin products that we use in our homes daily, and we don’t even know! We face all kinds of health issues, never knowing that they may be because of the toxins lurking in our own homes.

Whether it is the cleaners that we use in our home, or the beauty products, they are all infested with chemicals that are playing havoc with our health.

I have attended a few seminars on this very topic and realized that it is essential to spread this knowledge in our community and create awareness, so that a little at a time we can start detoxifying our homes and start living in a cleaner world.

It all begins with one person creating awareness.

At a recently attended seminar, an Ava Anderson Consultant revealed the following (extracted from Ava Anderson’s Resource):

“Did you know:

– Europe bans 1,342 toxic chemicals from their personal
care products and the US bans only 9?
– up to 60% of what goes on your skin gets to your
bloodstream…up to 100% if it is on your scalp,
underarm or groin.
– “safe”, “organic” and “natural” does not mean your
products do not contain toxic chemicals as well?
– 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will get cancer in their
lifetime, 1 in 78 children and 1 in 54 boys are born with
Autism in the US, and that Alzheimers is up 500% in the
past 20 years?
– according to the President’s Cancer Panel only
10% of cancer is genetic and 90% is caused by
environmental factors?
– your personal and home care products (from shampoo
to antibacterial wipes to makeup) contain carcinogenic
ingredients, neurotoxins, endocrine disruptors and
allergens that could be hazardous to your health?

Know your backside!

Read your labels and avoid the following chemicals:

FRAGRANCE is a “trade secret” in the industry and
manufacturers can legally include hundreds of chemicals
in this one ingredient. More than 75% of the time if you have
fragrance, you have legally hidden phthalates (THAL ates),
known endocrine disruptors, that are linked with birth
defects, breast cancer, infertility, liver, cancer, diabetes,
obesity, and now with autism and ADHD in pregnancy
by Dr. Philip Landrigan, Mt Sinai, Children’s Environmental
Health Center.
PARABENS: are preservatives linked to breast cancer,
endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and
developmental defects. California Study (10/11) of BPA
and methyplaraben combination turned healthy cells into
cancer cells, and rendered tamoxifin ineffective.
TRICLOSAN: is the active ingredient in “anti-bacterial”
products, is registered with the government as a pesticide,
and is a known endocrine disruptor. Triclosan is believed
to disrupt thyroid function and contribute to liver and
inhalation toxicity.
OXYBENZONE and OCTINOXATE: (and other chemical
sunscreen “active ingredients”) are UV ray filters that are
known endocrine disruptors.
PETROLATUM & PETROLEUM INGREDIENTS: endocrine
disruptors and carcinogens.
IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL SIX OF THE ABOVE ARE “ENDOCRINE
DISRUPTORS” which are important to avoid, because the endocrine
system regulates ALL biological processes in the body: development
of the brain and nervous system, growth and function of the
reproduction system, metabolism and blood sugar levels, ovaries,
testes, pituitary, thyroid and the adrenal glands. (Natural News)
The World Health Organization and the UN recently released
a report that called endocrine disruptors a “Global Threat.” Small
amounts matter, especially to the developing fetus.
PEG’s (polyethylene glycol) are petroleum byproducts.
During manufacturing process carcinogenic
contamination is created: 1,4-dioxane, which is a known
human carcinogen, with liver and kidney effects.
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) and SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
(SLES) are considered carcinogens. SLES is sometimes
contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. You will never see
1,4-dioxane on a label, as companies are not required
to list carcinogenic contaminants.
INGREDIENTS THAT END IN “-eth”: like ceteareth,
triceteareth, etc., carry the contamination concern
for 1,4-dioxane.
IMPORTANT NOTE: all THREE of the above ingredients carry
carcinogenic contaminant concerns created during manufacturing
for 1,4-dioxane. The government allows 10 ppm (parts per million) in
any one product, but no one is testing. 1,4-dioxane can be stripped
for pennies, and must be done for any product exported to EU.

RETINYL PALMITATE: in the presence of sunlight enhances
skin cancer lesions by 21% (FDA, 2011 Report). It is in
many sunscreens and moisturizers.

