We all face challenging situations from time to time and it does take a toll on the body, draining out our energy resources. Our minds too get no rest from whirling thoughts. Days flow into night and nights turn into day much too fast for our liking. Our intention to sit down to ‘breathe’ remains just that – an intention, says Delna Mistry Anand and tells us how Yoga can help achieve that Balance.
Now here’s something I have always believed in, and this thought muscled its way over my other million spinning thoughts – “Do twenty minutes of yoga every day. And when you’re busy, do forty” . And so I finally rolled out my yoga mat. Sometimes just a few deep breaths or simple yoga stretches go a long way in helping us to access an inner strength that allows us to face a seemingly difficult situation.
We all carry the space within us to make peace with the inconsistencies of life, the loose ends, and manipulate the roadblocks. In any crazy situation, what is important is that we maintain balance, without losing our sanity and sense of gravity.
So if you happen to feel overwhelmed and pressed for time, sounds crazy but yes, that is when you create some time for yoga and breathing.
1. Tree Pose (Vrksasana) – Stand with your feet together and then shift your weight onto one leg and raise the other leg, foot facing inwards and place it upon your calf or thigh (avoid placing it upon your knee). Raise your arms above your head in ‘namaste’ or with arms separated, palms facing in. If you feel too shaky, focus on an unmoving object at floor level.
Take 10-15 breaths and breath deeply into your heart space. Feel your foot grounded on the earth like a giant oak tree. Feel stable and steady.
2. Forward Bend Standing (Uttanasana) – Maintain the length in your arms, legs, torso and chest as you bend forward placing your hands in front of your feet on the mat. Gently bend your knees as much as you need to.
Release any pressure or emotion and as you take 10-15 breaths in this pose, really root down with your hands and feet, drawing up healing energy from the ground. Be still, and keep nurtured by the earth. You could also do a seated forward bend.
3. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II) – Stand with your feet about three-and-a half to four-and-a-half feet apart with your front toes pointed straight and your back foot in at a 45 degree angle. Your heel must point into the arch of your other foot. Bend your front knee until your leg reaches a 90-degree angle (with your knee directly over the toes, not more not less) and extend your arms. Lengthen your spine by tucking your tailbone in and down.
Inhale and exhale deeply and gently, drawing energy and vitality from the earth. Feel strong, powerful, confident and beautiful. Expand your heart space.
4. Vipareet Karani – Lie on your back, close to a wall in such a way that you can elevate your legs to 90 degrees against the wall. Keep your spine elongated, and rest in the restorative position for 10-15 relaxing breaths. End your routine with shavasana, simply lie down on your back, arms and legs completely relaxed and eyes closed. When you breathe in, inhale all strength and power from the Universe and when you breathe out, release all that doesn’t serve you – anger, fear, anxiety. Get up only when you yourself feeling even slightly more balanced, joyful and in control of your actions.
