edco76
New member
I just went back to doing mostly bodyweight stuff also Anke. Holler at me if you wanna compare notes/ideas.
Curvie Girlie The Diary: Mind Playin' Tricks on Me
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I just went back to doing mostly bodyweight stuff also Anke. Holler at me if you wanna compare notes/ideas.
Curvie Girlie
New member
Shame! you better borrow some motivation from Ed, man, he is OWNING the fucking body weigh exercises!
I have NEVER tried zills, yet. Do you know of any great instructional videos online that I can look at to get a mental picture???
Alta818
New member
WOW!!! That is impressive.....and inspiring!!!! I can't wait to see how the 1/2 marathon comes out!!! I love how concentrated you are on your time goals!!! Good for YOU!!!
Curvie Girlie
New member
Inna Gadda da vida, baby
Happy Birthday to Doug Ingle (formerly of Iron Butterfly) and the late Otis Redding.
Yesterday I got my pedicure and felt better. It took much longer than I thought due to the customer load, but I read a lot of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga and was astounded by the profoundity of the messages. Yoga is so much more than asanas! WOW........anyway, when I get my Yoga Bible back from Oakland I'll start a Club Thread and start teaching what I've learned. Needless to say it gave me patience and grace when waiting for my pedicure. I've had shitty ass fast food service and retail jobs, so it is my "code" to treat people in service jobs right, and to not get impatient or bitchy. It's not good for anyone, trust me--your best bet is to bring something to read wherever you might expect to wait in line. I always am reading while I wait....I dislike waiting but my usual tendency is to take care to remedy difficult situations by diversions. I'm the queen of creative diversions, but I digress.....
I went to my gym and managed to work out only my triceps, lower back, "love handles" or obliques, aductors, and hamstrings (the front of my body is leaner and more toned the the back of my body) before yoga class. I was so pleased with yoga class! It's all about release, surrender, relaxation, and non-competitiveness and I know this, but I couldn't help but be pleased by my abilities--the independent morning sessions are increasing my abilities and I'm glad for that. Last night I went to bed at 10:20pm, woke at 6:00am this morning and did 30 minutes of yoga however......
I'm ashamed to admit I was rushing, and trying balancing poses that I couldn't pull off at that early in the am. I was falling out of poses a lot and needed to slow down and work on my breathing. At least at the end in Shavasana (corpse, everyone's favorite!) I managed to clear my mind. Well, I had a hard time stopping my inner dialog. So I envisioned morning glory flowers blooming and growing swiftly all around my body, vines all over me. It worked to shut my mind up. I dunno if that's meditation. I haven't practiced or read about meditation enough to pull it off as its intended, but I do know that as a start, I don't need to worry about it. It'll come to me when it comes, and there is no "right" way. It's called surrender to the cosmic universe, and I'm slowly letting go..........
This is a 22.5 BMI, and my pre-vacation weight was 143.0, so a week later and I'm back down. Good deal!
After work I shall do my long run in the forest, with my new Nike + iPod (my shoes are Aisics, shhhhh!) and my new running bra
Oh yeah, in addition to my 720 cal b-fast I had:
yogurt & agave_____120
black bean and prawn burrito with as much tortilla torn off and thrown out____500
1 packet GU____100
Butternut squash, cranberry & spinach dish from New Leaf_____250
Yeah, the dinner was really low in calories and I wasn't hungry, because yoga is from 7:30-8:30, and bedtime is 10pm, and I had the GU during my pedicure to tide me over and not fill my stomach before yoga. I just wasn't that hungry afterward. 1690 calories.
Today: b-fast:
Acai Rio Energy___170
New Leaf spinach, blue cheese, cranberry and almond salad with balsamic vinaigrette_____550
Gotta get my fat in. It's good for my joints and ligaments
Happy Birthday to Doug Ingle (formerly of Iron Butterfly) and the late Otis Redding.
Yesterday I got my pedicure and felt better. It took much longer than I thought due to the customer load, but I read a lot of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga and was astounded by the profoundity of the messages. Yoga is so much more than asanas! WOW........anyway, when I get my Yoga Bible back from Oakland I'll start a Club Thread and start teaching what I've learned. Needless to say it gave me patience and grace when waiting for my pedicure. I've had shitty ass fast food service and retail jobs, so it is my "code" to treat people in service jobs right, and to not get impatient or bitchy. It's not good for anyone, trust me--your best bet is to bring something to read wherever you might expect to wait in line. I always am reading while I wait....I dislike waiting but my usual tendency is to take care to remedy difficult situations by diversions. I'm the queen of creative diversions, but I digress.....
