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Yoga: What's With the Om?

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 08:45:00 -0800

I've been to many different yoga classes, from Kripalu to Ashtanga to Jivamukti, and they all have something in common. At the end the teacher always leads the class in chanting "Ommmm."

Om, actually pronounced "Aum," is an affirmation of the Divine Presence that is the universe and is similar to the Hebrew "Amen."

In the Hindu belief, Om is the sound that was made when the whole universe was created. Om is a "word of power," so chanting it before and after a yoga class is believed to produce a profound effect on the person chanting, and in the world.

The symbol to the right represents Om. In this Sanskrit letter the long lower curve represents the dream state, the upper curve stands for the waking state and the curve coming from the center symbolizes deep, dreamless sleep. The crescent shape stands for "maya", the veil of illusion, and the dot represents the transcendental state (beyond thinking).

When the individual spirit passes through the veil and goes beyond thinking, they are liberated from the three states, and achieve enlightenment. Whoa.

I don't necessarily think of "Om-ing" like that - that's just too transcendental for me. I like to focus on the more physical benefits, like the rhythmic pronunciation of chanting Om slows down the nervous system and calms the mind, like meditation. If the mind is relaxed, then it will help to decrease blood pressure, which will in turn improve heart health.

It is also good for relieving congestion or sinusitis. The vibrations created by chanting Om can help clear your sinuses and ward off infection.

Also, chanting Om collectively in a group gives you a wonderful sense of community.

Want to hear what Om sounds like? Then read more

I'd love to hear about your good and bad experiences having to do with chanting Om in class. Tell me about it in Yoga Stretch and Tell.

At the studio where I go, we do something called Continuous Om-ing with a big group. At the end of class, we all sit up and the teacher starts saying "ommmm..." and other people join in when they are ready, and the whole group of us are following our own breath, Om-ing at different times so it sounds like one rolling beautiful sound, kind of like the Om playing up above. It's amazing and so relaxing to be a part of.

Ommmm my back hurts...

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 13:30:00 -0800

A mini meditation quiz:

Which meditation principle suits you?

Meditation is quiet "me" time.
Meditation is a time to take 15 minutes to truly relax.
Meditation is feeling the om.
Meditation is my back aching after sitting for only 10 minutes. Leaving me with some pain and no om.

If you answered yes to #4 but love to meditate, the Salubrion Meditation Chair is the answer for you. The L-100 meditation seat provides proper back support so you can achieve proper meditation. Salubrion states:

The L-100 Salubrion Seat™ provides exceptional support for floor sitting, assisting in proper back alignment and lumbar curve for superior comfort. At a slightly elevated state, the user benefits from increased blood flow to the legs and greater relaxation. Deeper and longer meditation sessions are achievable due to the elimination of distracting aches, pains, and fatigue.

Omazing!

Buy it here for $48.95.

Geeks We Love: Om Malik of GigaOM

GeekSugar — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:08:28 -0800

Shows like Beauty and the Geek give male geeks a bad rep. I have news for you folks, not all geeks think pocket-protectors and worn corduroy pants are trendy. In fact, I know plenty of eligible geeky bachelors that showcase the very best of geekiness: smarts, passion, chic clothing, success in their field and the ability to program your TiVo, computer or Blackberry when you’re not in the mood. In an effort to celebrate this month of love, I have put together a series of interviews with some of the most interesting geeky bachelors I know.

Om Malik, who is the founder of GigaOmniMedia, Inc. and executive editor of GigaOM.com, a popular tech blog that offers news, analysis and opinions on topics ranging from broadband to online games and Web 2.0, is the epitome of geek chic. He just happens to love clothes as much as he does gadgets – and has an awe-inspiring gadget collection and closet to prove it! For the full interview with Om, read more

GS: How did you get into the tech world?
Om: I have dreamed of being a journalist all my life, ever since I was a kid. I started as a rookie reporter at a teen magazine, The Weekly Sun in New Delhi, India.

GS: What’s the geekiest thing about yourself?
Om: I often brag about the total computing power in my apartment, and proud of the fact that have a terabyte of data around the house.

GS: What you are looking for in a significant other?
Om: Intelligence, kindness and humor. Someone who I can look at from the corner of my eye and be pleased as punch that I am her guy! Virginia Madsen, except for real!

GS: What are your Top 5 favorite gadgets?
Om: MacBook Pro, Nokia e70, Sonos Music System, iPod Nano, and my LCD TV.

GS: What are the top 5 luxury gadgets you really want?
Om: Sony Bravia LCD TV (50 inch model), iPhone, Aston Martin, The Prada Phone and Bang & Olufsen phone.

