Yoga – Page 2 – Yoga & Health Expo Foundation

22 Jun

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June 22, 2022March 28, 2023yogahealthfoundationadmin Ayurveda, Others, Veganism, Vegetarianism, Yoga

A Grandiose Success! – 8th Yoga & Health Expo 2022

Streaming live from the Simon Fraser University, Canada, the 8th Yoga & Health Expo 2022 ended with a bang on 19th June, Sunday. Accompanied by renowned international speakers and live panel discussions, the event shone a light on the divine journey of natural living, mental health awareness, healthy eating, and the necessity of making the world a cruelty-free place to live through veganism.

“We Are One Step Away From The Virtue of Generosity and Compassion”

Hosted both physically and virtually since 2015, this year’s Zoom webinar welcomed famous yoga instructors, mental health advocates, and stalwarts from the walks of wellness, health, veganism, vegetarianism, and organic living.

Leading the day was Jerry Liu – TV show host at TalenvisionTV and Financial Advisor at JMP Group, one of the leading investment and asset management firms, and Shushtikh.

YOGA, VEGANISM, COMPASSION AND MORE…

Leading holistic fitness guru and one of the most coveted wellness leaders in India, Vesna Peričević Jacob commenced the conversation with a candid throwback to her days of surviving a life-changing injury, arriving in India, and finally finding her calling in Yoga.

“My takeaway from these many years of studying, exploring, and teaching yoga is that we can’t live in isolation. If we are a bit more mindful and take things with an open heart and put our egos aside, we can create a much better space,” says Vesna. She added, “Your first and foremost step has to begin from within. Meditation, breathing, sitting quietly, and essentially creating a space for not only your physical but emotional body can carry you far away.”

Following suit was Paloma Gangopadhyay – an internationally affiliated celebrity yoga instructor, lifestyle coach, and health culturist. With over 13 years of preaching and teaching yoga with focus on ailment treatment for a healthy lifestyle, Paloma threw light on the changing trends of yoga in the age of globalization – from emerging yoga studios everywhere, to traditional yoga transforming into modern forms like beer and animal yoga, to the importance of posture in practice and connecting the mind-body-soul. “Remember, yoga is from yourself to yourself. It combines science, spirituality, and philosophy. ”

Next up was none other than Shane Jeremy James, Founder and CEO of Actions Of Compassion. Geared with his mission to influence compassionate acts and change the way businesses are built around the globe, Shane touched upon his philosophy of People Over Profit, the importance of veganism in being compassionate, and inducing world change by leaving behind separations of race and ethnicity.

As he believes, “We’re all one humanity. Everyone’s just walking. When there is no separation between us, that is how we create change in the world. We all love each other, help each other, and spread compassion. Let’s make this world a better place for the next generation and the next and the next. No part is too small.”

Ushering toward mental health awareness, life coach, the catalyst of life transformation, and lover of Pranayam yoga, Simi Arora harnessed the power of personal experiences and paired it with science to explain how anyone can bring changes in their minds and life by practicing Yoga. “I always say the three foundations of mental health are relaxation, response, and rejuvenation.”

Relaxation: “Yoga is the mind-body connection with your breathing. Dealing with daily anxiety through pranayama will significantly become easier.”

Response: “It’s less about the events and a lot about the way we respond to them. Anxiety is a normal feeling but staying there is not healthy.”

Rejuvenation: “Rejuvenation is the element where we are not only fixing our mental health but also activating our cognitive abilities. The more you practice yoga, your learning abilities including memory sharpens which is equally essential to our mental health.”

Simi further added, “Mental health is the foundation of growth in your life. The most important thing we should be talking about every day is how it relates to yoga because there are treatments for anxiety, depression, and other chronic issues here.”

Last but not the least, experienced life and business strategist, wellness coach, and Founder of The Human Potential Academy, Matthew Finlin, along with his women-led panelist, sparked a heartfelt interaction on mental-emotional health and mind adversity.

