Yoga and Tantra - Part 2

Asana means a position that is both firm and pleasant. The practice of Yoga postures, or asanas, helps in the development of a stable and healthy body, tuning its capacity to withstand powerful ecstatic experiences. Though hundreds of thousands of postures are said to exist, the authoritative texts state that if only a few of them are practiced correctly, more than adequate results will be attained.

My favortie pose for open my heart- king pigeon @primavera.yoga

A posture may prove easy for one person and difficult for another. One person will find the lotus posture perfectly natural, whereas another will find it difficult or near impossible. One should not, therefore, feel discouraged

if certain Yoga asanas seem out of reach. Practice those that come naturally and develop confidence. Leave the more difficult ones until later, when the muscles have become loosened and more flexible. Sometimes a new posture may be tried spontaneously. It's amazing how the body sometimes suddenly changes to accommodate a new form (even if it take sometimes years, it is a journey).

Many of the Yoga asanas were inspired by the flowers, animals, and other creatures whose names they bear, for example, the lotus posture, the lion posture, and the serpent posture. Yoga postures are a type of body language that communicates with the divinity within. There is a magical potency inherent in their form. Anyone who takes the trouble to practice Yoga asanas quickly becomes aware of this.

Many primitive tribes mimic the movements, postures, and sounds of animals, believing that in so doing, they create a magical contact with them. It may well be that Yoga asanas, which mimic other creatures, allow us to contact earlier forms in our evolutionary heritage. Numerous sexual are based on life forms other than our own.

When energies are exchanged and channeled through Tantric love-postures, they cause a resonance that travels beyond the dimensions of our world. Several Tantric texts refer to sexual postures as vehicles for supernormal or out-of-body travel.  (try to watch the film don't look down (2008))

The main purpose of the Yoga asana is to circulate subtle energies in a precise way. A well-balanced body, firmly positioned, does not encounter difficulty for staying in meditation or in conscious ecstasy. Postures create a particular form for the body that serves as a way for communication with the Self. In advanced Tantric practices precise body postures are used during rituals to evoke particular archetypes and familiarize the Yogi with them.

As I mentioned in Part 1, the early part of the morning (especially sunrise) or the early evening (especially sunset) are particularly good times to practice Yoga asanas. First thing upon rising in the morning, drink a little pure fresh water to tone up the organs. Then take a bath or shower and clean the nostrils and tongue (the techniques for this will be described in another post, meanwhile, you can look for Neti pot for the nostrils and tongue scraping are both from the Ayurveda) Stretch the body and do a few light exercises.

You can evolve your own order of practice or follow the instructions of a good Yoga manual. Generally, you should advance gradually to the more complex positions as you warm up during the session.

Breathing techniques are very much a part of Yoga asanas and should be practiced at the same time. But don't force them and always be sure to use your common sense. For example, don't move from an asana that requires

exertion to a breathing technique without first allowing the body to adjust.

The more complex asanas can be easily achieved by first meditating and visualizing the form and flow of energy through the posture. Then, when you physically attempt the posture, you will be surprised to find a new ease and ability. The body opens up and becomes flexible once the mind has understood and gained ascendancy over a posture.

Yoga is best practiced as a creative activity rather than a mere task. Let the positions "speak" to you and learn to flow naturally from one to the other (that’s why it is much better to practice alone and not in a class. My advice is to do some private classes, so you are sure you are doing the postures correctly and then practice on your own). The practice of Yoga asanas will deepen your insight into the meaning of life, enable your body to function effectively and harmoniously, and help you to develop a deep awareness of the Subtle Body and its energies.

In all transcendental sexual experiences, a healthy and relaxed body is an ally. A stiff torso is a real hindrance to sexual exploration; it reflects physicality, guilt, and psychological retentiveness rather than ecstasy or liberation. Hatha Yoga is the antithesis of heavy physical exercise. A good Yogi is not muscle-bound; rather, his strength lies within.

