What are the 5 Yamas?

{"slug":"what-are-the-5-yamas","recentPosts":[{"id":"cl8kb5f23jq1w0ciscs2h2bxw","slug":"benefits-of-yoga-for-pregnancy","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What are the Benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga for Pregnancy is excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor. Read more to understand the benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:42:36.767798+00:00","coverUrl":"kvvlqndsbow5dsckhw7i.jpg","content":{"text":"When you get pregnant, people come out of the woodworks with advice, remedies and old wives tales. Everyone’s got an opinion on how you should spend your pregnancy. But the one thing we know for sure is, yoga is great for mom and baby alike. If you’re curious about prenatal yoga, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down why this type of yoga is excellent for moms (and babies).\\nWhat is prenatal yoga?\\nPrenatal yoga was designed for women who are expecting. Rather than taking a regular class and having to worry about modifications or safety, this class is specifically designed for pregnancy. The practice can help women with common pregnancy aches and pains, ease hormonal and emotional stress and help women’s bodies prepare for birth and their postpartum journey. A regular yoga practice when pregnant has tons of amazing benefits!\\nBenefits of Prenatal yoga: \\nWe asked women who’ve done prenatal yoga while pregnant for their reviews, one said “ It’s excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor.” And they all said they’d recommend it to friends! \\nSo let's break down the benefits: \\nRelaxation : \\nPregnancy can be very stressful! But yoga will help you to relax physically, mentally and emotionally and create a safe, relaxing environment for birth. Prenatal helps you with coping and breath techniques for all stages of your pregnancy.\n\\nPreparation for birth : \\nFor first time moms, and even sometimes vets, labor can be scary. This practice will help you to learn birth techniques so you’re relaxed and ready to go!\n⁠\\nYoga can Help with Labor : \\nIn a 2015 study\\n, It was found that a regular yoga practice in the last 10-12 weeks of pregnancy can improve the mother's comfort during labor and help facilitate the labor process. The “yoga group” in this study on average was in labor two hours less than those who didn’t practice. Past your due date? Prenatal Yoga is also known to help induce labor\n⁠\\nCommunity : \\nYoga classes have always been known to help us build community but during pregnancy, it's so important to have a group of women who understand what you’re going through. Taking part in a prenatal class puts you in a group of women who get it. You’ll have a built in support system and maybe even first friends for your baby!\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Prenatal Yoga:\\nIs Yoga for Pregnancy safe?\\nYes. Yoga is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, you should always consult your doctor & make sure you’re practicing with a teacher who understands the prenatal experience and can keep you safe. Our teachers are experts in yoga and are ready to help you on your journey. If you’d like to check out our offerings, you can get started today with a two week free trial! \\nWhen during pregnancy can you practice yoga?\\nDuring your first trimester, you can stick to your regular practice with some modifications. \\nYour second trimester is a GREAT time to start prenatal yoga! At this point, you’ll be starting to officially come into your “pregnancy body” and you’ll need to be practicing poses more specific to prenatal. The second and third trimester are considered the “prep period” for your body to prepare for labor. So it's a great time to keep moving and stretching in your new skin as you make room for the baby to grow! \\nWhat yoga poses should you avoid doing? \\nFor the most part, yoga is considered safe during pregnancy. You really only need to focus on any poses that put pressure on your abdomen. You should avoid any and all twisting poses, backbends and inversions.. \\nYoga for Pregnancy Poses you can perform at Home :\\nIt’s important to stay active during your pregnancy for both mom and baby! You should try to get in some sort of movement daily for at least 30 minutes. You can stick to low impact workouts or walks but if you want to do some yoga at home, it’s a great way to end your day. Yoga while pregnant can help with pain, help you sleep better and fight tiredness and fatigue. \\nHere are some poses you can practice at home to keep you moving! And as a bonus, most of these poses will also help your body prepare for giving birth!\\n1. Bound angle pose (Baddha Konasana) :\\n\\nBaddha Konasana pose will help you open your hips, releasing any pain in your back. It can also help to reduce swelling\\nHow it helps with labor: Opening the hips will help you to stretch the muscles needed to open the birth canal.\\n2. Cat-cow pose (Marjaryasana Bitilasana) :\\n\\nMarjaryasana Bitilasana pose release back and shoulder pain and also reduce pressure from the belly\\nHow it helps with labor: Back pain is a common occurrence during the birth process. This pose will help to keep your muscles limber and help to avoid muscle spasms and pain in your back during labor. \\n3. Yogi squat (Malasana) :\\n\\n\\nBeen sitting too long\\n? This is a great hip opener and will also release lower back pain. \\nHow it helps with labor: This pose will widen the pelvic floor making the birth easier,which may help to reduce injury during birth.\\nRemember, if you’re practicing at home, it’s always best to consult your doctor and make sure yoga is safe for your pregnancy.\\n\\nOther ways to practice self-care during pregnancy\\nBeing a mom is the hardest job in the world. And there are no days off. Starting with pregnancy, we feel out of control of our body, its growth and the way we feel. Remember to take time during this beautiful process to practice self-care so you can be present, happy and relaxed. \\nBook a prenatal massage :\n\n⁠⁠A prenatal massage is GREAT for mom and baby. It can help reduce stress and swelling without meds, help you to sleep and get your body ready for labor and delivery. \n⁠ \\nTake a bath :\n⁠\n⁠Taking a warm bath while pregnant can also help to reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. It’s a great way to relax and rest your growing body. If you’re feeling pain or swelling, it can be very beneficial to relax in a warm bath. \n⁠\\n\\nAyurveda for Pregnancy :\\n\n⁠\n⁠This week, MyYogaTeacher has a special Ayurveda event running where you’ll learn how to align with your best self through nutrition and health changes. This specific class is designed to help you have your most healthy pregnancy with nutrition guidelines for a mom and foods to help with baby's development! \\n\nYou can also choose to work 1 on 1 with an instructor of your choice through your MyYogaTeacher membership! Let us help you have your healthiest pregnancy possible! \\n\\nGet started today!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"cl8ka13l4ionz0ck2fe0pme7l","slug":"chronic-neck-pain-relief-yoga-poses","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Are you suffering with Chronic Neck Pain? 10 yoga poses to find relief!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:11:15.683866+00:00","coverUrl":"rbh6duxy7hy3y207sg1c.jpg","content":{"text":"Do you suffer from chronic neck pain? Nearly 30-50% of adults suffer from recurring neck pain. \\nNeck pain can be a common occurrence for people who:\\nhave long commutes or sit at a desk all day\\nwho have issues with posture \\nwho have chronic sleep issues\\nOur neck and shoulders can also be a place where we may carry tension or pain due to stress. In any case, the good news is yoga can help you to relieve your neck pain and move on symptom free! \\nDaily changes you can make to avoid neck pain\\nStay in alignment. Keep good posture and try not to carry heavy bags on one side of your body. Also, if you sit at a desk and work on a computer, move your monitor to eye-sight so you’re not looking up or down. Need help finding your center? \\nWe can help here at MyYogaTeacher! \\n\\nStay active! It’s important to stay mobilized.  If you sit all day, take breaks to move around and give your body a break from being stuck in one position. Can’t take breaks at work? Try to go for a walk on lunch or maybe before or after your workday. \\nCheck your sleep environment. Make sure your mattress and pillows are still in good shape. Look into the best pillows for your sleep type or body. Getting quality sleep will help you avoid tossing and turning and can be your remedy to wake pain free. \\nIf you’re feeling like you need to move, starting with any slower yoga practice will help! Yin, hatha and restorative classes will all leave your body feeling relaxed, renewed and free of pain. Want to flow on your own? Here are our top ten poses to try! \\n10 Yoga Poses to relieve Chronic Neck Pain :\\n1. Easy seat with ear to shoulder stretch\\nThis pose releases your neck and shoulders and helps relieve tension and stress.\\nStart by sitting with your legs crossed and a straight back. Shoulders down. Bring your ear down to your shoulder. To deepen the stretch, bring your opposite arm overhead. \\n\\n\\n\\n2. Child’s Pose\\nReleases tension in the upper body including the neck and chest.