The Blissful Yogi

Practicing asanas (postures) is one part of yoga. Another part goes deeper and involves our mind and breath. Instead of allowing your mind to wander to grocery lists, weekend plans, worries or whatever else, continue to draw your attention back to your breath. Observe the rhythm as you breathe, the rise and fall of your abdomen, listen to the flow of air as it moves in and out of your nose. Combine your breath with the flow of the asanas to find meditation in your movement. And, ultimately, see your breath for what it is: life-force energy entering your body.. Inhale space, exhale tension. Inhale peace, exhale distress. Inhale joy, exhale that which no longer serves you.. Embrace the silence surrounding you and the silence which happens in your mind when you bring your awareness to your breath. This is where the yoga happens. All you have to do is breathe.... G

Have you ever found yourself on Facebook, while sending a text, with the tv on in the background?

Cut that out!

Why are we so afraid of silence?

I've been making an extra effort lately to "unplug" as I've noticed my dependence on technology has increased in the last few months.

Our computers, tv's, and phones become a crutch; something we depend on to amuse us/distract us/fill the silence.

Rather than running away from quiet (and often confronting) time, we need to re-ignite our appreciation for it. When you find yourself using technologies during moments when you could be reading a book, giving your attention to a real, live person, or simply sitting alone - shut your stuff off!

Make silence, and appreciation of the moment, a habit. Break the dependence on your Facebook wall, Twitter feed, and smart phone. Use technology purposefully. When you are just using it to kill time, or to avoid being alone, confront these moments.

Connect with and embrace the silence and stillness around you - these are precious (and often rare) moments! There is a lot to learn about yourself, and the rest of the universe, in the silence that surrounds us.

On that note, I'm shutting off my computer and phone for the night!

Blissfully

G

I use sphinx pose in a lot of my classes. It is not a classic yoga pose (which is why it has no Sanskrit name), but has many great benefits and is an excellent stepping stone to Bhujangasana (cobra) pose!

Sphinx is one of those poses which can feel very strenuous at first, but the more you practice it, the more comfortable it becomes.

Benefits:

Practicing this pose increases the flexibility in the spine and opens the chest and anahata chakra (the energy centre at your chest).  It creates strong erector spinae, which are the mucles running from the base of your skull down to your sacrum. Strengthening these muscles helps us to have nice posture.  This pose also provides a gentle stretch for the abdominal muscles and squeezes toxins from the kidneys.

 Getting in to the pose:

1. Lie down on your stomach. Draw your big toes together, allow your heels to relax to the side. Your legs should be fully relaxed.

2. Lift your chest slightly and bring your forearms in front of your chest, palms facing down. You want your palms, forearms and shoulders in one line; palms and elbows shoulder-width apart and parallel.

3. If there is any tension in your lower back, slide your elbows away from your chest. If your lower back is fine and you want more of a stretch, move your elbows towards your chest.

4. Contract your abdominal muslces and as you inhale lift your chest up and breathe.

5. Keep the back of your head in one line with your spine. Only if your neck is feeling flexible, relax your head back, relax your lower jaw, and breathe.

6. Relax your legs, allowing your lower back to achieve a deeper arch. Draw strength from your upper back. Keep your chest open, shoulders rolling back and down.

Coming out of the pose:

1. Contract your abdominal muscles and as you inhale lift your chest a little higher. As you exhale, slowly slide your elbows to the side, lower your chest down to the floor and keep breathing.

2. Relax in to child's pose.

Easy and safe for anyone to practice (as long as you're not pregnant!). Use this pose to help keep your chest open, your heart chakra light, your back strong, your spine tall.

Blissfully

G