31
May 11

Glee provides inspiration through high school musicals

Glee is inspirational.

Glee is inspirational.

Dahn Yoga participants are often on the look out for new and interesting inspirational stories. Movies and books can provide many such stories, but a regular weekly television show could be even better. One can alternate between doing Dahn Yoga exercises and watching inspirational shows such as Glee.

The award-winning television series Glee is about a high school glee club that joins football players, cheerleaders, as well as less popular members of the high school together in their love for song and dance. The TV show has provided inspiration for many young people looking for a musical outlet set against the more traditional plot lines of high school drama.

Glee stars Matthew Morrison as the glee club director, Will Shuester. Jane Lynch plays a mean cheerleading coach who wreaks havoc among the students. The glee club members are played by Dianna Agron, Chris Colfer, Lea Michele and Mark Salling, among others.

The cast of Glee is extremely talented and many of the actors have appeared on Broadway or other shows. The TV series is an inspiration to those who love musicals, singing and dancing, even if their own high school is not quite as cool or dramatic as the one depicted onscreen.


30
May 11

Find respite in Mozambique’s Benguerra Island

Find peace in Mozambique.

Find peace in Mozambique.

Mozambique offers intriguing scenery for those who are looking for respite, with its exotic wildlife roaming the savannas providing the perfect atmosphere for one's yoga meditation. Those who are headed to the African nation should consider a stop in Benguerra Island.

Spanning just over 20 square-miles, the island features lush forestation, freshwater lakes and wetlands, with the diverse terrain lending itself to a widely varying animal population.

Those who feel like going on an adventure can hike towards the lakes, where they can spot freshwater crocodiles. This is best done with a professional guide, as they can help you navigate the island safely. Aviary enthusiasts will also enjoy Benguerra for its 140 species of birds, making it an ideal destination for birdwatching.

The landscape of the island is largely undisturbed and it is known to be an attractive seaside locale. With long stretches of white-sand beaches and warm waters that rush ashore, this area is sure to provide a great setting for a peaceful getaway. What lies beneath the surface of the sea is also quite interesting, and tourists can discover the colorful coral reefs that inhabit Benguerra's coastline.


16
May 11

UNCG announces new degree program for personal growth in social sciences

This will teach students through online learning

This will teach students through online learning

Some individuals believe that the only way to achieve a life balance is by challenging their minds through a higher education program that can prepare them for future endeavors. As a result of this student persistence, more schools are increasing their degree options to meet the needs of various people looking for individualized specialties.

The University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) announced that it will offer a new concentration within its bachelor's of liberal studies (BLS) online degree program. Now, students who are looking for a focus in social sciences will be able to do so through the new offering.

Classes will start as early as this fall, and interested students can apply up until the end of July.

"Students completing an online BLS degree with either a humanities or social sciences concentration will be equipped with knowledge and skills that can help them lead richer, fuller and more productive lives," said Robert Hansen, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the BLS program. "They learn to think critically and analytically, communicate clearly and compete effectively in today's interconnected world."


09
May 11

Even in its choice of attire, Dahn Yoga puts the Earth first

The irritation caused by tight yoga attire is a problem that Dahn Yoga clothing can ameliorate.

The irritation caused by tight yoga attire is a problem that Dahn Yoga clothing can ameliorate.

For most people who are at least somewhat aware of today's yoga trends, the mental picture that the phrase "yoga outfit" conjures up can be predicted with relative regularity. The restrictive synthetic fabrics that form the basis of much of this attire are common, as are the discomfort caused by this apparel.

The irritation caused by tight yoga attire is a problem that Dahn Yoga clothing can ameliorate. Unlike typical yoga outfits, the style worn by practitioners of this holistic mind-body system is exemplified by a loose-fitted, two-piece outfit made with natural fibers.

The trend toward natural materials – or alternatively, toward synthetic materials that happen to be biodegradable – shows that many yoga enthusiasts want to care for the Earth as much as they care for themselves.

