Keep Calm and Do Yoga Site

Go VegetarianWhen diet is wrong, medicine is of no use; when diet is correct, medicine is of no need

Sattvic food brings a lighter, positive, happy and harmonious state of being

Increase your energy levels with yoga and vegetarian diet You are what you eat.

That’s the principle yogic approach which takes a holistic view of human health, on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. The ancient treatise of Patanjali Yoga Sutra speaks of the concept of ‘Ahimsa‘ (non-violence), as one of the core values of yoga. The ethical discussion on non-vegetarianism, cruelty to animals, animal-to-man diseases, toxin secretion during slaughter, and lack of economics in meat production are undeniable truths. Apart from this the human body and its digestive system is naturally designed for a vegetarian diet. Today, the entire debate between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is practically resting in favor of the former with research and statistics available in bookshops and on the internet. Simply stated, vegetarian food is easy to digest; contains antioxidants, fiber, an array of vitamins; low in calories, sugar, fat, and reduces your chances of getting diabetes, heart disease, obesity, hypertension and almost all cancers. Numerous sites including The American Dietetic Association, World Cancer Research Fund and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey contain a wealth of knowledge on this. If that doesn’t alarm you away from non-vegetarianism, let’s focus a bit on a fascinating aspect of yoga which speaks of food.

Better food makes better mood

Ayurveda classifies food not as proteins or carbohydrates etc. but according to its effect on the body and mind. It classifies food based on three qualities or gunas that governs human life – sattva, rajas and tamas.

By Pritika Nair

It is interesting to see how yoga nidra, where we literally do ‘nothing’, can do wonders for the body and mind. I find yoga nidra as restorative as sleep, or even much more than sleep. It offers benefits that go deep down to the subtler levels of our personality. Let’s see how.

Yoga nidra can be better than sleep

Yoga nidra – my first understanding of this word was ‘sleep during yoga’. It was only after Sri Sri Yoga teacher, Dinesh Kashikar explained yoga nidra that I discovered it wasn’t yoga sleep. He said when you work with awareness (mind not wandering elsewhere), the work gets done better and faster. So true, I thought. He went on to explain that nidra means a relaxed state of mind but when we add awareness to it, it becomes yoga nidra. As we become aware of different parts of the body, relaxation is much more effective. But when we sleep, everything shuts down, including the awareness, and so relaxation remains incomplete somewhere. I reflected, how I would hit the bed every time I felt tired and worn out, yet feel lethargic and tired in the morning as though I hadn’t slept at all! When I started doing yoga nidra after my morning yoga postures, I felt relaxed like never before. My daily dose of yoga nidra not only charges up my body, but also calms my mind. I work better with a clear and focused mind.

Often emotional and mental patterns would continue from the previous day. But, as I experienced, these patterns erased after a yoga nidra session. It is as if someone pressed the refresh button. Following yoga nidra instructions, you can experience a state of absolute bliss too.

Vinitha Nishit, a DSN Course participant, echoes my thoughts when she shares, “On days I feel low and my mind is clouded with unnecessary negative thoughts, I lie down for a short yoga nidra and the change is very evident. I feel a lot lighter; my cluttered mind clears up. I think positively and the energy to work is tremendous.”

Experience deep relaxation in yoga nidra

Apart from its benefits off the yoga mat, yoga nidra works wonders on the mat too. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, “It’s very important to include yoga nidra at the end of any asana sequence as the body and mind needs the time to assimilate the effects of the asanas.” Additionally, lying down in yoga nidra helps cool the body and restores it to normal temperature.

Sometimes after doing certain intense yoga postures, you might experience slight pain in the body because of muscle stretch. According to an article in the New York Times, whenever the body undergoes heavy physical activity, calcium ions leak into the muscle cells, causing the muscles to contract and feel tired. A similar thing happens after an active round of yoga poses. It is then important to lie down in yoga nidra for some time as yoga nidra allows the body to flush out these chemical deposits via the bloodstream and thereby help relax more and more.

Meditation is a ‘wow’ feeling with yoga nidra

As I follow up my yoga posture practice with pranayama and meditation, I realize the important role yoga nidra can play in preparing the body and mind to enter a meditative state. I remember struggling to meditate when I initially started, but yoga nidra made it easier.

As we take our attention to various parts of the body, we activate the nervous system which helps increase relaxation and enhances the meditation process.

The more you practice yoga nidra, the better it gets. You can also enhance your experience with simple yoga nidra tips.

