Thursday, October 8, 2009
Casio's "Action Love" Challenge. I dare ya!
Casio’s “ActionLove” Challenge
You might have heard the quote: “live like there is no tomorrow”
I like it, but how about something less selfish.
“Love someone as if there is no tomorrow.”
This is a much better way to have a positive life and a sweeter view on life. For the next 48 hours try this challenge and let me know your outcome.
Friendship:
Talk to your friends as if it would be the last time you shared your day with them.
Thank them for being there for you as if “next time” might not come again.
Listen to their words as if it would be their last words to you.
Parents:
Hug your children as if it would be the last time you held them.
Talk with compassion as if it was the last words they would hear you speak.
Listen to them with full attention as if it was the last time you had interaction.
Spouses:
Kiss your spouse as if it would be the last time you kiss each other.
Talk to each other with kindness as if it was your last words.
Make Love to each other as if you would never have intimacy again.
Your Self:
Think positive thoughts about your self as if you had to write your own obituary
Exercise as if was the last day you had two legs
Give from the heart as if it was your last chance to earn more jewels for your crown.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going; there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
In other words do your best, no matter what you do or say- do your best! Life is to short and unpredictable, we never know when it could be our last moments. We take so many things for granted and it reflects in how we treat each other. Seek to find the courage to try this challenge and love each other as if was your last chance.
Send your outcome to: actionlove@casiojones.com
Make the next 48 hours something to remember!
Casio
Friday, September 25, 2009
Sports Drink -To drink or not to drink?
Ok, here's my take on Sports drinks..
Most sport drinks including Gatorade has sugar and a lot of it.. Check your Carbohydrates amount compare to your sugar amount on the food label. You will see all the carbohydrates are coming from sugar. During most exercise bouts your body only needs water before, during and after your exercise bout (run, workout etc.) If you are exercising under extreme heat or outside training on a hot day for 90 minutes or more, it is recommended you take in a sport drink to replace some minerals and electrolytes you may have loss from sweating during your activity. This may also apply to someone out of shape; their body may react with excessive amount of sweating and then may need to replace their minerals and electrolytes.
Some people may experience an energy kick from drinking a sport drink during a workout. Once again, sugar! Sugar will provide a quick source of energy. Personally I rather see someone adjust their meals on their training days to make sure they taking in enough nutrients to provide then enough fuel to make it through their workout. By adding an apple, plum or orange before a workout could help kick up their workout with a healthier source of fructose, plus you’ll be adding fiber and other Phytochemicals from fruits.
Also, some sport drinks add caffeine, which will give you a kick.
Sport Drinks that are sugar free or lite in sugar are the worse of the bunch.. What are they putting in to replace the sugar? You are better off to drink one with sugar then one with another sugar replacing chemical. Right now Stevia and Xylitol are the only natural and safe sweeteners we have that I know about.
Sport Drinks can be useful at times and thus were created for a certain reason. However our society has used and abused Sport drinks as a safe alternative to soda or juice. But once again check your labels and you will see it’s not a safe alterative. Give your body what it needs and wants WATER.
I hope this was helpful!
Most sport drinks including Gatorade has sugar and a lot of it.. Check your Carbohydrates amount compare to your sugar amount on the food label. You will see all the carbohydrates are coming from sugar. During most exercise bouts your body only needs water before, during and after your exercise bout (run, workout etc.) If you are exercising under extreme heat or outside training on a hot day for 90 minutes or more, it is recommended you take in a sport drink to replace some minerals and electrolytes you may have loss from sweating during your activity. This may also apply to someone out of shape; their body may react with excessive amount of sweating and then may need to replace their minerals and electrolytes.
Some people may experience an energy kick from drinking a sport drink during a workout. Once again, sugar! Sugar will provide a quick source of energy. Personally I rather see someone adjust their meals on their training days to make sure they taking in enough nutrients to provide then enough fuel to make it through their workout. By adding an apple, plum or orange before a workout could help kick up their workout with a healthier source of fructose, plus you’ll be adding fiber and other Phytochemicals from fruits.
Also, some sport drinks add caffeine, which will give you a kick.
Sport Drinks that are sugar free or lite in sugar are the worse of the bunch.. What are they putting in to replace the sugar? You are better off to drink one with sugar then one with another sugar replacing chemical. Right now Stevia and Xylitol are the only natural and safe sweeteners we have that I know about.
Sport Drinks can be useful at times and thus were created for a certain reason. However our society has used and abused Sport drinks as a safe alternative to soda or juice. But once again check your labels and you will see it’s not a safe alterative. Give your body what it needs and wants WATER.
I hope this was helpful!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Don't unthink.. Think!! Would you give your child a chemical that cause cancer?
I have noticed so many new Unthink advertisements as of lately and I can’t help but remember a Dr. McDougall’s quote " Money will silence the truth".. Here’s a little truth I would like to share with you. I just feel we should be aware of what we are eating and understand their bottom line is at their best interest not your health.
Carcinogen Found in KFC's New Grilled Chicken
Doctors Ask KFC to Withdraw Kentucky Grilled Chicken After Tests Reveal PhIP
WASHINGTON—Tests of KFC's new Kentucky Grilled Chicken have revealed substantial amounts of a carcinogenic chemical in all samples tested, according to a report released today by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), which is asking KFC to withdraw the product from sale.
A PCRM scientist visited six different KFC stores, obtained two samples from each location, and sent them to an independent testing laboratory. All 12 samples were found to contain PhIP, a chemical classified as a carcinogen by the federal government. PhIP, part of a chemical family known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs), has been linked to several forms of cancer, including breast cancer, in dozens of scientific studies. No safe level of ingestion has been identified. Every sample also tested positive for at least one additional type of HCA.
The new KFC grilled chicken products were the focus of a controversial promotion by Oprah Winfrey, who offered coupons for free Kentucky Grilled Chicken meals on her Web site. PCRM has alerted Ms. Winfrey to these findings.
"Just as the fat and cholesterol in fried chicken have prompted concerns about heart attacks and obesity, the carcinogenic chemicals found in Kentucky Grilled Chicken raise serious concerns about cancer risk," said Kristie Sullivan, M.P.H., a PCRM toxicologist. "No parent would knowingly serve carcinogens to a child, and parents have no idea these chemicals are in KFC products. We are asking KFC to withdraw Kentucky Grilled Chicken."
PhIP and other HCAs do not exist naturally in chicken; they form when animal muscle is cooked to high temperatures. The National Toxicology Program administered by the National Institutes of Health has identified PhIP as carcinogenic, as have the State of California and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research,and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research.
Carcinogen Found in KFC's New Grilled Chicken
Doctors Ask KFC to Withdraw Kentucky Grilled Chicken After Tests Reveal PhIP
WASHINGTON—Tests of KFC's new Kentucky Grilled Chicken have revealed substantial amounts of a carcinogenic chemical in all samples tested, according to a report released today by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), which is asking KFC to withdraw the product from sale.
A PCRM scientist visited six different KFC stores, obtained two samples from each location, and sent them to an independent testing laboratory. All 12 samples were found to contain PhIP, a chemical classified as a carcinogen by the federal government. PhIP, part of a chemical family known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs), has been linked to several forms of cancer, including breast cancer, in dozens of scientific studies. No safe level of ingestion has been identified. Every sample also tested positive for at least one additional type of HCA.
The new KFC grilled chicken products were the focus of a controversial promotion by Oprah Winfrey, who offered coupons for free Kentucky Grilled Chicken meals on her Web site. PCRM has alerted Ms. Winfrey to these findings.
"Just as the fat and cholesterol in fried chicken have prompted concerns about heart attacks and obesity, the carcinogenic chemicals found in Kentucky Grilled Chicken raise serious concerns about cancer risk," said Kristie Sullivan, M.P.H., a PCRM toxicologist. "No parent would knowingly serve carcinogens to a child, and parents have no idea these chemicals are in KFC products. We are asking KFC to withdraw Kentucky Grilled Chicken."
PhIP and other HCAs do not exist naturally in chicken; they form when animal muscle is cooked to high temperatures. The National Toxicology Program administered by the National Institutes of Health has identified PhIP as carcinogenic, as have the State of California and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research,and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research.
Friday, July 3, 2009
How Fat is Florida?
New Report Finds Florida Has 39th Highest Percent of Obese Adults and 17th Highest Percent of Obese and Overweight Children in the U.S.
Washington, D.C., July 1, 2009 - Florida has the 39th highest rate of adult obesity in the nation, at 24.1 percent and the 17th highest of overweight youths (ages 10-17) at 33.1 percent, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).
The rate of obese adults increased in the state in the past year. Adult obesity rates increased in 23 states and did not decrease in a single state in the past year, according to the F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America 2009. In addition, the percentage of obese and overweight children is at or above 30 percent in 30 states.