I went to my gym and managed to work out only my triceps, lower back, "love handles" or obliques, aductors, and hamstrings (the front of my body is leaner and more toned the the back of my body) before yoga class. I was so pleased with yoga class!
It's all about release, surrender, relaxation, and non-competitiveness and I know this, but I couldn't help but be pleased by my abilities--the independent morning sessions are increasing my abilities and I'm glad for that. Last night I went to bed at 10:20pm, woke at 6:00am this morning and did 30 minutes of yoga however......I'm ashamed to admit I was rushing, and trying balancing poses that I couldn't pull off at that early in the am. I was falling out of poses a lot and needed to slow down and work on my breathing. At least at the end in Shavasana (corpse, everyone's favorite!) I managed to clear my mind. Well, I had a hard time stopping my inner dialog. So I envisioned morning glory flowers blooming and growing swiftly all around my body, vines all over me. It worked to shut my mind up. I dunno if that's meditation. I haven't practiced or read about meditation enough to pull it off as its intended, but I do know that as a start, I don't need to worry about it. It'll come to me when it comes, and there is no "right" way. It's called surrender to the cosmic universe, and I'm slowly letting go..........
HEY HEY HEY I'M DOWN TO 143.5 LBS!!!!
This is a 22.5 BMI, and my pre-vacation weight was 143.0, so a week later and I'm back down. Good deal!
After work I shall do my long run in the forest, with my new Nike + iPod (my shoes are Aisics, shhhhh!) and my new running bra
Oh yeah, in addition to my 720 cal b-fast I had:
yogurt & agave_____120
black bean and prawn burrito with as much tortilla torn off and thrown out____500
1 packet GU____100
Butternut squash, cranberry & spinach dish from New Leaf_____250
Yeah, the dinner was really low in calories and I wasn't hungry, because yoga is from 7:30-8:30, and bedtime is 10pm, and I had the GU during my pedicure to tide me over and not fill my stomach before yoga. I just wasn't that hungry afterward. 1690 calories.
Today: b-fast:
Acai Rio Energy___170
New Leaf spinach, blue cheese, cranberry and almond salad with balsamic vinaigrette_____550
Gotta get my fat in. It's good for my joints and ligaments
Curvie Girlie
New member
I'm 5'7" and here is me at 138 lbs last April:
http://weight-loss.fitness.com/before-after-between/10851-curvie-girlie-158-138-lbs.html#post225802
My goal last year was 130 lbs, then I changed it to 135 lbs, then I changed it to staying around 140, then I went through rough times and handled it in such a way that I went back to 155 lbs. My current goal is 137-143 and staying there (for periods and such), but what's more important is my fitness at this point. I think I look fine. I don't like pictures, much, but at 137 lbs I like pictures
WOW!!! That is impressive.....and inspiring!!!! I can't wait to see how the 1/2 marathon comes out!!! I love how concentrated you are on your time goals!!! Good for YOU!!!
Thank you Alta! And I watched the video you sent me--one of my homegirls works with that, so I'm familiar--congrats on your newfound inspiration!!!
Curvie Girlie
New member
"Whatever you place your attention on grows in importance to you. Whether your attention is on building a business, becoming physically fit, improving a relationship, or developing a spiritual practice, the object of your attention is enlivened by your awareness and becomes a more predominant force in your life. By learning to value your attention as a precious commodity, you will be able to consciously create success and well-being in life. An essential component of yoga is refining your attention in order to facilitate healing and transformation in your body/mind.
"Once you activate something with your attention, your intentions have a powerful influence on what things manifest in your life. According to yoga, your intentions have infinite organizing power. Your intention may be to heal an illness, create more love in your life, or become more aware of your own divinity. Simply by becoming clear about your intentions, you will begin to see them actualize in your life. When your awareness is established in being and you have a clear intention, nature rallies to help fulfill your deepest desires."
This is from The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga and I it struck a cord in me. The wording us repetitive and simple, but that's usually how something gets in the brain and sticks. The rest of the book extrapolates on many connecting matters and ancient practices. I'd share more but it's take forever!
I GOT MY BOOK! David Swenson's Ashatanga Yoga. I'm looking forward to utilizing it
"Once you activate something with your attention, your intentions have a powerful influence on what things manifest in your life. According to yoga, your intentions have infinite organizing power. Your intention may be to heal an illness, create more love in your life, or become more aware of your own divinity. Simply by becoming clear about your intentions, you will begin to see them actualize in your life. When your awareness is established in being and you have a clear intention, nature rallies to help fulfill your deepest desires."
This is from The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga and I it struck a cord in me. The wording us repetitive and simple, but that's usually how something gets in the brain and sticks. The rest of the book extrapolates on many connecting matters and ancient practices. I'd share more but it's take forever!
