|
ABOUT YOGA > How does
yoga work? To demonstrate the
subtle effects of yoga, try this exercise.
1. Sitting
in your chair, give yourself a good stretch. Raise the arms over head and
stretch the upper body (yawning is encouraged). Now, stretch out the
legs.
2. Take
a moment to get comfortable. Sit up, elongate the spine and relax the
shoulders down away from the ears.
3. Settle into the seat and softly close
the eyes to draw the awareness inward.
4. Place a hand on the belly to help keep the awareness on the
breath. Try to gently direct the breath into the belly so it
expands on the inhalation and pulls in on the exhalation. Take slow deep
breaths that do not feel forced or strained. Allow the inhalation and
exhalation to be the same length ~ about 3 - 5 seconds each. Stay as
relaxed as possible. Whenever the mind wanders off to the to do list ~ gently return the awareness
back to the breath.
5. Try this for a couple of minutes, keeping the awareness on the
breath. Try not to be frustrated with the fluid mind. Just return to the
breath when the mind wanders off. Listen to your own inner wisdom and finish when you are ready to
by slowly opening the eyes.
6. Notice how you feel.
For
some highly stressed people, this simple exercise can be very
challenging. With patience and practice, it becomes easier and a welcome
break during a hectic day.
<< Back ...
to About Yoga main page.
>> Continue ... on to Class
Information.
|
