I want to thank those of you who wrote me for your kind words about the articles on my Blog. I also want to thank the guest authors for their fresh ideas.

Located at: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/

You will see a variety of articles from other authors, so please accept my invitation to write and have any of your articles published at my new Blog. If you want to comment at my Blog, please feel free.

This Blog has the ability to enter one photograph per post. I am looking for informative articles related to Yoga's many benefits.

Those of you who are seeking employment abroad are also welcome to submit your resume, profile, or photograph.

If you want to establish a reciprocal link to this Blog, please feel free to contact me with your website or Blog information. As many of you know the more links you have, the more popular your Yoga sites will be.

You can reach me directly at: paul@yoga-teacher-training.org

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The Right Attitudes to Perform Hatha Yoga (Part II)

By Dario Colombera

(II), Before starting, practise the visualization of the exercise.

In other words, live your exercise in your mind before you perform it.

(III*), Use a tantric concentration and a karmic attitude;

If there is a type of concentration very adept for the Westerners, this is tantric meditation. In fact, it is proper both for atheists and believers - for busy people who don't have time to devote themselves to other extra activities, or for those persons who don't intend to abdicate their own sexual activities. As a matter of fact, a tantric attitude is suitable to optimize any activity.

In general, I recommend the following exercise:

Pay attention to what you are doing in the pause between the two breaths.

Be confident that such type of concentration can be practiced in every moment of your life, but be alert to look at the incoming future and not at the past.

(IV*), Understand which is the real true perfection of asanas;

The myth of perfection, so rooted in western cultures, must be considered with suspect, when you are dealing with asanas. This axiom is right for a gymnast, or for an engineer, but it is not at all correct in the case of biological evolution and for the practice of Hatha Yoga.

In these endeavours, perfection doesn't exist as such, since we are dealing with the evolution of defective individuals toward an ampler perception of their outer and inner world; and this development must be accomplished by overcoming imperfections little by little.

Going to asanas, I recall that a gymnastically perfect execution is not advisable to neophytes, because it would probably harm them. If you try to emulate the teacher that introduces you to a perfect asana, probably you will strive yourself over the licit.

Mainly because of the restless conditions of normal mind, you should not wonder if the asanas of beginners and old people are gymnastically modest .

Insofar, a correct execution is done with gentleness and harmony, without hurry, without going beyond your own normal respiratory capabilities, without suffering unbearable pains of joints and muscles.

In other words, an asana is well performed when it respects your limits, and not those of some gymnastic perfection, of your vanity, and of your hurry to progress . If you have the tendency to breathe more quickly, you are striving. If you lose the visualization of the exercise, or it causes you unbearable pains, you are striving. If you cannot maintain your position or your muscles tremble, you are overdoing.

(V*), Perform the asana by means of muscular relaxation also; Because of the normal presence of consistent permanent contractions of skeletal muscles, any harmonic activity of antagonist muscles is impossible; and therefore, it is necessary to learn to relax them.

Thus, you will spend less energy in muscular actions, you will realize a reduction of the subconscious contractions of your muscles, you will improve the mobility of your joints, and you will increase blood circulation and lymphatic flow.

Such a new style of moving must be applied during all the asanas and Padangustasana is an ideal exercise to understand the difference between throwing and relaxing in practical terms.

Also, Savasana and Vipassana meditation are useful to get aware of the presence of such subconscious muscular contractions. Anyway, all the asanas have the outstanding function of eliminating the simultaneous and correlated activities between unconscious mind and skeletal musculature.

(VI*), Rest and concentrate after each asana.

For the neophyte, it is necessary to understand that the exercise doesn't end just by returning in the initial Savasana, but it continues and becomes completed there .

Each asana ends in three phases:

(A), Returning to the initial posture and then in Savasana.

(B), Bringing your attention on your body, performing a rapids Vipassana like investigation, paying particular care to aching muscles.

(C), End your relaxation when all, or almost all, your pains and fatigue have disappeared.

In this way, you will achieve the full benefit of your asana and you will become aware of the presence of possible troubles in joints and muscles - otherwise not perceivable. Be ready to accept that the times of recovery might be longer than those spent in the exercise.

(VII*), Understand the various meanings of the different pains you suffer during the asanas.

The physical pains you can suffer during an asana are of four types:

(A), Pains due to the rigidity of your joints, due to permanent subconscious muscular contractures. Such pains are intense, but well known. They are due to the fact that your articulations are stiff and that your muscles are contracted and out of training. Such pains must be suffered in the limits of common sense, and they should disappear when the exercise is stopped. It follows that the more an exercise is difficult to you, the more you need it.