NANOPARTICLES: can cross the cell barrier and drive into
organs, including the brain in humans. There is no way
of knowing particle size, unless stated on the label. EU
manufacturers must list nanoparticles

ALUMINUM and metals: these are bio-accumulative,
meaning they store in your fat cells and accumulate,
and are very hard to get rid of.
DIETHANOLOMINE (DEA) and COCAMIDE DEA, LAURAMIDE
DEA: DEA reacts with other ingredients to become the
extremely carcinogenic nitrosodiethanolamine. Beware
of other ethanolamines like triethanolamine (TEA) and
monoethamolamine (MEA).

FORMALDEHYDE RELEASERS – DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, DMDM
HYDANTOIN, QUATERNIUM: found in most personal care
products. Formaldehyde can cause allergic reactions,
dermatitis, joint pains and headaches, cancer and
immune dysfunction.
SYNTHETIC COLOR/DYES: made from coal tar, which is
a mixture of many chemicals, derived from petroleum.
These colors may be contaminated with low levels of
heavy metals and some are combined with aluminum
substrate. Aluminum compounds and many heavy
metals are toxic to the brain.

GLYCOL (propylene, butylenes, etc): is a synthetic petro chemical
mix known to cause allergic and toxic reactions. Has been linked to cancer,
developmental/reproductive issues, neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption.

MINERAL OIL: a petroleum ingredient that coats the
skin like plastic wrap, disrupting the natural immune
barrier, inhibiting its ability to breathe and absorb
natural moisture and nutrition, and its ability to release
toxins, which can promote acne and other disorders.
The process slows down skin function and normal cell
development causing premature aging.

TALC: is in the same family as asbestos. Talc is dangerous
to inhale and has been linked to ovarian cancer.

SILOXANES: cyclomethicone and ingredients ending
in “siloxane” (e.g., cyclopentasiloxane) are toxic,
persistent, and have the potential to bioaccumulate.
The EU classifies some as endocrine disruptors and
possible reproductive toxicant that may impair fertility.
Research shows some to cause uterine tumors and harm
to the reproductive and immune systems. Some siloxanes
can also influence neurotransmitters in the nervous
system. Cyclomethicone is a mixture of three siloxanes.

What you can do:
1. Control What You Can Control (food & products) and
make Small Changes.
2. Challenge Words Like “Natural”, “Organic” and “Pure.”
Make Informed Choices.
3. Speak Up! Tell The FDA/ Cosmetics Companies that you
care and are concerned! (If we don’t buy it, they will
stop selling it! Vote with your wallet).
4. Keep Learning”

Wellness Haven will bring in an Ava Anderson Consultant for such a presentation in the near future.

Be Aware and Take Charge of Your Life. ~ Umang Goel

We would love to read your comments below. And please remember to share your joy with others.

June 5, 2014
Self Love Enables Weight Loss
Yogic principles enable self-love and self-love enables weight loss

“Self love is the only weight-loss aid that really works in the long run.” ~ Jenny Craig

So very true for being in shape takes intense desire, dedication, discipline with both food control and daily exercise. Because we are human beings we need the motivation and inspiration on a daily basis as well.

So how do we stay inspired and motivated on a daily basis to stay healthy?

A dedicated group environment where people meet each other daily on common grounds with a common goal – health – is so very essential. Each one of us needs not just a set of exercise to move our limbs daily or a regimented eating routine, but a true yoga practice where all 8 limbs of yoga are embraced which enable one to lead a joyful life. When one embraces these yogic principles, self-love automatically blooms. When one learns to embrace self-love one also is able to achieve whatever they desire from the core of their being.

Some key principles are:
- Self-discipline with all aspects of life and including food
- Asana / Poses to exercise the body
- Pranayama / Controlled Breathing to exercise the lungs
- Pratyahara / Withdrawal or Sensory Transcedence to stay disciplined
- Dharana / Focus / Concentration to accomplish what one has set as a goal
- Dhyana / Meditation / Contemplation to keep the mind clear and calm.
I know that this was my goal with Wellness Haven – to create a happy and safe space for those with the common goal of holistic healthy living to come together and inspire each other daily. Following the yogic principles has helped me achieve what I had set out for, and I am grateful, for Wellness Haven is impacting many lives daily.

What are your aspirations? ~ Umang Goel

We would love to read your comments below. And do not forget to share your joy with others.
May 30, 2014
Solitude Is Self Love

Solitude Is Self Love

Only when you learn to love yourself do you love your solitude.

There is a difference between loneliness and solitude.

Solitude allows you to reflect and understand yourself, which is one of the most difficult things to do for those who find their pleasure only when they are with someone. Such people become restless unless they are in a constant state of connection with the outside world and doing something or the other. Such people face loneliness.

