Yoga With Pamela McDowell

Think back to a time you were feeling upset, frustrated, angry or confused…

Pick the first situation that comes to mind and think about it briefly.

Notice for a moment your body’s response to that memory…

…Notice the rate and depth of your breathing, how much much muscle tension you feel, how clear your mind is and any other bodily sensations.

Now, think back to the a time you were feeling relaxed and peaceful.

How does your body respond to that memory?

Once again, notice
the rate and depth of your breathing,
how much much muscle tension you feel,
how clear your mind is
and any other bodily sensations.

I’m betting you noticed a difference.

Perhaps you noticed some muscle contraction, restricted or shortened breath, uncomfortable feelings in your stomach or throat, or mental fog as you remembered being upset.

And when remembering being relaxed you may have felt easier breathing, less muscle tension and more mental clarity. A little more… spacious.

Now which of these states do you prefer? Which one do you think allows you to be at your best – mentally, physically, emotionally?

I’m hoping you picked the more relaxed state. (If not, please comment below – I’d like to hear your response.)

In the more relaxed state, you may find it easier to choose how you respond to the world around you.

In your “stressed out” state your responses are often conditioned and programmed. Sometimes those programs are not how we’d like to behave (how many times have you regretted saying something once it left your mouth).

In the “relaxed” state you have more opportunity to choose your action… to be kind instead of critical, to be friendly instead of insensitive… to really interact with the world.

Wouldn’t it be nice to feel calm, relaxed and peaceful whenever you want?

The blessing (and the curse) is that situations and events don’t stress us out, our reactions to those situations and events – and even our reactions to our thoughts.

One of the first steps is to bring awareness to your feelings…

Start by noticing throughout the day if you are feeling stressed out, angry, anxious, worried, confused, frustrated or if you are feeling calm, relaxed, peaceful, loving, or joyous.

Notice without judgment… just observe.

Notice how how your emotional feelings make you feel physically.

Also notice if your response to some event or mental activity put you in that frame of mind.

And notice how you are responding to the world around you.

That’s it for now… just notice.

In a later post I’ll explore some ideas for cultivating those empowering, peaceful states.

A little relaxation could improve your brain chemistry:
How to Benefit from the Yoga-GABA Study

Trading the stock market for yoga:
Stock Market Yoga

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Tags: Health Tips, Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Practice Tips //