heart of the village yoga

Yoga Blog
Articles

Significance and Magic of 108

Why are there 108 beads on a Mala? Why do  we chant mantras (repetitive prayers) 108 times? Why in the most ancient traditions is 108 considered a holy number? There are many meanings describing the significance of the number 108. Some of the scientific, mathematical, astrological and spiritual explanations are: The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun. The average distance

Read More »
March 27, 2016
Meditation

Ocean Meditation at the seashore

Jo Kirsch leads a quiet, calming meditation recorded at the beach. The focus is on breathing in and breathing out while listening to the ebb and flow of the waves. Transport yourself to the seaside and unite your mind and body with your breath.

Read More »
April 8, 2015
Articles

How Yin Yoga Can Help Us Heal

By Biff Mithoefer –  The practice of yin yoga is a return to yoga’s ancient meditative roots. It’s a very simple practice; in its simplicity lies its quiet power. There are two things that make a yoga asana more yin. First, the posture must allow muscles to relax. It is only when the muscles relax that we may access the deep yin parts of the body, the connective tissue. Perhaps most importantly, the asana must be done with an attitude

Read More »
April 2, 2015
Meditation

What is the meaning of Om?

Om is a sound and symbol, rich in meaning and depth, often chanted at the beginning and end of yoga classes. It appears at the beginning and end of most Sanskrit (ancient language originated in India) prayers. It is a mystic syllable, considered the most sacred mantra. Hindus believe that as creation began, the divine, all-encompassing consciousness took the form of the first and original vibration manifesting as sound “OM”. Hindus believe the mantra “OM” is the name of God,

Read More »
January 11, 2014
Articles

Hand Counting Meditation Practice

Counting on the fingers is an ancient Indian ritual used for breathing exercises and meditation. One does so by placing the thumb in various positions each time we breathe in. Move the thumb around the knuckles in a circular manner. See the diagram below. Doing so, you take 12 compete breaths. Consider that one round. You can keep track of your rounds with your other hand. When sitting down to meditate, I like to breathe 10 rounds of 12. When

Read More »
May 22, 2012
Articles

Meditations & Poems of Comfort

A Few Meditations and Poems of Comfort, Solace and Inspiration Practice the verses below by Thich Naht Hanh in sync with your breath: Breathing in I calm my body. Breathing out I smile. Dwelling in the present moment. I know this is a wonderful moment. Breathing in, calm. Breathing out, smile. Present moment. Wonderful moment.          – Thich Nhat Hanh The Peace of Wild Things When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in

Read More »
May 22, 2012
Load More