I GOT MY BOOK! David Swenson's Ashatanga Yoga. I'm looking forward to utilizing it
Curvie Girlie
New member
AKA Raja yoga, originally practiced by royalty. It's a philosophy and way of life first, and the asanas (poses) are a small part of it. I'm currently studying it.....
R?ja Yoga ("royal yoga", "royal union", also known as Classical Yoga or simply Yoga) is one of the six orthodox (astika) schools of Hindu philosophy, outlined by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. Raja yoga is concerned principally with the cultivation of the mind using meditation (dhyana) to further one's acquaintance with reality and finally achieve liberation.
The term R?ja Yoga is a retronym, introduced in the 15th century Hatha Yoga Pradipika to distinguish the school based on the Yoga Sutras from the new current of Hatha Yoga. The term was later used to describe the entirely unrelated meditation practice of the Brahma Kumaris involving the focus of one's mind and surrender to a channelled entity they believe to be the Supreme Soul.
Raja Yoga is sometimes referred to as A???nga (eight-limbed) yoga because there are eight aspects to the path to which one must attend. This is not to be confused with the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga of K. Pattabhi Jois.
Raja Yoga is so-called because it is primarily concerned with the mind. The mind is traditionally conceived as the "king" of the psycho-physical structure which does its bidding (whether or not one has realized this). Because of the relationship between the mind and the body, the body must be first "tamed" through self-discipline and purified by various means (see Hatha Yoga). A good level of overall health and psychological integration must be attained before the deeper aspects of yoga can be pursued. Humans have all sorts of addictions and obsessions and these preclude the attainment of tranquil abiding (meditation). Through restraint (yama) such as celibacy, abstaining from drugs and alcohol and careful attention to one's actions of body, speech and mind, the human being becomes fit to practise meditation. This yoke that one puts upon oneself (discipline) is another meaning of the word yoga.
Every thought, feeling, perception, or memory you may have causes a modification, or ripple, in the mind. It distorts and colors the mental mirror. If you can restrain the mind from forming into modifications, there will be no distortion, and you will experience your true Self. - Swami Satchidananda
Patañjali's Yoga Sutras begin with the statement yoga? citta-v?tti-nirodha? (1.2), "Yoga limits the oscillations of the mind". They go on to detail the ways in which mind can create false ideations and advocate meditation on real objects, which process, it is said, will lead to a spontaneous state of quiet mind, the "Nirbija" or "seedless state", in which there is no mental object of focus.
Practices that serve to maintain for the individual the ability to access this state may be considered Raja Yoga practices. Thus Raja Yoga encompasses and differentiates itself from other forms of Yoga by encouraging the mind to avoid the sort of absorption in obsessional practice (including other traditional yogic practices) that can create false mental objects.
In this sense Raja Yoga is referred to as the "king among yogas": all yogic practices are seen as potential tools for obtaining the seedless state, itself considered to be the starting point in the quest to cleanse Karma and obtain Moksha or Nirvana. Historically, schools of yoga that label themselves "Raja" offer students a mix of yogic practices and (hopefully or ideally) this philosophical viewpoint.
[edit] Practice
Raja Yoga aims at controlling all thought-waves or mental modifications. While a Hatha Yogi starts his Sadhana with Asanas (postures) and Pranayama, a Raja Yogi starts his Sadhana with the mind, although a certain minimum of asanas and pranayamas are usually included as a preparation for the meditation and concentration.
[edit] Eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
The eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga are:
* Yama - Code of conduct - self-restraint
* Niyama - religious observances - commitments to practice, such as study and devotion
* ?sana - integration of mind and body through physical activity
* Pranayama - regulation of breath leading to integration of mind and body
* Pratyahara - abstraction of the senses, withdrawal of the senses of perception from their objects
* Dharana - concentration, one-pointedness of mind
* Dhyana - meditation (quiet activity that leads to samadhi)
* Samadhi - the quiet state of blissful awareness, superconscious state
They are sometimes divided into the lower and the upper four limbs, the lower ones - from yama to pranayama - being parallel to the lower limbs of Hatha Yoga, while the upper ones - from pratyahara to samadhi - being specific for the Raja yoga. The upper three limbs practiced simultaneously constitute the Samyama.
[edit] Yama
Main article: Yamas
Yama consists of five parts: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-covetousness). Ahimsa is perfect harmlessness and positive love also. This removes the brutal nature in man and strengthens the will.
