.

More UK Yogis!

2007-02-24T16:47:00.000-08:00

Hi YM,
I was fortunate enough to pick up two DVD's that were offered free of charge by The Daily Mail Newspaper (UK) recently and have been following Part One since the beginning of the month. I am already beginning to notice some changes (for the better), I just wanted to ask what 'type' of Yoga this is? It doesn't specify on the DVD cover. Also, is this DVD enough to work with or should I also enrol in a Yoga class for optimal benefits? And finally, I can see from your website that there is an 'ask Marlon' field box for questions - if I filled in my query there - would I receive a personal response from Marlon or would it be published on the website?
Would love to hear your views.
Many thanks,

Anonymous

Hi Anonymous,
These days I usually publish answers to all the questions on my blog page. I can do that anonymously very easily and often do at the inquirer's request, as I have here. I answer all questions myself. I feel it’s an important part of my dharma at least for now.

I think you could go either way. Enroll at a yoga studio that has high recommendations or learn much more from me by getting my other 6 DVDs. My popularity is immense in the UK now, due to the newspaper inclusion. That is a thrill. I hope to come to the UK this spring or summer to teach some workshops as a result.

My background is in Tantra. Within this ancient tradition there are many subdivisions. In a single session a student is apt to encounter these various branches of yoga: Raja, Swara, Laya, Kundalini, Jnana, Kriya, Bhakti, Hatha + a bit of ayurveda. For more in my background you may want to check out my bio.

Please do log on to the blog often. I think you will see people are generally thinking about the same issues. I’m very happy if you contribute your experience to other bloggers by hitting the white comments button at the bottom of any entry.

Fare thee well, yogini! Many thanks for writing!

Om Shanti,

Yogi Marlon

How Long for Yoga for a Healthy Back

2007-02-19T00:37:00.000-08:00

Hello,
I just wanted to let you know that i purchased your cd for back exercises and have been doing them regularly for nearly two weeks, and feel so much better and free of pain excellent cd recommend it to everyone who suffers with their back.
Do you recommend doing these exercises on a long-term basis or should i move on to another cd.

thank you again

Linda Davies
Worcestershire, England

Hi Linda,
I’m so glad you are having success with the DVD, Yoga for a Healthy Back. It’s very kind of you to write to tell me so. I am particularly gratified on the results that are reported to me on this title. So many people who gave up hope of having a pain-free back are amazed at the results they are seeing from doing such easy exercises. Much of the success is because its designed to create the muscular structure holds discs and vertebrae in proper spinal alignment.

In regard to your question on how long to continue with that DVD title, I can give you this guideline: Slowly work your way through the successive practices when the one you are currently doing seems easy. Particularly in this DVD, the individual practices go from easiest to hardest. If you can get all the way through the third practice on this DVD, you can most likely approach the practices on my other yoga DVDs. Although I do recommend the practices on the DVD you have long term, you might want to expand you knowledge of additional postures and breathing techniques. Feel free to shop in line. I’m mailing DVDs to England very often now.

In light and love,
Om shanti,

Yogi Marlon

Yoga DVD Reveiws

2007-02-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

Hi People!
I'm getting a lot of email with your compliments one or more of my DVDs. I'm so very grateful for the opportunity to teach you yoga that facilitates a positive change in your life. I'm starting this blog topic so you may converse with each other on topics like which DVD you are doing and why, which practices you get the most out of, any you are confused on, and the comparision of titles and anything else you want to talk about. Do you like how I make most of the practices only 25 minutes long. Almost no excuse not to do them, right?!!! Yup, I planned it that way. Who's got an hour to spare these days. : )

So please do add your comments and questions here. Ahh and by the way, many thanks to all the good people in the United Kingdom who are recently receiving my DVD with Associated Newspapers. Your feedback has been tremendous. Lucky for both of us that some of you who would have never thought to give yoga a try and now doing it and reaping the benefits. Hats off to you and ok, is it too cliche if i say "Cheerio!"

