Yoga With Pamela McDowell

Smokers have mastered something many of us are striving to attain – a regular daily practice.

Mind you, many of them have decided the practice of smoking no longer serves them.

But for those who continue to smoke, you can capitalize on the practice.

And nonsmokers, never fear, there is something for you in here too. (And no, I’m not going to suggest you take up smoking.)

This goes back to my client mentioned in a previous post…

Yoga in Your Everyday Activities

She was upset about not practicing enough, and we identified a few things she did daily that she could turn into a sort of yoga practice.

One of those was smoking.

This client doesn’t take much quiet time, but she is very consistent with her smoke breaks – going outside for sunshine, fresh air, and a smoke.

She also tends not to pay much attention to her breathing in her day-to-day activities, and often finds herself holding her breath.

But each of these smoke breaks is an opportunity for her to pay attention to her breath – simply noticing the inhale and exhale with each puff of a cigarette.

Perhaps even paying special attention to the feel of the cigarette, the process of lighting it, and in the end putting it out.

…And possibly even bringing those smoke breaks to a gradual halt, transforming them to simple breaks to relax and breathe without the nicotine.

Nonsmokers: Have you ever noticed that serious smokers are pretty regular about their breaks?

Are you?

If not, why? Is it because you think you’ll be more productive if you skip your breaks?

Or if you’re a computer worker, do you spend your breaks online or playing computer games, sitting in much the same way you do during your work time?

Take a cue from the smokers and get up, move a little, and look outside. If you’re adventurous, go outside.

Notice your breathing, stretch, do some yoga or EFT. Relax and enjoy for a while.

And like a smoker, take your breaks regularly.

Other ways to put the breaks on:
Chocolate Meditation
Rest for a Moment
Are You Rushing Through Your Yoga Practice?

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Tags: Yoga Motivation, Yoga Practice Tips, Yoga Techniques //