ohhhh i get it now… its like scientology!!
Just reading your posts make me a bit anxious, Blond. I truly wish you peace, as do others who have responded to this thread. Yoga is not guaranteed to erase your anxiety or control issues, nor is it a cure all for pain or diseases.
I cannot tell you what you will get out of yoga should you decide to try it, but I can tell you a bit about my experience. I’m in my 20s with no health problems, although I had not exercised for quite a while. Physically yoga was, and continues to be, a challenge. My body was sore after the first few classes due to using muscles that had been inactive for quite some time. It took time to build strength for some poses. In other words, the benefits I felt did not come immediately.
Now for the benefits of the physical practice (asana): I am more limber, much stronger, my asthma is improved as is my endurance. My rear end is starting to look like it did when i as a teenager. (As you can see, I’m still working on detatching from my ego! We’re all works in progress). My intermittent back spasms have been silent since I started the practice.
There are also benefits that are less physical. I learned to be more patient with myself - it is alright to not do the full expression of a pose. I can accept if I do not live up to my own (sometimes unrealistic) expectations. As long as I am engaged in my practice (being mindful) then I am satisfied with that practice. I think about my work in a similar way. Sometimes we all accomplish less than we hoped in a day. Or we do it less well than we had expected. But as long as we complete those tasks mindfully (for example, focused on completing the task at hand rather than worrying about the outcome) then I know I did my best. After all, focusing on how my boss or others will react to my work will not get it done more quickly!
Additionally, the classes allowed me to meet new friends and get me out of the house/office. I was more open to trying more things including breath work, partner yoga, and even social functions. Yoga continues to change the way I think about the world. Rather than be judgmental of others I try my best to accept them and where they are at. I try to do that with myself as well.
I have no clue of any or all of these things will happen for you through yoga. But yoga cannot help you unless you practice it. We all have been to that first class, afraid we’ll be laughed at or be a burden to others. And, at least on this board, we’ve all continued returning to class, to our mats. I noticed on the schedule that you posted that there are classes specifically designed for back care. You might consider taking one of these classes.
Good luck, namaste, and please be good to yourself.
is this a good video:
Check out this video on YouTube:
[QUOTE=anon13;45853]Just reading your posts make me a bit anxious, Blond. I truly wish you peace, as do others who have responded to this thread. Yoga is not guaranteed to erase your anxiety or control issues, nor is it a cure all for pain or diseases.
I cannot tell you what you will get out of yoga should you decide to try it, but I can tell you a bit about my experience. I’m in my 20s with no health problems, although I had not exercised for quite a while. Physically yoga was, and continues to be, a challenge. My body was sore after the first few classes due to using muscles that had been inactive for quite some time. It took time to build strength for some poses. In other words, the benefits I felt did not come immediately.
Now for the benefits of the physical practice (asana): I am more limber, much stronger, my asthma is improved as is my endurance. My rear end is starting to look like it did when i as a teenager. (As you can see, I’m still working on detatching from my ego! We’re all works in progress). My intermittent back spasms have been silent since I started the practice.
There are also benefits that are less physical. I learned to be more patient with myself - it is alright to not do the full expression of a pose. I can accept if I do not live up to my own (sometimes unrealistic) expectations. As long as I am engaged in my practice (being mindful) then I am satisfied with that practice. I think about my work in a similar way. Sometimes we all accomplish less than we hoped in a day. Or we do it less well than we had expected. But as long as we complete those tasks mindfully (for example, focused on completing the task at hand rather than worrying about the outcome) then I know I did my best. After all, focusing on how my boss or others will react to my work will not get it done more quickly!
Additionally, the classes allowed me to meet new friends and get me out of the house/office. I was more open to trying more things including breath work, partner yoga, and even social functions. Yoga continues to change the way I think about the world. Rather than be judgmental of others I try my best to accept them and where they are at. I try to do that with myself as well.
I have no clue of any or all of these things will happen for you through yoga. But yoga cannot help you unless you practice it. We all have been to that first class, afraid we’ll be laughed at or be a burden to others. And, at least on this board, we’ve all continued returning to class, to our mats. I noticed on the schedule that you posted that there are classes specifically designed for back care. You might consider taking one of these classes.