"Our health care costs have grown along with our waist lines," said Jeff Levi, Ph.D., executive director of TFAH. "The obesity epidemic is a big contributor to the skyrocketing health care costs in the United States. How are we going to compete with the rest of the world if our economy and workforce are weighed down by bad health?"
Mississippi had the highest rate of adult obesity at 32.5 percent, making it the fifth year in a row that the state topped the list. Four states now have rates above 30 percent, including Mississippi, West Virginia (31.2 percent), Alabama (31.1 percent) and Tennessee (30.2 percent). Eight of the 10 states with the highest percentage of obese adults are in the South. Colorado continued to have the lowest percentage of obese adults at 18.9 percent.
Adult obesity rates now exceed 25 percent in 31 states and exceed 20 percent in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Two-thirds of American adults are either obese or overweight. In 1991, no state had an obesity rate above 20 percent. In 1980, the national average for adult obesity was 15 percent. Sixteen states experienced an increase for the second year in a row, and 11 states experienced an increase for the third straight year.
Mississippi also had the highest rate of obese and overweight children (ages 10 to 17) at 44.4 percent. Minnesota and Utah had the lowest rate at 23.1 percent. Eight of the 10 states with the highest rates of obese and overweight children are in the South. Childhood obesity rates have more than tripled since 1980.
"Reversing the childhood obesity epidemic is a critical ingredient for delivering a healthier population and making health reform work," said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., RWJF president and CEO. "If we can prevent the current generation of young people from developing the serious and costly chronic conditions related to obesity, we can not only improve health and quality of life, but we can also save billions of dollars and make our health care systems more efficient and sustainable."
The F as in Fat report contains rankings of state obesity rates and a review of federal and state government policies aimed at reducing or preventing obesity. Some additional key findings from F as in Fat 2009 include:
* The current economic crisis could exacerbate the obesity epidemic. Food prices, particularly for more nutritious foods, are expected to rise, making it more difficult for families to eat healthy foods. At the same time, safety-net programs and services are becoming increasingly overextended as the numbers of unemployed, uninsured and underinsured continue to grow. In addition, due to the strain of the recession, rates of depression, anxiety and stress, which are linked to obesity for many individuals, also are increasing.
* Nineteen states now have nutritional standards for school lunches, breakfasts and snacks that are stricter than current USDA requirements. Florida is one of the states that does not have these standards. Five years ago, only four states had legislation requiring stricter standards.
* Twenty-seven states have nutritional standards for competitive foods sold a la carte, in vending machines, in school stores or in school bake sales. Florida is one of the states that does not have these standards. Five years ago, only six states had nutritional standards for competitive foods.
* Twenty states have passed requirements for body mass index (BMI) screenings of children and adolescents or have passed legislation requiring other forms of weight-related assessments in schools. Florida is one of the states that does have one of these screening programs. Five years ago, only four states had passed screening requirements.
* A recent analysis commissioned by TFAH found that the Baby Boomer generation has a higher rate of obesity compared with previous generations. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, obesity-related costs to Medicare and Medicaid are likely to grow significantly because of the large number of people in this population and its high rate of obesity. And, as Baby Boomers become Medicare-eligible, the percentage of obese adults age 65 and older could increase significantly. Estimates of the increase in percentage of obese adults range from 5.2 percent in New York to 16.3 percent in Alabama.
Key report recommendations for addressing obesity within health reform include:
* Ensuring every adult and child has access to coverage for preventive medical services, including nutrition and obesity counseling and screening for obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes;
* Increasing the number of programs available in communities, schools, and childcare settings that help make nutritious foods more affordable and accessible and provide safe and healthy places for people to engage in physical activity; and
* Reducing Medicare expenditures by promoting proven programs that improve nutrition and increase physical activity among adults ages 55 to 64.
The report also calls for a National Strategy to Combat Obesity that would define roles and responsibilities for federal, state and local governments and promote collaboration among businesses, communities, schools and families. It would seek to advance policies that
* Provide healthy foods and beverages to students at schools;
* Increase the availability of affordable healthy foods in all communities;
* Increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of physical activity at school;
* Improve access to safe and healthy places to live, work, learn, and play;
* Limit screen time; and
* Encourage employers to provide workplace wellness programs.
The report was supported by a grant from RWJF.
State-by-State Adult Obesity Rankings
Note: 1 = Highest rate of adult obesity, 51 = lowest rate of adult obesity. Rankings are based on combining three years of data (2006-2008) from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to "stabilize" data for comparison purposes. This methodology, recommended by the CDC, compensates for any potential anomalies or usual changes due to the specific sample in any given year in any given state. States with a statistically significant (p<0.05) increase for one year are noted with an asterisk (*), states with statistically significant increases for two years in a row are noted with two asterisks (**), states with statistically significant increases for three years in a row are noted with three asterisks (***). Additional information about methodologies and confidence interval is available in the report. Adults with a body mass index, a calculation based on weight and height ratios, of 30 or higher are considered obese.
1. Mississippi*** (32.5%); 2. Alabama* (31.2%); 3. West Virginia (31.1%); 4. Tennessee*** (30.2%); 5. South Carolina (29.7%); 6. Oklahoma*** (29.5%); 7. Kentucky (29.0%); 8. Louisiana (28.9%); 9. Michigan*** (28.8%) 10. (tie) Arkansas (28.6%) and Ohio* (28.6%); 12. North Carolina*** (28.3%); 13. Missouri (28.1%); 14. (tie) Georgia (27.9%) and Texas (27.9%); 16. Indiana (27.4%); 17. Delaware*** (27.3%); 18. (tie) Alaska (27.2%) and Kansas*** (27.2%) 20. (tie) Nebraska (26.9%) and South Dakota*** (26.9%); 22. (tie) Iowa (26.7%) and North Dakota* (26.7%) and Pennsylvania** 26.7%; 25. (tie) Maryland*** (26.0%) and Wisconsin (26.0%); 27. Illinois 25.9%; 28. (tie) Oregon (25.4%) and Virginia (25.4) and Washington*** (25.4%); 31. Minnesota (25.3%); 32. Nevada* 25.1%; 33. (tie) Arizona** (24.8%) and Idaho (24.8%); 35. Maine* (24.7%); 36. New Mexico*** (24.6%); 37. New York** (24.5%) 38. Wyoming (24.3%); 39. (tie) Florida* (24.1%) and New Hampshire (24.1%); 41. California (23.6%); 42. New Jersey (23.4%); 43. Montana** (22.7%); 44. Utah (22.5%); 45. District of Columbia (22.3%); 46. Vermont** (22.1%); 47. Hawaii* (21.8%); 48. Rhode Island (21.7%); 49. Connecticut (21.3%); 50. Massachusetts (21.2%); 51. Colorado (18.9%)
State-by-State Obese and Overweight Children Ages 10-17 Rankings
Note: 1 = Highest rate of childhood overweight, 51 = lowest. Rankings are based on the National Survey of Children's Health, a phone survey of parents with children ages 10-17 conducted in 2007 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additional information about methodologies and confidence intervals is available in the report. Children with a body mass index, a calculation based on weight and height ratios, at or above the 95th percentile for their age are considered obese and children at or above the 85th percentile are considered overweight. States with statistically significant (p<0.05) increases in combined obesity and overweight since the NSCH was last issued in 2003 are noted with an asterisk (*).
1. Mississippi* (44.4%); 2. Arkansas (37.5%); 3. Georgia (37.3%); 4. Kentucky (37.1%) 5. Tennessee (36.5%) 6. Alabama (36.1%); 7. Louisiana (35.9%); 8. West Virginia (35.5%); 9. District of Columbia (35.4%); 10. Illinois (34.9%); 11. Nevada* (34.2%); 12. Alaska (33.9%); 13. South Carolina (33.7%); 14. North Carolina (33.5%); 15. Ohio (33.3%); 16. Delaware (33.2%); 17. Florida (33.1%); 18. New York (32.9%); 19. New Mexico (32.7%) 20. Texas (32.2%) 21. Nebraska (31.5%); 22. Kansas (31.1%); 23. (tie) Missouri (31.0%) and New Jersey (31.0%) and Virginia (31.0%); 26. (tie) Arizona (30.6%) and Michigan (30.6%); 28. California (30.5%); 29. Rhode Island (30.1%); 30. Massachusetts (30.0%) 31. Indiana (29.9%) 32. Pennsylvania (29.7%); 33. (tie) Oklahoma (29.5%) and Washington (29.5%); 35. New Hampshire (29.4%); 36. Maryland (28.8%); 37. Hawaii (28.5%); 38. South Dakota (28.4%); 39. Maine (28.2%); 40. Wisconsin (27.9%); 41. Idaho (27.5%); 42. Colorado (27.2%); 43. Vermont (26.7%); 44. Iowa (26.5%); 45. (tie) Connecticut (25.7%) and North Dakota (25.7%) and Wyoming (25.7%); 48. Montana (25.6%); 49. Oregon (24.3%); 50. (tie) Minnesota (23.1%) and Utah (23.1%)
Washington, D.C., July 1, 2009 - Florida has the 39th highest rate of adult obesity in the nation, at 24.1 percent and the 17th highest of overweight youths (ages 10-17) at 33.1 percent, according to a new report by Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).