Yoga nidra for me is like a ‘super nap’ that recharges me in no time. It is a complete rejuvenation package – a must to relieve ourselves of daily stress in today’s busy world.

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You manage to do many activities with full attention but sometimes there is no mental relaxation. And there are other moments when your awareness seems to have expanded but the mind is not sharp. Is it then possible to be totally aware relaxed and happy as well as havesharpness of intelligence at the same time? Yes Yoga can help us to achieve this balanced state of awareness that gives clarity and sharpness of mind as well as calmness and joy. Watch your Thoughts they become words. Watch your Words they become actions. Watch your Actions they become habits. Watch your Habits they become character. Watch your Character for it becomes your Destiny. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar These are valuable watch words for leading a meaningful life. Yoga fine-tunes your mind to a state of relaxed awareness to live joyfully in the present moment. Take charge of your mind with awareness But why is awareness important? When you act without awareness you are like a sleepwalker who doesnt know where he is walking. You just act on the strongest impulse your mind controls you. However when you act with awareness you are in control of your mind. Your senses become so clear that they can perceive better see better think better hear better. Be established in awareness through Yoga Yoga attends to all aspects of our being body mind breath emotions and the inner Self. Awareness of breath establishes you in the present moment. Yoga maintains and energizes the body Yoga asanas contribute towards physical well-being. Yoga postures done with full awareness provides a gentle massage to all the internal organs and leads you to a relaxed state of mind. In a relaxed and steady posture you can feel a joyful expansion. Yoga helps you become aware of your body including the pains or discomfort in any part of the body. It is possible to release the pain by just taking your attention to it. The secret of awareness is to just watch everything that is going on in the body and mind as a witness. Do not resist but watch with a smile! Make your life a celebration with Yoga! Regular practice of Yoga establishes you in the Self; you feel a sense of belongingness with everyone and everything in Creation. You are then at peace with yourself and everything around you. Enhance your good health and energy by eating with awareness. When you are pre-occupied or feel upset you tend to eat mindlessly. However when the mind is aware you are conscious of what you eat and how much you take in. Yoga refines the mind and creates awareness The mind swings back and forth from the past to the future drowning you in a whirlpool of thoughts worries fears An effective way to break this chain of thoughts is to become aware of the thoughts. Breath is a powerful tool to deal with the mind. You dont have to run away to a forest or a cave to calm down the mind. Yoga with asanas pranayamas meditation can gently guide you on this inner journey. Yoga is the restraint of thought waves. Yogaha chitta vritti nirodaha(Patanjali Yoga Sutra I2) With Yoga you can attain a pleasant and composed state of mind. When your mind is aware you are sensitive to others feelings and to your surrounding. A clear mind is powerful like a beam helping you to can take effective decisions. When the mind is calm creativity dawns; productivity increases. Yoga cultures the speech and kindles dynamic action Living with awareness cultures your speech and actions. You acquire a skill in dealing with people and situations. You do not react to situations or what people say but respond with calmness. When the mind is aware you can be proactive instead of provocative in your speech and actions. Often words just shoot out of the mouth. As you grow in the path of Yoga your words become more powerful. Yoga leads you to Self-awareness Meditation is an essential limb of Yoga. In meditation you get a glimpse of your Self the inner core of your being that is calm settled and serene. Regular practice of Yoga establishes you in the Self; you feel a sense of belongingness with everyone and everything in Creation. You are then at peace with yourself and everything around you. The secret of awareness is to just watch everything that is going on in the body and mind as a witness. Do not resist but watch with a smile! Make your life a celebration with Yoga! from Keep Calm Do Yoga https://keepcalmdoyoga.tumblr.com/post/172072849250

By Marilyn Galan

Creativity is like the breaking waves at the ocean’s surf. The surfer waits for the right wave and when it materializes, the surfer latches on, riding its crest until the destination. When the big wave of creativity comes in with a rush of ideas, yoga can give you the skill to surf. Grab these yoga-inspired ideas like a surfer’s gear and get ready for your next big creative wave.

Start the day with yoga

Dawn marks a new day’s creation. Morning is a great time to start the day with a quiet hour of yoga and meditation. An effective morning yoga routine can end with a yoga breathing technique called the Sudarshan Kriya, taught by The Art of Living Foundation. Practicing Sudarshan Kriya has shown to reduce stress and calm anxiety over time, helping the mind relax naturally into creativity. After morning yoga practice, the day ahead is like a fresh canvas to paint on. At the end of your yoga session, take a journal with you and write down any creative ideas that come up.