Generally, it is best to learn at least two sitting postures, several stretching positions, simple reclining positions, a squatting position, a reverse position (like the headstand), and at least one complex asana.

freshwaterYoga becomes a natural part of your life, you'll be amazed to find how much extra energy and spirit you have for day-today activities. For couples wishing to expand the parameters of their physical relationship, there is no greater preparation than shared participation in Yoga.

The posture known as head of a cow (gomukhasana) is created by linking the hands in turn, as shown. It creates a special energy circuit, opening up the heart and throat centers, effectively releasing tension. Several variations of this posture also involve the lower part of the body; in these the legs are either crossed in the lotus posture or directly over each other as in the heroic posture.

The serpent posture or cobra exercises the spine and tones up the internal organs. From a totally relaxed recumbent position, the body is stretched and tensed while the breath is held, causing an expansion of consciousness and heightened sensual awareness. It improves circulation and stimulates the sexual organs.

The fish posture (matsyasana) is ideal for total relaxation and meditation. First take up the full lotus posture and gradually lean back until the head rests on the floor. Practice arching up the back while keeping the head in position. This posture helps correct improper breathing, strengthens the lungs, and stimulates the circulation. It is also helpful in regaining involuntarily lost sexual energy.

This type of standing posture requires balance and should be used to focus the mind and channel vital energy to different subtle centers (Chakras) by the placement of hand or hands. The "bound" position of the body creates a special circuit that concentrates energy. Both these positions tone up the internal organs (liver, spleen, and intestines, especially) and aid the development of mental and spiritual intensity.

The bound lotus posture (bandha padmasana) creates flexibility in the neck, shoulders, and back. Once the position is achieved, the head should be thrown back and a number of deep breaths inhaled. Then bend forward while exhaling and touch the forehead to the ground. This helps awaken the latent Kundalini and should be accompanied by constriction of the anal sphincter muscles.

The camel posture (ushtrasana) evolves from a bow-like shape, linking hands and feet. The hands

are lifted up and brought together as illustrated. This posture is very beneficial to the back and stimulates the glandular system. It also helps one gain control of sexual energy.

The Yoga head stand (shirsasana) is one of the most effective postures for reversing the outward flow of sexual energy. When practicing it, one should visualize all energy flowing to the head.

The Yoga head stand helps reverse the involuntary outward flow of energy.

Taken Slowly the feet should be brought up close to the elbows, lifted up and straightened. The Yoga head stand shouldnot be rushed; the "base" of interlocked hands and the two elbows should be carefully held, and breathing focused at the navel region. Practiced with care, the Yoga head stand ensures a proper blood supply to the pituitary, pineal, and thyroid glands and tones up the whole body. It is particularly helpful in overcoming loss of memory, aging, and sexual problems.

The supported complete body posture (salamba sarvangasana) or shoulder stand is an inverted position that has a direct beneficial effect on the whole glandular system, especially the thyroid. This posture aids the balance of hormonal levels in the body, tones up the organs, and helps relieve asthma, bronchitis, colds, and headaches. It invigorates the whole being and improves overall health and beauty. Here I am doing another variation of it.

The plow posture (halasana) should be practiced as slowly as possible. It is helpful to the muscles of the back and neck, increases the flow of blood to the legs and effectively reduces fatigue.

Place the hands level and equipoised below the navel center. While thus sitting in the lotus posture, straighten the spinal column, throw out the diaphragm and bend the neck to the shape of a hook, pressing the chin near to the throat. Place the tongue against the roof of the mouth, just behind the teeth. All these factors help the practitioner of Yoga to experience true meditation. - SECRET DOCTRINES OF MAHAMUDRA

For part 1 : https://mynameisaviv.blogspot.com/2019/12/yoga-and-tantra-part-1.html

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.I will be happy also to hear what do you think or any question in the comments below

Namaste

Yoga and Tantra- Part 1

The meaning of the word Yoga is "to join together," to "make union." In the Tantric tradition sexual union is considered the highest form of Yoga. When Yoga is practiced alone, an internal "marriage" takes place between the various complementary parts of the body, such as the upper and lower life energies, the solar and lunar vitalities, the head and the heart. Yoga is the practice of transcending duality through conscious action; as such, it takes place on both physical and metaphysical levels.

