Hawaii Yoga


13
Feb 12

Hawaii yoga classes are central to surf legend’s philosophy

An Australian crowd of surf enthusiasts were in for a treat when they listened to a speech delivered by Hawaiian surf legend Gerry Lopez, as reported by The Age. According to fellow star athlete Wayne Lynch, Lopez was one of the first genuinely good "tube riders" before such a term even existed. So what was the key that helped Lopez look like such a natural? Hawaii yoga classes, of course!

''A Zen-like mind that is empty of thoughts allows a stronger connection with the wave,'' Lopez wrote in his autobiography, "SURF is where you find it," as quoted by the news source. ''A surfer needs to be in touch with the wave as opposed to being apart from it. This allows things to happen in slow motion … although in real time the process is moving very swiftly.''

Lopez took up yoga at the age of 19. The mind-body regimen taught him diet, discipline, exercise and balance, he said. Now 63, he lives in Oregon, and combines regular surf trips with snowboarding, according to the news source.

It's no wonder that yoga was so useful to Lopez's practice. The holistic healing technique is known to improve physical fitness, flexibility, mood and stress management, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health.

If any surfers are interested in hanging ten at a yoga studio, they should look into their local Dahn Yoga centers!


6
Dec 11

HBO comedy depicts “enlightenment” in Hawaii yoga classes

All across the U.S., people dream of shucking off their daily responsibilities, traveling to Hawaii and starting a new, more relaxing life. This idea is one of the concepts for the pilot of a newly created HBO comedy, which depicts a frazzled executive's recovery and self-discovery in Hawaii yoga classes.

Called "Enlightenment," the show stars actress Laura Dern, whose diverse screen credits include Jurassic Park, Blue Velvet and Rambling Rose, for which she received an Academy Award nomination.

She recently told the UK Telegraph that besides being a smirking look at high-powered office workers, the comedy is intended to seriously address the difficulties modern people have in relaxing, reflecting and finding themselves.

No wonder the show features self-healing meditation on the beaches of Hawaii! What better way to pursue self-discovery and serenity?

Mike White, the show's lead writer and Dern's co-star, told the newspaper that "Enlightenment" is based on real experiences he had with crippling anxiety and his attempts to get back on his feet using holistic mind-body treatments.

"I'm not completely making fun of therapy, because I've had my own nervous breakdowns, read self-help books, meditated and done yoga," he explained, quoted by the news source.


24
Oct 11

Hawaii yoga classes offer serenity in a tropical locale

Why take beginners yoga classes in Honolulu? After all, given their soothing surroundings, aren't Aloha State residents already at peace with the world?

Not necessarily. They may live in a serene locale, but residents of Hawaii have their share of troubles too.

For one thing, the state's obesity rate isn't especially encouraging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 23 percent of Hawaiians are obese, a figure that was under 10 percent, just two decades ago.

Also, Hawaiians have to contend with a high cost of living (COL). According to the New York Times Cost of Living Wizard, the COL in Hawaii is almost 8 percent higher than in Los Angeles, yet the average pay is just 0.6 percent higher.

So how can a brah blow off steam? With Hawaii yoga classes, of course.

Artist and yoga instructor Tom Sewell recently described building his own Hawaii yoga studio from the ground up. Even though it took him two decades to pay for, he did not seem to regret it in the least.

"We create our own culture here," he told the news source, adding that yoga has helped make his years in Hawaii blissful.


10
Oct 11

Stressed college students may benefit from attending Hawaii yoga classes

If you have ever posed, stretched or breathed deeply during Hawaii yoga classes, you may be familiar with the secrets of self healing. The holistic regimen is designed to improve your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health all at once, enabling you to strengthen your body and enhance your mind simultaneously.

More than ever, people who are busy, stressed and overworked turn to the mindfulness system to help themselves achieve a better balance between their personal and professional duties.

College students, who face deadlines and academic pressure on a regular basis, are increasingly adopting yoga to feel calmer and more centered. Universities across the nation are introducing the program to young adults, hoping that the rejuvenating maneuvers will enable them to strive for their fullest productivity and potential.