Make your own creative yoga space

Yoga and creativity can meld together for an inspiring environment at work and home. To make your space for yoga ready, gather some recorded guided meditations, a favorite chair to sit on, a yoga mat, and some pillows. Now, to add creativity, place some art supplies or musical instruments near your yoga space. Allow yourself at least 15 minutes a day to write, draw or play music in your own “creative yoga corner”.

Forming friendships with creativity and meditation

To catch the biggest waves, a surfer has to learn how to dive into deep waters. When you are ready for more than surfing on the waves, dive into your creativity. Take the challenge to learn more about an interesting sport, or an old love of art. Join a workshop. Couple this with a meditation practice, and you can find yourself picking up new skills and possibly uncovering hidden talents you didn’t know you had. Here’s a tip: Sit for meditation just before your creative class, then start your creative work for best results.

Be inspired by nature

Sometimes in the afternoon, I find my creative well starts running dry. That means it’s time for a nature walk. There’s a walking path nearby that meanders into fields of dense brush – great for taking in deep breaths of air and creative ideas. When I get there, I find a favorite place to sit and watch nature. What flowers are growing there? What birds’ songs do I hear? At least ten to 15 minutes of observing nature revives up my mind with a fresh new creative start.

Meditate through the day

A surf rider’s day isn’t complete without a few memorable moments on the waves. In between each new wave is the silent, quiet wait. The surfer has a chance to gather energy and notice the surrounding scenery. In the middle of the day, a meditation works like the ebbing ocean wave. Your chattering mind gently drops back into its quiet source. When your mind feels overwhelmed and no creative thoughts are materializing, a 10-20 minute meditation can calm the mind so new ideas can naturally surface. Before lunch, or at the end of the day, meditation can help you feel rejuvenated and ready for your next creative task.

Finding your flow with yoga

The surfer grabs the ultimate wave. A tunnel of water spirals forward, almost threatening to circle around him. No problem – the surfer has found the flow and sails right through to the other side. A good flow of ideas is effortless like breathing. Here is one yoga breath exercise to help you find your flow. Sit quietly with eyes closed. Slowly, take a deep breath in. Breathe out slowly. As you breathe, notice the flow of your breath. Does it seem to shake, or is it slow and steady? Do you find that you stop in between to take a bigger gulp of air to complete the breath? Continue breathing slowly and deeply for ten breaths.

Now, take out your journal. On the page, write down a central theme and circle it. For the next few minutes, keep writing down any thoughts that come to you relating to your central theme. Circle each new word and draw a connecting line to the main word. When your mind comes to a natural stop, you have completed the exercise.

Yoga helps you do what you love

Practicing yoga, we gradually build more awareness about our own creativity. We can move toward doing more of what we love. Yoga and meditation help focus the mind. With a more focused, calm mind, we can move more directly toward what we really want, toward the deep yearning of the soul, kind of like the tunnel opening at the end of the ultimate wave.

(Marilyn is a yoga enthusiast who loves to incorporate her inspiration about yoga postures and spirituality into her writing and art.)

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yoga beyond asanas Moving Beyond Asanas in yoga. We often use the word yoga to mean yoga asana. Most people think of yoga as an act that contorts the body into a human pretzel. However yoga is much more than just asana. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali regarding the practice of yoga reflect this distinction clearly. Only three of the 196 sutras (aphorisms) in Patanjali talk about postures (asanas). This means that yoga encompasses much more than just physical exercise. People across the world are also gradually waking up to this realization. Poonam from Mumbai shares how a session of Sri Sri Yoga transformed her outlook towards this practice. I was averse to yoga thinking it was only an exercise and physical exertion. During a Part-2 Course the morning yoga sessions were wonderful. It was then that I came to see that it is beyond exercise and postures: a dance a calm rhythm. And the best part was the Shavasana (Corpse pose) ending in complete relaxation/meditation. Get the yogic attitude and start moving beyond yoga asanas The objective of doing yoga asanas and practices is not just to stay fit and keep the body in shape. They are a vital tool to bring the body breath and mind together in harmony. How? Lets try this now Breathing out bring your chin to touch the chest. Breathing in gently roll your head to the right shoulder and back. Breathing out gently roll your head to the left shoulder and bring your chin to the chest. Repeat this three times in clockwise and then anti-clockwise direction. Where do you feel the stretch: at the neck shoulder or back? It is not necessary to do pretzel-like postures or stand on your head to experience the benefits of yoga. Even a simple neck roll done with complete awareness and a little attention on the breath can lead you to that blissful experience! Using specific rhythms of the breath moving in and moving out of the asana links the breath and the body; keeping attention on where the stretch is happening links the mind. While you were doing this simple head roll did you worry about the past or the future about what you will have for lunch or dinner or about wanting a flat stomach? These are all things in the past or in the future; they are not here right now. Union of the body breath and mind helps you live in the present moment appreciate and live each moment completely. This is the true essence of yoga. Quick tips to move beyond asanas Use specific rhythms of the breath while moving in and out of asanas Coordinate your asanas with attention or awareness. While lifting your arms every inch of the way be fully aware that you are lifting your arms up. Move from one posture to another posture in slow motion practice; enjoy it like a dance. Wrap up your yoga practice with yoga nidra followed by meditation from Keep Calm Do Yoga https://keepcalmdoyoga.tumblr.com/post/171931986380

