Wellness Haven Yoga

Author: Umang Goel

  • Health: Your Ultimate Priority

    Health: Your Ultimate Priority

    Introduction

    In our fast-paced lives, health often takes a backseat. We become engrossed in our work, social lives, and personal commitments, rarely pausing to think about the most crucial aspect of our existence: our well-being. Health should not just be a checkbox; it should be our ultimate priority. This blog post will delve deep into the multifaceted concept of health and explain why and how to place it at the top of your life’s agenda.

    Defining Health

    The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. But what does this mean in practical terms? It means that health is an all-encompassing term that includes emotional stability, mental clarity, physical strength, and social harmony.

    Why Make Health a Priority?

    With the increased risk of lifestyle diseases, the benefits of making health your priority are innumerable:

    • Increased Longevity: Healthy living can add years to your life.
    • Improved Quality of Life: From physical abilities to mental peace, everything improves.
    • Economic Benefits: Lower healthcare costs and higher productivity.

    The Domino Effect of Health Neglect

    Ignoring health can have severe repercussions. Poor health is linked to:

    • Lower life expectancy
    • Reduced quality of life
    • Increased medical expenses
    • Emotional and psychological strain

    Physical Health: More Than Just Exercise

    Physical health encompasses various factors like exercise, diet, and regular medical check-ups. While exercise is crucial, it’s just one part of the puzzle. Regular health screenings and a balanced diet are equally important.

    Mental Health: The Forgotten Dimension

    Mental health plays a pivotal role in overall well-being. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to a host of physical problems. Yet, mental health often goes unaddressed due to stigma or ignorance. Mindfulness, therapy, and stress management should be a part of your health strategy.

    Nutrition: The Fuel for Your Body

    Nutrition plays a significant role in health. Your body needs the right amount of nutrients to function correctly. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean meat, and whole grains can make a massive difference in your health profile.

    Rest: The Underestimated Element

    In our quest for more, we often compromise on sleep and rest, not realizing that they are crucial for health. Adequate sleep not only rejuvenates your body but also prepares your mind for challenges ahead.

    Yoga: A Holistic Approach to Health

    Yoga offers a balanced approach to both physical and mental health. Through different postures, breathing techniques, and meditation, yoga provides a comprehensive workout for your body and mind.

    Taking the First Step

    Acknowledging the need for better health is the first step toward improvement. Start with simple changes like incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet or dedicating 20 minutes to exercise.

    Conclusion

    Health is an invaluable asset that we often take for granted. Making health your ultimate priority is not just an investment in your future, but also a commitment to improving your present. From diet and exercise to sleep and emotional well-being, each aspect contributes to your overall health profile. So let’s pledge to make health our ultimate priority, not just for us but for the people who depend on us.

    Take Control of Your Health with Wellness Haven

    After reading this comprehensive guide on why and how to make health your ultimate priority, you might be wondering where to start. Why not consider practicing yoga as your first step toward a healthier lifestyle? Wellness Haven offers online yoga classes that cater to all levels of practitioners and focus on promoting good health. Not only will you be introduced to various yoga poses and breathing techniques, but you’ll also become part of a supportive community that encourages and fosters healthy living.

    Why Choose Wellness Haven?

    • Learn from an Expert: Umang Goel, Renowned for Excellence in the Field
    • Flexible Timing: Pick a schedule that suits you.
    • Holistic Approach: It’s not just about physical health; we care about your mental well-being too.

    So why wait? Make health your ultimate priority today and start your journey with Wellness Haven.

    🖥️ NOW OFFERING: Online Zoom Lessons!

    Experience our specialized yoga and wellness classes right from the comfort of your living room. Want to know more? Feel free to reach out to us about our virtual offerings.

    📞 Complimentary Consultation For a personalized consultation and evaluation, don’t hesitate to call us today at (925) 819-6327.

  • Yoga At Wellness Haven

    Yoga At Wellness Haven

    What type of yoga is taught at Wellness Haven Yoga Studio?