In general I warn: Pain distracts, therefore, if you want to meditate, avoid painful positions. The sitting positions, that are the most recommended for meditation, are always very painful for a westerner. Therefore, I suggest three stratagems: firstly before taking a seat, force the articulations for a few minutes, in the limit of the bearable, in a similar, but more severe asana than that selected to meditate.

Secondly, during the definitive asana, raise the bottom from the ground, using a book, a rigid stool or other gadgets. Thirdly, pay attention to your painful limbs since they will then relax.

Only when you become able to stop the activity of your mind, you will realize that you were not able to keep a position because of pains due to subconscious muscular contractures.

(B), Subliminal pains, due to the most different causes - which are only perceived during the asanas. Such discomforts are index of the presence of some physical trouble of which you were not aware before.

It is important to watch out if such pains decrease, or increase, after your asanas. If they increase, the exercises have to be suspended for a certain period of time. If your job is heavy or too sedentary, such pains will be more probable. Two or three minutes of concentrations on the aching limbs (possibly keeping your hands on them) generally helps to cure them.

(C), Pains due to a wrong execution of the exercise, that don't disappear during the resting phase and over. In this case, the exercise must be suspended, until these pains have disappeared.

(D), Pains due to contractions of skeletal muscles, due to negative unconscious emotions. These troubles can often be perceived only during an asana. Two or three minutes of concentrations, on the aching limbs, generally helps to cure the aching member.

Among mental pains, such as anxiety, emotional stress, discouragement, etc., I would add the emotional refusal that often strikes you before to start a session of Hatha Yoga. Contrary to all other pains, this sorrow possesses a positive connotation: It means that your subconscious is getting annoyed by your discipline.

There are naturally some dangers when you penetrate in the unexplored zones of your deepest reality, as it happens with the practice of the Yogas. Insofar - be cautious - search for the help of a true Yogi.

Prof. Dario Colombera
Via Trespole 68
35037 Teolo (Padua) Italy
Tel.: (Italy) 049 9925217
e-mail: bobombera@interfree.it

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Yoga Teachers Lead by Example (Part 2)

By Paul Jerard

It is a shame that proper behavior, respect, and ethics do not make great headlines in the newspapers. Just watch the news, and read the newspaper for a week, to confirm what makes "good copy." It will not take long for you to find a dozen, or dozens, of scandals.

We all make mistakes, and none of us wants to have them in print, but some are preventable. Here are some guidelines for Yoga teachers to consider when teaching their students. As a leader and role model, your ethical behavior will be duplicated by your Yoga students.

There is no need for an air of superiority within the Yoga class. Everyone is good at something, so why waste time and energy trying to impress your students, or the public, about your ability as a Yoga instructor. If students are attending your Yoga classes, they are already impressed, so there is no need to turn your Yoga studio into a "circus act."

If someone does not practice Yoga, or is not a vegetarian, please do not bolster your ego over the issue. Do not engage in hostile debates over these issues. There is a time, place, and method for convincing people about health issues, but hostility will not convince anyone.

Bias and discrimination are hard habits to break. Sometimes, these ideas exist within families for generations. Yoga teachers should accept students, regardless of race, religion, gender, ethnic origin, age, social status, or any other reason we can find to be unjustifiably bias.

In the case of age - children who are too young may have a separate Yoga class, but this depends on the patience of the Yoga teacher and the group. Some "Mommy and me" Yoga classes run along smoothly, but some adult Yoga students do not want to be in a Yoga class with children.

I teach children four years of age and up, but it is specifically within a "Kids Yoga" class. This is much different from a typical adult Yoga class, and the circus act I mentioned earlier might be fine. Do not be surprised to see children perform difficult asanas, but do not expose them to hazards.

In the course of a week, I teach many Chair Yoga classes, and these are age specific. However, when seniors show up to a Yoga class, at a Yoga studio, or ashram, they should be welcomed and modifications should be taught - if they are needed.

Getting back to discrimination in general: The largest problem with bias is our history of war crimes, holocaust, atrocities, and slavery. Discrimination cannot go unchecked, and it has no place anywhere, especially in a Yoga studio or ashram. If you teach Yoga to a specific religious sect, that is fine, but do not speak harshly of those who are not present.