The scientific basis of the Yama instructions may be explained in this way.[citation needed]
The five directives of Yama lay down behavioral norms as prerequisites for elimination of fear and angst and contribute to a tranquil mind. Nonviolence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satyavachana), non-stealing (astheya), child-like behavior (brahmacharya), and moderation in setting goals (aparigraha), prevent situations that evoke fear in human interactions and contribute to peace of mind.[citations needed]
Ahimsa (non-violence) helps to avoid conflicts with fellow human beings that normally occur because of competition for eating and mating. Hurting a person physically or mentally leads to fear of retaliation which disturbs peace of mind.[citations needed]
Satyavachan (truthfulness) helps peace of mind by eliminating fear of discovery of lies. Untruth implies maintaining two versions of an event, possibly in the same set of neurons, thus causing confusion and mental disturbance.[citations needed]
Astheya (non-stealing) eliminates the anxiety of discovery of theft, potential reprisal by the owner and/or punishment by state. Brahmacharya (celibacy or stage of life devoted to seeking knowledge) averts conflict associated with search for mates, eliminates fear of strife, enhances scholarship and upgrades equanimity.[citations needed]
Aparigraha (moderation in setting goals) prevents angst of potential failure, promotes self-control and poise.[citations needed]
[edit] Niyama
Main article: Niyama
Niyama is observance of five canons: Shaucha (internal and external purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Svadhyaya (study of religious books and repetitions of Mantras), and Ishvarapranidhana (self-surrender to God, and His worship).
He who practises meditation without ethical perfection, without the practice of Yama-Niyama cannot obtain the fruits of meditation. Purify your mind first through the practice of Yama-Niyama. Then practice regular meditation. Then you will attain illumination.
R?ja Yoga ("royal yoga", "royal union", also known as Classical Yoga or simply Yoga) is one of the six orthodox (astika) schools of Hindu philosophy, outlined by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. Raja yoga is concerned principally with the cultivation of the mind using meditation (dhyana) to further one's acquaintance with reality and finally achieve liberation.
The term R?ja Yoga is a retronym, introduced in the 15th century Hatha Yoga Pradipika to distinguish the school based on the Yoga Sutras from the new current of Hatha Yoga. The term was later used to describe the entirely unrelated meditation practice of the Brahma Kumaris involving the focus of one's mind and surrender to a channelled entity they believe to be the Supreme Soul.
Raja Yoga is sometimes referred to as A???nga (eight-limbed) yoga because there are eight aspects to the path to which one must attend. This is not to be confused with the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga of K. Pattabhi Jois.
Raja Yoga is so-called because it is primarily concerned with the mind. The mind is traditionally conceived as the "king" of the psycho-physical structure which does its bidding (whether or not one has realized this). Because of the relationship between the mind and the body, the body must be first "tamed" through self-discipline and purified by various means (see Hatha Yoga). A good level of overall health and psychological integration must be attained before the deeper aspects of yoga can be pursued. Humans have all sorts of addictions and obsessions and these preclude the attainment of tranquil abiding (meditation). Through restraint (yama) such as celibacy, abstaining from drugs and alcohol and careful attention to one's actions of body, speech and mind, the human being becomes fit to practise meditation. This yoke that one puts upon oneself (discipline) is another meaning of the word yoga.
Every thought, feeling, perception, or memory you may have causes a modification, or ripple, in the mind. It distorts and colors the mental mirror. If you can restrain the mind from forming into modifications, there will be no distortion, and you will experience your true Self. - Swami Satchidananda
Patañjali's Yoga Sutras begin with the statement yoga? citta-v?tti-nirodha? (1.2), "Yoga limits the oscillations of the mind". They go on to detail the ways in which mind can create false ideations and advocate meditation on real objects, which process, it is said, will lead to a spontaneous state of quiet mind, the "Nirbija" or "seedless state", in which there is no mental object of focus.
Practices that serve to maintain for the individual the ability to access this state may be considered Raja Yoga practices. Thus Raja Yoga encompasses and differentiates itself from other forms of Yoga by encouraging the mind to avoid the sort of absorption in obsessional practice (including other traditional yogic practices) that can create false mental objects.
In this sense Raja Yoga is referred to as the "king among yogas": all yogic practices are seen as potential tools for obtaining the seedless state, itself considered to be the starting point in the quest to cleanse Karma and obtain Moksha or Nirvana. Historically, schools of yoga that label themselves "Raja" offer students a mix of yogic practices and (hopefully or ideally) this philosophical viewpoint.
[edit] Practice
Raja Yoga aims at controlling all thought-waves or mental modifications. While a Hatha Yogi starts his Sadhana with Asanas (postures) and Pranayama, a Raja Yogi starts his Sadhana with the mind, although a certain minimum of asanas and pranayamas are usually included as a preparation for the meditation and concentration.
