Wellness Haven Yoga

Category: Blog

  • What Makes A Joyful Yoga Class Environment

    What Makes A Joyful Yoga Class Environment

    What Makes A Joyful Yoga Class Environment

    A holistic and spiritual practice like yoga no matter what style of practice also needs a holistic environment.

    A yoga class environment is the wholesome energy that enriches the yoga students and the teacher during the yoga practice.

    Dos:

    1. The class space should be safe and comfortable inviting the yogins for a joyful practice.
    2. The space should be energetically rich and robust
    3. The space should be large enough to let the yogins do their practice with ease
    4. The music played during class should merge with the practice.
    5. It should invite the students to ask questions related to their practice so that all practicing yogins can learn.
    6. But most of all the energy the teacher brings in to her students should be the kind that is motivating, inspiring, energetic, joyful, soothing, relaxing, trusting, honoring, educating and inviting the yogins to release into the safe environment without any inhibitions.

    Don’t’s:

    1. The space should not be congested
    2. The music should not be distracting
    3. Cell phone ringing should not impinge on the yoga class environment.
    4. Once the class begins, there should be no chatter that has nothing to do with the practice itself.
    5. But most of all there should be no negative energy either from the space itself, the teacher or the student.

     

    How the experience is at any given place is a combined energy of all the yogins practicing together.

    There are  things that may not be in control of the yoga teacher teaching in a leased space or the student attending the class, but what one can be in control of is ones attitude, perspectives and the energy one brings into any space, for any environment can be turned joyful for the practicing yogin with the right attitude. When both the teacher and the student make a joint effort to get to know each other, a wonderful student-teacher relationship is formed and the practice reaches joyful heights.

    ~ Umang Goel

     

    We would love to read your comments below. And don’t forget to share your joy with others.

  • Finding Balance

    Finding Balance

    A well balanced life is the secret to joy and happiness.

    There are a few areas of life that we all need to be aware of to create that fine balance we all need in our lives:

    • Mental – This is a very important ingredient in the recipe for a joyful life. If the ‘head’ is together and finds its connection with  the heart, every other aspect of life flows beautifully, irrespective of what unfolds in front of us.
    • Emotional – Emotional well-being comes from understanding the basic life principles; emotional strengthening helps us create a life that is progressive and not stuck.
    • Spiritual – Spiritual growth helps us understand and accept life peacefully and joyfully.  It brings faith in your Higher Self enabling life to unfold without the tight controlling grip. Prayer and Gratitude are key ingredients.
    • Physical – Physical health enables us take full advantage of the opportunities life presents us with. Flexibility, strength, balance and stamina as well as the right nutrients not only helps our body to be healthy but also helps our minds to become flexible, strong and balanced, allowing us to be joyfully independent and self sufficient.
    • Financial – When mind is working at its optimal best and the body is fluid, balance comes in the financial part of our lives as well for we are able to work with our passions and empowered to achieve the life of our dreams.
    • Relationships – With a healthy mind, a healthy body and a secure financial future, relationships are also at their very best.

    Balancing life is a juggling act. Very few of us are completely balanced in every aspect of our lives. But awareness at all times allows us to take a deeper look at our life and evaluate every so often which parts of our life need a tune-up.

    Many may even be aware of which part of life is in chaos, but may not be mentally, or emotionally ready to act on it, leading to continued imbalance and chaos. This is where expert coaching becomes a necessity.

    Life is as simple as you want it to be but it can only be achieved by bringing awareness leading into action and ultimately into balance.

    It is the law of nature to be in balance. What falls out of balance has to come back in balance. How difficult the coming back to balance will be resides in our hands.

    We all are aware that:
    PREVENTION IS MANY TIMES BETTER THAN CURE – Why get into a broken state with scars before attempting balance? Why not take all necessary actions to prevent going out of balance?

    PREVENTION IS ALSO LESS EXPENSIVE THAN CURE – Why get into forced spending that is externally controlled after we are broken and when there is no other choice?

    You cannot be happy if you are not balanced.

    Here is a fine balanced recipe for a healthy, happy, joyful and balanced  life:

    1. Make a habit of  Joyful Mental practices EVERYDAY to keep the mind strong.

    2. Practice Breathing/Pranayama and Meditation EVERYDAY to stay in a relaxed and calm state of mind so that beauty can unfold naturally.

    3. Practice Therapeutic Yoga Asanas EVERYDAY to keep both your mental and physical body flexible, strong, and balanced.

    4. Put the Right Nutrients in your body EVERYDAY to keep both your mental and physical body functioning at its optimal best.

    5. Indulge in Spiritual practices like prayer and gratitude EVERYDAY to bring your mind and heart in sync and to keep your spirits soaring high.

