Yoga and Meditation

Depending on how you look at it, yoga is an art, a science, or a fitness technique. For some people it can be all three. It stems from ancient Indian practices for right living and is still practiced in many forms on the subcontinent. It has also become a popular way to mediate and exercise in the West. Most Westerns use a “flowing” style of yoga that is more conducive to strength training and weight loss. There is even a “hot” yoga that helps you sweat out toxins while you are doing your poses. While yoga is a very individualized way to exercise, it is often conducted in a group setting under the supervision of a qualified instructor. Because of this, there are many yoga classes that are geared toward a specific demographic so that the attendees will feel more comfortable in a group. For instance, there is prenatal yoga, yoga for women, and gay yoga.

Since you need to feel comfortable and relaxed in order to get the full benefit of yoga, besides tailoring classes to certain demographics of people, the entire structure of the yoga studio and class is geared toward a soothing atmosphere.

The room should be welcoming, and usually will have soft lighting and maybe even soft music playing at the before the session begins. The floor should also be both supportive and cushioned so you don’t have to worry about straining your joints as you go through your poses. A good yoga instructor will also be someone who can put you at ease both before and during the session.

They should have both a firm but comforting tone that challenges you to work your hardest but doesn’t make you feel bad if you aren’t as advanced as the other students. Of course, being with students who share your physical level or interests is also important.

Even the yoga class itself is designed to make you feel comfortable. It starts out with basic breathing and warm up exercises that will help your mind clear out all the cobwebs of the day. Then you move into more challenging exercises and poses.

If you are doing a Pilates combination class, you will do those exercises toward the tail end of the classes when you are fully warm and ready to push yourself up to the next level.

Then, by the end of the class you should really be pushing yourself to take it to the next level. Finally there will be a period of cool down and relaxation that includes more breathing and relaxation exercises. By the end of a yoga class you should have an energetic body but a relaxed mind.

Since the whole point of yoga is to calm your mind and reduce stress through physical work, the entire yoga experience should be comfortable for you. This is why the atmosphere of the class is almost just as important as the exercises themselves. If you don’t feel safe enough to try new things you won’t get the full benefit of the yoga experience. Therefore, the rise of specialized yoga classes, such as gay yoga, should not be surprising. For those that want to learn more there is gay tantra yoga.

Post authored by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys presents gay couples travel and gay spirituality retreats.

categories: yoga,gay yoga,spirituality,metaphysical,health,fitness,wellness,self improvement,vegetarian,recreation

Naked yoga brings good benefits to those who take it up. What is gay nude yoga? It’s just what the name says it is. Doing yoga in the buff. It breaks the boundaries of the ‘norm’ and gives the people who participate a fresh new understanding of the body and the art of yoga. No clothing, no inhibitions.

This type of yoga is designed to push you past the normal limits of your comfort range, and on to a more liberating and a more free experience. It may sound unappealing to you at first, but once you get past those feelings and into the experience, it has many benefits for those who dare to practice it. It’s intention is not to exploit sexuality by any means, it’s to go beyond that into a harmony and peace you haven’t experience yet.

When practicing this form of yoga, your goal of finding a new and deeper sense of freedom is more easily achieved. By freeing your body, the mind and spirit will naturally follow. The clothes are like a representation of inhibitions. And inhibitions are what block the goals that yoga practitioners are trying to achieve. Once the barriers are removed, the goals are easier attained.

The bottom line with this form of yoga, is that, even though it’s practiced in the nude, it’s still basically yoga. It’s a form of self-appreciation and discovery. It’s a way to tune in to the universe in body, mind, and spirit. Society still doesn’t accept nudity per say, so you wouldn’t think many would take to this form of yoga. But you’d be surprised at how fast this is catching on. And in a positive light.

The art and practice of yoga has been around for centuries. Men have always had a passion for trying to connect the body with mind and soul, seeking a peace and a harmony between all that they are within themselves. Yoga is very simple to learn and can be done about anywhere. It can be practiced in groups, or you can practice it alone. It’s very versatile.

There are a lot of benefits to yoga. Peace, tranquility, and a sense of one-ness with the universe. And some real benefits occur in the body. It aids the body in getting rid of toxins. It can improve your lung capacity and help with blood circulation. It aids in the body’s digestive process. There is much to be said for this practice, whether done in the nude or not. The nudity is part of the freeing process taken a step deeper.

Another term you hear when speaking of naked yoga is ‘naturism’. Naturism is a movement that is both political and cultural that takes up the cause of nudity, both in private and in public. It’s much like the old nude beach causes fought over in years past. It teaches you to appreciate the body, and to see it in a better and different light. To realize the beauty of the body, and of being free to express yourself in it.

Naked yoga has some positive benefits that anyone can enjoy. This form of yoga is really becoming popular, and many are already enjoying these benefits. Some classes do exist with men and women together, but mostly this form of yoga has been taken up by men. If you want to learn about it, or how to do it, or to sign up for classes, you can find all the information you need on the internet. It can be a very rewarding experience for those who give it a try.

If you get really adventurous you can then go on to explore gay tantra yoga.

Article about gay naked yoga by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys has gay tantra workshops as well.

categories: gay naked yoga,gay yoga,yoga,health,fitness,wellness,spirituality,inspiration,motivation,vegetarian,lifestyle,recreation,leisure