\\nBring your knees as wide as the mat and sit into your heels. You can bring your chest to the mat and extend your arms forward or come to rest on a pillow or bolster. Try to hold this pose for up to 5 breaths. \\n\\n\\n\\n3. Downward facing dog\\nHelps to relieve neck pain by strengthening the upper body and releasing the spine. \\nStart by coming onto all fours. Check your alignment- make sure your shoulders are over your wrist, and your hips over your knees. Without changing the position of your hands and feet, push up and back to bring your heels into the ground. Relax your head, neck and shoulders down. \\n\\n\\n\\n4. Bridge Pose\\nReleases chest, neck, spine and hips.\\nLay down on your mat, bring your feet as close to your glutes as possible. Bring your hands to the sides of your body palms down. Push into the feet and hands while you lift your core and back to the ceiling. Try to relax and breathe here. \\n\\n\\n\\n5. Wide Leg forward fold\\nReleases spine, neck and back. If you’re in pain perform this stretch slowly, and come up one vertebrae at a time. \\nBring your feet as wide as you can, feet facing forward. Hinge at the hips and slowly bend forward and down towards your feet. You can hang here or grab yogi toe lock around your big toe. \\n\\n\\n\\n6. Cow face pose\\nStrengthens core and spine.\\nSit up tall and stack your knees directly over one another. Reach one arm back around your waist and one arm over your shoulder with your palms reaching towards one another. If you can, clasp your hands. If not, rest them on your back, you will still benefit from the pose. \\n\\n\\n\\n7. Sphinx pose\\nThis pose will help to physically open up the shoulders and neck. Looking side to side slowly is a great addition to the pose. \\nLie on your stomach and bring your hands next to your chest facing down. On your inhale press into the ground and lift your upper body. \\n\\n\\n\\n8. Thread the Needle \\nIncreases mobility and releases tension in the upper body. \\nCome on to all fours. Check your alignment, make sure your hips are over your knees, shoulders over your wrist. Reach one arm out to the side and thread it through the opposite side under your ribs. You can stay here or open up the opposite side by reaching the hand to the back or straight up and over. Make sure to do both sides. \\n\\n\\n\\n9. Legs up the wall\\nReleases tension and stress from the upper body by reversing blood flow. \\nFind a wall near your practice space and sit next to the wall as close as possible. Lower your head, neck and shoulders onto your mat, then roll onto your back and stretch your legs up the wall. You can stay in this restorative pose for up to 10 minutes. \\n\\n\\n\\n10. Savasana\\nSavasana releases any stress, lowers heart rate and calms the body. \\nCome onto your back on your mat, and release your body down. This is known as corpse pose because it is a full and final rest at the end of our practice. Release and let go of any and all tension. \\n\\n\\n\\nClasses to help relieve neck pain \\n\\nYoga fusion for joints \\n- This class will help you roll out your joint pain and stretch your tight limbs and joints. \\n\\nYoga for Back Pain\\n - Sometimes, neck pain can be caused by tightness in the spine. Experts say yoga helps soothe muscle pains. Try this class to strengthen and lengthen your neck and back for pain relief! \\n\\nYoga for Neck and Shoulder Pain\\n - Do you sit all day at work? Struggle with your posture? This class will help relieve upper body tension. \\n\nSo if you’re ready to make your neck pain a thing of the past, join us today. Our trial includes two free weeks of group fitness classes, one on one classes and so much more! \\nGet started on your yoga journey now!\\n"},"category":["yoga_poses"]},{"id":"cl8cuq5nnh5860biyek2vhu2w","slug":"reproductive-rights-for-women-yoga-workshop","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop - Supporting Women Through Yoga","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-22T09:28:27.679552+00:00","coverUrl":"dkjwcigamkavxe0yziwq.jpg","content":{"text":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s first ever Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop!\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we believe in the wisdom of women to make their own choices about their health. \\n\\nThat’s why we’re excited to offer the\\n Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop on October 2 from 9 AM - 11 AM PST (12 PM - 2 PM EST) for only $10!\\nIn the past, our community events have been free. So why are we charging a nominal fee for this one?\\nBecause ALL proceeds from the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop go to support the \\nCenter for Reproductive Rights\\n charity, a nonprofit organization, the \\nonly\\n global legal advocacy organization dedicated to advancing reproductive rights.\\nIn the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs Wade and on the day before the new term of the Supreme Court begins, we think this workshop is a perfect way to silently protest this new ruling through self-care and donations to an organization like the Center for Reproductive Rights.\\nThis will also be a time of healing and processing with a couple of awesome expert yoga instructors!\\nHow to join the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop\\nWhether you’re a member or not, \\nJust click this link and register \\nas you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nIntroducing a very special guest yoga instructor coming just for this event!\n\\nMeet Harpinder Mann, RYT-500!\\n\\n\n\\nHarpinder is a yoga, meditation, mindfulness teacher, and decolonizing activist based in Los Angeles. She works with women of color who want to reclaim their power and intuition through the lens of a spiritual, joyful, and sustainable path. Her studies have spanned from reading the Japji Sahib since she was 3, to over 700 hours of yogic training within the traditions of Raja, Vinyasa, Kundalini, and Prenatal Yoga. \\nWe’re super excited to have her lead the beginning of the workshop. Afterwards, MyYogaTeacher yoga instructor, \\nTrupti Parikh\\n, will lead us in asanas, and a discussion session will follow.\\nAre you ready to experience a workshop where we solely focus on supporting and advocating for women’s health \\nwhile\\n improving our mental, emotional, and physical health?\\n\\nJoin us for the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop!\\n\\nTogether, we make a difference."},"category":["workshops"]},{"id":"cl8a9804vy5de0biznpg4ai2t","slug":"yoga-benefits-for-runners","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga For Runners : Why Runners Should Incorporate Yoga Into Their Training?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Adopting an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Read now to learn more","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-20T13:50:56.406936+00:00","coverUrl":"tbdacuzob0fuqml8dyjd.jpg","content":{"text":"Training for a big race? Setting some goals you want to crush before the year ends? No matter what your reasons, yoga can be a great way to cross train for running from a 5k to a marathon! Running is great for your heart and body but can also be a huge strain on the muscles. Having an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Let’s dive into how yoga can help!\\n1. Breathing\\nProper breathing and breath stabilization are both incredibly important principles in Yoga and Running. If you can practice proper breathing while running, you can maintain speed longer because you will take long deeper breaths to match your long strides, instead of short breaths which cause instability and speed decline.\\nPracticing Pranayama for runners - \\nAdding a pranayama breath practice before a run can help you to maintain focus as well as speed. Even if running is a release for you, and feels relaxing, Using breathwork to relax and focus can help you clearly see the physical and mental road ahead. Pranayama can also help if things are going off course on your run. If you need to regain control, you can come back to your breath and refocus. With these practices together, your run really can be a religious experience, or a way to relieve stress! \\nTo start a pranayama practice, all you need to do is focus on controlling your inhale and exhale. Start by standing tall and relaxed, or sitting tall and calm if you prefer. Close your eyes and focus inward. Start by breathing in for two and out for two. As you continue to grow your practice, you can  build up to breathing in for six and out for six. You can even play with pausing for two to four breaths in between your inhale and exhale. When you finally build a practice you’re confident with, you can start to set intentions and visualize your success. With this practice, you’ll begin to see your running dreams come true!