xoxoxo
Yogi Marlon

Running Is For Horses-Quotes from Kavi Yogiraj Mani Finger

2007-01-25T23:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Yogi Marlon
I am a yoga teacher and have been quoting this for many years; a student of mine wondered where this quote was to be found? I have mistakenly been saying that it was BKS Iyenger’s assertion, but after many hours of reading and research I came across your ‘Zen and Now of Running’ but I still can’t find the source for this quote.
Could you help me please? Do you know if and where this was written? Meantime I am still going through my many yoga books in the hopes that I may track this down for my student who wishes mention it in an article she has to write and who needs the references if she does.
Thank you for your time and patience.
Yours in the spirit of yoga
Om shanti – Namaste
Rosina

Hi Rosina,

I heard the comment with my own ears in about 1993, when I was sitting with the man, who was the teacher of a few of my teachers. His name is Kavi Yogiraj Mani Finger. He may well have been quoting one of his teachers when he said, verbatim, “Heh! Running is for horses!” but I think not. It was Mani’s way to scoff at what he perceived as nonsense, and truthfully, I’ve never found anything he dismissed, to be worthy of more. Mani was controversial particularly in his expression, but I’ve found joyfully, that his seemingly impolite nature consistently cut through the fluff of the New Age thinking, and revealed truths that otherwise may have taken years longer to assimilate. I think it is with little risk, that we can fairly attribute the quote to dear Mani.

By the way, I am told that on his 85th birthday, Mani did a 45-minute headstand to celebrate the occasion. This vision and my memory of his sense of true mirth, I expect will continue to inspire me through all my years. It was a privilege, an honor and a lovely piece of grace to have sat before him. I wish for you that someone of such unique inspiration will cross your path equally as indelibly.

Mani also said that same day, "The intellect is over-rated," which is a concept I've learned through and through. So much of our culture focuses on the mind, when it’s such a fraction of the totality of our existence. Ask many and they will agree that we are not our bodies, but ask more, and they will tell you we are the stuff of our thoughts and personality. They'll say it is our ideas that make us who we are. If one looks at the kind of work that is valued today, physical labor is looked down upon as inferior to "brainier" jobs. Why? Who says using your brain or mind is superior to using your body, and if so, why? Our culture has a judgment that it is more admirable, but to my eyes it’s merely a single step more subtle or refined. I don't agree it makes it necessarily better. It's clearly more desired in our culture and perhaps even for me, but better? No.

To take the point further, Mani said, "Believe everything until proven untrue." For many who think of themselves as intellectual beings, this idealogy refutes logic. For them science is the sole indicator of truth. I say that's even more absurd, because the scientific theory as a method of proving what is true or false has only existed for about 150 years. Another huge factor is the enormous amount of funding and time it takes to conduct the process of hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion. What about all the things that are never studied? Do they all cease to exist because they are not scientifically proven? Of course not. Furthermore, quantum physics, a science, has proven that the expectation of the experimenter significantly contributes to the actual outcome of experiments, not just the interpretation of the data.

If alternatively, we do not wait for proof, we open the possibilities in our lives. This is not to say that we fly in the face of logic at all. It simply suggests that we no longer have a "prove it to me" attitude and its resulting standoffishness before we give something a try. Instead we employ our innate powers of intuition. We believe that grace has a hand in what occurs in our lives. We instead learn to trust that what is before us in our lives is precisely the teacher we need to propel our spiritual growth. As a result of all these thoughts, I try to read the signs and apply my will to create a life for myself. I invite you to do the same!

Thanks for writing.
Om shanti,

Yogi Marlon

How Much Yoga Is Right?

2007-01-24T18:51:00.000-08:00

Hi Yogi Marlon,

I've been doing your beginners yoga dvd for about three weeks, I'm not sure if i'm over doing it. I do about an hour, six times a week, this is the only form of excercise i do.
Not sure if it helps but i'm an ex gymnast as well.
Many thanks.
Lisa

lisa amor
surrey
west byfleet, england

HI Lisa,

I think that is a terrific amount of yoga to do! I wish all my yoga DVD viewers were that consistent.

By the way, in my years of observing who maintains in good physical shape well into their years, I have very often found those who have been gymnasts remain incredibly fit well into their old age. Yoga will certainly help insure that.

Best of luck with your practice.
PS I might come to the UK this spring to teach pranayama and bandha practices. If you want to be on the mailing list, please let me know.

Om Shanti,

Yogi Marlon

How Much Ujjayi Pranayama Is Best?

