Energy and Kundalini Awakening in Yoga.

The search for enlightenment and transformation of the human consciousness have always been one of the aims of yoga, and in a way, one could say yoga has been successful in doing this. After all, haven’t practitioners of yoga been able to achieve some impressive feats, even those who are only beginners?

Now, though you might claim that there haven’t been any yoga practitioners (at least not in the recent age) who have displayed abilities like flight or teleportation, it doesn’t have to be something out of a comic book to be impressive. It has been proven time and time again that the practice of yoga can indeed grant some more-than-natural abilities. From near-absolute control of one’s body temperature to total control over one’s emotions (including pain), the abilities just get more amazing from there.

How is this possible?

Now, you might be wondering how this could be possible. Well here is the thing: Every living creature is made up of matter, and matter contains energy. Even science proves this. This energy is what is being accessed through and being used to achieve these astonishing feats.

Energy in yoga

Just as you learned about matter and energy in your elementary science classes, there is also a lot to learn about energy in yoga. In yoga, however, the focus is mostly on life energy; the principal energy that permeates all life. This energy which is contained by every living creature has different names (chakra, chi, pranic magic, etc.) in different cultures and can be awakened by a number of practices.

Kundalini.

In yoga, Kundalini is one of the most popular teachings about energy. Kundalini is a form of primal energy located at the base of the human spine. This ever-present, life-giving energy has been coiled up in every human since his or her birth and keeps growing with us until it is finally released back into nature as soon as the person dies. While this energy lies dormant in most humans, this energy can be unlocked with yoga and meditation. 

How to access and unlock Kundalini.

Basically, Kundalini is awakened by two approaches:

• The passive approach.

• The active approach.

The Passive Approach

This is when one awakens or attempts to awaken Kundalini by removing the hindrances to its awakening. This approach deals with letting go and surrendering to Kundalini itself. This is what you are actually trying to do (unconsciously) when you meditate. 

The Active Approach

This is when one awakens or tries to awaken Kundalini by actively attempting to induce the experience. This is done with a by a series of yoga practices and is always best done with a competent instructor. 

What does awaking Kundalini feel like?

The experience of awakening Kundalini is usually different from practitioner to practitioner. Though practitioners may share experiences, it is important to realize that there are a variety of  experiences that may happen.

One thing all experiences of Kundalini have in common, however, is a feeling of energy flowing through and into the body. This energy might be soothing or invigorating, or even pull you into a trance.

Kundalini is actually something we experience every day, it’s just that most people have trouble identifying and activating it. You feel it when you meditate, when you are about to go to sleep, or even when you kiss a loved one. That feeling of untapped energy, that light shining gently but surely… That’s Kundalini. All you need to do is learn to awaken it.

Do you need help with awakening Kundalini? Contact us at Sunflower Retreats. We are here to help.

Ayurveda: What Is It, And How Can It Benefit Me?

Did you hear about Ayurveda in a conversation with a friend or was it prescribed for you? Did you hear some impressive things about Aryuvedic medicine and look to confirm them? Well, you came to the right place! 

What is Ayurvedic Medicine?

Also known as Ayurveda, Ayurvedic medicine is a complementary and/or alternative form of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. Unlike contemporary medicine, Ayurvedic medicine is a system targeted at promoting healthy living rather than terminating infections or health problems. This, however, doesn’t mean this form of treatment is ineffective for combating health issues.

What are the Effects of Ayurvedic Medicine?

Apart from the overall effects of promoting the general well-being of practitioners and patients of this alternative form of medicine, providing them with holistic treatment, Ayurvedic medicine also provides the following health benefits:

1. Detoxification and cleansing.
   Ayurvedic medicine has been reported to have immense cleansing and detoxification effects on people, capable of taking care of both specific toxins and giving a general cleansing effect.

2. Skin care.
   One of the many benefits of Ayurveda is smooth and healthy skin. This form of alternative medicine has a number of tricks and techniques for nurturing your skin and fighting skin infections at a very small cost. 

3. Disease prevention and reduction.
   Probably the most fascinating effect of Ayurveda is its proven ability to not only prevent illnesses but to also REDUCE them. Yes, you heard me right. Ayurveda has been proven to reduce symptoms of illnesses, sometimes even to the point where they disappear altogether.

4. Weight loss.
   Ayurvedic medicine has also been known to promote weight loss in patients and practitioners over a period of time. This is no magic weight loss program, but a result of consistent and diligent practice.