\\n\\n2. Flexibility/Strength\\nIt would be great if in life, we only ever needed to do one thing to get to our goals. But in reality,just like we can’t have cookies for every meal, cross training for runners is essential to maintaining a long term healthy routine. While you could easily just add weight training or stretching a la cart into your week, yoga gives you more by going deeper and getting into those smaller, harder to access ligaments and tendons you might otherwise miss with strength training . Adding yoga into your running routine can reduce the risk of injury and help to maintain your goals. The more flexible your muscles are, the less likely they are to tense up or be stressed during running so you can move with more confidence and ease. Not to mention, it’s always great to look forward to a nice long stretch after a run. \\n\n3. Conditioning \\nWe all know running is GREAT for your cardiovascular health, can add years on to your life and keep your heart pumping at its best! But it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a veteran, running can make your body sore. Yoga is great for conditioning those tired and fatigued muscles without having to “take a day off” to rest. In between your runs or on conditioning days, you can take a class focused on your back or knee health, or even a class to open tight hips after a long run. There’s nothing the magic of yoga can’t do! \\n\n4. Balance/Posture\\nEven though running is a “walk in the park” compared to ballet where balance is concerned, you still need to do your best to focus on alignment while you move.\\nYoga can improve your running form by elongating the limbs so you cover more ground in less time. You'll be PR’ing in no time! Proper alignment is also important when running because as you increase your speed, the level of impact (and injury) becomes greater. Maintaining your body's alignment during movement assures you arrive at the finish line aliment free! Love a tree pose? Want to learn to fly into a warrior? Lots of yoga poses force you to balance on one leg, which helps you to build a unilateral movement practice much like the ebbs and flows you take while running. \\n5. Stress and Mental Clarity\\nFeeling stressed before a big run? Worried about your PR? Yoga can help! Focus your breathing and set an intention. You’ve got this!\\nFocus and clarity are so important when running so you can know where you’re headed and stay on track. Add your yoga practice in before training or race days and you’ll feel your worries melt away. According to scientists at \\nHarvard,\\n adding just minutes of yoga to your week can improve your outlook, slow down the body and decrease stress. You’ll find your body will be more relaxed, focused and ready to run for those goals when you release your tension with yoga. \\nGetting started:\\nSo what do you need to get started? Simple! Yourself, a mat, some water and a quiet space are all you need! Are you ready to add yoga into your running routine? \\nGet started with a two week free trial of our classes and one on one sessions!\\n\\nLet’s figure out where your yoga practice would serve you best! \\nDoing yoga BEFORE your run will help you to warm up your muscles and ligaments. By fully warming up your body before you hit the pavement, you decrease the chances of injury, help with an easier recovery and can improve your PR as you continue to train! \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice before a run :\\nHigh Lunge - This pose stretches the legs from top of the thighs down to the ankle\\n\\nWarrior II - Helps with focus and stamina. Great before heading out!\\n\\nSide angle bend - This stretch helps to stretch the side body and release any tension in the shoulders and spine. \\n\\n⁠Prefer to do yoga after your run? That’s a great option too! Yoga is great for recovery after a run! Finishing your running routine with a yoga stretch helps you to rebalance. You can stretch muscles or limbs that became tight during your run and strengthen anything  that may have become fatigued. You can also refocus and deepen your breath to reset for the next part of your day. \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice after a run :\\nButterfly Pose - a basic hip opener to ease into your stretch\\n\\nHalf Pigeon - A great pose for multiple alignments! Working through the psoas and hip flexors. Make sure to practice on both sides.\\n\\nHappy Baby - This pose is great for finishing up your hip opener extension while giving a nice massage to the back and stretching the soles of the feet.\\n\\nWant to take a class? Try some of our favorite classes for runners!\\n\\nYoga for Strength and flexibility \\n\\n\\nYoga for Knee Pain\\n\\n\\nYoga for Back health\\n\\nReady to join us for class? \\nGet started with a free trial now! \\n\\nRemember, with a great training plan for your runs, and an ongoing yoga practice you’ll be ready to run to your greatest finish line feeling and looking your best! Just like peanut butter and jelly, yoga and running are great together!"},"category":["fitness","yoga"]},{"id":"cl81n0o6wh1g80ajz2gpco553","slug":"yoga-at-home","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"How to Start Doing Yoga at Home","subTitle":"Everything you need to know for an at-home yoga routine","seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Get a beginner’s guide to starting yoga at home with tips and suggestions for setting up your own practice, including online yoga classes and private lessons.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to perform yoga at home with this quick and easy guide","tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-14T13:07:13.39269+00:00","coverUrl":"cqivxw3vkrcihpumlny7.jpg","content":{"text":"There are lots of reasons for doing yoga at home instead of a yoga studio, some of which include distance, busy schedules, kids, financial concerns, and health issues. The good news is you can set up your own yoga practice at home, and still get all the benefits of a regular yoga routine — without the studio. It can also be a great way to integrate yoga into your life on a regular basis, and it’s easy to do in your own home.\\nCan Anyone do Yoga at Home?\\nAnyone can perform yoga at home, and you don’t have to be an advanced yogi to try. Even beginners can practice yoga in a home environment, all you need is adequate floor space, a few (optional) pieces of equipment, and guidelines for practicing the primary yoga poses. \\nIf you’re a beginner, it’s recommended to first learn from a certified yoga instructor, so you can progress with the proper technique and alignment to avoid injury. Thanks to online learning platforms like\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, you can still practice yoga at home with the help of a qualified teacher.\\n11 Tips on How to Perform Yoga At Home\\nThe idea of starting a yoga practice in your very own living room can seem daunting or intimidating at first, especially if you’re accustomed to attending classes in a yoga studio. But with a little bit of preparation and creativity, you can set up your own yoga space and develop a mindful yoga routine that can benefit your life.\\nHere are some suggestions to help get you started:\\n1. Make Space in Your Home for Yoga\\nIt’s easy (and fun) to make your own yoga space, and you can design it as a temporary space or a dedicated one, depending on your needs. All you need is enough floor space to move around and stretch out the full length of your body — a little more than the length and width of your yoga mat. This can be your living or bedroom floor, your kitchen, or your backyard. Just make sure there isn’t any furniture or objects lying around that could get in your way or cause injury.\\n2. Decorate With Calming Accessories\\nYou can also create a comfortable and inviting space for yoga by hanging calming or inspiring artwork on the wall, lighting a candle or incense, and keeping a few house plants nearby for a pleasing atmosphere. The more you can tailor and dedicate your space for yoga, the easier it will be to motivate yourself to keep up a steady routine. Hanging a mirror in front of your practice space is also helpful in maintaining the correct alignment while performing postures.\\n3. Be Prepared With the Right Equipment\\n\\nYou’ll want to invest in a yoga mat, and it’s wise to also keep modifying props on hand — like blocks, bolsters, blankets, and a strap. If you’re just starting out and you’d like to improvise for props, you can use pillows, blankets, and other items around the house to suit your needs. Just make sure your props are sturdy, supportive, and nearby for when you need them.\\n4. Practice Regularly\\nThe best part about practicing yoga at home is it can be done any time you want. The challenge lies in your dedication and commitment to the practice even when your couch appears more inviting.\\n \\nAccording to this study\\n, it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to create a new habit. It’s important to be patient with yourself and identify guidelines for your practice that you can realistically follow through with. \\n5. Schedule Your Yoga Session\\nSet yourself up for success by committing to your yoga practice at a certain time of day, and for a specified number of days per week. It’s best to start out easy with goals that are achievable and progress as you gain momentum. For instance, if you’ve never been an early riser, don’t expect yourself to suddenly start practicing yoga at dawn. If that’s the case, try scheduling your yoga session for late morning, afternoon or evening, and keep your existing schedule in mind when planning a time that works for you.