For the past few weeks I have been researching and practicing yoga for beginners. I have been looking for a yogi to teach me here in Iloilo but unfortunately I have not found anyone yet. But guess what – Facebook has solved my dilemma. A friend contacted me and introduced me to Ananda Marga Wellness Center. But before I get into more detail about Ananda Marga let me explain what “yoga” really is first to diminish the misconceptions about it. First of all, yoga is not a religion – it is a way of life, a lifestyle. Yoga means “union” in Sanskrit which is the language of ancient India where yoga originated, and it refers to the union between mind, body and spirit. Yoga practice involves physical postures or poses that involves stretching and creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. Each pose has specific physical benefits and can be done quickly in succession, heating up the body or more slowly to increase stamina and allow concentration on the alignment of the pose. Although the approach to each pose can vary depending on the type of yoga practiced, the poses remain the same. The benefits of yoga start with general well-being. It takes a broad holistic approach that teaches people a new lifestyle, way of thinking and way of being in the world.
The Ananda Marga Yoga Association is a non-sectarian lifestyle movement and the largest yoga organization in the world. They have been teaching yoga in the Philippines since 1967. Founded in India in 1955 by Shri Shri Anandamurti (aka Shri PR Sarkar), it is registered as a non-government organization (NGO) with the United Nations and is present in over 150 countries. Ananda Marga is unique in giving equal importance to both self-development and social service.
The physical yoga exercises (asanas) of Ananda Marga are ancient time-tested methods for improving and healing the body. Their techniques are classical and non-commercial, uncomplicated and non-competitive. Ananda Marga Yoga is practiced slowly without any pain, stress or dizziness. Exercises are prescribed individually according to one’s own needs relating to the body’s hormones, nerves, internal organs, blood circulation, general vitality, and specific diseases. Everyone has the capacity to do yoga. Even people in wheelchairs have appropriate exercises. Ananda Marga yoga is being practiced by people of various religious and belief systems all over the world. But meditation is even more important than physical yoga. If practiced regularly, one begins to experience its benefits in a matter of two to three weeks or less.
The positive changes vary from person to person like overcoming stress, emotional weaknesses, sleep disturbances, addictions, bad habits. It may also develop concentration, creativity, intuition, personal relations, will-power, and ability to adhere to one’s conscience. And ultimately it directly leads to self-realization.
My friend said he will help me connect with their yogi missionary who will teach me the basics of yoga. I am looking forward to him coming here in Iloilo and I will also be encouraging my friends to join me. Living a stress-free life is my goal right now. I know practicing yoga will provide positive changes in my life. I am also planning to go to Ananda Marga’s Wellness Center in Cebu on or before December and I will bring my Mamang with me. This will be a great retreat for her. To those who are also interested to come to their wellness center you can find their contact details here.
Ananda Marga’s mission is to help everybody to bring to the path of bliss. ANANDA MARGA.
Seth Godin and Tom Peters said it all. This sums up why I blog. I will write a detailed blog post soon on how blogging has changed my life. Maybe I will inspire more people to blog as well. I have taught some of my friends how to blog, I have “inspired” them. I recently found out that “some” of them have been copying everything I do. But right now that does not irritate or annoy me one bit (although at first I did felt that way)- it actually makes me happy to see them “copy” me because it’s really flattering and I know that I will always be the first one and the original one. It gives me joy to think that I have also helped change their lives. You know who you are dear/s.
I bought one of Eckhart Tolle’s bestselling books today. The book is the Power of Now. I have heard so many good reviews about it. I’ve just finished reading the introduction. I will let you know what I think of it after I finish reading the entire book!
Happy Anniversary Noy! Hindi na ko mag-cheesy diri ah ky you know na why. Basta kabalo ka na ah.
Happiness has been your gift to me
All these years of melody and pain,
Pleasure, hardship, wanton rhapsody,
Pure delight and hard, wind-driven rain.
Years do not add up to love and glory:
All things rest on non-things far more true.
No note is so sustained throughout our story;
Nothing but your love, and mine for you.
In our lives must always be confusion:
Very little lost in Time is clear.
Even so, the whirlwind’s an illusion
Regarding the few things we hold most dear.
So you have chosen me, and in that choice
Alone I find my refuge and my voice.
Reality is made by our own will:
You made my world and hold me in it still.
Fall in love or fall in hate.
Get inspired or be depressed.
Ace a test or flunk a class.
Make babies or make art.
Speak the truth or lie and cheat.
Dance on tables or sit in the corner.
LIFE IS DIVINE CHAOS. Embrace it.
Forgive yourself. Breathe.
AND ENJOY THE RIDE…
My cousin Mhei Gunn shared this video with me today. This speech was delivered by Anthony Corvino, a BS Political Science graduate of Binghamton University. Anthony was chosen to deliver the undergraduate student commencement remarks.
Watch the video I embedded below to know why we love Anthony Corvino!
I know some people are not really too happy about my “extra-curricular” activities. They don’t approve of my traveling and the other stuffs I’m doing. But you know what, I don’t really care what they say (if you know me well enough then you must know that already.)
You know what I tell everyone who asks why I am being or acting the way I am right now? I just say: Leave me along because unlike you I am living my life to the fullest. I’m just making the most out of my life, enjoying the moment and savoring the fruits of my hard work. I deserve to be happy. and I have learned not too long ago that life is really short. We’ll never know when our time is going to be. But I know that when that time comes there won’t be too much regret inside my heart because I have lived my life to the fullest!
So please just let me live my life. And please get a life of your own while you’re at it!
PS.
I am gradually practicing frugality. Yes I really am, believe it or not.
I bought one of Eckhart Tolle’s bestselling books today. The book is the Power of Now. I have heard so many good reviews about it. I’ve just finished reading the introduction. I will let you know what I think of it after I finish reading the entire book!
