Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for your comments, but these are things I already know and practise. I used to run mid-distance and cross-country, but now, time permitting, I jog and walk long distances regularly – for the simple pleasure of an endorphin rush. (Hey, everybody’s a junkie.) My intention was for stories concerning weight-loss coinciding with yoga. Yoga has a stretching effect on a variety of muscles. Usually when a muscle stretches or contracts and one experiences pain, slight tearing occurs in the muscle. To compensate, the tear is healed while the muscle is elongated (toning) or bulked up (strength-training). (Elongation of muscle may also occur without the need to drive yourself across a pain threshold.) Muscles are metabolically active, so whenever muscle tissue increases, our basal metabolism gets a tweak. If your then interim diet maintains your weight, the net result is weight loss, albeit slowly. What I want to know is how slow exactly this process is with yoga, if it’s detectable at all. All to convince a stubborn mother that 20 minutes of yoga in the morning and the evening can expand her horizons in a different way. ; ) Cheerio. Pearlf You lose weight by burning calories or restricing caloric intake. Some foods require as much or more energy to digest them as they provide. But the fullness in your body signals you to stop eating so if you eat these foods you will not likely gain more weight. Raw carrots, celery, salads without the huge glopping of high-fat dressing. I use flaxseed oil and Baslamic vinegar on salad. (I am not overweight) Exercise has many benefits and I highly recommed it to burn calories. Riding a bike is a great way to lose weight and have fun at the same time. But it is winter so thats not so great now. Yoga can restore normal metabolism by influencing your glands and and flushing your brain with blood. It can tone your muscles and relieve constipation. You can fast also but you have to be real careful with this. I am a fan of supplements too. The older you get the less ability your body has to extract the nutrients from food. People that smoke and drink use up vitamin C much faster than people that do not also. Fruit in the morning and a salad at lunch go a long way countering rest of the junk food you eat. I am a runner and when I run I listen to philosophy/science and religion tapes. The same could be done with walking. Some people don’t know that if you walk a mile you burn the same number of calories as if you run a mile. Work is force through a distance. Power is the rate at which you do this. The benefit from running is that it speeds up your heart and metabolism. Speeding up your heart and making it work harder strengthens it and makes it more efficient beating. Both walking and running eliminate waste products from the blood and make you feel better. Blood gets oxygenated too and you release endorphins which will improve your overall mood. But running is the most difficult aerobic exercise. There is less wear and tear on a bike. I suggest indoor bike/treadmill for winter. After exercise and you cool down do some yoga to loosen up your tense muscles. Then do some breathing exercises and concentrate and meditate. Of course all this takes a lot of time and is only suggested as an ideal. Not all foods burn as cleanly as fruit and vegetables. Just like there is a lot of ash left over from some things you burn and none from others – meat and junk food leave a lot of ash (metabolic chemical waste) and fruit and vegtables ‘burn’ more cleanly. You get more energy for your buck/ prana. My meditation involves concentration and is neither easy or fun/requires a lot of practice before any results will be found. I am sure you can find some sort of meditation. good luck Mike Dubbeld

[...] Hello Pearlf, Why not introduce your dear mother to swiga? That is my terminology for swimming and yoga combined.  :) My entry into yoga was through swimming. (I used to be a competitive level free style swimmer specialised in 200 meters dash and 1500 mid-distance, still going strong). About eighteen years ago, I incorporated complete yogi breathing into my swimming technique. That, combined with other techniques and training routines including stretching, to this day keeps me ahead of strong younger swimmers half my age (I am 49). I also coach – only those who approach me after becoming curious about my technique of swimming which is extremely relaxed and calmly executed, but quite fast. I swim 200 meters in 2 min. 46 sec. on average (no, I am no Ian Thorpe of course!: )) in a medium course pool (25 meters), doing an average of 12 strokes per length. Stretching has helped my technique greatly because I can elongate my body considerably in the water (the longer and narrower the boat the faster it goes) as well as allowing flowing fish-like swimming and dynamic balance. Swimming is not known for being very effective for weight loss – unless one has an aerobic routine. I swim every evening for two hours (except Saturdays), do between two to three miles in total, and have a balanced mix of endurance and aerobic routines. That way I have kept my body at optimal condition in terms of weight, strength, speed, and what the hell, shape! Swimming pool is a great place to do stretches, while enjoying the relative weightlessness of the water. If your dear mother cannot be persuaded to do yoga, maybe a good swiga programme can prove a more attractive proposition.  :) With that said, I want to draw your attention to a thread currently under discussion in rec.sport.swimming NG entitled "Ideal Swimmer’s Diet". Read in particular a post sent by a swimming coach named Larry Weisenthal (net name: runnswim) whose post of 03.12.02 beginning with the sentence: "Ah,…diet.  Near and dear, don’t you know…" will hold information of some interest to this discussion. Also visit the following site in view of your interest in physiology of stretching: This is Brad Appleton’s competently put together FAQ on Stretching & Flexibility. Indispensable intermediary level reading for those interested in physical training as well as yoga: http://www.enteract.com/~bradapp/docs/rec/stretching/ Take care, Shahin Malekpour

Response:

Thanks for your comments, but these are things I already know and practise. I used to run mid-distance and cross-country, but now, time permitting, I jog and walk long distances regularly – for the simple pleasure of an endorphin rush. (Hey, everybody’s a junkie.) My intention was for stories concerning weight-loss coinciding with yoga. Yoga has a stretching effect on a variety of muscles. Usually when a muscle stretches or contracts and one experiences pain, slight tearing occurs in the muscle. To compensate, the tear is healed while the muscle is elongated (toning) or bulked up (strength-training). (Elongation of muscle may also occur without the need to drive yourself across a pain threshold.) Muscles are metabolically active, so whenever muscle tissue increases, our basal metabolism gets a tweak. If your then interim diet maintains your weight, the net result is weight loss, albeit slowly. What I want to know is how slow exactly this process is with yoga, if it’s detectable at all. All to convince a stubborn mother that 20 minutes of yoga in the morning and the evening can expand her horizons in a different way. ; ) Cheerio. Pearlf

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You lose weight by burning calories or restricing caloric intake. Some foods require as much or more energy to digest them as they provide. But the fullness in your body signals you to stop eating so if you eat these foods you will not likely gain more weight. Raw carrots, celery, salads without the huge glopping of high-fat dressing. I use flaxseed oil and Baslamic vinegar on salad. (I am not overweight) Exercise has many benefits and I highly recommed it to burn calories. Riding a bike is a great way to lose weight and have fun at the same time. But it is winter so thats not so great now. Yoga can restore normal metabolism by influencing your glands and and flushing your brain with blood. It can tone your muscles and relieve constipation. You can fast also but you have to be real careful with this. I am a fan of supplements too. The older you get the less ability your body has to extract the nutrients from food. People that smoke and drink use up vitamin C much faster than people that do not also. Fruit in the morning and a salad at lunch go a long way countering rest of the junk food you eat. I am a runner and when I run I listen to philosophy/science and religion tapes. The same could be done with walking. Some people don’t know that if you walk a mile you burn the same number of calories as if you run a mile. Work is force through a distance. Power is the rate at which you do this. The benefit from running is that it speeds up your heart and metabolism. Speeding up your heart and making it work harder strengthens it and makes it more efficient beating. Both walking and running eliminate waste products from the blood and make you feel better. Blood gets oxygenated too and you release endorphins which will improve your overall mood. But running is the most difficult aerobic exercise. There is less wear and tear on a bike. I suggest indoor bike/treadmill for winter. After exercise and you cool down do some yoga to loosen up your tense muscles. Then do some breathing exercises and concentrate and meditate. Of course all this takes a lot of time and is only suggested as an ideal. Not all foods burn as cleanly as fruit and vegetables. Just like there is a lot of ash left over from some things you burn and none from others – meat and junk food leave a lot of ash (metabolic chemical waste) and fruit and vegtables ‘burn’ more cleanly. You get more energy for your buck/ prana. My meditation involves concentration and is neither easy or fun/requires a lot of practice before any results will be found. I am sure you can find some sort of meditation. good luck Mike Dubbeld G’day Everyone I do not wish to disregard or commercialise anyone’s religion, religious practice or spirituality, but I have a keen interest in yoga and wish to focus on some of the physical benefits of practising yoga. I’m a newcomer to yoga and would like to read some anecdotes on weight-loss coinciding with yoga practice. Of course I realise yoga won’t help you lose 30 pounds in three weeks, but for small losses like five pounds or less, does yoga make a difference, and to what extent? I would like to practise yoga with my mom yoga because I know she could do with a bit of "stillness" in her life, but she’s a wily one and I’ll have to butter up my bait before she bites. She’s a tad bit overweight (~30 pounds) and I just want to convince her that yoga would add to her overall wellbeing. I respect the belief that one must not approach yoga with the material intention of personal gain… or loss. : ) The bottom line is that I have a stubborn mom. : p Thanks. : ) Pearlf

