This is a subject that was on my mind for awhile, but more prominently so today. I was crossing the street on a green light, when a car literally whizzed by -turning right, 10 seconds away from knocking me over like a bowling pin. It was obvious that they wanted to make the green light, but at what cost? As it is, the street has 5 schools on it and so is a 30km/hr zone, not 50 or 60 which is what the average person does-unless the cops are out on a sting operation. Then, it is slow and steady, well, slower and steadier, until one feels free from radar detection.
Most people hit the ground running in the morning. The pace of today is speedy, crammed, and continuous. In the yoga sutra 1.2 , Patanjali says: “yogascittavrttinirodhah” which is understood as “yoga is the ability to direct and focus mental activity”. In other words to tame the mind. It needs taming because it is like a wild monkey!
So basically if this racing mind is what is driving you, you may tip the speed limit, and that has obvious repercussions. Maybe you are also someone who grips the wheel, clenches your teeth, drops your head and shoulders forward…? At any rate, those are habits that wind up causing headaches, stiff necks, back pain and more! The issues are in the tissues! Yes, the racing mind never drives the speed limit.
So what can you do? Well, there are a few things you can try. Try to wake up a few minutes earlier- not to loud music or CNN but something quieter and melodic. Ease into a rhythm by taking a few centring breaths. Set your coffee or tea up the night before so it is readier for enjoyment. Make a to -do list so you are organised rather than frantic…Try a few yoga poses and a short meditation, a walk outdoors, read something uplifting, spend a few quiet moments alone and count your blessings,..
Learning how to tune in to your own inner rhythm and relax is a skill set that has side benefits throughout your day. Having a more inspired mindset and feeling connected to yourself is really powerful awareness. Maybe you will get into the car, use the headrest, relax your shoulders, turn the ignition, and be driven by an alert relaxation which is really preventive medicine, not only against speeding tickets, but other health concerns.
The Essence of Yoga, Bernard Bouanchaud
Rana Waxman is a registered yoga therapist ERYT-500, with 20 years of teaching experience. Rana is a freelance writer and social media expert in addition to leading yoga workshops internationally and teaching alignment focused private and group Yoga Lessons in Hoboken and Jersey City NJ.
