By Lori Rogers, owner of Rogers Marketing and Positive Activity
I love the book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, by Robert Fulghum. It is a wonderful book about the “rules” of life that we learn in kindergarten. Fulghum describes actions that we can carry forward all our lives; Saying please and thank you, having a buddy, taking a nap, watch for traffic, live a balanced life, watching out for one another, play fair, and many more. My yoga practice has taught me more “rules” of life.
In yoga we are taught to be present and listen to your breath, stay on your mat and let distractions melt away, stay calm and breath in the storm of heat and sweat and effort, listen to your body and take a break, if you fall out of a pose so what, believe in your own strength and power. The instructors end the class with a positive statement, “Be on your mat today, take what you have practiced with you today”. What does all that mean, I wondered?
After a year of practicing, I began to tune in and really understand that my yoga practice was teaching me new skills and not just a fitness routine. I love the strength and flexibility the practice gives me, but the practice is so much more.
Being Present and Back to Your Breath
In a yoga class we want to stay focused and present in the room, in our postures we connect our mind, body and soul. When other thoughts come to mind, acknowledge them, thank them, “I’ll get back to you later.” and send them on their way. Back to listening to my breath. Off the mat I try to stay focused on the task at hand (writing this article). I try to stay present in a conversation with a friend and really “be” there. (not thinking about my to do list) When working with a client I am connecting to them and their needs and the project at hand. (Not thinking about the laundry pile) It takes practice, just like in yoga; remember we call yoga “a yoga practice”.
Breathe Thru the Storm
Our instructors teach us to breathe through the difficult times. Imagine a hot 95 degree studio, 60 mats side by side in 4 rows, sweat dripping from your forehead down your chin and dropping on your mat, the smell, the grunts, the effort…. oh and stay calm and breath through the intense posture. Your arms are outstretched, your front quad at a 90-degree angle (or close) to the floor, back leg straight behind you doing its best to keep you grounded. Muscles engaged and strong and growing hot and burning …oh and stay calm and breath through the emotions, feelings and slight pain. This too shall pass…boom there it is. I realized I must use this skill in other areas of my life.