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for your comments, but these are things I already know and practise. I used to run mid-distance and cross-country, but now, time permitting, I jog and walk long distances regularly – for the simple pleasure of an endorphin rush. (Hey, everybody’s a junkie.) My intention was for stories concerning weight-loss coinciding with yoga. Yoga has a stretching effect on a variety of muscles. Usually when a muscle stretches or contracts and one experiences pain, slight tearing occurs in the muscle. To compensate, the tear is healed while the muscle is elongated (toning) or bulked up (strength-training). (Elongation of muscle may also occur without the need to drive yourself across a pain threshold.) Muscles are metabolically active, so whenever muscle tissue increases, our basal metabolism gets a tweak. If your then interim diet maintains your weight, the net result is weight loss, albeit slowly. What I want to know is how slow exactly this process is with yoga, if it’s detectable at all. All to convince a stubborn mother that 20 minutes of yoga in the morning and the evening can expand her horizons in a different way. ; )

I don’t think there is much in the way of exact anything including in exercise because metabolic rates and genetic tendencies change from person to person. (Fast twitch/slow twitch muscle/muscle is heavier than fat and replaces it so the scale lies) I would like to know myself exactly what transpires as far as hormone release and how hatha yoga relieves stress. In fact one of the things I have great interest in particularly is conscious control of cerebro-spinal-fluid and the pituitary and hypothalamus as I believe I do operate on these consciously to great extent and also on the right vagus nerve to control the heart. I believe the physical connection for instance when yoga talks about the ‘cave of the heart’ has to do with the right vagus nerve. I would volunteer to be a guinea pig but am not fond of the MRI/PET/CAT etc. see my other post for Yoga/Vedantic metaphysics/mechanics. Mike Dubbeld – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Cheerio. Pearlf You lose weight by burning calories or restricing caloric intake. Some foods require as much or more energy to digest them as they provide. But the fullness in your body signals you to stop eating so if you eat these foods you will not likely gain more weight. Raw carrots, celery, salads without the huge glopping of high-fat dressing. I use flaxseed oil and Baslamic vinegar on salad. (I am not overweight) Exercise has many benefits and I highly recommed it to burn calories. Riding a bike is a great way to lose weight and have fun at the same time. But it is winter so thats not so great now. Yoga can restore normal metabolism by influencing your glands and and flushing your brain with blood. It can tone your muscles and relieve constipation. You can fast also but you have to be real careful with this. I am a fan of supplements too. The older you get the less ability your body has to extract the nutrients from food. People that smoke and drink use up vitamin C much faster than people that do not also. Fruit in the morning and a salad at lunch go a long way countering rest of the junk food you eat. I am a runner and when I run I listen to philosophy/science and religion tapes. The same could be done with walking. Some people don’t know that if you walk a mile you burn the same number of calories as if you run a mile. Work is force through a distance. Power is the rate at which you do this. The benefit from running is that it speeds up your heart and metabolism. Speeding up your heart and making it work harder strengthens it and makes it more efficient beating. Both walking and running eliminate waste products from the blood and make you feel better. Blood gets oxygenated too and you release endorphins which will improve your overall mood. But running is the most difficult aerobic exercise. There is less wear and tear on a bike. I suggest indoor bike/treadmill for winter. After exercise and you cool down do some yoga to loosen up your tense muscles. Then do some breathing exercises and concentrate and meditate. Of course all this takes a lot of time and is only suggested as an ideal. Not all foods burn as cleanly as fruit and vegetables. Just like there is a lot of ash left over from some things you burn and none from others – meat and junk food leave a lot of ash (metabolic chemical waste) and fruit and vegtables ‘burn’ more cleanly. You get more energy for your buck/ prana. My meditation involves concentration and is neither easy or fun/requires a lot of practice before any results will be found. I am sure you can find some sort of meditation. good luck Mike Dubbeld G’day Everyone I do not wish to disregard or commercialise anyone’s religion, religious practice or spirituality, but I have a keen interest in yoga and wish to focus on some of the physical benefits of practising yoga. I’m a newcomer to yoga and would like to read some anecdotes on weight-loss coinciding with yoga practice. Of course I realise yoga won’t help you lose 30 pounds in three weeks, but for small losses like five pounds or less, does yoga make a difference, and to what extent? I would like to practise yoga with my mom yoga because I know she could do with a bit of "stillness" in her life, but she’s a wily one and I’ll have to butter up my bait before she bites. She’s a tad bit overweight (~30 pounds) and I just want to convince her that yoga would add to her overall wellbeing. I respect the belief that one must not approach yoga with the material intention of personal gain… or loss. : ) The bottom line is that I have a stubborn mom. : p Thanks. : ) Pearlf

Response:

G’day Everyone I do not wish to disregard or commercialise anyone’s religion, religious practice or spirituality, but I have a keen interest in yoga and wish to focus on some of the physical benefits of practising yoga. I’m a newcomer to yoga and would like to read some anecdotes on weight-loss coinciding with yoga practice. Of course I realise yoga won’t help you lose 30 pounds in three weeks, but for small losses like five pounds or less, does yoga make a difference, and to what extent? I would like to practise yoga with my mom yoga because I know she could do with a bit of "stillness" in her life, but she’s a wily one and I’ll have to butter up my bait before she bites. She’s a tad bit overweight (~30 pounds) and I just want to convince her that yoga would add to her overall wellbeing. I respect the belief that one must not approach yoga with the material intention of personal gain… or loss. : ) The bottom line is that I have a stubborn mom. : p Thanks. : ) Pearlf

Response:

You lose weight by burning calories or restricing caloric intake. Some foods require as much or more energy to digest them as they provide. But the fullness in your body signals you to stop eating so if you eat these foods you will not likely gain more weight. Raw carrots, celery, salads without the huge glopping of high-fat dressing. I use flaxseed oil and Baslamic vinegar on salad. (I am not overweight) Exercise has many benefits and I highly recommed it to burn calories. Riding a bike is a great way to lose weight and have fun at the same time. But it is winter so thats not so great now. Yoga can restore normal metabolism by influencing your glands and and flushing your brain with blood. It can tone your muscles and relieve constipation. You can fast also but you have to be real careful with this. I am a fan of supplements too. The older you get the less ability your body has to extract the nutrients from food. People that smoke and drink use up vitamin C much faster than people that do not also. Fruit in the morning and a salad at lunch go a long way countering rest of the junk food you eat. I am a runner and when I run I listen to philosophy/science and religion tapes. The same could be done with walking. Some people don’t know that if you walk a mile you burn the same number of calories as if you run a mile. Work is force through a distance. Power is the rate at which you do this. The benefit from running is that it speeds up your heart and metabolism. Speeding up your heart and making it work harder strengthens it and makes it more efficient beating. Both walking and running eliminate waste products from the blood and make you feel better. Blood gets oxygenated too and you release endorphins which will improve your overall mood. But running is the most difficult aerobic exercise. There is less wear and tear on a bike. I suggest indoor bike/treadmill for winter. After exercise and you cool down do some yoga to loosen up your tense muscles. Then do some breathing exercises and concentrate and meditate. Of course all this takes a lot of time and is only suggested as an ideal. Not all foods burn as cleanly as fruit and vegetables. Just like there is a lot of ash left over from some things you burn and none from others – meat and junk food leave a lot of ash (metabolic chemical waste) and fruit and vegtables ‘burn’ more cleanly. You get more energy for your buck/ prana. My meditation involves concentration and is neither easy or fun/requires a lot of practice before any results will be found. I am sure you can find some sort of meditation. good luck Mike Dubbeld

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – G’day Everyone I do not wish to disregard or commercialise anyone’s religion, religious practice or spirituality, but I have a keen interest in yoga and wish to focus on some of the physical benefits of practising yoga. I’m a newcomer to yoga and would like to read some anecdotes on weight-loss coinciding with yoga practice. Of course I realise yoga won’t help you lose 30 pounds in three weeks, but for small losses like five pounds or less, does yoga make a difference, and to what extent? I would like to practise yoga with my mom yoga because I know she could do with a bit of "stillness" in her life, but she’s a wily one and I’ll have to butter up my bait before she bites. She’s a tad bit overweight (~30 pounds) and I just want to convince her that yoga would add to her overall wellbeing. I respect the belief that one must not approach yoga with the material intention of personal gain… or loss. : ) The bottom line is that I have a stubborn mom. : p Thanks. : ) Pearlf

Response:

Question:

Thanks for the advice! I really don’t have access to a class. First of all, I live in a small town in Canada.  I have two children, 8months and 5years, and I don’t drive!  About the only time I have during the day is when the baby naps.

