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In this uplifting guide packed with health tips, dietary recommendations, and inspirational affirmations, Dashama introduces her own brand of yoga for self-transformation. The book introduces Pranashama Yoga, developed by Dashama as a combination of arts that works with the physical and spiritual energy of the body. Pranashama Yoga draws on various styles of yoga (Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini, Anusara, and Power), martial arts (T’ai Chi, Qigong), and Thai yoga therapy.
Dashama includes clear explanations of the yoga philosophy underlying her program and shares her own journey to her present success as a leading yoga teacher. Tackling the problem of addiction and its impact on family and individual happiness, Dashama presents alternative visions of healing and mental peace through the time-tested, drug-free path of yoga. She concludes the book with useful exercises to help students on their own journeys to joyful living: self-assessment writing assignments, quizzes, and a four-stage diet and weight-loss program that incorporates yogic breathing and positive-thinking exercises. Illustrated throughout with black and white photographs, Journey to Joyful is designed for readers interested in yoga, natural food, weight loss, and positive thinking.
Chapter 1 My Body Is My Temple 1
Yoga 3
Ten Golden Rules of Pranashama Yoga 4
My Body Is My Temple 4
Getting to Know Your Body 5
The Seven Chakras and Your Energy Centers 5
Five Bodies (Koshas) 9
The Spine 11
Cultivating Radiance 14
You Are What You Eat 14
You Are What You Think 15
Your Body Is a Map of Your Past 16
Your Body Is Sacred 17
Your Body Needs Rest 18
Play Like a Kid and Have Fun! 19
Sexuality, Sensuality, and the Physical Body 21
Your Body Was Created to Move 22
The Renew You Three-Stage Energy Diet 24
Stage 1 Eliminate Junk! 24
Stage 2 Integrate Superfoods 25
Stage 3 Cleanse Your System 26
Optional: Stage 4 Detoxify Your Internal Organs 27
Recipes from the Renew You Program 35
PranashamaYoga Asanas 38
Is Yoga Spiritual or Physical? 39
It's All Yoga 39
The Power of Asana Practice 40
Pranashama Yoga Asana Sequences 41
Sun Salutations: Rise and Shine with Yoga 43
Six-Pack Yoga Abs 47
Neck-Healing Sequence: Self-Healing and Stretch 51
Five Tibetan Rites: Discover the Fountain of Youth 57
A True Transformation Story: The Healing Power of Yoga 63
Chapter 2 Navigating the Sea of Emotions 67
Five Steps to Gain Control of Your Emotional Body 70
Pranashama Yoga for Healing 74
Three Keys to Eliminating Addiction 81
The Three Emotional Prison Keepers 83
Expectations 83
Attachment 85
Judgment 88
Loving Myself 91
Pranayama Breathing Exercises 93
Strengthening Your Chakras 96
Affirmations to Strengthen Your Solar Plexus 96
Chakra/Personal Power
Chakra Empowering Practices 93
Chakras, Mantras, and the Power of Chanting 97
Chanting and Working with Mantras 99
Healing the Inner Child 102
Short Inner-Child Guided Meditation Practice 105
A Personal Example of Inner-Child Issues 107
Embrace Your Shadow 108
Awakening the Heart Centers 108
The Connection Between the Three Heart Centers 109
Three Levels of Love 111
Accessing the Bliss Channel 115
Connecting with Nature to Access the Bliss Channel 117
The Meaning of Namaste: A True Story of Transformation 117
Chapter 3 Taming the Monkey Mind 119
Your Belief System 124
Witness Consciousness 127
Three Levels of Meditation 128
Dreams Becoming Reality 129
My Personal Example 130
Karma 132
Controlling Our Minds 137
Your Mindset: It's Up to You 138
Bull in a China Shop: A True Transformation Story 141
Chapter 4 Spiritual Liberation 143
Are You Ready to Break Free? 145
Eight Limbs of Yoga 147
Tantra Yoga and True Liberation 152
Enlightenment Is Bliss 153
Love Is My Religion 158
Bodhichitta and the Gateway between Heaven and Earth 159
Bodhisattva 161
Seva 162
Finding Your Life Purpose 162
Gratitude and Appreciation 167
Stay Inspired and Live with Passion! 168
Poetic Inspiration by Dashama 171
Appendix A Self-Assessments 173
Chakra Quiz: Where Am I Right Now? 173
FindingTime for Yourself 177
Appendix B Finding a Teacher 185
Notes 189
Illustration Credits 191
Index 193
About the Author 197
sunnsoto
Posted October 17, 2011
I tend to have alot of buyers remorse with books since it's so hard to find an author I really connect with - this book has absolutely exceeded my expectations! I LOVE IT. I'm just in the middle of it now, and am taking my time to savor each section. Reading this book instantly inspired me to get moving. That's what I was looking for; inspiration, motivation, along with the how-to-do-it. Dashama's "imperfect" upbringing has given me great encouragement for my own potential. Her wisdom and compassion is brought forth by this labor of love.
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Overview
In this uplifting guide packed with health tips, dietary recommendations, and inspirational affirmations, Dashama introduces her own brand of yoga for self-transformation. The book introduces Pranashama Yoga, developed by Dashama as a combination of arts that works with the physical and spiritual energy of the body. Pranashama Yoga draws on various styles of yoga (Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini, Anusara, and Power), martial arts (T’ai Chi, ...