Busting Yoga Myths

1. Anyone can teach Yoga

When it comes to teaching Yoga, there are a lot of people who think they can already teach Yoga just because they can perform different poses. This is not the right way to do it. In order to become a genuine Yoga teacher, an individual must train and practice for many years. The training he should go through should be centered immensely on his spiritual maturity and growth. When he has observed this, he can then share his knowledge on the practice exactly as it was meant to be taught—a union between one’s body, spirit and mind.

2. Yoga is JUST an Exercise

Several people often think Yoga is an exercise that can only make their bodies fit. What they fail to realize though is that Yoga does not only end with getting physical benefits. Before anything else, Yoga is a spiritual activity that has a primary goal of uniting a person’s body with his emotions and mind. Getting physically fit is only an advantage that you can later on get with continuous practice.

3. Yoga Practitioners Will Achieve Complex Levels of Physical Skills

Even though there are some Yoga practitioners who get to achieve superior flexibility, it is not true for everybody. Yoga should not be thought of as a miracle activity that will automatically grant its practitioners a gift of physical litheness. The ultimate goal of Yoga (to unite the body, mind and spirit) must always be kept in mind. Once this is achieved, the practitioner can achieve a true personal and complete enlightenment.

4. Yoga is an Expensive Activity

When one makes a decision of practicing Yoga, the first thing other people say is that it is an expensive exercise. If you will compare Yoga with the other activities people get involved with, it is actually a much cheaper activity. This is because you will not need to equip yourself with various gears and equipment, shoes and different outfits. As a matter of fact, all you will need is a mat and some staple outfits. There are even several studios that will let you borrow their mats provided.

Iyengar Yoga Center Manila: My First Visit

I have been attending yoga classes in Fitness First on and off for the past 2 years. And during all those times, I have never been given an opportunity to be assisted by the instructor directly. This is why I was pleased to find that the instructors at Iyengar Yoga Center Manila really find time to assist students who are struggling so they can be properly taught the right posture. At the same time, they will answer your questions after class.

I never knew how to “square my hips” when I attended Fitness First. But with IYCM, the instructor was okay with showing me the right way I can do the position. I was able to attend one class a couple of weeks back. The good thing about them is that they accommodate only a number of students per session. They also provide yoga mats, blocks, blankets, and other material that their students will be using. That is probably why I like them so much.

When class started, the instructor introduced herself as Susan to me. She was a really nice girl with a soft spoken voice. The class started with a few minutes of meditation. I was shocked to find this because classes in FF were not as deep as IYCM’s. But at the same time, I was eager to know this. The “ommms” and “mmmmsss” that filled the air was harmonious from both Susan and the students. This made me think I was listening to some comforting music.

After the meditation, the class did a series of standing poses or Asanas. Unlike FF, IYCM focuses on doing one pose right for every session. So for the rest of the hour, we focused on poses such as the Virabhadrasana, Utthika Trikonasana and the Utthika Parsvakonasana. I have been able to do this Asanas back in Fitness First. But the good thing about IYCM is that the instructors really go to each student and guide them where they should place their hands and feet.

I like the class held by Iyengar Yoga Center Manila but as of the moment I am swamped with work. And when I do have free time, I don’t have the budget to attend classes. Although yoga classes in IYCM are cheaper as compared to the lot of yoga institutions in Manila, I still have to fix my schedule. In time, I may be able to attend a series of classes and perfect those Asanas.

Yoga Styles

Joining a yoga class in Manila can often be overwhelming. This is because there are so many different yoga styles that are now being offered throughout the city. In fact, if you don’t know much about these styles, you won’t be able to choose which one is right for you. And with this, you won’t be able to choose the right center that will help teach you to become a good practitioner. For this, here are the 6 different styles:

• Ashtanga Yoga
• Bikram Yoga
• Iyengar Yoga
• Jivamukti Yoga
• Kundalini Yoga
• Power Yoga

Currently, the available styles that can be found throughout Manila include Ashtanga, Bikram, and Iyengar. Aside from these centers, there are some who combine these styles in an effort to make a new one. But when this is the case, it is no longer a real practice but only a combination.

If you don’t know what the difference is among these yoga styles, you won’t be able to identify what the yogi is teaching you. This is why it is important to make sure that you choose the right yoga class in Manila to join. The practice can cost money. If you don’t make the right selection, you are only spending your hard earned money.

Ashtanga Yoga: What Is It?

Ashtanga or Astanga yoga translates to ‘eight limbs’ in Sanskrit. The term refers to the number of limbs of yoga when they are presented from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The two people responsible for interpreting this method of asana practice were Krishnamacharya and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. They interpreted the practice from the ancient text known as ‘Yoga Korunta.’ This text described Vamana Rishi’s development of a unique system of Hatha Yoga.

This yoga practice incorporates the synchronization of one’s breathing along with a progressive succession of different postures. As a result, the process is able to produce an intense internal heating as well as a generous amount of purifying sweat. Coincidentally, this leads to the detoxification of the bodily organs and muscles. For this, the individual practicing the method gets improved circulation, a calm mind, and a light as well as a strong body.

