Photo Source: Nicholas_T, Flickr, Creative Commons

"This most excellent of all asanas, Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend), makes the breath flow through the Sushumna, rouses the gastric fire, makes the loins lean, and removes all diseases." Hatha Yoga Pradipika,
Chapter 1, verse 29

Although Seated Forward Bend is one of my favourite poses, I do recognize that this pose can be "edgy" for many people. By that I mean it turns on the "angry yoga faces".

Here's how my friend Renee Dumouchel eloquently describes Seated Forward bend:

With no need to effort, push or perform, I lengthen over all that is grounded and supported so that I can begin to let go...

So here's what I've understood about this pose. In Yoga therapy it is said that the hamstrings are where we store control. How we control or environment, our relationships, ourselves shows up in the backs of our legs. If this is true then wouldn't it be redundent to try to control control by forcing ourselves into this pose or demanding a particular outcome?

Consider that the ultimate test in letting go lies here (or sits here), in this pose. To really get somewhere in this pose , you must first be OK with getting nowhere in particular. There must be an acceptance of where you are now, and trough that acceptance the process of change can begin. Tricky, tricky...

Here's how to approach the pose:

Find your edge: fold forward slowly and stop when you find that place where a little more sensation would be too much and a little less just wouldn't capture your attention.

Accept support: Use support if you need it (pillows, blankets, bolster). A little support goes a long way!

Notice with curiosity: Close your eyes and be curious about what it's like to be at this edge. Find a way to notice what's happening in your body (and beyond) without trying to fix or change anything that you notice. Wonder to what extent you can allow your experience to be just as it is, in that moment.

Let go - Allow your breath to be present. Take a Falling Out Breath - inhale through your nose and let it fall out through your mouth like a sigh.... Ahhhh....

Try it out! See what happens....

Benefits of Seated Forward Bend:
Lengthens and strengthens hamstrings
lengthens spine
opens chest, shoulder girdle and arms
grounding and calming
offers an opportunity to surrender or let go

For a more detailed description of the pose check out Yoga Journal's page.

Lets get emotional!

In my experience, my Yoga practice is a safe place to not only explore my physical edges, but my emotional edges as well.

If you’re interested in the emotional aspect of Yoga, check out Dr. Melissa West‘s blog “The Yoga of Emotions“. She raises some interesting self-exploration questions.

By being present to all we discover in our emotions we are able to observe, recognize and validate each emotion that rises within us. From that spacious place of awareness and acceptance then and only then do we have the gift of choice. At any moment we are choosing for some emotions and against other emotions. What motivates us to choose certain emotions? Where do our choices for certain emotions and against other emotions coming from? What emotions do you choose to keep in the dark? What emotions do you choose to shine light on? How are you choosing to be with your emotions in this moment? Will you choose more of the same, or something different?

Dr. West invites you to explore your emotions on the mat. Over the next eight weeks, you can practice with her on Namaste Yoga (free on-line classes) as she shines light on fear, sadness, anger, calmness, courage, wonder, joy and love through meditation, the movement of our bodies in asana and breath practice with pranayama.

Kids Know Best

What I love about Children is that they keep it simple.

Yesterday, during my Kids Yoga class, I asked the children what they felt Yoga was. The little girl answered: “well I know it’s all about breathing”. And then she took a big falling-out-breath. So true, so true. Love it!

So if you think you don’t have time to practice Yoga, you do! Keep it simple. Just stop what you’re doing and take a big inhale in through your nose and let it fall out through your mouth, like a sigh…. Ahhhh! Try it a few times, and notice what happens.

Practice done! No poses required, just a little awareness. Kid’s are so smart!

Put Your Legs up!

Yogis claim that Legs-Up-The-Wall pose will cure any ailment.

I've recommended this poses so many times this week, that I thought it would be a good one to share with you. I often use this pose as a way to cure insomnia. When I can't sleep, I literally flip myself around on my bed, put my legs up the wall and notice my breath come in and out. And... Ta Da! Presto! I'm back to sleep. I highly recommend it over the old counting sheep method.

Yoga Journal writes that Legs-Up-The-Wall pose is good for almost anything that ails you including:

• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Digestive problems
• Headache
• High and low blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Migraine
• Mild depression
• Respiratory ailments
• Urinary disorders
• Varicose veins
• Menstrual cramps
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Menopause

Check out the whole article for a more detailed explanation of this pose. Then, try it out! See what happens.

Befriending My Body

Photo Source: joshDubya, Flickr, Creative Commons

In my practice this week, I've been exploring the question: What kind of relationship do I have with my body?

In the past, I would say that my body and I had nothing short of an abusive relationship. My life at the time was all about Mountain Biking and Snowboarding, and I could not have given a rat's behind about what my body had to say regarding my lifestyle choices. If my knees hurt, I would tape them. If my back hurt, I’d pop a few pills. Basically, anytime my body screamed, I would plug my ears and sing "La La La".

Then one day my body said: "Stop! Listen missy! I won’t let you do anything you love until you pay attention!” And so the riding stopped, my heart slowed down, and I began to listen.
For the first time I wondered “What does my body need? What do I need?” And that’s when Yoga showed up at my front door and took me on my crazy inner-journey.

"The most profound pilgrimage I can ever make is within my own body". Saraha

Yoga has taught me to honor my body just as it is, in the moment. It showed me that, if I really take the time to listen and be curious, all I need to know, about my body and my Self, is available to me. While my mind shoots out an insane amount of unrealistic advice, my body has simple and practical solutions for me to apply in my daily life. By listening to it, I stay present and open not only to what's happening for me physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

“Though at times we look for outside sources to guide us, somewhere deep inside we know that we must slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and listen to our own inner voice.” Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy

Today my body and I are like old friends. We know each other very intimately, we piss each other off periodically, and we love each other regardless. Thank-you old body, old friend. You’ve brought me joy and wisdom in the most unexpected ways.

What has been my most significant learning through all these years of practice?
Less is more and consistency is the key. A short, simple practice everyday, with the intention of getting acquainted with my body, has helped me feel so much more anchored in my life.

Here's my favourite way to "befriend my body". I invite you to try it out and see what happens.

Conscious Bubble Bathing!

• Ease yourself into the full tub.
• Sit and allow yourself to breathe. Nothing to do, nowhere to go…
• Enjoy the bath and be present to it. (10 minutes or longer...)

I leave you with my favourite reading to take with you as you soak in the tub:

"My old friend. My dear faithful body. How you’ve stood by me my whole life! Supporting my movements and strength, providing a solid structure with which I walk the earth. You have been with me through heaven and hell, ceaselessly serving me well. My dear old friend. My body. How may I now serve you?" Source unknown

And back to Fall...

Well kids! It's been a while since my last post. Sorry.... Lots has happened in my little world. I have now moved my Studio to my home located at 15 View St. Nelson. I am teaching classes and facilitating private sessions here. It's a cute little space. I think you'll all enjoy it.

I have recently launched a little contest to win free tuition to my upcoming Yoga Program (8 classes!). To win you must write a short essay answering the question "what type of relationship do I have with my body?"

Let me tell ya! My relationship with my body is ALWAYS changing. One minute we're best friends, the next minute we're squabbling siblings. It's always "interesting" to check in and actually listen to what my body has to say, and notice to what extent I'm willing to really listen.

I'd love to hear your perspective! Whether you're in Nelson or not, why not share your story?! Who knows what putting it all into words could do for you, and your body!

Send your essays to communityyogatherapy@gmail.com

Peace to you!

Anie Bou