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Springfield Time
Melbourne Time
Auckland TimeSerenity Now
I turned fifty last July.
That's fifty times around the sun... Let that sink in for a moment.
In one day the average
adult heart beats over 120,000 times. In fifty years, it beats ALOT–more math
than I care to do. Definitely not something to take for granted...
I feel better at fifty
than forty. I attribute this in part to yoga. The gifts of yoga extend
well beyond flexibility, toning, balance and strength. Its benefits include
enhanced focus and creativity, lowered blood pressure and less anxiety. Yoga
enhances heart health.
My favorite pose in yoga
class is final savasana—Corpse Pose. Lying flat, feet relaxed, breath long,
posturing the mind and body to imitate a corpse. A non-yogi may be skeptical,
but if you practice, you understand.
There was a time not that
very long ago, corpse pose was the most difficult for me. I found it unnerving
to lie still and let go. I should be doing something. So I took the
opportunity during final savasana to mentally review my to-do
list—crunch numbers for a loan application, call a customer, run by the grocery
store, schedule a hair appointment, blah blah blah... Serenity Now!!!
Within only a few weeks,
final savasana became the most beneficial part of my yoga practice. Letting
every muscle in the body melt into the floor, freeing the mind to witness
thoughts instead of thinking thoughts. Not awake, not asleep. Still and quiet for fifteen minutes or so—just being.
With the firmness of the
earth beneath me, I feel my body relax and flatten into my mat. A wood flute
plays softly in the background. The clock ticks rhythmically. Inside, energy
from the class fills the room. Outside, the autumn leaves stir and traffic whirs
beyond —busy people, a busy world. For a few moments, I luxuriate within my
tiny spot. My mind empties, clearing space to think and create. Serenity now...
Then, back to writing.
Namaste,
talya
My favorite yoga
studios...
1949 Green Acres
Fayetteville, Arkansas
72703
6337 Prospect
Dallas, Texas 75214
Frank
Costanza: Serenity Now! Serenity Now!
George Costanza: What is that?
Frank Costanza: The doctor gave me a
relaxation cassette. When my blood pressure gets too high, the man on the tape
tells me to say Serenity Now!
George Costanza: Are you supposed to yell it?
Frank Costanza: The man on the tape wasn't specific. (Seinfeld)
***A Big Thanks to Talya, from Grace Grits and Gardening, for sharing her experience with yoga and reminding us of some important things during this busy holiday season!***
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Hugs from the Ladies of Inspiration Cafe
Thanks for posting ladies!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure retiring from the bank didn't hurt! I'm gonna try it one day
ReplyDeleteStaci
True!
DeleteWe love our T! Such an inspiring writer and yogi! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen! Miss you:))
DeleteHi Talya,
ReplyDeleteI have been told by my sister, sister-in-law, Doctor and so many others, how beneficial yoga can be to your health. I think your post finally has me motivated to give it it try. I just hope I can quiet my brain...it's very busy and noisy! Maybe yoga will quiet it down. :)
This is such a wonderful post. Thank you so much for sharing it here, at Inspiration Cafe - such a treat!
Oh, and I plan on using your wine/turkey recipe for Thanksgiving!!!
Thank you!!!
Thank you so much:) Hope you enjoy yoga as much as I...
DeleteTalya, I can just see myself lying on the floor going through MY to-do list when I should be melting and thinking about nothing! Oh my goodness! I love exercise...running, strength training, cardio, but I haven't exercised my ability to let go of everything. That is something I really want to try! I have a yoga story CD that I do with my preschoolers and they LOVE IT! Thanks so much for sharing here at IC again!
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely give it a try. Especially if you work with preschoolers! lol
DeleteTalya I think this is the perfect time for this information! I'll be happy for a little pre-holiday destressing!!
ReplyDeleteWe all need calm this time of year:) Thanks for reading...
DeleteTalya I remember doing this pose many many many years ago - yet I've forgotten all about it....and most of my yoga to be honest. Thank you for this - with 3 kids it seems like I never have quite - and I need a reminder to actually slow it all down and be calm. xx Nat
ReplyDeleteToday I attended a more advanced class. I did side crane post for a split second. And I got into headstand. It felt good to try.
ReplyDeleteYou've convinced me. I'll give this yoga stuff a try :)
ReplyDelete