The rate of obese adults increased in the state in the past year. Adult obesity rates increased in 23 states and did not decrease in a single state in the past year, according to the F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America 2009. In addition, the percentage of obese and overweight children is at or above 30 percent in 30 states.
"Our health care costs have grown along with our waist lines," said Jeff Levi, Ph.D., executive director of TFAH. "The obesity epidemic is a big contributor to the skyrocketing health care costs in the United States. How are we going to compete with the rest of the world if our economy and workforce are weighed down by bad health?"
Mississippi had the highest rate of adult obesity at 32.5 percent, making it the fifth year in a row that the state topped the list. Four states now have rates above 30 percent, including Mississippi, West Virginia (31.2 percent), Alabama (31.1 percent) and Tennessee (30.2 percent). Eight of the 10 states with the highest percentage of obese adults are in the South. Colorado continued to have the lowest percentage of obese adults at 18.9 percent.
Adult obesity rates now exceed 25 percent in 31 states and exceed 20 percent in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Two-thirds of American adults are either obese or overweight. In 1991, no state had an obesity rate above 20 percent. In 1980, the national average for adult obesity was 15 percent. Sixteen states experienced an increase for the second year in a row, and 11 states experienced an increase for the third straight year.
Mississippi also had the highest rate of obese and overweight children (ages 10 to 17) at 44.4 percent. Minnesota and Utah had the lowest rate at 23.1 percent. Eight of the 10 states with the highest rates of obese and overweight children are in the South. Childhood obesity rates have more than tripled since 1980.
"Reversing the childhood obesity epidemic is a critical ingredient for delivering a healthier population and making health reform work," said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., RWJF president and CEO. "If we can prevent the current generation of young people from developing the serious and costly chronic conditions related to obesity, we can not only improve health and quality of life, but we can also save billions of dollars and make our health care systems more efficient and sustainable."
The F as in Fat report contains rankings of state obesity rates and a review of federal and state government policies aimed at reducing or preventing obesity. Some additional key findings from F as in Fat 2009 include:
* The current economic crisis could exacerbate the obesity epidemic. Food prices, particularly for more nutritious foods, are expected to rise, making it more difficult for families to eat healthy foods. At the same time, safety-net programs and services are becoming increasingly overextended as the numbers of unemployed, uninsured and underinsured continue to grow. In addition, due to the strain of the recession, rates of depression, anxiety and stress, which are linked to obesity for many individuals, also are increasing.
* Nineteen states now have nutritional standards for school lunches, breakfasts and snacks that are stricter than current USDA requirements. Florida is one of the states that does not have these standards. Five years ago, only four states had legislation requiring stricter standards.
* Twenty-seven states have nutritional standards for competitive foods sold a la carte, in vending machines, in school stores or in school bake sales. Florida is one of the states that does not have these standards. Five years ago, only six states had nutritional standards for competitive foods.
* Twenty states have passed requirements for body mass index (BMI) screenings of children and adolescents or have passed legislation requiring other forms of weight-related assessments in schools. Florida is one of the states that does have one of these screening programs. Five years ago, only four states had passed screening requirements.
* A recent analysis commissioned by TFAH found that the Baby Boomer generation has a higher rate of obesity compared with previous generations. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, obesity-related costs to Medicare and Medicaid are likely to grow significantly because of the large number of people in this population and its high rate of obesity. And, as Baby Boomers become Medicare-eligible, the percentage of obese adults age 65 and older could increase significantly. Estimates of the increase in percentage of obese adults range from 5.2 percent in New York to 16.3 percent in Alabama.
Key report recommendations for addressing obesity within health reform include:
* Ensuring every adult and child has access to coverage for preventive medical services, including nutrition and obesity counseling and screening for obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes;
* Increasing the number of programs available in communities, schools, and childcare settings that help make nutritious foods more affordable and accessible and provide safe and healthy places for people to engage in physical activity; and
* Reducing Medicare expenditures by promoting proven programs that improve nutrition and increase physical activity among adults ages 55 to 64.
The report also calls for a National Strategy to Combat Obesity that would define roles and responsibilities for federal, state and local governments and promote collaboration among businesses, communities, schools and families. It would seek to advance policies that
* Provide healthy foods and beverages to students at schools;
* Increase the availability of affordable healthy foods in all communities;
* Increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of physical activity at school;
* Improve access to safe and healthy places to live, work, learn, and play;
* Limit screen time; and
* Encourage employers to provide workplace wellness programs.
The report was supported by a grant from RWJF.
State-by-State Adult Obesity Rankings
Note: 1 = Highest rate of adult obesity, 51 = lowest rate of adult obesity. Rankings are based on combining three years of data (2006-2008) from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to "stabilize" data for comparison purposes. This methodology, recommended by the CDC, compensates for any potential anomalies or usual changes due to the specific sample in any given year in any given state. States with a statistically significant (p<0.05) increase for one year are noted with an asterisk (*), states with statistically significant increases for two years in a row are noted with two asterisks (**), states with statistically significant increases for three years in a row are noted with three asterisks (***). Additional information about methodologies and confidence interval is available in the report. Adults with a body mass index, a calculation based on weight and height ratios, of 30 or higher are considered obese.
1. Mississippi*** (32.5%); 2. Alabama* (31.2%); 3. West Virginia (31.1%); 4. Tennessee*** (30.2%); 5. South Carolina (29.7%); 6. Oklahoma*** (29.5%); 7. Kentucky (29.0%); 8. Louisiana (28.9%); 9. Michigan*** (28.8%) 10. (tie) Arkansas (28.6%) and Ohio* (28.6%); 12. North Carolina*** (28.3%); 13. Missouri (28.1%); 14. (tie) Georgia (27.9%) and Texas (27.9%); 16. Indiana (27.4%); 17. Delaware*** (27.3%); 18. (tie) Alaska (27.2%) and Kansas*** (27.2%) 20. (tie) Nebraska (26.9%) and South Dakota*** (26.9%); 22. (tie) Iowa (26.7%) and North Dakota* (26.7%) and Pennsylvania** 26.7%; 25. (tie) Maryland*** (26.0%) and Wisconsin (26.0%); 27. Illinois 25.9%; 28. (tie) Oregon (25.4%) and Virginia (25.4) and Washington*** (25.4%); 31. Minnesota (25.3%); 32. Nevada* 25.1%; 33. (tie) Arizona** (24.8%) and Idaho (24.8%); 35. Maine* (24.7%); 36. New Mexico*** (24.6%); 37. New York** (24.5%) 38. Wyoming (24.3%); 39. (tie) Florida* (24.1%) and New Hampshire (24.1%); 41. California (23.6%); 42. New Jersey (23.4%); 43. Montana** (22.7%); 44. Utah (22.5%); 45. District of Columbia (22.3%); 46. Vermont** (22.1%); 47. Hawaii* (21.8%); 48. Rhode Island (21.7%); 49. Connecticut (21.3%); 50. Massachusetts (21.2%); 51. Colorado (18.9%)
State-by-State Obese and Overweight Children Ages 10-17 Rankings
Note: 1 = Highest rate of childhood overweight, 51 = lowest. Rankings are based on the National Survey of Children's Health, a phone survey of parents with children ages 10-17 conducted in 2007 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additional information about methodologies and confidence intervals is available in the report. Children with a body mass index, a calculation based on weight and height ratios, at or above the 95th percentile for their age are considered obese and children at or above the 85th percentile are considered overweight. States with statistically significant (p<0.05) increases in combined obesity and overweight since the NSCH was last issued in 2003 are noted with an asterisk (*).