A few years ago I had a wonderful Iyengar teacher that had a child herself. She had set up yoga classes in her home with an assistant who would watch the kids while class happened. She also did some weekend retreats that included child care. With a little research you would be surprised as to what is possible.  If you got enough other moms together you could pitch in and bring in a yoga teacher for the day to give you a lesson. I have some friends from the small town of Montero California who did that. Brought in an Iyengar teacher from San Francisco for $50. Check out http://www.iyengar-yoga.com/ to look for certified teachers. I can not stress enough the benefits of real life teachers even if it is for 1 or 2 hours.  Yoga is not like doing aerobics, it is possible to do long term damage if you are not practicing correct alignment. — ~Stu

Response:

Do you mean a one time 1 or 2 hour class?  Just to make sure I’m on the right track? That might be doable. I’ll go check out the website. Thanks! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the advice! I really don’t have access to a class. First of all, I live in a small town in Canada.  I have two children, 8months and 5years, and I don’t drive!  About the only time I have during the day is when the baby naps. A few years ago I had a wonderful Iyengar teacher that had a child herself. She had set up yoga classes in her home with an assistant who would watch the kids while class happened. She also did some weekend retreats that included child care. With a little research you would be surprised as to what is possible.  If you got enough other moms together you could pitch in and bring in a yoga teacher for the day to give you a lesson. I have some friends from the small town of Montero California who did that. Brought in an Iyengar teacher from San Francisco for $50. Check out http://www.iyengar-yoga.com/ to look for certified teachers. I can not stress enough the benefits of real life teachers even if it is for 1 or 2 hours.  Yoga is not like doing aerobics, it is possible to do long term damage if you are not practicing correct alignment. — ~Stu

Response:

there is a good article in the current yoga journal about inversions that put pressure the neck: dangers/benefits, etc. switching the topic here a bit toward the pros and cons of inversions, why not just opt for handstand vs. headstand, shoulderstand or plow? M – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (snip) I’m uk based but if you are USA based a good website is the  Maida Vale Institute’s website (London) which has links to all over the world.  The address is: www.iyi.org.uk/yoga_addresses.html. I would say that as long as you feel you’ve got the energy and inclination to do yoga, that an hour a day is fantastic and should be encouraged! However, even 5 minutes a day or one hour a week will start to make a dramatic difference in your life if you keep it up.   If it makes your arms tingle that is probably a good sign and stiffness in the shoulders is a very common problem, especially for desk workers, drivers etc.  Keep at it.  It can only do you good! R (snip)              course includes shoulder stand and the plough – both of              which are extremely uncomfortable for me. Am I just really              out of shape or should a beginner not be doing these poses? .(snip)              Thanks,              Brenda

Response:

Do you mean a one time 1 or 2 hour class?  Just to make sure I’m on the right track? That might be doable. I’ll go check out the website. Thanks!

I mean call up a few teachers (I prefer Iyengar certified so you know what you are getting).  Talk with them and see what is practical.  For the most part Yoga teachers are a dedicated breed ready to help any and all. — ~Stu

Response:

Handstands?  Uh – I never could do handstands, even when I was a little kid! Something to strive for though!  Actually, I seem to recall that I used to be able to do them by kicking up against a wall. Oh, to be young again! Brenda

Response:

Just a few comments. The inversions like any poses should feel joyful (sukha) or at least comfortable as in release of stress and obstructions/blockages while giving more/new energy to any region or the entire body/nervous system. From my experience no asana ever needs to feel uncomfortable as there is always a preliminary asana that is the joyful segue into the advanced or full version. If we ALWAYS go for  the liberating energy, release of stress, and love/healing dynamic then long time "progress" in yoga will be reached without injury. Many people have the attitude that progress can not be "won" without force, without pain, or without conflict, but I find that a creed rather than the message of yoga which includes with it ahimsa, santosha, and isvara pranidhana as basic guidelines. Now I may be prejudiced — so I am sharing what has worked for me. I suggest that if shoulderstand or headstand feels uncomfortable — then by all means modify them or do the preparations until there exists a natural passion (sahaj) to go for further in your practice, remembering that yoga is not about conforming to a set standard, but rather about coming into awareness, creativity,  creation/creator harmony. Headstand specifically is beneficial when an experienced teacher can watch and make suggestions as you are upside down and can not "see" the body very well. In general the most common fault is not tucking in the chin toward the throat (as in jalandhara bandha) enough. This bandha will allow you to place weight more in the posterior aspect of the skull (which many [people fear to do because of the fear of falling over backwards). Placing the weight on the front of the skull can cause compression of the vertebra of the neck and is thus to be avoided. Also doing headstand while the neck is already misaligned will make bad necks worse, so in this regard a good teacher is helpful, chiropractic adjustments and/or massage are also helpful, and a good preparation is Hare pose. Pincha mayurasana is also very synergistic with head stand not requiring any pressure on the neck and is also a great preparation to handstand. Handstand is best learned by kicking up s l o w l y with both feet at once so that the transition is as  smooth as possible. This will require a slow rebuilding of certain muscles that may not be present at this time so loving patience and santosh can be also practiced in this way at the same time. Viparita Karani Mudra is a good preparation for shoulder stand (sarvangasana) and plow (halasana), but bridge (Setu bandha asana) should be mastered first as well as jalandhara bandha unless you have a natural feeling for the energy behind these poses. If you have this natural feeling (sahaj) then there can not be anything like unconmfortability. This NATURAL good FEELING  will not only  overcome the depression, but will eradicate its causes (what you are lacking and haven’t found). Search out the love and healing which is within and liberate it! Jai Ma!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Handstands?  Uh – I never could do handstands, even when I was a little kid! Something to strive for though!  Actually, I seem to recall that I used to be able to do them by kicking up against a wall. Oh, to be young again! Brenda

Response:

Good point, Marcus, there are many variations of headstand with and without support. Iyengar in "Light on Yoga" gives over 10 versions of sirsasana, while David Swenson in his definitive book called "Ashtanga Yoga" gives seven versions including mukta Hasta Sirsasana A, B, and C as well as Baddha Hasta Sirsasana A-D some of which have almost all the weight on the head. He suggests that the weight be progressively shifted onto the head SLOWLY and without force or any strain/stress. I have found that there exist even many more versions of sirsasana, ever the more reason for people to customize their practice appropriately as to their own unique constitutional needs. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga the weight of the body in headstand should be supported with hands, not with the head and neck. At least this is the way that Pattabhi Jois teaches it in his book "Yoga Mala". I have found this very difficult, so I have to support some of the weight with my head. ps. I did my first kukkutasana today, felt great! Marcus

Response:

In the above, I am referring to sisasana as advocated by Pattabi Jois in the second series where more weight is shifted onto the head (after the neck has become aligned) .

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good point, Marcus, there are many variations of headstand with and without support. Iyengar in "Light on Yoga" gives over 10 versions of sirsasana, while David Swenson in his definitive book called "Ashtanga Yoga" gives seven versions including mukta Hasta Sirsasana A, B, and C as well as Baddha Hasta Sirsasana A-D some of which have almost all the weight on the head. He suggests that the weight be progressively shifted onto the head SLOWLY and without force or any strain/stress. I have found that there exist even many more versions of sirsasana, ever the more reason for people to customize their practice appropriately as to their own unique constitutional needs.