[edit] Eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
The eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga are:
* Yama - Code of conduct - self-restraint
* Niyama - religious observances - commitments to practice, such as study and devotion
* ?sana - integration of mind and body through physical activity
* Pranayama - regulation of breath leading to integration of mind and body
* Pratyahara - abstraction of the senses, withdrawal of the senses of perception from their objects
* Dharana - concentration, one-pointedness of mind
* Dhyana - meditation (quiet activity that leads to samadhi)
* Samadhi - the quiet state of blissful awareness, superconscious state
They are sometimes divided into the lower and the upper four limbs, the lower ones - from yama to pranayama - being parallel to the lower limbs of Hatha Yoga, while the upper ones - from pratyahara to samadhi - being specific for the Raja yoga. The upper three limbs practiced simultaneously constitute the Samyama.
[edit] Yama
Main article: Yamas
Yama consists of five parts: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-covetousness). Ahimsa is perfect harmlessness and positive love also. This removes the brutal nature in man and strengthens the will.
The scientific basis of the Yama instructions may be explained in this way.[citation needed]
The five directives of Yama lay down behavioral norms as prerequisites for elimination of fear and angst and contribute to a tranquil mind. Nonviolence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satyavachana), non-stealing (astheya), child-like behavior (brahmacharya), and moderation in setting goals (aparigraha), prevent situations that evoke fear in human interactions and contribute to peace of mind.[citations needed]
Ahimsa (non-violence) helps to avoid conflicts with fellow human beings that normally occur because of competition for eating and mating. Hurting a person physically or mentally leads to fear of retaliation which disturbs peace of mind.[citations needed]
Satyavachan (truthfulness) helps peace of mind by eliminating fear of discovery of lies. Untruth implies maintaining two versions of an event, possibly in the same set of neurons, thus causing confusion and mental disturbance.[citations needed]
Astheya (non-stealing) eliminates the anxiety of discovery of theft, potential reprisal by the owner and/or punishment by state. Brahmacharya (celibacy or stage of life devoted to seeking knowledge) averts conflict associated with search for mates, eliminates fear of strife, enhances scholarship and upgrades equanimity.[citations needed]
Aparigraha (moderation in setting goals) prevents angst of potential failure, promotes self-control and poise.[citations needed]
[edit] Niyama
Main article: Niyama
Niyama is observance of five canons: Shaucha (internal and external purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Svadhyaya (study of religious books and repetitions of Mantras), and Ishvarapranidhana (self-surrender to God, and His worship).
He who practises meditation without ethical perfection, without the practice of Yama-Niyama cannot obtain the fruits of meditation. Purify your mind first through the practice of Yama-Niyama. Then practice regular meditation. Then you will attain illumination.
Curvie Girlie
New member
Science underslying Niyama can be presented as follows.[citation needed]
Niyama unlike Yama prescribes mental exercises to train the mind to control emotions: (Saucha), (Santosha), (Tapaha), (Svadhyaya) and (Ishwara pranidhanani).[citation needed]
Saucha (Purity of thought) requires active monitoring of the mind from being obsessed with material or corporeal desires.[citation needed]
Santosha (Contentment) prevents desire to obtain, experience and /or accumulate objects of pleasure.[citation needed]
Tapaha (Austere or ascetic life style), by practicing self-denying and austere life style controls fondness for desire-generated emotions.[citation needed]
Svadhyaya (Study about self) enlightens the true nature of human nature and facilitates healthy thoughts.[citation needed]
Ishwara pranidhanani (Surrender of ego to God) makes it easier to be not self-centered by aiming at higher goals.[citation needed]
Thus Niyama instructions prepare the mind to control animal (reptilian brain- generated) and human (cerebral) emotions.[citation needed]
[edit] Asana
Main article: Asana
Any easy, steady, comfortable pose is Asana. Asanas steady the body. Posture is mastered by releasing tension and meditation on the unlimited.
Asana and Pranayama recognize the intimate connection between body and mind. Asana are a series of gentle physical exercises designed to keep muscles in tone, joints supple and nerves in tune.[citations needed]
[edit] Pranayama
Main article: Pranayama
Pranayama checks the outgoing tendencies of the mind. It is often misunderstood for breathing exercises. Prana means life force, while yama means to gain control.
Pranayama is the prelude to concentration of mind. Pranayama brings the involuntary breathing cycle under voluntary control by regulating inhalation, exhalation and holding breath static either in the lungs or out of them for periods which could be long or short. Active regulation of breathing naturally requires concentrating on the process, a prelude to control of thinking process the final goal of Raja yoga.[citations needed]
[edit] Pratyahara
Main article: Pratyahara
Pratyahara gives inner spiritual strength. It removes all sorts of distractions. It develops will-power.
