It's chilly out there today (enough to get me fantasizing about applying for this plum job) and I'm dealing with some major wanting-to-hibernate urges. Since I'm not a bear, I don't think this is going to work. As usual, yoga is my method of choice for revving my engines during sluggish times (both physically and emotionally).
When my mind is racing with business ideas, projects, to-dos, I turn to meditation. When I'm feeling overwhelmed with to-dos, I turn to pranayama. When I'm looking for an overall sense of well-being, it's asana, pranayama, meditation, and/or chanting for me. Basically it's yoga for whatever ails me.
Today I'm feeling a bit sore after over-exerting myself these past few days, so it was light on the asana and heavy on the pranayama. One of my favorite pranayamas is from the Kundalini tradition -- Sodarshan Chakra Kriya. To learn more about it and practice it yourself, click here for an excellent explanation of the kriya along with beginner, intermediate and advanced versions.
Just this morning I was reading an article about how yoga is thriving despite the financial downturn. Somehow I'm not surprised. As a wise woman once said -- "good things come to those who feel good." And we all know how good yoga makes us feel, right? The good news is, you don't have to spend a lot of money to practice yoga. You can practice at home for free (the wonderful yogis over at YogaToday have been providing free daily classes for years, for example). I don't have an iPhone, but I hear that there's a yoga app called Pret-A-Yoga Lite. Yes, my friends, you can even practice yoga with your iPhone as your teacher.
When times get tough -- and hibernation calls -- yoga is always there for you. I, for one, am extremely grateful for this fact.
Namaste!
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Anytime you work with the body, you are also working with the mind and the energy that connects the two. In yogic terms, there is no separation between mind, body and spirit. The three exist in union. What happens to the mind also happens to the body and spirit. If something is bothering you mentally or emotionally, it is likely to show up in your body.
Posted by: Yoga | January 27, 2009 at 02:23 AM
Thanks Maggie! I'm glad you enjoyed the post. And yoga always makes me feel better too!
Posted by: Diane Cesa | January 16, 2009 at 02:25 PM
Blisschick you are right on target and bring up an excellent point. Even just 15 minutes a day can make such a difference. I try to heed your advice (although it's tough on a frigid day like today).
Posted by: Diane Cesa | January 16, 2009 at 02:17 PM
I love this post because it's just so true - yoga is ALWAYS there! And it always makes me feel better!!
Posted by: Maggie | January 15, 2009 at 11:51 PM
Yep, Diane, we are not bears, as you put it. :)
I was just thinking about this very thing. How people claim to suffer from SAD and yet never leave the house in the winter.
The newest solar panels collect UV rays even on cloudy days, and I am thinking our human bodies are even more efficient than the best of solar panels.
So...do yoga and GET OUTSIDE, I say to all! :)
Posted by: Blisschick | January 15, 2009 at 09:54 AM