\\n6. Keep it Simple\\nRegardless of your experience or ability level, practicing yoga at home means watching out for your own safety. Make sure you have props handy for when you need them, and avoid overdoing it with strenuous poses. When it doubt, keep your routine simple. Even if you’re an advanced yogi, those basic, primary yoga poses are still an important part of a holistic yoga practice, and may be less likely to cause injury.\\n7. Listen to Your Body\\nThe best way to avoid getting hurt while practicing yoga at home is to listen to your body. If any posture causes you discomfort or pain, stop practicing it immediately — no matter how easy or difficult the pose. Don’t push yourself too hard, and remember to focus on your alignment. If you are unsure of how to execute a specific pose, try learning it from a certified instructor before performing it on your own at home.\\n8. Take an Online Yoga Class\\n\\nBy far the best way to practice yoga at home is with an online class. This way, you get all the benefits of doing yoga at home in your own time, with the added help of an instructor who can make sure you’re performing poses safely and effectively. You can find\\n online group classes\\n for every type of yoga at\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, with over 42 classes offered throughout the day. Private, 1-on-1 instructors are also available for at-home yoga, giving you plenty of options to get the right kind of training while still practicing in the comfort of your own home.\\n9. Squeeze in a Short Practice\\nThe beauty of an at-home yoga practice means you can squeeze in a quick session when you just have 20-30 minutes of time. Even short yoga routines are beneficial for your body and mind, and performing a few of the primary yoga poses on a daily basis will change your life for the better. Try incorporating the Sun Salutation flow series into your morning routine when you first get out of bed in the morning, or practicing some relaxing poses like Legs-Up-The-Wall or Savasana in the evening. \\n10. Switch it Up and Make it Fun\\nYoga doesn’t always have to be serious, and you can make your home yoga practice fun and spontaneous for you and your family. Practicing with your kids is a great way to help them learn mindfulness and self-awareness, while stretching and strengthening their growing bodies. You can also take your practice to the backyard to enjoy sunshine and good weather, or invite friends over to share in the experience. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!\\n11. End Every Practice With Savasana\\nWhen practicing yoga at home, it can be tempting to skip important parts of the journey due to time constraints, distractions, or disinterest. If there is one element of yoga you should never skip, it’s Savasana, or otherwise known as Corpse pose. Always end your practice with 5 minutes of relaxation to help your body integrate the routine. Keep a blanket nearby to warm your body after it has cooled down, and consider an eye pillow to help you relax. Your body and mind will thank you as you move on to the rest of your day, having given yourself the gift of healthy movement to better your life."},"category":["yoga","therapy"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"cl81n0o6wh1g80ajz2gpco553","slug":"yoga-at-home","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"How to Start Doing Yoga at Home","createdAt":"2022-09-14T13:07:13.39269+00:00","coverUrl":"cqivxw3vkrcihpumlny7.jpg","content":{"text":"There are lots of reasons for doing yoga at home instead of a yoga studio, some of which include distance, busy schedules, kids, financial concerns, and health issues. The good news is you can set up your own yoga practice at home, and still get all the benefits of a regular yoga routine — without the studio. It can also be a great way to integrate yoga into your life on a regular basis, and it’s easy to do in your own home.\\nCan Anyone do Yoga at Home?\\nAnyone can perform yoga at home, and you don’t have to be an advanced yogi to try. Even beginners can practice yoga in a home environment, all you need is adequate floor space, a few (optional) pieces of equipment, and guidelines for practicing the primary yoga poses. \\nIf you’re a beginner, it’s recommended to first learn from a certified yoga instructor, so you can progress with the proper technique and alignment to avoid injury. Thanks to online learning platforms like\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, you can still practice yoga at home with the help of a qualified teacher.\\n11 Tips on How to Perform Yoga At Home\\nThe idea of starting a yoga practice in your very own living room can seem daunting or intimidating at first, especially if you’re accustomed to attending classes in a yoga studio. But with a little bit of preparation and creativity, you can set up your own yoga space and develop a mindful yoga routine that can benefit your life.\\nHere are some suggestions to help get you started:\\n1. Make Space in Your Home for Yoga\\nIt’s easy (and fun) to make your own yoga space, and you can design it as a temporary space or a dedicated one, depending on your needs. All you need is enough floor space to move around and stretch out the full length of your body — a little more than the length and width of your yoga mat. This can be your living or bedroom floor, your kitchen, or your backyard. Just make sure there isn’t any furniture or objects lying around that could get in your way or cause injury.\\n2. Decorate With Calming Accessories\\nYou can also create a comfortable and inviting space for yoga by hanging calming or inspiring artwork on the wall, lighting a candle or incense, and keeping a few house plants nearby for a pleasing atmosphere. The more you can tailor and dedicate your space for yoga, the easier it will be to motivate yourself to keep up a steady routine. Hanging a mirror in front of your practice space is also helpful in maintaining the correct alignment while performing postures.\\n3. Be Prepared With the Right Equipment\\n\\nYou’ll want to invest in a yoga mat, and it’s wise to also keep modifying props on hand — like blocks, bolsters, blankets, and a strap. If you’re just starting out and you’d like to improvise for props, you can use pillows, blankets, and other items around the house to suit your needs. Just make sure your props are sturdy, supportive, and nearby for when you need them.\\n4. Practice Regularly\\nThe best part about practicing yoga at home is it can be done any time you want. The challenge lies in your dedication and commitment to the practice even when your couch appears more inviting.\\n \\nAccording to this study\\n, it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to create a new habit. It’s important to be patient with yourself and identify guidelines for your practice that you can realistically follow through with. \\n5. Schedule Your Yoga Session\\nSet yourself up for success by committing to your yoga practice at a certain time of day, and for a specified number of days per week. It’s best to start out easy with goals that are achievable and progress as you gain momentum. For instance, if you’ve never been an early riser, don’t expect yourself to suddenly start practicing yoga at dawn. If that’s the case, try scheduling your yoga session for late morning, afternoon or evening, and keep your existing schedule in mind when planning a time that works for you.\\n6. Keep it Simple\\nRegardless of your experience or ability level, practicing yoga at home means watching out for your own safety. Make sure you have props handy for when you need them, and avoid overdoing it with strenuous poses. When it doubt, keep your routine simple. Even if you’re an advanced yogi, those basic, primary yoga poses are still an important part of a holistic yoga practice, and may be less likely to cause injury.\\n7. Listen to Your Body\\nThe best way to avoid getting hurt while practicing yoga at home is to listen to your body. If any posture causes you discomfort or pain, stop practicing it immediately — no matter how easy or difficult the pose. Don’t push yourself too hard, and remember to focus on your alignment. If you are unsure of how to execute a specific pose, try learning it from a certified instructor before performing it on your own at home.\\n8. Take an Online Yoga Class\\n\\nBy far the best way to practice yoga at home is with an online class. This way, you get all the benefits of doing yoga at home in your own time, with the added help of an instructor who can make sure you’re performing poses safely and effectively. You can find\\n online group classes\\n for every type of yoga at\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, with over 42 classes offered throughout the day. Private, 1-on-1 instructors are also available for at-home yoga, giving you plenty of options to get the right kind of training while still practicing in the comfort of your own home.