Good luck, namaste, and please be good to yourself.[/QUOTE]
this is all things i want - need - am looking for
i’d love to register for the back yoga class or any class but i dont know when i am having surgery - could be next week - i dont want to register and pay $ not be able to go. conversely if i wait most likely classes will be filled and i’ll have to wait til mid-end feb.
also i have posted the fact i need surgery soon … and someone on here said oh jan 6 aint that far away (no offense) but obviously did not read or remember i mentioned surgery- sorry again not tryig to offend or be snippy.
this (again) is what i am hoping for from yoga (and breathing - even tho that dont work): help (another “tool” in my bag) to relive stress and anxiety, help with my back pain. thats all… anything more like rainbows and unicorns in my life would be icing on the cake.
re breathing (again as i said before) i did it with an OPEN MIND for MONTHS 3-5x/day DID NOT feel any different.
what does that nemasty word word mean? i dont know indian and i dont know how to pronouce them additionally and no offense but when i see or hear words like prayananana i get “over loaded”
-what is the role of the instructor
-how many people in a class
-how/when/where did you learn this stuff?
-were you all like -not sure how to ask - the idiot new guy not knowing what to do?
-did anyone here have a hard time with this stuff? if so why and how you deal with it
-when i go to a class i talk to the teacher before the class? when she shows a pose to the class will she know she has to find an alternate for me? will she be all like ted i know U cant do this so do this instead? will she show me how? (even tho now i’m essentially being “singled out”
-how long do you hold a pose for?
-and i’m sorry to ask these again but (1) i dont understand how varuious poses makes this stuff work? and even tho i googled “mindfulness” (now my LEAST fave word) i dont undersrtand it… someone said if i am walking my dog… ok so just now i took her for a walk and was like ok i’m waking my dog.
how many times a week do you need to do it
forward to about the 1 min mark LOL
You can read it, you can watch it on YouTube, but until you practice it, on a regular basis, you won’t understand it. You don’t have to do a full warrior pose or anything that will harm you. You only need to try to do you best, give it 100% effort, even if that means only going 1/100th into the full pose. Get a DVD from the library if you can’t afford classes, practice every day or almost everyday for a few months, and then make a decision as to whether to continue.
[QUOTE=undercoveryogi;45914]You can read it, you can watch it on YouTube, but until you practice it, on a regular basis, you won’t understand it. You don’t have to do a full warrior pose or anything that will harm you. You only need to try to do you best, give it 100% effort, even if that means only going 1/100th into the full pose. Get a DVD from the library if you can’t afford classes, practice every day or almost everyday for a few months, and then make a decision as to whether to continue.[/QUOTE]
if i get a dvd or download something from you tube how do i know if i am doing it right
how or what will i feel?
PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS: "But trust my words it works deeply on levels you may never have dreamt of. " (the ex party boy said it)… he’s also been doing every day since he was 17 (soo nice he’s willing to help me)
SOMEONE HERE SAID: "Mindfulness. It is simply this . . . "Do what your doing.“
If your watching tv watch tv. IF your taking a shower take a shower. Whatever your activity your mind is present in that activity. If your giving your dog a bath give the dog a bath.”
PLEASE RESPOND: so when i took my dog for a walk today i was being mindful (and that helped me HOW?)
how come i didnt notice any diff after i did my breathing for MONTHS
and i’m sorry to ask again but how does doing poses help get all whatever- less stressed etc
If one awaits understanding something they know nothing about they’ll likely wait through several lifetimes.
Yoga is to be experienced not understood. Though some understanding may come after a bit of actually going.
Spending this much mental energy trying to make it fit, understand it, rationalize it, define it, prove it, and “know” it is merely a crafty method of avoidance. A person (here) who wishes to avoid something so badly may simply just avoid it by saying “I’m not ready, it’s not for me. I enjoy right where I am and am content with my current level of suffering, thank you very much.”.
[QUOTE=InnerAthlete;45972]If one awaits understanding something they know nothing about they’ll likely wait through several lifetimes.
Yoga is to be experienced not understood. Though some understanding may come after a bit of actually going.
