Ten Reasons to do Yoga!
by GrowingFlowers
People who do yoga have done it for much longer than I have and are, definitely, seriously hipper than I am. Nonetheless, I now count myself among those who love yoga. I love it so much. I am so new to it, it’s almost embarrassing. But I crave it and feel, even, addicted to it. I belong to a small community studio. I pay one fee for the entire month and I can go as many times as I would like. This is a great way to do it, as it motivates me to go more often. It’s a sweet, airy studio with high ceilings, light wooden floors, one lamp, a small altar and all the brightly colored yoga accessories piled neatly in one corner. Treska enjoys doing it with me and Kaya – well I am in the process of bribing Kaya to do it with me. It’s true. I know, it’s not the most honorable parenting technique, but it does work. I know, for sure, that I cannot force her to do it. That would result in a serious power struggle, a grumpy face and too much resistance. I will save that for the cleaning of the bathroom, or the putting away of the laundry. I would like her to discover the joy Yoga can bring. So I am bribing her until I don’t have to anymore!
This evening, however, I didn’t have to bribe her at all. We had a blast taking these pics on our way up to the hot springs.
Ten Reasons I do Yoga
- During the one and a half hours of the class, my mind is still. I am focused on the present, feeling my body and my breath. When thoughts creep in to my mind, I gently push them aside and focus, again, on my body. (Or I try to!)
- It strengthens my muscles. I don’t do much of any exercise on a regular basis. I do work hard, physically, in the birth room sometimes and I hike a lot – but this really tones and strengthens my body.
- It opens the rib cage, the hips and the heart. The stretching, the deep, deep opening poses clear blocked passages. It allows a flow of energy through the body that I can really, really feel!
- It boosts the immune system.
- Yoga reduces cortisol and adrenalin levels in the body. Very good for midwives and anyone in high stress livelihoods.
- It improves circulation and is great for your heart.
- Calms the spirit
- Gives mental clarity and balance – this helps with problem solving. When your mind is calm, the answer will come.
- Endorphins!
- It feels sooooo good and looks so beautiful. A reason by itself.
So I will continue to do my best and I hope my girls will join me. I wish I had begun a long, long, long time ago. As it is, I enjoy being a beginner and having my yoga teachers instruct me and gently push and prod my body into different poses. I walk out of my yoga class feeling positively glowing. I did it all throughout the winter and took a two month break in the summer – a pause I wish I hadn’t taken. I am back on track and I will reap the rewards – the endless bounty of having a stronger body.
oh – plus I sleep much better after a yoga class. Deeper and sweeter. Good Night!
