Wellness Haven Yoga

Tag: Yoga

  • Stress-Free Life

    Stress-Free Life

    Stress-Free Life

    Make your life joyful – one baby step at a time.

    The key to a simple and joyful life is hidden within us and yet we are often left confused.
    In the day to day running around we forget why we started running around in the first place – to achieve a life that is peaceful and happy.

    Sooner or later tiredness sets in. Stress is in both the mind and the body. Life feels heavy and trapped. It is only in this state of heaviness that we either become depressed or we start searching for answers.

    To find the answer to a stress-free, peaceful and joyful life, ask yourself these basic questions:

    • Do I take some time out just for me on a regular basis?
    • Do I keep myself mentally, emotionally and spiritually nurtured?
    • Do I take care of my body  – the temple where our Soul dwells?
    • Do I exercise my limbs daily so that I stay strong, flexible and balanced?
    • Do I eat nutritious food so that my body gets the nourishment it deserves?

     The very first step towards a balanced life is “AWARENESS”.

    Many years ago, when I became aware how imbalanced my own life was, I determined that I would create a more balanced life for myself, one step at a time:

    • The very first step was to open myself up for mentoring by someone who could help me change my perspectives, who could help me see life from a very positive angle and who could guide me to a better life by teaching me tools that I had no clue about.
    • I started reading self-help books and words from authors who were highly motivating, inspiring and encouraging and in conjunction with the support I was receiving from my coach, I was able to apply what I learned into my life.
    • I also enrolled myself in a life awareness class where I learned and refreshed myself in some basic life philosophies that had accumulated dust over the years.
    • I enrolled myself in basic Breathing and Meditation Classes, which taught me life techniques that proved critical to my well-being.
    • I started exercising on a daily basis.
    • I got initiated into a yoga asana class and realized that it was my gift, and trained as a teacher, incorporating this mind-body practice into my daily life.
    • I felt the need for nutritional education and devoted myself to learning all about how to nourish myself.
    • I learned very important money concepts that would not have been possible without the support of my coach.
    • I learned how to free myself of a corporate career.

    All the above happened over the course of a few years. I had the needed support so I was not in a hurry and especially because the learning process was so joyful. How the years passed I was not even aware for I was devoted to learning and growing.I still am.

    And now it has become a mission to educate others what I have learned over the years.

    As the mind becomes clear of what one needs, it is able to achieve it. Freeing ourselves of self-implied barriers leads the path to peace, health and happiness.

    Take the first step, for you are worth it. ~ Umang Goel

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

  • Gentle And Easy Yoga

    Gentle And Easy Yoga

    Gentle And Easy Yoga

    – for the aging, stiff, inflexible, overweight, imbalanced, stressed, injured, facing chronic pain and fatigue

    This is the comment we got from a student in our ‘Gentle Yoga Class’ at Wellness Haven Yoga:

    “It was a complete body workout!”

    • This class changes the quality of your life.
    • It provides the much needed mobility to the senior members of our community.
    • It provides the much needed strength, flexibility and balance to the overweight.
    • It helps cancer patients and gives quality to their lives.
    • It allows those facing joint issues, as a result of arthritis or injury, to heal faster

    This is what our community has been waiting for.

    Gentle Yoga class is very mindful of the physical issues that students are facing. Doctors who are experts in the Alternative Medicine field and Therapists recommend that people of all ages should stretch and stretngthen if they want to improve the quality of their life.

    My own aging parents, 75 and 83, are life examples of what can happen once you start providing your body with the much needed gentle stretching and strengthening. My father proved that you can start exercising at 80!

    How is Gentle Yoga Class conducted?

    • Under expert guidance of yoga instructor
    • With the use of chair, wall, mat and otherprops.
    • There is no exercise in the routine that the elderly or those with joint issues cannot do.
    • The exercises are well partitioned and distributed in categories leading you from one set to the other without any difficulty and maintaing the super easy flow.
    • It has the necessary pranayama practice to improve the lungs.
    • It is so gentle and motivating that joy is maintained throughout.



    * Listen to my detailed explanation of Gentle Yoga as a guest speaker on Bold Station Radio!



     

    No matter who you are, you have the tools to stretch and strerngthen. Reach out to us today.

    And remember to share your joy with others ~ Umang Goel

     

     

  • Yoga And Reflexology

    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.