An example is a line of recyclable yoga bags created by the Denver-based company, Recycle Fashionably. These bags are not all-natural but instead are created using all recycled materials – cotton, nylon and cords that would otherwise occupy a landfill.

These products, and the growing number of biodegradable yoga shirts and pants, are a step in the right direction, but what is simplest is often best. Dahn Yoga uses only light, breathable cotton to make its long-sleeved yoga clothing.


04
May 11

Studies show that yoga may be effective complementary therapy for autism

Giving students with ASDs a quiet space in which to meditate may help them release tension, maintain physical fitness and even work on improving their sense of independence.

Giving students with ASDs a quiet space in which to meditate may help them release tension, maintain physical fitness and even work on improving their sense of independence.

While many people are aware that the postures, stretches and breathing exercises of yoga can put a person's mind and body at ease, few know what yoga can do for children with autism. However, that trend is starting to shift, as more and more studies appear touting the benefits of the regimen for people with the condition.

Research published in the International Journal of Yoga found that regular participation in one-on-one yoga can help children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) learn to imitate facial expression, gestures and body language.

Similarly, a pair of studies appearing in the International Journal of Yoga Studies found that several proprietary forms of the exercise may help kids with autism shake off the stress and confusion caused by the hours spent in a hectic school environment.

The first report found that giving students with ASDs a quiet space in which to meditate can help them release tension, maintain physical fitness and even work on improving their sense of independence.

In the second, researchers noted that the physical, mental and social stimulation of yoga instruction can help kids with ASDs, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, dyspraxia and other physical or cognitive deficits.


20
Apr 11

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a ‘tranquil site’ in D.C.

See the beautiful water lilies in the Kenilworth Gardens.

See the beautiful water lilies in the Kenilworth Gardens.

Proactive stress management requires a healthy balance between one's work and home lives. It is important to fit some relaxation time in your personal life in order to gain inner peace. Those who live in the Washington, D.C. metro area may want to consider a visit to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens during their leisure time.

Throughout the spring, water lilies and lotus flowers begin to bloom and are the focus of the garden throughout the summer. Throughout the season, various types of plant life emerge and paint the landscape with vibrant colors. There is also intriguing wildlife in the area, such as marsh wrens and raptors, singing their aviary songs in the background.

Visitors can tour the area by canoeing through the Kenilworth Marsh or taking a stroll along the boardwalk and river trail. There are also areas where those who are feeling a bit more active can join in on rugby and other sports games.

National Park Service (NPS) touts this area as a "tranquil site" for practicing yoga and tai chi.

"Life moves seasonally and wont be hurried or delayed. Unwind your imagination to find your own special memories in the ever changing nature of the park," explains NPS on its website.


19
Apr 11

Many children, families can’t get enough yoga

The anxieties of childhood have the ability to build to a fever pitch, which may partially explain why some kids love Dahn Yoga so much.

The anxieties of childhood have the ability to build to a fever pitch, which may partially explain why some kids love Dahn Yoga so much.

As a parent, it is tempting to believe that at the end of the day, you are more in need of stress relief than your children. However, the anxieties of childhood have the ability to build to a fever pitch, which may partially explain why some kids love Dahn Yoga so much.

In his "Frugal Family" section of the Fort Greene-Clinton Hill Patch, advice columnist John Rouse notes that as a child, he fell absolutely head over heels for yoga.

He recalls playing with friends in a neighbor's basement, where a yoga instructor-in-training gave the block's children free yoga lessons. Rouse adds that while his 5-year-old brother could not sit still for a single session, the calm and focus imparted by yoga gave the now-writer a sense of attention that he could apply to school, sports and family life.

This is one reason that Dahn Yoga offers family-based classes. In the Burke Dahn Yoga Center near Washington, DC, for instance, parents often sign their children up for yoga instruction. The majority of referrals for the center come from families.

By choosing yoga as a weekly activity, family members may feel a greater sense of connection to each other and to the community.


18
Apr 11

Focus is key to resumes, job search

Resumes are essential in the job search.

