#Misconceptions About Yoga

[utsav25]

Unraveling the Truth: Common Yoga Myths Busted

Yoga is one of the most transformative practices in the world, offering a wide range of benefits for the body, mind, and spirit. However, despite its growing popularity, many yoga myths and misconceptions about yoga still persist, causing confusion and preventing many people from fully experiencing its advantages. From the idea that you need to be super flexible to practice yoga, to the belief that yoga is only for women, these common yoga myths can cloud the true essence of yoga. In this blog, we will explore some of the most popular yoga misconceptions and clear up the confusion by revealing the yoga truths you need to know.

1. You Need to Be Flexible to Practice Yoga

One of the biggest misunderstandings in yoga is the belief that you have to be flexible to practice yoga. This yoga myth can discourage beginners from starting their practice, especially if they feel like they aren’t “flexible enough.” The truth is, yoga is for everyone, no matter how flexible (or inflexible) you are. Flexibility comes with consistent practice. In fact, yoga is a great way to improve flexibility over time. The goal of yoga isn’t to achieve perfect poses, but to cultivate body awareness and mind-body connection. So, if you’re not flexible yet, don’t worry—yoga can help you get there!

2. Yoga Is Only for Women

Another widespread misconception about yoga is that it’s a practice primarily for women. While it’s true that many women practice yoga, this yoga myth overlooks its long history of male practitioners. Yoga was founded in ancient India, and many of the original yogis were men. In fact, yoga has a long-standing tradition in which both men and women practice together. Today, many men find yoga especially beneficial for improving flexibility, relieving stress, and building strength. So, whether you’re male or female, yoga is for anyone who wants to experience its numerous benefits.

3. Yoga Is Just About Stretching

Many people believe that yoga is simply about stretching, but this common misunderstanding about yoga only tells part of the story. While yoga does involve stretching, it’s so much more than that. Yoga combines physical postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), meditation, and mindfulness to create a balanced practice that benefits the entire body and mind. The physical practice of yoga helps improve strength, flexibility, and balance, but the true benefits also lie in its ability to calm the mind and reduce stress. So, while stretching is an important aspect, yoga is a holistic approach to health.

4. Yoga Is a Quick Fix for Stress

Yoga is often praised for its ability to reduce stress, but expecting it to be a quick fix is a yoga myth that can lead to disappointment. While yoga can certainly help relieve stress in the short term, its true benefits unfold through consistent practice. By regularly incorporating yoga into your routine, you’ll build mental and emotional resilience, allowing you to manage stress more effectively in the long run. The relaxation you experience after a single class is wonderful, but the full stress-relieving benefits come from making yoga a part of your lifestyle.

5. Yoga Is Only for Young People

Another common misunderstanding in yoga is that yoga is a practice only for younger individuals. This yoga myth could not be further from the truth. Yoga is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. In fact, yoga can be particularly beneficial as we age, helping to maintain flexibility, balance, and strength. Many seniors practice yoga to improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent falls. Yoga offers a gentle, yet effective way to stay active and healthy at any age. So, if you’re older, don’t let age stop you—yoga can benefit you at any stage of life.

6. You Need Special Equipment to Practice Yoga

Some people assume that practicing yoga requires fancy mats, blocks, straps, and expensive clothing. This yoga myth is simply not true. While props can enhance your practice, they’re not necessary to start. All you need is a comfortable space and a willingness to begin. A simple mat (or even a soft surface like carpet) is enough to get started. As for clothing, wear something that allows you to move freely—no need for expensive gear. The beauty of yoga is that it doesn’t require any special equipment or clothing; it’s about connecting with your body and mind, not your possessions.

7. Yoga Is Only About Poses

One of the most common misunderstandings in yoga is that it’s all about mastering physical poses. While the physical postures are a central part of yoga, they are just one aspect of the practice. Yoga also includes breathwork (pranayama), meditation, and mindfulness—all of which contribute to the overall experience. These elements are just as important as the physical poses in helping you build mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual awareness. Yoga is a full mind-body practice, not just a series of poses. By focusing on all aspects, you’ll experience its true depth.

8. Yoga Is a Religious Practice

Many people mistakenly believe that yoga is a religious practice, but this is another yoga myth that often creates hesitation. While yoga has roots in ancient spiritual traditions, it is not tied to any specific religion. Yoga is a spiritual practice in the sense that it encourages self-awareness, mindfulness, and personal growth, but it is not affiliated with any particular religious beliefs. Yoga can be practiced by anyone, regardless of their faith or spiritual background. Its universal principles of peace, self-awareness, and balance transcend religious boundaries.

9. Yoga Is Easy and Doesn’t Require Effort

There’s a common misconception about yoga that it’s an easy practice that requires no effort. In reality, yoga can be physically demanding, depending on the style you practice. Some types of yoga, such as Power Yoga or Vinyasa, offer a vigorous workout that challenges your strength, stamina, and balance. Even more gentle practices, like Hatha or Iyengar, require focus and effort to maintain proper alignment and technique. Yoga is about challenging yourself in a mindful way, pushing your limits while respecting your body. It’s not about easy poses; it’s about progress and self-awareness.