The Yoga of the The physical body dynamically promotes the health and well-being of the individual. Practiced consistently and correctly, it will eliminate most of the strains and stresses of modern life. Yoga rejuvenates the body and mind by relaxing tense muscles, soothing frayed nerves, and toning the internal organs and glandular system, so preparing the whole body to be a fit vehicle for the experience of Tantric evolution. A radiantly healthy body is a prerequisite to the correct practice of Tantra.

Hatha Yoga can be learned from books, TV programs or classes, but whatever the mode of instruction, moderation and common sense must prevail. For example, one should never try to practice complex Yoga postures when physically ill, except under the guidance of a doctor or teacher, nor should one do so just before or after mealtimes. Yoga should be practiced neither immediately before nor just after extreme physical exertion. Reverse postures should not be practiced by a woman during menstruation.

 Yoga should always start with simple stretching exercises to activate the circulation of blood and the flow of vital energy.
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The state of mind in which a person enters into any practice will largely determine the result. Therefore, do not be over-ambitious and force the postures, but let the body come to them gradually and naturally, when it is ready. The best times for Yoga practices are the early morning and early evening. Try to get into a regular routine. It really isn't necessary to spend hours each day on physical Yoga; ten minutes or half an hour is sufficient, provided it is practiced regularly and with concentration. Remember that the physical exercises of  Yoga are not ends in themselves but means to develop and strengthen your body and mind.

Remember that Practices or postures that one day seem impossible may be accomplished easily and naturally a week later. It is, however, important to persevere and have faith in the long-term benefits. The powers of a creative attitude and Will are tremendous. Since all the techniques of Hatha Yoga are eminently suited to the human organism, it's the unnatural conditioning of the body and mind that we must strive to overcome. Each of us is a natural Yogi or Yogini (female Yogi) if only we permit ourselves to be. Get to know your body and learn to discern its real from its imaginary needs. Be receptive and let your body speak to you directly. Above all, treat it as an intelligent friend and ally; get to know every part of it and, if necessary, coax or talk it into a state of harmony.

When two people live together, spontaneity is a crucial element to their survival as a couple. Yoga fosters this essential spontaneity and can be a shared and mutually appreciated practice. 

Yogic positions are evocative of natural elements or forces; many are named after animals, birds, or other creatures.

Yoga postures can be performed for your partner rather than for yourself alone.

Watching your partner perform the different postures stimulates the erotic sentiment. When practiced with confidence and in the right spirit, they are certainly erotic.

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Many of the sexual postures outlined in the Tantra tradition are facilitated by a grounding in Hatha Yoga. I recommend practicing Yoga either in the nude or with minimal clothing for the aesthetic value, as well as to allow for maximum freedom of movement. When the body is naked, the life energies circulate more freely than when it is clothed. Furthermore, naked Yoga creates an atmosphere charged with erotic energy. Naturally, if the temperature is cool, it is advisable to wear something light but

unrestricted. Synthetic fabrics are not suitable because they obstruct the free flow of vital energies; natural fabrics such as cotton, light wool, or silk are preferable. When Yoga becomes a natural part of your lifestyle, many obstacles to spiritual progress will be removed, allowing Tantric and Taoist Yogas of Love to be more easily mastered.

A person should resort to Yoga, which is like the fruit of the Wish-Granting

Tree. The Yogi destroys diseases by the postures, Karmas by breath control, and

mental disturbances by the withdrawal of the senses from the external world. A

Yogi in the highest state of Samadhi is not affected by time or any other action.

GORAKSASHATAKAM

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If you have questions, write me in the comments below.

