How do you define “finding yourself” and what does this phrase mean? Would becoming a Yoga instructor help one find himself or herself? There are many people, who struggle with their direction and purpose in life, but how can intensive Yoga training help?

When we say: “I need time to find myself,” what are we really saying? We feel lost, our sense of direction is off, and we may wonder why we are here. During times like these, we are spiritually, emotionally, and mentally vulnerable to outside suggestions.

Our belief system can be fragile, or unstable, due to sudden circumstances of our childhood. To find our direction and purpose in life, we should be able to look within – but what if we find no answers? In such cases, further study from reliable outside sources is required.

The traditional answer to finding oneself might be military service, academic education, technical education, religious education, or finding yourself on the job. Yet, for some of us, finding oneself may be a life long journey. The problem being – there is no “one size fits all” solution to finding one’s life purpose.

The traditional Yogic approach has been to become an under study to a Guru. If we have found a true Guru, we would hear the truth (sravana) from his or her teachings. However, faith in another human being may be limited. The typical Yoga teacher training may be more about exercise (asana) than finding oneself.

At the same time, online Yoga teacher course options have grown. An Internet- based Yoga certification course offers flexibility and little or no dogma. This allows a teacher or student the ability to find answers from a variety of sources.

This also reveals that there is often more than one possible answer to a question. Finding answers to the puzzles of life can be a challenge. Training the mind to seek rational solutions, ultimately, makes each of us a “finder” instead of a seeker.

To become a finder, one must open his or her perception (samjnana). There is no guarantee that any of us can find our life purpose, unless we begin to find the answers from within. True awareness (samvid) comes from within.

The best Yoga teacher in the world can only live so long, and carry us only so far. At some point in life, we must find answers and solutions on our own. This quality we know as “innovation” makes us teachers in our own right.

Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Yogic insight is a form of analysis, which allows each Yoga practitioner to find logical and rational answers to questions that confuse each of us. ‘Why are we here?’ is a question which has puzzled humankind since the beginning.

In answering this question, great temples and monuments have been built. Holy Scriptures have been written in every language. Yet, people still ask, “Why they are here?” Answers to our purpose are often based on religious, political, or scientific knowledge.

Each religion might have a slightly different answer. Each culture may have different viewpoints. Historically, political systems often told the masses that serving the state is our purpose. Yet, the variety of reasons for our existence has been a source of political conflict, holy wars, and hate crimes – for thousands of years.

Why we exist is a complex answer, if it is based upon our cultural, religious, and political beliefs. However, let’s approach this question with a Yogic mindset. We are here for a reason (hetu). Most of us believe our reason for being here is a divine plan. This is a matter of faith (sraddha).

However, if someone is a pure atheist and only believes in a scientific explanation, we are still here for a reason and that reason might be pure luck. How else could we scientifically explain the gathering of elements, on a planet, precisely the distance from the sun, to sustain life?

Again, if we pursue this from a purely scientific viewpoint, the chances of what has happened on earth would be extremely rare around the universe. Therefore, from a scientific perspective, the reason we are here is “good luck.” It is ironic that science is worldly (loukika) and struggles with the concept of luck.

With all this said, the universal solution as to why we are here is still not answered. None of us knows why we are here until we find a true purpose (dharma). Even if we have not found our true purpose, we can adopt a happy mindset. This is a key element to having a complete life.

If we display acts of kindness toward others, we are filled with happiness in two ways. Firstly, doing for others always makes one feel good. Secondly, most people react to kindness with kindness. There is no need to wait for the other person to make the first move.

The teachings within Yoga are universal – regardless of your culture, political beliefs, religion, age, gender, or any other differences between people. The common link between people, from all parts of the world, is their desire to be happy – even if they don’t recognize it.

We know that Yoga was developed to end misery (dukha) and suffering. The opposite of suffering is happiness and bliss. Therefore, our purpose is to cultivate and disperse bliss (rasa).

Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Within the Bhagavad-Gita, Karma Yoga is mentioned as a spiritual discipline, which is based upon giving and service without the desire for rewards. We might also say that Karma Yoga points us toward supreme consciousness through selfless service and actions of giving.

The concepts of Karma Yoga should not be so difficult to practice, yet many people who understand the principle, still struggle with giving. There are many reasons for this. Therefore, let us take a look at the reasons why Karma Yoga may be difficult, and some of the inner workings within this discipline.

1. “How can I give to someone who is selfish?”

Some of us may have people around us, who would take everything we have, without acknowledging our actions of giving. These are difficult circumstances, but there are some solutions.

If your circle of friends is collectively selfish, you may be wasting your time, and it might be time to find new friends. When we are children, we might learn hard lessons about the children with whom we associate. We learn about being “guilty by association.”

If we are friendly with a band of thieves, we are presumed to be a thief as well. This is unfortunate, but if you constantly give to a person who does not appreciate your good intentions, you are likely wasting your time. Unless, you are a very forgiving person, it may be difficult to be a “fountain of unlimited giving.”

There are only a few souls, per century, who can manage to master the complete extinction of desire and suffering. To give is one thing; but to give everything you have is impossible for the vast majority of humanity.