“Controlled breath is your superpower when faced with mental adversities,” emphasized Matthew, “You can train your IQ and EQ, but AQ (Adversity Quotient) can be trained only by going through adversity. Each time you go through one, you can train your mind to deal with the situation calmly and effortlessly.”

From Matthew’s coveted team, Claire HuiBonHoa, Elle Honeycutt, Jill Nixon, Lily Chan, and Jessica Newman dived deep into their own generational trauma, abuse, low self-esteem, a skewed sense of identity, and finally embarking on their own healing journeys.

The 8th Yoga & Health Expo put a spotlight on some of the most important themes that have dominated the wellness sphere – veganism, Yoga, meditation, mental health, and sustainability.

We thank all our panelists, viewers, and readers for accompanying us in this grand success of building a more mindful and conscious world. Here’s to many more!

Established in Vancouver, Canada, the Yoga Health Expo 2022 will be a one-day festival celebrating the joys of good well-being through a holistic approach to the Yogic way of life including Yoga, Veganism, and Vegetarianism in our lifestyle. The celebration shall welcome famous yoga teachers Vancouver, interactive yoga classes Vancouver and a platform for vegan products and vegan food Vancouver.

For more information on our upcoming International Yoga Festival & Health Expo, please visit: https://yogahealthfoundation.com/.

#yogahealthfoundation2022 #YogateacherVancouver #YogaclassesVancouver #VeganproductsVancouver #VeganfoodVancouver #adityatawatia #yogahealthfoundation #clearthekitchen #govegan #SHOP #GREENISTHENEWGLAM #TRAVELLIKEALOCAL #localisvocal

19 Jun

June 19, 2022March 28, 2023yogahealthfoundationadmin Others

Positivity and Self-Compassion Pave Way For Success

Your thoughts shape your reality. If you focus on the worst possible scenario that could come your way, you’ll find yourself growing anxious and irritable. But if you choose to focus on optimism and love instead, you are ten times more likely to not only enjoy the journey but also achieve success.

In a world plagued with constant negativity, it is inevitable to feel unmotivated and low. But how far can we go with the weight of these dull emotions? It is “how” we react to our mental slumps that help us navigate our way to the top.

At once we need to remind ourselves: we are worthy, we deserve kindness, and we owe it to ourselves to reach for our dreams. Meet your companions – self-compassion, and optimism. With these on your side, you are bound to reach heights.

WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

If your mind is reeling with joy and free of constant worrying, you are much more energetic to spend time on doing things that will bring you closer to your goals. That five-year plan you had jotted down could very well be achieved in just four! That is the power of positivity.
When your own self is calm, positive, and warm, you will exude the same energy and be able to sustain a more stable and happier environment. With the power of compassion and positivity, you will be more creative, thoughtful, and reliable for not only your crewmates but also yourself.
We become what we think. You aim for the top; your brain will wire itself to reach there. You aim for something in the middle, chances are you won’t be able to reach even there. Compassion for yourself will bring out the best in you and acquire you the ability to reach that best.

Self-compassion is all about listening to your needs and giving that to yourself. It’s about letting go of anxiety and doubts and surrendering yourself to what you enjoy and love. Many people choose to wallow in self-criticism, (and some might believe it helps keep them on their toes!), but the road ahead to success requires a great deal of knowing your own worth and how much you let yourself take space.

So, take space. Honor your needs, be positive, and cherish the power of compassion and optimism that can bring you many steps closer to success.

For more information on our upcoming International Yoga Festival & Health Expo, please visit: https://yogahealthfoundation.com/

19 Jun

June 19, 2022March 28, 2023yogahealthfoundationadmin Others

Meditation: The Ancient Cure for Anxiety and Depression

Symptoms of both anxiety and depression stem from stress and looking to reduce stress should be your first step in taking back control of your mind. If you’re struggling in daily life with chronic mental issues, mindful meditation can significantly ease your ailing.

Stress is natural and is considered a healthy part of life. It can push you to pursue new challenges, build resilience, and push your limits. However, if not managed well, it could easily hold you back instead of motivating you – anxiety and depression being the common culprits here. They can meddle with your work, physical health, and social life.

