Dahn Yoga News

Where Dahn Yoga practitioners share their experiences

Visit the Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre

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Sacre-Coeur Basilica

Those who are embarking on a vacation to Paris to do some soul-searching can move further along their path to personal growth by going on a tour of the spiritual places of worship around town. One beautiful destination to visit is the Sacre-Coeur Basilica, a stunning cathedral built in the late 19th century.

Sacre-Coeur is located in the heart of the Montmartre neighborhood, a popular tourist destination that sits proudly on top of Paris' highest hill.

Constructed by the architect Paul Abadie in the 1870s, the church boasts distinct Romano-Byzantine features, despite the popular neo-Baroque stylings of that time. Thus, the basilica is a unique structure that stands out among other buildings in the area.

Visitors can marvel at its beautiful design, which includes an arched portico and a number of statues depicting French saints. Other famous features that visitors can see include its bell and pipe organ, both of which are enormous in size.

Because of its elevated location, vacationers are able to look out of its windows to a wonderful view of the city.

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Explore the scenic beauty of Big Corn Island

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Work out on the island's beautiful beach.

Those who are seeking a peaceful place for yoga meditation should consider taking a trip to Central America to find respite in Nicaragua. On the Caribbean coast, tourists will find Big Corn Island, a gorgeous destination that features green-blue waters and white-sand beaches.

Despite its name, the island is small enough to have a single road system that frames the land, running along the perimeter and leading the way to only a few small paved side paths. This offers a better environment for those looking to relax, as there is no noise pollution to distract one from the scenic beauty of the area.

Travelers who want some physical activity while in Big Corn Island can enjoy the many hiking trails that begin along the shore and venture inward. These paths allow visitors to explore the tropical landscape, discover remote beaches and enjoy the serene scenery.

Those interested in the island's cultural offerings can trek to the top of Quinn Hill, where there sits a small pyramid in a park resembling those found in many other islands around the world.

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Learn about the ancient significance of Elephantine Island

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The ruins on Elephantine Island.

Those who are trying to balance life's responsibilities with their personal time may want to ease the stresses of their every day routine by heading to Egypt on their next vacation. Here, they can visit the city of Aswan to explore Elephantine Island – a section of land that sits amid the Nile River.

The islet gets its name from its interesting shape – the perimeter curves in the same fashion as an elephant tusk. According to Egyptian mythology, Elephantine is said to be the home of Khnum, god of the Nile River's cataracts. There stands the ruins of an ancient temple devoted to this god that tourists can explore when they visit the area.

Elephantine was a hub for a number of different cultures in ancient Egypt, as it once sat upon the country's border with Nubia. Many people passed through this area for travel, trade and defense purposes. More information about the area's significance can be discovered at the Aswan Museum, where there is an extensive collection of Nubian artifacts uncovered through many years of archaeological excavations.

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Gorgeous natural attractions await in Aruba

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Aruba

Beach vacations are often the best way to help one work on their stress management, as the calm ocean waves are music to the ears of those who are tense and in need of great relaxation. Aruba is a fantastic choice for travelers seeking respite in a tropical locale, as they enjoy yoga on the sand or venture inland to discover the Caribbean island's cultural offerings.

Those who want to spend their days absorbing the warm rays on the beach can enjoy the white sands and cerulean sea – a scene framed by swaying palms that seem to come straight off the back of a postcard. Practicing a few sun salutations here in the morning can set the tone for a wonderful day in Aruba.

As for sight-seeing opportunities, one may want to check out the Natural Bridges at Boca Andicuri. Many years of heavy surf eroded these beds of coral limestone at their base, eventually carving out a bridge-like structure. The largest collapsed six years ago, but there are still several bridges that are smaller in size that remain in tact.

Other attractions include the Boca Catalina and Antilla Shipwreck, Arikok National Park and Guadirkiri Caves.

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Enjoy the urban skyline of Kowloon by the bay

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The sparkling view of the cityscape from Kowloon.

Waterfront destinations are ideal for those who want a peaceful getaway where they can work on their meditation techniques and stress relief. There is nothing like an open expanse of serene waves to calm the senses. Those who are heading to Hong Kong will be able to find respite at the Kowloon Waterfront, where they can get away from the hustle and bustle of the urban landscape and overlook the bay.

From this vantage point, tourists will be able to see the glittering skyline of Hong Kong. With noises from the big city too far to be heard, this spot in Kowloon offers a fantastic panorama without all of the distractions. Many visitors like to have their photo taken by a professional against this sparkling backdrop.

Those who are interested in doing a bit of sight-seeing when they visit Kowloon can traverse around town to find some immensely popular tourist attractions. For example, a historic clock tower symbolizes the neighborhood's colonial heritage, as it was taken from the train station where British authorities left for London on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

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Discover the beautiful temples of Busan

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Bulguksa Temple

Visiting another culture is an excellent way to aid the process of personal development, as learning about different spiritual beliefs can offer a person perspective on different societies around the world. Those who are visiting South Korea on their next trip can gain insight on the country's religions when they head to Busan.

Religion is a major part of Korean culture – the people ascribe to Buddhist, Confucian and Christian methodologies, for the most part, and visitors can explore the sacred sites that belong to each belief system.