10. Yoga Is a Solo Activity

While yoga can be practiced alone, it doesn’t have to be a solitary experience. Many people enjoy practicing yoga in group settings, whether in a studio, at a retreat, or in online communities. Sharing the practice with others can enhance the experience, provide support, and foster a sense of connection. Yoga classes offer an opportunity for camaraderie and guidance, making the journey more enjoyable and meaningful. So, whether you practice alone or with others, yoga is a practice that can be shared and celebrated.

Conclusion

Yoga is a powerful, transformative practice, but many common yoga myths and misconceptions about yoga continue to confuse those who are new to it. By debunking yoga myths and embracing the true essence of the practice, you can unlock its full potential. Yoga is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, flexibility, or experience. It’s not about perfect poses or achieving instant results—it’s about cultivating awareness, balance, and peace in both the body and the mind. Let go of the myths, embrace the truths, and begin your journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life with yoga.

[4theitgirls]

all about mobility

what is mobility & how is it different from flexibility?

mobility is the ability of the joints to move through their full range of motion, while flexibility is the ability of the muscles to temporarily stretch.

why do mobility training?

there are many different benefits of mobility training, including:

increased flexibility

reduced risk of injury

improving joint & muscle health

improving range of motion

improving posture

gaining muscle strength

balance & stability

reducing pain & stiffness in the body

when should i start?

now! there’s a common misconception that you shouldn’t need mobility training until you are in your later years and your mobility starts to decline, but mobility training is useful no matter your age. in fact, the sooner you start, the less mobility & joint problems you will experience as you age.

how often should i train mobility?

mobility training is safe and beneficial to do daily, but ideally, you should try to train mobility at least 5 times per week for at least 5-10 minutes each time.

routines:

10 minute mobility workout by growingannanas

10 minute mobility for neglected joints by julia.reppel

15 minute daily mobility routine by julia.reppel

15 minute mobility stretch by growingannanas

20 minute slow mobility & stretch by julia.reppel

20 minute full body mobility warm up by leanbeefpatty

20 minute spinal mobility by julia.reppel

20 minute mobility workout by julia.reppel

20 minute rest day mobility flow by julia.reppel

20 minute pilates x mobility by julia.reppel

20 minute full body mobility by julia.reppel

25 minute full body stretch & mobility by madfit

25 minute mobility workout by julia.reppel

25 minute yoga for mobility by jess yoga

25 minute rest day mobility by julia.reppel

25 minute low impact mobility workout by julia.reppel

25 minute mobility workout by marie steffen

30 minute full body primal mobility by julia.reppel

30 minute primal mobility workout by julia.reppel

30 minute mobility yoga for athletes by charlie follows

30 minute beginner-friendly mobility flow by julia.reppel

30 minute mobility workout by fitness__kaykay

30 minute active recovery workout by heather robertson

30 minute core strength & shoulder mobility by heather robertson

35 minute yoga fusion workout by heather robertson

40 minute mobility & dynamic stretching by heather robertson

40 minute abs & hip mobility by heather robertson

40 minute core strength & back mobility by heather robertson

40 minute core strength & mobility by heather robertson

40 minute core & shoulder mobility by heather robertson

40 minute abs & mobility by heather robertson

44 minute core & full body mobility by heather robertson

[myfitnessteacher]

Yoga | 10 Common Myths About Yoga | Yoga Myths And Misconceptions |

Yoga is dangerous. Okay, so let me tell you, yoga is the safest form of fitness therapy and movement and meditation. So if done properly in the right guidance, in the right form, in the right mode, it is the safest form of fitness or exercise that you can ever do, your body can ever attain. Read more

[lifetimeyogi]

Debunking 13 Common Misconceptions and Myths about Tantra Yoga

#tantrayoga #tantra #yoga #meditation #mindfulness #spirituality #chakras #pranayama #asana #consciousness #awakening #energy #selflove #selfawareness #transformation #meditation #chakras #mantras #spirituality #mindfulness #energy #consciousness

Debunking Common Misconceptions and Myths about Tantra Yoga Tantra Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. It is a complex system of beliefs, practices, and rituals that have been widely misunderstood and misrepresented in other cultures around the globe. Tantra Yoga is often associated with sex, indulgence, and hedonism, but these stereotypes are…

[honeytonedhottie]

dealing with ur period⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🍰

in this post im gonna talk about how i deal with my periods, some tips and hopefully helpful information on how to manage urself while ur on ur period cuz it can be rly difficult sometimes…💬🎀

DEALING WITH CRAMPS ;

so cramps are like the main thing i struggle with on my period, along with like, majority of women and here are some ways that i appease my cramps ->

♡ pain killers

okay so this is like a last resort for me cuz i always opt for more natural options such as teas and essential oils but sometimes the pain is just so much in that moment and i dont wanna let myself suffer…💬🎀

♡ rubbing my tummy with essential oils

♡ heating pads and hot water bottles

♡ ginger tea or raspberry leaf tea

CAN I BE PRODUCTIVE ON MY PERIOD? ;

a misconception that i see a lot is that u can't be productive on ur period which isnt entirely true. if u feel like your able to get some things done then by all means do that, but if u feel tired or if ur in pain dont force urself to do something unless its absolutely necessary. listen to your body!!

and if there is something that u absolutely have to do while on ur period i recommend breaking it down a LOT. like bite sized…💬🎀

STAYING HEALTHY ;

when im on my period i find it rly difficult to get up and stay active but its important to stay healthy and moving. today i had a high intensity workout planned out for myself, but because i got my period i simply changed the workout instead of cutting it out completely. when on my period i like to focus on yoga and pilates.