Resumes are essential in the job search.

One of the many benefits of Dahn Yoga DVDs is that they can teach one to become a more focused and centered person, which a recent article from the Boston Globe says is crucial in the job search.

The article follows the story of Petko Savov an immigrant from Bulgaria as he struggled to find fulfilling employment in the U.S. despite being college educated and having some experience in the marketing industry.

Savov spent a number of years working in the restaurant business until he met with two employment coaches with Jewish Vocational Service in Boston. The news source reports that the coaches helped Savov organize and focus his resume, which ultimately led to him being hired as a procurement administrator for a software company.

“I am so excited about this job that I could barely hold myself from jumping in the air on account that I might jinx it,” Savov told the news provider.

Savov’s story illustrates the importance of having an organized and focused resume. A resume that is to the point and clearly expresses one’s qualifications and work experience will more likely catch the eye of hiring managers than one that is rambling and not coherent.


13
Apr 11

Yoga boosts productivity in workplace, software salesman says

Taking a moment to stretch, breathe deeply, redirect one's energy flow or even try a little Dahn Yoga meditation at work can dramatically reduce a person's stress levels over the course of the day.

Taking a moment to stretch, breathe deeply, redirect one's energy flow or even try a little Dahn Yoga meditation at work can dramatically reduce a person's stress levels over the course of the day.

Taking a moment to stretch, breathe deeply, redirect one's energy flow or even try a little Dahn Yoga meditation at work can dramatically reduce a person's stress levels over the course of the day. This principle is behind the move by one Canadian software firm to integrate yoga into its routine.

Salesman Trevor Westerlund recently started an employee yoga program at Atimi Software, according to the Vancouver Sun.

He founded his company's yoga system after noticing that its large boardroom was empty much of the time. Westerlund told the news source that it hit him that he could utilize the space, as well as his impending yoga instructor certification, to help his coworkers relax.

"Being computer guys, we all sit at our desks for long, long hours, especially when we are on the push for a project," he said, quoted by the newspaper. "[Yoga] is a help for stress, for sure, and builds camaraderie."

By practicing tai chi, yoga, meridian channeling or moving meditation during one's break, overtaxed employees may be able to decompress while re-energizing themselves. 


01
Apr 11

Cherry Blossoms for Japan

The pink and white petals of hundreds of cheery trees will blossom this week along the tidal basin of Washington DC, transforming the country’s great monuments and Presidential memorials into a landscape signifying peace, friendship, grace and human dignity.  Directly across the planet, Japan, the country that gifted us these amazing trees, finds itself devastated by the horrific disaster of natural and man-made destruction and nuclear threat.

 

Prayer

Prayer

This week in Dahn Yoga centers, we continually pray ardently for Japan. For those who have died and those still struggling to help however they can… for the families that lost their loved ones, left behind to pick up the pieces of their homes, salvage what they can of their lives and bury their loved ones. Let us take a moment right now to breathe deeply and say a prayer, or 100 million prayers…

 

Let each breath we take help relieve the suffering felt around the world.

It may feel difficult to know how we can help or even make sense of this catastrophe. The spirit of the Earth Human Movement and the purpose of Dahn Yoga centers give hope that even by extending your hand, breathing with a friend who is in pain and giving people tools to live strongly and fully is a great step in making sense of the sufferings in our world and doing something about it.

Towards this end the Washington DC region Dahn Yoga center is hosting a YEHA family and friends Dahn Qi-gong event this Saturday, March 26th from 3 to 5p.m.  Our very own Laura Castagnino, who performed Qi-gong at the 2009 Brain Art Festival in New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, will lead us.  Qi-gong, a form of energy martial art, will renew our strength, calm our emotions and brighten our spirits.

Throughout this Saturday’s YEHA spring kick-off we will pray for our beautiful Earth-Human family across the seas in Japan and here in our very own cities, neighborhoods and households. As we walk, meditate and practice this Saturday.  the delicate and tender cherry blossoms will serve as a constant reminder of our continual movement towards peace on earth.