5. Stress relief.
   Ayurveda has also been known to relieve stress and anxiety almost instantaneously. This is probably the most acknowledged effect of Ayurveda.

How believable are these claims?

It is quite understandable to be skeptical about information like this when just coming across them for the first time or when you find yourself with limited information about the subject. You have nothing to be worried about in this case, though.

Though you might have never heard of the name Ayurveda before, you have definitely heard of some of its more famous techniques, Yoga being one of them. Considering the effects of yoga and the testimony of practitioners of other Ayurvedic techniques, it is safe to say this alternate form of medicine is, at the very least, worth giving a try.

How to get started.

Planning to give Ayurveda a try? Well, welcome to the club. You will need help going through the process and getting things right, and this is exactly why we are here. Visit us at Sunflower Retreats for more information about Ayurveda, how it can help you, and all you need to get started. 

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Why You Need A Yoga Vacation In Santa Teresa

It’s well known that the world has never been busier. Every hour of the day, every day of the week, there is always something important to do, or something important to prepare to do. Think about it. When was the last time you simply took a break? Not because you were so exhausted you were forced to, or because you were recovering. When last did you actually REALLY relax?

If it was not so long ago, then congratulations, you are doing something right. But if it was a long time since you last felt relaxed, as I suspect, then you need to take a break the very moment that you get a chance. In fact, you need more than just a break. You need a vacation; one that would both refresh you and leave you ready to tackle the hustle and bustle of the 21st century head-on. What you need is not just any vacation. What you need is a yoga vacation.

What Is A Yoga Vacation And Why Do I Need One?

A yoga retreat is quite simply a retreat from the struggles of the everyday life to a place where you can relax and get revitalized, usually with the practices of yoga. The major aim of this sort of vacation is not to simply get you away from your job or school for a few days to have some fun, but to get you somewhere away from your everyday stress, where you can relax and get reinvigorated to tackle the work ahead. After a yoga vacation, you do not feel disappointed on returning to your everyday life, you instead feel ready.

Why Santa Teresa?

If there is anything that easily motivates yoga practitioners, even beginners, to concentrate, relax and unwind, and let go of any frustration, anger or stress, then it is the scenery of the location of the yoga session. Indeed, yoga can be practiced anywhere, but most yoga practitioners will agree that beautiful and natural scenery goes a long way in clearing your mind. And when it comes to natural scenery, Santa Teresa has got it in spades; From the beaches to the coast, Santa Teresa provides you with a beautiful and calming scene, one that is sure to get you relaxed very quickly. With such a beautiful scene, a yoga vacation in Santa Teresa is one you will not forget any time soon.

Yet Santa Teresa has more than just a beautiful scenery to offer. The beach offers one other effect apart from providing a beautiful background: Waves. The sounds of waves crashing on the shore have been discovered to have a bit of a hypnotic effect on people, and San Teresa’s beach is no different. Meditating with the sound of the waves hitting the shore is a magic that can’t really be explained within the lines of any page, or on any screen. It´s something you simply have to experience for yourself. 

So there you have it. If you are looking for a great place to go on a vacation, one that would get you refreshed and relaxed, and ready to face the world you left when you return, then you should really consider going on a yoga vacation in San Teresa. If you are already planning on visiting San Teresa, and would like to book a hotel or lodging, you can contact Sunflower Retreats. If you have already visited San Teresa, but would like to go on a vacation somewhere else, Sunflower Retreats also has a list of yoga vacation hotspots just right for you. 

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Why You Need A Yoga Vacation In Mal PaIs

In our ever-so-busy world, the importance of taking a break to simply relax cannot be overemphasized. You work hard to earn your income, and then you work hard to maintain that income. In all this hubbub of activity, it is pretty easy to forget that little, but very important, activity called “taking a break”. It is a very true and popular saying that ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’, and there is another equally true but not so popular saying; ‘All work and no rest makes James a DEAD man’!.

Relaxation is key if one is to live a healthy life and prevents a good number of health problems. Research has shown that just stress alone can lead to a lot of health issues and complications, even to an otherwise healthy person. You would be surprised how far a little relaxing vacation can go in improving both your physical and mental health, and when it comes to vacations, none can be more relaxing or do more magic to your health than a yoga vacation.