Often, this practice is being combined with Power yoga since it is known as the “sweaty and aerobic form of yoga.” At the same time, the method is being characterized as yoga combined with boot camp. When Ashtanga is combined with Power yoga, the method becomes Ashtanga Vinyasa or Power Yoga.

When practicing the method, the individual goes through six progressively difficult types of postures which are being linked together. Accomplishing each of these six poses require around 90 minutes to three hours.

Despite the fact that the poses in Ashtanga are getting harder and harder each time, the practitioner is required to keep repeating the pose. Some of these poses are either difficult or uncomfortable. But once they are done in the right order, the mind and body can immediately open up. And when the poses are done regularly, the individual can be able to do the harder poses in time.

Yoga In Manila, Anyone?

A couple weeks back, I was diagnosed with pneumonia. This was a result of stress and my non-stop working habits. As a result, I decided to have a regular exercise regimen after work. Since I only had a few hours available, I decided to do yoga since it has always been one of my interests. But I did not want to get another membership with a gym. This is why I decided to start looking for establishments that offer yoga classes. And now, I’m sharing what I have researched with you, my dear readers.

o Ananda Marga (Yoga in Manila)

o Bikram Yoga Manila

o Bliss Yoga Manila

o DLSU Yoga Sessions

o Fitness International

o Fitness First

o Gold’s Gym

o i-Yoga*

o International Yoga Institute

o Iyengar Yoga Center Manila

o Mandala Spa Yoga Shala o Prana Yoga

o Pulse Yoga

o RA Kendra

o Sai Shanti Yoga Sanctuary

o The Flow Yoga Center

o Vinyasa Yoga

o YogaKids Philippines

o Yoga Manila

o Yoga Moves

Crazy Bottling Game

I was able to see some ads in Facebook for a new site where I could play Typing Maniac. If you guys remember what that game is, it's a game where random words fall and you are typing them up as fast as you can before they hit the bottom of the screen. Well, anyway, the game has gotten a new platform and it is similar to king.com. Just like king.com, there are several games under the website. The beauty about these websites is that you don't need to download the game. You simply need to register and log in every time you are going to play.

I tried playing Typing Maniac again but later got bored with it. So I tried out the other games in MetroGames. I tried out Catapult, Anti Virus, and Crazy Bottling. Among those 3 games, I enjoyed Crazy Bottling. Catapult does not have good instructions and needs to be fixed by the developers of the game. Anti Virus is like a typical Tetris but is confusing.

Meanwhile, Crazy Bottling is a game where you play with another player. Each one of you has 2 characters: a really muscular guy and a awkwardly thin guy. These two are your players. You play along with your rival as you transport the cases of bottles across the room. You have to wait for your turn until you can move it.

The game is pretty simple. You don't need to press anything to carry the cases. All you need is to move your players up and down so that the cases don't fall and you don't lose your job. For your left character, the controls are: A for up and Z for down. For your right character, you simply press the ↑ (UP) and ↓ (DOWN).

Each time you miss a case, you will get reprimanded by a really annoying boss. When you get 3 misses, you get fired and the game is over. If your rival gets fired, you get a promotion on the other hand.

Try out this game. It's very interesting and will require your hand-eye coordination. PLAY AGAINST ME! It is also a good way you can network and meet new people from all over the globe!

Places To Go On Single's Awareness Day

Valentine’s Day. The Big Day. Hearts’ Day. What else? Oh and yes, it’s a reminder for all the singles out there that they are not in a relationship. While to some, this may be a joy, there are others who feel that this day is a sad and unfortunate event.

Yes. February 14 is around the corner and all around you, you’ll start seeing people carrying roses and chocolates. People will be wearing red or pink or white. Restaurants will be full of star crossed lovers staring blissfully into each other’s eyes.

Yes. To the person in love, this is the day you have been waiting for. This is the day you expect to receive those special treatment and gifts and roses from your special someone. But, not everyone can be as fortunate as you.

To people just like me, this is another day where we stay indoors and avoid places where we know will be full of lovers. While you may have a case of the love blues, you can still enjoy this special day—either with your family, friends, or even by yourself.

No. I take that back. Don’t go out on your own. It’ll be agony, especially if you’ve just been heartbroken. For this reason, I have compiled together a list of the top places to visit this Heart’s Day Single’s Awareness Day together with all your single girl friends!

1. 15TH Hot Air Balloon Festival in Clark, Pampanga- You may have heard of this event in the past recent years and this is truly something you’ve got to visit. Enjoy the road trip from Manila all the way to Pampanga with your girl friends to watch the grand Hot Air Balloon Festival starting Feb. 11-14, 2010. Tickets at P 150.00 per person.