1. Mississippi* (44.4%); 2. Arkansas (37.5%); 3. Georgia (37.3%); 4. Kentucky (37.1%) 5. Tennessee (36.5%) 6. Alabama (36.1%); 7. Louisiana (35.9%); 8. West Virginia (35.5%); 9. District of Columbia (35.4%); 10. Illinois (34.9%); 11. Nevada* (34.2%); 12. Alaska (33.9%); 13. South Carolina (33.7%); 14. North Carolina (33.5%); 15. Ohio (33.3%); 16. Delaware (33.2%); 17. Florida (33.1%); 18. New York (32.9%); 19. New Mexico (32.7%) 20. Texas (32.2%) 21. Nebraska (31.5%); 22. Kansas (31.1%); 23. (tie) Missouri (31.0%) and New Jersey (31.0%) and Virginia (31.0%); 26. (tie) Arizona (30.6%) and Michigan (30.6%); 28. California (30.5%); 29. Rhode Island (30.1%); 30. Massachusetts (30.0%) 31. Indiana (29.9%) 32. Pennsylvania (29.7%); 33. (tie) Oklahoma (29.5%) and Washington (29.5%); 35. New Hampshire (29.4%); 36. Maryland (28.8%); 37. Hawaii (28.5%); 38. South Dakota (28.4%); 39. Maine (28.2%); 40. Wisconsin (27.9%); 41. Idaho (27.5%); 42. Colorado (27.2%); 43. Vermont (26.7%); 44. Iowa (26.5%); 45. (tie) Connecticut (25.7%) and North Dakota (25.7%) and Wyoming (25.7%); 48. Montana (25.6%); 49. Oregon (24.3%); 50. (tie) Minnesota (23.1%) and Utah (23.1%)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Yoga- what is it?
Well first of all I would love to thank all of my friend on Facebook who gave their options about my question. The Question- Should Christians and yoga mix? Is yoga exercise or part of something else? What do you think? Is yoga an exercise or is there more to it.
To very honest with you if you asked me this question yesterday my answer would have been quite different then now. This morning I woke up and for some reason I started researching the same question myself. I ALWAYS HEARD things but never knew for myself. I was one who would say, it doesn't mean that to me. I ENJOY THE STRETCHES. But I can't say that any more. Ok, here's my disclaimer.. lol.. I FEEL in my heart that we should love everyone even if they have different views and beliefs as you. I also feel it's about a personal relationship with Christ and not just follow religious view or dogma. Our Father Elohim. even respect our free will, to serve Him or not. And He will not force Himself on a person. We have a choice to follow His ways or men. Ok back to my questions was if Christian and yoga can mix..
The word Christian means a follower of Christ. We have the belief that Christ was more then just a man but the son of the living God. And that God sent his son to save us from our sins to buy back falling men with the price of His blood.
If you consider yourself a Christian keep reading, if you don't the rest doesn’t have much meaning for you.
SATAN IS VERY GOOD OF CREATING COUNTERFITS. And most of the time they confuse people into seeing true from error.
We Christian have the Trinity http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity = Father, Son and Holy Spirit
In Hindu they have The Hindu triad http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimurti = Brahma the creator, Viṣṇu the maintainer or preserver, and Śiva the destroyer or transformer
YOGA is the creation of one of their gods. Siva is credited for the creation of yoga. Even the poses are a form of worship. One can't separate something that was created by the same origin.
Read the following links and come to you own conclusion. I'm not here to tell you what to believe, but my personal view about yoga has changed. At the end of the day, it’s all about your personal relationship with your Lord and Savior. It’s something you and Him will have to deal with. I JUST WANT people to think about my question. The word Yoga means meaning "to control", "to yoke" or "to unite" you to their gods a way to fill the space between them and their gods. ‘a bridge”
Take it from the source and learn from them first hand. These are popular yoga websites and information from the best in the land on yoga. Notice how they are proud and don’t hide the true meaning of yoga. Even the poses are as part of their worship as the practice of opening ones mind.
Without the Yamas, there is no Yoga
http://www.dharmayogacenter.com/_downloads/library/DMY_Without_Yamas_1207.pdf
Dharma told us “The goal of yoga is Self-realization: to find out who you are, why you’re here, who
God is. God and the Self are the same – exactly the same.”
Beyong The Pose
http://www.dharmayogacenter.com/library/article.php?name=beyond_the_pose
Dharma Mittra “ The Jack La Lanne of Yoga” http://www.dharmayogacenter.com/intro.php is widely known for the yoga poster which shows him in 908 different poses. The poster, originally a gift for his guru, now hangs in studios worldwide, provoking audible gasps and inspiring his fellow yogis around the globe. Originally from Brazil, Dharma Mittra has been a ‘full-time yogi’, as he puts it, since 1964. He runs the Dharma Yoga Center in New York, and at 65, he is still defying gravity by achieving feats like standing on his head with no hands.
Considering his poster, you might assume that a Dharma Mittra workshop would be full of highly technical instructions for advanced poses. But he flowed from one pose to the next, talking more about Lord Shiva and the spiritual quest than to what degree your back foot should be turned in. “Remember, the goal is not to get your foot over your head,” he told us. “The true purpose of yoga is self-realization.”
As we wrestled with the Dancer pose for a second time, Dharma Mittra talked about the importance of dedicating every pose to the Lord - not an institutional God, but the Divine Spirit, the higher self that is present in all of us. “The pose must come from your spiritual heart,” he enthused. And it struck me that the main difference between Dharma Mittra and most of us in the room was that he does indeed practice yoga as if his life depended on it.
The Origins of the Asanas
Asana means posture or pose. Its original meaning, “seat”, refers to the ultimate goal of Yoga asana: to prepare the body for rock-like steadiness in the practice of meditation. While in a seated, meditative pose yogis discovered that a straight back and deep abdominal breathing were essential to comfort and facilitated concentration. From these needs – a straight spine and deep abdominal breathing – arose the whole system of Yoga asanas.
Many poses developed by mimicking the natural positions of the animals for which they are named. The Surya Namaskars or Sun Salutation was originally a worship of Surya, the sun. As a vinyasa of twelve poses and twelve breaths, it is traditionally done twelve times all reflecting the length of the year and the sun’s path across the heavens.Prerequisites for Asana Practice
Make an Offering of Yourself
http://www.yogalearningcenter.com/articles/OfferSelf.cfm?Title=Make%20An%20Offering%20Of%20Yourself
Shiva was in the forest, watching. Yet each time the sadhu's eyes turned toward him, Shiva would gracefully turn his back, revealing the splendor of Parvati, the goddess. For indeed, as those who know whisper, Shiva and Parvati, his creative power, are as one. Parvati is but the other face of Shiva.
The sadhu was so intent upon finding Lord Shiva that he did not even notice Parvati. He saw only delicate mosses, white jasmine and knotted trees bent like sages, and not the dark tresses of his Lord within the forest creepers. Shiva circled again and again, turning each time to reveal some new wonder. The sadhu remained oblivious.
The story of Shiva and the hapless sadhu plays upon the mystery of the spiritual quest, that God is both seen and unseen. Its image of Lord Shiva hiding Himself in plain sight is honored in the tradition of hatha yoga by naming the 'rotated' or twisting poses of hatha yoga 'parivritta', after the goddess Parvati, recalling the image of Shiva's turning. In rotated poses, the yogi takes his stance and then twists, turning his back and reversing the pose. The pose is thus turned inside out, bringing to the fore the unknown -- the part of the body which is unseen, hence overlooked and mysterious. Hatha yogis are celebrants of such mysteries, known for turning things -- even themselves -- on their heads to find God. Their tradition seeks the 'unseen' experience of the divine within the 'seen', within the body itself. Their postures and practices venture into the last place one would think to look, and find there the face and gestures of the Lord. The yogi finally 'sees' when he makes an offering of his own vision, sacrificing his ordinary way of seeing things for the sake of a higher, more expanded vision.
In Anusara Yoga we make each pose an offering. But what are we offering, and how? It's not that God looks down from His heaven like a doting parent and says, "Nice Dog Pose -- thank you!" The monk in the forest must have thought -- at least for a moment -- that he was making a tough and noble sacrifice, one worthy of at least a peek at God. But acts of sacrifice truly mean little and can even be deluded, until we are ripe to see through new eyes.
In yoga, spirituality involves sacrifice -- but not sacrifice in the sense of a painful relinquishment or penance. In yoga, sacrifice is not martyrdom. The body is not meant to suffer for the aspirations of the spirit, for the body is not only the offering; it is the altar, the holy ground upon which we approach the Lord. It is in and through this body that we rise higher, not apart from it. What is the offering, the sacrifice we make? We sacrifice the sense that we are separate from god. The body is not the gulf that separates us from god; it is the bridge over which we must pass to meet Him.
True Living Sacrifice:
The Bible tells us to make our self a living sacrifice to the one living God. Rom 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship.
It’s our action with our bodies and way we live our life is an offering to our creator Elohim
If the body is the temple of the living God, why use it to offer a sacrifice to another god.
http://www.yogawiz.com/blog/yoga-benefits/benefits-of-siddha-yoga.html
Meditation, Seva, Chanting, Dakshina, Intensive And Satsang Are The Main Principle Of Siddha Yoga
What Are the Benefits of Siddha Yoga
Siddha yoga has four basic principles. The first one believes that God is in each of us and we must honor ourselves in order to worship God. We must also see God in each other. The third principle says that the heart is a sacred place and we must explore this sacredness in each of us. The fourth principle believes that nothing that is not Shiva, does not really exist.