2007-01-22T23:57:00.000-08:00

Hello Yogi Marlon,

First let me say, I recently started watching your yoga for absolute beginners video. In it you speak of being mindful of our breath. I have tried very hard to focus on my breath during practice, but I sometimes find myself breathing in this way throughout my day. Is it the goal, through much practice, to learn to breath like this in our day-to-day life, or should it be limited to our practice and meditation? Thank you for any advice you may give and I look forward to being able to continue to follow your teachings.

Namaste,

Amanda
Cameron, NC

Hi Amanda,
That’s a question I had myself at one time. The traditional teaching is that the specialized breathing techniques are to be used as a tool, not to be idealized as the optimal breath for normal waking life, when we are engaged in a variety of activities.

After several years of yoga practice, I discovered that on most days as I transition from sleep to wakefulness and then again as I transition from wakefulness to sleep, my breath is spontaneously takes on the slow, deep rhythm of ujjayi. I relish these moments to do a bit of yoga “off the mat.” It brings to mind what one of my first yoga teachers, Alan Finger, taught me. He used to say, ”If you want to be a yogi, you can’t wake up with coffee and the newspaper.” I’ve learned to utilize the first minutes of my day in deep contemplation. I know ujjayi pranayama enables my step through that door, and it’s an essential part of my day.

Additionally, I utilize a few ujjayi breathes at a time throughout the day to release stresses as they arise. It is very effective in dissipating tension. I use it when I am waiting on line, stuck in traffic, or doing something I find completely mundane. I would personally choose to do hours of ujjayi if I were healing in some way, but that is as far as it goes in my waking hours. I do not recommend more than occasional or momentary uses of ujjayi in normal waking life (outside of yoga practice) although other knowledgeable yogis may have discovered others. The reason is that ujjayi lengthens the brain waves, and most everyday tasks in our culture are best done without that extension. Most of us are not leading monastic lives, so overusing the technique could make one overly ethereal and unable to perform one’s daily work.

It seems a logical place to suggest here, that you may want to explore a variety of pranayama techniques with a qualified teacher. Though they are not often taught viloma, pratiloma, bastrika, are 3 pranayama techniques well worth knowing.

For instruction on ujjayi pranayama, please download this video file:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7504960285051502940&q=yogi+marlon

I hope that answers your question satisfactorily. I wish you all the best with your yoga practice and spiritual exploration.

Om Shanti,

Yogi Marlon

DVD as therapy for Back Pain

2007-01-18T11:40:00.001-08:00

Hello

Do you do a yoga dvd for people with bad backs or can you recommend one i need to strenghten my back i have done a bit of yoga but am frightnened to do any at the momment due to my back.
what exercises should i be doing for my back?

thank you

Linda Davies

City: Worcestershire

Country: England

Hi Linda,
I do, in fact, have a DVD specifically for back problems. When I decide what DVD to do next, I look at the current statistics on what’s commonly ailing people. I had found that the percentage of people in America with chronic back problems was alarming. It has a lot to do with how we live today: sitting at a computer, in a car a lot of the time, rarely ever bending over to touch the ground or stretching up to reach for something. In response, I created Yoga for a Healthy Back. After the 2 introduction chapters, there are 3 separate 25-minute chapters of follow-along posture sequences. I created each of the practice segments according to years of training I’ve had on the spine and vertebrae, because for someone with back problems, the postures followed must respect the structural challenges very carefully.

In the first one, I make the assumption the practitioner is in pain, possibly even intense pain. The postures are extremely gentle. Mostly, the goal is to un-wrench the bound muscles. The result after just one session is more range of movement, eased tension of the back muscles and more oxygenation to the system. I recommend people continue to do the first sequence until it is very, very easy for them before moving on to the next one. My directions should be followed very, very precisely to achieve the desired result

After “Relax the Back” is done several times, the practitioner will have more knowledge about which movements present challenges. For instance, if one’s vertebrae are posterior displaced, or pushed outward toward the back, bending forward is most likely the motion that causes pain. If vertebrae are pushed interiorly, it’s the backward motion that most often creates pain. In the second segment, “Strengthen the Back”, the goal is to create the muscular structure to hold the vertebrae in the proper alignment—the place into where one’s chiropractor adjusts the spine.