Spending this much mental energy trying to make it fit, understand it, rationalize it, define it, prove it, and “know” it is merely a crafty method of avoidance. A person (here) who wishes to avoid something so badly may simply just avoid it by saying “I’m not ready, it’s not for me. I enjoy right where I am and am content with my current level of suffering, thank you very much.”.[/QUOTE]
DUDE - I WANT TO LEARN IT AND DO IT… I HATE HOW I FEEL… . UM YEA I LIKE LIVING AND FEELING LIKE THIS (NOT)… HERE LET ME RUN OUT NOW ON A SUN NITE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BLIZZARD TO THE LIBARY OR THE YOGA PLACE.
i emailed that ex party boy- he been doing EVERY day since 17; he’s like 32 now… oh gee dude thanks for offering to help me… i see how he is- one of those whats in it for him dudes
@Flexpenguin: I believe he was meaning snake oil in this sense: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=snake%20oil
Not in the true snake oil made in Japan that probably does have some benefits.
@tangle (and all?): “Its not about “doing” poses. Its about “being”. Just be in the poses and observe yourself, body and mind. Id like to say “Don’t focus on the achievements”, but I know that can be very hard. The poses themselves don’t miraculously help you, its about observation and calmness in combination with the poses.” this i totally dont understand… and my mind still says the poses are supposed to make better
It’s okay if you don’t understand it. You don’t understand it because you don’t have the experience to equate to it so that you can draw similarities. It’s okay though, because you can to go a class and begin to learn! But you will have to try to let go of the idea that it is all bullshit and doesn’t work, because you will miss everything if you keep your mind closed like an iron vault. You won’t begin to see how this can help you because you are so convinced it won’t, that you stop it from helping you. Does that make any sense?
Are you taking any medication for your ADHD? I do understand you said your doc wants to try to get the bipolar issue under control first, but maybe the two go hand in hand. I don’t know, but it’s something to consider? Get the ADHD under control (which seems the easier of the two!), then you will be able to focus in order to do the breathing exercises, to hold a yoga pose for a few minutes - I know I tried to help my ADHD son do yoga with me, and he only had enough patience for about 5 minutes! He was a young child at the time, so I’m sure you could hold out longer being an adult, but I’m just saying, I do understand it is damn hard to sit still and try to calm the mind when you have a mind that will not be calmed.
Yes, get medication for it, then what you learn while medicated will serve you when and if you decide to wean off the medication.
Anyone out there know of anyone who learned to control their severe ADHD with mediation and yoga?
One more thing - the beginner classes start on January 4… that’s just next week! You’re almost there!
Also, go in early. Let them know that you have severe back issues and spend a little time speaking with the instructor so he/she knows what your issues are and can give you some modifications. I had back issues when I went to my first yoga class, and was given some very suitable modifications for some of the poses.
Park yourself in the back of the class so you have nobody behind you, and you will feel less conspicuous when you find you can’t do a certain pose.
What should be done when one cannot move into a pose is to move only as far into it as is comfortable. This may mean you can hardly move into it at all on some, especially if you have trouble with twists, or forward bends. Trust me, the others in the class will recognize that you are modifying poses, and that you have reason, and will not judge you (should not, if they have been going for any length of time). Besides, what others may think means nothing in this case, as you are doing things to help yourself, and whatever works, works. I attended a yoga class in which there was a 400 lb woman. She modified many poses. But she attempted every one. I felt a surge of pride for her, and was inspired by her. I’m sure many others in the class felt the same.
One thing that is very important in yoga is the breathing. Coincide your breathing with moving into and out of poses (deep breath in as you reach up, deep breath out as you fold over into a forward bend - or for you, whatever you can do instead), so long slow deep breathing (controlled) while you hold a pose. They may have some specific breathing exercises for you to do in the class as well. And another thing that is very important that perhaps was not conveyed to you when you were given breathing exercises - the focus should be on the breath. Pay close attention as the breath moves in the nose, feel how it fills the lungs, stretches the rib cage out, poofs out the belly, then how it pours out again, flowing out the nose from the top of the ribcage, lungs collapsing down, pushing out the last, a slight pause, then in again, feeling everything you can feel about the breath. This should help calm your mind if when it jumps off to other thoughts you bring it back to noticing the breath again.
I hope I’ve at least said something that helps you think a little differently about yoga, about breathing, about learning to calm the mind somehow. I too can see you feel so very very stressed. You can do this. 
One more thing to add - you asked a simple question and with all the other things people have tried to answer, this one sort of got missed.
How does doing the poses help?
First, doing deep breathing while stretching slowly and holding poses forces oxygen into muscles and the tissues sheaths that don’t usually get much action, and oxygen flow in those areas is very sluggish (as well as bloodflow, since it carries the oxygen). It also strengthens small muscles and areas that usually, also, do not get much exercise, given traditional exercises. When moving into a pose focusing on correct alignment (that means placing each part of the body JUST SO and making sure you are using the right muscles to hold yourself in place, pushing here while pulling there) you are strengthening many areas and bringing health to those areas.
