Pranayama – using the breath to develop energy, to control energy and to extend it throughout the body. The practice involves breathing at different rates and rhythms. This enhances the ability to process the air that provides said energy; it also increases the ability to focus. Traditionally, it is practiced by either lying, standing or … Continue reading Ways to approach a pranayama practice
Today was walking pranayama practice. Pranayama is the physical practice that develops the body’s ability to process O2 and prana (the ‘Breath of GOD’) for improved health and vitality. The act of breathing occurs on a minimally basic level in order to sustain life. However, breathing consciously increases the ability of the body’s ability to … Continue reading Not breathing is not an option . . . .
Breathing exercises, that utilize long, full, slow breaths (LFSB), provide benefits that enhance the gains obtained from conventional, western exercise. LFSB, as is encouraged through the practice of yoga, tai chi or meditation, allows for maximum oxygenation of the blood and the ensuing, corresponding development and exhalation of carbon dioxide. During exercise, the actions of … Continue reading To Breathe or to Breathe Fully, LFSB
I was practicing my tai chi long form on 4 April 2012. Lately, I have been focusing keeping the head suspended while lengthening the spine and sinking into the ground. I have been emphasizing these points by practicing the form with a book on my head. Practicing the form in this fashion encourages activation of … Continue reading Martial Arts Kata and Core Stability
The fine motor control developed by the practice of Tai Chi becomes part of our daily lives. As one continues the practice of tai chi, they become aware of consciously doing things in a stress-free manner. Tai Chi practice emphasizes spinal alignment and postural integrity. These particulars assist the body in efficiently conducting nerve impulses … Continue reading Steady as You Flow – Part 2 of 2
Tai Chi is viewed by most western exercisers as a non-effective discipline; As something that cannot assist with the maintenance of their physical or their mental well-being. We can attach the principles of Tai Chi to our exercise routines and intertwine a more relaxed focus and an inner physical-mental connectedness to our physical endeavors. As … Continue reading Steady as You Flow — Part 1 of 2
There is a trend among some health professionals to treat correct breathing as something that is undesirable. Many exercisers are being told that holding in the stomach, in order to achieve a flatter tummy, is the way to go; as opposed to full abdominal breathing. There are times when it is advantageous to hold in … Continue reading Not Breathing Is Not an Option.
What is Mind-Body? From a fitness standpoint, Mind-Body is a combination term used to denote activities which bring about the harmonization and synchronization (HnS) of the mind and the body. Such activities are 'usually done slowly'. All physical activities involve cooperation between mind and body. However, conscious awareness of how the mind and the body … Continue reading Mind and Body
Ab-Sutra Wellness and Fitness 