\\n9. Squeeze in a Short Practice\\nThe beauty of an at-home yoga practice means you can squeeze in a quick session when you just have 20-30 minutes of time. Even short yoga routines are beneficial for your body and mind, and performing a few of the primary yoga poses on a daily basis will change your life for the better. Try incorporating the Sun Salutation flow series into your morning routine when you first get out of bed in the morning, or practicing some relaxing poses like Legs-Up-The-Wall or Savasana in the evening. \\n10. Switch it Up and Make it Fun\\nYoga doesn’t always have to be serious, and you can make your home yoga practice fun and spontaneous for you and your family. Practicing with your kids is a great way to help them learn mindfulness and self-awareness, while stretching and strengthening their growing bodies. You can also take your practice to the backyard to enjoy sunshine and good weather, or invite friends over to share in the experience. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!\\n11. End Every Practice With Savasana\\nWhen practicing yoga at home, it can be tempting to skip important parts of the journey due to time constraints, distractions, or disinterest. If there is one element of yoga you should never skip, it’s Savasana, or otherwise known as Corpse pose. Always end your practice with 5 minutes of relaxation to help your body integrate the routine. Keep a blanket nearby to warm your body after it has cooled down, and consider an eye pillow to help you relax. Your body and mind will thank you as you move on to the rest of your day, having given yourself the gift of healthy movement to better your life."}},{"id":"ckls3edxs0bhu0a23kkjd2myu","slug":"kriya-yoga-pranayama-meditation","author":{"name":"Rohan Shroff","teacherMytSlug":"rohan-1","pictureUrl":"qrgfegrgnhqevaotkukn.jpg"},"title":"How to Practice Kriya Yoga: Pranayama and Meditation","createdAt":"2021-03-02T14:14:34.057202+00:00","coverUrl":"kpm_ckls3edxs0bhu0a23kkjd2myu.png","content":{"text":"You've likely heard the phrase \"breath is life\" before. And it's true. That's why we practice pranayama or breathwork. Today, our focus is on Kriya pranayama which is part of the ancient Kriya yoga system revived by Mahavatar Babaji around 1861 through Babaji's follower Lahiri Mahasaya. It was then pushed to international attention with the publication of Paramahansa Yogananda's \\nAutobiography of a Yogi\\n.\\n\\nBenefits of Kriya Pranayama\\nKriya pranayama offers several benefits. First, it teaches us the proper way to breathe through slow, deep breathing. It can help increase your lung capacity, reduce toxins in the body, aid digestion, improve metabolism, calm and soothe the nervous system, reduce stress, and a host of other things that will improve the quality of your life.\\nAs a matter of fact, pranayama meditation benefits aren't limited to Kriya! There are many ways breathwork brings healing to the body mind and soul. Pranayama yoga:\\nImproves sleep patterns and sleep quality.\\nReduces pain throughout the body.\\nBoosts immunity.\\nIncreases feelings of self-love.\\nReduces the amount of cortisol and adrenaline released in the body.\\nAnd literally anyone can enjoy kriya yoga benefits. Breathwork and \\nmeditation\\n is accessible and can be practiced almost anywhere! At work, home, your car, a park bench or the ground. This form of selfcare requires no more space than the space your body takes up.\\n\\nHow to Practice Kriya Yoga: Pranayama and Meditation\\n\\nKriya Yoga\\n focuses on the reciprocal relationship between breath and mind. The belief is that breath control is self-control. In the practice of this Kriya yoga technique we're sharing with you today, we'll start with a simple pranayama preparation before moving into specific kriya pranayama techniques. While we finish this practice with a 30-minute Pranic Energization Technique, we won't be including that in this article. \\n[CTA-KRIYA]\\nPreparing for Kriya\\nSit in a meditative posture—Padmasana (Lotus Pose), Siddhasana (Perfect Pose), Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose), etc.—keeping your head, neck, and spine in line. Shoulders are relaxed and rolled back and down. Place your palms on your knees or your thighs. Draw your chin in towards your chest slightly, and gaze down at the floor.\\n\\nClose your eyes. Become aware of your breathing. Just observe your natural breathing for a few moments.\\n\\nNow, we'll move into Ujjayi pranayama. Ujjayi is \"victorious\" breath and is a balancing pranayama.\\n\\nStart by bringing your chin to your chest in Jalandhara bandha, or chin lock. Roll your tongue in your mouth, the lower part of your tongue should touch the upper palate. Don't force it, just rest comfortably.\\n\\nBring your focus to the back of your throat. Breathe in and out through your nose, producing a sound like the ocean with your breath. Again, there's no need to force the sound. If it comes, it comes. Breathe oceanic breaths for a few minutes.\\n\\nJoin your palms at your heart center in \\nnamaste\\n. Take a deep breath in and on the exhale chant Om. We'll complete this three times, total, followed by a Kriya pranayama yoga meditation prayer:\\n\\nOm Sahana Vavatu (May we be protected together)\\nSahanau Bhunaktu (May we be nourished together)\\nSaha Viryam Karavavahai (May we create strength among one another)\\nTejasvi Navaditamastu (May our study be filled with brilliance and light)\\nMa Vidvishavahai (May there be no hostility between us)\\nOm Shanti Shanti Shantihi (Om peace, peace, peace)\\n\\nExhale and bow down over your hands. Inhale, come back up. \\nNamaste\\n.\\n\\nKapalbhati Pranayama\\nKapalbhati is a Kriya yoga breathing technique that involves cleansing. It can be practiced in two ways, one of which is a basic variation that has no limitations—anyone can practice it. In this variation, we focus on the throat and a rapid and forceful inhale and exhale through the nose 50 times for three rounds.\\n\\nThe traditional variation of Kriya yoga meditation shouldn't be practiced if you are pregnant or menstruating, have high blood pressure, abdominal inflammation, ulcers, hernia, heart ailments, epilepsy, or if you're a child under the age of 12. This variation is focused on abdominal movement and forceful exhalation, 50 times for three rounds.\\n\\nDon't force it. If you're just starting out with breathwork, you're welcome to limit the inhale/exhale cycles to 10–20 per round.\\n\\nIf you'd like, you can place a palm on your abdomen to feel the movement as you breathe. At the end of each round, tuck your chin to your chest and hold your breath for a count of 10 before returning to normal breathing for a few moments.\\n\\nKapalbhati is a Kriya yoga technique that generates heat in the body, energizes the nervous system, releases toxins from the body, and is a great practice for those suffering from hyper-acidity.\\n\\nKapal Randhra Dhauti and Karna Randhra Dhauti\\nThis practice has several benefits. It can relieve pain from headaches and migraines, reduce stress and anxiety, calm the nervous system, improve circulation, increase oxygen flow to the brain, and more.\\n\\nTo do it, place your thumbs at either side of your temples and use your fingers to massage the sinus points in your forehead:\\n\\nNow, pinch your eyebrows along their length a few times.\\n\\nThen, with your middle and ring fingers, massage your cheeks moving down the sides of your nose, out towards your ears, and upward. Repeat this several times.\\n\\nWith your index and middle fingers, massage the sides of your face and behind your ears. Repeat several times.\\n\\nNext, alternate your hands, moving your fingers across your mouth area, repeating several times.\\n\\nLook up towards the ceiling and use your palms to massage your neck with upward strokes.\\n\\nFinally, put your little fingers in your ears and rotate clockwise and anti-clockwise.\\n\\n\\nDog Breathing\\nThis pranayama cleanses and detoxifies the body, expels toxins, strengthens the abdominal muscles, improves respiratory capacity, and strengthens your overall system to improve immunity.\\n\\nDog breathing has the same limitations as the traditional variation of Kapalbhati, so be sure to exercise caution.\\nStart in Vajrasana, leaning slightly forward and resting your hands on your knees. Open your mouth wide and stick your tongue out as far as it can go. Start panting as a dog pants. Each time you exhale, be sure to contract your stomach.\\n\\nYou'll do two rounds of 30 seconds each.\\n\\nRabbit Breathing\\nWhile dog breathing focuses on the abdominals, rabbit breathing is more about the thoracic region. Rabbit breathing is calming and allows you to catch your breath, making it especially beneficial for those with asthma. It’s recommended for people with diabetes and nasal allergies, but not for those with epilepsy or high blood pressure.\\n\\nStart in Vajrasana and bend forward with your elbows and forearms on the mat in front of you. Keep your head, shoulders, and hips in a straight line. Partially open your mouth and stick out your tongue so the tip of your tongue touches your bottom lip. Breathe rapidly and continuously for two rounds of 30–40 breaths.\\n\\nAfter each round, relax into Sasangasana (Rabbit pose). Return to Vajrasana.\\n\\nMandukasana (Frog Pose)\\nMandukasana helps open your hip joints, reducing strain on your needs, as well as improving abduction, strengthening your lower back, and aiding digestion. Limitations are the same as Kapalbhati and also include eye disorders. If you have any of these limitations, you can sit in Vajrasana and practice equal breathing (deep inhalations, deep exhalations).