optimism

be optimistic

 

 

Attitude can be like a fork in the road, we can choose which direction to go.  If things are going well, it is easier to choose to be positive.  True courage and strength come from choosing optimism, even in the face of adversity.  This is a lesson my Teacher repeated to me…so today, even if it is not so easy, BE OPTIMISTIC…why not? He always says, “what is yours will come to you” and we always added the mantra “Thy Will”.

If you come across someone who needs a lift, share this affirmation with them.

The “ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha” breath can be very encouraging as a tool – try it 🙂

fabulous

fabulous

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, it is definitely the season where everyone I speak with wants a new wardrobe, people are tired of winter (here anyway) and a few folks I know are just plain waiting for new energy to take over their lives. So today, let’s breathe for renewal.  Sit tall, take the hands into prayer pose, inhale as you take the arms overhead, exhale as you bring the arms down and the hands back to prayer pose.  Try this 10 times.  Renew.  Re-energize. Refresh.
 

present moment

I know…but, hey, it is called the present moment!

If your mind is sucking you in like a vacuum cleaner you can try sitting quietly and just breathing for a few moments, or if you would rather be doing something else, can you just get up and do it?

Part of practice involves discipline so maybe if you really need that cookie to distract yourself, stop at one?

bridges

crossing over

 

“asanas act as bridges to unite the body and the mind, and the mind with the soul” ~ BKS Iyengar

my yoga practice builds clarity, dissolves resistance, and helps me move from one place to another

even one conscious breath can connect your mind to your body and this present moment in time

In yoga asana,  “bridge pose” or, (SET-too BAHN-dah)
setu = dam, dike, or bridge
bandha = lock
has many benefits

  • Stretches the chest, neck, and spine
  • Calms the brain and helps alleviate stress and mild depression
  • Stimulates abdominal organs, lungs, and thyroid
  • Rejuvenates tired legs
  • Improves digestion
  • Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause
  • Relieves menstrual discomfort when done supported
  • Reduces anxiety, fatigue, backache, headache, and insomnia
  • Therapeutic for asthma, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and sinusitis

There are many variations, both restorative and more energizing! Use your pose to connect you to better health!

photo