Siddha yoga aims at bringing alignment in the lives of practitioners through meditation. It aims at bringing about divine consciousness. Siddha yoga practitioners also practice other things like chanting, dakshina, seva, hatha yoga, retreat and satsang for achieving enlightenment.
Siddha yoga teaches people to live life in the exact way and practice correct actions in all situations. It is about internal development and self improvement. It is believed that people can change their own destinies through Siddha yoga since this practice brings about a change in a person’s attitude and actions. Siddha yoga is also said to make a person healthier by curing physical as well as mental diseases. This is based on an ancient belief that the sufferings that we face now are a result of the karma of our past lives.
http://athayoganusasanam.blogspot.com/2009/05/shiva.html
Lord Shiva: The Father Of Yoga
Shiva! This God represents the process of involution, dissolution, and regeneration. Shiva is the God of death. Shiva is also the father of Yoga. Lord Shiva has the distinction of being the first Yoga teacher, and his first student was a little fish. This complicated being loved deeply, and was not beyond wrath when overcome by grief.
The warrior postures are Shiva poses. Virabradra, a fierce warrior, was born when a distraught Shiva, having lost his true love, ripped the dreadlocks from his head and threw them to the ground. They hit the earth and being hair of a God, were reborn instantly into deadly warriors, who avenged his lovers death. Dreadlocks? Yes, Shiva was a deep meditator and went through a ganga phase. The Hindu Gods are such interesting beings...
Natarajasana, above, is a posture that represents Shiva in a happier phase: Enjoying a cosmic dance at the center of the universe with the Goddess Parvati (Goddess of Wisdom). The cosmic dance called "Tandava" being the starting point for all creation. Symbols in the dance represent blessings, light, and the destruction of ignorance. The dance of Shiva is the dance of life.
Read for yourself from a yoga dictionary http://www.dharmayogacenter.com/library/dictionary.php
Mantra: "Man" means "mind" or thinking, and "tra" means to "release or free". Mantras are sacred sound vibrations, that asist in freeing the mind and to bring clarity, peace and well being. They can be used in rituals, whispered, or chanted. Hindus believe that god, good health, fortune, and victory over enemies can all be attained by chanting the right mantra.
Mudra: Hand movement mainly of the fingers, capable of expressing ideas and emotions. In yoga these sacred hand positions relate to a particular meditation, enhancing the effect of the posture.
Namaste: A tradtional Indian greeting. Two hands pressed together and held near the heart with the head gently bowed. Namaste means "I bow and honor the divine presence in you." Namaskar is another variation of Namaste.
Om: also written as 'AUM' according the Yogi's and Rishi's OM (AUM) is considered to be the sound that represents the Ultimate Reality, the primordial vibration, which is prefixed to many mantras. Om shares many of the same meanings with its Semitic counterparts: the Hebrew "Amen" and the Arabic "Amin." All three are used to open or close prayers.
Well what about Christian Yoga
Sorry that just don’t fit together.. That like saying. Christian witch, Christian spell, Christian enchantment, or Christian magic. You can’t take the good out something evil and call it good for God’s children to do.
1 Corinthians 10:21
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010:21;&version=49; God’s ways and satan’s ways don’t mix.
Isaiah 5:20-21
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%205:20-21;&version=49; A warning from God not to call something evil good and good evil.
Acts 8 :1 – 24 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%208:1-24;&version=49; you will read how the First followers of Christ ( Phillip, Peter and John dealt with mixing of the Gospel with magic for self gains.
Act 13 :4-12 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Act%2013%20:4-12%20;&version=49; Paul encounters an magician who opposed the Gospel and want to stop the spread of it.
Once yoga instructor, now something else!
Laurette Willis is the director of PraiseMoves. This is someone who has teach and practice yoga for 22 years and accepted Christ and developed a safer way to exercise called PraiseMove- the Christian Alternative to Yoga. Go to her website and read more about her first hand experiences with yoga.www.praisemoves.com
http://www.praisemoves.com/christianalternative.htm( read full article)
Below are quotes from her article.
I call yoga “the missionary arm of Hinduism and the New Age movement.” We don’t often think of other religions having missionaries, but the philosophy and practice of yoga have been primary tools of Hindu “missionaries” to America since “Indian priest and mystic” Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga to the West at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.[i]
interestingly, Swami Vivekananda is attributed with the idea of combining the theory of “evolution of the soul” with his teachings of Hinduism. Instead of working out one’s “karma” by becoming a grasshopper, ant or human in progressive lives, he taught an “evolution of the soul” whereby the individual continues in an evolutionary process to “manifest the god within.”
In an article entitled “An Open Letter to Evangelicals” from the January 1991 issue of Hinduism Today, Swami Sivasiva Palani writes, “A small army of yoga missionaries – hatha, raja, siddha and kundalini – beautifully trained in the last 10 years, is about to set upon the western world. They may not call themselves Hindu, but Hindus know where yoga came from and where it goes.”
Swami Palani goes on to write, “We hope this proves useful to you. I close with a quote from Swami Vivekananda, Hinduism’s greatest modern missionary, spoken in January of 1895, ‘What I now want is a band of fiery missionaries.’ It’s a hundred years late. But it appears he’s going to get his wish.”
In the West, the term “yogi” is used to refer to anyone who practices yoga. However, in the Bhagavad-Gita, the god Krishna says that the true yogi is one who has surrendered himself “fully unto me.”
Outer Body
Yoga’s breathing techniques (pranayama) may seem stress-relieving, yet they can be an open door to the psychic realm – inhaling and exhaling certain “energies” for the purpose of relaxation and cleansing (Paul refers to satan as “the prince of the power of the air” in Ephesians 2:2, and I doubt the air to which he is referring is oxygen, but rather the psychic arena some call “the second heaven” which is certainly not a playground). Whenever you see the words prana, ki or chi, these refer to “life force” energies (see the notes on hatha yoga at the end of this article).
Both chanting and the customary relaxation period at the end of a yoga session also have an agenda that may surprise the weekend yogi. Before becoming a Christian, I remember numerous instances of “traveling outside my body” during yoga relaxation periods. I wonder who – or what – checked in when I checked out? Whether you believe such phenomena can happen or not, some medical professionals claim such experiences have led to psychosis. (Note: While Christians cannot be “possessed” since the Holy Spirit resides in your re-created human spirit, one may be “oppressed” by demonic influences.) This outer body experience actually happen to me back in 1999 when I brought a yoga class to the wellness center I was running. I thought this was a great feeling and something good about yoga. Until now! It really felt great, but now I know the true reason and what was going on. Could this be a reason why people enjoy yoga as well? - CJ
Ok, what does a Hindu professor say about yoga?
Subhas R. Tiwari is a professor at the Hindu University of America. He is a graduate of the famed Bihar Yoga Bharati University with a master's degree in yoga philosophy. http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/2006/1-3/09_opinion.shtml ( read full article)
Yoga Renamed Is Still Hindu
From Hinduism Today magazine 2006
I challenge attempts to snatch yoga from its roots
In the past few months I have received several calls from journalists around the country seeking my views on the question of whether the newly minted "Christian Yoga " is really yoga.
My response is, "The simple, immutable fact is that yoga originated from the Vedic or Hindu culture. Its techniques were not adopted by Hinduism, but originated from it." These facts need to be unequivocally stated in light of some of the things being written to the contrary by yoga teachers. The effort to separate yoga from Hinduism must be challenged because it runs counter to the fundamental principles upon which yoga itself is premised, the yamas (restraints) and niyamas (observances). These ethical tenets and religious practices are the first two limbs of the eight-limbed ashtanga yoga system which also includes asana (postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (contemplation/Self Realization). Efforts to separate yoga from its spiritual center reveal ignorance of the goal of yoga.
I believe such efforts point to a concerted, long-term plan to deny yoga its origin. This effort to extricate yoga from its Hindu mold and cast it under another name is far from innocent. It is reminiscent of the pattern evident throughout the long history and dynamics of colonizing powers. Firstly, the physical geography of a people was colonized, then their mental arena. Now we are witnessing the next phase, the encroachment on the spiritual territory of Hinduism which began in the last few decades. Some of the agents behind "Christian Yoga " also draw from the same treasure chest which supports the conversion movements of Hindus and other sacred cultures.
Read what the Southern Baptist Convention said about Christian Yoga: http://www.christianresearchservice.com/LifeWayYoga.htm
Here is another source of information but from Anointed Ministries.
http://anointedministries.org/Jesus_NOT_Yoga.pdf I don’t know him and have not reviewed his background. But the information he shares about yoga is worth reading.