MORE TIPS ;

get plenty of rest

stay hydrated

keep ur feet and tummy warm and covered

avoid cold drinks

when u feel unmotivated make a list of the bare minimum and make sure that ur doing at least that ♡

SHOPPING LIST ;

♡ pads or tampons

♡ ginger root

♡ raspberry leaf tea

♡ fluffy socks

♡ whatever u might be craving

remember to be nice to yourself and your body and if u have any other tips feel free to share…💬🎀

[magumsilvarum]

Spirits and their common uses and misconceptions

So today I wanted to talk about a few spirits which, not much is so far known of through literary writing, but more so through celestial knowledge. (each spirit will have its own section)

The Pythoness - many Christian and Judea religions view the pythoness spirit as a demon like spirit that is meant to steer one away from Gods path and imbue one with negative thoughts such as death and sickness through the mind, yet I've personally found and many civilizations prior and after that the story is not as such. In yogic practices there is a certain breathe and practice of the kundalini. Kundalini is the term for "a spiritual energy or life force located at the base of the spine", conceptualized as a coiled-up serpent. The practice of Kundalini yoga is supposed to arouse the sleeping Kundalini Shakti from its coiled base through the 6 chakras, and penetrate the 7th chakra, or crown. This allows for an open pathway as a connection to God, elevated spirits and the spirits of the afterlife, our ancestral spirits, within celestial planes. In buddhism giant serpents were seen as protectors of the dharma, the truth that liberates us, standing strong against any attack. Many psychics, seers, mediums, witches and tarot card readers tend to have a spirit who knows one of two things about divination, prophecy and esoteric knowledge, but the pythoness spirit is looked at more like the all seeing eye or the eye of ra and horus. In greek mythology Leto the great she-wolf was cursed to never give birth upon the land as Hera set her out to be cursed by her daughter and for Gaia to not allow her to give birth to her two children. Through Zeus' interference Leto was able to give birth to both Artemis and Apollo. Later Apollo went to go slay a Snake that had threatened Leto and therefore gained the ability to turn into a snake himself. He declared the island previously known as Pythos to be Delphi and as the God of prophecy later became a hub for those seeking answers from great oracles once a year, known as Pythias. These women were great prophets and witches alike that danced with fire and tamed snakes to dance along with them protecting the island from attacks and monsterous threats as to pay respect to Apollo. These were women and men of wild nature who allows there instincts to guide them through the understanding of the great divine. One with nature they became medicine workers, prophets, seers, musicians, dancers, pyromancers, snake charmers, witches and mages and dream weavers.

These great spirits are revered as a highly elevated court in spiritualist practices, sometimes just perceived as the spirits of tarot decks or oracular objects they are forgotten as being far too complex to be seen as just that. Through the force of light they bring great aid to those they are on spiritual journey's with, they rid of hexes, curses and spiritual illnesses. They guide through prophetic dreams, clairvoyancy, clairsentience, clairaudience and mediumship. They are capable of conjuring powerful spirits and the spirits of the dead (necromancy), as well as a straight line communication to God, gods and goddesses. They move through the celestial tides of the universe and bring forth great health, wealth, abundance, freedom and spiritual knowledge to those they favor. They are quite benevolent spirits who help bring in death or the spirit of change for the better and to rid old stubborn ways of the past. They are great teachers of dark and light magic. They aid in learning and music as well. Helping those with charisma and the ability to enchant and/or charm enemies and others alike. They have such affinity towards chocolates, gold, silver, wine, fire, candles, light, mirrors, divination tools, water, flowers and floral scents, perfumes, snakes and music. There number is 7 and their flower is the rose, particularly the white rose, but other colors are fine as well. They also enjoy sunflowers, as they venerated Apollo, and the Anise star. Their colors are Red, burgundy, gold, emerald green, white, silver, purple, and brown. Yet each is different and might prefer a royal blue for all we know each spirit is different to another so getting to know ones spiritual court is quite important. Stones like diamond, ruby, jade, emerald, citrine, labradorite and amethyst can be given to such spirit as well as Selenite and Amber each representing Artemis and Apollo. These spirits can sometimes be confused with a better known spirit Santa Martha la Dominadora. You may even have both within your spiritual court, but they two hold many similarities.

Prayer to the Pythoness

O Blessed Pythoness, I invoke your humble yet wild nature into my life, I give you thanks for the visions told and untold and for the sight to see my path clearly. May your connection to God and all living things be great and full of love and respect. May your tides of wisdom bring peace to the land and bestow upon me and my loved ones a blessed hand. Lady of the fire, imbue me with your holy flames may they burn away all evil done unto me by others or by my own hand. May your light charm those who seek no good into doing acts of kindness and greatness and may your soothing voice bring sweetness and riches to the land and seas. You the one who tamed the dragon and serpent to your gracious hand. Tame my enemies and bring good fortune to those in need. Help the world against devastation and may your great cobra bring forth the promise land. Lady of the land and sea, conjure your celestial winds to protect me and bring good news from the heavenly lands. Through the eye of the one who can see I plea to you humbly and in need. As it is. So mote it be. Amen

Say this prayer with Psalm 91 3x and Psalm 4 3x under the flame of a white(or yellow) light end with a Glory be. It will help receive divine messages through divination or prophetic dreams and help transmute negative energy and protect against evil eye.

