Yoga Nuggets

You have heard it before that yoga is an integration of mind, body, spirit. It takes practice and time for the subtle, yet powerful benefits to embed themselves in the various places of the Self. The physical benefits are usually the first ones that you notice. Truth be told, it is fun to be stronger and in better shape. However, it is the deeper layers of the cellular structure that are not obvious until situations arise that really show what your yoga practice has accomplished. Before I found yoga, I went through a period of having panic attacks. If you have not had one, it is crippling at all levels. The heart starts to feel a slight piercing of a knife in the middle of it. That pierce turns into a tight grip and it feels like the heart is using every ounce of strength to squeeze any blood it can to keep you alive. Your sense of control goes haywire and the energy of fear overtakes every cell. Rational thinking is covered with a dark blanket. You want to escape. The problem is...

Let's use our yoga practice to learn a little more about anatomy. I must confess, I was never that interested in science when I was younger. As I have gotten a little older, experienced a few personal medical challenges, noticed subtle changes each year and the desire to learn has been ignited. Practicing yoga since I was 41 has made a significant impact on my physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Six years later, I am in the best shape I have ever been...ever. So, with that said, let's see what is going on with this ancient practice of yoga. Last article gave a synopsis of the seven chief glands. To keep it simple, (good philosophy, by the way) the first gland to be addressed is the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland is right above each kidney. Their primary function is to release hormones in response to stress. These stress hormones are cortisol, epinephrine and aldosterone. Cortisol and epinephrine get the heart to beat faster, gets the digesti...

The thought of exercise typically implies the strengthening of muscles, burning calories, sweating, making the exterior of the body fit and the heart healthy. Now, most exercises can and do accomplish these issues. But, do you think that is all that really needs some attention? Take your concept of fitness a little deeper. You will see the fitness of even the smallest of "parts" make an impact on the bigger "parts" of the body. These little "parts" are your glands and they play a big role in how you feel and function. First of all, what is a gland? The definition is: "An organ or group of specialized cells in the body that produces and secretes a specific substance, such as a hormone." Translated, the glands in the body release the chemicals that get other internal parts to work at the optimal level. Unhealthy glands, such as the thyroid, have a major effect on your overall well-being. The practice of yoga actually gives it some attention tha...

"No one has the right to consume happiness without producing it." ~Helen Keller So much is said in so few words. If you are not familiar with the law of give and take, it is an important one to know and truly practice. The law of give and take is simple. In order to receive, you have to give. The mindset of expecting to always receive without giving back will backfire at some point. It really does not matter if it is physical or emotional aspects that are involved. You cannot take what you do not give...including happiness. At this time of turmoil in numerous aspects ranging from money, health of the human race and the planet, and fear of violence, there is something important for YOU to do. Take responsibility for keeping the law of give and take in balance in your life. If you are not happy, make the effort to show kindness to someone else...without expectations of a "payback" from them. What you give comes back around at the right time for you. Step outside ...

If you are experiencing a challenging time in your life, always remind yourself..."this too shall pass". The journey in life can be compared to the ebb and flow of the ocean waters. The waters rise and fall without end. Sometimes it is flowing smoothly and sometimes the waters can get rough. The key thing to remember is that it always stays together as it flows through both the smooth and rough cycles. Just remember that when life's waters rise, use it as an opportunity to get the board and ride the wave. Before you know it, you will glide back to shore.

With the advancement of technology, the need to have immediate results has heightened the overall level of stress in our world. The use of instant messaging, texting, and the many other tools of getting immediate gratification has steered many people off course. It is not a coincidence that heart failure is one of the leading causes of death. Stress, anxiety, and fear are negative energies that weaken you physically and mentally. Take a moment to acknowledge if you are predominantly thinking about what you have to do next or didn’t get done. If you admit that you tend to do that, it is time to try yoga. Yoga does not take time from you, rather it gives you time. This is your life…take responsibility for what you can change and remember that ultimately, you’re the one who makes the choices. Yoga strengthens you at so many levels. Consistent practice trains your mind to stay in the present instead of the past or future. Your body becomes stronger when you surrender instead of holding ont...