Fortunately, you don’t have to keep struggling. Meditation has been proven to help deal with mental issues since the dawn of time. Once you include this Yogic practice in your life, you will find yourself being able to function better, and eventually notice reduced symptoms.

WHY MEDITATION?

Dr. John W. Denninger, Director of Research at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital stated, “Meditation trains the brain to achieve sustained focus, and to return to that focus when negative thinking, emotions, and physical sensations intrude — which happens a lot when you feel stressed and anxious.”

Regardless of age, gender, and condition, meditation is a beautiful practice that heals physically, emotionally, and spiritually alike. You can take up this practice any time of the day too!

HOW TO BEGIN:

FIND YOUR COMFORT

It is important to find your comfort before starting meditation. Don’t overthink whether you’re doing it right or not, you can set your own rules. During the first few sessions, figure out how many minutes would work for you, what position works for you – whether you’d like to sit or lay – which place is most calming for you… question yourself thoroughly so you can build your meditation routine and continue to practice (and enjoy) it in the long run.

ACCEPT CHALLENGES

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself struggling to maintain focus or sit still for long. Initially, you might feel overwhelmed with your thoughts suddenly rushing in, but don’t worry or panic. This is the process. Part of meditation is letting your mind empty itself by facing those very thoughts, so don’t let yourself stray away and face these challenges head-on. Eventually, you will find yourself calmer and less anxious during this stage.

FOCUS ON THE “NOW”

Now that you have safely crossed the threshold of dealing with those few seconds of emotional waves, make sure to bring back your focus and energy to the present. Try to focus on the “now”. As a beginner, you can also choose to chant a phrase or conjure up an image in your mind’s eye to help you focus on only that one spot or line. Remember this is the most crucial step in building balance with your mind.

LEAVE A CALMING AFTERTASTE

Once you feel like you have run your course, gently open your eyes. Take your sweet time to walk out of your meditative mind by doing light stretches, journaling, or simply sitting in silence. Let your mind and body bask in this peace you have created for yourself.

Much like any hobby, practice, or skill, It will take time for you to see results from meditation. Once you settle in, you will find yourself feeling lighter, calmer, and much more positive in life. Remember: you have the power in you to make the change you desire.

For more information on our upcoming International Yoga Festival & Health Expo, please visit: https://yogahealthfoundation.com/.

15 Jun

June 15, 2022March 28, 2023yogahealthfoundationadmin Announcements, Ayurveda, Environment, Meditation, Message, Others, Recipes, Sattology, Self Awareness, Vedic Knowledge, Veganism, Vegetarianism, Yoga

Is Reducing Meat Consumption Really Helping the Environment?

With issues of climate change and sustainability finding urgency all around the world, many experts advise us to try and limit our consumption of meat – owing to the environmental impact of the global meat industry. We find out if reducing meat consumption helps the environment, and how vegan foods are replacing the traditional meat industry.

We have more choice than ever before to choose what we eat. But are we making the right ones? With issues of climate change and sustainability finding urgency all around the world, many experts advise us to try and limit our consumption of meat – owing to the environmental impact of the global meat industry. But is it making any difference, and is meat consumption really destroying our planet? Let’s find out.

The global meat industry is nothing less than immense. In 2022, the global industry is worth over $2 trillion! With its presence so prevalent, the scale and intensity of meat production combined with projected population growth estimates show that current practices are bad for the environment.

Here is why:

IMPACT OF EATING MEAT

Health Risks

Diets high in red and processed meats, high-fat dairy foods, processed foods, and sugar are associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers whereas diets rich in fiber, fruit, and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of these diseases.

Biodiversity Loss

Livestock production accounts for roughly 30% of current global biodiversity loss! With the need for more land to produce more meat, we are losing the lush flora of our planet for specifically animal rearing, only to have them killed in the end. The meat industry is causing an irreversible loss to our planet to produce meat.

Global Warming

According to studies, meat production is responsible for generating about 14.5% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, an astounding amount of meat is gone to waste both before and during the manufacture of meat. These practices are extremely harmful to our ecosystem, especially global warming which is directly caused by these greenhouse gas emissions.