Oracion a La Pitonisa

O Bendita Pitonisa, Yo invoco tu humilde y salvaje espiritu de naturaleza entre mi vida, te doy las gracias por los visiones contado y no contado y por la vista para ver mi camino claramente. Que tu conexión a Dios y a todas criaturas vivas sea lleno de gran amor y respeto. Que las olas de sabiduria traen paz a toda la tierra y otogar a mi y mis seres queridos tu mano bendicida. Mujer de los fuegos, envuelvame con tus llamas benditas que me liberan de cualquier maldad sea enviado por enemigos o que han nacido de mi propia mano. Que tu luz encandile a los que no buscan el bien y les transformas hacer actos de carino y grandeza y que tu voz encantadora trae dulcisimiento y riquezas a la tierra y los mares. Tu que haz vencido el serpiente y el dragon con tu mano graciosa. Ayuda al mundo contra la devastación y que tu tierra prometida sea traido por tu gran cobra. Mujer de la tierra y mar, protejame con los vientos celestiales y que traen buena noticias del cielo. A través del ojo del que puede ver te suplico humildemente y de necesidad. Como es. Asi sera. AMEN

[elicathebunny]

WHY POSTURE IS SO IMPORTANT.

Good posture is important to your overall health and offers a variety of benefits including reduced back pain, increased energy, and greater confidence. A posture is a form of body language. It signals to others that you are open, engaged, and in control of the situation. This can enhance your social interactions and professional relationships. Having good posture is important to your overall health, as it can help you avoid muscle tension, pain, fatigue, and many other common ailments and medical conditions.

- People often associate posture with status. I've been told I sit posh because I sit upright!

MISCONCEPTIONS: "Many people believe that you need to constantly hold onto a perfectly straight and symmetrical posture, but this can actually do more harm than good. Good posture is all about developing an awareness of your natural body positions and shapes rather than forcing it into an artificially constructed one. " "When people think of sitting up straight, they often think of an unmoving, unrelenting hold involving a stiff back and tight shoulders. However, because the body is naturally dynamic and meant to move, it’s important that your posture reflects this." "Posture, even in the beginning, shouldn’t be something that occupies your mind constantly. People who are trying to sit straight without moving may find themselves concentrating on keeping their bodies in these uncomfortable positions instead of really experiencing life. It can also become irritating if you find yourself relaxing when your mind wanders and the relief of slouching at the end of a long day is enough to make people give up on good posture forever." -BODYMINDED

HOW TO IMPROVE POSTURE:

Awareness: The first step is to become aware of your current posture. Pay attention to how you sit, stand, and walk throughout the day. Notice if you tend to slouch or hunch your shoulders.

Core Strengthening exercises

Back and Neck Exercises

Ergonomic Workspace: If you work at a desk, ensure that your workspace is ergonomic. Adjust your chair, keyboard, and monitor to promote good posture. Your feet should be flat on the floor, and your computer screen should be at eye level.

Stretching: Regularly stretch your chest, shoulders, and hip flexors to counteract the effects of sitting for long periods. Yoga and Pilates can be excellent for improving flexibility and posture.

Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness and body awareness. Throughout the day, remind yourself to check your posture and make corrections when necessary.

[theawakenedstate]

5 Common Mistakes in Chakra Healing You Need to Avoid

Chakra healing is a powerful practice that can transform your life from the inside out. Let’s explore five common mistakes that many individuals make when it comes to chakra healing. Here’s How you can begin to enhance your Chakra Healing journey. I’m a big advocate for Consistency. Why? It not only helps me spiritually grow but it gets me results!

One area I’ve been consistent beyond spiritual practice has been my journey with the chakra Healing system. I’ve learned a lot over the years about how to properly understand energy work through Chakra Healing. 

However, just like any new ager out there, there are a lot of mistakes I’ve learned over the years. After 13-14 years on this healing path, I’ve personally refined my chakra strategy so I always get incredible results. 

I wanted to share some common mistakes that many people are making when it comes to energy work and the chakras that they might not be realizing. 

#5 is def my soap box I will admit LOL 

But In general – these are mistakes I’ve personally gone through and eventually realized there are stronger tools out there to help you heal easier. Likewise, in some cases even faster!

2 hour + somatic breathwork?  Not remotely Necessary when you’re dealing with the chakras. 

Here’s my tips and tricks on Chakra Healing to help you avoid these common Mistakes I see continuously in the spiritual community. 