\\n\\nFor this breathing exercise, you won't be going fully into Mandukasana. Instead, you'll keep your knees and feet in Vajrasana position. Move into the pose and breathe for five counts before returning to Vajrasana. You'll complete five rounds of this.\\n\\nBefore moving on, move into a counterpose (intense stretch) for a count of five:\\n\\nPranic Energization Technique (PET)\\nPranic Energization Technique is an advanced technique that utilizes our prana shakti to bring energy to the entire body. This practice brings vitality and strength into every organ of our body.\\n\\nWe'll practice this technique for about 30 minutes, using a variety of breathing techniques like Brahmari (bee breath) during which you make a buzzing sound. Brahmari is a wonderful breathing practice that can help lower blood pressure, soothe the nervous system, stimulate the pineal and pituitary glands, dissipate anger, help you sleep, and more.\\n\\nWe'll also do Nadi Shuddhi (alternate nostril breathing) using the right hand in Vishnu Mudra:\\n\\nNadi Shuddhi is a great technique to calm the mind and bring it back to the present, improve circulatory and respiratory problems, aid in relaxation, purify and balance the nadis (energy channels), and harmonize the right and left sides of the brain, among other benefits.\\n\\nDuring the \\nmeditation\\n, there are a few things we will be doing to experience the prana. You will sometimes be asked to bring your hands to namaste and move them slowly apart and back together. You will also be asked to hold your hands with palms facing each other and move them clockwise or anti-clockwise. Here's what those movements look like:\\n\\nChoose a meditative posture that you can maintain for 30 minutes. If you want to lie down in Savasana, that's fine, too.\\n\\nWe'll start with the \\nPranayama\\n yoga prayer:\\n\\nPranasyedam Vase Sarvam Tridivee Yath Prathishtitham\\nMaateva Putraan Rakshasva Shrischa Pragnascha Videhinaam Ithi\\n\\nTranslated:\\n\\nWhatever exists in the three worlds is all under the control of Prāna.\\n(O Prāna) protect us as a mother protects her sons; give us affluence and intelligence.\\n\\nInterested in experiencing the rest of this Kriya pranayama yoga and meditation practice? Sign up for a \\nFree trial of myYogaTeacher\\n and get access to not only this class but 42+ live classes every single day."}},{"id":"ckuztbzb43q970d77q02nbk98","slug":"cat-yoga-benefits","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Cat Yoga: 5 Ways Including A Cat in Your Yoga Practice Benefits Your Mental Health","createdAt":"2021-10-20T17:52:16.501962+00:00","coverUrl":"jrbariwsee7h8jjwqv1m.jpg","content":{"text":"Don’t laugh! We’re for real.\\nIf you’re not a cat person, are allergic to cats, or have a traumatic experience with felines, you can skip this article altogether. We totally understand!\\nHowever, whether you love cats or not, we’ve discovered some really interesting stuff about how including cats in your yoga practice benefits your mental and emotional health. Plus, cats themselves are way more therapeutic than people give them credit for!\\nWhile animal yoga – like goat yoga and horse yoga – seems to be a hot trend, we’re wary of buying into novelties where the actual practice of yoga is overshadowed by animals that may or may not cause injury.\\nAs a matter of fact, cat yoga isn’t just good for you. It’s good for your cat too!\\nHere’s what we’ve discovered about this up and coming trend and how cat yoga is beneficial for you both.\\n\\n\\n1. Cats positively affect your psychological health\\nAccording to \\nHealthline\\n, cat owners already tend to have lower stress levels, lower resting heart rates, and are happier. Cats are also naturally calming, which carries over to their human counterparts.\\nThat being said, cats also enjoy bonding with their owners just as much as the owners do with them. And bonding with animals is notoriously good for mental health.\\nWhy?\\nSeveral reasons. Animals don’t judge us, talk down to us or talk negatively about us. They generally only require basic needs. And obviously, physical touching, petting, and snuggling releases feel good chemicals in both cat and human.  Also, cats tend to be very independent creatures, which makes them low maintenance.\\nCats, in particular, also offer a natural source of healing in their purr. Purring releases endorphins in the cat, and studies have shown that the frequency of a cat’s purr actually contributes to physical healing in humans.\\nNow, combine the benefits of owning a cat with an activity like yoga (which also improves psychological health), and you get a double dose of endorphins! Plus, you and your cat get the benefits that come from physical activity.\\n2. Cats prioritize self-care.\\nWhile many animals are very efficient at self-care, cats are especially in tune with their basic needs. They can also be a good reminder for us to prioritize our self-care.\\nWe’ve discussed a cat’s purr, but did you know that the frequency of their purr contributes to the growth and repair of their bones and muscles? Super cool! They also lick their fur not just to clean themselves, but to regulate body temperature and distribute the oils in their skin.\\nWe’re not saying you should start purring or stop showering, but the way cats move and stretch is also a part of their selfcare. \\nAnd that’s something they can remind us to do that we’re capable of! Plus, if you hadn’t noticed, there are at least several yoga poses who’s name is derived from cats.\\nYoga is definitely a form of self care and, as it turns out, is even more beneficial to your physical, mental, and emotional health when you incorporate your furbaby friends!\\n3. Cat yoga gets you out of your comfort zone.\\nSometimes, what affects our mental health the most isn’t the stressful situations (or days), the anxiety-ridden moments, or the emotional rollercoaster of life.\\nIt’s the mundane.\\nExcessive boredom or repeated, boring tasks negatively affect the brain. \\nStudies show\\n that people who have high levels of boredom or don’t step out of their comfort zone and change up their daily routine suffer from higher levels of depression and anxiety.\\nAs a matter of fact, boredom is actually detectable in brain activity on an EEG.\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we have a hard time ever getting bored with our yoga routine because there is such a huge variety of classes offered by so many different, amazing instructors. But we also don’t mind saying that cat yoga would definitely be outside of our comfort zone...in a good way!\\nUnlike other forms of animal yoga, cat yoga is still very safe, joyful, and fun!\\n\\n\\n4. Cats naturally fit into a yoga practice.\\nCats are constantly practicing yoga! \\nThey are not only intuitive comforters, cats are top-notch yogis. And they love stretching and moving in ways that we mere humans (for the most part) can’t.\\nBecause yoga is an exercise that focuses on self awareness and bringing harmony to your inner and outer self, it makes sense that incorporating your already extremely self aware and flexible furry friends into your yoga practice will come naturally. \\nIf you’ve already practiced yoga around your cat, you may have noticed that he or she sticks around during your practice...maybe in ways that you don’t want, but still. Your furry friend is there.\\nThat’s because cats intuitively recognize the calming effects yoga has on humans. They also recognize the movements. \\nCats are very intelligent animals. You may think involving your feline friend in your yoga practice will be stressful, but the truth is, the exact opposite is true!\\n5. Cats and yoga encourage us to slow down.\\nCats are experts at meditation. It’s true!\\nThey are very good at being mindful, and they tend to really enjoy life. Domestic cats can usually be found sitting or lying around watching the world go by, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells \\nor\\n they’re playing, stretching, or running around.\\nTry meditating with your cat. You’ll probably find that your feline friend sits or lays right next to you as you spend time taming your thoughts.\\nCats are also great at regulating their breath!\\nIf you haven’t heard it from us already, breath is life. And yogic breathing is excellent for physical, mental, and emotional wellness. It reduces anxiety and depression, invigorates the mind and spirit, and literally brings life back to your body and soul.\\nCats are very adept at breathing deeply and smoothly. And you’ll find that if you gently lay your hand on your kitty while you’re meditating, you’ll breathe right along with them. \\nSlowing down is an important part of mental wellness. Incorporating cat yoga into your routine will bring awareness to the very important practice of slowing down.\\n\\n\\nWhile we don’t offer cat yoga at MyYogaTeacher, we do offer over 35+ different types of yoga classes that are not only challenging, but fun! \\nGet your 2-week free trial here\\n if you haven’t already tried us out and discover the benefits of yoga!\\nSee you there!