Water Usage

About 29% of the total water footprint of the agricultural sector in the world is related to the production of animal products. By not purchasing meat products and avoiding such companies, you have the power to reduce the demand for meat, and thus – save water and conserve the planet.

IMPACT OF NOT EATING MEAT

If you’re looking to reduce your impact on the environment, going vegan is one of the best choices you can make. Here is why:

Plant-based options high in protein and, alongside a well-balanced diet of plenty of fruit and vegetables, will mean you aren’t going without the vitamins you need. You will find equal amounts of natural nutrition in a vegan diet without hurting your

Producing plant-based meat emits up to 90% fewer greenhouse gasses than producing conventional meat. If more people were to adopt veganism as a diet, the impact could cause a major shift in the ecosystem and help slow climate change.

The global meat industry is notorious for polluting our oceans. When we leave land animals and fish off our plate, we are contributing to stabilizing the marine ecosystem as well as giving marine life a chance to thrive once again.

Reducing demand is the most significant factor in taking a stand against meat production. Ease your diet’s burden on the planet and choose veganism.

For more information on our upcoming Yoga Festival & Health Expo, please visit: https://yogahealthfoundation.com/

01 Jun

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June 1, 2022March 28, 2023yogahealthfoundationadmin Others

Vegan Foods Reigning 2022

Much more than a fad, diet, or trend, veganism is a way of life for thousands of people around the world. According to statistics in 2022, the number of vegans at present is 79 million – making up only 1% of the world population. In fact, Vancouver is ranked amongst the top five most popular cities for vegans. Vegan food and vegan products in Vancouver are universally a must-try! Surveys have also shown the growth of vegan food is “rapid” and there will be a 40% increase in the coming years.

Whether the cause is based on environment, ethics, or health, the rising demand for plant-based and organic foods concludes it to be the need of the hour, as is the conservation of our planet. Planet and palette-friendly, here are some vegan food products that have been and will be seen reigning 2022:

1. Legumes

Searching for a nutritious alternative to meat? Legumes will be your best friend. Peas, pulses, and lentils make the holy trinity for all vegans. Rich in minerals and iron, legumes are also diverse ingredients you can mix and match in many ways to fulfill your diet needs.

2. Nuts and Seeds

Whether you are craving something binge-worthy or need a quick office snack to accompany you for the day. Nuts and seeds are of high nutritional value and satisfying. Hemp, flax, and chia seeds make for great additions to salads while nuts like almonds, cashews, and avocados will almost always find their way into a vegan diet.

3. Mushrooms

One of the only non-animal sources of Vitamin D, mushrooms are today a staple for vegans. They are rich in fiber and protein and can be cooked in a multitude of delicious ways. It’s no surprise they are called earth-meat and can be easily consumed as alternatives to your preferred meat.

4. Fruits

While many might be concerned about the “fruits are high in sugar” debate, researchers conclude that their nutritional value outweighs their sugar counterparts. So, feel free to include a bountiful of fruits in your vegan diet. Apples, pears, guavas, berries, grapes, plums, apricots, and such are on the rise.

5. Plant-based meats

You don’t have to go cold turkey on meat, as the market is now brimming with healthy vegan alternatives. Some of the most popular ones are plant-based chicken, bacon, tofu, seitan, jackfruit, and soy. In fact, the global plant-based meat market is estimated to reach USD 24.8 billion in revenue from today’s 6.023 billion.

6. Milk Alternatives

Offering a variety of flavors and nutritional elements, milk alternatives are often marked as the beginning of the vegan revolution. Almond, oat, and soy milk are already a huge demand in the world, whereas rice, coconut, cashew, and even hemp are beginning to establish themselves in the market today. Saying no to dairy and dairy products is considered ideal for lactose intolerant vegans.

7. Chocolates

For the longest time vegans have been questioned about their love for chocolates. Can vegans eat them, or can they not? The answer is yes, and no! While the majority of the brands contain dairy in their products, dozens of indulgent vegan options have now surfaced in the market. Some of the most common vegan chocolates as suggested by PETA include Hershey’s, Alter Eco, Theo Chocolate, VGAN, and CASSE-COU.