"We have students who are so used to being completely stressed out that it has become their comfort zone," said college dean Robin Forman, quoted by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "We need to convince them that being stressed out is not good for them and show them the consequences of this down the line."

Meditating, stretching and posing can be a great way for students to relieve their stress, tension and anxiety. 


4
May 11

Yoga retreat aims to help practitioners deepen the mind-body connection

There are many types of exercise that an individual can choose from, depending on whether they prefer to work out in solitude or in the company of others. Dahn Yoga is an effective relaxation technique that can be performed alone or in a group. Regardless of their choice, however, enthusiasts can be sure of taking steps toward enhancing their emotional, mental and physical well-being after engaging in this tranquil pastime.

Yoga is an activity that can be done outside. In fact, performing the deep breathing techiques, poses and stretches of the regimen in the great outdoors has helped deepen many individuals' mind-body connections.

This summer, a yoga retreat will be held at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Hawaii, to help yoga practitioners improve their balance and flexibility. The exercises will be performed outdoors, and the splendid backdrop of the sky, beach and ocean will surely serve as inspiration for many.

Participants will learn new ways in which to strengthen both the body and mind, as well as to improve their breath, posture and movement. These techniques can help them be more graceful and flexible while helping them relax and appreciate the beauty of their surroundings.


25
Apr 11

Week-long yoga retreat may help practitioners remember to relish the present

For many, yoga meditation is a source of relaxation, comfort and inner peace. Coming home to a program such as Dahn Yoga at the end of the day can soothe away tension, anxiety and stress, as well as enable individuals to strive for their full potential physically, mentally and emotionally.

During the first week of June, many yoga enthusiasts in Hawaii will be celebrating their love for the exercise at a week-long retreat. Rae Minten, a Portland, Oregon-based instructor, will be teaching gentle poses that facilitate the flow of energy through the body.

"In day-to-day life, we can forget to be in the present moment," Minten explained. "Through mindfulness, you will begin to discover ways to remain peaceful within all moments, with your mind naturally content."

She added that the week-long retreat will focus on learning and practicing different techniques to reinforce the process of trusting oneself, as well as promote focus and harmony with limited distraction.

Participants will engage in meditation and soothing postures outside among the beauty of the islands, which Minten says will enable the rays of the sun to illuminate their minds and encourage introspection.


22
Mar 11

Floating yoga allows practitioners to meditate while surrounded by the beauty of nature

Almost everyone prioritizes relaxation and comfort while on vacation, as time spent away from the office is meant to be enjoyable and rejuvenating. Engaging in the breathing exercises and soothing postures of yoga may be the perfect way to reinforce this notion of calm and tranquility, and a luxury hotel in Hawaii is offering just such a program for guests.

Those who stay at the Fairmont Orchid will have the opportunity to practice a technique known as floating yoga, or Flo-yo, which reforges practitioners' mind-body connection as they strengthen their balance and mindfulness on paddle boards in crystalline ocean waters.

"It is a great workout that is perfect for anyone who would like to take yoga to an entirely new level, while also taking in the natural beauty of our surroundings," said Flo-yo instructor Donica Shouse. "Each class is different and the spontaneity of the ocean with turtles gliding up to your board, and fish dancing along the waves always makes for a fun class."

Regardless of whether one is floating on a paddle board or standing on the beach, yoga has been touted all over the world for its relaxation techniques and strengthening exercises.

For those who practice forms such as Dahn Yoga, breathing and relaxing are the key components to improving energy flow through the body and increasing feelings of joy and well-being. 


25
Feb 11

Annual Great Aloha Run is held to promote peace and harmony

In recent Dahn Yoga news, practitioners in Hawaii participated in the eight-mile-long Great Aloha Run, which took place in Honolulu on February 21. The group walked from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium to promote peace, harmony and appreciation for Mago, the Korean term for Mother Earth. 

Participants made donations to several local and international charities during the event, which is currently in its 27th year.

