Diet and Spirituality: Why does it matter?

David Life (Jivamukti Yoga) talks a bit on the relationship between food and yoga practice.

Aditya Hrudayam / Ādityahṛdayam / आदित्यहृदयम्

Local "Conference" Appendix #2 - Breathing & Awareness

How can we become more aware of ourselves and how we move in space?  Can we begin to see new options and possibilities?  We all breathe, so attention to breathing is a great place to start.

First, some theory.  Check out Leslie Kaminoff's video "The Accordion and the Water Balloon":






Next, let's see how this works under the skin with Gil Hedley's "Exquisite lungs breathing":

Now, we move into practice with this video of a Led Intermediate class at the main shala in Mysore, India.  Remember, Led 2nd is invite only, so these are really experienced practitioners.

A bit more in practice with Pattabhi Jois (Guruji) leading Richard Freeman through the final asanas:

Here is some additional reading on the breathing we do in practice:
Ujjayi vs. Free Breathing  David Robson (Toronto) discusses the learning process and breathing.
Ujjāyī vs. Free Breathing in Ashtanga Yoga (Hatha Yoga Pradipika) The HYP on breathing.
Ujjāyī vs. Free Breathing in Ashtanga Yoga (Gheranda Samhita) The GS on breathing.

If you are congested, you might want to try neti (jala or sutra -- ask your teacher).





Also, food can be a contributing factor.  Here are some foods known to increase mucus:

• Sugar
• Meat
• Dairy
• Wheat

Why does how we breathe matter?  Breathing can either limit or increase our space in asanas.  It can either calm or agitate the mind and the nervous system.  Also, the heat that comes from good breathing is essential to purification:

A vital aspect of internal purification that Pattabhi Jois teaches relates to the six poisons that surround the spiritual heart. In the yoga shastra it is said that God dwells in our heart in the form of light, but this light is covered by six poisons: kama, krodha, moha, lobha, matsarya, and mada. These are desire, anger, delusion, greed, envy and sloth. When yoga practice is sustained with great diligence and dedication over a long period of time, the heat generated from it burns away these poisons, and the light of our inner nature shines forth.

Weekend Edition #2

In this Weekend Edition we've got the week's post popular post on ujjayi vs free breathing which goes along with tomorrow's local conference theme on breathing in asana practice. 

You've probably noticed an abundance of food-related posts.  The topic has been big around here the last few weeks and rightfully so.  What we eat has a massive impact on how we feel and on our yoga practices (not just asana)...    

How Digestion Works includes a basic primer on your insides from one end to the other.  There's an infographic and short video, but there are also a couple of longer videos that you might find interesting that includes footage from a full-length Berkeley biology course.

A Strategy for Health "Many people confuse pleasure with happiness. This can be a big problem and can lead to some very unhappy results. It is imperative that we recognize the difference between pleasure and happiness."

How to Eat Right to Reduce Stress lists foods to include and avoid so we can stress less.

The Kind Diet explains how to transition to a kinder lifestyle, become vegan, and explore macrobiotics.  Really great and simple recipes as well as clear and digestible information.  And pretty pictures.

 Forks Over Knives gets you thinking about why and what you eat.  If you're feeling inspired to do some healthy cooking, head over to Going Home to Roost for plant-based dinner ideas.

How digestion works

Infographic by Jackie Chow

(In under two minutes)




(Expanded version)

(University version)

Breathing, emotions, and back pain

Leslie Kaminoff talks a bit on the connection between breathing, emotions, and back pain.