You too can be this relaxed – here’s Sophia – my relaxation teacher
In the February issue of Yoga Journal www.yogajournal.com I found the best description of why yoga and meditation practice leaves us feeling so good in an article by Rod Stryker:
“Yoga activates your parasympathetic nervous system, thanks to two elements that almost all asana practices have in common – the lengthening and strengthening of musculature and calm, even breathing.
The parasympathetic nervous system is the part of your nervous system that slows you down – it’s responsible for telling your muscles to relax, improving digestion and assimiation, boosting immunity, and helping you sleep better.
It also counteracts many stress-related symptoms and the negative by-products of our modern, fast-paced, high-output lives.”
Wow! And Rod shares that not just any yoga practice does this well. We need to do poses that encourage deep relaxation, hold poses longer as we do in restorative yoga and practice slow and deep breathing. I’m encouraged that our more gentle Ananda practice is especially helpful and healthful for reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Most of my students find that they are able to let go and relax during class or when on retreat, but not when they are at home and moving through their regular routine. Here is my suggestion for you to be able to access some of the relaxation more often.
First of all – give yourself permission. I’m not kidding. We all operate in zoom mode, never feeling caught up or able let go of all that is on our “To Do” list. Schedule a yoga or meditation class regularly, not just as an indulgence. Go for a walk, breathe in the magnificent Spring air, beautiful and vibrant life – go outside!
When was the last time you really relaxed?
When you can’t remember the last time you had vacation – schedule time off! Right now, get out your calendar and schedule at least a full day of goofing off. Remember goofing off? No plans, no obligations, wandering, puttering, falling asleep in the middle of the day with a good book on your chest. Ahhhhh… Better yet schedule several days off and get away. Unplug. With limited vacation funds this year, we are house sitting for friends while they are on vacation, so we can get away and enjoy a lovely home that isn’t ours and where I don’t work.
Remember that activites that lengthen and strengthen your muscles (doesn’t have to be yoga you know – walking, swimming, biking and gardening works too), along with calm even breathing, calms down your parasympathetic nervous system that slows you down, helping you sleep better, feel less anxious, more rested and joyful.
May you give yourself permission to relax today.
With love & many blessings, Becca
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