The objective of Prathyahara is to disrupt the communication from the sense organ to the brain. Light, sound, smell etc. stimuli received by the sense organs are blocked from the brain centers and thus could not distract from concentration of the mind.[citations needed]
[edit] Dharana
Main article: Dharana
Real Yoga starts from concentration. Concentration merges into meditation. Meditation ends in Samadhi. Retention of breath, Brahmacharya, Satvic (pure) food, seclusion, silence, Satsanga (being in the company of a guru), and not mixing much with people are all aids to concentration. Concentrate on Trikuti (the space between the two eyebrows) with closed eyes is preferred. The mind can be easily controlled, as this is the seat for the mind.
[edit] Dhyana
Main articles: Dhyana in Hinduism and Dhyana
Sleep, tossing of mind, attachment to objects, subtle desires and cravings, laziness, lack of Brahmacharya, gluttony are all obstacles in meditation. Reduce your wants. Cultivate dispassion. You will have progress in Yoga. Vairagya thins out the mind. Do not mix much. Do not talk much. Do not walk much. Do not eat much. Do not sleep much. Do not exert much. Never wrestle with the mind during meditation. Do not use any violent efforts at concentration. If evil thoughts enter your mind, do not use your will force in driving them. You will tax your will. You will lose your energy. You will fatigue yourself. The greater the efforts you make, the more the evil thoughts will return with redoubled force. Be indifferent. Become a witness of those thoughts. Substitute divine thoughts. They will pass away. Never miss a day in meditation. Regularity is of paramount importance. When the mind is tired, do not concentrate. Do not take heavy food at night.
The mind passes into many conditions or states as it is made up of three qualities-Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Kshipta (wandering), Vikshipta (gathering), Mudha (ignorant), Ekagra (one-pointed), and Nirodha (contrary) are the five states of the mind.
By controlling the thoughts the Sadhaka attains great Siddhis. He becomes an adept. He attains Asamprajnata Samadhi or Kaivalya. Do not run after Siddhis. Siddhis are great temptations. They will bring about your downfall. A Raja Yogi practices Samyama or the combined practice of Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi at one and the same time and gets detailed knowledge of an object.
Control the mind by Abhyasa (practice) and Vairagya (dispassion). Any practice which steadies the mind and makes it one-pointed is Abhyasa. Dull Vairagya will not help you in attaining perfection in Yoga. You must have Para Vairagya or Theevra Vairagya, intense dispassion.
[edit] Samadhi
Main article: Samadhi
Meditation on OM with Bhava and its meaning removes obstacles in Sadhana and helps to attain Samadhi. Avidya (ignorance), Asmita (egoism), Raga-Dvesha (likes and dislikes), Abhinivesha (clinging to mundane life) are the five Kleshas or afflictions. Destroy these afflictions. You will attain Samadhi.
Samadhi is of two kinds:
* Savikalpa, Samprajnata or Sabija; and
* Nirvikalpa, Asamprajnata or Nirbija.
In Savikalpa or Sabija, there is Triputi or the triad (knower, known and knowledge). The samskaras are not burnt or freed. Savitarka, Nirvitarka, Savichara, Nirvichara, Sasmita and Saananda are the different forms of Savikalpa Samadhi. In Nirvikalpa Samadhi, Nirbija Samadhi or Asamprajnata Samadhi there is no triad.
A Bhakta gets Bhava-Samadhi, a Jnani gets Badha-Samadhi, a Raja Yogi gets Nirodha Samadhi.
In a lay-persons terms, Samadhi would be described as enlightenment.
Niyama unlike Yama prescribes mental exercises to train the mind to control emotions: (Saucha), (Santosha), (Tapaha), (Svadhyaya) and (Ishwara pranidhanani).[citation needed]
Saucha (Purity of thought) requires active monitoring of the mind from being obsessed with material or corporeal desires.[citation needed]
Santosha (Contentment) prevents desire to obtain, experience and /or accumulate objects of pleasure.[citation needed]
Tapaha (Austere or ascetic life style), by practicing self-denying and austere life style controls fondness for desire-generated emotions.[citation needed]
Svadhyaya (Study about self) enlightens the true nature of human nature and facilitates healthy thoughts.[citation needed]
Ishwara pranidhanani (Surrender of ego to God) makes it easier to be not self-centered by aiming at higher goals.[citation needed]
Thus Niyama instructions prepare the mind to control animal (reptilian brain- generated) and human (cerebral) emotions.[citation needed]
[edit] Asana
Main article: Asana
Any easy, steady, comfortable pose is Asana. Asanas steady the body. Posture is mastered by releasing tension and meditation on the unlimited.
