| Yoga Study Books | |
In February, we began our study of the original yoga knowledge, and building a bridge to our JudeoChristian traditions. The 196 yoga sutras, or little lessons, were compiled some 500-800 years before Christ. You can find many translations and interpretations on the Internet for free if you'd like to follow along. Sanskrit is hard to translate into English. However, I enjoy these two translations as the commentators often set the lessons in a Christian context. Here are my picks for the best two:
How to Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali
by Swami Prabhavananda by Vedanta Press & Bookshop
Paperback 
List Price: $10.95
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New and used from $7.55 Buy Now
Below is a brand new translation/commentary--the one above was written in the 1930s I believe. The cover is a bit scary for Westerners, but the commentary makes the sutras, well--rather enlightening!
The Wisdom of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras: A New Translation and Guide by Ravi Ravindra
by Ravi Ravindra by Morning Light Press
Hardcover
List Price: $14.95
Our Price: $11.21 Buy Now |
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Spiritual Formation |
Yoga Sutra I.38 Or by focusing on the nature of the stream in the dream state or the nature of the state of dreamless sleep, the mind becomes stabilized and tranquil.
This series of sutras focuses on different techniques to calm the mind and free it from the human constraints of anxiety, stress, fear, anger, or depression. Using a water visualization, of a calm pond or clear-running stream as suggested above, can be extremely effective in relaxing the body and calming the mind. One of my favorite old hymns I turn to often is Shall We Gather at the River, which uses the text from Revelations 22 below. I have sung and also played Aaron Copland's haunting arrangement at many funerals, including my mother's. One of my favorite renditions I've seen recently was Dallas's star baritone Donnie Ray Albert singing this with the Allen Symphony (even though the French horn muffs a note or two). See it here on Youtube, and dial the time setting on the bottom to exactly 1:05:22 to see this particular song. Although much of Revelations puzzles me, this particular chapter never fails to bring me a measure of peace when I read it.
Key Bible passage: Ephesians 3:14-19
1Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
TODAY'S CONTEMPLATION
Settle your mind today by trying to visualize John's waking dream of this sacred river of life. "his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light." |
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| Can yoga completely replace weight training? |
 This question gets asked a lot, and there is no scientific method to prove it one way or the other, as everyone practices yoga a bit differently. Rodney Yee would give this question a resounding YES! He swears he keeps his 53-year-old body (right) in that shape through yoga alone.
A vigorous yoga workout does provide much weight-bearing exercise, especially through the Warrior poses, lunges, Plank, and Handstand. Having been certified in weight training, I know that if you want to build bone density and muscle strength, you've got to work muscles to exhaustion and most people do not or are not willing to go that far in a typical yoga class. You can get VERY strong with yoga alone if you push your body during these workouts.
As a stickler for boosting and maintaining bone density and strength, I personally augment my 4X per week yoga regimen with weight training and cardio two or three times a week. I always recommend free weights as you can easily and affordably weight train at home, plus you are less susceptible to injuries that are common on weight machines in clubs. While some of the photos are scary on this website, if you need some ideas for a home free weight exercise plan, visit the Muscle and Strength website. Don't worry, women, you won't POSSIBLY wind up looking like those photos! If you live in the Dallas area, I'd be happy to demonstrate a simple home routine.
The fitness book that made the biggest impression on me, and I have quite an investment in fitness books, is Strong Women Stay Young by Dr. Miriam Nelson. She recommends weight training for all adults, no matter what age. 've lent this book out so many times, the last time it just wandered off so if you have it, please return! She has written a number of valuable books since then--all highly recommended. If you know someone with back issues, the book at the bottom might be helpful.
Strong Women Stay Young
by Miriam Nelson by Bantam
Mass Market Paperback ~ Release Date: 2005-12-27
List Price: $7.99
Our Price: New and used from $4.24 Buy Now
Strong Women, Strong Backs: Everything You Need to Know to Prevent, Treat, and Beat Back Pain
by Ph.D, Miriam E. Nelson by Perigee Trade
Paperback
List Price: $13.95
Our Price: New and used from $0.75 Buy Now |
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Goddess | |
If you are looking to build significant strength through the lower body, there is no better yoga pose than Goddess (men, it's OK for you too). For a nice flow, alternate Goddess with Warrior II. Exhale--Warrior II to the right--Inhale up--exhale Goddess--Inhale up--Exhale Warrior II to the left, etc. Student Joyce Chaffin (below) is on yoga hiatus for the summer, but we're hoping she's doing her yoga homework while she's away...
If you'd like a more structured way to practice yoga, try the new Redeeming Yoga Workbook and Journal, now available for sale on-line. It contains an 8-week program of meditations, health tips, Bible study, plus room for journaling. Click here to order now!
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Thank you so much for spending time here today. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to E-mail me at sarah@redeemingyoga.com. I'm obligated to say that none of the information contained in this E-letter should be construed as medical advice. Before you modify your diet or fitness regimen, please check with your doctor.
Sincerely,
Sarah Riehm
Redeeming Yoga |
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