Triangle Pose

My favourite way of stretching is through yoga. Each pose has a purpose and my absolute favourite pose is called "Triangle Pose" or "Trikonasana".

I confess that at the beginning of my yoga experience, I liked this pose the best because I could do it fairly easily. I have very long legs and long arms, so I thought that all I had to do was stretch them out and by virtue of their length alone, they would touch the appropriate spot on the mat. Well, not quite.

They didn't extend as far as I thought they would because my muscles were so tight: my ego was immediately given a reality check! But I persevered, breathed deeply and as Marita led us through the steps slowly and methodically, I was soon able to stretch into a position where "triangles" could be seen in my pose. I was so proud!

In this pose, we can build strength in the lower back and upper legs while releasing tension from the entire back, the hips and hamstrings. It stretches the legs and hips, opens the chest, stimulates the abdominal organs and strengthens the core.

I love it, not only because of that wonderful flowing stretch but it helps my sense of balance and contributes to my overall feeling of well-being. The yoga experts call it a "happy pose": I agree with that description.

In yoga we often refer to the mind/body connection and how we can direct the body's internal energy as we envision a flow of energy or prana (breathing) through the body. This process of envisioning our energy effects subtle changes: our bodies do respond to our thoughts.

Sometimes people express to me that they don't think they are right for yoga because they have little or no flexibility and they cannot imagine ever being able to touch their toes. I always assure them that yoga is not a race: you don't rush through it with the goal of charging past the finish line. Yoga truly is a personal journey to be taken slowly and easily. It is meant to help us get in touch with ourselves, our own personal energy.

If one day, we can touch our toes, or do the perfect triangle, great, but what really matters is the gentle journey of awareness.

Breathing

I was disappointed to see that the snow melted very quickly and the lovely, magical ravine became very muddy. The dogs and I both needed some exercise so we took our walk through the neighbourhood.

We walked for about 45 minutes but when we arrived home, I felt sort of uptight and let-down. Yes, I did have some exercise and fresh air (if you don't count the exhaust of the cars passing by) but I did not feel spiritually refreshed. I realized that, exercise aside, I need and want silence, stillness and a sense of calm. Nature gives that to me. But how does it affect my physical sense of well-being?

When I walk through the neighbourhood, my breathing is shallow and I really only use about a quarter of my lung capacity. (Not much.) But when I walk through the woods on a quiet, snowy day, my breathing becomes much deeper. When I go back to nature, to walk and enjoy and just be I automatically breathe more deeply. That explains why I feel so good! My lungs are filling up with oxygen and I feel happy, relaxed and content.

My yoga teacher, Marita is a wonderful woman and I love her. She is German by birth and still retains traces of her German accent. During class, she encourages us to "breathe" but she pronounces it "breeze". I used to smile at the metaphor but now I automatically breathe in deeply and then release the air slowly in a gentle "breeze".

My darling little spaniels are curled up in their beds and I can hear their steady, even breathing as I write this. They look so peaceful. They know instinctively how to breathe and stretch. But stretching is something I will touch on in my next blog!

Knitting for Health

This is my first video podcast. I chose knitting because I enjoy it as a creative form of relaxation. I hope you enjoy it!

Walking in the snow

In this blog, I write about healthy living and specifically, forms of exercise not only to work and stretch our muscles but to reduce stress.  To me, exercise is a form of relaxation.

Walking is a popular exercise that, according to the people who figure out these things, burns quite a lot of calories.  I looked up "walking your dog for an hour at a moderate pace" and the number of calories burned was listed at 207 (for a 125-130 pound person).  Not bad.

That was good news to me because walking is my second favourite form of exercise.  After several hours of  sitting at my desk working on interminable school assignments (Better be careful what I say in case my profs are reading this!)  a long walk not only loosens those stiff joints and muscles, but the fresh air clears my head and helps me to unwind.

A few days ago, after an afternoon spent hunched over my computer, I pulled on my heavy boots and coat ready to stretch my legs. Sensing adventure, my two Cavalier spaniels quickly sprang from their cosy beds and ran to fetch their leashes.  As we headed down the street, big fluffy snowflakes began to fall, clinging to my face and eyelashes.  By the time we reached the ravine, the scene was a perfect postcard: a Currier and Ives setting, silent, white and magical. 

 We walked for hours in the deepening snow breathing in the clear air and enjoying the peace and the serenity of the ravine..  The dogs raced ahead of me, their tails wagging, so happy to run and play in the soft, clean snow.

 I don't know for sure how long we walked but I suddenly realized the light was fading and  I wasn't quite sure where I was. 

Reluctantly, I hooked the dogs' leashes to their collars  and we followed the glow from the streetlamps leading us out to the street.  Eventually I figured out where I was and we headed home.

By the time we arrived home, my muscles felt more flexible and I, more relaxed.

I could sit down and figure out how many calories I burned, and how high my heart rate was likely elevated.  But I prefer to reflect on the mystical beauty of the ravine,  how happy I felt and how grateful I am to be able to enjoy the wonderful blessings of nature.