Sensitive as an Eyeball

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Sometimes when we hear of disasters in the world or are faced with our own crises closer to home, a feeling of being overwhelmed can paralyze our ability to act.  When tears and fears become our primary reactions, yoga can help.

My dear Teacher Swami Swaroopananda has described it this way:

He says, "The yogi is as sensitive as an eyeball."

Meaning, when you take a piece of cotton and rub it on your arm it feels pleasant.  On your cheek it is also pleasant.  Rub that same piece of cotton on your eyeball and it is irritating at best, likely even painful.

Many practicing yogis and yoginis will relate to this description.  You may find yourself so acutely sensitive to suffering that at times it becomes debilitating. 

If you're feeling too small to make a difference today, your yoga practice itself may offer some encouragement.

Here are a few suggestions:

Watch this video by Pema Chodron called Loving Oneself and Others:

Read this 3HO Tantric Numerology Forecast for May 2015

Chant these mantras by Deva Premal and Miten or listen to the Hanuman Chalisa.

Finally, in life and in your asana practice, focus on what you can do rather than what you can't.

As it says in the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 40:

"Nothing is wasted on this yoga path.  Even the slightest effort saves one from the greatest turmoil."

Relieving Anxiety with Yoga

Cat Pose (upward facing)

People of all ages can suffer from anxiety.  Even very young children and people who seem to "have-it-all".

If you're feeling like you could use a breather today, take it!

Find a quiet spot and practice your favorite breathing exercise, meditation, or yoga asanas.  Listen to your favorite music or spend time with a good friend.  Pick up your paintbrush, or your guitar or your walking shoes and take some time for you!

Cat Pose (downward facing)

Not sure where to begin?

Check out these tips, postures and meditations for managing anxiety from Yoga Journal.

Or these 9 tips from the Art of Living Foundation.

Or these 10 poses from care2.

Relax.  And let yourself enjoy it.  You deserve it.

I Missed Stress Awareness Day?!?

Stormy Seas and the Waves of the Mind...

OMG!  Yesterday was National Stress Awareness Day in the States, and I am currently FREAKING out because I missed it and I feel like it was my responsibility as a dedicated yoga teacher and blogger to inform and assist you in dealing with your stress and I missed it and I feel like a failure and I don't know what I could possibly do to help you anyway and my stomach is twisting and my jaw is clenching and my fingers are typing out of control and...

Ok, I'm exaggerating... a bit... but you know the feeling, right?

Studies show that millions and millions of North American adults describe themselves as "stressed", in fact, more than 40 million in the United States alone!

We've all gotten so used to "being stressed out", I'm afraid its become the new "normal".

Ironically, it seems like if you don't answer, "Busy, tired, stressed..." when someone asks you how you are, they think there's something wrong.

But you yogis and yoginis know how detrimental both acute and chronic stress are to our lives and well-being, and how important it is to relax.

So, no procrastinating!  (Cuz that's bad for your health too!  See:  Why You Shouldn't Procrastinate Reading This Post)

Instead of worrying about whether or not this post is "on-time" or "perfect", I'm just going to pass on a few links (like this one: Latin Times: 10 Best Ways to Fight Stress), post it as-is and head over to the Free People Blog to make some of this Essential Oil Blend to Relieve Stress and Anxiety!

Update*

I didn't have the Ylang Ylang Essential Oil called for in the recipe above, so in the yogic spirit of "Adapt, Adjust, Accomodate" (thanks Swami Sivananda) I substituted Thai Jasmine.

Jasmine calms the mind and the nervous system, balances the emotions and hormones.  It is said to be uplifting, intoxicating, soothing, revitalizing and even aphrodisiac!

The resulting blend is meditative, exotic and a slightly heady but I bet it would be great in a relaxing before-bed bath or massage.

What do you think?  Do you use essential oils?  What are your favorite ways to de-stress?

Feel free to share your most effective strategies in the comments below.

Balancing Body and Mind

This week, I was invited to meet with Dr. Alan Carroll, the Clinical Director of the Child Psychiatric Unit at the Glenrose Hospital. 

We were discussing yoga for children with anxiety and other severe psychiatric conditions. 

When Dr. Carroll made reference to a report from the University of Tel Aviv linking anxiety and balance in children, I had to learn more! 

I'm so fascinated that I'd like to share an excerpt from their study with you here.

Mind Out Of Balance, Body Out Of Balance

ScienceDaily (Jan. 22, 2009) — Many of the 40 million American adults who suffer from anxiety disorders also have problems with balance. As increasing numbers of children are diagnosed with anxiety, Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered that the link between balance and anxiety can be assessed at an early age and that something can be done about it before it becomes a problem.

You can read more at: Sciencedaily.com

Tel Aviv University (2009, January 22). Mind Out Of Balance, Body Out Of Balance. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 15, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2009/01/090122141226.htm