Asana and Pranayama recognize the intimate connection between body and mind. Asana are a series of gentle physical exercises designed to keep muscles in tone, joints supple and nerves in tune.[citations needed]
[edit] Pranayama
Main article: Pranayama
Pranayama checks the outgoing tendencies of the mind. It is often misunderstood for breathing exercises. Prana means life force, while yama means to gain control.
Pranayama is the prelude to concentration of mind. Pranayama brings the involuntary breathing cycle under voluntary control by regulating inhalation, exhalation and holding breath static either in the lungs or out of them for periods which could be long or short. Active regulation of breathing naturally requires concentrating on the process, a prelude to control of thinking process the final goal of Raja yoga.[citations needed]
[edit] Pratyahara
Main article: Pratyahara
Pratyahara gives inner spiritual strength. It removes all sorts of distractions. It develops will-power.
The objective of Prathyahara is to disrupt the communication from the sense organ to the brain. Light, sound, smell etc. stimuli received by the sense organs are blocked from the brain centers and thus could not distract from concentration of the mind.[citations needed]
[edit] Dharana
Main article: Dharana
Real Yoga starts from concentration. Concentration merges into meditation. Meditation ends in Samadhi. Retention of breath, Brahmacharya, Satvic (pure) food, seclusion, silence, Satsanga (being in the company of a guru), and not mixing much with people are all aids to concentration. Concentrate on Trikuti (the space between the two eyebrows) with closed eyes is preferred. The mind can be easily controlled, as this is the seat for the mind.
[edit] Dhyana
Main articles: Dhyana in Hinduism and Dhyana
Sleep, tossing of mind, attachment to objects, subtle desires and cravings, laziness, lack of Brahmacharya, gluttony are all obstacles in meditation. Reduce your wants. Cultivate dispassion. You will have progress in Yoga. Vairagya thins out the mind. Do not mix much. Do not talk much. Do not walk much. Do not eat much. Do not sleep much. Do not exert much. Never wrestle with the mind during meditation. Do not use any violent efforts at concentration. If evil thoughts enter your mind, do not use your will force in driving them. You will tax your will. You will lose your energy. You will fatigue yourself. The greater the efforts you make, the more the evil thoughts will return with redoubled force. Be indifferent. Become a witness of those thoughts. Substitute divine thoughts. They will pass away. Never miss a day in meditation. Regularity is of paramount importance. When the mind is tired, do not concentrate. Do not take heavy food at night.
The mind passes into many conditions or states as it is made up of three qualities-Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Kshipta (wandering), Vikshipta (gathering), Mudha (ignorant), Ekagra (one-pointed), and Nirodha (contrary) are the five states of the mind.
By controlling the thoughts the Sadhaka attains great Siddhis. He becomes an adept. He attains Asamprajnata Samadhi or Kaivalya. Do not run after Siddhis. Siddhis are great temptations. They will bring about your downfall. A Raja Yogi practices Samyama or the combined practice of Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi at one and the same time and gets detailed knowledge of an object.
Control the mind by Abhyasa (practice) and Vairagya (dispassion). Any practice which steadies the mind and makes it one-pointed is Abhyasa. Dull Vairagya will not help you in attaining perfection in Yoga. You must have Para Vairagya or Theevra Vairagya, intense dispassion.
[edit] Samadhi
Main article: Samadhi
Meditation on OM with Bhava and its meaning removes obstacles in Sadhana and helps to attain Samadhi. Avidya (ignorance), Asmita (egoism), Raga-Dvesha (likes and dislikes), Abhinivesha (clinging to mundane life) are the five Kleshas or afflictions. Destroy these afflictions. You will attain Samadhi.
Samadhi is of two kinds:
* Savikalpa, Samprajnata or Sabija; and
* Nirvikalpa, Asamprajnata or Nirbija.
In Savikalpa or Sabija, there is Triputi or the triad (knower, known and knowledge). The samskaras are not burnt or freed. Savitarka, Nirvitarka, Savichara, Nirvichara, Sasmita and Saananda are the different forms of Savikalpa Samadhi. In Nirvikalpa Samadhi, Nirbija Samadhi or Asamprajnata Samadhi there is no triad.
A Bhakta gets Bhava-Samadhi, a Jnani gets Badha-Samadhi, a Raja Yogi gets Nirodha Samadhi.
In a lay-persons terms, Samadhi would be described as enlightenment.
Curvie Girlie
New member
you know something? Coincidentally when I began my no alcohol thing and more yoga, I wasn't pimpin' hos anymore, either.....
