Spring has sprung . . . maybe
On this beautiful sunny, spring day, I sit here relieved. Relieved that looking out my window is not a scene from Game of Thrones never ending winter. I joked with friends I expected to see white walkers at any time now, for those unfamiliar with Game of Thrones, white walkers are these zombie like creatures that exist north of the wall, in the frozen land where the wildlings live. All joking aside, one week ago, I was feeling bleak, uninspired, and as gloomy as the overcast sky. Today, I feel hopeful, inspired and ready to tackle procrastinated projects. What a difference a week can make. Fifteen inches of snow to green grass and blooming crocuses, I am hesitant to fully rejoice, the weather forecast has the dreaded snowflake on Thursday. It ain’t over yet, I know that we will still have some gray, rainy/snowy days but hopefully fewer and fewer as the summer approaches. So, what does all of this weather talk have to do with Yoga Nidra, you ask? As I was teaching my Yoga Nidra Zoom Class last night, I talked about how emotions, thoughts and even sensations are constantly changing not unlike the weather. I have often experienced the shifts of my mood, outlook and physical body after yoga class. That’s part of the magic of yoga for me, giving yourself the opportunity to tune in to how you are feeling, physically, mentally and emotionally. I like to start all of my yoga classes off with taking a baseline, checking in to see how you are at the beginning of class and then at the end checking in to see what has changed. This simple tool practiced regularly can give you a lot of insight as to your normal state of being. It also shows you how much a yoga practice positively impacts your state of being in real time. My mom has been taking my Yoga Nidra classes and said she really likes noticing the shifts at the end of practice and probably would not notice the change if she hadn’t taken a baseline at the beginning and end. Noticing these shifts and seeing the difference one class can make is empowering. You can have a profound effect on your well being by practicing yoga. Unlike the weather, in which we are powerless pawns of mother nature, we can make a difference in how we feel physically, mentally and emotionally by taking the time to practice yoga, yoga nidra or any other mindful activity. I love Yoga Nidra because it is accessible for everyone. Unlike the weather, the power to change your state of mind is in your hands.
What is Yoga Nidra? Yoga Nidra, also known as the yoga of sleep, is a deeply relaxing form of yoga, that activates your parasympathetic nervous system and alpha state of consciousness. When the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) is activated, it slows your heart rate, breathing, lowers blood pressure and promotes digestion. When your body enters a state of relaxation, relaxation breeds recovery. The more time you spend in a PSNS state, the healthier you are. Alpha waves induce feelings of calm, increase creativity, and enhance your ability to absorb new information. Ready to change your state of mind through Yoga Nidra? You are in luck! A new session starts Sunday, April 23rd.
Yoga Nidra Zoom Class on Sundays at 7 pm MDT. Starting a new 7 - week session, April 23rd - June 11th (no class May 7th). $70 for all 7 classes, $12 for single class. Can’t make all the dates? No problem, as all the classes will be recorded and all registered students will receive a recording of each class.
Sign up class at www.calmwavewellness.com