What is Yoga Breathing or Pranayama? Prana refers to the universal life force and ayama means to regulate or lengthen. Prana is the vital energy needed by our physical and subtle layers without which the body would perish. It is what keeps us alive. Pranayama is the control of prana through the breath. These techniques rely on breathing through the nostrils. Prana flows through thousands of subtle energy channels called nadis and energy centers called chakras. The quantity and quality of prana and the way it flows through the nadis and chakras determines ones state of mind. If the Prana level is high and its flow is continuous smooth and steady the mind remains calm positive and enthusiastic. However due to lack of knowledge and attention to ones breath the nadis and chakras in the average person may be partially or fully blocked leading to jerky and broken flow. As a result one experiences increased worries fear uncertainty tensions conflict and other negative qualities. The ancient sages of India realized these breathing techniques. Some common pranayamas include Bhastrika Kapalabhati and Nadi shodan pranayama. Regular practice increases and enhances the quantity and quality of prana clears blocked nadis and chakras and results in the practitioner feeling energetic enthusiastic and positive. Practiced correctly under the right supervision prananyama brings harmony between the body mind and spirit making one physically mentally and spiritually strong. A NOTE OF WARNING: Since the Pranayamas deal with the subtle force it is important to practice them as taught inyoga classes. Do not experiment with them. Yoga practice helps develop the body and mind bringing a lot of health benefits yet is not a substitute for medicine. It is important to learn and practice yoga techniques under the supervision of a trained Sri Sri Yoga teacher. In case of any medical condition practice yoga techniques after consulting a doctor and a Sri Sri Yoga teacher. Find a Sri Sri Yoga course at an Art of Living Center near you. Do you need information on courses or share feedback? Write to us at info@srisriyoga.in. from Keep Calm Do Yoga https://keepcalmdoyoga.tumblr.com/post/171898449550

