Practice Kriyas in Sivananda Yoga

One of the lesser known aspects of the Sivananda tradition of yoga is a group of practices known as "kriyas". The six kriyas are practices that are designed to be used in combination with asanas to cleanse and purify the body and mind for greater health. The kriyas may seem odd at first, but they are really not too challenging. Two, however, are somewhat involved and should probably only be practiced with further direction.

Target the Brain WIth Yoga
If you thought that yoga was improving your physical fitness, it may surprise you to know that yoga also stimulates brain function. Yoga poses which increase blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain can calm anxiety, improve concentration and soothe mild depression as they balance hormones and chemicals in the brain.

Do the Shoulder Stretch in Yoga
The yoga shoulder stretch can be challenging, but as you gain more flexibility, your reach will expand. This posture helps counteract rounded shoulders and removes stiffness from the shoulder area. It's one of those poses you can do in the privacy of your office if you need a quick way to loosen up stiff shoulders. You can use a yoga strap if you cannot attain this posture on your own.

create a personal home yoga studio
A home studio can be a personal sanctuary for yoga, meditation or reflection. You can create your ideal yoga space without spending loads of money. Study what inspires you: observe what kinds of spaces feel most peaceful and what elements awaken your mind and body. Create a contemplative atmosphere with warm colors and careful lighting and then integrate the elements with a couple of carefully chosen decorative accents or symbolic images.

Teach Yoga to Children Through a Story
In her book, "Storytime Yoga: Teaching Yoga to Children," Sydney Solis states that storytelling gives children the basic tools to face the challenges of growing up. Combining the art of storytelling with that of yoga can promote literacy and oral and listening skills, help children understand archetypes like the mentor and hero, and promote "subtlety and complexity in a young mind."