    There are 6 branches or paths of yoga (as described below), and at Wellness Haven Yoga, we extract goodness from each type to form a combination practice of alignment based yoga (a systematic approach to create integration in the body) so that each individual gets a complete therapeutic experience and the mind and body reach their optimal best.

    We bring in Iyengar, Ashtanga and Vinyasa styles of the Hatha Yoga practice together in each class.
    Mantra flavors our practice with Bhakti Yoga.
    Our Breathing and Meditation class is a combination of Raja, Bhakti, Jnana with philosophies of Karma Yoga under the guidance of the 8 limbs of Yoga under Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

    At Wellness Haven Yoga Studio, we teach an alignment-based style of Vinyasa or flow practice, sometimes holding poses longer and sometimes a faster flow. The flows are choreographed for each class in such a manner that every single part of the body is impacted in each class, whether it is a chair yoga or a mat yoga class.

    Each class begins with grounding down easy poses with breathing practice to shift from the fight or flight response of our sympathetic nervous system to healing response of our para-sympathetic nervous system, so that we can return to our natural relaxed state through seated asanas, before we go into more intense asanas. The sequencing of asanas is choreographed in such a smooth flow that the mind and body experiences bliss and healing coming to a completely relaxed state of being.

    The flow consists of:
    Seated to on all fours with knees on the mat.
    On the belly or supine asanas to on the back or prone asanas.
    On all fours with knees off the floor.
    Standing balancing asanas.
    All the above is nterspersed with seated and arm balancing asanas, using props whenever needed.
    Back to lying down asanas in supine position.
    Each class ends with Shavasana for complete relaxation, followed by chanting and laughter yoga.

    There are 6 branches of yoga:
    1. Raja Yoga
    Raja yoga is based on the eight limbed path as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra. Raja (royal or king) is the king path of yoga and is followed by the spiritual seekers and is the path of self-realization. Its focus is on meditation and self contemplation and is the path of self discovery.

    2. Bhakti Yoga
    Bhakti yoga emphasizes the path of devotional love and surrender to The Higher Power. This path is that of acceptance and love towards all living beings and teaches these principles of love and connection through chanting, and. kirtan (call and response way of music)

    3. Jnana/Gyan Yoga
    Jnana yoga or yoga of the mind, is the path of wisdom and knowledge (Jnana). It encourages self inquiry, and study of  scriptures.involving disciplined study of scriptures. and constant inquiry into the nature of self.  Intellectually inclined seekers are drawn to this path of yoga.

    4. Karma Yoga
    Karma yoga or the yoga of doing is the path of selfless service, selfless action towards betterment of all beings, while still remaining detached to the outcome of the action.

    5. Mantra Yoga
    Mantra yoga or the yoga of sound is the practice of centering the self through repetition of mantras.  Mantras are syllables, words, or phrases representing attributes of the Divine.

    6. Hatha Yoga
    Hatha yoga is the physical practice of yoga postures, or asana, using the body as a vehicle for self-transformation.

    Under the umbrella of Hatha Yoga are 10 major styles of yoga:

    1. Iyengar Yoga: focuses on alignment as well as detailed and precise movements with emphasis on use of props.
    2. Kundalini Yoga: fast-moving, invigorating postures and breath exercises releasing the kundalini energy in the body said to be trapped, or coiled, in the lower spine and involve chanting, mantra, and meditation.
    3. Ashtanga Yoga: involves a very physically demanding set series or sequence of postures.
    4. Vinyasa Yoga: the movement is coordinated with your breath and movement to flow from one pose to another.
    5. Bikram Yoga: a sequence of set poses in a sauna-like room—typically set to 105 degrees and 40 percent humidity. The sequence includes a series of 26 basic postures, with each one performed twice.
    6. Yin Yoga: a slow-paced style of yoga with seated postures that are held for longer periods of time.
    7. Restorative Yoga: this style focuses on body relaxation with use of props. More time spent in fewer postures.
    8. Prenatal Yoga: tailored to women in all trimesters of pregnancy.
    9. Anusara Yoga: similar to Vinyasa Yoga
    10. Jivamukti Yoga: similar to Vinyasa Yoga