Therefore, look inside of yourself and see what actions of giving you can live with. We know that giving is good, but we may not be one of the few enlightened souls of this century.

2. “When I give, how do I know it is going to a good cause?”

The act of giving is in itself a good cause. We do not know how services and funds of a charity are distributed. In fact, if you walk outside of any public place, where people are soliciting for a charity, you don’t know if those people are working for a legitimate charity.

However, your giving of funds should be done with the best of intentions and should make you feel better. This brings about states of happiness. When you perform selfless service for a good cause, you most likely know much more about the legitimacy of that particular cause.

In summary, the act of giving, or performing selfless service, such as we know in Karma Yoga, creates inner happiness. At the same time, giving without pursuing a reward always comes back to you – even if it was done in secret. If you are concerned with the legitimacy of a cause, you may want to inquire further so that your time and efforts are not wasted.

Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

The practice and philosophy of yoga involves different yoga exercises and positions. But there are also different types of yoga in diverse settings. They include ashtanga , white lotus , ananda , bikram , kripalu, hatha and jivamukti yoga.

Ashtanga yoga

This is an athletic practice coined by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois to the system of yoga that he taught. Full exertion of the body is required in this style of yoga. It engages positions that coordinate breathing with a dynamic and continuous series of postures that generate concentrated internal heat and a profuse, cleansing sweat that detoxifies the bodies muscles and organs. The outcome is enhanced flexibility, blood circulation, stamina, a lithe and strong body, and a composed mind.

White lotus yoga

White lotus is an adapted Ashtanga practice developed by Ganga White which is combined with breathing exercises and meditation. White lotus practitioners believe that the most important purpose of yoga is to bring about a deep change of the individual, a stirring of the intelligence that is liberated from the dependencies and romantic beliefs and fully prepared to meet the challenges of modern society.

Ananda yoga

Ananda focuses on the gentle but firm postures intended to budge the energy up to the brain and readies the body for meditation exercises. This type of yoga also focuses on good body alignment and controlled breathing.

Bikram Yoga

Bikram is the system that engages in a sweeping workout that embraces all the components of fitness such as muscular endurance and strength, cardiovascular flexibility, and weight loss. Bikram Choudhury is the founder of the system and is a disciple of Bishnu Ghosh, brother of Paramahansa Yogananda. One of the remarkable but most beneficial elements of Bikram’s yoga practice is the 95-105 degree temperature which endorses more detoxification, flexibility, and injury prevention. This is the only style that specializes in using a heated atmosphere during a yoga exercise.

Kripalu yoga

Kripalu is labeled as the method of consciousness. This gentle, meditative practice has practitioners clutch poses to explore and release mental, emotional and spiritual snags. Goal motivation is discouraged and specific alignment is not as vital as in some other traditions. There are actually three stages in Kripalu yoga. Stage One applies on learning the postures and exploring your bodies abilities. Stage Two calls for holding the postures for an extended time while mounting concentration and inner awareness. Stage Three is more like a meditation in motion in which the activity from one posture to another arises reflexively and impulsively.

Hatha yoga

Hatha is a basic form amongst all the styles originated from this system. It integrates asanas, regulated breathing, meditation, and kundalini into a complete system that can be applied to accomplish enlightenment. The best way to practice the hatha poses or asanas is to view the session in a tranquil, meditative mood.

Jivamukti yoga

Jivamukti is founded by Sharon Gannon and David Life in 1986. This method conveys the spiritual and ethical principles of the practice that have been overlooked or diminished in this present-day. It’s an exuberant and rigorous asana form with an emphasis on devotion to God, Sanskrit chanting, scriptural study of the Vedas, vegetarianism, meditation, the role that music and listening participate in the practice of yoga, and non-violence.

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Before you start with a yoga posture, always begin your exercises with a period of relaxation followed by some breathing routines. Set aside a fixed time for them each day. Morning is probably best, in which case the exercises should be done immediately upon getting up, before breakfast but after your cleansing routines.

If you choose to do your Yoga exercises before retiring at night, make certain you are not over-tired, but fully enough awake to relax and concentrate on what you are doing. Remember that all Yoga exercises should be performed on the hard floor, using a rug or mat for protection. A mattress or soft bed is inadvisable since you would not derive the maximum muscular benefits from exercising on a “giving” surface.

1. Savasana, or the Death Pose: this is the pose of complete relaxation.

Method: Let yourself lie flat and heavy on the mat. Breathe rhythmically but naturally. Try to feel the weight of your body as though it were digging into the ground. Consciously relax every muscle, starting with the head, neck, shoulders, chest, arms and hands and fingers, down the torso and abdomen, down the back, hips, thighs, knees, legs, feet and toes. Relax the muscles of your face — forehead, eyes, cheeks, mouth, chin.

Pretend you are an old piece of rope lying on the ground. When you have relaxed completely, repeat the process. You will discover a residue of tension here and there which must be gotten rid of. Do not let your mind wander and free-associate, but concentrate on some soothing image, such as clouds floating in the sky.