8. Seafood

Following the Netflix documentary Seaspiracy, The Growth of vegan food is significant in the seafood market, we appear to be entering a new age of fishless fish. And the trend could very well revolutionize the food industry. Vegans can now enjoy fish filets and sauces, shrimp, lobsters, crab cakes, tuna, and even caviar which are made with vegan ingredients.

Brands like Beyondmeat, Amy’s Kitchen, Gardein, BeLeaf, Jinka, and Sophie’s Kitchen are spearheading the vegan seafood wave. The future of vegan food will be seen growing exponentially in the sphere of seafood.

Plant-based fish has been gaining traction as a tasty and readily available option, for example. Consumers prefer plant-based fish products due to the fact they’re typically allergen-free, 100% vegan, and highly nutritional.

The best part about vegan food? Everything can be paired with anything! The vegan world is your oyster – quite literally.

22 May

May 22, 2022March 28, 2023yogahealthfoundationadmin Message, Others

Aditya Tawatia – Spearheading The World’s Health Conversation

As dynamic an entrepreneur as he is a philanthropist, Aditya Tawatia is the founder and director of Yoga & Health Expo Foundation – the non-profit organization working towards healthy eating and well-being lifestyle.

A successful personality in each one of his endeavors, Aditya is renowned in the media, health, and community service landscape. Currently titled as the President of the Indo Canada Global Forum, BC, he is considered to be an industry innovator for bridging relations between India and Canada over the past decade.

The entrepreneur has always been inspired by his father’s ideologies that he continues to put in motion in all his ventures even today. From being the publisher of Canada’s oldest ethic English newspaper “The Link” that is today well-renowned across the country’s stations to paving way for a healthy organic lifestyle platform with Yoga & Health Expo Foundation, Aditya rightfully redefines what it means to be a true visionary.

HEALTHY BEGINNINGS: International Yoga Festival Vancouver

Established with the aim to enhance health, happiness, knowledge, and peace in life through a holistic approach to life, Yoga & Health Expo is Aditya’s non-profit organization based in Vancouver, Canada, that celebrates healthy food and joyful living. Through Yoga, Veganism, Local for Vocal, going Organic, and Meditation, he believes in the necessity of saving our Environment and giving back to the community earnestly.

Be it highlighting the importance of vegan food and products or building a Yogic way of life through yoga classes, instructors, and practices, he is most passionate about spearheading the motto of clean and green eating for a better future for the world.

An avid wellness enthusiast himself, he advocates for ‘Oneness’ which he grew up admiring in his own Indian household. He believes in bringing the values of peace and harmony of Indian culture to the rest of the world through healthy and organic eating. “My real passion lies in forging a strong link between the country of my birth, India, and the country of my living, Canada.” he shares.

LOOKING TOWARDS A BETTER FUTURE

The Yoga Festival & Health Expo is an annual affair that aims for an environment-friendly, clean and healthy lifestyle for everyone around the world. The festival has witnessed seven expos since 2015 – all of which have fared most successfully. The event will now be making its comeback with the 8th Yoga Festival & Health Expo this 19th of June 2022 in Vancouver.

As always, Aditya today too aims to unlock the true potential of a healthy lifestyle and an even healthier planet if only we choose to eat right.

#adityatawatia #yogahealthfoundation2022 #YogateacherVancouver #YogaclassesVancouver #VeganproductsVancouver #VeganfoodVancouver #yogahealthfoundation

14 May

May 14, 2022yogahealthfoundationadmin Others

Yoga & Holistic Wellbeing: Road To A Healthy And Happy Lifestyle

In our ever-bustling never-resting state of mind, the International Yoga Festival & Health Expo aims to bring focus on healthy eating and bring oneself closer to the pursuit of positivity in one’s body and mind. Here’s how we at Yoga & Health Expo believe in bridging the gap between health and happiness, holistically.