  • Breathing And Meditation

    Breathing And Meditation

    Breathing and Meditation

    “All of man’s difficulties are caused by his inability to sit, quietly, in a room by himself.” ~ Blaise Pascal

    Did you know that anxiety is one of the root causes why many feel “stuck?” Anxiety does not let you move forward with your life for it keeps you in a place of pain and stress. Incorporate a daily practice of Breathing / Pranayama and Meditation so that the mind gets to relax. In this relaxed state of aware mind, you will be able to actually see the “problems” as challenges and as opportunities for growth; you will be in the space of mind which is relaxed and able to let things unfold naturally. With this meditative and calm mind, you will be able to take corrective action steps without feeling burdened.

    Become more creative, more productive and stress free by practicing breathing and meditation regularly. ~ Umang Goel

  • Yoga Music

    Yoga Music

    Yoga Music

    After being contacted by Flute Maestro, Bikramjit Singh just yesterday, I was inspired to write this post.

    An important ingredient of a beautiful yoga asana session is melodious sweet harmony of music. Without music, something seems to be missing, not because yoga asanas cannot be done without music, but because it supplements and complements the yoga practice. Music played during a session should suit the style of the class, the tone of the class, the time of the day the class is held and should especially merge with every practicing yogi to create a sense of harmony, well-being, and oneness. It should not lead the mind to anywhere else but within the being; it should not be a diversion but an immersion.

    “Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodhah”: Yoga is the removal of the fluctuations of the mind. (Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: I, 2) 

    And if the music is right, it calms the mind.

    From the first moment we introduced Bikramjit Singh’s “The Dancing Flute” music to our yoga classes, we knew right away that it blended wonderfully with our authentic yoga practices! Our students love the flute music. The most amazing aspect is that no matter which type of class we have, it is a perfect fit! I am a total fan of this music, and so are our students. What we appreciate about his music is the melody, rhythm, pitch, tone, and the length of the music pieces.  They all seem to blend in such a peaceful and harmonious way.

    Many thanks to Flute Maestro Bikramjit Singh for becoming such an intrinsic part of Wellness Haven Yoga  School.  ~ Umang Goel

    We would love to read your comments below.

     

  • Manifest Your Dreams

    Manifest Your Dreams

    Manifest Your Dreams

    Many of us dare to dream, but how many of us dive into action with faith and empowerment of turning the dream into reality? We all want to, but many feel it is not possible! I am here to tell you that it is all possible: with intention, devotion, faith, gratitude and action. But there is a very important piece to this puzzle of manifestation – ACCOUNTABILITY! Yes someone to hold you accountable to your powerful intention. The missing ingredient in the recipe for manifesting your dreams: A hand to hold you accountable; a partner in your dreams; someone who wants it as much as you want to achieve your dreams; someone who will devote a dedicated time slot to you and your dreams; someone who does not quit on your dreams even if you lose patience; someone who believes in you; someone who has no qualms in telling you exactly how it is – Yes, that is what a true, authentic MENTOR is, who is not emotionally attached to you! life is precious. Moments of your life are precious. Do not waste time. Go for your dreams. Find yourself a powerful authentic mentor who believes in you and your dreams and who will hold you accountable. Your dreams are waiting to unfold. What are you waiting for? ~ Umang Goel We would love to read your comments below.

  • The Many Benefits Of Shavasana

    The Many Benefits Of Shavasana

    The Many Benefits Of Shavasana

    As the yoga class rolls its way towards the end, you face lights up even more than when you were enjoying the bliss of the body opening up during the amazing asana sequences your teacher had planned for you. First comes the “Final Rinsing Twist,” a pose so amazing, it should never be missed. Then comes the blissful Shavasana.

    “Shavasana” also pronounced as “Savasana” and also known as “Mrtasana” or  “The Corpse Pose” is the final resting pose and the most important part of the whole yoga asana practice, and yet some unfortunately miss it just for sake of a few more minutes! If it is for any other reason than a pre-scheduled appointment, one wonders if the student understands the benefits of this most important asana of all.

    For some, it may be the most challenging asana of all because of its quietness which invites you to simple BE.

