As Smart As A Cat

We are encouraged on TV to be “as smart as a fifth grader.”  How about being as smart as a cat?  Every morning Tika runs from the garage where she sleeps into the kitchen and right to her dish of water.  After a good fill she darts down the hallway for her morning workout before plopping in the middle of the hallway for a good yoga stretch and a belly rub.  Then, while we read scriptures, she will either sit and wash her face or just perch on my lap with her paws folded.  

When I finish my yoga workout I find Tika sprawled out next to me in a yoga position.  How much healthier would we be if we followed Tika’s routine; drink water, do yoga, wash up and read scriptures?  A simple yoga routine can change the way you feel all day.  

The definition of yoga is to “yoke body, mind and spirit.”  The first and most important step in yoga is breathing.  Of course, we breathe all day and all night, but how often do we breathe deeply and on purpose?  Just taking twenty deep breaths through your nose with mouth shut first thing in the morning can energize you to start your day.  Any time you need a break, focus on the present and breathe deeply a few times.  It lifts your spirits and you didn’t know you were doing yoga.  I am trying to teach Tika to do that.

Of course, there are numerous yoga poses for your body that will help you feel better and build new brain cells, too.  I will tell you more about that later.  In the meantime, let’s be as smart as Tika Cat and take a few intentional deep breaths several times a day.  www.gobodhiyoga.com

Let's do YOGA!

Yoga comes from the ancient Auyravedic tradition of India in 1500 BC.  About seventy years ago it was introduced to the US and since then has become very popular.  It is almost a sport in some studios.  Personally, I prefer to follow a more traditional way of doing yoga which makes it slow and meditative in form.  I find that it is actually a bit more taxing on my body and strengthens me more by following this sort of practice as well as making it more meditative. 

Asana is the Sanskrit word for Posture.  Let’s stand up and get started with a simple forward fold.  That sounds easy enough, doesn’t it?  It is important to me that my posture is supportive of what I am doing in each movement so I won’t injure myself while I am doing the poses.  I believe it is helpful to learn how to do the poses correctly from the start for that very reason.  

I plant my feet on the floor hip width apart and I pay attention to how I stand.  I place my feet straight ahead putting pressure on the ball of my big toe.  I push the feet apart as if I am tearing the mat.  It will probably feel like you are pigeon toed but it will put your knees in line with your hips and everything will work together better.  Take my word for it. 

I let myself bend forward all relaxed like a rag doll.  I hang there for a few seconds and let my head swing into little yes movements.  Then I like to grasp my calves and pull myself into an even deeper fold.  I love how that feels.  I take a deep breath in and let it out as I grasp my ankles and straighten my back.  This is a standing forward arch.  I breathe in, coming up slowly bringing my arms up overhead with fingers spread.  I close my fingers into a prayer position and come down to my heart.  Two more times I reach up and then back to my heart.  I breathe in as I reach up.  Once more.  Look, you’re doing yoga.  Who knew it could be so easy?  www.gobodhiyoga.com

BREATH, The Very Foundation of Yoga

I think you would agree that our health is the most important aspect of our lives and yet, most of us don’t pay much attention to it until it fails us in some way.  The reason I practice yoga is because I am committed to having the highest quality of life until my last breath, and to enjoy the process.  

I admire people who run or participate in sports to help maintain a healthy body.  I was never good at sports or running.  I have done a lot of walking over the years, however, it wasn’t until I was introduced to yoga about 15 years ago, around age 62, that I fell in love with an activity that helps keep me healthy and happy.  

Let me give you a small sample of what, why and how you could start practicing yoga on a regular basis.  Sit on your mat or the floor in 'easy pose', with your legs crossed.

The most important thing we do every day is to breathe and yet most of us use very little of our lung capacity.  Let’s all take three deep breaths right now.  Breath is the very foundation of yoga.  All of the movements we make in yoga are accompanied by deliberate and focused breathing.  

How are you feeling right now?  Let’s take three more deep breaths, but this time I want you to relax your shoulders.  Place your hands palms up on your knees, straighten your spine and lift your chin as if your head is dangling from a thread.  In order to breathe deeply your belly will expand.  I like to relax and close my eyes.  Pay attention to how you are feeling.  

Now breathe to the very bottom of your lungs to the count of four and do it three times.  How do you feel now?  This is just the beginning of yoga.  There are several other types of breathing that will not only help you in your yoga practice but will bring more oxygen into your blood and especially to your brain.  Some methods are energizing and some are calming.  Let's face it, breathing just makes you feel better.  www.gobodhiyoga.com

There Is More To Yoga Than 'Just Yoga'

Patanjali, a sage in India who lived 200 to 800 B.C. is considered the “Author of Yoga”.  In the process of compiling the precepts of yoga, he lists “The Eight Limbs of Yoga.  These are eight aspects of the practice which work together to effect the spiritual, emotional and physical parts of all who practice yoga.  I will quote some of these aspects from my training manual at Bodhi Yoga.    www.gobodhiyoga.com

1. Integrity:  Yama-ethical precepts of non-violence, honesty, chastity and non-covetousness.  
2. Surrender:  Niyama-observing personal practice of cleanliness of thought, contentment, self-study, fervor for the subject and surrender of all thoughts and actions to God.  
3. Practice:  Asanas-This is the sanskrit word for posture; referring to yoga postures.  A process where the “body and mind move in harmony”.  Further interpretation of the word also carries the meaning of being steady and joyful.  

Integrity, Surrender and Asanas, (the actual practice of postures) are just three of the aspects of yoga.  I will share the other five aspects later.  For now, take time to consider the deeper meaning yoga can have for you as you enjoy the benefits of this ancient and joyful practice.