Yoga developed in India (and here there is no accurate date) maybe B.C. 3,000, with the first written description of yoga appearing around B.C. 1500. The Romans and the Greeks had also developed a system of physical fitness and training simultaneously and also recognised the mind, body and spirit connection. Aristotle wrote in B.C. 350 “The results of a good physical education are not limited to the body alone, but they extend even to the soul itself”. Good health in yoga encompasses the healthy body, the healthy mind and the keen and buoyant spirit. Mind, body, spirit = as one. So why is it today, we seem to know so much less about ourselves than our ancient fathers.
Here is a wonderful exercise to bring your mind’s awareness back into your body. This exercise is credited with being able to add up 1.5 centimetres of height to some people over a 60 day period. It only takes a few minutes. Lie comfortably on your yoga mat, and take a gentle and lengthening stretch – toes pointed, hands above your head fingers reaching out. Think of your arms and legs as the arms of a compass reaching for north and south. Inhale at the beginning of the stretch over a 3 second count, hold it for 6 seconds and then gently exhale over a 3 second count. The stick pose is best done lying down – so that you aren’t compounding any postural problems, and so that you can truly free up your vital organs from gravity.
Just think of your posture throughout the day, how cramped your organs are from bending over, sitting crooked, slouching. Now as you lie there just envisage the wonderful, refreshing and revitalising blood flowing to your organs – oxygen, nutrients, hormones are now rushing unfettered to your major organs. Be aware of what feels different when you stand up again. What hurts that didn’t when you were lying down. Now try and adjust your posture to recreate the ease you felt on the floor. Roll back your shoulders, tuck in your tail and support your organs with a pulled in tummy. Seek alignment. Where is your chin pointing. Where are your eyes looking – ahead, up or down. Is one shoulder carried higher or more forward than the other. Awareness brings correction.
SINGING TEA – here is a wonderful recipe for the soul. I call it singing tea as I find the next day I am walking around singing out loud (and in tune which is even more of a miracle) and feeling very happy. Take 3 teaspoons of dried lemon balm, add some grated ginger, lemon juice and a bit of honey. Two cups a day are ideal. Steep for 5 minutes and enjoy!
If you have a question about yoga, food or fitness please feel free to write to me at [email protected].
