At my yoga class this past Saturday afternoon, our instructor said something that has really resonated with me. I probably won’t do her words proper justice, but basically, it is this. Within each of us, there is a small piece of us that is not affected by all of the external stuff… That place is calm, unfazed, unwavering. The idea is that in your practice {especially during the hardest parts}, through breathing and shutting out our outside thoughts, we find a way to get to that place. So maybe you are upside down, muscles shaking, holding some intense pose… but through your breath and through visualization, you get yourself to that place of calm — and before you know it you’ve gotten yourself through the pose and are on to the next thing.
Personally, I find this advice to be even more helpful off of the mat. The more I practice yoga, the more I find myself applying the things I learn in class outside of the studio. This week has been a really sad one. I hadn’t shed a tear in months and then this week, there they were… tears, every day. I feel silly being so torn up over the loss of our family pet, but I am. And there have been other things, big + small that I don’t really feel like discussing here because they are either trivial and silly, or just too personal. Besides this sadness, I’ve also been downright overwhelmed. My inbox is chaotic and I feel like no matter how hard I work, I can’t get caught up. So when things feel crazy, I try to just find that place of calm. Some may call it compartmentalizing, but I don’t really care – it helps. I’m not suggesting that we run from our emotions, but rather embrace them — and then, find a way to function properly. I close my eyes, breath deeply, and slowly get there… {and then, I work on my inbox // tackling the dreaded to-do’s!}
I hope you find this idea as helpful as I did… and if you feel overwhelmed a lot, I really love this advice from Felicia. And on that note, I’m really happy that tomorrow is Friday.
This is a great way to put into words how I feel when I practice yoga. It’s like for that 90 minutes I am calm, in total control, and can focus on what I’m doing and block out the rest. Thanks for posting this, Grace! I think just being conscious of this in my day to day will help me feel better and more in control.
When l used to do yoga we did something very Simula but to get to the secret calm place we had to make our legs, arms ribs hands and arms calm through visualization. When it worked you just wanted to stay there. I had forgotten it but now you have reminded me am going to do it at last once a week. Thank you
So true and very well-put. I’m working to bring my ‘yoga calm’ into all the other aspects of my life…
xx,
Kristi
http://www.currentlycrushing.com
I love this. It’s been a rough week for me personally and I’m sick on top of it. Hope you have a better weekend than your week Grace!
Love this idea. I think it could also help with my effort to express positivity as much as possible. But I know all too well that it can be difficult during hard weeks. Two weeks ago, I cried so much that I got eczema below my eyes. It kind of makes me crack up now… hahaha! At least there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Also, I am still wrecked by the loss of my dog so I totally get it – it is a reasonable reason to be sad! xo
So much of the mental part of yoga isn’t *ignoring* the pain or discomfort — it’s integrating it and learning that you can withstand it. Just like you said, it is not compartmentalizing, because we all go through rough patches. It’s learning that you can integrate sadness or disappointment or other negative emotions and still come out the other side unscathed, and perhaps even more well rounded. Great post, G!
I’ve been struggling so much with being overwhelmed at being a working mom (& blogger). So many times I’ve snapped & broken down in tears at the end of the day, not knowing how to deal with the stress & piling work load. Yoga has helped so much & I’ve totally drank the Kool-Aid! I’m all about trying to find calm these days & your posts are always so inspiring to me!
I too started my consistent exercising in or around the same time as you and yoga has been my favorite, esp with a good instructor. It has taught me so much on and off the mat and has made everyday that much better for me. I’m sorry to hear about your family pet, it’s never easy when that happens. Good luck on your yoga challenge. Looking forward to reading the rest of your fit files.
What amazing advice! We all struggle to find the balance in it all – work, blogging, life, reaching our goals and trying to pack it all into a mere 24 hrs everyday. Life is hard and struggle is part of it. I myself have been going through some hard times and sometimes the stress can be overwhelming. I don’t do yoga, but I do find just going for a run outside….in nature is so refreshing and relaxing; it clears my mind and helps me deal with it all.
The advice your yoga teacher gave it brilliant; something we can do everyday and multiple times a day if needed. Hey, maybe I should start doing yoga!
Such a great post, and so timely for this week for me! TGIF!
I have had to use that calm place over the past couple of weeks. It’s really hard to find in a person who doesn’t like to let her guard down. I hate answering questions and I try to be patient with people when I have been dealing with these issues by myself. It’s the reason I always carry a book or magazine with me. ALWAYS. It helps reach that calm almost like yoga helps you.
The love for a pet is a deep and intense kind of love. It is like no other. Don’t apologize to anyone for being upset over the loss of your family’s dog. It’s a significant loss, and you have every right to grieve. Take time to heal your heart, and know that we’re in your corner though all the madess!
Wow…this so perfectly captures what my mind has been dealing with lately. Feeling so overwhelmed you don’t even know where to start. Thank you for reminding & reassuring me that I’m not the only one who struggles with this. And for the great encouragement to continue my yoga practice. Cheers to a great, relaxing weekend 🙂
so sorry for your loss. it has been a long week but i really enjoyed this post.
I am sorry you had a hard week!! Snuggle your cute kitten !! I deal with chronic pain so I learned Mindful Meditation practices. Your yoga teacher is doing a great job in training not only your body, but your mind!! That, is a GEM!!
Beautiful piece of advice. I’ve been following yoga myself for the past 6 years and it has gotten me through a lot of bad times.
Keep calm and keep going!
http://www.jadeclectic.blogspot.com