Catch the full Episode on the Youtube or Season 3 of the Podcast: Awaken & Manifest your Best Life

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

LISTEN ON THE PODCAST

SUMMARY OF THE FIVE COMMON CHAKRA HEALING MISTAKES

1 – You’re Using Surface-Level Tools to Solve an Internal Problem

Ever caught yourself getting lost in a sea of crystals, essential oils, and sage, hoping they’ll magically fix your energy imbalances? While these tools are fantastic for boosting your vibes, they’re like the sparkly cherry on top. One common mistake in chakra healing is relying solely on surface-level tools like crystals and oils without going deeper into the root cause of energetic imbalances. While these tools can help aid in the process, (I call these amplifiers because they amplify the energy of that chakra) true healing occurs when we address the core issues within each chakra.

2 – Thinking That you ONLY need Yoga Asanas and Color Therapy

If you’ve been hanging your hopes on wearing specific colors, Eating certain foods or striking yoga poses to heal your chakras, hey, you’re not alone! Another misconception is the overemphasis on yoga asanas and color therapy as the primary methods for chakra healing. While these practices can complement healing, they should not overshadow the importance of addressing Your Beliefs behind your Mindset, Your Internal Programming, Emotional Health and internal energetic frequency for lasting transformation. It’s about balance, yo 😉

3 – Confusing Chakra Healing and Reiki as the same thing. Spoiler Alert: It’s not

 Reiki Healing and Chakra healing are completely different methods. It’s like comparing apples and oranges – both juicy and delicious, but with their unique flavors. While Reiki casts a broad energetic net for overall alignment, chakra healing zooms in like a laser beam on your individual energy centers. For Example, Reiki focuses more on healing the energetic field with symbols, chakra healing delves deep into individual energetic centers, providing a more targeted approach to addressing specific issues within the energy system. Chakra Healing also works specifically with your unique programming and Patterns that are looping in your nervous system.

4 – Listening to Sound Frequencies and Meditations to Heal – Yet Avoiding the inner work

Here’s the thing, sound frequencies and meditations can enhance your chakra healing journey, but they should not be the sole focus. It’s important to enhance these practices with adding internal work on Your Energetic Patterns. For Example, working on your Internal State of Consciousness surrounding your emotions, mindset, and habits to facilitate sustainable healing results.

5 – Only Focusing on Releasing and Clearing Work – Nothing Else.

Let’s chat about the shadow-side of healing – a vital but often overemphasized piece of the puzzle. While diving into your shadows is important, The real healing is when you empower your chakras. A key aspect of effective chakra healing is empowering the chakras through repatterning. This is the deep work we do inside The Ultimate Chakra Academy Simply releasing negative energies or even Shadow patterns is not enough; true healing occurs when we replace old patterns with new, empowering beliefs and behaviors.

Why are people not able to properly heal?

When we only do releasing work, we’re not actually shifting and changing the pattern. And what happens instead is it reverts. The entire pattern starts to revert and come back! Have you ever had that happen? This causes the entire script to change. (and maybe you lost money from that, all the same, right?)

Avoiding the Real Internal Work to Truly Heal

The hugest thing I want to emphasize here is you notice, all these mistakes aren’t actually working on your emotions or your patterns. They’re kind of, bypassing those emotions. Naturally, they’re energy tools, they help, but they’re not working with the emotion. If the tool does not work with the negative pattern or the emotion itself, Then it’s just like an amplifier. Instead, When we work with a Chakra, we’re opening up the Energy pattern that makes up your beliefs, emotions, actions, and even working on the habits that keep the pattern going.

We’re not looking at the actual programming itself. We’re not looking at the actual pattern or the framework of the pattern. We’re instead bypassing that and using different tools to try to access it. Chakra healing makes up a pattern. If you want to raise your vibe, heal, or manifest? Change the Energy Pattern, Change the Results.

In conclusion,

By avoiding these common mistakes and approaching chakra healing with an Empowering mindset, you can unlock the transformative power of this unique practice. Remember, true healing begins from within, and each step you take towards nurturing your chakras brings you closer to manifesting your best life. ✌️

P.S. Ready to enhance your chakra healing journey? Grab your Chakra Starter Kit for a look behind the scenes of Energy Vibrations, how to heal your Chakra Centers and my signature chakra detox Framework! Free access to sign up here:

If you Enjoyed this Article Share it to the Socials or Pin it for a Spiritual Bestie to Find, Thanks for the support!

https://www.theawakenedstate.net/5-common-mistakes-in-chakra-healing-you-need-to-avoid/

5 Common Mistakes in Chakra Healing You Need to Avoid

Chakra healing is a powerful practice that can transform your life from the inside out. Let’s explore five common mistakes that many individuals make when it comes to chakra healing. Here’s How you can begin to enhance your Chakra Healing journey. I’m a big advocate for Consistency. Why? It not only helps me spiritually grow […]

[pvtwrites]

summer solstice

a poem about yoga in times square and native flora.

note: i actually wanted to title this one "accidental renaissance", but i've been informed that it's a common misconception to say renaissance when you mean baroque. i like the over-the-top chaos of that movement.

waratah flowers are native to australia! i've never seen one before over here but i've plenty heard about them. when i picture a large, close-knit gathering of people, i think of this flower.

[bungakusyoujo]

PotF challenge, day 6 - Something you love about Marko

There’s so much to love about Marko. I adore his creativity and versatility – in his singing voice (whose versatile range is a whole another topic), lyrics, poetry, acting, design skill, yoga, acupuncture, languages… He’s a living proof that you can engage in a lot of things and let each of them enrich your life.