My conclusion:
Yoga was introduced to the US back in 1893 as a missionary arm of Hindu religion. And over time it has grown to a point where it is today 15 – 20 million people practice yoga in US. If someone, came up to a person back in the 1893 with pictures of all their gods, how many people do you think they would have attracted to their religion. But by teaching yoga could be a binding force that could connect all religions was easier to adapt. And that idea of mixing truth and error goes back to the Garden of Eden. The human mind will want to try it, and then slowly a person is introduced to the New Age – spiritual practices and beliefs. What seems harmless; turn out to be the Fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
Ok, Casio what should I do now?
1. First pray about the information I shared with you. And ask for the Lord to give you an open heart to process this new information. My goal wasn’t to convince you to think a certain way, but I had a conviction to share what I found. And as a Christian health and fitness educator, something I thought to be an exercise method turns out to be something quite different. You have to make that decision on your own. It’s between you and your Savior. I’m not here to judge, but to help share facts. Being a Christian is a hard road to follow, because of all the temptations and ungodly things around us seems so wonderful and a delight. But our delight should come from the Lord Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
2. Search for other safe “exercises” (remember yoga was never created as form of exercise, rather a form of worship) There are other safe movements you can do to increase your flexibility or range of motion. I haven’t made contact with the created of PraiseMoves yet, but I will. But from what I see, it’s something to look into as a safe alternative to yoga. Or just continue to perform basic stretches. There are several posters and book out there.
3. We need to understand we are witness to others and if we call ourselves a Christian our actions needs to display those Christian characteristic that sets us apart form the World. Read Rom 12:1-2 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012:1-2
It’s not a legalistic approach to challenge yoga, yoga is what it is.
Casio Jones.
To very honest with you if you asked me this question yesterday my answer would have been quite different then now. This morning I woke up and for some reason I started researching the same question myself. I ALWAYS HEARD things but never knew for myself. I was one who would say, it doesn't mean that to me. I ENJOY THE STRETCHES. But I can't say that any more. Ok, here's my disclaimer.. lol.. I FEEL in my heart that we should love everyone even if they have different views and beliefs as you. I also feel it's about a personal relationship with Christ and not just follow religious view or dogma. Our Father Elohim. even respect our free will, to serve Him or not. And He will not force Himself on a person. We have a choice to follow His ways or men. Ok back to my questions was if Christian and yoga can mix..
The word Christian means a follower of Christ. We have the belief that Christ was more then just a man but the son of the living God. And that God sent his son to save us from our sins to buy back falling men with the price of His blood.
If you consider yourself a Christian keep reading, if you don't the rest doesn’t have much meaning for you.
SATAN IS VERY GOOD OF CREATING COUNTERFITS. And most of the time they confuse people into seeing true from error.
We Christian have the Trinity http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity = Father, Son and Holy Spirit
In Hindu they have The Hindu triad http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimurti = Brahma the creator, Viṣṇu the maintainer or preserver, and Śiva the destroyer or transformer
YOGA is the creation of one of their gods. Siva is credited for the creation of yoga. Even the poses are a form of worship. One can't separate something that was created by the same origin.
Read the following links and come to you own conclusion. I'm not here to tell you what to believe, but my personal view about yoga has changed. At the end of the day, it’s all about your personal relationship with your Lord and Savior. It’s something you and Him will have to deal with. I JUST WANT people to think about my question. The word Yoga means meaning "to control", "to yoke" or "to unite" you to their gods a way to fill the space between them and their gods. ‘a bridge”
Take it from the source and learn from them first hand. These are popular yoga websites and information from the best in the land on yoga. Notice how they are proud and don’t hide the true meaning of yoga. Even the poses are as part of their worship as the practice of opening ones mind.
Without the Yamas, there is no Yoga
http://www.dharmayogacenter.com/_downloads/library/DMY_Without_Yamas_1207.pdf
Dharma told us “The goal of yoga is Self-realization: to find out who you are, why you’re here, who
God is. God and the Self are the same – exactly the same.”
Beyong The Pose
http://www.dharmayogacenter.com/library/article.php?name=beyond_the_pose
Dharma Mittra “ The Jack La Lanne of Yoga” http://www.dharmayogacenter.com/intro.php is widely known for the yoga poster which shows him in 908 different poses. The poster, originally a gift for his guru, now hangs in studios worldwide, provoking audible gasps and inspiring his fellow yogis around the globe. Originally from Brazil, Dharma Mittra has been a ‘full-time yogi’, as he puts it, since 1964. He runs the Dharma Yoga Center in New York, and at 65, he is still defying gravity by achieving feats like standing on his head with no hands.
Considering his poster, you might assume that a Dharma Mittra workshop would be full of highly technical instructions for advanced poses. But he flowed from one pose to the next, talking more about Lord Shiva and the spiritual quest than to what degree your back foot should be turned in. “Remember, the goal is not to get your foot over your head,” he told us. “The true purpose of yoga is self-realization.”
As we wrestled with the Dancer pose for a second time, Dharma Mittra talked about the importance of dedicating every pose to the Lord - not an institutional God, but the Divine Spirit, the higher self that is present in all of us. “The pose must come from your spiritual heart,” he enthused. And it struck me that the main difference between Dharma Mittra and most of us in the room was that he does indeed practice yoga as if his life depended on it.
The Origins of the Asanas
Asana means posture or pose. Its original meaning, “seat”, refers to the ultimate goal of Yoga asana: to prepare the body for rock-like steadiness in the practice of meditation. While in a seated, meditative pose yogis discovered that a straight back and deep abdominal breathing were essential to comfort and facilitated concentration. From these needs – a straight spine and deep abdominal breathing – arose the whole system of Yoga asanas.
Many poses developed by mimicking the natural positions of the animals for which they are named. The Surya Namaskars or Sun Salutation was originally a worship of Surya, the sun. As a vinyasa of twelve poses and twelve breaths, it is traditionally done twelve times all reflecting the length of the year and the sun’s path across the heavens.Prerequisites for Asana Practice
Make an Offering of Yourself
http://www.yogalearningcenter.com/articles/OfferSelf.cfm?Title=Make%20An%20Offering%20Of%20Yourself
Shiva was in the forest, watching. Yet each time the sadhu's eyes turned toward him, Shiva would gracefully turn his back, revealing the splendor of Parvati, the goddess. For indeed, as those who know whisper, Shiva and Parvati, his creative power, are as one. Parvati is but the other face of Shiva.
The sadhu was so intent upon finding Lord Shiva that he did not even notice Parvati. He saw only delicate mosses, white jasmine and knotted trees bent like sages, and not the dark tresses of his Lord within the forest creepers. Shiva circled again and again, turning each time to reveal some new wonder. The sadhu remained oblivious.
The story of Shiva and the hapless sadhu plays upon the mystery of the spiritual quest, that God is both seen and unseen. Its image of Lord Shiva hiding Himself in plain sight is honored in the tradition of hatha yoga by naming the 'rotated' or twisting poses of hatha yoga 'parivritta', after the goddess Parvati, recalling the image of Shiva's turning. In rotated poses, the yogi takes his stance and then twists, turning his back and reversing the pose. The pose is thus turned inside out, bringing to the fore the unknown -- the part of the body which is unseen, hence overlooked and mysterious. Hatha yogis are celebrants of such mysteries, known for turning things -- even themselves -- on their heads to find God. Their tradition seeks the 'unseen' experience of the divine within the 'seen', within the body itself. Their postures and practices venture into the last place one would think to look, and find there the face and gestures of the Lord. The yogi finally 'sees' when he makes an offering of his own vision, sacrificing his ordinary way of seeing things for the sake of a higher, more expanded vision.
In Anusara Yoga we make each pose an offering. But what are we offering, and how? It's not that God looks down from His heaven like a doting parent and says, "Nice Dog Pose -- thank you!" The monk in the forest must have thought -- at least for a moment -- that he was making a tough and noble sacrifice, one worthy of at least a peek at God. But acts of sacrifice truly mean little and can even be deluded, until we are ripe to see through new eyes.
In yoga, spirituality involves sacrifice -- but not sacrifice in the sense of a painful relinquishment or penance. In yoga, sacrifice is not martyrdom. The body is not meant to suffer for the aspirations of the spirit, for the body is not only the offering; it is the altar, the holy ground upon which we approach the Lord. It is in and through this body that we rise higher, not apart from it. What is the offering, the sacrifice we make? We sacrifice the sense that we are separate from god. The body is not the gulf that separates us from god; it is the bridge over which we must pass to meet Him.
True Living Sacrifice:
The Bible tells us to make our self a living sacrifice to the one living God. Rom 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship.