After the second segment is very easy and creates no sensitiveness, its time to move on to the third segment, that contains vigorous back exercises. Doing this practice will create good posture through erect alignment of the vertebrae, which is a large part of protecting one’s back.

In one of the DVD chapters of Yoga for a Healthy Back, I recommend that people consider the posture their car seat, desk chair, or evening sofa puts them in. Because the fasciae, the mesh netting around the muscles, reshapes after just 11 minutes in a particular position, it is important that one’s back is in alignment in every situation. That may mean having a couch re-stuffed or putting a pillow at the small of your back in the car. Lifestyle habits can either support or detract from the positive effects of a yoga practice designed to give you a healthy back!

If you’d like to purchase this DVD, please click on the link above.

Best of health to you!

Om Shanti,

Yogi Marlon

For Motor Neurone Disease

2007-01-15T18:33:00.000-08:00

Hello Yogi Marlon,
I have Motor Neurone Disease which as you know affects the nerves and wastes the muscles. Which yoga excercises would be benefical for this condition ?

I watched your DVD's published by Daily Mail Newspaper in London and I am now a lifelong fan of yours. You have beauty inside as well outside. I absolutely adore you.

Nat P.
Reading, Berkshire
England, UK

Hi Nat,
Thank you! It seems I am reaching lots of people in the UK because of the distribution of one of my DVDs via UK newspapers. So much so that I am just starting to look into teaching some workshops in the UK in the spring.

In regard to your question. I'm afraid I'm not at all familiar with your illness, so I really cannot recommend specific postures for that. I'm very sorry. I wish I could do more in medical terms. What I can tell you is that yoga directly effects the nadis, which is an energetic network that mirrors the physical network of the nerves. I can only figure here, not diagnose, but I would think if you get more energy to the nerves, you are set in the right direction. Most any yoga practice is good for that, but it has been said the best posture for the overall posture is shoulder stand. I demonstrate this on several of my DVDs. Are you familiar with this posture?

Additionally, pranayama practices are generally more subtle in nature than postures, so their effect on the nadis is more profound. Recommending many of the more elaborate pranayama practices is strictly for an in-person teacher-student lesson. There are so many variables. One that I do suggest for the general public and teach on DVD is alternate nostril breathing. It is on several of the DVDs, including Yoga For Couch Potatoes. Although it is relatively safe for all, it is nonetheless a very powerful and profound practice. Please search the DVD you have for it. If not found, you can always order a DVD on line. I'm shipping more and more to the UK!

I wish you the best of health and hold the vision of your condition healed.

Om Shanti,

Yogi Marlon

Details for Abhyanga

2007-01-08T16:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Marlon!
Looking at your skin how beautyful it is makes me want to try abhyanga massage,but I am not sure how to do
the face part - do you put oil around your eyes and eyelids? Do you use hot water and cleanser to
wash the oil off your face? Do you moisturize after that?
I always fallow your advice. You're an amazing example for a young woman living in small country -
23,Croatia.
I was just wondering - why is abhyanga pre-bath massage? Why isn't after-bath massage with warm oil
just as good? Can you explain it?
Thank you for everything, I wish you everything you wish for yourself; peace and beauty in you and
around you, nd a magical new year.

Mera

Hello Mera in Croatia,
Many thanks for your well wishes and compliments. I'm very happy to hear you are following some of the guidelines I set for myself.

Let me tell you a little bit about abhyanga to clarify. Like all things yogic, the purpose of doing a particular practice has much deeper effects than the obvious one. Abhyanga is done not for the quality of the skin, but for the nurturing effects it has on the entire organism--you! Smooth and lovely skin is a mere fringe benefit, but I must confess, it is one I enjoy, too.

One of the first of the deeper effects you will experience from the practice of abhyanga is experiencing more groundedness. The entire nervous system is soothed, so being physically steady, experiencing mental clarity, being calm and lucid, and generally in a sattvic state (one of centeredness and openess akin to spirituality) soon become one's general condition.

After sustained practice of abhyanga, the change in overall energy penetrates all 7 layers of tissue, called dhatus by ayurvedics. The progression is described in detail on my site here: http://askyogimarlon.com/abhyanga.html

As far as you question about doing abhyanga on the face, I certainly do. I try to be careful not to get the oil in my eyes, but I do come as close as possible. I do not wash it off with soap, so it has time to saturate in as much as possible. If I need to put foundation on, I wipe as much off as I can with a dry towel.