He’s incredibly charismatic too, which I guess makes him a natural frontman, he simply loves to perform and put on different roles. I love how he can be goofy and silly and fool around on stage especially bothering Olli during his guitar solos. Speaking of Olli, their friendship is so warm and sincere and I love them interact. Years before PotF even happened, Olli was a teenager who just happened to see Marko's performance in one of his earliest bands and was so smitten with the vocals that he approached Marko after the gig to express how lovely of a voice he had. Mood Olli, mood!

Something that also means a lot to me is how PotF didn’t really kick off until Marko was in his thirties. Before, he’d worked as a graphic designer and generally “adulting”. There’s this misconception in the society than you need to find your path immediately after school, or in your twenties at best, otherwise you’ve wasted a lot of time. But Marko had always been doing music along with many other things. By the time PotF started he’d already had a lot of life experience which I imagine was only helpful in pursuing his dreams. It’s a huge inspiration to me to keep that in mind.

One of the funniest moments of Marko personally, is when they were staying in Sweden for a show and he showed a water bottle to the camera saying in Swedish "Vi har en reklam! Titta, vatten!" 🤣

A great guy all around. Truly.

PotF 30 day challenge

[digitalsamay]

THE FAST WAY TO LOSE BELLY FAT/PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINER IIN BONDI JUNCTION

Introduction

Tired of constantly struggling to lose belly fat and gain muscle? You are not alone. Many people face the challenge of getting rid of stubborn belly fat and building muscle effectively. In this blog post, I share some proven strategies to help you reach your fitness goals faster and overcome the most common pain points that block your progress.

There are certain things do to lose your belly fat 

Motivation

Let’s address the most common pain points people encounter when trying to lose belly fat. Motivation is often the first challenge. It’s easy to lose sight of your goals when progress seems slow. Additionally, misconceptions about fad diets and quick fixes can lead to frustration and disappointment.

The Importance of a Balanced Diet

One of the most important aspects of losing belly fat and building muscle is maintaining a balanced diet. Skipping meals or severely limiting your calorie intake may seem like a shortcut, but it can damage your metabolism and stunt muscle growth. Instead, focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods that support fat loss and muscle building.

Incorporate regular exercise

Exercise is essential for both fat burning and muscle building. Aerobic exercise, such as running and cycling, helps burn calories, and strength training, such as weightlifting, promotes muscle growth. Combining both gives more meaningful results.

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT):

HIIT is a powerful tool for anyone looking to accelerate progress. This type of training involves short periods of intense activity followed by short periods of rest. HIIT is very efficient as it not only burns calories during exercise but also continues to burn fat after exercise.

Prioritize sleep and rest

Not getting enough sleep and rest can negatively impact fat loss and muscle gain. During deep sleep, the body repairs and builds muscle tissue. Aim for 7-9 hours of excellent sleep every night to help your fitness quest.

Stress management:

Stress can cause emotional eating and stymie growth. Incorporate stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, and spending time in nature to maintain a healthy mind-body balance.

Set realistic goals.

Setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and lack of motivation. Instead, set achievable short-term goals and celebrate each milestone to stay motivated throughout your journey.

Conclusion

Losing belly fat and gaining muscle can seem like a daunting task, but with the right strategy and attitude, it’s doable. By targeting common pain points and taking a balanced approach to diet, exercise, sleep and stress management, you’ll be on track to reach your fitness goals. Remember that consistency and patience are key. So focus on transforming your body and your overall health. Your journey to a healthier, healthier person begins now

[chicagognosis]

New Lecture Transcription on “The Voice of the Silence”

We will talk about some very deep points about the nature of what this goal is: freedom from suffering, conquering the causes of real trauma, but it is also essential to clarify some common misconceptions, especially when we approach any religion.

In truth, every person wants to be free of pain. This is a fundamental axiom of human nature. However, not many people are willing to renounce that which causes real pain, not outside, but inside―our behaviors, which dictate whether we approach a state of communion with a real divine truth, or whether we, in dissonance of that, affect our well-being, but also our community.

This state of liberation, ironically enough, occurs not by avoiding problems. It comes about by approaching them willingly, and this is a very distinct difference with our common psychology, because we all want to avoid pain. We do not want to suffer. In a real deep sense, we do not like to make other people suffer. But despite that, we tend to be driven to do things that are wrong, that we know in our heart.

Voluntary suffering: it does not mean we go look for problems. It means that we face them willingly. As we are consciously trying to rectify our own mind, the things that we do, we also have to learn to face the consequences of our former actions. This is the teachings of karma that we explained previously in Buddhism.

Every effect originates from a cause, and the situations in life that we experience were produced by us to some degree. We initiated this scenario. We set the stage in which we are both the director and the actor and the screenwriter. But unfortunately, we repeat the same drama again and again, suffering again and again, and not understanding this wheel (Samsara), which keeps repeating. संसार Samsara in Sanskrit meaning “cycling, repetition.”

We have to face all that willingly and to work on our own defects consciously, to understand what in us, again, is perpetuating this motion.