    Evaluate yourself regularly so that you can keep bringing yourself into that fine balance that keep the elusive happiness very much a part of your daily life.

    ~ Umang Goel

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

  • Goddess Pose

    Goddess Pose

    Goddess Pose in Horse Stance
    Utkata Konasana/Fierce Angle Pose/Fiery Angle Pose

    Benefits:
    Goddess pose offers many of the benefits of a squat as well as warrior poses

    • Great hip opener and works to stretch the pelvic floor.
    • Strengthens the arms and legs
    • Builds heat and stamina
    • Increases circulation
    • Opens up the heart, chest and lungs
    • Strengthens and tones the core muscles, quadriceps, inner thighs, shoulders, arms, upper back

    I love all yoga asanas but this one is one of the special ones. Opening up the heart with so much strength in the body brings out immense freedom. ~ Umang Goel

     

    Which Yoga Asana is special to you?

    We would love to read your comments below.

  • Devaduuta Panna Asana

    Devaduuta Panna Asana

    Devaduuta Panna Asana / Fallen Angel Pose / Falling with Grace

    I especially like this beautiful and graceful arm balancing asana, which is a variation of the Parsva Bakasana / Side Crow Pose, for it is merging of strength , twists, stamina and flexibility and takes the arm balances to to next level.

    Kathryn Budig has described this pose very aptly: “It embodies what it must be like to fall from grace, to hit the ground hard, but remember once you’ve hit rock bottom that there is no such thing as falling from grace because no one can ever take it away from you. It is our birthright and our duty to maintain it and keep our inner grace shining. This posture presents a huge physical challenge as well as emotional. Practice keeping your grace regardless of your circumstances, keeping yourself in a place of allowing, and remembering that the past is behind you and the present is full of opportunity. So enjoy this fall, knowing that the lift and grace always come from within.”

    Benefits:

    Arm balances bring in many different benefits of the yoga asanas together all in one asana –  steady mind, discipline, tenacity, body awareness, focused concentration, deep twist, forward bend, as well as neck and wrist strengthening.

    ~ Umang Goel

     

    We would love to read your comments below.

  • Self Empowerment

    Self Empowerment

    Self Empowerment is critical to a happy, confident and self sufficient human being.

    Many of us feel lost, and are left struggling in so many ways keeping us from living our life’s potential. Each one of us has it within us to achieve the dreams and desires that are coming from our heart space. But we are humans and human world is based on relationships. In order for us to have the best human relationships we have to learn the tools to have the best relationship with the Self first. And this is where a Mentor comes in the picture – the mentor of the best kind, who not only has your best interest, but who has the skills and the tools to support your growth process. It is imperative that each one of us who has this intense desire to grow, to find this person whose philosophies and teaching style you agree with, who you will listen to and who will be subtly aggressive in their coaching so that you can actually see the results you desire. The student-teacher relationship is very important, and so it is even more important to find the right teacher. It is also very important for the teacher to find the right student. When there is an authentic meeting of the minds, the outcome is SUCCESS.

    Yesterday, I could not have said it better as was said by one of my Private Annual Life Coaching Students:

    “Aren’t we naive and ignorant to know if we are perceiving things in the right direction before we knew the POWER of EMPOWERMENT!
    How my Journey of Freedom began?
    I reached out for help. July 4th, 2013 was my first session.
    How it helped me?

    • Made me believe in myself every time
    • Changed my mind set by making me realize how important it is the way you perceive things and you always have to keep moving
    • Made me aware of how my thoughts, perceptions, belief system attracted people, situations in my life
    • Provided logical answers, a different way of looking to all my questions
    •  Made me aware of the cosmos laws and how the universe works
    • Journey continues in getting empowered, building a self-centered and unshakable being 
    • I am very grateful to have find a Mentor, who has created this awareness in me and has a burning desire (of the same level) to see me where I wish to see myself in LIFE!!”

    ~ Umang Goel

    We would love to read your comments below.

  • Yoga Props

    Yoga Props

    Yoga Props

    Yoga props not only help the beginners realize the asanas but it also enables us to deepen our body explorations and enhance our yoga asana, breathing and meditation practice. But understanding of how and when to use the props without becoming ‘attached’ to the props is very important in the yogic journey.

    Props should be used effectively and wisely.

    –          A restorative yoga asana session seems incomplete without props.

    –          A flow session on the other hand minimalizes the use of a prop. One has to have a clear understanding of the use of a prop to be able to use it effectively in a flow yoga practice.

    –          A Breathing/Pranayama and Meditation session becomes enhanced with use of props by providing back support and posture support.