GS: Your first computer was a…
Om: A no name laptop with Windows 3.1. Yuck!

GS: What are your favorite websites?
Om: PopSugar, Gawker, TorrentFreak, WebWorkerDaily and Fark.

GS: Your line of work means you are exposed to more gadgets and tech news than your average citizen (and blogger) how do you decide what is relevant or necessary?
Om: I have a lot of friends who are not really interested in technology. I hand them the device, and then watch how they react. If they like it or are intrigued by it, it is something worth paying attention to. Otherwise, I go for elegance, simplicity and intuitiveness of the gadget.

GS: How do you feel about people calling you a “geek?” I suppose I should first ask, have you ever been called a "geek?"
Om: Not to my face, but I am sure people say that all the time.

GS: What do you consider to be your greatest contribution to the tech/blog industry – don’t be modest.
Om: I get to tell the greatest story to be ever told – technology – that’s as good as it gets.

GS: How many hours do you spend online a day?
Om: I am connected all the time, except when I am sleeping.

GS: What is one geeky habit you’re trying to quit?
Om: Instant messaging – I hate the sound iChat makes.

GS: What makes you an eligible geeky bachelor?
Om: I like clothes and the good life as much as I like gadgets. I think I am kind, thoughtful and thanks to my training as a writer, I do have the ability to listen and pay attention.

GS: Describe your ideal date.
Om: I have not been on one yet. If you have expectations, then you are going to be disappointed. If you are disappointed then even the best date can never be an ideal date. That said, I want a date of thousand surprises, little ones, that make every minute worth remembering.

GS: What do you look for in a significant other?
Om: She should take as much interest in men’s shoes as she does in Jimmy Choo’s.

GS: Tell me more about GigaOm!
Om: GigaOM started off as a personal blog five years ago, but since then has become a daily chronicle of the technology industry. I left my job at Business 2.0 in June 2006, raised venture capital and turned it into a little media company. Think of us as rapidly aging former yuppie brother of Sugar Publishing.
My inspiration is curiosity and the desire to learn new things every day. As a kid my grandfather used to warn me to not mistake education for a finite process. My profession is my education, my motivation. My writing is a mix of analysis, sarcasm, humor and plain old news reporting.

Editor’s Note: Before launching his own publishing venture, Om was a senior writer for Business 2.0 magazine covering telecom and broadband stories. His site, GigaOM.com is now ranked in the top 100 IT news sites by Hitwise, an Internet tracking service and is among the top 50 blogs as ranked by Technorati, and part of C/Net 100 Most Influential Blogs.

Want more Om? Check out GigaOM.com. Given Om’s flair for fashion you may have to act fast to beat FabSugar to the punch!

Photos courtesy of Thomas Hawk

Celebs of the Tech Blogging World - We HEART Om

PopSugar — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 11:23:35 -0800

In case you missed the story of the inception of PopSugar, then let me remind you it came about thanks to the suggestion from a good friend Om Malik. The single (yes, Valentine's Day is around the corner and he's looking for the right girl to spend the special day with), successful, stylish blogger who was just named one of Forbes Web Celeb 25 is also the first Geek We Love to be featured on GeekSugar! Our fabulous sister site is rounding up the best men behind the web, whether they are bachelors or part of a Beauty and the Geek team. Make sure to check out the Valentine's feature of Geeks We Love everyday to see who's next.

Photos courtesy of Thomas Hawk

I Don't Buy It: H2Om

FitSugar — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0700

I'm all for promoting peace and positive energy, but this world's going to need a whole lot more than these H2Om water bottles. Fusing the chemical symbol for water, H2O, with the sound of the universe, "om," makes for a pretty catchy product name. And this is water with intention - not water infused with fruit juice, vitamins, electrolytes, or anything else you'd expect to pay extra for. And no, it won't help you with your yoga or meditation practice. H2Om is all about the idea that if a person thinks positive thoughts, then drinks this water that the vibrations of their thoughts will spread through the universe and make the world a better place. Hmm . . .

To hear more about this water read more

On their website, they even go on to explain that "water exposed to loving words and music showed brilliant, and complex crystallized patterns under the microscope at near freezing temperatures. In contrast, polluted water, or water exposed to negative thoughts and words, formed incomplete, asymmetrical patterns." I'm not sure where they got their "data" from, but it's just a little too out there for me. I think their slogan above is really sweet, and I do believe that changes and ideas are first born in your thoughts and that your mind is a powerful tool, and I do hate to be a party pooper, but I'm just not buying this bottled water.

Om Nom Nom Nom!

GiggleSugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 04:00:00 -0700

Chews us up and spits us out - that's all the Internet does these days. While sites such as ManBabies and Cat Ladies make a big show of decapitating and switching people's heads for fun, Om Nom Nom Nom hunts down and shows the hungry, abstract monster in every photo. Start looking and you'll notice that he's always lurking. Want more evidence? Visit the site. And be sure to bring your appetite!

View 5 Photos ›

Source

Relax Already: For Just One Hour

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 15:15:00 -0800

A new study from the University of Milan has found that weekly, one-hour stress-management sessions can reduce worker stress, improve heart health and lower blood pressure.

So if you're feeling stressed maybe you should make appointments for regularly scheduled weekly one hour massages. Too pricey? Make an appointment with yourself for a one hour bath or time on the couch with a good book. If you spend a lot of stressful time in front of the computer screen, subscribe to a daily wellness email such as Daily OM. The emails are relaxing and calming and in times of major stress, these emails can really help put things back into perspective. Sign up today at DailyOM.com.

Should Yoga Be an Olympic Sport?

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:30:06 -0700

When I first started practicing yoga, my teachers made it clear that it wasn't a competition. So what if Peggy Pretzel over there could do Handstand Scorpion in her very first class? It's not your ability to do the poses that's important, but rather your intentions and emotions while on the mat. I can certainly om to that. But wait, what's this? Last weekend was the seventh Annual Asana Yoga Competition in New York City. Yoga competition? Sounds crazy, I know, but it's real. See for yourself in the video below.

Competitions like these are part of the movement pushing to have yoga included as an Olympic event by the year 2020. Yogis would be judged on their body proportions, grace, composure, and execution of postures. People will either see this as a brilliant idea to encourage men and women to get serious about their yoga practices, or as an oxymoron. So what's your opinion of competitive yoga and the notion of it becoming an Olympic event?

Shirtless David Beckham Might Have a Secret Get-Out Clause

PopSugarUK — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:00:53 -0700

David Beckham stripped off his shirt at the end of LA Galaxy's 0-0 match against DC United at RFK Stadium in Washington DC on Saturday. There's still time to cast your vote on whether you think shirtless David is sexy: I'll be announcing your favourite shirtless Brits soon! Becks was back on the pitch after his red card last weekend, amidst reports that his contract with LA Galaxy has a secret get-out clause. Whether David takes advantage of the clause remains to be seen, but for the time being he's happy with the Galaxy's recent performance, saying:

"We are happy with the four points out of two games more than anything. You could not ask for any more effort from the players, with traveling, and playing two games in a short space of time, so it's been a good trip."

Do you think David will take advantage of his get-out clause, or will he stay at the Galaxy?

To see more pictures of David and his naked torso, just read more.

View 15 Photos ›

Say Om Not Ow: Injury-Free Yoga Tips

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:00:36 -0700

The main reason many of us practice yoga is to increase our flexibility, and the last thing you'd expect is to pull a muscle. Unfortunately yoga injuries can and do happen just as easily as they do in other types of workouts, so keep these tips in mind to prevent yourself from getting hurt.

Spy before you try. Check out the class the week before you take it to make sure the level is right for your ability and needs.
Drop the ego. Don't compare yourself to Polly Pretzel or 17-year-old Sally over there. Everyone's body is different, and you don't want to attempt advanced poses if you're not ready. Nobody's watching you anyway, so who are you trying to impress?
Don't compare yourself to yourself either. Your body changes every day. Maybe last week you pressed all the way up into full backbend, but this week, your back may not be thinking that's such a good idea. Concentrate on how your body feels at that moment.
Move slowly and with complete awareness. Every time you move any part of your body, do it calmly and with intention. Be aware of where your body is and what it's doing at all times.
Learn to use and love props. Blocks, straps, bolsters, and even walls are great support tools to help you modify poses so you don't strain your muscles.

Want to see the other tips? Then read more

Don't push yourself too hard. Yoga is supposed to feel good. It should never hurt or cause strain, so don't force your muscles to stretch to the point of agony, since this is a great way to pull a muscle.
Listen to your body. Sometimes the order or types of poses an instructor is doing won't fit with what your body needs. If your tight hips need to do Pigeon and the entire class is doing handstands, well, then do Pigeon. Also be sure to rest your body when you need to - child's pose is a wonderful thing.
Don't slip. Heated rooms may help keep your muscles warm, but they can also make you sweat, making your mat really slick. Use a regular towel or a Yogitoes Skidless Yoga Mat to absorb any puddles.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're not sure how to get into a pose, don't be afraid to ask the teacher. Sometimes the format of classes makes it feel awkward to talk or ask questions, so if that's the case, just skip the pose and ask the teacher about it after class.