We will talk about renunciation too as a deep fundamental spiritual principle. Renunciation does not mean running away, avoiding, to avoid the problem. It means to give up that identity or self that is attached to the past. Renunciation is when we give up anger for love, fear for trust, and faith in the divine, lust for purity of mind, purity of heart.

Renunciation is comprehension. When we understand in ourselves how certain things that we do really are wrong, not from some scripture or book, but our heart, we have peace, and we can willingly give up a lower level being for a higher one.

In this way, we can say a fundamental truth is that we cannot renounce or give up what we do not have, and this is a very big problem within spiritual circles. Some people feel that they are spiritual because they renounce money or fame of a material sense. Meanwhile, we may covet power in spiritual groups, spiritual powers, abilities. We hear stories of astral projection and dream yoga, out-of-body experiences, the ability to talk to masters in the higher world like the kabbalah, Jinn science, many marvelous things that when we read, we become enamored. We are inspired and we say, “I want that,” and because we do not have material attachments, we think that we are spiritual and that is wrong. In truth, we can be coveting the spiritual itself.

That is a form of desire, attachment. It is desire that we have to give up, wanting to be something else, and merely letting be.

In a sense, in the context of this lecture today, we are going to talk about some very elevated spiritual things in terms of what a spiritual master must renounce to go to the highest regions, the truth. But I introduce this as a basic level instruction because this is going to be the doorway to understanding how it is a spiritual master renounces heaven, and goes even beyond anything we can conceive of.

In our level, we have to renounce egotism in order to be spiritual, give up anger, pride, fear, lust, vanity, resentment, attachment, aversion, ignorance. What we are now has to be given up to go to a higher level of being, and that really prepares us to enter the path of spiritual mastery, to be a master of ourselves, such as when we meditate. Master the body. Master the heart. Master the mind. Master our will, concentration. Focus on one thing without being distracted, to not waver. But even then, to learn to give up our will for the divine. As Jesus proclaimed, “Not my will, but Thine be done” (Luke 22:42). Levels of mastery.

You see that there is a hierarchy, degrees, which is what we call the path of initiation. That process that leads us through that development is compassion. That is really the heart of religion. That is how we really renounce what we are for something better.

We have been talking a lot about initiation and that to enter this spiritual path, one has to learn to renounce. There are levels of instruction in religion, no matter what faith: introductory, intermediate, advanced, as we explained previously.

Or to use Buddhist terms: Sravakayana, Mahayana, Tantrayana.

Sravaka means “listener.” It is what we do in the beginning. We listen to instruction to be able to ascertain what we must do. Yana means “vehicle,” the means of instruction, ethics, basic character, good deeds. Reduce suffering by avoiding, or better said, comprehending and not acting on these lower emotions. That leads to the path of Mahayana: greater vehicle, love for humanity, love for others.

The whole focus of this lecture is on the amount of compassion needed to go from the very beginning to the very end.

[afwfan]

Kyong and Priya

Kyong has heard about Lilith’s place and asked after it. She has a rough idea that it’s a “burlesque” club but has a poor idea what that means. The common misconception is that people immediately think of a… Well… A strip club in fact. Kyong has also overheard the other gym members talk about wrestling events, and just assumed those were similarly clothed.

It’s not that Kyong has any objection or judgement over another woman taking her shirt off. In fact, she’s very happy wearing outfits that are often quite revealing indeed. She just doesn’t want to go completely topless herself.

One day Kyong sees the post on the bulletin board in the club. Lilith has put out a help wanted ad seeking wrestlers. Kyong glances, then pauses at the phrase “bonus for topless”, and that prompts the obvious question. Does this mean that’s optional?

A quick call confirms exactly that, and Lilith is more than a little excited about her newest rookie. Then comes the explanation of what’s involved.

Although Lilith gets a great return on her oil wrestling shows, this isn’t going to be one of those. Further, there are quite a few restrictions on what’s allowed. Injuries are bad for business and the things that are seen to be at greatest risk of causing those are off limits. No throws, matches start from the knees. No ankle or leg logs, no arm bars or wrist locks either. Chicken wings or shoulder locks like a Kimura are ok but go slow with the pressure; in fact…

It’s not about the submission. It’s about the struggle. It’s also about the perceived suffering. Not screaming. Not cursing. Moaning and struggling for breath, so leg scissors, strangles, triangles, full or half nelsons, breast smothers and full body pins to a count of ten for the points (check out the later Video Sports Ltd productions for an example of what this looks like). As for the moaning, we’re not talking the kind of performance you would see in your poorer quality adult films, just don’t hide your discomfort. And most importantly of all, if you hear your opponent sounding like that, back off – just a bit. It’s not the tap out, it’s the time spent struggling to escape, the perceived desperation, and ultimately the final surrender. There’s no difference in pay win or lose. This is about putting on a show and captivating the audience.

Head spinning slightly, Kyong is starting to realise that there are some things she doesn’t know, and then her attention snaps back suddenly.

45 minutes?

“You’ll get a minute between falls to drink water, but you’re going to need to pace yourself and save your energy. Go too hard too fast and you won’t be in any shape to put on any kind of show for most of the match other than getting rag dolled while you’re trying not to puke. Trust me��”

Lilith smiles ruefully

“That’s not fun.”