Response:

Brenda,         There are no stupid questions. Certainly yours are thoughtful. I am responding with some suggestions, keep in mind that there is no one right way to practice yoga, there are lots of varitations.         At <A HREF="http://www.yogajournal.com/"Yoga Journal</A you can look over the book & tape source for other videos you might enjoy.         I think an hour to hour and half practice isn’t too long, but your body will let you know if you are overdoing it. Pay attention and learn more about yourself in practice.         I think some yoga poses feel so good to keep us interested in practice. If they felt awful we wouldn’t practice right? And the paradox, simple is difficult. Yes, because it requires more balance and muscular control.         Remember this is a whole new experience for you give yourself plenty of time to adjust to yoga. The poses you mention plough and shoulderstand are best learned from a teacher so that the weight of the body is balanced correctly and no nerves are pinched.         Tingling in your arms is a sign of problems, so yes I would be concerned. However it is an early sign, nothing too serious. Again a skilled teacher can show you how to hold your arms and move them in a way that will alleviate the tingling and create better health.         I’m not meaning to say you must have a teacher for everything all the time. I’m suggesting that if you can find your way to a skilled yoga teacher for a class now and then or a workshop that you will be able to learn adjustments and variations to make your yoga practice truly individually yours.         Do write again and let us know how you are doing. Post me directly if you have a specific question. peace, sandra

Response:

Thanks for the advice! I really don’t have access to a class. First of all, I live in a small town in Canada.  I have two children, 8months and 5years, and I don’t drive!  About the only time I have during the day is when the baby naps. I’m not really interested in going too far, I’m setting small goals and will see where they take me. I got interested in yoga after taking a stretch and relax class when I was working (my employer had an aerobics studio for staff in the basement).  I used to feel SO good after those classes. So I started stretching on my own. Then I had a baby, and quit my job, and moved!  I really just need some time to focus, and be good to my body, after chasing kids around all day. Just wanted to mention, I saw a question on yoga and weight loss earlier, and I do think yoga can help with weight loss, and not for the reasons you might think.  When you take good care of your body, your body takes care of itself.  I’ve been a vegetarian for compassionate reasons for some years, but I was a bit of a "junk food" vegetarian.  With the yoga, I find myself eating much better.  Don’t know if it’s will power, or better self esteem, or what, but I am losing weight. Thanks again!  I’ll keep reading and learning.  Wonderful newsgroup. Brenda

Response:

            Sorry to barge in here and ask stupid questions.              But I’ve just started doing yoga (four weeks) and              since I don’t have any access to classes where I live,              I’m trying to muddle through this on my own. Tried              a couple of Wai Lana tapes which were ok. Then I stumbled              on the Yoga Journal’s beginner tape and it’s awesome!              I can’t believe how great I feel after only four weeks.               Oh I guess I should mention I’m trying yoga to help overcome              a negative outlook on life that has resulted in a lifelong              fight with depression. So I would like to know:              How often should you practice?  Sometimes I get the urge              to do it more than once a day – is that overdoing it?              I find a couple of stretches throughout the day feel great,              on top of about 1/2 to one hour practice in the morning.              Why do some poses feel so good?  ie comming out of the              downward dog pose is heaven!  But why are the simplest              looking poses so difficult?  I’m having a hard time with              proud warrior!              I also got a book called "Yoga the Iyengar way" and              it has some course outlines in the back.  But the beginners              course includes shoulder stand and the plough – both of              which are extremely uncomfortable for me. Am I just really              out of shape or should a beginner not be doing these poses?              Also, after ten years of a desk job, I have been having              trouble with the beginnings of carpal tunnel – and sometimes              yoga makes my arms tingle. In fact, even holding my arms              at shoulder height can be difficult for me.  Should I be              concerned?              I hope these questions aren’t too stupid – I just don’t              have much access to good information.  I have been enjoying              reading this newsgroup very much- what a wonderful community!              Can you tell I’m enthused about this?              Thanks,              Brenda

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Brenda, There are no stupid questions. Certainly yours are thoughtful. I am responding with some suggestions, keep in mind that there is no one right way to practice yoga, there are lots of varitations. At <A HREF="http://www.yogajournal.com/"Yoga Journal</A you can look over the book & tape source for other videos you might enjoy. I think an hour to hour and half practice isn’t too long, but your body will let you know if you are overdoing it. Pay attention and learn more about yourself in practice. I think some yoga poses feel so good to keep us interested in practice. If they felt awful we wouldn’t practice right? And the paradox, simple is difficult. Yes, because it requires more balance and muscular control. Remember this is a whole new experience for you give yourself plenty of time to adjust to yoga. The poses you mention plough and shoulderstand are best learned from a teacher so that the weight of the body is balanced correctly and no nerves are pinched. Tingling in your arms is a sign of problems, so yes I would be concerned. However it is an early sign, nothing too serious. Again a skilled teacher can show you how to hold your arms and move them in a way that will alleviate the tingling and create better health. I’m not meaning to say you must have a teacher for everything all the time. I’m suggesting that if you can find your way to a skilled yoga teacher for a class now and then or a workshop that you will be able to learn adjustments and variations to make your yoga practice truly individually yours. Do write again and let us know how you are doing. Post me directly if you have a specific question. peace, sandra

Just like to add – Brenda what city do you live in? Perhaps we can find you a real live teacher. If not it may be worth a weekend trip to an urban center for a beginner’s course.  Can not stress enough the importance of at least some feedback from a real person observing your practice. — ~Stu

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Yoga the Iyengar Way is a really good book but it is not I think intended to replace a teacher, so if you can get to an Iyengar teacher in  your area he/she will be able to assess your ability for shoulder stand and plough. Beginners don’t usually do these two poses until they have strengthened their legs and shoulder muscles with the standing poses at the front of the book and by doing lots of dog poses so don’t be dismayed – I teach beginners classes and don’t allow my students to go too far too fast – yoga is a lot stronger than people think and you have to let your body get used to it gradually.  I’m not sure where you actually live but there are many well qualified Iyengar teachers worldwide and many websites to help you.  I’m uk based but if you are USA based a good website is the  Maida Vale Institute’s website (London) which has links to all over the world.  The address is: www.iyi.org.uk/yoga_addresses.html. I would say that as long as you feel you’ve got the energy and inclination to do yoga, that an hour a day is fantastic and should be encouraged! However, even 5 minutes a day or one hour a week will start to make a dramatic difference in your life if you keep it up.   If it makes your arms tingle that is probably a good sign and stiffness in the shoulders is a very common problem, especially for desk workers, drivers etc.  Keep at it.  It can only do you good! Hope this is useful advice.  Oh, by the way, if you can use a cd rom there is quite a good Iyengar one available called "Yoga for You" which is Iyengar based and quite useful. R

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –             Sorry to barge in here and ask stupid questions.              But I’ve just started doing yoga (four weeks) and              since I don’t have any access to classes where I live,              I’m trying to muddle through this on my own. Tried              a couple of Wai Lana tapes which were ok. Then I stumbled              on the Yoga Journal’s beginner tape and it’s awesome!              I can’t believe how great I feel after only four weeks.               Oh I guess I should mention I’m trying yoga to help overcome              a negative outlook on life that has resulted in a lifelong              fight with depression. So I would like to know:              How often should you practice?  Sometimes I get the urge              to do it more than once a day – is that overdoing it?              I find a couple of stretches throughout the day feel great,              on top of about 1/2 to one hour practice in the morning.              Why do some poses feel so good?  ie comming out of the              downward dog pose is heaven!  But why are the simplest              looking poses so difficult?  I’m having a hard time with              proud warrior!              I also got a book called "Yoga the Iyengar way" and              it has some course outlines in the back.  But the beginners              course includes shoulder stand and the plough – both of              which are extremely uncomfortable for me. Am I just really              out of shape or should a beginner not be doing these poses?              Also, after ten years of a desk job, I have been having              trouble with the beginnings of carpal tunnel – and sometimes              yoga makes my arms tingle. In fact, even holding my arms              at shoulder height can be difficult for me.  Should I be              concerned?              I hope these questions aren’t too stupid – I just don’t              have much access to good information.  I have been enjoying              reading this newsgroup very much- what a wonderful community!              Can you tell I’m enthused about this?              Thanks,              Brenda

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Question:

Power Yoga by Rodney Lee combines a workout, stretch, and meditation.  I found it to be a quite beautifully done video with the ocean in the background, very peaceful.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Nicholas Narcowich schrieb: **The United States of America, One Republic, under GOD.** Human beeings and even Innocent ppl are sentenced to a inhuman and crual death (gas-chamber!), massmurders, like the airforcepilot that caused the Cavallese crash in italy, are found NOT guilty and everybody speaks about their presidents sexlife… Indeed – **The United States of America, One Republic, under GOD.** (?) Sat Nam – Hari Har Singh Though I do agree there are weaknesses in our society (just as there are in any human society), this is not the place for holier than thou outrage.

