Mountain Views News          Saturday, April 6, 2013

12

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

 Mountain Views News Saturday, April 6, 2013 


HOW CAN YOGA HELP 

PEACEFULNESS 
WITHIN

ene 
Have you ever have a thought that runs around in your head causing restlessness? Or an antsy 
feeling that you cannot shake? Maybe just a lack of focus that leaves you moving from one task to 
the next with out really getting anything done? The clear remedy is meditation. But how can you 
posssibly meditate at a time like that? You can’t even sit still. Well, at least this is my problem. When 
I have something on my mind it is impossible to get settled and clear. In yoga the way we look at this 
is that our prana, or energy, is dispersed. We need to collect and direct the energy then focus. 

 Thank heaves there is a quick solution to this. First, notice how you feel then start in Tadasana 
(mountain pose), standing. Distribute the weight evenly through your feet side to side, front to back. 
Engage your front thighs and drop your tail bone toward the floor. Pull your belly in, draw your 
shoulders on to your back and feel the crown of your head move up to the sky. The whole body is 
active. The eyes stare at a spot. Smooth the breath. With the body still as a mountain, continue to 
smooth and refine your breath. See if you can now make the exhale longer than the inhale. Maybe 
count the inhale for 3 and exhale for 6. Do this for several rounds of breath. Now inhale your arms 
up to the sky and swan dive out over your legs, bending your knees until you touch the floor. Keep 
this same breath pattern, careful not to pull on your low back. Stay for 5 breaths, still with the exhale 
twice as long. Inhale all the way back rolling one bone at a time, knees bent. Stand in mountain pose 
again. Keep all of your attention on this breath. Do this whole thing 5 times. You could do it seated 
as well, folding at the hips. Just make sure there is no strain in your back. Keep the back straight and 
the shoulder blades together, knees bent. Then notice how you feel. You should have more peace with 
in. The energy should be a little better.

 Imagine how it could be after a whole class. Pay attention and notice the differences. They are 
profound. These are the first steps to finding peace within. You have to master the energy. It’s all up 
to you. 


See you in class. Namasté, René