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Yoga in Practice: From Worrier to Warrior I

By Paul Jerard

Is worry like a “monkey on your back,” or is it a monkey in the mind? Are you in a state of perpetual worry? Is all this worrying affecting your sleep patterns? Can Yoga help you to calm down? Below are some Yogic solutions for worrying.

Many Yoga teachers talk about “living in the moment.” The chronic worrier needs to live for now and put the past behind him or her. The past cannot be changed, but any one of us can change the present and future.

Any past mistakes should be learned from. Mistakes are hidden treasures that shape us for the best, when we learn from them.

This concept, which is also called “mindfulness,” is taught by Yoga teachers, but it is a universal principle. Mindfulness might also be taught by a Buddhist monk, but what exactly is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is awareness, awakening, and appreciation of the present moment. Why wait until you have more money to enjoy your life? Why look at the next big problem as the end of all problems?

Life is a journey and you might as well “enjoy the ride.” When you are in a Yoga class, focus on the lesson at hand. Do your personal best, and use your breath as a tool for the connection between mind and body.

Yoga creates a state of tranquility and harmony. In contrast, worrying creates a state of restlessness, anxiety, and mindlessness.

Therefore, Yoga creates the exact opposite frame of mind. Can you get the same effect from a Yoga tape? Sorry to say, Yoga tapes and DVD’s gather dust very well. You might watch one a few times, but the cat jumps on you, the kids are hungry, or somebody is calling you on the telephone.

Life is full of distractions. You can be a slave to distraction, uneasiness, worry, and less sleep, or you can take action by participating in your Yoga class. When you do not take time out for yourself, your health will suffer.

Consider your Yoga class to be “me time.” This is time you need to improve your well-being. There is no “short cut” to good holistic health. Many have tried to design a pill for the illusion of good health, but so far, all the public gets are the side effects.

You can take positive action against worrying - by practicing Yoga. The practice of Yoga is a method used for thousands of years as a counter to aging, suffering, and stress. Take action for yourself and attend a Yoga class.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.

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posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 2:38 PM