Living the Wisdom of Yoga in Modern Times

The Delusional Yogi: What Are You Avoiding?

Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything” -George Bernard Shaw

 "I am too tall, my arms are too short, my hips are naturally tight,that is not for my body type, I am too old for that , it is impossible for me to straighten my knees etc."  99.9% of the time, it is not true. To have a reason means, you don't have to try. Instead of using yoga to go against your demons  and break through walls, you set up new ones. You gravitate towards teachers, poses  and yoga styles that agree. Thereby remaining safe in your delusion.

As We Think, So Shall We Be. Whatever limitations you set on yourself, they will manifest. For example,  if what you really want to have is tight hips, keep saying it every chance you get to anyone who will listen. Keep practicing poses where you avoid them. Keep making faces and rolling your eyes when the teacher introduces hip openers. Keep being the first one to come out of the poses. Keep leaving class after the standing poses so you can avoid the floor work. 

If you want it to be different, never mention it again. Do the work. Gravitate towards those teachers, styles and poses that are going to result in change.  Be positive. Be courageous!

There is a difference between preference and can't. This post is not about preferences. Everyone has those.  I can drive to New York but I would prefer to fly because it is much quicker and more comfortable.  However, I am not going to say I am allergic to cars to get out of driving.  It is about saying you can't when the real reason is you won't. It is about avoidance via excuses. It is about setting up mental barriers that stunt progress. It is about self fulfilling prophecies. Let your yoga practice propel you towards your dreams and beyond your self imposed blocks. Let it help you grow instead of leave you stagnant.

Video of the Day: The Promise of the Yoga Practice

The Promise of the Yoga Practice: Kino MacGregor at Astanga Yoga Studio from Astanga Yoga Studio on Vimeo.

 

 

To Tired To Practice Yoga: Last minute energy tips

Everybody has those days were they mentally want to practice yoga and know that they will feel great afterwords  but the physical body is dragging a bit. Below are a few ways to give yourself a kick start.

 

Caffeine: There is a huge debate about coffee being a drug and a crutch and its effects on the adrenal glands. Okay. I get it. However, people have been drinking coffee for eons and they don't end up zombies, strung out prostitutes  or in rehab because of it. Coffee gets the job done. Period.

Music: Instant mood lifter.  Don't limit yourself to "yoga" music. Put on your favorite artist that make you wanna dance and bop your head and do your yoga practice to it.

Pranayama: Breathing oxygenates and energizes our cells while pushing out carbon dioxide and other toxins. Ujjayi, Kapalabhti, and  Bhastrika pranayamas are fabulous breathing techniques for lifting energy in the body.

The need for speed: Faster paced asana practices like Power, Ashtanga, and other Vinyasa(flow) derivatives are sequenced to increase prana(energy and life force) in the body.

Just Move and Breathe:Don't give the mind time to spin the "I'm tired" story. Just breathe and move. Don't stop. Just flow and before you know it the hour or so is up.

Fuel: Even though eating and even drinking in some forms of yoga is prohibited before practice, sometimes the body just needs a little fuel to get over the slump. The fatigue may be the bodies cries for nutrients. A few glasses of water and a light nutritious snack just might do the trick.

Pick Me Ups w/ no Caffeine: Many people get a surge of energy from electrolytes, Vitamin C/B12 infused powders and waters, multi-vitamins, Kombucha etc

Just Get On Your Mat: Whatever you do, just get on your mat. Do something.  If you are serious about having a dedicated, consistent yoga practice, you have to make it happen. Getting on the mat is the first step.

 

How Do You Power Up For Your Yoga Practice?

 

Video of the Day:The Effect of Ujjayi Pranayama On The "Lightness" of the body