Ever imagined you could do yoga flying in an airplane at a height of 35000 feet above the ground? Amazing but true. Lets explore how. Sitting still for hours together on a flight can make the body go numb in certain areas especially the back neck knees and feet. Doing these simple yoga poses on your airplane seat will ensure you have a happy and yogified journey. And you dont need to feel shy either. Your neck back and knees will surely thank you for your concern. Yoga is often understood as a technique practiced only in the four walls of a room. A space that is empty and quiet. Ever had a thought that yoga could be carried out in a moving bus at the airport or even in an airplane? Yes you can do yoga sitting on a flight gliding through slow-moving clouds in the sky. And we are not talking about complex yoga postures that need a lot of space and could perhaps gravitate a crowd of curious on-lookers. Simple yoga poses that you can do right on your seat to ease out body stiffness after that long sometimes stressful air travel. In-flight Yoga Pose #1: Seated Spinal Twist 1. Sit upright on your seat with your feet on the floor. 2. Place your right hand on your left knee and your left hand on the seat just behind your left hip. 3. Inhale and gently lift up through your spine and chest (as much as possible without straining or disturbing your fellow passenger). Now twist slowly to your left so that youre looking over your left shoulder. 4. Hold this position for a few seconds keep breathing deeply and then as you exhale gently twist slightly more by engaging your belly muscles more towards the left. 5. Leverage your right hand against your left knee to deepen the twist. Take eight-ten deep breaths. 6. Repeat this procedure on the other side. In-flight Yoga Pose #2: Seated Cat Pose 1. Sit on the edge of your seat. Keep a comfortable distance between the knees and your ankles in line with your knees. 2. Place your hands on your thighs and as you inhale tilt your pelvis and abdomen outward and allow your chest to arch up and forward. 3. As you exhale curl your pelvis inwards and backwards arching your spine outwards lower your chin as your chest moves inwards. 4. Repeat this yoga posture four-six times. In-flight Yoga Pose #3: Seated Shoulder Shrugs with Blanket 1. Sit comfortably with your back against your seat and place a rolled-up blanket lengthwise along your spine against the back of your seat. Inhale gently and then hold your breath. Lift your shoulders while keeping your arms at rest. 2. Still holding the breath squeeze the shoulders by pushing them closer to the ears and backwards (without straining yourself). 3. As you exhale squeeze your entire shoulder blades together and then bring them down. 4. Repeat this yoga pose three times. In-flight Yoga Pose #4: Back-Release Pose 1. Seated upright on your seat cross your right ankle over your left knee leaving the left foot on the floor. 2. Keep your right foot flexed to help protect the knee. Breathe deeply and take your attention to your lower back. 3. If you wish to deepen the stretch fold and bring your torso forward. 4. Hold in this pose taking eight-ten deep breaths. 5. Repeat this posture with the left foot. In-flight Yoga Pose #5: Neck-Release Pose 1. Sit upright and lean your left ear towards your left shoulder. Wrap your left arm around the right side of your head touching your right cheek. Breathe deeply. 2. Release the left arm and slowly roll the head forward bringing your chin down and over to the right side. 3. Now lean your right ear towards the right shoulder. Wrap your right arm around the left side of your head touching your left cheek. Breathe deeply into the chest and the left side of your neck. 4. Repeat this yoga posture taking six-eight deep breaths on each side. It is important that you practice these yoga poses on airplane with care. If you have any special health condition consult your doctor before doing these yoga poses. And dont forget to drink plenty of water on the airplane to stay hydrated. Wish you a happy and healthy journey! from Keep Calm Do Yoga https://keepcalmdoyoga.tumblr.com/post/171865323635

Does your back pain due to sitting or standing for long hours? Do this simple yoga exercise anytime, anywhere and be free from back pain in just five minutes with All Direction Back Stretch!

How to do the All Direction Back Stretch?

You can comfortably practice this yoga exercise anywhere as a part of office yoga on your chair at the work desk, airplane yoga, in front of your television during a break or on the yoga mat.

Sit comfortably in Sukhasana (cross-legged pose). Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Most importantly, smile. If you prefer to practise these yoga postures while standing, keep your feet parallel.

Lengthening the spine

1. Breathing in, slowly lift your arms up from the sides.

2. Interlace your fingers so that the thumbs touch each other gently.

3. Stretch up as much as you comfortably can. Keep your elbows straight and ensure that your biceps touch your ears.

4. Hold this posture for 2-3 long deep breaths.

Tip to deepen the back stretch: Gently pull the navel (inwards) towards the spine.

Twisting the spine to right and left

Your fingers continue to remain interlaced above your head.

1. Breathing out, gently twist to the right side. Hold this position for 2-3 long breaths.

2. Inhale, come back to the center.

3. Exhale, turn to your left side and again hold this position for 2-3 long breaths.

4. Inhale and return to the center.

Bending the spine right and left

Your fingers continue to remain interlaced above your head.

1. Exhale and slightly bend to the right side. Hold and keep breathing.

2. Breathe in and come back to the center.

3. Exhale and bend a little to the left side. Ensure that you are not bending to the front or back, and that one hand is not stretched more than the other.

4. Breathing in, come back to the center.

5. Tip to deepen the back stretch: Engage your abdominal muscles during the stretch.

Bending the spine forward and backward

1. Breathing out, stretch your hands out to the front.

2. Breathe in and as you now breathe out, stretch forward from your lower back.

3. Breathe in and as you exhale, turn to your right side. Ensure that both the hands are parallel to each other and stretched equally, else gently correct the posture.

4. Breathing in, return to the center.

5. Exhale and repeat the stretch, turning to the left.

6. Return to the center as you breathe in, and slowly bring your arms up.

7. Unlock the fingers and stretch back.

8. Inhale and come back to the center. As you exhale, slowly bring your arms down from the sides.

How this back stretch helps? Gives a nice massage to the lower back.

Twisting the spine from side-to-side

1. Keep your left palm on your right knee. Take a deep breath in and as you exhale, slowly twist to your right side. You may keep the right hand on the floor beside your right hip.

