Healthy food documentary, Forks Over Knives, which is now playing at the Gainesville Cinema 14 (Regal). Rip Esselstyn of Engine 2 Diet, Caldwell Esselstyn of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, and T.Colin Campbell of the China Study are all featured in this film which scientifically validates the eating practices that Yogis have long known lead to good health. For more info and to view the trailer, please visit www.forksoverknives.com
To discover what yoga style would best suit my needs, I took this survey at YogaJournal.com.
After answering a few simple questions about my fitness and yoga preferences, Anusara was selected for me.
Anusara is a type of hatha yoga that focuses on stress reduction and inner and outer body alignment. It is a relaxing, less rigorous style that is appropriate for everyone, regardless of your experience.
Anusara yoga is an uplifting experience that focuses on a “celebration of the heart.” It is very personalized to your needs and focuses on your strengths to align your body and mind in perfect harmony.
Many people are too afraid to try yoga. They see images of people twisting themselves into pretzels and are intimidated. What they don’t realize is that there are yoga styles appropriate for all fitness levels.
I am glad I found this new style of yoga and am excited to incorporate it into future sessions.
At Lavanya Yoga we offer both group classes and private lessons to target your specific yoga needs! Check out our website for classes and pricing.
photo © 2000 Grand Velas Resort | more info (via: Wylio)
By Danielle Dinsmore
There is much controversy over whether or not yoga interferes with the beliefs of Christianity. As a practicing yogi and active member of the Christian faith, I must support the combination.
I am a proud Methodist Christian and a sister of the University of Florida’s Sigma Phi Lambda Christian sorority. I believe in Jesus, God’s grace, the power of His word and the glory of His salvation.
However, I also believe in the spiritual and health benefits of yoga.
Yoga can be part of many Eastern religions, but yoga itself is not a religion. It can just as easily be used as a tool in Christianity.
Yoga is a combination of body movements and breathing techniques that not only strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility, but it also promotes an inner peace and tranquility.
In an hour-long class, students are able to transform themselves into trees, dogs, cobras, warriors, etc. They can also transform themselves spiritually. Deep breathing allows you to clear your mind and open your soul. Yoga’s meditation practices provide the perfect time to relax and have your quiet time with the Lord.
I cannot think of a better, more relaxing time to connect with God than while doing yoga.
Yes, please do! I am glad you got something out of it!
Again from the intern,
Finding this article was extremely beneficial to me.
Starting college in the fall of 2009, I was on antidepressants to deal with the anxiety of being in a new place, away from home, with new stressors.
After about a year of being on the medication, I decided it was time to take my life back and not to rely on a drug to make me happy.
Discontinuing a prescription drug, especially one that affects your stability like an antidepressant, can be a difficult task. I tried to quit two or three times before I felt the strength to stick to it.
Had I known of the benefits yoga can have on brain chemistry, it may not have been such a difficult feat.
Issues in brain chemistry such as depression, anxiety and epilepsy are associated with low GABA levels, the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. This article discusses how practicing yoga can increase the brain’s GABA levels in as little as one session.
The fact that yoga may be helping with these issues without the use of pharmaceuticals is impressive.
Practicing yoga can be a great way to maintain mental health. It may not be enough to cure issues in brain chemistry, but it can be great for maintenance. It can also be beneficial for people like me who have discontinued anxiety medications or who are interested in doing so.
For information on Lavanya Yoga’s private yoga classes please contact us here. Information about our group lessons can be found on our website at www.LavanyaYoga.com .
Submitted by: Danielle Dinsmore
Today, I attempted yoga in the nude.
While I won’t torture you with pictures of this adventure, it was definitely an experience.
At Lavanya Yoga we do not offer naked yoga classes, but I have heard of its benefits. Naked Yoga is supposed to let you get in touch with yourself and feel comfortable in your own skin. It helps you to love your body for what it is. Every body is beautiful.
Some companies across the country do offer naked yoga, where lights are dimmed and instructors reassure you that no one is there to judge; however, there was no way anyone was getting me into the downward dog position, baring it all, in front of people.