The Beomeosa Temple is the largest in Busan. Built in the year 678, it features a towering stone pagoda and a colorful hall that is sure to impress those who visit. Another site to check out is the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, which sits along the coast and is a major part of traditional tales involving the goddess of the sea.

Those who trek to the top of Mount Tohamsan will be able to see the Bulguksa Temple, which is an impressive structure where followers of Buddhism worship. It is known for its use of Silla architecture, a style that was used in Korea between the 7th and 10th centuries.

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Learn about Guatemalan history in Puerto Quetzal

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Antigua

Those who are in search of an educational travel experience to enhance their personal development should think about visiting Guatemala on their next vacation, as a trip to the city of Puerto Quetzal offers tourists a look into colonial heritage and Mayan history.

The indigenous people that remain in the country offer a glimpse into the Mayan Empire that collapsed many years ago, and one can learn much about the culture and lifestyle by touring the town and discovering the handmade items in local shops.

To learn more about Guatemala's colonial heritage, visitors can make their away to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua, which is a gorgeous area filled with intricately designed churches and other architecturally impressive structures. Make sure to visit the main square, Plaza de Armas, as it is one of the most popular attractions in the city.

For a more relaxing experience, travelers should try going on a cruise of Lake Atitlan. The calm waters are framed by a mountainous scene, and tourists can enjoy the cool breeze while they take in the natural beauty.

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Choose Barbados for a relaxing yoga retreat

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Barbados

With so many beautiful locations around the world to choose from for a peaceful yoga retreat, it can be difficult to narrow down the list to the perfect destination. For those who are considering a trip to the Caribbean, practicing meditation techniques on the beaches of Barbados may be the best option.

Nothing is more relaxing than working on your asanas atop the Bajan sands with the palm trees swaying in the warm ocean breeze. Barbados is a tropical paradise with natural splendor, and while the coastline features a serene atmosphere, visitors can also find respite by heading to local parks.

At the Andromeda Botanical Gardens, vacationers will be surrounded by six acres of vibrant plant life, from ferns and orchids to some of the tallest palms in the world. The Flower Forest is another interesting spot inhabited by more than 50 acres of blooms, along with exotic wildlife like monkeys and birds.

Being surrounded by nature is important when embarking on a yoga retreat, as the practice teaches one to unite themselves with the earth in both spiritual and physical ways.

Filed under Peaceful Places

Nutrition expert uses yoga to relax outdoors

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Watts told the newspaper that even 15 minutes of yoga - which, in truth, is all she has time for in her off-hours - helps her unwind and empty her head of the day's whirl of thoughts.

Eating well, exercising and getting outdoors are three effective methods of improving one's health and well-being, and Charlotte Watts does them all at once when she takes her breathing exercises outside. According to the UK Telegraph, the nutritionist, writer and mother uses yoga and meditation to relax after a long day of work.

Watts wrote the book 100 Foods to Stay Young, and in addition to being an author and a guest on numerous television programs, she teaches yoga in her spare time.

She told the newspaper that even 15 minutes of yoga – which, in truth, is all she has time for in her off-hours – helps her unwind and empty her head of the day's whirl of thoughts.

What makes the routine especially relaxing is that Watts chooses to do it in nature. She even gave advice on a simple pose that can increase energy flow.

"Sometimes, I am so tired I simply lie down with my legs up the wall. This pose is incredibly relaxing, and feels like every limb is falling into the floor – you can feel the tension melting away," she told the news source.

A study published in the journal Leisure Studies has confirmed that doing yoga outdoors can increase feelings of connection to and appreciation for nature.

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Yoga improves body image, mindfulness among college-age women

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A study found that college-age women who take yoga reported experiencing improvements in bodily satisfaction and reductions in self-objectification.

The effect that yoga has on certain aspects of personal development can hardly be overstated. Besides being a healthy way to engage in low-impact exercise while reconnecting the mind and body, this holistic regimen has been shown to have a wealth of positive psychological effects, including the improvement of one's own self-image, according to recent research.

A dissertation written by Washington State University psychological counselor and PhD candidate Sara Elysia Clancy stated that college-age women who take yoga reported experiencing improvements in bodily satisfaction and reductions in self-objectification.

It is a testament to the power of yoga that such a dynamic exercise system, combining deep breathing with gentle stretches, can help women overcome being saturated by media images of thin models.

The National Institute on Media and the Family reports that by age 17, 78 percent of U.S. girls are unhappy with their bodies.

However, yoga may help. Clancy found that after three months of daily yoga, female college students were happier with their self-image and reported lower body dissatisfaction scores.

The researcher added that in her investigation, she noticed that women experienced the greatest gains in the areas of acceptance, mind-body connection, physical compassion, awareness, physical functioning and mindfulness.

Filed under Yoga News

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Though it was founded in the 1980s, Dahn Yoga's basic precepts and techniques are directly descended from methods practiced five millennia ago in East Asia. These precepts include the importance of the mind's partnership with the body, as well as the need for a balanced bond between the two.

Today, thousands of Americans practice Dahn Yoga everyday, many of whom are delightedly trying it for the first time. Taking a little time out of one's day to stretch, breathe, pose and meditate with a gentle smile on one's face can radically change one's mood and outlook.

This blog offers responses to news items that prominently feature Dahn Yoga and its neighborhood centers.

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