I just want to mention that it is cynical to write "One Republic, under GOD" – i would have also mentinoed it if there would have been written "Iraq,One Republic, under GOD" or "China,One Republic, under GOD" – as the USA these are all states that do murder people – they call it "death penalty". God is life itself – to kill a human beeing is against life and so it is against God. This is all only about revenge and that has nothing to do with Jesus, or any other religion, moral, ethic or believe. In my eyes it’s simply brutal and stupid. For the first time since WW2 the USA murdered two german citizens. This started here again an discussion about the "death penalty" and the strict and harsh way officials in the USA refused to turn the death penalty into a lifelong penalty as an act of grace. And only two days later they acquit the air force pilot that definetely killed more than 20 people (8 of them were german citizens) through cutting the wire of an skilift in  caballese / Italy with his jet because he did fly to low. People in italy and germany really were shocked by this acquitance. It’s not that I want the death penalty for this pilot – but he has to take the responsibility for this crash, because he IS resposible! These are two cases I don’t want you to forget. It has to be discussed – allso in the USA. It has nothing to do with an "holier than thou outrage." It’s not about holyness, it’s about vital, simple human rights, and about a lawsystem that seem to be – in these cases – not different and as casual as the lawsystems in countrys as f.e. China or Iraq.   Sat Nam – Hari Har Singh

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Nicholas Narcowich schrieb: **The United States of America, One Republic, under GOD.**

Human beeings and even Innocent ppl are sentenced to a inhuman and crual death (gas-chamber!), massmurders, like the airforcepilot that caused the Cavallese crash in italy, are found NOT guilty and everybody speaks about their presidents sexlife…   Indeed – **The United States of America, One Republic, under GOD.** (?) Sat Nam – Hari Har Singh

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Nicholas Narcowich schrieb: **The United States of America, One Republic, under GOD.** Human beeings and even Innocent ppl are sentenced to a inhuman and crual death (gas-chamber!), massmurders, like the airforcepilot that caused the Cavallese crash in italy, are found NOT guilty and everybody speaks about their presidents sexlife… Indeed – **The United States of America, One Republic, under GOD.** (?) Sat Nam – Hari Har Singh

Though I do agree there are weaknesses in our society (just as there are in any human society), this is not the place for holier than thou outrage.

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I teach Kundalini Yoga and I agree with MosMo. I highly recomend to start learning Kundalini Yoga with a teacher. Find yourself a class at: http://www.kundaliniyoga.com/ But there is nothing to say against doing it as a beginner. Most of the ppl I teach are beginners. As a teacher you adjust the exercises to the limits the ppl have. Without a teacher you wouldn’t have this correction and maybe force yourself to do an exercise that was created for and teached in front of advanced students. Allso it is good to go to a class to get a feeling for the Yoga and its "energy". Sat Nam – Hari Har Singh alt.yoga FAQ: http://www.snafu.de/~ffg/alt.yoga/ MosMoM320 schrieb: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Someone correct me if I am wrong. . .(I am a relative newbie, too) but I think that Hatha Yoga would lean more toward your physical goals, with meditation/pranayama (breathing exercises) for the stress reduction. From the little that I’ve read about Kundalini Yoga, it should really be practiced with an experienced teacher. Most bookstores carry Hatha Yoga books/tapes.  The alt.yoga FAQ (Hari Har Singh can direct you to it) has information regarding the types of yoga you can practice and also a site which can direct you to yoga teachers/classes in your area. Use your favorite search engine to locate websites that contain information on the types of yoga you are most interested in. Just some suggestions from a newbie like yourself that you may find helpful. Misty P.S.  I appologize if I spelled your name incorrectly, Hari Har Singh. Misty

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This person thinks The NEWS group is in his mail box!  What a scream… PLEASE DELETE MY NAME AND E-MAIL ADDRESS FROM YOUR LISTS.  I HAVE BEEN PRACTICING YOGA FOR OVER 30 YEARS, BUT I DON’T WANT AND DID NOT ASK FOR THIS MAIL!  PLEASE DELETE MY E-MAIL MAIL ADDRESS IMMEDIATELY. THANK YOU!!!

Yeah, I got that e-mail, too.  I think that there’s a way to subscribe to usenet newgroups which causes all messages sent to the group to be sent to one’s e-mail.  This person probabaly subscribed either on purpose or inadvertently awhile back and now gets all alt.yoga postings as e-mails. Anyone know how to unsubscribe?  Just post it to this newgroup! -Ed

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You are right.  Hatha Yoga is vary good for the health.  Maybe a copy or two of Yoga Journal are called for too.  And a video to see the movements too. Nick — **The United States of America, One Republic, under GOD.**            Gold and Silver, the only real money. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Someone correct me if I am wrong. . .(I am a relative newbie, too) but I think that Hatha Yoga would lean more toward your physical goals, with meditation/pranayama (breathing exercises) for the stress reduction. From the little that I’ve read about Kundalini Yoga, it should really be practiced with an experienced teacher. Most bookstores carry Hatha Yoga books/tapes.  The alt.yoga FAQ (Hari Har Singh can direct you to it) has information regarding the types of yoga you can practice and also a site which can direct you to yoga teachers/classes in your area. Use your favorite search engine to locate websites that contain information on the types of yoga you are most interested in. Just some suggestions from a newbie like yourself that you may find helpful. Misty P.S.  I appologize if I spelled your name incorrectly, Hari Har Singh. Misty

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This person thinks The NEWS group is in his mail box!  What a scream… Nick — **The United States of America, One Republic, under GOD.**            Gold and Silver, the only real money. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – PLEASE DELETE MY NAME AND E-MAIL ADDRESS FROM YOUR LISTS.  I HAVE BEEN PRACTICING YOGA FOR OVER 30 YEARS, BUT I DON’T WANT AND DID NOT ASK FOR THIS MAIL!  PLEASE DELETE MY E-MAIL MAIL ADDRESS IMMEDIATELY. THANK YOU!!!              Kundalini is wonderful yoga, however you may want      tobegin with a more basic      practice. Kripalu is usually relaxing while offering the                    -SNIP-      works for you.              enjoy your practice, sandra

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        Kundalini is wonderful yoga, however you may want tobegin with a more basic practice. Kripalu is usually relaxing while offering the benefits of increased flexibility.         If you live in a fairly populated area check the discount video rack at the large chain drug stores. Also used book stores there is a useful book by Richard Hittleman on yoga and weight loss.         Yoga is sometimes described as being like the story of the 5 blind men and the elephant. What ever part of yoga one comes into contact with is simple to grasp, but it isn’t the whole. Keep looking around till you find some yoga that works for you.         enjoy your practice, sandra

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PLEASE DELETE MY NAME AND E-MAIL ADDRESS FROM YOUR LISTS.  I HAVE BEEN PRACTICING YOGA FOR OVER 30 YEARS, BUT I DON’T WANT AND DID NOT ASK FOR THIS MAIL!  PLEASE DELETE MY E-MAIL MAIL ADDRESS IMMEDIATELY.  THANK YOU!!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –         Kundalini is wonderful yoga, however you may want tobegin with a more basic practice. Kripalu is usually relaxing while offering the benefits of increased flexibility.         If you live in a fairly populated area check the discount video rack at the large chain drug stores. Also used book stores there is a useful book by Richard Hittleman on yoga and weight loss.         Yoga is sometimes described as being like the story of the 5 blind men and the elephant. What ever part of yoga one comes into contact with is simple to grasp, but it isn’t the whole. Keep looking around till you find some yoga that works for you.         enjoy your practice, sandra