By encouraging others to make the Earth a happier and healthier place, the group hopes to spread the word about reestablishing the critical mind-body connection to achieve peace with oneself and with all things on the planet. By doing so, one may be able to better balance life and its many responsibilities.

Dahn Yoga has brought harmony and relaxation to countless individuals over the years. The ancient South Korean exercise utilizes deep breathing, quiet reflection and meditation to help students look within and achieve their full potential.

Many people who have made room in their busy lives for Dahn Yoga have reported feeling healthier, relaxed and content. Strengthening the vital link between the mind and the body has helped practitioners all over the world connect to the energy of the universe. 


24
Jan 11

Dahn Yoga Members supporting the Earth Citizen Movement in Hawaii

We are all Earth citizens!

We are all Earth citizens!

Here in beautiful Hawaii, we are in the midst of a revival of the “Earth Citizen Movement.”  For a short time the movement seemed to be on hiatus…but no longer! This is a new year, and we are shaking off the inertia, infusing ourselves with renewed energy, enthusiasm, and motivation to create a better world.

What is the Earth Citizen Movement?  What is a better world?  It is the concept envisioned by Ilchi Lee, founder of  Dahn Yoga & IBREA (International Brain Education Association). Instead of a world where all people are healthy, happy, and peaceful, we are living in a place with much inequality, discord and pollution. Millions are starving daily, with no clean water to drink, no medicines to cure the simplest of illnesses, while a minority, luxuriate in opulence.  War is a continuing reality for many, though a far cry from reality for the majority of us. Unable to earn even a dollar a day many people cannot survive.

How can this be?  We are all on the same planet.  We breathe the same air, walk on the same earth, drink the same water, and look at the same sun, moon and stars.  Yet our lives are so disparate and inequitable.

Ilchi Lee had a vision where he saw the course of our planet’s future.  On one path, our world was headed toward darkness, destruction, and oblivion.  It was full of people suffering and dying, surrounded by war, hatred, greed and selfishness.  The other world was bright and full of vibrant, healthy energy. All living things thrived with an abundance of pure water, good food and healthy, happy, peaceful people. There was no jealously, hatred, selfishness or contempt.  All people, instead, shared.  They shared all the resources and gave freely of themselves to create a loving, joyful and peaceful world.

Dahn Yoga members in Hawaii are anxious to raise the collective human consciousness, the awareness of all humans for the wellbeing of the Earth. So far Dahn Yoga members in Hawaii have been meeting every Tuesday night to come up with ideas on how to heal our Earth.

Our first project, “Mago’s Dream Potluck” on January 11th of this year saw 30 members gathered at the Honolulu Center.  Besides good food and good fun, we had a silent auction and raised a substantial amount of money for the Hawaii Chapter of IBREA/ECM project.

Our second project is to participate in the Great Aloha Run on February 21st.  We will walk the 8+ miles from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium together as Earth Citizens.  Our entry fees will be donated to the Carole Kai charity.  Over the years Carole Kai has raised over $8.5 million for Hawaii charities.

We are working to get exposure for the name and concept of “Earth Citizen Movement” by participating in the state’s “Adopt-A-Highway” program as well.  Our organization is planning to assume responsibility for cleaning a two-mile stretch of highway four times per year for two years.  In exchange, the state will post a blue and white sign along the highway stating, “This portion of highway adopted by EARTH CITIZEN MOVEMENT.”  We feel that this will promote the concept of “Hong Ik” (action benefitting humanity widely) for our cause. If private citizens clean the roads, it saves the state $2 million per year.

Finally our grandest project in the works to date is the “Mago Earth Festival for Peace” to be held at the McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Beach Park on May 15, 2011.  We will have a variety of events from 11am to 5pm and teach about the Earth Citizen Movement and Mago’s Dream.

There will be demonstrations by various cultural groups, including one by Dahn Yoga members, of course, and a poster and essay writing contest for students about “peace.”  Food booths, other vendors, and local dignitaries will be invited to attend a dinner that evening and we will present awards to the winners of the contests. Fun and games are in the planning to keep the day lively.

These are just a small sampling of how we’re thinking and what we’re doing in Hawaii for the Earth.


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