Namaste

What is Mantra and how is Mantra Meditation different from other types of meditation? (+ some of my favortie mantras)

Mantra meditation is one of the most effective styles of meditation out there. When I say effective, I mean, it works to focus, and consequently, quiet, the mind in a way other forms of meditation don’t do. Mantras serve as focusing devices for making the mind one-pointed and calm. The vibrations of the mantra have been linked to the vibration of someone shaking your shoulders to wake you up from sleep. A mantra is designed to awaken the mind from its habitual sleep of ignorance.

For example, Vipassana Meditation (which I tried this year for the first time), a form used in the world of Mindfulness, is considered an open meditation. You might use your breath as a means of focus to begin. But, as time goes on, you’ll begin bringing your awareness to whatever else exists in your internal and external environment. In this form, it’s as if you’re watching and witnessing anything and everything that comes into your consciousness, with a non-judgmental kind of attention. It allows for whatever comes in.

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Mantra meditation, on the other hand, doesn’t aim for this kind of open allowing. It works in a different way, making use of a mantra, or sacred sound, to focus the mind. When we sit to practice mantra meditation, we train our attention to focus solely upon the sound of the mantra and nothing else.

A mantra can be thought of as a kind of tool for the mind. It has an uncanny way of bringing the awareness into stillness, that’s then directed toward a particular sacred sound. The mantra is then repeated over and over again. This continual repetition of sound brings our minds into a kind of trance-like state. Once we reach this trance-like state, our minds can relax deeper and deeper. It shifts our brains into a deep state of relaxation, which has a deeply healing impact.

The rhythm of the sound will work on a subconscious level and permeate our inner rhythms.

Spoken aloud (or even just to listening to audio) for a few minutes in the morning, an effective mantra can reverberate silently in the mind all day long.  When I traveled to India, I used to listen in the bars in the morning for a repeating mantra for 2 hours, and it made me peaceful, relax and concentrate, also helped to raise my intuition. You can try it on your way to work, while stuck in traffic, interesting how do you feel when you will arrive to your workplace.

For this reason, mantra meditation is one of the best forms of meditation to focus the busy, modern-day mind. It’s also fun, with so many mantras to choose from.

with my beautiful Guru Leta

My favorite Mantras:

Aum or the Om

Pronounced ‘Ohm’. It means ‘It Is, Will Be or To Become’. It is the most universal mantra. For its simplicity and specific sound, it is considered to be the sound of the universe. It represents the original vibration, the cycle of life – the birth and death. Reincarnation.

Research tells us there could be a scientific reason behind the popularity of Aum. Chanting Aum is thought to match the natural frequency of the universe – 432 Hertz, thereby bringing us to harmonically resonate with the cosmos. In contrast, most modern music is thought to be consistent with the 440 Hertz frequency.

Aligning yourself with the lower frequency will calm you down and ease you into your meditation process.

If you want to have more energy on a specific day, make the OHHH part longer. Instead, if you want to relax and to be calmer, make the sound OH short and make a long sound of MMMMMMM. You should try both and you can feel the differences if you don’t believe J.

Aham-Prema

The mantra is pronounced as ‘Aah-ham-pree-mah’. It translates to ‘I am Divine Love’.

Chanting this mantra, you are aligning yourself with divine love – everything that unconditional love is and can be for you. Acceptance, purity, compliance, admiration, adoration, appreciation, gratitude, forgiveness, affection, emotion, harmony.

‘Aham Prema’ is a simple mantra to be repeated in a chant 108 times. It brings together mind, body, and soul in peace. It will help you leave your past behind. It will clear your mind from distraction and will give you purpose. ‘Aham Prema’ will energize you and give you a fresh start.

"Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu"

is commonly associated with the Jivamukti Yoga School. It translates to "May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all." It is a powerful chant that focuses on living a life as a servant to the greater good. It encourages cooperation, compassion and living in harmony, not only among other humans but with nature as well.

my village during the 3 months I lived in Mamma India

There are so many different mantras you can use, you can also decide on a sentence which you would like to repeat.

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 Another option is to put Audio of the Mantra and listen to it. I used to listen to THAT one for hours during the time I used to live in Dharamkot, India. I used to sit each morning in the coffee shop, drinking Lemon Ginger, after coffee, and meanwhile listen to it (all the cafe around that area playing it for 2 hours each morning). Perfect mornings!! We used to sing it and other Mantras  during class

NAMASTE.