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I recently bought a beginner’s yoga video that’s super for stress — "The Power of Y: Yoga for Stress relief." It’s available at http://www.yogavideos.com. All the best. namaste Susan

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Hello, Someone correct me if I am wrong. . .(I am a relative newbie, too) but I think that Hatha Yoga would lean more toward your physical goals, with meditation/pranayama (breathing exercises) for the stress reduction.   From the little that I’ve read about Kundalini Yoga, it should really be practiced with an experienced teacher. Most bookstores carry Hatha Yoga books/tapes.  The alt.yoga FAQ (Hari Har Singh can direct you to it) has information regarding the types of yoga you can practice and also a site which can direct you to yoga teachers/classes in your area. Use your favorite search engine to locate websites that contain information on the types of yoga you are most interested in. Just some suggestions from a newbie like yourself that you may find helpful.   Misty P.S.  I appologize if I spelled your name incorrectly, Hari Har Singh. Misty

Response:

Hello fellow human being, I am just beginning to do yoga on my own and am a little unsure as to whether or not i am doing it right.  I am looking to reduce stress and increase flexibility for sports.  A friend sent me an audio tape for Kundalini Yoga and i tried it for the first time last night.  Is this the right one for me?  Any suggestions on what else i need to do in order to get started without spening too much money?  Also I would appreciate any suggestions for a diet to go along with it.  Thanks for any help anyone can send my way.  Sincerely

  To my view, it isn’t recommended practicing Kundalini Yoga on one’s own, without proper personal guidance. For reducing stress – meditation is best.   At The Third Circle Web Site there is a free online meditations manual, containing all the information necessary in order to practice the meditations presented there. The Web Site have been updated recently and now it presents twelve very easy, yet, quite powerful meditation. Though the explanations and instructions given are quite clear and easy to follow, should any question arise concerning the practice of those meditations — I’m available to clarify and elaborate by email. The Third Circle Web Site is located at the following URL addresses: www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/5715/   (Main Site – USA) members.iol.co.il/weagle/                              (Israeli Mirror)                                    — Below is an excerpt from the introduction to the twelve meditations.                 Preface To Meditations In The Third Circle   Twelve meditations, or signposts, or aids, or means, or exercises are presented below. They are: "Relaxation", "Praying / Asking", "Shielding", "Simple Breathing Exercise (Pranayama)", "Body-Feeling Meditation", "The Silence Meditation", "The Aum Mantra Meditation", "Healing The Inner Child", "Connecting Your Future Self", "Mother Earth Consciousness", "Mother Earth Meditation" and "Peace On Earth Meditation". These are very easy and simple, yet quite powerful meditations, or exercises, or means, or aids, or signposts to any spiritual quest and journey.   These twelve meditations are included in The Third Circle (TTC), which is an opening to all-that-is and up to infinity, by self-work and out of Self-Source-of-Authority, in the quest of truth and reality, aiming at eliminating the human suffering.   As simple as they are, each one of these twelve exercises may facilitate and aid progress at any spiritual stand, from the first steps of interest and curiosity about the spiritual, or an attraction to it, and up to achieving the ultimate, supreme, attainment — Self-realization, or enlightenment.   All the meditations and exercises mentioned in this file may be practiced by self-work, that is — by following the instructions given here. All the necessary information needed to enable practicing these meditations and exercises is included in the given instructions — there is no need for any external teacher, or guide, in order to be able to practice these meditations. Nevertheless, I’m available to reply by email any question concerning the practice of these meditations that may arise.   You may choose practicing, or trying, only one of them, all of them, or any combination — at your choice. As everything in The Third Circle (TTC), there are no set rules or dogmas here. Each and every one is welcomed to exercise one’s own Self-Source-Of-Authority (SSOA), choose for oneself and take responsibility for one’s choices and their consequences. TTC presents signposts, or recommendations. What to do and how exactly to do it — is ultimately up to each and every individual.                                    — A Brief Introduction To The Twelve Meditations, Or Signposts: * Relaxation:   A very basic and simple relaxation exercise, yet, quite an effective one. Good to be practiced whenever one may be tensed, and at the beginning of every meditation.                                    — * Praying / asking:   Experience shows praying or asking to be very useful and helpful. Believing in God or not, practicing a particular religion or not, doesn’t make much difference here.   TTC is not a religion, not a part of any religion and it is not connected to any religion. Praying is very useful and helpful, regardless whether praying, or asking — God, or the universe — is done in a religious context or not. Here, in TTC, there is no religious context to praying; that is, praying doesn’t mean practicing a religion — not necessarily.   What counts here is our attitude and behavior, not any dogma or set rules. Yet, it is the individual’s choice whether to pray in a religious context or not. In our experience, praying, or asking, is very useful, regardless to whether it’s being done in a religious context or not. TTC, in the context of prayer, have no recommendation pro or con any religion.   One of the reasons that praying or asking is very helpful is that by praying or asking we direct our attention away from our small self, or ego, to a higher ideal. It serves us in widening our perspective, expanding our boundaries.   Another reason for it being beneficial is that by praying or asking we direct our attention to the desired results and goals. Directing our attention serves the flow of energy to and from the desired result or attainment. This energy flow assists in the actual attainment of our goals.                                    — * Shielding:   It is an energetic and astral grounding and shielding. Good to be practiced in any case, especially when we may feel being attacked, or drained energetically. It is a suggested protection for meditations, aiding in blocking unwanted energies and entities from entering our meditations.   Please bear in mind that in the relative universe nothing is absolute, thus — there is no absolute protection and and no absolute shielding. Ultimately, one’s free will and choices are the best possible protection — over time. Nevertheless, this shielding exercise is a recommended practice.   Some choose to practice it as a part of their daily routine, some choose to practice it as the first stage of every meditation, some choose to practice it when feeling a need, and some choose not to practice it at all. It’s up to you.                                    — * Simple Breathing Exercise (Pranayama):   Prana is the Sanskrit word for the universal life force — the force that sustains life in all living creatures. In Chinese, this universal life force is called Ki, or Chi, hence, Tai-Chi.   Pranayama – Yogi breathing exercises – is one of the eight limbs of Yoga – for the value and benefit of Pranayama is paramount. It is extremely relaxing, invigorating — it purifies the body, mind, soul and spirit.   This Simple Breathing Exercise (Pranayama) is indeed very simple and easy to practice, yet, it is highly valuable. This simple Pranayama may be practiced by itself and it may serve as an excellent preamble to any meditation and spiritual exercise.                                    — * Body-Feeling Meditation:   At times, if you may feel very tired, moody, tensed, agitated, low energies, irritated, impatient, drained out, spaced out, disconnected, the mind is not very clear, etc — it is recommended to elevate your feeling, mood or energies with the Body-Feeling Meditation.   This meditation is very effective in releasing stress and strain from our nervous system and physical body. By releasing stress and strain from the physical body and nervous system, simultaneously we are releasing mental, psychological and spiritual stress and blocks, opening our energy channels to a better flow, enabling a clearer mind and consciousness.   Another benefit of this meditation is increasing our awareness to our body.   This meditation can be practiced, upon getting acquainted with it, anytime anyplace, while walking, talking, driving etc.                                    — * The Silence Meditation:   The Silence Meditation, along The Aum Mantra Meditation, are the Jewel-Crest of all spiritual practices. Specifying all their benefits will take many pages.   In brief: they are the most effective and direct means to connect the unbounded ocean of truth and wisdom lying inside the silent chambers of our hearts. They are great aids in connecting our Higher Self and, ultimately, our Supreme Self.   This meditation is relaxing and have numerous beneficial effects on our body and mind, health, consciousness, clarity of thinking, energy level, developing our intuition, widening our perspective and expanding our boundaries.   The Silence Meditation may serve as a springboard to all other spiritual practices and exercises. It is very natural, very easy to practice. It is devoid of any connection to any teaching, tradition, dogma or religion. TTC is an opening, not a teaching.   Connecting the ocean of silence inside gives momentum to all our actions, facilitates and speeds up attaining all goals.   Ultimately, The Silence Meditation is a great aid in attaining Self-realization, or enlightenment — upon aspiring this supreme attainment.                                    — * The Aum Mantra Meditation:   The Aum Mantra Meditation, along The Silence Meditation, are the Jewel-Crest of all spiritual practices. Specifying all their benefits will take many pages.   In brief: they are the most effective and direct means to connect the unbounded ocean of truth and wisdom lying inside the silent chambers of our hearts. They are great aids in connecting our Higher Self and, ultimately, our Supreme Self.   This meditation is relaxing and have numerous beneficial effects on our body and mind, health, consciousness, clarity of thinking, energy level, developing our intuition, widening our perspective and expanding our boundaries.   The Aum Mantra Meditation may serve as a

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I am just beginning to do yoga on my own and am a little unsure as to whether or not i am doing it right.  I am looking to reduce stress and increase flexibility for sports.  A friend sent me an audio tape for Kundalini Yoga and i tried it for the first time last night.  Is this the right one for me?  Any suggestions on what else i need to do in order to get started without spening too much money?  Also I would appreciate any suggestions for a diet to go along with it.  Thanks for any help anyone can send my way.  Sincerely — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Surf Usenet at home, on the road, and by email — always at Talkway.