Established in Vancouver, Canada, the Yoga & Health Expo is a one-day festival celebrating the joys of good wellbeing while enhancing health, happiness, knowledge, and peace in life through a holistic approach to the Yogic way of life including Yoga, Veganism, and Vegetarianism in our lifestyle. Hosted both physically and virtually since 2015, the celebration welcomes famous yoga instructors, a platform for health-conscious brands and retailers, and stalwarts from the walks of wellness, health, veganism, vegetarianism, and organic living.

Following a successful streak of seven expos since 2015, we are all set and excited to make our comeback with the 8th Yoga Festival & Health Expo this 19th of June 2022. Aiming for an environment-friendly, clean, and healthy lifestyle through food, the Expo shall witness yet another gathering in celebration of good health and good food.

Our Founder and President – Aditya Tawatia

With his belief in the essence of a community and giving back to it earnestly, Aditya Tawatia is the man behind Yoga & Health Expo. One of the most accomplished businessmen in recent times, he hopes to enhance health, happiness, knowledge, and peace in daily life through a holistic approach following the four cores of the brand.

An avid advocate for ‘Oneness’ which he grew up admiring in his Indian household, he believes in bringing those same values of peace and harmony of Indian culture to the rest of the world through healthy and organic eating. Hence was borne Yoga & Health Expo.

OUR FOUR CORES: Yoga, Meditation, Veganism, and Vocal For Local

Yoga: The oldest form of attaining wellbeing through the amalgamation of mental, physical, and spiritual disciplines. We at Yoga & Health Expo honor its ancient wisdom with interesting yoga sessions, conversations with instructors, and a healthy dose of motivation to practice it on daily basis for good wellbeing.

Meditation: Meditation has been long proven to combat many physical and mental health issues, and we encompass this exercise in all our activities to increase focus, reduce anxiety, and ground our minds to the present.

Veganism: Healthy, do-able, and well within everyone’s reach, going vegan is not just for trends and can be opted as a definite lifestyle option – this is what we hope to bring to the table for clean eating.

Vocal for Local: Supporting small businesses pertaining to fresh local produce makes a difference, and we at Yoga & Health Expo believe in harnessing the power of the right nutrition to make everyone’s journey to wellness happier.

OUR PAST VENTURES

Celebrating the power of good health and wellbeing every year, our previous excursions have witnessed the health industry’s most coveted participation in our interactive yoga sessions, mindfulness activities, and sparked interesting conversations on holistic and eco-friendly wellbeing. Our Expo highlights the sanctity of leading a clean and green organic eating and the natural way of life.

Emerging strong against the pandemic, our 7th Virtual Yoga Festival & Health Expo 2021 was a resounding success with speakers Rachel Beau – Creator & CEO (PARTY STAR) of Rock’n’Beau Entertainment; Marlene Watson-Tara – long-time vegan, activist and human ecology enthusiast; Bill Tara – co-founder of Sunwheel Natural Foods in London, England; Dr. Matthew Nagra – Naturopathic Doctor, and many more experts guiding our guests on living in accordance with nature’s laws.

For more information on our upcoming International Yoga Festival & Health Expo, please visit: https://yogahealthfoundation.com/.

#yogahealthfoundation2022 #YogateacherVancouver #YogaclassesVancouver #VeganproductsVancouver #VeganfoodVancouver #adityatawatia #yogahealthfoundation

14 Mar

March 14, 2019yogahealthfoundationadmin Self Awareness, Yoga

Finding Deep Connection Through Yoga

With the increase of cellphone use and social media by means of communicating, we as a generation are becoming more and more disconnected. There is group chats where there was once group hangs, mindless scrolling where there was once literature, video games where there was once walks in the park, and virtual reality where there was once reality. This blurred relationship with our true selves and with the world and the people around us can make for a lonely existence. Through practice, discipline and mindfulness, Yoga can help us find that lost connection that we so desperately seek.