You also have to practice focusing the mind on the muscles being used, on each part of the body you are engaging - it’s not just stretching or trying to get into a pose, it’s energizing the fingers in an outstretched hand -meaning the muscles are all engaged, and the muscles in the legs are tightened just enough to hold the pose, the muscles are held tensely, creating energy, encouraging blood flow - and breathing in a controlled, calm manner while doing all of this will truly bring about a different feeling in your head and body after a 1 hour class. You may be exhausted after the first, or even the fourth, but if you keep at it, you will find changes happening that you never knew were possible, in your thought process, in how you feel when you wake up, in how you feel when you walk.
I think the thing you truly need to focus on when you go to class is learning to focus on alignment and breathing. This should keep your mind busy enough I should think!
I wish you the best, and hope your first yoga class helps you see some of life just a little differently.
Hi Blonde 37,
You are stressed and anxious, and you have a sore back. You also have HIV.
I can understand about
a) wanting to have relief
b) being skeptical that anything like standing on one leg could possibly work
First no one can guarantee that yoga will work for you. Many people have had success, but if it’s too weird for you, it might make things (like stress) worse. If you’re going to go into a class with the idea that you’ll hate it, then you will.
For me getting into yoga was a long journey. When I finally went to class, I didn’t like it. I found out later (when I took another class) that it was the teacher who made me hold poses for incredibly long times.
I was diagnosed with endometriosis, and I had to go through an operation. I looked it up and it said that yoga would help. I started with a yoga chart and did yoga just 15 mins a day to start.
I found that by taking my time and doing it slowly that my back felt stronger, my body was more flexible. It has lessened the pain from my endo and I’ve come to just enjoy it.
Yoga has helped me a lot through this process, but again, that’s just my story. Hope you find something that helps you.
[QUOTE=BLOND37;45950]PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS: "But trust my words it works deeply on levels you may never have dreamt of. " (the ex party boy said it)… he’s also been doing every day since he was 17 (soo nice he’s willing to help me)
SOMEONE HERE SAID: "Mindfulness. It is simply this . . . "Do what your doing.“
If your watching tv watch tv. IF your taking a shower take a shower. Whatever your activity your mind is present in that activity. If your giving your dog a bath give the dog a bath.”
PLEASE RESPOND: so when i took my dog for a walk today i was being mindful (and that helped me HOW?)[/QUOTE]
This is foundational. Mindfulness practice.
[B]One . . . [/B]
It helps you during meditational practice.
[B]and so on . . . [/B]
During other daily stuff the mindfulness practice will improve your focus, presence, and remind you that if you don’t like the show . . . (the thoughts that are occupying the mind ) you [I]can[/I] change the channel . . . by remembering to either get back to what your doing, or redirect your line of thinking. Mindfulness.
Use a key word to remind you of this approach: Mindfullness, Back to Awareness, Presence. Be here now . . . etc. But of course you must practice this to make it a habit and keep it going to make it strong.
Meditation can benefit you in this way. Doesn’t have to be sitting meditation. You just focus your mind on the topic “mindfulness” and kinda go over it in your mind. Burn it in. Then practice it in your activities.
During meditation you could work it out in your mind. That would be a topic of meditation. Analytical meditation. Your like a scientist questioning and theorizing and working through it. In this meditational technique you are working through the topic to gain “insight” into it.
“Why does this work” You try to answer yourself. “Whats going on here in this?” You go on in this way until your tired of that and settle the mind on the topic non conceptually. Perhaps you just repeat the phrase " mindfulness" “mindfulness” “mindfullness” as a technique to rest on the Topic /object non conceptually. . . . then go back to analytical if you wish. You can procede in this way with any topic of meditation.
This is a preliminary Buddhist approach to meditation.
“Calm abiding” and “special insight” are words I’ve heard the Buddhists use to describe these techniques. But they are not unique to Buddhists. They are yogic practices in essence.
Inital Topics and goals I would throw out there would be: Relax and Mindfulness.
If your thinking think.
Be present in what your doing.
This will help you to: Focus. Remind you you can change the channel if you want. Educate you about the workings of the mind. Reduce unpleasant mental patterns. Enhance pleasant or beneficial mental patterns.