\\n\n\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[],"blogContent":{"id":"ckfqyy0xs01w40126b4finefz","slug":"what-are-the-5-yamas","author":{"name":"Jitendra","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png"},"title":"What are the 5 Yamas?","createdAt":"2019-08-30T00:00:00+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-02-07T14:28:31.745056+00:00","coverUrl":"yama-definition-1_45.png","seoDescription":"Yamas are the list of restraints in yoga. The yamas includes 5 basic rules of living - ahimsa, satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya and Aparigraha.","content":{"text":"Because our teachers are our greatest source of knowledge, let's see how Geeta explains the Yamas: \\n\\nThe \\nYamas\\n are practices in how you treat others in your environment. Sometimes these Yamas are described as “restraints” but when we use the word restraint it sounds forceful, right? Rather, imagine how nice it would be when these behaviours come right from the heart .Geeta\\n\\nThe Yamas the first limb of yoga. They are beautiful and basic rules which help you live your life. \\n\\nThe Yamas are social practices. We sometimes refer to them as \"social restraints.\" But as Geeta mentions above, that just sounds harsh. Instead, we can look at each Yama as a perspective. We can then weave these perspective into the way that treat others and our environment. \\n\\nDon't be intimidated by the word \"Yamas\" - these boil down to a few simple facts that you were probably taught as a young kid: don't lie! don't steal! don't over-exert yourself! don't be selfish! But our \\nyoga practice\\n helps us get these into our daily living. We have to take what we learned as kids and integrate it into the messy situations we find ourselves in as we get older. Does not telling your boss they have spinach in their teeth count  as lying? \\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nFollow along as we briefly describe these 5 basic rules for living, the 5 Yamas.\\n\\nAhimsa\\nThis is doing your best to lead with kindness. This includes observing your treatment of others. Are you being kind or judgmental? It's also your environment. Are you taking good care of where you live?\\n\\nSatya\\nSatya is the Sanskrit word for Truth. But not just not lying - being truthful so that you can find your true self. ⠀It means truthfully observing how you feel and understanding what your limitations are. For example, maybe you hang out in a modified version of a yoga pose before doing the full expression. This is Satya. \\n\\nAsteya\\nAsteya is the Sanskrit word for basically \"do not steal.\" But not just material things - also mentally and physically from others AND yourself.  Think of your time - do you often overcommit and \"steal\" time from yourself for things like self-care?\\n\\nBrachmacharya\\nBrahmacharya is the maintenance of vitality through moderation. Moderation in words thought, and actions. It's a balance between pleasure and restraint. In a world overfilled with stimuli, making wise choices about what we read, hear, do, eat, and buy helps us live a full life rather than one of excess.  \\n\\nAparigraha\\nPart of our \\nyoga\\n practice is finding the natural state of the mind, in which you can truly enjoy and be satisfied with life. This is where greed gets sticky. You start wanting more than you need. Then what you have is never enough. And how can you be at peace with your life if you feel this way? \\n","html":"<p>Because our teachers are our greatest source of knowledge, let&#39;s see how Geeta explains the Yamas: </p><p></p><p>The <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">Yamas</a> are practices in how you treat others in your environment. Sometimes these Yamas are described as “restraints” but when we use the word restraint it sounds forceful, right? Rather, imagine how nice it would be when these behaviours come right from the heart .Geeta</p><p></p><p>The Yamas the first limb of yoga. They are beautiful and basic rules which help you live your life. </p><p></p><p>The Yamas are social practices. We sometimes refer to them as &quot;social restraints.&quot; But as Geeta mentions above, that just sounds harsh. Instead, we can look at each Yama as a perspective. We can then weave these perspective into the way that treat others and our environment. </p><p></p><p>Don&#39;t be intimidated by the word &quot;Yamas&quot; - these boil down to a few simple facts that you were probably taught as a young kid: don&#39;t lie! don&#39;t steal! don&#39;t over-exert yourself! don&#39;t be selfish! But our <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\">yoga practice</a> helps us get these into our daily living. We have to take what we learned as kids and integrate it into the messy situations we find ourselves in as we get older. Does not telling your boss they have spinach in their teeth count  as lying? </p><p>[CTA-DEFAULT]</p><p>Follow along as we briefly describe these 5 basic rules for living, the 5 Yamas.</p><p></p><h4>Ahimsa</h4><p>This is doing your best to lead with kindness. This includes observing your treatment of others. Are you being kind or judgmental? It&#39;s also your environment. Are you taking good care of where you live?</p><p></p><h4>Satya</h4><p>Satya is the Sanskrit word for Truth. But not just not lying - being truthful so that you can find your true self. ⠀It means truthfully observing how you feel and understanding what your limitations are. For example, maybe you hang out in a modified version of a yoga pose before doing the full expression. This is Satya. </p><p></p><h4>Asteya</h4><p>Asteya is the Sanskrit word for basically &quot;do not steal.&quot; But not just material things - also mentally and physically from others AND yourself.  Think of your time - do you often overcommit and &quot;steal&quot; time from yourself for things like self-care?</p><p></p><h4>Brachmacharya</h4><p>Brahmacharya is the maintenance of vitality through moderation. Moderation in words thought, and actions. It&#39;s a balance between pleasure and restraint. In a world overfilled with stimuli, making wise choices about what we read, hear, do, eat, and buy helps us live a full life rather than one of excess.  </p><p></p><h4>Aparigraha</h4><p>Part of our <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\">yoga</a> practice is finding the natural state of the mind, in which you can truly enjoy and be satisfied with life. This is where greed gets sticky. You start wanting more than you need. Then what you have is never enough. And how can you be at peace with your life if you feel this way? </p><p></p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>Because our teachers are our greatest source of knowledge, let&#39;s see how Geeta explains the Yamas: </p><p></p><p>The <a\n            class=\"inline-cta\"\n            id=fb9cefb9-7084-44bc-a412-f7164d4e0095\n            href=\"/signup?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckfqyy0xs01w40126b4finefz&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=What are the 5 Yamas?&entity_slug=what-are-the-5-yamas&page_or_popup=/articles/what-are-the-5-yamas&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n            onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"fb9cefb9-7084-44bc-a412-f7164d4e0095\")\n            title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n            data-title=\"What are the 5 Yamas?\"\n            data-slug=\"what-are-the-5-yamas\"\n            <u>Yamas</a></u>        \n            </a> are practices in how you treat others in your environment. Sometimes these Yamas are described as “restraints” but when we use the word restraint it sounds forceful, right? Rather, imagine how nice it would be when these behaviours come right from the heart .Geeta</p><p></p><p>The Yamas the first limb of yoga. They are beautiful and basic rules which help you live your life. </p><p></p><p>The Yamas are social practices. We sometimes refer to them as &quot;social restraints.&quot; But as Geeta mentions above, that just sounds harsh. Instead, we can look at each Yama as a perspective. We can then weave these perspective into the way that treat others and our environment. </p><p></p><p>Don&#39;t be intimidated by the word &quot;Yamas&quot; - these boil down to a few simple facts that you were probably taught as a young kid: don&#39;t lie! don&#39;t steal! don&#39;t over-exert yourself! don&#39;t be selfish! But our <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\">yoga practice</a> helps us get these into our daily living. We have to take what we learned as kids and integrate it into the messy situations we find ourselves in as we get older. Does not telling your boss they have spinach in their teeth count  as lying? </p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"},{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>Follow along as we briefly describe these 5 basic rules for living, the 5 Yamas.</p><p></p><h4>Ahimsa</h4><p>This is doing your best to lead with kindness. This includes observing your treatment of others. Are you being kind or judgmental? It&#39;s also your environment. Are you taking good care of where you live?