Instead, I chose to spend a few minutes, alone in my living room, flipping through what yoga videos Netflix had to offer in their ‘Watch Instantly’ selection. What I found was a short Yoga for Health video.
Taking it all off was the hard part. Even alone, it was intimidating. There is good naked, and then there is bad naked; this was definitely bad naked. I tried a few positions and it was actually quite refreshing.
I am not sure I would like to make it a regular activity of mine, but it wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. What makes me feel self-conscious (for the most part) is the feeling of my pants squeezing too tight or that dreaded bra bulge. In the nude, there are no clothes to prohibit you. It is one less thought you can remove from your mind. If you do it from the comfort of your own home, with no one around, there is nothing to be afraid of.
This can also be a great start for getting comfortable to take a more structured private class or a group session. Here is some information about our Private Mobile Yoga Classes and for our Group Yoga Classes in Haile Plantation.
Contributed by: Danielle Dinsmore
Yoga intern speaking,
Every week proves to be a new learning experience for myself.
I had always been interested in yoga and the health benefits it could bring, but being an intern at Lavanya Yoga, I am learning new aspects of this exercise everyday.
While I have participated in yoga classes in the past, I always felt a bit out of place. Yoga just seemed like a practice for the trendy health nut with too much patience that is probably a little loopy from the wheatgrass overload. I do not, by any means, fit this stereotype.
This week I was able to experience children’s yoga. The thought of kids participating in yoga, taking it seriously and enjoying it? Mind-boggling.
Children are full of energy and I thought it would be impossible to keep their focus but the opposite is true. Yoga is a unique exercise that most kids haven’t experienced. It keeps their attention and the slow, methodical movements let them release their energy but also learn self-discipline. It teaches children to master themselves rather than wait for adults to control them. This makes yoga an extremely beneficial activity for children with ADHD as well.
Children’s yoga is a great exercise for their bodies and minds. It enhances flexibility, strength, coordination and body awareness. It also improves concentration, calmness and relaxation.
Lavanya Yoga teaches yoga in a way that makes it fun for children. We use games, stories and meditations so kids can get exercise while they relax. Most kids’ yoga classes are one hour long and children learn a variety of yoga poses, pranayama (breath control) and meditations.
We provide teach a variety of children’s yoga classes and parties. Here is a link for the details: Lavanya Yoga Kids Yoga
Contributed By: Danielle Dinsmore
Sivananda Yoga
Sivananda Yoga is a traditional style of Hatha Yoga from India focused on bringing balance to the entire system through breath work, postures, proper diet, positive thinking, meditation and proper relaxation. It focus on developing flexibility, awareness and balance within the body but also on finding a deeper sense of well being and inner strength by restoring energy and focusing the mind. Sivananda yoga is a gentle branch of hatha yoga which focuses on proper breathing and relaxation.
Do you want us to review your yoga product? Contact us today! This is one of the best yoga mats and highly recommended for beginner and experienced yogis; made of open cell natural rubber this environmentally friendly yoga mat provides excellent cushioning and traction for any yoga practice. Available in a wide variety of colors. Mat-Size Skidless Yoga Towels by Yogi Toes Yoga Paws Do you want us to review your yoga product? Contact us today!
Harmony Yoga Mat Pro Organic Yoga Clothing by Renu Yoga
Proper yoga attire is important because your body needs to be comfotable and ready to move. Renu Yoga organic yoga clothing is a perfect match for your pefect pose becuase their fabrics are super comfortable, soft and stretchy. Their yoga clothes are made in the USA from organic cotton, bamboo, soya, and hemp allowing your body to breathe while you flow from pose to pose. My personal favorite is their line of printed organic yoga shirts.
Soak up sweat and avoid slipping in poses with these yoga towels. The clear rubber dots that grip to your yoga mat allow you to practice poses at a steadier pace and slip-free. Flip over the towel and stimulate your hands and feet with grips. These yoga towels come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. A must have for any vigorous yoga practice.
If you experience wrist or ankle discomfort while practicing poses such as downward facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), side plank (Vasisthasana) or tree (Vrksasana) check out Yoga Paws. Theses eco-friendly Yoga Paws come indifferent sizes for both men and woman.