It’s our action with our bodies and way we live our life is an offering to our creator Elohim
If the body is the temple of the living God, why use it to offer a sacrifice to another god.
http://www.yogawiz.com/blog/yoga-benefits/benefits-of-siddha-yoga.html
Meditation, Seva, Chanting, Dakshina, Intensive And Satsang Are The Main Principle Of Siddha Yoga
What Are the Benefits of Siddha Yoga
Siddha yoga has four basic principles. The first one believes that God is in each of us and we must honor ourselves in order to worship God. We must also see God in each other. The third principle says that the heart is a sacred place and we must explore this sacredness in each of us. The fourth principle believes that nothing that is not Shiva, does not really exist.
Siddha yoga aims at bringing alignment in the lives of practitioners through meditation. It aims at bringing about divine consciousness. Siddha yoga practitioners also practice other things like chanting, dakshina, seva, hatha yoga, retreat and satsang for achieving enlightenment.
Siddha yoga teaches people to live life in the exact way and practice correct actions in all situations. It is about internal development and self improvement. It is believed that people can change their own destinies through Siddha yoga since this practice brings about a change in a person’s attitude and actions. Siddha yoga is also said to make a person healthier by curing physical as well as mental diseases. This is based on an ancient belief that the sufferings that we face now are a result of the karma of our past lives.
http://athayoganusasanam.blogspot.com/2009/05/shiva.html
Lord Shiva: The Father Of Yoga
Shiva! This God represents the process of involution, dissolution, and regeneration. Shiva is the God of death. Shiva is also the father of Yoga. Lord Shiva has the distinction of being the first Yoga teacher, and his first student was a little fish. This complicated being loved deeply, and was not beyond wrath when overcome by grief.
The warrior postures are Shiva poses. Virabradra, a fierce warrior, was born when a distraught Shiva, having lost his true love, ripped the dreadlocks from his head and threw them to the ground. They hit the earth and being hair of a God, were reborn instantly into deadly warriors, who avenged his lovers death. Dreadlocks? Yes, Shiva was a deep meditator and went through a ganga phase. The Hindu Gods are such interesting beings...
Natarajasana, above, is a posture that represents Shiva in a happier phase: Enjoying a cosmic dance at the center of the universe with the Goddess Parvati (Goddess of Wisdom). The cosmic dance called "Tandava" being the starting point for all creation. Symbols in the dance represent blessings, light, and the destruction of ignorance. The dance of Shiva is the dance of life.
Read for yourself from a yoga dictionary http://www.dharmayogacenter.com/library/dictionary.php
Mantra: "Man" means "mind" or thinking, and "tra" means to "release or free". Mantras are sacred sound vibrations, that asist in freeing the mind and to bring clarity, peace and well being. They can be used in rituals, whispered, or chanted. Hindus believe that god, good health, fortune, and victory over enemies can all be attained by chanting the right mantra.
Mudra: Hand movement mainly of the fingers, capable of expressing ideas and emotions. In yoga these sacred hand positions relate to a particular meditation, enhancing the effect of the posture.
Namaste: A tradtional Indian greeting. Two hands pressed together and held near the heart with the head gently bowed. Namaste means "I bow and honor the divine presence in you." Namaskar is another variation of Namaste.
Om: also written as 'AUM' according the Yogi's and Rishi's OM (AUM) is considered to be the sound that represents the Ultimate Reality, the primordial vibration, which is prefixed to many mantras. Om shares many of the same meanings with its Semitic counterparts: the Hebrew "Amen" and the Arabic "Amin." All three are used to open or close prayers.
Well what about Christian Yoga
Sorry that just don’t fit together.. That like saying. Christian witch, Christian spell, Christian enchantment, or Christian magic. You can’t take the good out something evil and call it good for God’s children to do.
1 Corinthians 10:21
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010:21;&version=49; God’s ways and satan’s ways don’t mix.
Isaiah 5:20-21
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%205:20-21;&version=49; A warning from God not to call something evil good and good evil.
Acts 8 :1 – 24 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%208:1-24;&version=49; you will read how the First followers of Christ ( Phillip, Peter and John dealt with mixing of the Gospel with magic for self gains.
Act 13 :4-12 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Act%2013%20:4-12%20;&version=49; Paul encounters an magician who opposed the Gospel and want to stop the spread of it.
Once yoga instructor, now something else!
Laurette Willis is the director of PraiseMoves. This is someone who has teach and practice yoga for 22 years and accepted Christ and developed a safer way to exercise called PraiseMove- the Christian Alternative to Yoga. Go to her website and read more about her first hand experiences with yoga.www.praisemoves.com
http://www.praisemoves.com/christianalternative.htm( read full article)
Below are quotes from her article.
I call yoga “the missionary arm of Hinduism and the New Age movement.” We don’t often think of other religions having missionaries, but the philosophy and practice of yoga have been primary tools of Hindu “missionaries” to America since “Indian priest and mystic” Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga to the West at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.[i]
interestingly, Swami Vivekananda is attributed with the idea of combining the theory of “evolution of the soul” with his teachings of Hinduism. Instead of working out one’s “karma” by becoming a grasshopper, ant or human in progressive lives, he taught an “evolution of the soul” whereby the individual continues in an evolutionary process to “manifest the god within.”
In an article entitled “An Open Letter to Evangelicals” from the January 1991 issue of Hinduism Today, Swami Sivasiva Palani writes, “A small army of yoga missionaries – hatha, raja, siddha and kundalini – beautifully trained in the last 10 years, is about to set upon the western world. They may not call themselves Hindu, but Hindus know where yoga came from and where it goes.”
Swami Palani goes on to write, “We hope this proves useful to you. I close with a quote from Swami Vivekananda, Hinduism’s greatest modern missionary, spoken in January of 1895, ‘What I now want is a band of fiery missionaries.’ It’s a hundred years late. But it appears he’s going to get his wish.”
In the West, the term “yogi” is used to refer to anyone who practices yoga. However, in the Bhagavad-Gita, the god Krishna says that the true yogi is one who has surrendered himself “fully unto me.”
Outer Body
Yoga’s breathing techniques (pranayama) may seem stress-relieving, yet they can be an open door to the psychic realm – inhaling and exhaling certain “energies” for the purpose of relaxation and cleansing (Paul refers to satan as “the prince of the power of the air” in Ephesians 2:2, and I doubt the air to which he is referring is oxygen, but rather the psychic arena some call “the second heaven” which is certainly not a playground). Whenever you see the words prana, ki or chi, these refer to “life force” energies (see the notes on hatha yoga at the end of this article).
Both chanting and the customary relaxation period at the end of a yoga session also have an agenda that may surprise the weekend yogi. Before becoming a Christian, I remember numerous instances of “traveling outside my body” during yoga relaxation periods. I wonder who – or what – checked in when I checked out? Whether you believe such phenomena can happen or not, some medical professionals claim such experiences have led to psychosis. (Note: While Christians cannot be “possessed” since the Holy Spirit resides in your re-created human spirit, one may be “oppressed” by demonic influences.) This outer body experience actually happen to me back in 1999 when I brought a yoga class to the wellness center I was running. I thought this was a great feeling and something good about yoga. Until now! It really felt great, but now I know the true reason and what was going on. Could this be a reason why people enjoy yoga as well? - CJ
Ok, what does a Hindu professor say about yoga?
Subhas R. Tiwari is a professor at the Hindu University of America. He is a graduate of the famed Bihar Yoga Bharati University with a master's degree in yoga philosophy. http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/2006/1-3/09_opinion.shtml ( read full article)
Yoga Renamed Is Still Hindu
From Hinduism Today magazine 2006
I challenge attempts to snatch yoga from its roots
In the past few months I have received several calls from journalists around the country seeking my views on the question of whether the newly minted "Christian Yoga " is really yoga.
My response is, "The simple, immutable fact is that yoga originated from the Vedic or Hindu culture. Its techniques were not adopted by Hinduism, but originated from it." These facts need to be unequivocally stated in light of some of the things being written to the contrary by yoga teachers. The effort to separate yoga from Hinduism must be challenged because it runs counter to the fundamental principles upon which yoga itself is premised, the yamas (restraints) and niyamas (observances). These ethical tenets and religious practices are the first two limbs of the eight-limbed ashtanga yoga system which also includes asana (postures), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (sense withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (contemplation/Self Realization). Efforts to separate yoga from its spiritual center reveal ignorance of the goal of yoga.
I believe such efforts point to a concerted, long-term plan to deny yoga its origin. This effort to extricate yoga from its Hindu mold and cast it under another name is far from innocent. It is reminiscent of the pattern evident throughout the long history and dynamics of colonizing powers. Firstly, the physical geography of a people was colonized, then their mental arena. Now we are witnessing the next phase, the encroachment on the spiritual territory of Hinduism which began in the last few decades. Some of the agents behind "Christian Yoga " also draw from the same treasure chest which supports the conversion movements of Hindus and other sacred cultures.