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Question:

Lafler) writes: Yes, of course, if I were cured, I’d be ecstatic.  I’d celebrate. I’d probably have a big plate of pasta or a carton of Ben&Jerry’s right off. But the bitter truth is that diabetes has motivated me to do things that I probably would never have done otherwise, and these changes have made my life better.  I exercise nearly every day; I go to yoga class twice a week; I’ve lost 40 pounds and am in better shape than I’ve been in for years.  It’s astonishing what four months of clean living can do!  I’ve got a long way to go, but I feel healthier and more energetic than I have in a long time — despite the diabetes and another major health problem that’s been troubling me during the past few months.

::snipped for space:: Gosh, a serious response is okay by me!  The absolute deep down truth is that I would agree with the others who have posted about exercising more without worrying about bottoming out and I’d eat less because I’d be eating because I was hungry and not because I "have" to. Many a time, I play "what if?"  I sit and ponder some of the strangest things at times.  I don’t see it as a bad thing though, because playing this has prepared me many a time for things that did eventually happen. All of this bickering about a cure in the works made me wonder….okay, What if this becomes reality in my lifetime?  What would I do?  I wondered about this for a day or so because I seriously didn’t have any clue as to how I would react (all kidding aside).  When I became diagnosed, I found it difficult to adjust to the new rules in the game of life.  But after so long (me Type I, 20 years this August) I adjusted (for the most part).   So, what if a cure was developed?  Would we have become so dependent on the diabetes lifestyles that we would find it hard to be "normal" again? Would we always have one foot holding back ‘just in case’ the cure had a flaw?  Or would we be like you and see the benefits of the healthier lifestyle that the diabetes promoted and carry on with that lifestyle only without the medication? By the way, I am very happy that the lifestyle changes have been very, very positive for you and I wish you continued success! Also BTW, I *will* plan that Sweet Fest! Sheila

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I thought that was an interesting observation. Since I’ve been on Humalog and 5 times a day glucometer testing, most anything I want is edible. I’ve been Type I since I was 4 and the thought of chocolate or most anything sweet makes me slightly nauseous. I guess its all those years of getting sick after eating sweets. It really annoys my chocoholic wife. My downfall is mayonaisse, and in the south there’s nothing but Duke’s. I could live a peaceful life if there were a decent tasting low-fat mayo. Oxymoron, Low-fat mayo. Best wishes Larry

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   Don’t you guys ever dream?  Playing "What if?" isn’t a bad thing.    I’m not even truly optimistic that this particular trial is THE    trial.  But that doesn’t stop me from wondering what I would do if    a cure was found. Well… On another diabetes forum I’m in that is a common game… Most general opinion is that if we could all be DIABETES FREE for just 24 hours… There would be a serious world shortage of "Ben & Jerrys" the very next day! "Nothing adds excitement like something that is none of your business" If you can’t be weird, why be? Net-Tamer V 1.08X – Registered

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This is probably a more serious answer than you were looking for, so feel free to go on to the next message.   My reaction to this question is probably colored by the fact that I’m still pretty new at this.  I was diagnosed about four months ago, so I don’t have the experience of years. Yes, of course, if I were cured, I’d be ecstatic.  I’d celebrate. I’d probably have a big plate of pasta or a carton of Ben&Jerry’s right off. But the bitter truth is that diabetes has motivated me to do things that I probably would never have done otherwise, and these changes have made my life better.  I exercise nearly every day; I go to yoga class twice a week; I’ve lost 40 pounds and am in better shape than I’ve been in for years.  It’s astonishing what four months of clean living can do!  I’ve got a long way to go, but I feel healthier and more energetic than I have in a long time — despite the diabetes and another major health problem that’s been troubling me during the past few months.  For one thing, the exercise, yoga, and weight- loss are doing wonders for my lower back, which had been giving me trouble on and off for a few years. In some ways, I enjoy my food more than I did before I was diagnosed. I cook a good, balanced meal every evening; I make interesting lunches; I try new recipes.  No more throwing parmesan cheese on a quarter pound of pasta and calling it dinner.  I make a point to linger over my meals and really taste them, instead of inhaling them like I used to. In other words, there are ways in which diabetes has been good for me. If I were cured tomorrow, I hope I’d have the sense to stick with the new leaf I’ve turned over. /Janet — "Use every man after his desert, and who shall ’scape whipping?  Use them after your own honor and dignity: the less they deserve, the more merit is in your bounty."  – Hamlet, Act II, Scene 2

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I would only eat when I felt like eating, attend social functions without worrying about when food would be served and best of all give up handbags that must hold everything but the kitchen sink.  Ah… to travel lightly and no longer feel like a bag lady! DeniseMJ

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snip Would you still keep your meter around and test every so often? Would you change your diet much? Would you keep insulin (and or oral meds) on hand "just in case"? Would you still see your endo/educator/etc. for regular check ups? snip All of the above…but as for this bit…. I’d probably also organize the biggest Sweet Fest imaginable (and of course, you’re all invited).

I’d be too Shi… scared that this might kill the cure… )) — Russell – Still Looking For A Sharp Needle – Please Remove [.nojunk] For E-Mail Replies –  *** Any And All Opinion’s Expressed Are Solely My Own ***  -

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(RALPH234) writes: I would probably form a small group which would meet every thursday at the local American Legion club and practice making moose-sounding noises.

Um – we’ll expect a fee for the use of the hall. Bill Mayers American Legion Post 1287

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I would pack as much physical activity in one day as i could and never worry about bottoming out!!! kelly gallagher

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Sheila: I’d be joinin ya on the hershey-fest! And a bakery fest.. and an ice cream factory.. and a big fat plate of pasta, bread and cake all day long.. and obstain from vegetables for a whole week.

After all this food all you "ex"-diabetics would have to join in the alt.support.diet newsgroup.  <grin You can never be too rich nor to FIT!         mouse   ’squeak’        (hl brewer, RD)

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To Pat:  Count me in on the gooey chocolate stuff! To those in the U.K.:  if you make it State-side, please bring Walker’s shortbread in very large quantities!!!! Wow!  I can picture my Sweet ‘Fest being bigger than either Woodstock! Peace! Sheila – who appreciates that you all are taking time out from the ’serious’ stuff to post some fun.

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I would probably form a small group which would meet every thursday at the local American Legion club and practice making moose-sounding noises. Doug — Northern Research – Information Retrieval Specialists Research Services: Background Checks, Social Security Traces, Pre-Employment Screening, Education Verification, Personal Profiles http://www.galaxycorp.com/NorthernResearch

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I used to bake for a hobby and sometimes for profit.  Since Feb, when I was diagnosed, I just can’t do it anymore.  Too much temptation, because even if I don’t have any of the finished product, I still like to lick the bowl! So if there were a cure (and I got rich), I’d open a bakery and make gooey chocolate stuff all day long! Pat — Pat Holland Publications Cornell Information Technologies

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Would you still keep your meter around and test every so often?

Yes. Would you change your diet much?

 No Would you keep insulin (and or oral meds) on hand "just in case"?

Yes. I have nothing else to put in the butter tray. Would you still see your endo/educator/etc. for regular check ups?

