YogaWings

For about a week or two, I was meditating on detachment from results, letting go of the fruits of my actions. And then one morning, the irony hit me like a ton of bricks.

If you recall, I’ve posted before about detachment… I thought I had a grip on it, but a little reminder that learning never ends doesn’t hurt. I’m now off to read what Patanjali and the Gita have to (re)teach me about detachment :)

This is one of the most inspiring videos I’ve ever watched. It’s what yoga is all about! I don’t understand who the yoga teachers are that turned him away, what a shame. So glad he found the instructor that was the perfect match for him….. I hope people spread this video and continue to spread yoga!

Namaste

Haddon W. Robinson (via positivepositivepositive)

“Meditations from the Mat” is a gorgeous book written by Rolf Gates

How excellent is this??

(I do not have a photo credit yet, but am waiting for one, I’m not trying to take ownership of this terrific emotional body map, but I feel it’s important to share.)

We’ve all heard that yoga is helpful for not only stress management, but stress relief as well. Stress management comes from outside of the body, while stress relief is felt within. The main stress hormone, cortisol, is produced and released from the adrenal glands, located just above the kidneys. Messages from this system are being sent to the brain constantly.

In general, any emotions we feel are interpreted by the brain in one of two ways: positive or negative. It has been proven that negative emotions send signals to the adrenal glands, basically saying “we’re not ok! we aren’t safe! jump into action, adrenals!” and the adrenal glands produce the hormones our brain thinks the body needs to respond. Cortisol is the main one, though there are other hormones & neurotransmitters produced, including adrenaline. A constant state of stress or panic forces our adrenal glands to constantly work, producing cortisol and shooting it through the body.

Conversely, when positive emotions are received and interpreted by the brain, the signals sent to the adrenals are saying “we’re ok. everything is ok here, no need to worry or panic” and has a calming effect on our adrenal glands. The glands thereby relax and cortisol isn’t being shot through the body constantly.

When engaging in a calming yoga practice, or even an invigorating practice with an emphasis on deep breathing, our emotional brain is allowed to rest. Although “calm” and “peace” are pretty neutral emotions (as opposed to “happy” and “ecstatic” which are positive), the adrenal glands are not being overused or overworked. Yoga asanas, breathing techniques, and meditation all give time and space for the adrenal glands to relax.

Sidenote: being a natural part of our system, cortisol has its positive functions. It is the overuse and constant flow of cortisol that wrecks negative effects on the body. For more info on cortisol and why it should be controlled, check out this site: http://www.holistic-mindbody-healing.com/effects-of-cortisol.html

YES!

(Source: colourfulbutcurious, via xojustletgo)

I’ve always loved this quote and thought it to be true… and now, due to recent events, I FEEL it to be true. I feel it in my mind, my soul, and my body. I am following my deep desire (my heart) and my intuition (my gut) to develop a new career… I took a giant leap and made myself more available. Doors have opened, connections are being made, and I see what I hope & think is a new career unfolding before my very eyes.

Gracias, Universe (& Joseph Campbell for the hopeful sentiment)

I found this on Huffington Post about 3 days after I booked a trip to Macchu Picchu…. nothing is more exciting than receiving signs from the Universe that you’re making good decisions!

Namaste