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Daily Wellness routine

Wellness to me is about a holistic view of looking after yourself emotionally, physically, and spiritually, and finding what works for you because we are all different. Finding balance in all areas in my life is important—including setting aside time for myself to do things that bring me joy. That way I feel that I can give more of myself to others or what I happen to be working on at the time.

Meditation and Coconut from the tree - O'clock @primavera.yoga

My everyday Self Care routine

Regular Skincare Routine: 

In the morning, I use LA Roche-Posay aqua micellar as a Cleanser, and after LaRoche-Posay Milk Sensitive. I don’t use a cleanser which will make me use water on my face cause the water dries my skin (I have very dry skin). Then I will use Dr. Hauschka facial toner, also amazing advice I got from my esthetician in Milan, it is closing my pores and ton my skin. Then I will put a serum, moisturizer and eye cream, and then of course sunscreen 50spf, that is my favorite one: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Almost every evening I will do a facial mask (I am trying each time something else). I will do another blog on my favorite products so far.

: Meditation & Pranayama

Regular meditation helps me stay calm and centered. I try to meditate at least once a day. In the morning, it helps me to set my intention for the day, so I start the day with a positive mindset. During my yoga classes, I will add a 5/10 min of meditation time at the end of the class. The yoga practice (Asana the correct name) the purpose is to make you able to sit in meditation and to feel comfortable in this position with a clams mind. It also good to meditate at night it’s great to let go of the day and unwind for a deep, restful sleep. At night before sleep, I usually do a guided meditation (each time I'll try something else).

: Dry Body Brushing 

Each morning before showering, I dry brush my body I use this one. I find it’s the best way to help get the circulation going, remove any dead skin cells, and energize my body. I start at my feet and move up my leg with quick strokes, then gently on to my arms, brushing toward the heart. Once a week during my shower I will do a scrub for all my body (without the face) with black coffee and coconut oil. After my shower, I apply coconut oil or almond oil over my body. I like to heat the oil and sometimes I will combine it with castor oil (in the Ayurveda they say it is detoxifying). I like also to massage my stomach only with castor oil before bed, it makes your stomach flat (also ayurvedic .secret). The oils also can help with flexibility especially the back bending

: Facial Massages

Another step to my morning and evening beauty routine is gua sha facial. It’s a Gade heart-shaped stone used to massage your face and neck to stimulate circulation and reduce puffiness while lifting, toning, and sculpting your face. I use this technique daily for a five-minute facial massage with the Face Oil, as it also helps it absorb deeper into my skin.

: Exercise 

I I also think it’s important to exercise regularly and to move your body, so I try my best to schedule some sort of exercise every day. I like to mix run/ bicycle with toning and elongating the muscles (I am obsessed with HIT workout especially with Lisa-Marie Zbozen- on YouTube ). I love to sweat. Usually, I exercise at least 1 hour each day ,not including the yoga practice.

Living for 3 months in Bocas del Toro doesn't stop me from exercising every day, also in the local gym

Me Time :

I feel that it’s important to take a little time each day for yourself. I need to learn something new, read books, and just reflect. I love walking by the beach even just for 10 minutes. Also, I like to leave my phone at home.

Prepare for Sleep :

Sleep is so important for our overall wellness. Incorporate a little nighttime ritual to help yourself wind down from the day and to encourage a restful night’s sleep. I like to do a meditation, turn off the Wi-Fi, and then I mist my pillow with lavender essential oil, as the aromatherapy is very soothing and relaxing.

Check out my morning ritual: https://mynameisaviv.blogspot.com/2019/12/my-morning-riutal.html

How to minimize the look of strech marks: https://mynameisaviv.blogspot.com/2020/01/how-to-minimize-look-of-stretch-marks.html

My daily wellness routine: https://mynameisaviv.blogspot.com/2019/12/daily-wellness-routine.html



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