At One With Nature

Before society put us indoors and in clothes, nature was our home. The cold of the raindrops on our nose and the feel of the grass on our backs – this was our truest form of existence. All too often now we see the nature that surrounds us as separate objects rather than part of our being, forgetting that we are with it and not just in it. In yoga there are many poses that force us to stay grounded by mindfully grounding our backs to the earth below us. There are poses that force us to reach towards the sky and feel that it is not so distant, and others that force us to balance and allow us to become rooted deeply into the earth like a tree. By teaching us how to stop, be still, and listen, yoga helps us to reconnect with nature and become friends with the earth.

At One With Each Other

One of the secrets to a happy and healthy life is the formation of real friendships and deep relationships with others. These types of relationships can only be formed through in-person contact and without the barrier of cellphones and social media. Simply by uplifting our mood and changing our perspective, yoga can motivate us to get out in the real world and form these valuable relationships by practicing our passion and sharing our beliefs and aspirations with like-minded individuals. Whether you practice alone or in a group setting, yoga can help break down the barriers of the digital age and facilitate more intimate connections with others.

At One With Our True Selves

The most important relationship we can have is the one with ourselves. Modern life and the establishment of a home, a family, and a career will inevitably divert our energy in a million different directions, and often our connection to our true self suffers as a result. We forget that we are there, behind the illusion of separateness and the physical body, and we become less whole. Yoga incorporates mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and strong poses all of which help us center our consciousness inward towards our true self instead of outward toward worldly distractions. This can help us rediscover our deepest passions and desires, and once we recognise who we are and what we want we can begin to serve our true purpose, with joy and gratitude, as our true selves.

The ultimate goal of yoga is to awaken the human self and to guide us along the path of a higher, universal consciousness. By connecting with nature, each other, and ourselves, we can break away from the disconnect of the digital age and achieve this ultimate goal, which will allow us live together in peaceful bliss and true harmony.

14 Mar

March 14, 2019yogahealthfoundationadmin Meditation, Self Awareness

How Millennials can Find Peace and Serenity through Ancient Yoga Practices

Yoga is one of the most ancient traditions that we are aware of, yet it remains widely popular today. People all over the world continue to incorporate yoga into their lifestyles by studying, practicing and teaching it daily. It seems that the tradition has become even more prominent in recent years, often feeling like a new trend rather than one that was born in Northern India thousands of years ago. This is evident in Vancouver where you will find it almost impossible to get through a day without spotting someone carrying a yoga mat or walking by an outdoor yoga class. The reason that this practice has not dwindled with age and become lost in ancient history is because of its undeniable ability to positively transform lives by touching our minds, bodies and spirits.

Mind

In the age of information overload, we often lose ourselves amidst the chaos. Clarity is power in today’s hectic world, and yoga teaches our mind to focus our attention in the right direction. Through deep breathing and meditation, yoga allows us to reconnect with ourselves and our bodies. During this process we learn how to take charge of our thoughts and to access inner peace. Calming the mind in this way relieves stress and reduces overthinking, and this can lead to an overall improvement in our mental health. A trouble-free and quiet mind can also induce creativity, allowing us to serve our own purpose instead of somebody else’s.

Body

An obvious yet extremely important benefit of yoga is the physical strength that it builds. Practicing yoga weekly will tone and strengthen the muscles, improving our body’s physical appearance but more importantly its resilience. Deep stretching will relieve our body of tension while challenging poses will push us beyond our limits, resulting in muscles that are both stronger and more relaxed. Through this practice we can also achieve better posture, balance and flexibility.

Spirit

Creating harmony within ourselves will result in a happier experience of our outside worlds. Yoga allows us to be more present, and the ability to live in the moment can lead to a higher consciousness. With this higher consciousness comes increased awareness, allowing us to focus on the beauty by which we are surrounded. We gain a strong sense of connection to this beauty, and without the illusion of separation we are guided in becoming more sentient beings. When we achieve this state, we are capable of sharing immense love and kindness with all beings and all of nature.

The 21st century is one within which many have become lost in a fog of worldly-chaos and excessive consumerism. On the other hand, it is the century that has found us waking up and redefining happiness. There is somewhat of a barrier between the two, and the link that will connect them is yoga. This is the very mission of the International Yoga Festival which comes to Vancouver for the third time in June 2019 – To connect us to our predecessors from whom we can learn. To bring unity to Vancouver by connecting one and all. And to help the community bridge the gap between health and happiness.