Read what the Southern Baptist Convention said about Christian Yoga: http://www.christianresearchservice.com/LifeWayYoga.htm
Here is another source of information but from Anointed Ministries.
http://anointedministries.org/Jesus_NOT_Yoga.pdf I don’t know him and have not reviewed his background. But the information he shares about yoga is worth reading.
My conclusion:
Yoga was introduced to the US back in 1893 as a missionary arm of Hindu religion. And over time it has grown to a point where it is today 15 – 20 million people practice yoga in US. If someone, came up to a person back in the 1893 with pictures of all their gods, how many people do you think they would have attracted to their religion. But by teaching yoga could be a binding force that could connect all religions was easier to adapt. And that idea of mixing truth and error goes back to the Garden of Eden. The human mind will want to try it, and then slowly a person is introduced to the New Age – spiritual practices and beliefs. What seems harmless; turn out to be the Fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
Ok, Casio what should I do now?
1. First pray about the information I shared with you. And ask for the Lord to give you an open heart to process this new information. My goal wasn’t to convince you to think a certain way, but I had a conviction to share what I found. And as a Christian health and fitness educator, something I thought to be an exercise method turns out to be something quite different. You have to make that decision on your own. It’s between you and your Savior. I’m not here to judge, but to help share facts. Being a Christian is a hard road to follow, because of all the temptations and ungodly things around us seems so wonderful and a delight. But our delight should come from the Lord Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
2. Search for other safe “exercises” (remember yoga was never created as form of exercise, rather a form of worship) There are other safe movements you can do to increase your flexibility or range of motion. I haven’t made contact with the created of PraiseMoves yet, but I will. But from what I see, it’s something to look into as a safe alternative to yoga. Or just continue to perform basic stretches. There are several posters and book out there.
3. We need to understand we are witness to others and if we call ourselves a Christian our actions needs to display those Christian characteristic that sets us apart form the World. Read Rom 12:1-2 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012:1-2
It’s not a legalistic approach to challenge yoga, yoga is what it is.
Casio Jones.
Monday, May 4, 2009
The H1N1 - How to Fight Back !
The H1N1 flu and human immune system has been front and center in this week’s headlines. I know the following information will be important to you as well.
Our bodies are created with an powerful and complex immune system, and given the proper raw materials, the body can do wonderful things that even modern medicine cannot accomplish. It is known that a strong immune system is critical to avoiding and being overcome by pathogenic viruses and bacteria. Research confirms that the Standard American Diet (SAD) combined with poor sleep, stress and a sedentary lifestyle is a recipe for compromised immunity. People with good diets and active lifestyles are seldom sick and when they do become ill, recover much faster than their peers with poor diets and lifestyles.
Here are a few high-impact steps you can take to support your immune system:
• Increase your intake of Omega 3 (EPA & DHA) together with Vitamins D , and A. Most people are deficient in all three and all three have been shown to significantly enhance immunity.
• Vitamin C and Zinc also helps improve your immune system.
• Add 3+ servings of fresh vegetables per meal and some fresh fruit.
• Replace a daily meal with a LivingFuel Smoothie. LivingFuel This is my store were you can get a can of LivingFuel Smoothie.
• Eat plenty of garlic, onions, oregano, coconut, hot peppers and spices. Extracts and oils of these nutrients can be extremely effective. Try odorless Garlic capsules as well.
• Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar - you can find it in the green section of Publix.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid places with high risk of infection such as doctor’s offices, clinics and hospitals.
• Avoid flu shots and other vaccinations.
• Avoid or minimize medications.
• Avoid highly processed junk foods, fried foods and sugar. This includes items such as sandwiches, baked goods, cookies, crackers, donuts, French fries, hot dogs, ice cream, pizza, potato chips, waffles and other processed foods that contain flour and/or sugar and many other impurities. These types of foods are enemies of sustained energy, performance and immunity. Recent research shows that a single serving of refined carbohydrates given to a lean, healthy young adult is enough to triple their inflammatory response to the surge in blood glucose.
• Avoid overeating which can cause inflammation and compromise immunity.
Please listen to your body and if you feel anything coming on, shut yourself down and get some rest and please go to your physician for attention. The information I shared with you is not to replace anything your physicians tell you. But please understand where your physician’s education comes from. Are they quick to write a script for drugs or are they egger to get to the root of your problem and not just the effect of your problem. You have a choice on how to live your lifestyle, don’t let it get to a point when you don’t have a choice anymore. Take Action and Live..
Our bodies are created with an powerful and complex immune system, and given the proper raw materials, the body can do wonderful things that even modern medicine cannot accomplish. It is known that a strong immune system is critical to avoiding and being overcome by pathogenic viruses and bacteria. Research confirms that the Standard American Diet (SAD) combined with poor sleep, stress and a sedentary lifestyle is a recipe for compromised immunity. People with good diets and active lifestyles are seldom sick and when they do become ill, recover much faster than their peers with poor diets and lifestyles.
Here are a few high-impact steps you can take to support your immune system:
• Increase your intake of Omega 3 (EPA & DHA) together with Vitamins D , and A. Most people are deficient in all three and all three have been shown to significantly enhance immunity.
• Vitamin C and Zinc also helps improve your immune system.
• Add 3+ servings of fresh vegetables per meal and some fresh fruit.
• Replace a daily meal with a LivingFuel Smoothie. LivingFuel This is my store were you can get a can of LivingFuel Smoothie.
• Eat plenty of garlic, onions, oregano, coconut, hot peppers and spices. Extracts and oils of these nutrients can be extremely effective. Try odorless Garlic capsules as well.
• Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar - you can find it in the green section of Publix.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid places with high risk of infection such as doctor’s offices, clinics and hospitals.
• Avoid flu shots and other vaccinations.
• Avoid or minimize medications.
• Avoid highly processed junk foods, fried foods and sugar. This includes items such as sandwiches, baked goods, cookies, crackers, donuts, French fries, hot dogs, ice cream, pizza, potato chips, waffles and other processed foods that contain flour and/or sugar and many other impurities. These types of foods are enemies of sustained energy, performance and immunity. Recent research shows that a single serving of refined carbohydrates given to a lean, healthy young adult is enough to triple their inflammatory response to the surge in blood glucose.
• Avoid overeating which can cause inflammation and compromise immunity.
Please listen to your body and if you feel anything coming on, shut yourself down and get some rest and please go to your physician for attention. The information I shared with you is not to replace anything your physicians tell you. But please understand where your physician’s education comes from. Are they quick to write a script for drugs or are they egger to get to the root of your problem and not just the effect of your problem. You have a choice on how to live your lifestyle, don’t let it get to a point when you don’t have a choice anymore. Take Action and Live..
Friday, April 24, 2009
Quick Snack Tips For The Office
1.Set your alarm ten minutes earlier than usual and use the extra time to make a packed lunch. Include whole grains, lean protein and vegetables. It needn’t be complicated: how about a turky and lettuce sandwich on whole meal bread, with a handful of cherry tomatoes on the side?
2.Buy five pieces of fruit at the start of the week – bananas, apples, pears –Keep them on your desk and eat one each day.
3.Keep a water bottle on your desk. We all know we should drink more water, but it’s easy to get absorbed in work. Take regular sips – staying hydrated will help you concentrate, and ensure you don’t mistake mild thirst for hunger pangs, Add lemon juice for extra Antioxidant.
4.Cut down on caffeine. Switch one of your daily cups of coffee for an herbal tea.
5. Leave your office at lunch time. Go for a brisk walk, or ask your nearest gym for a free day pass and check out their facilities. How about inviting a friend to join you? If you really can’t get out, make some time before or after work to exercise – cycle or walk to work, if you can.
6.Cut the cookies or snack cakes. Do you work in an office where there’s a communal cookie tin – or where peers are constantly bringing in cakes to celebrate birthdays? Buy a box of low-fat cereal bars, keep them in your desk drawer, and munch on one of those instead when you hear the cookie tin calling your name.
2.Buy five pieces of fruit at the start of the week – bananas, apples, pears –Keep them on your desk and eat one each day.
3.Keep a water bottle on your desk. We all know we should drink more water, but it’s easy to get absorbed in work. Take regular sips – staying hydrated will help you concentrate, and ensure you don’t mistake mild thirst for hunger pangs, Add lemon juice for extra Antioxidant.
4.Cut down on caffeine. Switch one of your daily cups of coffee for an herbal tea.
5. Leave your office at lunch time. Go for a brisk walk, or ask your nearest gym for a free day pass and check out their facilities. How about inviting a friend to join you? If you really can’t get out, make some time before or after work to exercise – cycle or walk to work, if you can.
6.Cut the cookies or snack cakes. Do you work in an office where there’s a communal cookie tin – or where peers are constantly bringing in cakes to celebrate birthdays? Buy a box of low-fat cereal bars, keep them in your desk drawer, and munch on one of those instead when you hear the cookie tin calling your name.
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