To answer your last question--Abhyanga is done before or during bathing because the heat of the shower opens the pores and allows the oil to penetrate further into the dermas. If you do it after like most moisturizing, its only a cosmetic treatment. The oil remains only on top of your skin and the benefits for which traditional ayurveda strives, are not reaped.

For all my readers, please do let me know if abhyanga is working for you. Are you experiencing tranquility, and not just smooth skin?

Om Shanti,
Yogi Marlon

Hip Replacement Therapy with Yoga

2006-12-23T19:50:00.000-08:00

Question: Hi Yogi Marlon

I have had hip surgery in Feb. and I have problems with my other hip and I was wondering if Yoga would help me. I can't get into the sitting position with my legs crossed in front of me. What can I do instead? I just got a DVD for Feeling Stronger Every Day. I haven't done exercise or Yoga before. Is it too late for me to start something like this?

Name: Carol

city: Yakima

state: WA

Hi Carol,

No, it’s not too late to start yoga. In fact, it sounds like a very good time to start a yoga practice, because yoga postures have almost no impact. That’s essential to good joint health, especially as we age. What’s more, yoga can create flexibility more than any other therapy I’ve seen.
Learn how to pair the breath with postures and you will see significant results.

I’m glad you purchased one of my DVDs, but the one you choose is not for beginners. Yoga for Feeling Stronger Every Day is meant for people who have experience in yoga and want to gain muscle strength and mass.

I suggest you try these other titles for a more elementary explanation. These titles have easier practices on them.
Yoga for Absolute Beginners
Yoga for a Healthy Back (my hunch this one is best for you)
Yoga for Couch Potatoes
You can find a description of all my titles on this page by clicking on the DVD cover, and from there you can see streaming video. http://askyogimarlon.com/dvd.html

If you cannot sit on the ground cross-legged, you can do some of the postures initially in a chair. If so, scoot forward so you do not use the back, but instead hold your posture erect yourself.

Do try and sit on the ground to loosen your hips. You can start by sitting on a stack of books or firm pillows. Later when you can sit with your butt on the ground, use a block, some books or a pillow to support under your knees. Work to remove the use of all props with your knees toward the ground and always with your spine tall. Remember to breathe deeply in all postures. Your body releases instead of grips when you do, especially on long slow exhales. Make special note of learning ujjayi pranayama (Sunglass Breath chapter on Yoga for Couch Potatoes) It’s an essential part of yoga practice and should accompany all the postures you.

I hope that is helps. Please let me know how it goes.

If anyone reading this has had hip replacement surgery and practiced yoga as part of your recovery, please post a comment and let us know what worked best for you. Let’s make use of this as an on-line community resource!

Om shanti,

Yogi Marlon

Getting Certified

2006-12-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

Question: Hey Marlon,
I'm Anthony Cello's granddaughter Sandy. Your mom was telling us about your yoga DVDs. I have a friend who is going out to California to learn about yoga and pilates, and is also getting certified while she's there. She's teaches aerobics and also owns the gym I belong to. I was not sure where in California you practice, but I told her about you. Any suggestions for her?

Name: Sandra

city: Philadelphia

state: PA

Hi Sandy,
I practice at home in Los Angeles. That is after years of studying with my teacher, Rod Stryker, whom I follow wherever he is and whenever I can since 1994. I was very lucky to study with his teachers in NY before meeting him in LA and although I have sat with many teachers, I've found no one who is as steeped in and articulate about all branches of yoga than Yogiraj Rod Stryker. Your friend can access his teacher training programs at http://pureyoga.com. Frankly, if your friend wants unadulterated yoga in all its technical acumen while interlaced with its sacred depths (which is the only way I recommend it), there is no better teacher to my knowledge.

There are a multitude of programs out there what will give your friend a certificate in as little as an extended weekend, but I believe it lacks integrity and creates a liability to teach yoga after such a program.

When it comes to pilates, I know very little, so I cannot be of assistance there. After a few casual classes, I saw a number of exercises that could potentially create lower back problems, if one did not already have intensely strong abdominal muscles, so I sought it out no further.

