hostmelissa
11-02-2008, 04:51 AM
http://www.melissawest.com/images/DVD-Layout-Yoga-Decentering-Depression.jpg
Almost three years ago, I created this yoga class, called yoga for happiness. The idea was simple. Draw on yoga poses that increase positive emotions and generate optimistic energy in the body. I'll never forget, that I managed to overlook the fact that the night I decided to introduce this somewhat wacky class was the first night of a new eight week session. Three new students showed up (you know who you are) and must have thought I was the craziest woman on the planet.
But, I digress. The point is that yoga can be a wonderful tool for constructing a cheerful disposition. When happiness eludes us, it seems to me that one of two things happen. Firstly, we are too stressed out and anxious to actually relax enough to enjoy life. Secondly, we have hit such a low point of inertia that it is close to impossible to even crack a smile.
Yoga can work from both ends, both by dispelling apprehension and cultivating enough energy in the body to get you laughing and enjoying life again.
Take kapala bhati breath practice for example. It is known as both an energizing breath as well as as tool to release anxious tension.
Kapala bhati breath is simple. We can get to it through a progression of stages.
Place your hands on your belly
Draw your belly back as you exhale with an audible "Ha" through your mouth
Do this 5-10 times
Without changing anything close your mouth and continue to exhale actively through the nose, allowing the inhale to come in passively through the nose.
Continue for one minute, gradually increasing the duration up to 3 minutes.
Not only with Kapala Bhati breath release tension and increase energy, but it will also tone your abdominals and cleanse your body.
For more great yoga for happiness, check out my latest yoga DVD "Decentering Depression with Yoga" (http://www.melissawest.com/index-16.html)
Almost three years ago, I created this yoga class, called yoga for happiness. The idea was simple. Draw on yoga poses that increase positive emotions and generate optimistic energy in the body. I'll never forget, that I managed to overlook the fact that the night I decided to introduce this somewhat wacky class was the first night of a new eight week session. Three new students showed up (you know who you are) and must have thought I was the craziest woman on the planet.
But, I digress. The point is that yoga can be a wonderful tool for constructing a cheerful disposition. When happiness eludes us, it seems to me that one of two things happen. Firstly, we are too stressed out and anxious to actually relax enough to enjoy life. Secondly, we have hit such a low point of inertia that it is close to impossible to even crack a smile.
Yoga can work from both ends, both by dispelling apprehension and cultivating enough energy in the body to get you laughing and enjoying life again.
Take kapala bhati breath practice for example. It is known as both an energizing breath as well as as tool to release anxious tension.
Kapala bhati breath is simple. We can get to it through a progression of stages.
Place your hands on your belly
Draw your belly back as you exhale with an audible "Ha" through your mouth
Do this 5-10 times
Without changing anything close your mouth and continue to exhale actively through the nose, allowing the inhale to come in passively through the nose.
Continue for one minute, gradually increasing the duration up to 3 minutes.
Not only with Kapala Bhati breath release tension and increase energy, but it will also tone your abdominals and cleanse your body.
For more great yoga for happiness, check out my latest yoga DVD "Decentering Depression with Yoga" (http://www.melissawest.com/index-16.html)