Air is the most powerful of the elements we can use to cleanse the body of toxins. When we breathe and allow the air to circulate through the body, it automatically purifies us. That’s why using the power of breath during postures and synchronizing breath with movement is so important. And what’s even better…we have this “tool” with us wherever we are!
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In a more restorative yoga class (like the ones I teach), it’s important to remember that stretching to or beyond the point of resistance creates tension; aim to release deep within the muscle groups which happens just a bit before we become aware of the sensation of stretch. Using props like yoga bricks, extra yoga mats, walls or pillows are helpful. And why it’s important to support the body in your postures if need be, so that you feel comfortable and sensation-neutral.
Here’s a link to a great article on workplace habits that was sent to me yesterday:
http://performanceexcellencenetwork.org/the-presidents-blog/overwork-underperform-why-more-hours-leads-to-less-productivity/ Feel free to pass it on to co-workers and then watch for an email from me on celebrating National Yoga Month in September! Like last year, this is an opportunity for us to spread the word about yoga classes at Hennepin County and earn some great karma points (along with a discount in class prices!). “The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” Buddha Quotes 500, Michael Quach
One way to strengthen your yoga practice is to find a few books on yoga, pick them up frequently and simply browse through them. Those with photographs of postures are always helpful for additional perspective. One author that I refer to often is Donna Farhi and two of her books that I enjoy are: “Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit” and “The Breathing Book”. And for a nice diversion, pick up “Breakfast with Buddha” by Roland Merullo.
Come to yoga practice and enjoy the essence of your “being”, with no demands on you during this time, from external or internal pressures.
Here’s website with resources that are a valuable support for your practice:
http://www.bandhayoga.com/flyarounds.html Yoga practice (call it “Me time”, if it sounds more appealing) gives us a chance to see “who” and “where we are” at each week (or day). The practice itself is not asking us to change any part of “who” or “what we are”; herein lies the paradox: change may come about because of taking the time and energy to see “who” and “where you are”.
What I’m discovering is that we need to manage our lives, just like we manage the various tasks in our jobs. The process of prioritizing becomes very important; and then, how we utilize our time.
Take a break EVERY DAY during the work week (another way to look at it is that when we don’t, it’s sort of like stealing from ourselves). And try to use at least one break for your weekly yoga class. Then, share your discoveries with your co-workers that are the most frenzied and suggest they take a yoga class…it will be a great karmic gift to share! (It helps us too because they become less frenzied to work with.) Two keys to success in our yoga practice (or anything that we desire to have in our lives) are consistency and earnestness. With consistency, we encourage it to become a part of our daily lives; earnestness requires our full attention, applying our entire being (body, mind and spirit) and having /full faith in our achievement.
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A Yen for Yoga
Yoga strengthens the mind and body, but sometimes the stress of daily life challenges our momentum. We hope this page inspires you and keeps you moving! Categories
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