“Loneliness is failed solitude.” ~ Sherry Turkle

On the other hand solitude is a choice. You prefer your own company for it gives you the peace, the comfort, the relaxation, and complete rest that is only possible when you are by yourself and away from the daily drama of life. This solitude becomes blissful when the mind is also at complete rest, that is you are in a meditative state with your eyes closed and none of your body parts are moving. This is a time which leads you to creativity and productivity and achieves your very best.

“When you learn to love your own company you become far more careful who you spend your time with.” ~ Katrina Mayer

We live in a society where many do not understand the criticality of solitude. The daily issues that people are faced with would take on a completely different meaning and people would be able to stay away from anxiety and depression if they were to practice the art of self-discovery through solitude.

We all need to learn how to love our own company, become our own beloved and choose wisely who we are with at other times. When this self-love prospers, we do not use the external world as a means of escape.

A person complete on the inside loves solitude.

A person who is unable to live with the self is lonely, for such a person considers it an imprisonment, a punishment, and struggles with living on a daily basis.

Solitude does not mean you let go of society.

Solitude means that you embrace society with acceptance and deep love for the self, enabling a richer and more empowered society.

Going from loneliness to being complete is the process of self-discovery, which comes only with proper guidance, time and patience. The practice of Meditation, Controlled Breathing/Pranayama, Yoga enable this process of self-discovery. The result is invaluable. ~ Umang Goel

We would love to read your comments below. And do not forget to share your joy with others.

May 29, 2014
Life’s Challenges
Life’s Challenges are the perfect opportunities for Self- Growth

You may have often found yourself facing Life’s Challenges. You may have even said to yourself, “Why me?” You may have wondered when this challenge will go away. You may have faced anxiety or worse depression as a result…

Life’s challenges have a way of disrupting our lives; coming at times we ‘think’ we need them the least, costing us our valuable time and resources that we could have used elsewhere! Yes it becomes an inconvenience we do not “need” as we stay focused on everything else but this inconvenience! We are irritated and frustrated for we did not ‘plan’ for this challenge!

I do not know of anyone who has not faced of any life challenge!

I also know that most do get very anxious.

I was there once too – a life challenge would get me wringing my hands, in panic and overwhelmed not knowing what to do.

So how do we overcome this feeling of overwhelm?

The answer is very simple and yet profound – by understanding the real meaning of a Life Challenge; changing our perspective on how we look at life, changing our attitude towards life!

What is the real meaning of a Life Challenge?
- A life challenge is a blessing in disguise.
- It comes into our life to teach us critical lessons which might not have learned otherwise.
- It forces us look deeper into our beings for we live in a very external world most of the time.
- It is an opportunity for growth.
- It makes us challenge and expand our own self-inflicted boundaries and limits.
- It makes us strong as we learn how to take action and resolve the challenge to come back into balance, by forcing us to tap into our unknown potentials.
- It makes us look for solutions we did not think were possible.
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” ~ John Kabat-Zin

We are all limitless in our capabilities. We all have the ability to ride the high tide and come back onto solid ground.
- Accept the challenge for what it is.
- Ride the wave as you face feelings and emotions that make you look deeper into yourself, take the necessary action steps as you learn how to resolve the challenge.
- Come out of the challenge stronger than ever before!
Let’s not take this beautiful life for granted. Know that a Life Challenge is there to keep you on your toes as you stay rooted in your faith and belief that ALL IS WELL. ~ Umang Goel

We would love to read your comments below. And do not forget to share your joy with others.
May 28, 2014
Yoga Is For All Ages!

Yoga is for all age groups – Toddlers to Seniors!

The benefits of a wholesome yoga practice impacts all age groups. Whether you practice yoga with your toddler in a “Mommy and Me Yoga” or a Senior, yoga improves the quality of life for all its participants.

Toddlers love yoga with their parent. It is amazing how smart our toddlers are and how much they learn. The wonderful part is that they have FUN and bring in so much joy to their participating parent as they bond with them. Yes they need a class of their own.

The 4 Years Olds to Pre-Teens are a joy to teach as they learn themselves and with or without their parents. They are fast learners. They do not face the fears of an adult and learn difficult poses amazingly well. They learn to chant mantras, practice being silent and fully participate in Laughter Yoga without any inhibitions or restlessness as may be seen by some adults! Yes they are amazing to be around.

