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As we all continue our social distancing, and during those cherished walks outside, many are now facing seasonal allergies on top of everything else!  Our yoga practice can help to relieve symptoms, and also help reduce the intensity of future attacks.

Patanjali speaks of pains that can and should be avoided are the ones that are yet to come. PYS 2.16   We should do everything to bolster up our breathing systems when we are well – like making an insurance payment.

Patanjali also says that labored breathing along with sorrow, despair, and an unsteady body will distract our efforts to know our consciousness.   PSY 1.31 Even more reason to keep up our asana and pranayama practice.  Less sorrow, despair, shaky body, or labored breathing seems like a good thing to work on now and always.

Continue reading “Seasonal Allergies – as if we didn’t have enough to contend with!”

Not much about the future is certain right now.  All of us face worrying about those we love and their health. All of us are worried about what “return to normal” will look like.

As the safe shelter at home lifestyle continues we could use some internal heroics and a boost to our fortitude.  Virabhadra is a powerful warrior in Hindu mythology.  The name is derived from the Sanskrit vira, meaning hero, and Bhadra, meaning friend.  Let’s do a practice dedicated to being strong and friendly heroes.

Continue reading “Let’s Turn Worriers into Warriors”

Let’s Practice Baddha Konasana and Upavistha Konasana.

These two poses settle our awareness in the base of the torso and pelvic floor. The hips and the  muscles surrounding the hips as well as the abdominal organ all benefit from these poses.  Stiffness in the hips and the leg muscles surrounding the pelvis present quite a challenge to becoming adept in these asanas. A lot of anxiety and difficult emotions seem to live in the pit of our core. All yoga poses work on so many levels; but these two especially seem to magically help relieve confusion and fear, which seems to originate or reside in the belly.

By lying down with the legs up the wall we can investigate our resistance with the support of the floor and the wall.  When practicing them seated we must work strongly to lift the spine; while also working to lift the chest making it broad and expansive. Showing back-bone while remaining open-hearted is just what we all need in difficult times.

Continue reading “Be Open-hearted, show some Back-bone”