The 15th Hot Air Balloon Festival
Clark, Pampanga

2. Breakups & Breakdowns (A New Musical)- Celebrate singlehood with your friends over at the Fine Arts Theater of Ateneo de Manila University on Feb. 11- 12, 2010. This is a romantic music comedy which was written by Joel Trinidad. Truly, have a good laugh over the typical break up scenes/ dialogues given a twist by this theatrical crew. Tickets at P 150.00 per person.

Breakups & Breakdowns (A New Musical)

3. The Greatest Is Love by Michaelangelo- Satisfy your hunger for music for a good cause. Head on over to Taboo Bar in Julia Vargas, Ortigas Home Depot on Feb. 12, 2010 for a night of good music. The proceeds of the show will be given to the various Victory Outreach Programs. So if you’re feeling charitable this year, buy the ticket for this Valentine’s show for only P 200.00 per person.

Michealangelo

4. Stop, Look & Mingle- If you’re feeling in the need to party out this season, then head on over to Manor at Eastwood City. It’s the Valentine’s Day Soiree of the year you’ve been waiting for. This event will be on Feb. 13, 2010.

Oh, and don’t forget to send yourself some flowers from Island Rose. Whether or not you’re in a relationship, it’s nice to send flowers to the people you love. This means even your own self. You may not have a guy to spend this occasion with but that doesn’t mean you can’t make yourself happy being single. :)

Fitness First Cut The Fat Challenge

Fitness First- Cut the Fat Challenge

Since January of this year, I have been engrossed in a new Facebook Application that has taken my mind off a few things, including work! The Fitness First- Cut the Fat Challenge is an interesting Facebook game which is sort of like The Biggest Loser. Only this time, it's your fingers that are doing all the hard work.

You start with 300 pounds and work your way through every 1 pound you lose. This means you need energy to workout. And in order to have energy, you have to eat. In order to eat, you need money. You can get more money every workout you get. And this is a cycle which goes on and on. In order to lose 1 pound, you have to get rid of all the fat. Once you do, you lose one pound and you get another set of fat which you need to lose.

While this may seem like such a boring game, there is a catch that will tickle your fancy. The biggest loser of this game will win a 1 year membership at Fitness First and an iPod Touch. Up for grabs are also SGD money (paid through PayPal), Fitness First 6 months membership, Fitness First Free 7 Days, and a Fitness First Bottle.

Try it. You might join the crew in trying to beat one another. The game ended last January 31, 2010 but has yet began another round for February. Hurry! The biggest loser right now only weighs 128 lbs!

Goodbye Suki

Suki at 2 months old

Everyone who knows me knows I am such a big dog lover. And for them, it's no surprise that I took home a new dog the moment I laid my eyes on her. This happened last August 2009. I was planning to buy a dog so that I could have a pet of my own once again. One moment I was in the office, telling my sister that I would go to a place to check out a dog. But when I returned, I was already carrying a Labrador puppy. I named her Suki, after Anna Paquin in True Blood.

Suki at 3 months old

I love Suki. I would even take her with me when I went to QC one day. She would wear diapers so that she wouldn't make a mess. Aside from that, she even came along to an out of town trip in Laguna.

Sadly though, just a month after I bought her, she grew bigger immediately. Maybe it was because of the food that I was giving her and she was healthy. Maybe it was because I was too busy on other things that I didn't notice my dog growing so big.

What I did notice though was she was so playful. This is why I got her trained at Aszook9. It was two months worth of training but still, Suki was too playful for me. I couldn't even give her a bath anymore 'cause she always knocks the wind out of me. Also, I felt really sorry for always locking her up in her cage. I can't let her out 'cause she keeps on jumping on everyone.

Suki at 5 months old

This is why I decided to sell her or have her adopted.

I posted it on Sulit.com.ph and I got tons of inquiries right away. I even had offers to swap Suki for a Lhasa Apso, Nokia Cellphone, Mp3 players, Hedgehog, Mynah Bird and a lot more. But what really caught my attention was this guy who wanted to swap Suki for a Miniature Poodle. He said he's going to use Suki for Autistic kids.

Last night, I officially said my goodbye to Suki. And though she looked at me with her puppy eyes looking like she was sad, a part of me felt free. Even though it was a sad event, Suki would be happier with them. She would have lots of time to play not compared with me that she's always locked up. I feel guilty about locking her up but it's for her own good.

Suki and her new owner rode a bus to Tarlac and a rented van to Baguio last night. I just got word that they have arrived in Baguio and that Suki was behaving well. I'm happy for Suki. It just saddens me that there are no longer puppy eyes staring at me whenever I take a peek in her cage when I arrive home in the wee hours of the day.

Ponti, my new dog

Help! New Dog Name

I need everyone's help on this. I just brought home a new Male Poodle. He's 3 months old and he's so adorable and smart! His original name is Twigy but I'd like to change it. Can anybody please give me a better French name that sounds gay-ish? :) You can recommend a name by simply sending a comment to this post. But if you like some of the names I have thought of, just click on the poll:

Possible Names:

Brys

Pepper

Coco

Louis

Mon Ami

Kahlua

Sue Jue