A (somewhat) yogic approach to modern technophilia

As I perused through Yoga Journal during the wee hours this morning, I noticed that the magazine had plans to introduce a new online video channel called “LiveMag,” described as “an online extension of the pages of the magazine.” It sounded interesting. I didn’t have time to look into it this morning, but when I checked my e-mail this evening I had a message from Yoga Journal that the first issue of LiveMag was available.

In the first edition (which corresponds to the March 2010 issue of the magazine), you can practice along with the video versions of the Home Practice and Master Class columns and watch a demo of a few of the Sun Salutation variations highlighted in the feature story “Shine on Me.”

Based on initial impression, LiveMag looks to be a great complementary feature to the printed asana instruction in the physical magazine. I definitely look forward to this and future editions. Here’s the videos of the Yoga Journal Editor’s introduction to LiveMag as well as the featured Home Practice article.

What do you think? Is this a useful feature for you?

Introduction to LiveMag | Yoga Journal Editor Kaitlin Quistgaard

Home Practice Video Sequence | YogaJournal

Came across this great shoulderstand video on Rand(Om) Bites. Do it right and it feels great; do it wrong and…just don’t do it wrong, okay. Better yet, this is one of those poses best learned at the hands of a skilled teacher before you get too wild and crazy on your own.

Also, check out this snazzy Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga poster. I love cool yoga posters.

Question of the day: Can Yoga Save the World?

Don’t make excuses -- make good.  ~Elbert Hubbard

Many people talk themselves out of starting a yoga practice with a variety of excuses.  It’s especially true for beginners who have never been to a class before and don’t really know where to begin.  It can seem a bit intimidating at first.  I know from experience — we all have a million excuses for avoiding a healthy lifestyle.  Not enough time.  No place to work out.  Don’t know the poses.  Too tired.  Out of shape.  Don’t have the money for classes.  Body doesn’t look right or bend right.  Lots of excuses.  While I don’t blame anyone for making these excuses, because I made them myself, the truth is, most of our excuses are merely rationalizations so that we can continue to be lazy, tired, and out of shape.

But getting into the yoga habit isn’t nearly as hard as you may think.  While it’s probably best for beginners to take  a few classes to get the fundamentals down, the beauty of yoga is that it does not cost a lot of money, doesn’t [have to] take tons of time, only requires enough space for a yoga mat, and it rejuvenates the tired body and wandering mind.  Once you get some of the basics down, yoga is a simple and effective tool for creating the healthy, happy, fulfilling lifestyle that we’re all seeking.

So, if you’re one of those people who would like to do yoga, but have been held back by lame excuses, now is your chance to take the initiative for your physical and mental well-being.  Overcome fear of the unknown and enjoy this hour long yoga practice from Yoga Today, designed specifically as an introduction for beginners.  No more excuses!!  Make good.  Make yoga!