I wish your friend a fortuitous journey into yoga. Please comment here if I can be of further assistance. That's what I'm here for.

Om Shanti,

Yogi Marlon

Alcoholism and Yoga

2006-12-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

Question: Hello Yogi Marlon,
I am writing you again because I desperately need help in my life. I drink alcohol as a way of coping with the stress. I need something to substitute for this unhealthy habit. My stresses are financial and marital. My husband is critical and quick to blame me for the things going wrong in our lives. I need to protect myself mentally. What does alcohol do to the body? Thank you for your time.
Sincerely, M.

Name: Omitted to preserve her identity
city: Newborn
state: GA

Dear M,
There are so many times when I get questions from people how so desperately need to reach out for help. It's accurate to think of yoga as an appropriate therapy for any physical, mental or spiritual problem. Unfortunately, a case as severer as yours would require a yogi who could spend a great deal of time with you to really help. Additionally, since our Western system does not recognize yoga as the comprehensive science it is, there is a great liability for me to advise you. I do feel I can give you some simple guidelines here, but first I must impress upon you to seek professional help close to home. Alcoholism is life- threatening, so I'd never want to take it so lightly to offer you a few sentences in lieu of an intensive program for recovery.

From the standpoint of the tradition of yoga, I can tell you how it historically views such problems. Yoga says that all satisfaction that is sought through object identification is ultimately fruitless. That is, reaching for a substance such as alcohol or any object that is outside yourself, can only deliver maya, or loosely, the fleeting illusion of happiness. Instead, yoga teaches one how to derive what it views as a true sense of contentment thru a connection with God. There are many methods of mentally bringing one's focus inward through various yogic practices. They include postures linked with specific breathing techniques, breathing techniques on their own, meditation, mantra, focusing on yantras, service to others, etc, etc, etc. True yoga is a many-folded tradition with a multitude of techniques. After a concentrated effort one begins to find an inner peace, a genuine love for oneself and all others and things through this connection.

Yoga's techniques and values seek to continually promote purity in the body, the mind and emotions and the spirit. Alcohol abuse is antithetical to that. It stresses the whole organism. It creates a state of dehydration. Absence of water in the body robs it of one of the basic components of healthy cell reproduction. Stresses on the liver are widely known. Its effect on other organs is of great consequence as well.

Dear, M, please take responsibility for your own actions and well-being. I am sending you my greatest wish for the release of alcohol's grip in your life. I am also sending my prayers to all divine beings to guide you to sobriety, fulfillment and deep and meaningful joy.

Om shanti, shanti, shanti,
Yogi Marlon

Gayatri Mantra: Video and Translation

2006-12-18T17:49:00.000-08:00

Question: Hi Yogi Marlon, I just bought one of your DVDs and at the end you chant the gyathri mantra. Could you please email me a script of the mantra. Thanks

Name: Niva
city: Brisbane
country: Australia

Hi Niva,
I put the translation as well as the video for all to see up on my website here: http://askyogimarlon.com/gayatrimantra.html.
I hope you derive as much as I have from chanting this mantra.

BTW, I did not know my DVDs were being sold as far as Australia. That's very exciting for me. Can you please tell me at what store or website you purchased it?

Yoga for Arthritis

2006-12-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

Question: Hi Marlon,
I have arthritis in my hands and in my knees. I think it is spreading to my hip and back and elbows. I can't afford to go to the Doctor. Can yoga help me?
Name: Mary
city: Newborn
state: Georgia

Hi Mary,
The information I can give you is no substitute for a doctor's, but there is much that yoga's school of medicine has to say about arthritis. Please consider what I tell you as the impetus to do further research and make a determination of your own, hopefully with the help of a doctor when that becomes affordable.

Ayurveda is the oldest known school of medicine existing today, pre-dating Chinese medicine by centuries. Within ayurveda, there is a system used to determine one's constitution or dosha. Most people have a combination of the three doshas, vata, pitta and kapha with predominance in one or two at the time of their birth. Ayurveda seeks to maintain the balance of one's individual dosha blueprint throughout one's life through a series of practices that are tailored to that blueprint.

