COO::CONNECTION May 2007
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Who
is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of
others, and in their pleasure takes joy, even as though
'twere his own. - Goethe
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::Essence of Yoga and Meditation::
Getting More by Letting Go
Wouln't
it be nice if we could easily unleash all the reins that hold us back
in life? The first step in letting go is to become aware of what those
reins are, and yoga is just one of the vehicles for accomplishing that. However, we often approach yoga like the way we approach life - the harder we work, the more we get. The result is often a practice that feels more like an aerobics class than spiritual rejuvination. Alternatively, approach life as you would approach yoga - with strength and grace, wisdom and compassion. By softening in your practice, you can cultivate a deeper awareness of your body and mind. Here are some tips on where to let go:
- SHOULDERS - They have a tendency to hike up especially in warrior poses, so consciously let them drop and create space between your shoulders and ears.
- TOES - Instead of gripping with your toes in standing poses, push through the balls of your
feet for more stability. This will also help keep your hips level.
- NECK - Notice if you are keeping tension in your neck during forward bends. Forward bends can be very therapeutic for releasing the stress that many of us hold in our necks.
- SOFTEN YOUR GAZE - You might feel that staring intensely at the wall will help your balance, but try to bring your awareness
inward. Notice where you have to
contract and where you have to relax to maintain your posture. As you become more comfortable in balance
postures, begin practicing with your eyes closed to deepen your awareness.
- RELAX YOUR FACE, specifically the lips, jaw, muscles around the eyes, cheeks,
and forehead. This is critical in shavasana, pranayama, and meditation. Thoughts have a tendency to creep up on us
and they will usually register in the facial muscles before we are even aware
of them.
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