“Our mission for this festival is to inspire and connect our communities to live creative, healthy, vibrant and stress free active lives through the practice of yoga and mediation.”

04 Feb

February 4, 2017yogahealthfoundationadmin Yoga

The Mental Health Benefits of Yoga

Traditionally, yoga poses or “asanas”, were developed and practiced in India to help the body and mind develop flexibility during long hours of meditation. What many people don’t know however, is that yoga is about much more than physical fitness alone. It is a holistic system with the physical component of asanas only forming one out of eight limbs of a complete yoga practice. Yoga means “to unite”, referring to the union of body, mind and spirit. It is a science of balanced living, a path for realizing full human potential, and a tool to cultivate the ability to remain centered in the midst of turbulence.

Life’s stresses indeed cause many people to feel emotionally unbalanced. When we are stressed, our survival instinct kicks in and the body goes into the fight or flight response mode— either preparing to do battle with the perceived threat (fight), or preparing to flee (flight). This response is regulated by the brain, in the region called the amygdala. Among the body’s responses to stress are increased heart, respiration, and blood pressure rates and decreased immunity and insulin production.

Without a healthy way to release daily stress, it becomes internalized and fight or flight becomes the body’s customary response. Over time, this can cause damage not only to the body, but also to the mind. Research shows that constant stress actually changes the brain. For example, stress can lead to a stronger connection between the amygdala and the hippocampus. A stronger connection of these two brain areas leads to increased stress response. Stress has also been shown to diminish the connection between the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, thus altering the brain’s ability to bring calm to the mind and body. When a person is under constant stress, these imbalanced brain connections can cause a greater reaction to stress and a more challenging time mitigating that reaction.

Yoga, including asana and meditation practices, can help ease these physiological stress responses by helping to bring down heart rate, blood pressure and by boosting the immune system.

In his article, “Healing from Depression” Dr. Deepak Chopra discusses some of the benefits of meditation. In terms of mental health, he explains that studies have shown mindfulness meditation to alleviate mild-to-moderate depression and stress.

As noted by Dr. Chopra, the healing effects of yoga, particularly those of physical asana and meditation practice, are supported by empirical research. According to a Johns Hopkins University study, meditation has been proved to be helpful in reducing anxiety, depression, and pain. In 2011, Harvard researchers discovered that eight weeks of meditation could decrease the volume of the amygdala, which in turn, could help reduce stress, fear, and anxiety. Stanford researchers also discovered in their studies that mindfulness meditation practitioners experienced a decrease in the symptoms of social anxiety.

A Duke University review of yoga for neuropsychiatric disorders tested the belief that regular yoga practice had a positive effect on emotional wellbeing. At the conclusion of their experiment, researchers stated, “There is emerging evidence from randomized trials to support popular beliefs about yoga for depression, sleep disorders, and as an augmentation therapy.”

Studies have shown that yoga asana practice helps reduce the symptoms of conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by increasing an individual’s sense of awareness and control over the body. One study of women aged 18 to 58 compared the impact of Trauma-Informed Yoga versus Women’s Health Education on PTSD symptoms. Results showed that by the end of the 10 weeks, more than 50 percent of the yoga practitioners no longer met the criteria to classify them as having PTSD, while only 21 percent of the group in women’s health classes exhibited the same results.

Shedding light onto how meditation may be helpful in all these areas of mental health, Dr. Deepak Chopra explains that meditation trains the mind to develop a witnessing awareness that is independent of the external environment.

“This core self is not a philosophical or theological concept; it is an experience of your authentic existence,” Dr. Chopra states. “With an established sense of the silent witness, it will be easier to not become identified with the darkness of your depressed days.” Essentially, cultivating this observer state of mind through meditation allows you recognize that you are not your emotions.

We look forward to uniting in Yoga for Peace, Harmony and Health!

By Nirmala Raniga

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