Hatha Yoga Poses for Travel: Forward Fold
July 02, 2010
Standing forward fold, or uttanasana in Sanskrit, is one of the hatha yoga poses that exudes complete surrender. While traveling, whether it be a vacation, work trip, or yoga travel retreat, moving from one place to another causes both physical and mental stress.
Physically, the muscles of the back, hips, and legs begin to tighten as they are likely being held stagnant over extended periods of time either sitting in a small place or standing. Mentally, your mind starts to gather stressors in the form of timetables and the to-do list you’ve planned for yourself upon arrival at your destination. These stressors will form into long-term mental formations (samskaras) that will continue to haunt you if not processed.
Likely the most recommended book for a yoga travel retreat. An intensely articulate and moving memoir of self-discovery, Eat, Pray, Love is about what can happen when you claim responsibility for your own contentment and stop trying to live in imitation of society’s ideals. It is certain to touch anyone who has ever woken up to the unrelenting need for change. At the age of thirty-one, Gilbert’s journey to find herself takes her to Rome, for pleasure; an ashram in India, for spirituality; and to Bali, to regain balance. If you haven’t already read this, don’t wait any longer.
The definitive guide to the philosophy and practice of Yoga, the ancient healing discipline for body and mind. Written eloquently by possibly its greatest living teacher, B.K.S. Iyengar. Light on Yoga provides complete descriptions and illustrations of all the positions and breathing exercises. Features a foreword by Yehudi Menuhin. Illustrations throughout.
This valuable book provides a complete manual for the study and practice of Raja Yoga, the path of concentration and meditation. This new deluxe printing of these timeless teachings is a treasure to be read and referred to again and again by seekers treading the spiritual path. The classic Sutras (thought-threads), at least 4,000 years old,cover the yogic teachings on ethics, meditation, and physical postures, and provide directions for dealing with situations in daily life. The Sutras are presented here in the purest form, with the original Sanskrit and with translation, transliteration, and commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda, one of the most respected and revered contemporary Yoga masters. In this classic context, Sri Swamiji offers practical advice based on his own experience for mastering the mind and achieving physical, mental and emotional harmony.
First, let me just say that Paul Grilley is the man. As Yoga matures in the U.S., this book describes a new approach to balance physical and mental health, for serious students and beginners. All yoga forms emphasizing either muscle (Yang)or connective (Yin) tissue. Today, all popular Yoga forms are Yang–muscular. Yin Yoga is unknown, but vital, as a balanced Yoga practice has many benefits, including better preparation for meditation. Yin Yoga focuses upon connective tissue, which does not stretch or respond to brief stresses as muscle will, so Yin postures are held a long time, with the muscles relaxed. Acupuncture meridians are also in connective tissues and Yin Yoga is specifically designed to stimulate them. Divided into two sections, the second part of the book deals with chakras, breathing exercises and meditation, and is fully illustrated with clear, concise descriptions of Yoga postures.