</p><p></p><h4>Satya</h4><p>Satya is the Sanskrit word for Truth. But not just not lying - being truthful so that you can find your true self. ⠀It means truthfully observing how you feel and understanding what your limitations are. For example, maybe you hang out in a modified version of a yoga pose before doing the full expression. This is Satya. </p><p></p><h4>Asteya</h4><p>Asteya is the Sanskrit word for basically &quot;do not steal.&quot; But not just material things - also mentally and physically from others AND yourself.  Think of your time - do you often overcommit and &quot;steal&quot; time from yourself for things like self-care?</p><p></p><h4>Brachmacharya</h4><p>Brahmacharya is the maintenance of vitality through moderation. Moderation in words thought, and actions. It&#39;s a balance between pleasure and restraint. In a world overfilled with stimuli, making wise choices about what we read, hear, do, eat, and buy helps us live a full life rather than one of excess.  </p><p></p><h4>Aparigraha</h4><p>Part of our <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\">yoga</a> practice is finding the natural state of the mind, in which you can truly enjoy and be satisfied with life. This is where greed gets sticky. You start wanting more than you need. Then what you have is never enough. And how can you be at peace with your life if you feel this way? </p><p></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"what-are-the-5-yamas","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"signup","redirectURL":"#","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz37hsu0cj0a76mgb4594m","name":"[CTA-FREECLASS]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Post Nasal Drip &amp; Clear Your Sinus Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyirvl8g25ce0c70cldmca2g","name":"[CTA-TRATAKA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>with experienced Trataka teachers. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Candle Gazing Meditation) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Therapy – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Back Pain Safely &amp; Effectively Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitki4w2liz0b30tqpzhy4i","name":"[CTA-KRIYA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation <strong>and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation Today!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitxgyg2pot0b79lu1fcpp1","name":"[CTA-BREATH]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for yogic breathing techniques (pranayama) and <strong>2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>, like ‘Stretch and Breathe’, ‘Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation’, and many others. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong> Learn Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pranayama!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckykb6i2o1o7f0b368s1m7qow","name":"[CTA-LYMPHATIC]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong> for lymphatic drainage &amp; immunity enhancement. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group yoga classes</strong> (including daily yin-yoga) when you sign up today! 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The yamas includes 5 basic rules of living - ahimsa, satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya and Aparigraha.","content":{"text":"Because our teachers are our greatest source of knowledge, let's see how Geeta explains the Yamas: \\n\\nThe \\nYamas\\n are practices in how you treat others in your environment. Sometimes these Yamas are described as “restraints” but when we use the word restraint it sounds forceful, right? Rather, imagine how nice it would be when these behaviours come right from the heart .Geeta\\n\\nThe Yamas the first limb of yoga. They are beautiful and basic rules which help you live your life. \\n\\nThe Yamas are social practices. We sometimes refer to them as \"social restraints.\" But as Geeta mentions above, that just sounds harsh. Instead, we can look at each Yama as a perspective. We can then weave these perspective into the way that treat others and our environment. \\n\\nDon't be intimidated by the word \"Yamas\" - these boil down to a few simple facts that you were probably taught as a young kid: don't lie! don't steal! don't over-exert yourself! don't be selfish! But our \\nyoga practice\\n helps us get these into our daily living. We have to take what we learned as kids and integrate it into the messy situations we find ourselves in as we get older. Does not telling your boss they have spinach in their teeth count  as lying? \\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nFollow along as we briefly describe these 5 basic rules for living, the 5 Yamas.\\n\\nAhimsa\\nThis is doing your best to lead with kindness. This includes observing your treatment of others. Are you being kind or judgmental? It's also your environment. Are you taking good care of where you live?\\n\\nSatya\\nSatya is the Sanskrit word for Truth. But not just not lying - being truthful so that you can find your true self. ⠀It means truthfully observing how you feel and understanding what your limitations are. For example, maybe you hang out in a modified version of a yoga pose before doing the full expression. This is Satya. \\n\\nAsteya\\nAsteya is the Sanskrit word for basically \"do not steal.\" But not just material things - also mentally and physically from others AND yourself.  Think of your time - do you often overcommit and \"steal\" time from yourself for things like self-care?\\n\\nBrachmacharya\\nBrahmacharya is the maintenance of vitality through moderation. Moderation in words thought, and actions. It's a balance between pleasure and restraint. In a world overfilled with stimuli, making wise choices about what we read, hear, do, eat, and buy helps us live a full life rather than one of excess.  \\n\\nAparigraha\\nPart of our \\nyoga\\n practice is finding the natural state of the mind, in which you can truly enjoy and be satisfied with life. This is where greed gets sticky. You start wanting more than you need. Then what you have is never enough. And how can you be at peace with your life if you feel this way? \\n","html":"<p>Because our teachers are our greatest source of knowledge, let&#39;s see how Geeta explains the Yamas: </p><p></p><p>The <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">Yamas</a> are practices in how you treat others in your environment. Sometimes these Yamas are described as “restraints” but when we use the word restraint it sounds forceful, right? Rather, imagine how nice it would be when these behaviours come right from the heart .Geeta</p><p></p><p>The Yamas the first limb of yoga. They are beautiful and basic rules which help you live your life. </p><p></p><p>The Yamas are social practices. We sometimes refer to them as &quot;social restraints.&quot; But as Geeta mentions above, that just sounds harsh. Instead, we can look at each Yama as a perspective. We can then weave these perspective into the way that treat others and our environment. </p><p></p><p>Don&#39;t be intimidated by the word &quot;Yamas&quot; - these boil down to a few simple facts that you were probably taught as a young kid: don&#39;t lie! don&#39;t steal! don&#39;t over-exert yourself! don&#39;t be selfish! But our <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\">yoga practice</a> helps us get these into our daily living. We have to take what we learned as kids and integrate it into the messy situations we find ourselves in as we get older. Does not telling your boss they have spinach in their teeth count  as lying? </p><p>[CTA-DEFAULT]</p><p>Follow along as we briefly describe these 5 basic rules for living, the 5 Yamas.</p><p></p><h4>Ahimsa</h4><p>This is doing your best to lead with kindness. This includes observing your treatment of others. Are you being kind or judgmental? It&#39;s also your environment. Are you taking good care of where you live?</p><p></p><h4>Satya</h4><p>Satya is the Sanskrit word for Truth. But not just not lying - being truthful so that you can find your true self. ⠀It means truthfully observing how you feel and understanding what your limitations are. For example, maybe you hang out in a modified version of a yoga pose before doing the full expression. This is Satya. </p><p></p><h4>Asteya</h4><p>Asteya is the Sanskrit word for basically &quot;do not steal.&quot; But not just material things - also mentally and physically from others AND yourself.  Think of your time - do you often overcommit and &quot;steal&quot; time from yourself for things like self-care?</p><p></p><h4>Brachmacharya</h4><p>Brahmacharya is the maintenance of vitality through moderation. Moderation in words thought, and actions. It&#39;s a balance between pleasure and restraint. In a world overfilled with stimuli, making wise choices about what we read, hear, do, eat, and buy helps us live a full life rather than one of excess.  </p><p></p><h4>Aparigraha</h4><p>Part of our <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\">yoga</a> practice is finding the natural state of the mind, in which you can truly enjoy and be satisfied with life. This is where greed gets sticky. You start wanting more than you need. Then what you have is never enough. And how can you be at peace with your life if you feel this way? </p><p></p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":null}