It comes down to the golden rule, which is very universal to most of the world's religions, and I will conclude this part with a quote. Most of you will recognize a much similar quote within your own religion. It does shed light on the wisdom of our ancestors.

"This is the sum of duty; do naught onto others what you would not have them do unto you."
Mahabharata 5,1517

The above article is part of a three part series. You can find parts one and three at: http://yoga-teacher-training.blogspot.com/

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We invite you to take a tour of the New Forum at: www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum

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Have you visited our new & updated site and improved FAQ's section?

Yoga Teacher Training Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/Yoga-questions.htm

We've added many questions and answers that we frequently come across. Recently, we've started to break them down into categories, so they will be easier for you to find.

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Specials of the Month

The following offers are good only while supplies last.

The Easy Payment Plan for the Scratch and Dent Sale:

You can purchase this course in six easy monthly installments of $75 USD. We will ship your modules on the first, third, and fifth month.

Overseas orders can get pricing by sending an Email with the destination country. Rates for shipping do vary depending on the destination.

Payment Options

Telephone a Master Card or Visa in at: 508-222-0092

The office is open 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays (Eastern Time)

Fax a Master Card or Visa in at: 401-633-6081

Use PayPal at www.paypal.com and use the send money option in the upper left of the menu. PayPal will take checks and a variety of credit cards. With this last option, you can send money to anyone with an Email address. If you do, send it to: aurayoga@aol.com

Easy Payment Plan for the Camp-in-a-Box:

You can purchase this course in six easy monthly installments of $89 USD. We will ship your modules on the first, third, and fifth month.

Overseas orders can get pricing by sending an Email with the destination country. Rates for shipping do vary depending on the destination.

Telephone a Master Card or Visa in at: 508-222-0092

The office is open 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays (Eastern Time)

Fax a Master Card or Visa in at: 401-633-6081

All of us need a little affirming now and then. We have 6 copies of the "Affirmations for Adults CD," by Katheryn Hoban . These are great for Yoga teachers, clients, or students who need some time for positive thinking.

Cost is $12 delivered within the United States

Language of Yoga (Sanskrit Course) Delay

The release date has just been backdated by the publisher and we are now told it will be released in mid-November. We are expecting our first shipment from the publisher around the 20 th of November.

My apologies for the "hold up." The minute we get them in our hands, they will be shipped.

You can get this amazing resource for only $24.95 USD, delivered within the United States. Overseas orders can get pricing by sending an Email with the destination country. Rates for shipping do vary depending on the destination.

Payment Options

Telephone a Master Card or Visa in at: 508-222-0092

The office is open 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays (Eastern Time)

Fax a Master Card or Visa in at: 401-633-6081

Use PayPal at www.paypal.com and use the send money option in the upper left of the menu. PayPal will take checks and a variety of credit cards. With this last option, you can send money to anyone with an Email address. If you do, send it to: aurayoga@aol.com

Yoga Journal's Yoga Step-by-StepT Home Practice System

We have 4 more copies of the Yoga Journal's Yoga Step-by-StepT Home Practice System kits, in stock that can be yours.

The Yoga Journal's Yoga Step-by-StepT Home Practice System contains everything you need to build an effective home practice that will continue to challenge you as you progress.

With a focus on correct technique, acclaimed Yoga teacher, Natasha Rizopoulos, helps you build strength, flexibility, balance, and confidence, step by step, in one comprehensive program.

These kits will be delivered for $26.95 within the United States. Outside the U.S. please contact us for a shipping rate.

Each kit contains the following:

3 CDs, 3.5 hours
24-page study guide
40 photo-illustrated cards

We've played with these kits, and they are great learning tools.

To order by fax: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/orderform.htm

Fax: 401-633-6081

Use PayPal at www.paypal.com and use the send money option in the upper left of the menu. PayPal will take checks and a variety of credit cards. With this last option, you can send money to anyone with an Email address. If you do, send it to: aurayoga@aol.com

Telephone a Master Card or Visa in at: 508-222-0092

The office is open 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays (Eastern Time)

The above offers are good only while supplies last.

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Yoga Teachers Wanted

New Yoga Job Opportunities

Yoga Teacher Wanted: Suburban Philadelphia/West Chester Area.
Power/Ashtanga Yoga preferred, but open to any school/limb of yoga. Need someone who can work at least 2 evenings and one morning. Looking for two teachers. Male teachers encouraged to apply. Certifications not needed, though preferred. Must be willing to work toward certification and register for your RYT. Twisted Guru Studio - Twistedgurustudio@yahoo.com

A growing Indianapolis, Indiana studio is seeking a certified Vinyasa instructor. This is an amazing opportunity to grow with a popular downtown studio. Must posses at least a 200 hour RYT certification and be comfortable teaching energetic vinyasa classes. Looking for a life change?

