Day #8 - Opening Limitations

I have to admit I was extremely excited about my yoga practice this morning. I woke up looking forward to it. I can't even remember the last time I've felt this way. It was like one of Shiva Rea's DVDs was calling to me. This Free Flow Vinyasa was all my body wanted. The funny thing is I have only done this DVD once before. I remember it being amazing but I didn't remember any of the details.

My hips are one of my "problem" areas. They are usually tight, and with the running I've been doing they have been even tighter. I've been experimenting on my mat trying to get deep enough in the hips to feel that tightness release. However, nothing was doing the trick... until today. This DVD is the best hip opening practice I've done in a long time. My joints feel mobile and energized.

The DVD is different from the other Shiva DVDs I have. It's a recording of a class so it flows very nicely. The other DVDs have lots of segments that you can put together in any sequence you like. I love the options they offer but it the experience can seem a bit choppy. This one, however, takes me back to practicing with Shiva in training. My body comes alive as she seamlessly guides me through a practice filled with preparation for change in life.

I highly recommend this DVD for anyone that wants to branch out in your yoga practice. Your hips will thank you. Happy hip opening!

Feeling Stuck & the Need For Change

I’ve been feeling very stuck in my life for a while now. There are many aspects that I desperately need to change. However, they all seem to have external factors that are making it hard for me to progress (i.e. the free will of others, economy, etc.) Despite awareness of these factors, at times I still feel the need for change as strongly as the need for air. I find myself gasping inside for something to give way.

Since I do not feel like I can make the big changes right now, I asked myself what small changes I can make. What little things can I do now to bring the energy of change into my life? I had a few answers to this question but even these small steps can seem daunting at times. Then, this morning, it came to me… the smallest step of all, something that I can change at any moment, my breath!

I decided to give it a try. When I started to feel that pressure brewing inside, I took in a nice deep breath and let it out. An instant wave of calm came over me, followed by a feeling of recognition that I do have control of something in my life right now! From there, I began to even out my breath by inhaling to the count of three and exhaling to the count of three. With each breath I could feel my body and thoughts relaxing as I came to the realization that I always have control AND the ability to change.

TRY IT YOUSELF
Take a minute or two to try this exercise. If you work on this a few times a week it will become more of a habit for you. Then, the next time you are feeling panicked or stuck, the thought “wait, breathe” might pop into your head, creating a moment for you to pause and take control of the situation.

1. Start by sitting in a comfortable position and begin to become aware of your breath.


2. Take a nice deep inhale, exhaling through your mouth with a little force, letting go of thoughts, tensions, and judgments, as you empty your lungs completely. You can do this a few times until you begin to feel centered and grounded.


3. Now return to the natural pace of your breath. Count the pace of your natural inhale. To do this, inhale without force as you count 1, 2, 3, 4 … the number you reach as you gently come the top of the inhale is your pace number. (Most people will be around a two or three.) Now use that number to pace your breath evenly. If you inhale to a count of two, then exhale to a count of two. (Note: this number might be different at different times. For example, if you are stressed it might be a one or two, when you normally are a three.)


4. Continue to breathe at your even pace as long as you would like. You may notice a calming or relaxing affect as you continue. If you feel you need to relax a little further you can try adding one count to you pace number; so if you are breathing comfortably at a count of two, try three.


5. When you are finished, place one hand over your heart, smile, and honor yourself for creating this moment.