Today, in the middle of a yoga class of 15 primary children, I was reminded of something incredibly simple and vital to my mental sanity. One breathe. Doesn’t matter what pose, if I only focus on the inhale 1, 2, 3 and the exhale 1, 2, 3, I can feel peace or calmness. Awareness of the class, the mat, and the children, but, still completely calm- one moment at a time.
Admittadly, I am not yet a meditator of any sort- even though I am thoroughly educated on the benefits…but, just the power of stopping and taking a breathe can be so soothing. Yoga is about breathe and as a teacher, I have tended to focus on the sequence but, today, maybe I can offer that bit of calmness to a student?
Try it. I will be.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Angie // Feb 24, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Thaks Rachel! I can relate to this concept of breathing. For the past nine days I’ve been nursing a hip injury, which has contributed to feelings of frustration and self-doubt. I haven’t worked out since the injury, a major frustration contributor, and each step I take is uncomfortable and often painful, making simple chores even more frustating. I found that in my frustration my breath is shallow. So, yesterday, after 40 minutes of limping around in the kitchen trying to prepare a meal, I decided to sit down on the floor in my bedroom and just breathe! I recalled the simple yogi breating technique of plugging one nostrol and taking in slow rhythmic breath, then alternating nostrols. What a difference! I immediately became calm, frustration left my body and for those breathful moments I forgot about my injured hip. It will take many more days before I can get back to working out or walking without discomfort, but I can breathe deeply at any moment to calm and ground myself.
2 Andrea // Mar 10, 2010 at 10:24 am
I love this! Just breathing is sometimes all it takes. Just take that moment.
Another great way to relax and de-stress is by floating. It is like floating in the Dead Sea, but instead you’re in a warm salt water pod! So relaxing, so calming. I definitely recommend it. http://www.floatspasandiego.com
Leave a Comment