Yoga and Me

PEARLS OF WISDOM,

Yoga does not get easier,  You get better.

Most of the time when I mention to a friend that I do yoga they say something like, “Oh, I could never fold like a pretzel” or “I can’t stand on my head!” Why do we automatically jump to the conclusion that we can’t do something when it is proven to be so good for us? Is it fear of the unknown or the misunderstood.  Fear of failure? Or is it the photos we see of pretty little twiggy girls bent in half smiling that sets an unreachably high bar for us? 

Yoga increases strength, core strength that is so vitally important as we age. Yoga increases flexibility of body and mind.  Yoga reduces stress, improves sleep and respiration.  Yoga does not cost a fortune, and you can start today in your own home.

Let’s dispel a few myths about yoga.

** You do not need to be a twiggy 20 something to do yoga.  Yoga may lead to weight loss and increased efficient digestion.  You can, however, practice yoga with middle-aged pudge.  Yoga is gentle, never forced and if it hurts you’re doing too much.  Everyone progresses at their own pace and should take it one step at a time.  Can’t touch your toes, that’s ok, touch your skins or knees.  Slowly relax and stretch a bit more and work up to it (or down to it, as the case may be)

**You have a bad back or bad knees, can’t get on the floor.  Yoga does not need to be on the mat on the floor.  You can yoga in a chair.  Leg lift and stretch. Twist side to side. Shoulders and neck and worked on.

** You’re too embarrassed to take a class..  Check out your local adult Ed or community center.  They often offer classes that are not in a gym full of twiggies.  If you’re still worried, call and ask what the average age of the class is.  Ask if it is beginner appropriate. Ask what you should bring, mat, water bottle, socks etc.  An added benefit to taking classes at a community center or adult ed is that they are usually low cost.   And if you still can’t bring yourself to go to a public class,,, look on YouTube, free yoga!!

** Your too tired to do yoga, ( a yoga buddy actually said this to me when she missed class)  Yoga will give you energy.  Not a run a marathon type energy but a calm, deep feeling of satisfaction and happiness.  Morning yoga sets the tone for the day. 

Most of us have taken care of family all of our adult life, now we deserve to shift our focus to ourselves.  Heal your body, strengthen your body and open your mind to a new experience 

What Really Matters

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What really matters is not how you look,,,but how you see.

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Anxiety Exercise

How do you handle a situation you dread,?  Does the thought of a social situation put butterflies in your stomach?   What if you have to make a public speech or presentation? Do you make excuses and avoid situations that make you uncomfortable?  

 

We all have situations that we would rather avoid,   sometimes it’s something as simple as not wanting to sit through a family dinner next to weird old uncle Ralph or it could be something as serious as having an outpatient procedure with an uncertain outcome.  The anxiety that is built up before the event can be worse that the event itself!  So what can we do?  We can learn a few coping skills to make our lives much easier.  A few steps are all it takes to have a better perspective.

Let take the example of attending book club.  Now I really enjoy book club, I love to read new and challenging things, I love to hear others peoples thoughts and opinions on the book we all just read.  What I don’t love is when it’s my turn to choose the book and I have to stand up and explain why I’ve chosen this book.  I avoid this night like it’s going to kill me.  I make excuses, I even went so far as to schedule a small vacation on the night it was my turn.  Finally, I realized that I’m going to have to learn how to get myself over this unrealistic feeling of dread.  And I did, and with a few steps, you can use this tool as well.

1.  Determine what it is that is really bothering you.  In this case, it’s the public speaking and judgment of book club.  Make sure you really hone in on the cause, I could also dread the place book club is held, the drive to get there or the time it takes up etc..

2. Now think of the worst possible scenario about the dreaded situation, and I mean worst!  What horrible things could happen at my book club presentation?  I could be laughed at, maybe ridiculed or insulted.  I could get up in front of everyone and pass gas ! 😨 it happens.  What if I trip on my chair getting up and literally fall on my face?  You get the idea, think of all the really bad, I mean really bad possibilities.  Make a list if it helps.

3. Now shift gears and imagine the absolute best scenario possible.  What would be the best most over the top outcome imaginable for the situation?  What if I get a standing ovation after my presentation?  Maybe a bouquet of flowers?  The book club could change its name in order to be named in my honor!  You get the idea, think big and positive.

4. Now, lets think about what’s most likely to happen.  These people are my friends, they too love to read and discuss books, and they are not going to ridicule me or laugh at me.  I won’t fall down and if I did someone would offer me a hand up. I’m sure I won’t get accolades, or bouquets, for my book selection but I will probably get some interest and a little discussion.  This is the realistic most probable outcome and it feels good.

5. Now take steps to make it happen.  I would review a few books to find the best option, wear comfortable shoes so I don’t trip easy, maybe skip burritos for lunch.  Be actively engaged in assuring the outcome that is most likely, will help alleviate the stress of worrying about all of the negative possibilities.  

Live in the now, how are you feeling right now. Is there anything you can do to relieve your anxiety?  Start with some deep breathing. Count 5 seconds in, hold, slowly release.  Repeat this, counting in your mind and relax your body.  Anxiety can be our friend, but it can also make us so very unhappy.  Try the exercise above the next time you are faced with a situation that causes you anxiety and let me know how it helps.

Mindfulness is the art of living in the moment,,,, of paying attention in a particular way,  on purpose,  and non-judgementally.