I am particularly interested in candidates who have business experience and wish to work as an office manager in addition to teaching classes. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who wants to work full time in the yoga field. Please contact amy@invokestudio.com if you are interested.

Costa Rica
Description of Job/Opportunity: Samasati Nature Retreat , a yoga center and resort located in Costa Rica on the Caribbean side, is looking to fill up two paid positions:1. Yoga teacher/massage therapist. The person needs to be certified in both yoga and massage.2. Chef or cook, also certified or with experience. Six months commitment minimum. Please email your resumes, questions or availability to : samasati@earthlink.net or call 800 563 9643. Our web site is : http://www.samasati.com

Yoga Teachers Wanted / Invitation

Some of the Yoga teacher opportunities below may already be filled.

We have a new yoga studio in Berlin, Maryland, on the coast, 2-1/2 hours from Washington DC. We need yoga teachers to teach in our beautiful studio. If you are in the neighborhood, on vacation, or would just like to visit the studio you can contact Sherry A. Maykrantz at Stillwaters Studio, Berlin, Maryland - smaykrantz@comcast.net

Yoga instructors wanted to work in Beijing, China, in our new Hot Yoga studio. Please send professional profile and desired compensation to alfie@gini.com or call Alfie at 650-210-8663

Growing yoga center in Edison, N.J. is looking for experienced, energetic, grounded, dependable, adult and children certified yoga teachers. We are also interested in working with certified on call massage therapists. Please send resume to info@mysacredyoga.com or call 908 222 3534 Ask for Evelyn. Contact: Evelyn P. Lisojo, Email: info@mysacredyoga.com Website: www.mysacredyoga.com

Jakarta yoga teachers needed
Power Yoga Teachers Needed; especially with certificate in Baron Baptiste, Jivamukti or Ana Forrest. Please send email to hotyogajakarta@yahoo.com

Yoga Teaching Opportunities at studio in Anaheim Hills, CA teaching Core Sequencing and Advanced Beginner on Tuesday and Thursday nights (6-7:30pm). If interested please call The Place of Balance (www.placeofbalance.com) at (714)777-1953.

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Yoga Teaching Position Wanted

Name: Nikumbh Rajendra Kashinath ( Date of Birth : 12-11-1967 ) Permanent Address : 56, "RajSangit", Indira H. Socity, Dattamandir Stop, Near Ganesh Temple, Deopur, Dhule (Maharashtra State) INDIA Pin- 424005. Phone Nos. : (02562 272122 Residential) (94227 87522 Mobile) Email: gimi2@rediffmail.com

Education : B.Sc.;LL.B.(Law graduate)

Yoga Education :

Yog-shikshaka(Teacher)Certified. Yoga university, Nasik (India) with Distinction & 1st in batch. in yr.1991
Yog-pravin (Post gaduation level) with 1st class in yr.1993
N.D. (Diploma in Naturopathy from All India Nature Cure Federation New Delhi (India) with 1st Class
Yog-Parichaya Course 1990
Yog-Pravesha 1989
Reiki 1st Degree Certified Reiki Treatment Prapogation Training & Research Centre, A'nagar (India)
Many other short term courses related to YOGA such as.... Pranayama, Trataka, Garbha Sanskara, Hight increasing, Weight loss, Diet cantrol, Omkar japa etc etc.

If you own an Ashram or Yoga studio, and are looking for teachers, feel free to contact me with Yoga opportunities. We reach thousands of Yoga teachers worldwide and will publish "Yoga teacher wanted" ads for free around the middle of the following month. Contact Paul: aurayoga@aol.com

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Reciprocal Link Program

Reciprocal Link Program for Healers and Yoga Enthusiasts

Are you a certified or practicing healer, from one, or more, of the many healing modalities? If you have a website, you can exchange a reciprocal link with us. With more links to similar and like-minded websites, you will enhance your search engine ranking.

This, in turn, will bring more visitors to all of our sites - which is, what we all want. A links page, for healers, that brings in more traffic from the internet, will be another added improvement for all of us.

If you are interested in exchanging links, please send your website address, and contact information, to Jade Burnside at the following Email address:

resources@yoga-teacher-training.org

November 2005