Making Yoga a Part of Your Life

July 17th, 2006


Every month I aim to give you at least one idea that you can incorporate into your life to make the whole process of living a more joyous life possible. While not everyone finds an appeal in the practice of Yoga, the basic concepts that make up a Yoga practice can be incorporated into anyone’s daily routine.

Yoga is a perfect marriage of the physical, mental and spiritual sides of a person. As you expand your chest and breathe deeply, you not only stretch restricted muscles, but you foster a sense of peace and calm into your entire being. A consistent practice offers the chance to be more connected with every aspect of who and what you are. You learn how exactly your own body is capable of moving and how you can push it beyond your preconceived boundaries of what you thought was possible. As you do that with your body, you also do that with your mind and with your spirit.

But again, not everyone wants to practice yoga. Some people find the stillness of a yoga class to be boring. Others find the quiet to be almost deafening. How is it possible to achieve the benefits of a yoga practice without actually doing yoga?

The answer is simple- just add in one yoga-esque movement or practice to your daily routine.

You will not need to be on a yoga mat or even be in workout clothes. All you will really need to do is to adopt a “yoga” mentality for a few minutes each day. This simply means to adopt a more present attitude. By “present” I mean that you are more aware of your breathing as well as your entire body and environment. You are more sensitive to what is going on around as well as within you. You will find yourself more open to the relaxation and calmness that accompanies a regular yoga practice.


Consider the following excerpt from The Yoga Journal,

Uncover more brain power at work

Do the afternoons leave you brain dead at home or at work?

Yoga can help! Any pose that puts your head below your heart will increase blood flow to the brain, making you sharper and more alert. Try this one right at your chair:

Pull your chair away from your desk and sit with your feet at hip distance, flat on the floor. Take a deep breath in. Then as you exhale, lay your torso down so that your ribcage is resting on your thighs. Your shoulders should be supported by your knees and your head should hang freely between your legs. If you are unable to reach your thighs, try a pillow under your belly for more support. Be sure to relax your neck completely so that you head just dangles to the floor. Stay here and breathe for a few minutes, then take at least three breaths to come up slowly.
This one simple exercise is not only helping to get you through that afternoon slump, it is also giving you a few moments of being more present with yourself.

Try it and see what happens.

Namaste


(c) Annette Nack, Bee Balanced Health & Wellness

This article was first published July 17th, 2006