Monday, September 27, 2010

# 66 - The Goodness of Salads

Eating salads is effective so long as we do not classify foods such as egg salad, pasta salad, and potato salad as being part of the salad category. At the same time, eating a limited amount of our favorite foods, even unhealthy ones, can be therapeutic. The important thing is to eat until we feel just right inside, not until our plate is empty. This can happen only when we practice conscious eating for inner wellness.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

# 65 - Begin With the Body

Asana practice is just the beginning of our spiritual healing. Once we learn to control physical movement, monitor the breath, and open up our hearts, we instinctively open up our minds to our own weaknesses and the goodness of others. We learn to appreciate the joy in little things, and to respect the privilege of good health. Most of all, we learn to forgive ourselves, and in the process we learn to appreciate others.

Monday, September 13, 2010

# 64 - Muscle Memory

All muscle groups are interconnected – when one is stretched, another is strengthened. For example, upper body side twists help stretch and tone obliques and strengthen diaphragm; arm stretches tone triceps and lubricate rotator cuffs; chest openers expand pectoral muscles and refresh intercostals; isolated leg movements that mobilize hip extensors release hamstrings and tighten quadriceps; upper and lower back bends strengthen latissimus and gluteals. A total workout is one that involves body and mind in total harmony with breath and focus.

Monday, September 6, 2010

# 63 - How the Body Moves

Understanding the topography of the human body is key to knowing how the system works. Postures that include bending and unbending of knees enhance flow of synovial fluids to help lubricate knee joints. Chest openers enhance lung capacity and improve airflow. Stretches that apply pressure to the lower abdomen aid digestion, regulate bowel movement, and maintain healthy functioning of regional glands and organs. Upper body inversions help re-activate thyroid, liver, pancreatic function, while simultaneously refreshing pineal and pituitary glands.