Generally speaking, arthritis is a disease from which people of primarily vata constitution suffer. Vata’s nature increases in old age for people of all constitutions. The resulting us more dryness, coldness, and that which contains air. To lessen the overabundance of vata’s characteristics, one would seek warmth, moisture and being grounded. Practically, that would mean lifestyle habits such as choosing hot soups over cold salads, warm, balmy weather over cold, dry weather, yoga postures that have a stabilizing effect. (See Yogi Marlon's Eggplant Feta Soup recipe here: http://askyogimarlon.com/eggplant_feta_soup.html ) Staying out of drafts, consuming enough fat and water to keep the body moist and lubricated, practicing abhyanga (More about that at: http://askyogimarlon.com/abhyanga.html) are all good steps to maintaining one’s optimal influence of vata energy.

You can find much more information about ayurveda's approach to arthritis at:
http://arthritis.about.com/od/ayurveda/Ayurveda_for_Arthritis_Ayurvedic_Treatments_for_Arthritis.htm

Thanks for writing, Mary. I wish you good health.
If anyone reading this blog has any suggestions for Mary, please feel free to post them here. Let us know if you have any valuable links, as well.

Om shanti,

Yogi Marlon

Kundalini Yoga Dangers

2006-12-05T12:02:00.000-08:00

Question: Hi Yogi Marlon
First, I would like to say that I am a student of your teachings. I have had miraculous benefits from your teachings. I wanted to ask you a question. Is Kundalini Yoga safe spiritually?
Name: LaChandra
city: Delta City
state: Mississsippi,
country: USA

Hi LaChandra and thanks for writing.
You've asked a question that has a conditional answer. If a teacher who is close to you and highly experienced in Kundalini yoga is advising you on practices that are appropriate specifically for you and monitoring your progress closely, Kundalini yoga can be quite safe.

Kundalini practices focus upon raising shakti up the central energetic channel, the sushumna, which can propel one's spiritual evolution very powerfully. It is fairly common for practitioners of Kundalini experience mild to severe ramifications of the practices when they are not fully prepared for the practice by way of purification on physical, mental and spiritual levels. This means the prolonged and steady practice of a pure diet, drug-free mental and emotional stability, and spiritual preparedness amongst other things.

I did have verification from my teacher some years ago, that the ill effects of Kundalini practice can create a state that is best described as mental "blow-out". The ability to cope with everyday situations can drive one to intense instability for short or very long periods lasting as long as several years. An extreme reaction is, of course, rare. I am not aware of what the spiritual difficulties would be, but I strongly surmise they could be equally as deep. For this reason, I do not advise group Kundalini classes for yoga novices.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a teacher who is highly experienced and who is willing to closely track any Kundalini practices you may choose to do. My advice is to take a gentle path to spiritual development, starting with Hatha yoga to orient your entire being into the practices of yoga. One can generally safely go on to Laya (chakra) Yoga, some Kriya practices (which aim to purify).

I hope that serves a guide for you. Please feel free to comment here.

Om Shanti,
Yogi Marlon

Yoga for Toning

2006-12-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

Question: hi yogi marlon, i use ur dvd regulary!!and im wonderin if i keep usin it will it tone up my body??

Name: niamh
city: dublin
country: ireland

Hi Niamh,
I'm always thrilled to know that people in far away places are practicing yoga along with me on my DVD. The answer to you question is a resounding Yes! If you continue with any of my 7 DVDs you will indeed tone your body. The DVD that is most directed at developing muscle mass and strength is "Feeling Stronger Every Day".

Please respond here to let my readers know what your progress is and if you have any quesitons along the way. This blog is intended to create a worldwide community of yoga practitioners.

Also, would you please tell me where you got my DVD in Ireland? I'd love to know.
Many thanks for your quesiton

Om Shanti (Peace)
Yogi Marlon

Chavasana/Restoration pose for Spasmodic Torticollis

2006-11-30T11:40:00.000-08:00

Question: Dear Yogi Marlon, I was wondering if you could advise me on a particular pose I am using to help with a neurological condition I have had for over 10 years called Spasmodic Torticollis. The pose is the Corpse pose and I use a folded blanket and a bolster to provide me with the relaxation I need in my upper torso, head and upper back. What I need to know is whether I could use this pose as my normal everyday sleeping position when I go to bed? Would many hours in this position cause any damage to me or produce any adverse effects? I hope you can help me and I appreciate greatly any time you take out of your busy schedule to reply to this email.
Many thanks and kindest regards
Robert