Lilith mocks making a queasy face and Kyong remembers that Lilith is often her own performer.

The suit is a surprise. The reassurance is immediate, just the lightest touch of spray on adhesive and Kyong is promised nothing will slide out. She also gets to meet Priya again, and now the nerves are different again. Having rolled with the yoga expert she knows that Priya’s legs scoring full mount of closed guard will create a lot of problems. A strong hug and a kiss on the cheek, Priya makes it clear how much she’s looking forward to this. Priya also asks if Kyong wishes they both keep tops on, or if she has any objection to Priya’s breasts coming out. Kyong smiles and laughs just a little. That’s not a problem at all.

…

There’s not a lot of time left in the match. Kyong has scored a few falls. An arm triangle, one breast smother, even a pin. In return she’s spent quite a bit of time with Priya’s (often exposed) breasts in her own face and pressed against her own chest. But also, often against her shoulder blades.

Like they are right now.

After a shower and a change of clothes Kyong asks for feedback about how Lilith thinks things went.

“I would have you back any time kiddo – you guys were fantastic!”

Kyong feels pretty good about that, and then a thought. “What’s the go with Sandra’s video business?”

“That’s easy kiddo. She has a rule. You have to ask her. With your looks and your game, I would bet my club that she would love to have you, but she’s always worried about the women in her club feeling pressured or anything, so you have to ask her first.”

[sisteresstarot]

Religion VS. Spirituality

Can Spirituality still follow Religion??

If you're part of the spiritual community, I assume you're familiar with the numerous practices associated with spirituality: Tarot, palmistry, crystal ball reading, meditation, journaling, sound healing bowls, healing crystals, yoga, connecting with nature, and more.

One common misconception about spirituality is its frequent association with 'demonic practices,' which is untrue. People tend to believe that engaging in spirituality means opposing their own god, any god, or your god. In reality, for the majority, it's quite the opposite.

What is Religion? Religion involves organized practices within a community, centered around worshipping a god. Conversely, spirituality revolves around becoming one with god.

I view spirituality as more of a lifestyle than a religion. Ever wondered how you can be a spiritualist and, at the same time, a Christian, Hindu, Islamic follower, etc.? That's because you can embody both. You can remain connected within your religion while embracing a spiritualist lifestyle. Spirituality is a way of life. Religion involves awareness of your god, whereas spirituality signifies the steps taken to unite with your god.

Spirituality is nothing more than personal development, drawing you closer to your higher self and fostering a connection with your god.

If you’d like a tarot reading from me, please email me

Sisteresstarot@gmail.com

As always, be safe.

[yoga-basics]

21 Stereotypes, Misconceptions, and Myths About Yoga

With yoga’s continued rise in popularity, it has unfortunately taken on a plethora of stereotypes, misconceptions, and myths that obscure the true essence and meaning of yoga. Many individuals associate yoga solely with physical flexibility, viewing it as an exclusive domain for the young and fit, while others dismiss it as merely a trendy fitness fad devoid of deeper significance. These…

[caribwitch]

One thing I have begun to pray for (and need to keep praying for actively) are soul nourishing friendships/life long sisterhood with other women who live in their divine feminine energy. I need that sweet connection where I can pour and be poured into. I see myself in community with sisters who I can cook with, workout and increase our flexibility together, sit barefoot in grass together, pour tea and laugh hysterically from the deep core our p*ssies, plan trips and hikes with, comb each other’s hair, etc.

I’ve been unearthing deep emotions that have been buried as my moon closes out🌙🩸It’s felt like an intense death cycle. I’ve wailed, screamed, bawled, howled - I let it all out. It was harrowing in the moment to witness myself release unrestrained and raw. I honestly haven’t witnessed anything quite like it. Yet, in the midst of it, I breathed into my heart and muscled the power in my voice to claim all the good that lays on the other side. There’s power in surrender, vulnerability, and destruction. It’s all apart of the process. It’s a potent expression of Goddess. It’s been so empowering to REALLY understand this as I come into my own and deprogram misconceptions about Goddess. There’s shadow, there’s miniature deaths, reflection, grief, tears and pain. To create, there must be a clearing, a destruction of the old.

Mmm…. It’s the sliver between seemingly impossible emotional pain and the next breath where I find myself shifting fully into reclaiming optimism for all the beautiful things in life I will experience and receive. It’s the rawest portal to plant my seeds and water them with my tears.

In 36 hours I found myself in the city at a yoga/flexibility class, mildly sore in the heart but still present. I laid down all my frustrations, leaned into the energy of the room filled with beautiful feminine souls. We stretched, breathed, cheered each other on. I went deeper into my splits (getting closer omg). I reached a new milestone of doing open-legged forward folds and back bends. I feel one step closer to the friendships I want. The women were spiritually inclined and dedicated to improving their physical health and sensuality. I laughed, I prayed, I had the yummiest, sweetest smoothie ever and got hugs. I’ll keep caring for my energy, I honor my sensitivities at this current phase. However, the potent shift between painful release and sweet gain reminds me to find power in surrendering. When the pendulum swings low, it’s a sign that the highs and euphoric times are directly behind it. And so, I hold on to myself, to the Most High God. Oh womanhood, you humble me so.