Yoga is a spiritual, ascetic and physical set of practices focusing on breathing, movement, posture, and meditation. Yoga, translated as ‘union’ or ‘ connection,’ is an ancient Hindu teaching that is undergone for a variety of purposes including health, relaxation, rehabilitation, and exercise.

To become a yoga instructor, a teacher training that includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, instructional techniques, and yoga philosophy needs to be completed. After the completion of the program, budding instructors can apply for registration by the Yoga Alliance for the Registered Yoga Teacher (RTY) credential. Most professionals in the industry continue to earn educational credits by attending workshops and seminars.

The frequency of yoga practice should be an individual decision depending on personal goals and preferences. The benefits of yoga can be received if practiced every day, but those same benefits can also be received from practicing once weekly or biweekly.

“A mudra is a symbolic, ritual gesture, which is mainly used in yoga and meditation.”

The term is Sanskrit and means “gesture”, “brand” or “seal”. These gestures are especially important in Buddhism and Hinduism. That’s why some call them Buddhist hand symbol(s) or gesture(s), which is not accurate. A mudra does not necessarily have to be interpreted religiously.

Most people know them only as hand positions, but there are numerous types of mudras, which are all different in themselves.

• Hasta – Hand Mudras / Finger Mudras
• Māna – Head Mudras
• Kaya – Body Mudras
• Bandha – Heart Mudra
• Adhara – Perineal Mudras

• Understand your pain
• Lower your stress
• Connect better
• Improve focus
• Reduce brain chatter

1. Put meditation reminders around you.
2. Refresh your reminders regularly.
3. Create new patterns.

Meditation may be an ancient tradition, but it’s still practiced in cultures all over the world to create a sense of calm and inner harmony. Although the practice has ties to many different religious teachings, meditation is less about faith and more about altering consciousness, finding awareness, and achieving peace.

• Mindfulness meditation
• Spiritual meditation
• Focused meditation
• Movement meditation
• Mantra meditation
• Transcendental meditation

• Take a seat.
• Set a time limit.
• Notice your body.
• Feel your breath.
• Notice when your mind has wandered.
• Be kind to your wandering mind.