    Preparation for Shavasana:

    • Dim light
    • Soft Music
    • Teacher’s voice in soft whispers
    • Students becoming comfortable in the bodies and restful in their minds

    The teacher may take you through yoga nidra, visualization so that you may reach the deeper realms of your blissful self, reading of mind opening prose or poetry – all while you are at complete rest, relaxing, enjoying the benefits of your hard work in the hour before.

    Benefits of Shavasana:

    –          Releases stress and anxiety

    –          Offers complete relaxation

    –          Boosts positive mental energy

    –          Refreshes and rejuvenates

    –          Encourages going within through silence

    –          Enables sleeping meditation benefits

    –          Gets you away from constant action in your daily routine

    –          Brings blood pressure to optimal levels

    –          Releases fatigue and headache

    –          Provides the much needed “sleep” that most deprive themselves of

    –          Encourages surrender in self-acceptance

    –          Brings peacefulness within

    –          Allows effortless breathing

    After a good yoga asana practice, Shavasana simply opens up your day to peaceful and joyful activity so that you can make your day fruitful and miraculous.

    If you have made your way to a yoga class, don’t deprive yourself of another few critical minutes of a shavasana practice. You are worth it. ~ Umang Goel

     

    We would love to read your comments below.

  • Live Your Life Guilt And Regret Free

    Live Your Life Guilt And Regret Free

    Live Your Life Guilt and Regrets Free

    Life is too short. Life is very precious. If your heart desires, do it! Don’t let ANYTHING come in the way of your dreams – whether it is a trip you want to make, or something you have been wanting to do for yourself…go for it. Give it your very best shot. Do not feel guilty. Do not pave your way to regrets. It is simply not worth it.

    How will you make it happen? By taking some time and resource that are being spent on what is not necessary!

    Let’s make a pledge to ourselves – When I pass away from this earth, I will have no regrets; only joy and satisfaction for having lived the life I wanted.  ~ Umang Goel

  • Joyously Successful Mind

    Joyously Successful Mind

    What makes a joyously successful mind?

    How you think, how you perceive, how you respond, and how you take action – all become a recipe for a joyfully successful mind.

    1. You have a clear vision of what you want.
    2. You have a plan of action, and you have a back-up plan of action.
    3. You say black is black without making excuses. Acceptance is a critical concept.
    4. You look at things without anxiety even when they do not work, for you take corrective actions until you make it work. You do not try; you do it. You do not do it someday; you do it today.
    5. You face fear head on, knowing that antidote to fear is action, and when fear is faced, the true picture emerges.
    6. You are not afraid to leave places that provide you a sense of security in order to achieve what you have set out to achieve. You are ready to challenge yourself and take yourself right to the edge.
    7. You do not wait for a perfect place, the perfect time, the perfect situation to set forward in your vision. You grab the opportunity irrespective of how perfect the current situation maybe for you value time and respect opportunity.
    8. You do not let external circumstances and what others have to say come in the way of your progress, for you are laser focused in your mission.
    9. You stay away from the drama of negativity.
    10. You stay away from making groundless assumptions.
    11. You not allow lack of current resources stop you in your focused mission because you believe that what you need will come to you at the right time.
    12. You respect and honor others just like you want to be treated yourself.
    13. It is not your mission to please everyone for you are always synched up in your heart and mind when making decisions.
    14. You realize that you may not have all the answers and that it is smart to get expert advice, but you incorporate only what makes sense.
    15. You are confident and do not need to be validated every step of the way.
    16. Accomplishment to you means some failures along the way of progress.
    17. You do not accept things blindly, for you make the effort to understand thoroughly before following it with an action.
    18. You are careful in the choice of who you associate with on a daily basis.
    19. You exercise both your mind and your body, for you understand that a healthy mind and a healthy body go a long way towards achieving your dreams.
    20. You understand that when you help others you get helped as well.
    21. You understand that procrastination is simply wasting opportunity. You value time.
    22. You always follow through with gratitude.
    23. You take time to rest and play.
    24. You are not a quitter. You do not beat yourself up for what did not happen. You see things to the end for you have complete faith in the fruition of your vision.
    25. You start and end with a winning mindset – the outcome of your dream and action is a given.

