1.24.2009

Guided Imagery: What can it do for you?

As we practice yoga, each person moves through a series of asanas (postures) that engage the body and breath. However, we always contrast this activity at the end of each yoga class by finding ourselves in corpse pose, allowing the mind and body to clear and relax. Finding this calm and relaxing place allows us to encounter stillness and return to our life refreshed.

In the upcoming weeks and months of class, I plan to incorporate occasional guided imagery into the final moments of class. What is guided imagery? According to web md, this thought process is based on the fact that your mind and body are connected. Guided imagery is a program of directed thoughts and suggestions that guide your imagination toward a relaxed, focused state.

In some cases it may allow the subconscious mind to present discoveries and itself to the conscious mind. At other times, it is simply a way to see where we are and where we would like to be, carving out time and space for our imagination to flourish. In the hectic velocity of modern life, these moments of reflection and creativity may not be able to surface so easily. Through this process, I hope to help nourish the dreams and realizations of each yoga participant.

By the way, be sure to check out the new Barefoot Fitness Web Page to see our schedule, videos of some major yoga poses (featuring Emily Morris), and more!

Namaste,
Kat

1.14.2009

Bringing Yoga to Work.

Today was a day off, sort of, I didn't teach 100+ rambunctious students so anything is pretty relaxing compared to that. From 8 to 11 am we had teacher meetings and a water quality presentation, then from 11 on, entering grades and getting ready for the new semester. I kinda overdid it. I could have left at 1pm because I had special permission, but I just kept doing more. I moved a large tree that weighs about 100 pounds. Really I did, I had to slide the pot onto a big flattened cardboard box and haul it across the room. Then I wanted a table up front and hauled/slide that, probably weighs 50 pounds and went about 40 feet, I have a lengthy science room. Whew. Exhaustion. My left arm was already a little sore from falling at my soccer game, I won't go into why a yoga lady fell kicking a free kick with no one anywhere near ;) I'm trying to figure that one out right now, definitely a lack of mind body connection at that moment!

Many of us can get into a zone at work. We soldier on, trying to get things done or squeeze to much into a short time frame. If we bring breathing to work, we bring yoga. Any time you find yourself rushing or stressing or just overdoing it, try this.

If you're sitting a lot at work, stand up in mountain, and if you're moving around a lot, take a load off, maybe even sit on the floor if you have a comfy spot. Close your eyes, and breath slowly. Think of a calm friendly place in your head and imagine yourself there. Maybe a sunny boardwalk, or a garden filled with beauty. Imagine this for at least 10 breaths, your self is going to resist your self and try to let your mind wander, but stick with it and you will let go at least a little. Let me know how it goes if you try this and if it works for you!

Namaste,
Kat

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