"Through restraint (yama) such as celibacy, abstaining from drugs and alcohol and careful attention to one's actions of body, speech and mind, the human being becomes fit to practise meditation. This yoke that one puts upon oneself (discipline) is another meaning of the word yoga."
I have been doing this without even meaning to........I haven't called a single ho since I last called them to tell them I was back from HI......
"Through restraint (yama) such as celibacy, abstaining from drugs and alcohol and careful attention to one's actions of body, speech and mind, the human being becomes fit to practise meditation. This yoke that one puts upon oneself (discipline) is another meaning of the word yoga."
I have been doing this without even meaning to........I haven't called a single ho since I last called them to tell them I was back from HI......
Trops
New member
edco76
New member
Sounds like a cult, an I'm not doin it.
I hear ya, I got suspicious at celibacy and ran screaming out the door at no alcohol,
Curvie Girlie
New member
You two are funny!
Sex and alcohol are wonderful, and I recommend them to anyone.
But I've had my extreme.
I'm ready for the other extreme.
That's how I am.
Sex and alcohol are wonderful, and I recommend them to anyone.
But I've had my extreme.
I'm ready for the other extreme.
That's how I am.
MissDFITT
New member
I'm 5'7" and here is me at 138 lbs last April:
http://weight-loss.fitness.com/before-after-between/10851-curvie-girlie-158-138-lbs.html#post225802
My goal last year was 130 lbs, then I changed it to 135 lbs, then I changed it to staying around 140, then I went through rough times and handled it in such a way that I went back to 155 lbs. My current goal is 137-143 and staying there (for periods and such), but what's more important is my fitness at this point. I think I look fine. I don't like pictures, much, but at 137 lbs I like pictures
Ohh, you're a good inch and a half taller than me... I thought our body shapes were similar, but I was wrong. IMO anything lower than 137 would almost be too thin for you since you are so tall. You look great, very 'fit'. I am the same way about the fitness being more important. I haven't weighed myself in what seems like forever, but my BF tells me that I look thiner everyday!
Curvie Girlie
New member
Hey thank you!!! Miss DFitt
I love your eyes, you're so good looking, damn! http://weight-loss.fitness.com/weight-loss-diary/23201-starts-11.html#post482225Thanks for saying I look great but that was last year--I'm getting there
I'm interested in Focus & Ed's objectives in exploring the limits of one's body's capabilities. I want to EXCEL in some form or another, in a physical fitness sense.Curvie Girlie
New member
Lunchtime
I'm eating my lunch. I made it in the kitchen (we have a kitchen)
Low carb whole wheat (the store didn't have sprouted, wtf?) tortillas, fajita style (2)_____100
Soy protein taco flavored____300
1/2 avocado_____170
Local "home-made" salsa, raw cherry tomatoes, raw chopped collards, raw sesame sprouts, raw organic baby greens____??? like, 60?
Pluot___80
710 calories + b-fast = 1430 total
Good! This'll fuel my long run. I'll probably throw in something sweet at 3pm, and have a Sports Chew while I run. I filled one of my bottles with coconut water and small bits of pulp.
I'm eating my lunch. I made it in the kitchen (we have a kitchen)
Low carb whole wheat (the store didn't have sprouted, wtf?) tortillas, fajita style (2)_____100
Soy protein taco flavored____300
1/2 avocado_____170
Local "home-made" salsa, raw cherry tomatoes, raw chopped collards, raw sesame sprouts, raw organic baby greens____??? like, 60?
Pluot___80
710 calories + b-fast = 1430 total
Good! This'll fuel my long run. I'll probably throw in something sweet at 3pm, and have a Sports Chew while I run. I filled one of my bottles with coconut water and small bits of pulp.
Alta818
New member
Hmmm.....sounds YUMMY!!! I'm gonna go make a SHAKE!!! WooooHOO!! POO BABIES!!
Curvie Girlie
New member
Ok I'm mystified! What's the poo babies reference?!?!?!
Curvie Girlie
New member
Oh man!!
I just decided to go ahead and have myself one serving (300 calories) of Ben & Jerry's Everything But The...
and it was an excellent decision!! I'm so pleased I had this indulgence, I don't feel bad at all, and I don't think it will hinder my goals, either. Sooooooooooo delicious!!!
I'm planning on home-made miso soup for dinner with Swiss chard and muthafuckin' collard greens, that's RIGHT!!!
I just decided to go ahead and have myself one serving (300 calories) of Ben & Jerry's Everything But The...
and it was an excellent decision!! I'm so pleased I had this indulgence, I don't feel bad at all, and I don't think it will hinder my goals, either. Sooooooooooo delicious!!! I'm planning on home-made miso soup for dinner with Swiss chard and muthafuckin' collard greens, that's RIGHT!!!
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