  • Self Love Enables Weight Loss

    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.

  • Solitude Is Self Love

    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.

  • Yoga Is For All Ages!

    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.

  • Wonders Of Yoga Straps

    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.

  • Declutter Your Mind With Yoga

    Declutter Your Mind With Yoga

    Declutter Your Mind With Yoga

    A relaxed mind is an uncluttered mind, and an uncluttered mind leads to an organized and productive life.

    1. Let deep breathing and meditation lead you to calm your mind.
    2. Let yoga asanas enable you to relax your body.
    3. Let silence and non-doing allow you to reflect and contemplate into finding out which part of your life remains in chaos.
    4. Let action steps lead you into organizing your life so that there is time and space for everything you want to do.
    5. Have a plan for each day from morning to night, including self-care and power-nap. Know that if something is not scheduled and planned there is a high risk that it will not get done.
    6. Have a TO DO LIST in one place so that the mind can be relaxed and not worry about forgetting what needs to get done.
    7. Declutter everyday so that you have to spend 10 minutes and not hours cleaning your mess.
      1. Paper Piles, Paper Bills, Reminder Notes
      2. Electronic Filing: Emails
      3. Clothes in your closet, and laundry
      4. Bathroom mess-up
      5. Bed
      6. Kitchen Counter, Sink, Dishwasher, Fridge

    Clean your physical space and mental space so that you can lead the life you desire. Le Yoga, breathing, meditation propel you into the right action. ~ Umang Goel

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

  • Yoga Asanas For Being In The Present

    Yoga Asanas For Being In The Present

    Yoga Asanas For Being In The Present

    Yoga is such a beautiful way to be in the present moment.

    We are always rushing through life – doing this and running towards that! While we are doing one thing, our minds have already rushed into something else. Many thoughts run throughout the day as ‘doing’ continues to unfold.

    Never BEING in the moment depletes us in so many ways leading to many frustrations, restlessness and the inability to complete any one task thoroughly with peace in the heart.

    A wonderful way is to have a yoga asana practice each day. In an unrushed yoga asana practice the mind is engaged in self-discovery of both the body and the mind and even more so the breath. It urges us to relax in the moment, pay attention to the self and become mindful of the life-force that is keeping us alive. The frustrations of the day release, judgments disappear, stresses dissolve, the tight grip on life relaxes, and we become grounded and centered in our beings. We become keenly aware and fine-tuned with who we are, where we are and where we are headed  and pave our way to becoming the wholesome human we are at our core.

    Here are some yoga asanas that help us be in the present, to get grounded, especially when we are on our feet and rushing through life or waiting in frustration to get our turn!

    1. Being still and in correct alignment in Tadasana / Mountain Pose is very centering.
    2. Clasping hands behind our back as we wait our turn relaxes the shoulders and the tension in the back.
    3. Stretching the head sideways as we take a break in the middle of a task releases the stress in the neck.
    4. Standing and twisting our bodies slightly as we swivel our feet calms our nervous energy.

    Try these simple yoga asanas next time you feel frustration, impatience or tension well up within you and experience for yourself the relaxation these bring.

    Life is very precious. Do not let your moments pass you by. ~ Umang Goel

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

  • Chair Yoga

    Chair Yoga

     

    Chair Yoga

    What does chair yoga mean?

    It means that there is no excuse for not exercising your body through Yoga whether you are at home, at a yoga school, or at your office!

    It also means that there is help for those who are unable to sit flat on the mat without the support of the wall or those who can’t be on their knees or wrists.

    Here are just some of the yoga stretches that I like to do on a chair:

    1. Sitting on a chair and twisting your body on one side and then the other.
    2. Extending your legs in front of you and back, repeating a few times.
    3. Eagle arms while sitting and bending over the knee.
    4. Siting Mountain pose as you extent your arms up.
    5. Extending arms sideways and then twisting your body on both sides.
    6. Extending your arms behind you and interlacing fingers for a deeper shoulder stretch.
    7. A pigeon pose right on your chair as you take your leg to make a four with your other thigh and bending over.
    8. Using straps to stretch and dumbbells  to build your muscles while sitting is so simple.

    Yes there are no excuses.

    For the determined, everything is possible no matter where you are and how much time you have in your hands. ~ Umang Goel

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

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