    ~ Umang Goel

  • Healing Sciatica With Yoga

    Healing Sciatica With Yoga

    Healing Sciatica With Yoga 

    What is Sciatica?

    Sciatica is a pain that radiates from the lower back down to the legs often to the foot. Most people point to their legs when they talk about sciatica. It can also cause tingling, numbness, or weakness in the leg. These symptoms can occur randomly and can last for weeks.

    What causes Sciatica?

    The Sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the human body that begins in the lower back and extends into the leg.

    Any irritation or inflammation in the sciatic nerve causes sciatica nerve pain. It could be due to pinched nerve in the lumber area of the lower back, or due to nerve irritation in the surrounding area, spinal arthritis or due to enlarged uterus during pregnancy. The piriformis muscle in the buttock can also cause irritation to the sciatic nerve.

    Yoga is very helpful to those suffering from Sciatica.

    A daily yoga practice, proper posture and taking care of the back when lifting heavy objects can go a long way towards keeping the sciatica pain away. Always check with your doctor first.

    Those with tight hips and weak lower back muscles experience sciatica pain when bending forward.  In general we should bend forward through the hip joints so that the sits bones are lifted and the pelvis tilts forward, otherwise there is a strain in the sciatic nerve.

    Recommendations:

    Strengthening of the muscles around sciatic nerve and improving circulation in this region is needed to prevent sciatica pain. Hamstring stretches are a relief. A yoga practice that takes you from gentle seated poses to downward dog and standing poses and back to supine poses, all incorporating twists along the way  help align, lengthen, and strengthen the lower back and reduce tension. All hip opening poses offer tremendous relief.

    1. In general Seated Forward Fold / Paschimottanasana  should be avoided in case of sciatica pain. Instead Head To Knee Forward Fold / Janu Sirsasana is recommended, especially when experiencing lower back pain. Try both sides of the Janu Sirsasana to see if any one side is more effective than the other, for it depends on where the pain is shooting from – the lower back or the buttocks. It helps to bend the knee on the side the pain is not felt in case the pain is coming from lower back and the same side if it is in the buttocks. If neither side help, the seated forward fold should be avoided completely.
    2. Bending the knees in forward standing bends and downward facing dog help with sciatica pain.
    3. Slow Vinyasa movements like Sun Salutation / Surya Namaskar  help increase blood circulation and help sciatica
    4. Cobra Pose / Bhujangasana, Bow Pose / Dhanurasana and Salabhasana / Locust Pose strengthen muscles and increase circulation. If lifting of legs cause pain then the legs should not be lifted.
    5. Bridge Pose / Sethu Bandhasana, Half lord of the Fish Pose / Ardha Matsyendrasana, Pigeon Pose / Bakasana help sciatica due to opening of the hips and twists.

    Remember that just because the pain went away does not mean that you should stop the yoga practice, for sciatica pain can recur! You breathe every day, don’t you? Indulge in yoga everyday too and keep the pain and stresses away from your life. ~ Umang Goel

     

  • Yoga For Back Pain

    Yoga For Back Pain

    Yoga For Back Pain

    One of the reasons people come in for a yoga class is to seek relief from back pain.

    There are some very simple yogic stretches and twists that people are able to do and resolve their back pain, as they gently build their back muscles and release the tightness and tension from their back.

    1. One of the gentlest yoga asanas is “supported bridge pose” where you are on your back, with bent knees, arms by the side of the hips, palms facing downwards, and you gently lift the hips up and bring them down and repeat this a few times. The hips do not have to be raised more than the body allows – just a little off the floor will do.

    2. Another gentle yoga asana is when you find release in the lower back by coming on your belly and your forearms, curling toes so that the shins are off the floor but groin bone is on the mat, and you simply twist the lower body from side to side without moving the upper body.

    Besides the above, the following asanas also help:

    3. Cat-Cow Pose

    4. Legs-Up-The-Wall with lower back support

    5. Leg Twist while in a supine pose

    At Wellness Haven we devote some form of lower back release in every class so that our students get a daily dose of self-care.

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