I’m sure that once the "cure" is applied, all medical specialists in Type I diabetes  will want to perform periodic checkups. Experience will wean us away. The things I WILL do are: (1)     Pass up a meal while awake. (2)     Pass up a meal while sleeping. JayWesoff          

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What would I do ? Knowing me and my luck probably contract some other lousy Disease,just as rotten as this one.Oh well must look on the bright side ))))) David

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Would you still keep your meter around and test every so often?

Yes. Would you change your diet much?

No.  I’d be too paranoid about weight gain  (Ok, I MIGHT eat sushi a bit more often Would you keep insulin (and or oral meds) on hand "just in case"?

No.  Insulin has an expiration date, after all Would you still see your endo/educator/etc. for regular check ups?

Yes. —

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I’ve been following these threads on this potential for a cure and was thinking what I would do if this dream came true (besides going to Hershey, PA for a tour of the Hershey plant!!!). I’d probably start eating all the sweet, fattening stuff I wanted and would eat myself to death. True. Alan

First thing I’d do is send a hearty thank you letter to whoever was responsible for finding  the cure–maybe even send him or her a big bouquet of flowers.  Then I’d  open a bottle of champagne and drink it while I threw away all my paraphernalia and cancelled all my subscriptions to diabetes magazines and threw away (with glee) all the back issues I’ve held on to. I LOVE to bake, but avoid it because it’s too tempting once things start coming out of the oven.  IF I DO bake, the goodies are usually given away before they can find their way down my gullet, but that is STILL such torture, so I end up not doing something I thoroughly enjoy–baking. If a cure was found, I would dig out all my baking cookbooks, the ones with the full-color photographs and, rather than getting some cheap, vicarious thrill out of looking at the pictures, I would go on a baking binge and fill my house with wonderful aromas–fresh bread, spicey cookies, chocolate cake. I wouldn’t give any of it away, but think after a week or so of this madness the novelty would wear off and, eventually, I’d come to my senses and be rational around such formerly forbidden things.  Lots of food for thought (pun intended) in this mental exercise.     P.S. This is a little off the subject, but one day after having been to several doctors for various diabetes complications, I was whining to my husband about our calendar being filled with nothing but a round of doctor’s appointments and how discouraged I was becoming.  He, being the upbeat person he always is, said "Well, just think about all the people who have jobs because of your diabetes."  Said "I never really thought of that, but I guess that makes me an unemployed employer or sorts."  So, if a cure WAS found, I could fire all of them and smile like hell while I was doing it!

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   when I had my onset at age 22, there was a lot of optimism about a    cure being right around the corner. Well…. The cure IS just around the corner…… We are still looking for the corner however "Nothing adds excitement like something that is none of your business" Busier than a one-eyed cat watching two mouse holes…. Net-Tamer V 1.08X – Registered

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I’ll party. For weeks. And I’d probably move to the US. I was offered a job in San Deigo a couple of years ago, but I couldn’t afford to take it because of the cost of meds. Then I’d go up the Amazon. And across the Himalayas. And I’d ask if I was too old to join the space program, now I don’t have Diabetes anymore! Or maybe get the band back together and hit the road round Europe for six months…. Yeah, I’d do a BG every month or so. But it would always be clear because if we’re imagining a cure, we might as well imagine one that works, eh? — Jon Browne

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Mike and Eddie, Don’t you guys ever dream?  Playing "What if?" isn’t a bad thing.  I’m not even truly optimistic that this particular trial is THE trial.  But that doesn’t stop me from wondering what I would do if a cure was found. Lighten up! Sheila

Sheila: I’d be joinin ya on the hershey-fest! And a bakery fest.. and an ice cream factory.. and a big fat plate of pasta, bread and cake all day long.. and obstain from vegetables for a whole week.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been following these threads on this potential for a cure and was thinking what I would do if this dream came true (besides going to Hershey, PA for a tour of the Hershey plant!!!). Would you still keep your meter around and test every so often? Would you change your diet much? Would you keep insulin (and or oral meds) on hand "just in case"? Would you still see your endo/educator/etc. for regular check ups? Just curious what others would do.  I’d probably do all of the above but with less frequency than I do now (even those cured of leukemia have to have regular checkups for something like 5 years before they get a clean bill of health).   I’d probably also organize the biggest Sweet Fest imaginable (and of course, you’re all invited). Sheila

I’m not diabetic but I see a lot of use for bg meters. Especially if those meters are easy to use and non-invasive. Athletes (I’m not) who now use pulse meter would probably want to check their bg during exercise. Bg swings and dehydration should be avoided. To email me remove th NOSPAM from my email address

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I’ve been following these threads on this potential for a cure and was thinking what I would do if this dream came true (besides going to Hershey, PA for a tour of the Hershey plant!!!).

  Interesting, but I’ve been Type 1 for over 25 years. Back then, when I had my onset at age 22, there was a lot of optimism about a cure being right around the corner. All kinds of great things were being researched and developed. Back then, there was still some sincerity in R&D efforts towards finding cures and solutions to help people rather than just to bring in the dollars.     So what’s happening today? Not much optimism left. Still have the same basic insulin therapy that’s been around for about 75 years now, but now there’s more of it since we can monitor BG levels accurately at home, to the elation of the of the corporate titans who sell the overpriced diabetes monitoring supplies. With the encouraging results of the DCCT, which was funded by the aforementioned corporations, physicians new feel justified in lecturing the diabetic who does not maintain BG levels at least close to those experienced by non-diabetics, and to interpret poor control in a diabetic as a death wish. In fact, diabetic complications are now being attributed to poor diabetic control rather than the diabetes itself. The burden of proof seems to rest with the diabetic.   Fortunately, I’ve got no complications in spite of the longevity of my condition. When it came into vogue, I tried intensive control therapy, but abandoned it for fear it was only a matter of time before I killed myself as a consequence of a serious hypoglycemic event. Would never have wanted to live the last 25 years that way anyway, even if it did mean I would be able to delay complications by a few more years.                                Mike

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Mike and Eddie, Don’t you guys ever dream?  Playing "What if?" isn’t a bad thing.  I’m not even truly optimistic that this particular trial is THE trial.  But that doesn’t stop me from wondering what I would do if a cure was found. Lighten up! Sheila

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve been following these threads on this potential for a cure and was thinking what I would do if this dream came true (besides going to Hershey, PA for a tour of the Hershey plant!!!). Would you still keep your meter around and test every so often? Would you change your diet much? Would you keep insulin (and or oral meds) on hand "just in case"? Would you still see your endo/educator/etc. for regular check ups? Just curious what others would do.  I’d probably do all of the above but with less frequency than I do now (even those cured of leukemia have to have regular checkups for something like 5 years before they get a clean bill of health).   I’d probably also organize the biggest Sweet Fest imaginable (and of course, you’re all invited). Sheila

Wait till the cure. . . Then we can make a decision.   Sounds like buying lottery tickets. In Ohio one must declare cash or payments before getting the ticket, not after they (fat chance) win.

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(GoldnAngel) writes: I’ve been following these threads on this potential for a cure and was thinking what I would do if this dream came true (besides going to Hershey, PA for a tour of the Hershey plant!!!). Would you still keep your meter around and test every so often?

Yep. Would you change your diet much?

Nope.  I also gots problems with hypercholesterolemia.   Would you keep insulin (and or oral meds) on hand "just in case"?

Nope.  If I turn out to need such in future, I’ll want fresh meds. Would you still see your endo/educator/etc. for regular check ups?

Damn straight! Just curious what others would do.  I’d probably do all of the above but with less frequency than I do now (even those cured of leukemia have to have regular checkups for something like 5 years before they get a clean bill of health).   I’d probably also organize the biggest Sweet Fest imaginable (and of course, you’re all invited).

Well, if you insist….let me wipe the drool off my chin first! Bill

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I’ve been following these threads on this potential for a cure and was thinking what I would do if this dream came true (besides going to Hershey, PA for a tour of the Hershey plant!!!). Would you still keep your meter around and test every so often? Would you change your diet much? Would you keep insulin (and or oral meds) on hand "just in case"? Would you still see your endo/educator/etc. for regular check ups? Just curious what others would do.  I’d probably do all of the above but with less frequency than I do now (even those cured of leukemia have to have regular checkups for something like 5 years before they get a clean bill of health).   I’d probably also organize the biggest Sweet Fest imaginable (and of course, you’re all invited). Sheila

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