Hi everyone! I feel very happy with this issue of YogaBasicsNews, especially after the last issue that was a bit sparse. I’ve found some great articles on yoga, reviewed the new Iyengar yoga book, and have added a new section “Yoga retreats and workshops”. Hope you like what you see, and as always your comments and suggestions are always welcome. Email me at: timothy@yogabasics.com.

Namaste,

Recharge Your Energy with Yoga

Two yoga postures and one pranayma to boost your energy level and beat the midafternoon slump.
Heat Gives Yoga a Healing Bent
USA today article lists pros and cons of the on Bikram or Hot Yoga practice.
Yogi lands $2 million book deal

Simon & Schuster has signed a 2 book deal with the hip power yoga teacher Baron Baptiste.
The power of yoga

Time magazine cover story on yoga and its healing benefits.

We have finally gotten around to taking more pictures and getting more yoga asana posture pages up. We have uploaded about 20 new postures, and will soon be getting the sun salutation series up. The digital camera is on the fritz, so it may be a while before we can take anymore new pictures. The good news is that there is only a few more postures to photograph, and the asana section will be finished.
We will be getting our new YogaBasics.com t-shirts in a few days. For a preview and to pre-order them go here.

The Power of Visualization in Asana

When approaching a challenging / difficult / strenuous yoga posture, you can harness the power of the mind to move the body into the pose. If you can see yourself in the yoga posture, you can do it.

Close your eyes, deepen the breath and see your body doing the yoga posture in your mind’s eye. See every detail, seeing your body’s alignment and how you are breathing. See yourself in the posture strong, confident, and graceful. See yourself holding the posture with ease. See a simile on your face! Keep this image clearly in your mind as you move your body into the posture. Simply allow your body to fill up this mental picture, without excess pushing, straining or effort. When your body is fully in the posture, keep your focus on the mental picture, and begin to feel your body inside this image, filling it up with your awareness.

Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health by B.K.S. Iyengar.

This is the biggest book on hatha yoga available, by yoga guru / master B.K.S. Iyengar. At first glance you would think that this huge hardcover book would be quite the encyclopedia of yoga postures, but to my disappointment, it is not. Iyengar has included detail descriptions of only 23 yoga postures, which are truly wonderful, with big color photos, and detailed instructions, including cautions and benefits of the posture. On several asanas he uses 4 whole pages, with photos of the different stages of the pose, and 360 degree views of the full posture. The lack of yoga postures is made up by the great sections showing how to use props with yoga postures and illustrated sequences for common ailments and diseases. Overall this is a well designed and beautiful book and is highly recommended on obtaining it for your yoga library. Click here for more info and to buy it.

Beautiful my Child by Euphoria.

This is a great upbeat bluesy trip-hop disk. Great for an energized vinyasa yoga practice, to inspire you to move with bliss and grace, and to kick some butt. Great to dance to, but not too dancy; the sound is infused with acoustic and slide guitar, making it great to just chill out to. My favorite track is “Catus”, beautiful bluesy guitar, with just a snare drum and hi-hat, and a soft organ drone in the background. Click here to listen and to buy it.

Guided Yoga and Hiking in Switzerland, August 18-25, 2001
For more information visit yogahiking.com, or email: info@yogahiking.com

Women’s Yoga Retreat in Hawaii, August 2-8, 2001
Tone your body with yoga while relaxing into a slower pace of life. More info at: tropicaltuneups.com

Yoga Retreat/Summit in Mexico, April 30-May 7, 2002.
Sunrise/sunset Pranayama accessing cosmic life force; aquamarine swims, hammock naps, quiet mind. paula@globalthink.com

Acu-Yoga workshop in Santa Barbara, June 16, 2001.
Acu-yoga uses acupressure with yoga therapy to heal common ailments. Visit YogaBasics.com for more info.

To have your retreat/workshop listed here, please email timothy@yogabasics.com


Every month we will randomly select active subscribers to win free stuff: T-shirts, cds, stickers, yoga mats, yoga props and more!

This Month's Winners:

Claudia Ramirez: YogaBasics.com T-shirt

Terri Van Roekel: “Introduction to Pranayama” audio CD

YogaBasicsNews is a free monthly e-newsletter all about yoga. You can subscribe or unsubscribe at any time (see below). If you think your friends would be interested in YogaBasicsNews or yogabasics.com, send them an email and tell them about us!

To Un-Subscribe from YogaBasicsNews send an email to: yoganews@yogabasics.com with REMOVE in subject line