Hold the image. Do not let yourself relax into sleep. After a few moments reverse the process by deliberately tensing the relaxed muscles one by one. Stretch hard. In time you should be able to hold this pose for ten or fifteen minutes without either day-dreaming or falling asleep. You will find such relaxation more beneficial than an hour’s nap.

2. Udhitta Padasana, or Raised-Legs Posture, is a simple Yoga posture which may be done by anyone, regardless of age, weight or infirmities, and is therefore excellent for the beginner.

Method: Lie flat on your back, arms along the sides as for SAVASANA. Inhaling slowly, slowly raise your right leg without bending the knee, until it is at right angles to your body, keeping your other leg flat on the floor. Hold this position for a few seconds, then lower the leg while exhaling in the same slow rhythm. Reverse, repeating with the left leg.

Now raise both legs at once. Hold this position for a slow count of three times three (counting to three in waltz time approximates one second) and lower the legs again. Rest. Gradually increase the count to ten or twelve seconds.

At first you may find that doing the three parts of this exercise just once is enough to produce slight fatigue. But after a few days you will be able to increase the number of repetitions to three, then four or five. Eventually you should be able to raise both legs at once half a dozen times in smooth rhythm without stopping.

Be sure, however, always to go through all motions slowly: the tendency is to lower the legs fast, since this is by far the easier way. You will probably experience slight soreness of the abdominal muscles at the start, but this will not last beyond the first few days.

Therapeutic Value: This exercise gives the abdomen an internal massage, strengthening all the muscles and breaking down surplus fat. It is therefore particularly good for persons working at sedentary jobs and for those suffering from or wishing to prevent “middle-aged spread,” including women who otherwise depend on girdles to keep themselves looking flat. It is excellent for preventing prolapse of the stomach and for reconditioning muscles after childbirth. In the latter case, however, it should not be done without first checking with a doctor.

Caution: This exercise should be avoided by persons with a weak heart and women already suffering from female disorders.

You should benefit from either yoga posture.

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The yoga posture brings the practitioner many benefits. All Deep Contraction is nothing more nor less than a prolongation of natural, instinctive stretches carried to the point where a person’s whole mood and physique become involved. The following exercises will aid in relaxing the whole body.

First lie flat on your stomach, keeping your legs straight out. Place your hands on the floor in line with the shoulders. Try to lift yourself by pressing down on the hands. At first this may seem hard, but after a week or so you will be able to lift your whole body from the hips up — and you will have performed the first part of the Bhujangasan, or Snake Posture which is excellent for the spine.

Your next stretch is to be done standing. Stand with the feet slightly apart, knees slightly bent. Place the hands on the thighs. Take a deep breath, exhale, then expel the breath sharply. Now try to draw the abdomen in and up, raising the diaphragm as high as possible. Hold this position a moment, then relax. You have completed the first step toward the Uddiyana Bandha, an asana (position) which massages the colon, the large and small intestines, and starts peristaltic action, generally doing away with any tendency to constipation by invigorating the nerves which control intestinal movements.

Moreover, muscles which ordinarily are beyond our voluntary control are involved here. This is an exercise which also helps a fallen stomach, intestines or uterus. It should, of course, always be done on an empty stomach.

Ideally, when you try this routine the stomach should be sucked in so deep that it practically disappears. But the beginning student is hardly likely to achieve anything like such an effect, for the average person’s neglected abdominal muscles are apt to be weak and unresponsive. However, you are not striving for perfection. This, like the previous routine, should be in the nature of a glorified stretch. Do not ask too much of yourself. Be content to make haste slowly.

As to timing — each of the above exercises should take about a minute. Get in the habit of doing them immediately after a deep relaxation period, either before breakfast or the last thing at night. If neither time is feasible, find some other convenient break during the day. But always be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing and to allow at least two and preferably three hours to elapse after a meal before you begin.

In order to get the full benefit of the Yoga posture, remember that your mental attitude is of the greatest importance. It is useless to go through the motions of exercising unless you are prepared to focus your entire attention on what you are doing. Just as, during relaxation, you must empty your mind of all distracting influences, so during the stretches you must teach yourself to dwell on their performance only, to study each action and its effects on your body, allowing yourself to relish the sensations you are experiencing.

Only if you are thoroughly aware of the good you are doing yourself will the benefit of the routines stay with you. On the other hand, if you do follow the routine faithfully you will begin to acquire greater limberness and to experience both physical and mental well-being within one short week. You will sleep better, have greater vitality and your nerves will be your friends instead of traitors.

Even tired skin, after a little systematic Yoga stimulation, can once more acquire the firmness and glow it once had. And this is only a secondary benefit! The complex of processes which constitutes Deep Contraction has one most important aspect. It would be quite useless, not to say impossible, to practice true Deep Contraction while thinking of something else.

This orientation inward, which becomes a must, is the first step toward a further, deeper development of your Self according to yoga principles. For once you have learned Deep Contraction and have practiced it for a while, you are ready to go on to something essential not only to the welfare of your body but of your entire being: You are ready to learn Concentration. You will then achieve the true benefits of every yoga posture.

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