Yoga Vacation in Mal Pais

When it comes to yoga vacations, Mal Pais is one hotspot you really have to check out. Seriously. There are some things that explanations simply CANNOT do justice to. You can only witness them for yourself to really understand. If you have ever been on a yoga vacation before, you know very well how relaxing these sort of retreats can be. And if you are new to this, then Mal Pais is perfect for you. A place to begin your experience that is sure to leave you awed and hungry for, most likely, the rest of your life.

Why Mal Pais?

Now some of you might be thinking, I am no stranger to yoga. I can practice it on my own, so why do I need a vacation to Mal Pais so that I can practice yoga on my vacation. Well you are right to think that you can indeed practice yoga anywhere, and in fact, at Sunflowerretreats we advise that yoga be practiced as regularly as possible, both for its physical and spiritual benefits. Nevertheless, there is a difference between practicing yoga on a vacation and going on a yoga vacation. And when it comes to yoga vacations, very few are on the level of yoga vacations at Mal Pais. Here is what you stand to gain:

1. Participate in group yoga.
   This is perfect for practitioners who are just getting started in yoga. On a yoga vacation, you get to practice with others and also an instructor who would ensure you get the best out of every session, and Mal Pais is no different.

2. The scenery.
   One of the major things yoga is known for is its tranquility, and when it comes to tranquility, your environment plays a big role. Mal Pais has beautiful landscapes that would give you that feeling of freedom and release, making it easy to both relax and meditate.

3. Everything else.
   As if that wasn’t enough, a yoga vacation in Mal Paris still offers you everything else you can get on a normal vacation. You can go swimming, hiking, take a jog with your family or loved one, or simply kick-back and relax. 

A yoga vacation is more than just a vacation. It is an opportunity to get revitalized and ready for the work ahead. For someone who spends most of the time working, don’t you think you deserve the break?

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4 Reasons to Go on a Yoga Vacation at Nicoya Peninsula.

You have most likely heard about yoga retreats mentioned in one conversation or another, maybe you might have even been the one who mentioned it in a few of those conversations. This is only natural as going on these vacations is becoming more of a trend these days. And it’s for good reasons, too. 

It’s well know that yoga has been found to have immense mental and physiological effects, and more and more people have been practicing yoga over the years for these benefits. Now think of all those good things you have heard about yoga and add all the things you love about a vacation together… That is exactly what you’re in for on a yoga vacation at Nicoya Peninsula.

Four Things You Are Sure To Enjoy On A Yoga Retreat in Nicoya Peninsula.

1. The journey.
   If you love travelling and getting to meet new people, then you are sure to start having fun long before you even arrive at your destination. There used to be a saying, “sometimes the journey is just as beautiful as the destination” and this saying holds especially true for yoga vacations, and a yoga vacation in Nicoya Peninsula is no different. With the kind of people you would be travelling with, the good vibes in the air, and the anticipation of loads of fun awaiting you on your arrival, you are sure to enjoy the trip.

2. The Destination.
   If you have never been to Nicoya Peninsula then you may ask, ‘what is there to do there?’ Talk about a taste of heaven. Crystal clear water at the beach. Beautiful parks that would blow your mind away. Vast open skies. Wonderful temperatures. Wonderful scenery. Wonderful natives. Mouthwatering dishes… Like seriously, what are you doing there? There’s no amount of explaining that can do this place justice. You just have to see it for yourself.

3. The Vacation.
   Think of everything on a vacation that is already fantastic. Well, there’s even more on this type of vacation. See, you aren’t simply taking a great trip to a great destination. You are also going to have a great time! You love the beach? Get into your swimsuits and bikinis, pick up that surfboard, and go have some fun. Are you a food lover like me? Well, hope you came with an appetite, because there’s just so many delicious native meals to try. Do you love taking pictures… Oh... you don’t want me getting started on that. You just want to kick back and relax with the sounds of nature to keep you company? You’re at the right place. Nicoya Peninsula has something for everybody.

4. The Yoga.
   And here is the best part of it. Yoga! If you thought yoga was great before, try yoga on a YOGA vacation. Now that’s what puts the yoga in the vacation. Literally. This is not just about doing yoga on a vacation, it is a vacation made with yoga in mind, and that is what makes all the difference. A yoga vacation at Nicoya Peninsula is sure to leave you with a long lasting feeling of relaxation and refreshment.
   

Want to join in on the fun? Then click here to enjoy the yoga retreat experience.

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