2. Stretch upward by pressing the right palm on the floor. Do not lean back or forward.

3. Inhale and return to the center.

4. Exhale and repeat the stretch on the left side. Keep your right palm on your left knee and left palm on the floor. Remember to keep your back straight and stretch tall.

5. Breathing in, return to the center.

6. Change your cross-legged position. If your right leg was placed over the left, now place the left leg over the right and repeat the stretch as explained above to the right and left sides.

Tip to deepen this stretch: Engage the abdominal muscles in addition to the hip muscles to twist further.

Benefits of All Direction Back Stretch

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and Meditation go together. Many wonder why it is necessary to meditate after practising Yoga asanas/ postures. One of the many benefits of practising yoga asanas/ postures is the fact that it allows us to slip into meditation effortlessly. Meditation being one of the main aspects of Yoga, it’s essential that we sit for meditation after practising Yoga asanas and pranayama; else it is like preparing our dinner but not eating it! In meditation one delves deep into the self. There are many kinds of meditations though they might seem different most of them are, in essence, the same. The Panchakosha and Hari Om meditations can be experienced in the Art of Living Courses.

Panchakosha Meditation

According to ancient Indian scriptures, we consist of five sheaths or koshas – body, breath, mind, intellect and finally bliss. In this meditation we are guided from the gross to the subtler aspects of our being, finally experiencing the joy and peace that’s inherent in everyone.

Hari Om Meditation

It is said that there are seven chakras/ centres of prana-flow (the flow of subtle life energy). In this meditation, we guide the prana to flow from one chakra to the other. Though very simple, the Hari Om meditation leads to a profound experience.

To know more about Meditation click here

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When diet is wrong medicine is of no use.

When diet is correct medicine is of no need.

~Ayurvedic Proverb

Yoga and food go together. ‘Isn’t it enough just to practice the Yoga asanas/ poses, do I have to regulate my food?’ wonder many. In itself, practicing Yoga asanas is one of the most beneficial regimes, but when complemented with the right food, it can really create wonders. In fact, eating the right food is an essential part of living a Yogic life.

What we eat, not only influences our physical well being, but also our emotions and thoughts. Yoga, does not dissect food into proteins, carbohydrates or fats, instead it classifies them according to the effect they have on the body and mind, into three types – satva, rajas and tamas. Tamasic food is the kind of food which makes us lethargic or sluggish, while Rajasic food is that which brings about activity or restlessness. Whereas, Sattvic food is the kind which makes you feel light, energetic and enthusiastic.

Not just the right kind of food, it is vital to eat the proper quantity of food at the right time. Overindulging leads to lethargy while under eating will not provide enough nourishment. Most of the times we know that our stomach is full but tempted by the taste buds we tend to indulge. The right amount of food cannot be quantified into cups or grams, when we listen to our body attentively we will know when exactly to stop!

We might eat the right kind of food in the right quantity but if we are irregular with our timings then the whole system goes for a toss and the natural rhythm of the body is hampered. Therefore it is of prime importance to eat food at the same time everyday and eat it at regular intervals.

It is said that the state of the mind of the person cooking/ eating also affects the food. The energy in the food cooked by someone while he/she was angry will definitely be lower than that of someone who cooked it with a feeling of love, contentment and gratitude. Listening to some soothing music or chanting while cooking and eating can help retain the Prana (life force energy) in the food.

Yoga also prescribes a more personalized diet according to the nature of our constitution. Food that might be favorable for someone might be harmful for a person of another constitution. It is best to consult an Ayurvedic physician to decide what kind of food is necessary for you and which should be avoided. It is definitely worthwhile to pay some attention to the food that we eat as the ancient Indian texts say that we are what we eat!

SATVIC FOOD

Sattvic foods are those which purify the body and calm the mind

Cooked food that is consumed within 3-4 hours can be considered sattvic

Examples – Fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts, grains, fresh milk , certain spices

RAJASIC FOOD .

They stimulate the body and mind into action. In excess, these foods can cause hyperactivity, restlessness, anger, irritability, and sleeplessness

Overly tasty foods are Rajasic

Examples – Spicy food, onion, garlic, tea, coffee, fried food

TAMASIC FOOD

Tamasic food are those which dull the mind and bring about inertia, confusion and disorientation

Stale or reheated food, oily or heavy food and food containing artificial preservatives fall under this category

Example – Non vegetarian diet, stale food, excessive intake of fats, oil, sugary food

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