So how is your Spring into Yoga Challenge going? I’m really starting to allow myself to let go in Janu Sirsasana and Baddhu Konasana, probably more than I ever have done before. It just goes to show that sometimes you just have to streamline your practice and concentrate on weak spots and just observe what happens. Of course, now I’m aware of some progress in these two asanas, it’s time to start thinking about my nemesis posture – dhanurasana. But maybe more on that next week!
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Yesterday I looked at a very physical aspect of yoga, so today I thought I’d look at one of the ways yoga helps us emotionally. The other day Diane at the Everything Yoga Blog posted about using yoga to diffuse anger, so here is a practice to let go of frustration, anger and other negative emotions to help us stay calm and focussed.
All of us have a breaking point, when frustration takes over and we just want to scream. Even yoga teachers! Some of you may even have experienced frustration in a yoga class when somebody has taken what you believe to be “your” space in the studio. Persistent irritations and frustrations can lead to more serious stress. The trick is to deal with it as soon as you are aware of it, and to deal with it healthily.
When you reach your limit, be it at work or at home, rather than take it out on those around you try to let it go. It only takes a few minutes!
First try to find somewhere quiet where you will not be disturbed – the copy room or the ladies bathroom (although I should point out that I did once have a male boss whose work he deemed so urgent as to follow me into the ladies), take a seat if you can and take a few deep breaths. Slowly become aware of your posture, release your shoulders, straighten your spine, open your chest.
As you begin to notice your breath slow down and lengthen start to imagine the breath moving through the body.
As you inhale, imagine the breath moving from the soles of the feet to the top of the head. As you exhale imagine the breath moving from the top of the head to the soles of the feet.
When you are ready start to visualise yourself letting go of all the tension stress and tiredness with each exhale, and with each inhale feel as though you are drawing in vitality and energy.
After a few minutes you should feel calmer, more relaxed and able to face the rest of the day! After a few practices, you will find you are able to do this practice anytime anywhere, letting go healthily.