    1. What are the very basic yoga props?

    Mat, Blocks, Wedge, Strap, Bolsters, Blankets

    The Wall proves to be one of the most effective prop for a new yogi.

    The Ball helps the yogi in many ways to enhance their yoga asana practice.

    The chair is a wonderful prop for many.

    The backjack chair provides the much needed support to a meditative sitting yogi without wall support.

    2. Characteristics of a good quality yoga mat:

    –          Moist sticky  surface

    –          1/4th inch thick

    –          Compact

    –          Durable

    –          Hypoallergenic

    Those new to yoga are not aware and end up buying cheap quality yoga mats that have a plastic like surface, are very dry, and very thin! All of these prevent a beginner from getting the full benefits of a yoga practice for they are slippery and prevent the yogi from finding stability and balance. When the mat is very thin, it does not provide enough support for the bones and joints.

    3. How are Block, Wedge, Strap, Bolster, and Blanket helpful?

    All the above props provide support to the yogi providing balance, height, stability and comfort.

    –          Blocks help by allowing the yogi to reach the earth when they are still working on stretching and lengthening their ligaments and muscles to become more flexible.

    –          Straps/Belts are very handy when tight hamstrings prevent the arms from reaching the toes in any forward bend or when tight shoulders prevent the fingers from finding their way together in the Gomukhasana pose.

    –          Wedge enables the heels to get grounded and to provide the much needed lift to the pelvis for an aligned posture.

    –          Bolsters and Blankets help cushion and support the body in a restorative asana.

    If you have invested yourself in a well-supported yoga asana session, go a little further and provide your body the much needed support so that the body develops in the most optimal and correct manner. Your body deserves all the love and attention you can give it.

    At Wellness Haven we believe in guiding you to find your optimal support through some of the best props from HuggerMugger. ~ Umang Goel

    We would love to read your comments below.

  • Nutrition – Eat Your Way To Health

    Nutrition – Eat Your Way To Health

    Nutrition – Eat Your Way To Health

    Nutrition

    What does Nutrition mean to you?
    Does it mean “Eating Right” ?
    Does it mean keep the Body Weight in control?
    or
    Does it mean to be Nutritionally Balanced?

    Nutrition remains a big confusion to many. Many look trim and slim and yet their body fat remains high!

    Does keeping the body weight control mean that you should starve yourself? Absolutely not! In fact it is just the opposite; you can truly eat your way to health!

    Does eating broccoli, spinach and brown rice on its own mean that you are nutritionally balanced? No, for if that were the case, the so many students who come to us for help with lowering their fat, who thought they were ‘eating right’ would not be say, “We have been doing everything right and yet we are not losing weight!”

    If you are nutritionally balanced, is it enough that you just eat right?
    Besides eating well balanced meals, you need to exercise the limbs that were given to us just like a machine that is regularly oiled and maintained to be in proper running order.

    It is critical to keep yourself very aware of your response to stress factors in your life, so that the stress hormone cortisol is under control, for chronic stress can ruin your health like nothing else.

    So what is Nutrition really?
    Nutrition is:
    – Educating yourself; making yourself aware about food, and your health.
    – Understanding what eating right means – eating nutrients low in calorie but high in nutritional value.
    – Knowing when to eat,  how frequently to eat, and when not to eat (not eating heavy food right before bedtime).
    – What to buy, and how to buy.

    The key factors in taking charge of your Nutritional Health:
    1. Create a powerful intention.
    2. Find a coach who knows what needs to be done and who will ‘hold’ your hand in your journey to health and hold you accountable.
    3. Make the coach an intrinsic part of your life, for the coach will guide you to the healthy life you desire.

    You are worth it. You deserve to be healthy and happy. You can do it. ~ Umang Goel

    We would love to read your comments below.

  • Antidote To Fear Is Action

    Antidote To Fear Is Action

    Antidote To Fear Is Action

     

    You will never know what you will miss out on unless you give it your very best shot!

    Thoughts come to mind to do this or that, but these thoughts are never realized for lack of action on the thought, simply because the fear of the unknown takes over. The mind thinks up of innumerable barriers to prevent the thought from being realized. The result is that the mind has failed even before taking the first action step!

    Can you imagine not having electricity that improves our lives from moment to moment?

    Can you imagine there being no airplane to take us to far lands to be with our loved ones?

    Can you imagine there being no internet that gives us virtual meeting grounds?

    None of the above would have been realized if after the very first thought of the concept, action steps had not been taken!

    Instead of fearing failure, let fear propel you into action; let’s embrace uncertainty with faith that even if the path to the thought (goal) being realized may be very curvy, the destination will be realized!

    With faith, patience, courage, action and an indomitable spirit, anything is possible! ~ Umang Goel

  • 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.

     

Call Now Button