Hello Robert,
You have not indicated where or how you are using a blanket or bolster. True chavasana, or corpse pose, does not us props. It seems likely that you have been instructed to do a restoration pose with the bolster under your knees and the blanket rolled up and placed along the spine about the sacrum, so the pelvis is propped into a tilted position. That is a commonly taught yoga pose. If this is indeed correct, you are doing one of the few things that will stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system to become active. (Ujjayi pranayama is one other technique to do this.
I was not aware of the condition spasmodic torticollis until I googled it just now, finding this definition:

Cervical Dystonia, also known as spasmodic torticollis, is a focal dystonia characterized by neck muscles contracting involuntarily, causing abnormal movements and posture of the head and neck.
This term is used generally to describe spasms in any direction: forward (anterocollis), backwards (retrocollis), and sideways (torticollis). The movements may be sustained or jerky. Spasms in the muscles or pinching nerves in the neck can result in considerable pain and discomfort.

I'm sorry to say I do not know enough about the condition to advise you medically. The best I can do is to urge you to find someone who specializes in yoga therapy, so they can advise you. If you want a name and number of one yoga therapist I know, I am happy to recommend him.

All the best to you and many thanks for your inquiry.
Om shanti,
Yogi Marlon

Muladhara Chakra

2006-11-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

Hello Yogi Marlon!

It's said that the root chakra contains four leaves, or petals. What do they stand for, and is there a place where i can read or learn about all the leaves/petals???

Alex

Hi Alex,
The root chakra is called the muladhara chakra, which is depicted as having 4 lotus blossum petals. Overall this chakra represents divine energy materializing, and specifically becoming the matter of the physical body.
Psychological tendencies or vrittis are attributed to several chakras, both in their positive and negative forms. The emotions of
greatest joy, natural pleasure, delight in controlling passion, and blissfulness in concentration are attributed to the muladhara chakra.

there is more information about the root chakra at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muladhara

Here is a related article on the practic of mula bandha, which is a practice centered around the muladhara chakra:
http://askyogimarlon.com/archive/a_mula_banda.html

Yoga for the Nervous System

2006-11-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

Question: Hello Marlon Is yoga good for anxiety and nervousness? Thankyou.

Name: Davina
Country: England

Hi Davina,
Yoga works quite profoundly on an energetic level, so it is, in fact, one of the best therapies for the nervous system.

In one addition of my column entitled Yoga for the Scattered Mind, I explain the ayurvedic concept of vata dosha. There is an overview that will explain what may be a new way of veiwing the kind of energy that embibes your nervous system. I think you will find it is full of valuable information for maintaining or restoring a healthy nervous system, because the nervous system is very, very akin to vata energy. Please access the full article here:
http://askyogimarlon.com/archive/a_YogaForTheScatteredMind.html

In addition, the best pose to strengthen the nervous system is shoulder stand. Second best is plough. My beginner DVD, Yoga for Absolute Beginners, includes both these poses. You'll find that here:
http://askyogimarlon.com/dvd-beginner.html

Please do comment here, to let all my blog viewers and I know if you have found the articl and the practice of the suggestions have created a significant change for you.

I also invite readers to converse with Davina and I here on your individual experiences.

Many thanks for writing, Davina.

Om Shanti,
Yogi Marlon

Yoga for Overweight or Obese Students

2006-09-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

Remember, Yoga for Couch Potaotes is not designed to turn you into a skinny person. My goal is to help you create awareness on physical, mental and spriitual levels. It is also designed to give you short, practical yoga techniques to increase your energy, reduce your stress, and create a sense of contentment. On the DVD, my students reveal what their concerns and deepest desires about yoga.

You will also find some interesting holistic living info in this DVD, which is available at http://askyogimarlon.com/playvideo-couchpotatoes.html, that will point out easy ways in which you can remove everyday toxins from your body and home environment.

You can also download chapters of the DVD at here.

Ask Yogi Marlon Yoga DVDs

2006-09-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

Here is my new forum practitioners of the Ask Yogi Marlon DVD series. Please feel free to converse with each other about postures, pranayama, kriyas, and philosophical teachings from the DVD series. When you write in your questions, you can expect an answer here.