Feeling lethargic?

Here's a technique for those days when you are feeling lethargic that you may or may not have heard of.  It's beginning to incorporate the Bhandhas throughout your day.

 

These are the internal locks applied similar to valves to direct the prana upward through the subtle energy system (nadis, chakras, meridians).

 

The bhandhas are mulabhandha (root lock), uddiyana bhandha (belly button lock) and jalandhara bhandha (neck or throat lock).

 

Like the breath they can be illusive as our focus slips away from them. Give it a try to see what I mean.  Begin to breathe deeply and evenly and allow the breath to be your sole focus for a least a minute.  If this practice is new to you it will be challenging as every 30 seconds or so we have a new thought to take our focus away. 

 

Traditionally they are used in a yoga practice which can deepen if the bhandhas are utilized. Apply them as you move through the asanas (physical postures).  However you need not be on the mat to apply them to your life.

 

Here’s how to apply the lower two:

At the end of the exhalation apply mulabhandha by drawing up on the muscles between the perineum and the anus. These are the same muscles that stop the flow of urination. Keep holding it.

Take a full breath at the end of the exhalation come to the belly button lock by drawing the abdomen in and up thereby applying uddiyana bhandha. It’s not a hard holding or crunch of the core, but rather a lifting … concentrated holding the abdomen up and in.

Here we’ll skip Jalandhara, but know it is mostly used for pranayama (loosely described breathing) practice. The bhandhas can significantly shift and change your yoga practice taking you to entirely new levels of concentration, focus and present moment awareness.

Give it a go even off the mat and see, sense and feel how your energy can & will change!

Let’ s begin to use them today. Here is link to a video I did awhile ago explaining locks further:
http://tinyurl.com/energylocks

Thanks for watching & reading!
Namaste,
Tammy






PS.  Joining in the energy today to honour our soldiers and give thanks for our freedom.  Lest we forget.

PPS.  Please subscribe to the youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ganesharocks
 & follow on twitter @tllc

So Very Blessed

"May love carry you and guide your breath, guide your thoughts, guide your actions, and guide your words. May you be a bright light in this world. May your soul catch fire... and with that light, light many other lights."
~Rod Stryker

I adore Rod.  A few years ago I took his meditation class at the Yoga Show in Toronto.  I remember leaving him feeling so light and airy - so relaxed as I had dropped so many layers of holding.

We all tend to have holding patterns - some we aren't even consciously aware of.  This can stem not only from the physical body, but also the mind. 

Think of the last time you crept facebook or any other social media site and felt less worthy than whomever's page you were creeping. 

This holding is so very damaging our psyche. 

In order to release this - stop yourself from comparing you to them. 

Let go of this holding. 

Remember you are a beautiful, gorgeous soul who is here to share your strength and your knowledge with the whole.

You are so very blessed.

Never forget that.

Namaste & sing it with me now ... "Come on baby light my fire!"

Love,
Tammy

PS.  I'm so excited and almost ready to reveal my Exercise & Wellbeing series on my Etsy Page - it will definitely help you to create a positive shift in your life (and waistline).  Speaking of holding patterns it will help you to release a few.  Watch for it.  In the mean time be sure to check out my Zodiac Series.  I had a blast creating these guys - aren't they cute?

 

Taking stock....

"You must learn one thing: the world was made to be free in... anything or anyone that does not bring you alive is too small for you.” ~David Whyte

We can take David's words to another level when we take a look at the five people you spend you're most time with.

You see, dear soul you are a culmination of these folks.

Our wish for you is this group is helping you play large and more importantly free.

Namaste & much love
Tammy

All about attitude

I was reminded of something recently....

And I wanted to let you know about it.

Last Spring I attended the Toronto yoga show and was lucky enough to take a class with Lilas Folan (you may remember her from her classes on PBS teaching Yoga back in the early 70's; she was the woman with the very long braid of hair).

Before she began teaching the class while we were in corpse pose (savasana), a relaxed and meditative state, she read the following poem by Rumi:

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

~ Rumi ~


It truly is a fantastic! Rumi's words combine every success principle I've ever been
taught and wrapped it all up into one succinct thought pattern.

And the best part is it takes less than a minute to read it.

Yep! Less than 1 minute!

The truth is, I constantly find myself applying the simple (yet extremely powerful) "Guest House" principles in my life now and I feel like there is no problem or situation I can't conquer.

Think about it; with all of the negative information out there don't you find it refreshing to think you are being prepared for some "new delight"?

The only thing you need to achieve more joy and happiness is to read the poem and as you go about your day continue with an open mind. Open enough to take a chance on yourself and realize the universe is 'out to do you good'.

The other thing Lilas said in class was, "Welcome all that comes to you this day. And feel welcomed by it."

I think this will be my latest mantra!

Attitude change

Recently I received a letter for a questionnaire to fill out from the Ministry of the Attorney General asking me to be a prospective juror.

I'll admit, I wasn't happy about it. Mostly because I am a an entrepeneur and self-employed business owner.

Fear was my inital response.

I didn't want to take time off work; even for a civil duty.

Chances of me actually being chosen are probably slim, but there is still a chance.

Then something interesting happened....I spoke with one of my students who is a Judge here in town.

She said, "What an honour! Congratulations!"

I looked at her dumb-founded.

She continued, "Many people tell me it is a life altering experience. They learn so much about themselves and the system."

"But its such a huge responsibility!"

"Tell me about it," she replied. "Just realize you are a huge part of the person's journey. And just maybe you will have made a difference."

After speaking with her, in less than 5 minutes, my entire attitude changed about being a member of a jury.

Shift your perspective. Change your life!