The Teenagers and the Youth are independent and do so well with or without parents being around them. Their bodies are yearning for guidance and they gain the flexibility, strength and build their stamina at an accelerated pace. Teaching them is a pleasure.

Adults and including Seniors are always amazed how quickly they start feeling the impacts of a regular yoga asana practice and how their bodies start responding to consistency.

There is never any need to be tight or weak in our bodies. A daily dose of yoga stretch keeps us all agile not only in our minds but our bodies as well.

How often do you practice your yoga asanas? ~ Umang Goel

We would love to read your comments below. And do not forget to share your joy with others.

May 27, 2014
Belief, Sub-Conscious Mind & Desired Outcome

Belief, Sub-Conscious Mind & Desired Outcome

People often think like this:

I understand the life philosophy and I am acting on it and yet it is not producing results I desire! I am not able to attract my desired outcome!

Here is how it actually works:

Your actions are in complete alignment with your subconscious mind and the results are in complete alignment with your actions. So irrespective of what you may think that you are planning and doing, if there is any mis-alignment between your subconscious mind and your current thoughts and words, the actions will speak the loudest for it will continuously align itself with what your true perceptions are, based on what resides in your subconscious mind.

What should we do?

Consciously look at your life and what is happening in the current state. If you do not like how your life is in its current state, look at how you really feel about things in your life, your thoughts and words, your actions; look at what you truly believe about those things. Your belief may be completely misaligned with what you are trying very hard to do!

For example:

An overweight person may say that they want to come to their optimal weight, and they start a program as well! But very soon they sabotage themselves and fail to get the desired outcome! Why?

Because in their subconscious mind they have already failed! They don’t really believe that they can achieve what they have set out for. They do not have faith in their actions in spite of the conscious mind guiding them to start acting on their plan!

You have to have complete faith, an absolute conviction in the system you are working with, the projects, the plans, the actions, what you desire, and only then each of these aspects will be in alignment and result in the desired outcome.

People miss the desired outcome for they have failed to align their beliefs, thoughts, actions, words, and goals/dreams.

Your sub-conscious mind is the doorway to infinite intelligence.

We all have the potential, but we need proper guidance so that we can correctly ‘see’ what is not in alignment and what can be done and then have continuous guidance towards complete alignment and the desired life outcome. ~ Umang Goel

We would love to read your comments below. And please remember to share your joy with others.

May 26, 2014
Wonders Of Yoga Straps

Yoga Straps

Straps offer a whole new dimension to the yoga poses whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner. It allows you to maximize your yoga health benefits without compromising the integrity of your spine. Use it wisely and reap the benefits for years to come.

Length of yoga strap:

The yoga strap length should be adjusted to suit your body needs. It comes in various sizes.

What does a yoga strap do for you?

–          It is used to bring stability to a pose as you hold a pose longer than it would have been possible without the support of a yoga strap.

–          It is used to allow you to stretch your arms and legs with full length through your joints so that you can lengthen and strengthen your body parts.

–          It helps you stay in alignment for a longer period of time.

–          It also helps improve your resistance so that your asana is more challenging.

–          It helps your posture.

Ways to use yoga strap:

Fold or loop a yoga strap in various ways to achieve the results you desire.

Some of the poses the yoga strap proves to be helpful:

–          Cow Face Pose, with strap at the back to bring your hands closer together

–          Seated Forward Bend, to help you keep your legs extended at the knees and ease your tight hamstrings and hips.

–          Seated Hand To Big Toe, to help you keep your legs extended at the knees and ease your tight hamstrings and hips.

–          Boat Pose, to strengthen your core as you extend your legs and hold them in position

–          Tree Pose, to keep your leg up as you balance

–          Dancer Pose, to help you extend your quads and bend your knees as you balance

–          Standing Hand To big Toe, to help your hip, knees and extend your leg as you balance

–          Lying Leg Raise, Leg Crossover, and Legs Up In The Air to help improve your leg and hip joints and strengthen as you lengthen

–          Bound Angle Pose, whether you are seated or lying down prove to be very delightful as it enables you to open up the hip joints and provide the restorative quality of the pose.

The Yoga Class environment at Wellness Haven is fully supportive of yoga props.

Whether you are in a yoga class or at home, use the wonders the yoga strap provides to improve the quality of your life. ~ Umang Goel

We would love to read your comments below. And do not forget to share your joy with others.

May 25, 2014

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