Monday, October 15, 2007

Yoga Solutions for Anger Management - Asana Practice for Energy Channeling
By Paul Jerard


Among its diverse methods, Yoga has many viable solutions for anger, and anger management. If you look at anger as a form of energy, and Yoga as a method for channeling uncontrolled energy, you can see a new horizon, which is the beginning of the solution to anger management.

Throughout history, and in many societies - young, angry people have often been “channeled” into military service. This is a good thing, when young people have constructive leadership, as they can give back to society and to those less fortunate.

On the other hand, under a destructive leadership, military service can be devastating, and scar one for life. This happens when young people are motivated by propaganda, conquest, intolerance, hate, and greed. The universal moral codes of Yoga are based upon truth, tolerance, loving kindness, giving, and forgiving.

Let’s look at how Yoga can take angry energy and channel it down a constructive path. The rewards are self-control, purpose, and a completely healthy lifestyle. We know that you cannot bury negative emotions, but this energy we know as anger, or rage, can be reconfigured.

Asana (Yoga posture) practice is a good place to start putting energy to use. Whether you hold an Asana for a few minutes, or flow from one posture to the next, you will still release negative emotions, while making your body healthy, strong, and flexible.

Nervous, and angry energy, can literally be squeezed out of the body through the practice of Asanas. Very often, students, who are emotionally upset, before a Yoga class, leave the class feeling balanced. Remember that asana practice is only one component of Yoga.

Raja Yoga (Ashtanga), and Hatha Yoga, have diverse sub-styles for channeling energy - by posturing. A few of the many more popularly known Hatha sub-styles are Iyengar Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Kripalu Yoga, and Hot Yoga. Raja Yoga, also known as Ashtanga Yoga, has popular sub-styles (which we know as Vinyasa Yoga and Power Yoga).

Yogic methods vary, and there is some mixing going on in contemporary styles; therefore, you may want to try a “walk-in” Yoga class before making a commitment. If you search, you will find the right school, and Yoga teacher, for you.

© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995.

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