Mind Body Messenger
Issue #40, October 2006

Keeping Up With Heather

Hello Friends,
Autumn always leaves me feeling a little nostalgic. I’ve just returned from my daily walk and the colour of the changing season, the smell of drying leaves on the breeze and the sight of squirrels and chipmunks gathering their stores for the winter has left me feeling very connected to the world of nature through the changing of the seasons. It has also left me feeling very relaxed and at peace with the changes that I undergo each year.

I admit I don’t always notice the nature around me, power-walking past with my mp3 to distract my attention, and with a lack of awareness the beautiful impact of nature is dulled a little. But when I do “stop to smell the roses” and appreciate the brilliance of nature that is around me, the impact is magnified, and goes far beyond the ordinary sensory perceptions. Most importantly, time in nature helps me to feel more peaceful, easeful, and very much a part, albeit a small part, of the many cycles in the natural world.

My students often remark that it is their connection to nature that helps them to feel “connected” on all levels. After a stressful day fighting traffic, performing tasks and fulfilling responsibilities, a few moments in nature can offer us an opportunity to reconnect with our “selves” and with our world as a whole. Nature does not judge, demand, criticize, complain or expect anything at all from us. All we have to do to connect with nature is to show up. We can wear anything we want, say what we want, or remain silent. We don’t have to live up to any expectations; the birds do not expect good table manners, the trees have no judgements of your girth, the sun shines equally on both rich and poor. Thus, it is in our connection to nature that we can remember to simply be ourselves, and revel in the fact that our “beingness” is enough.

So, I ask you, are you getting the time in nature that you consider to be ‘enough’? Is time in nature beneficial to you? If so, can you create more time for nature? And, when in amongst the trees and the birds and the sunshine, are you really there? Are you present, aware, and connected to life?

One exercise that I often find myself engaging in is an olfactory exploration of my surroundings. I can sometimes miss the signs of the changing seasons even though I may remark on the colour of the leaves, the chill in the air, and the movement of the animals to their winter destinations. These remarks are passing comments on what I see, but they seem sometimes superficial, am I really “feeling” it. What helps me to come into alignment with nature and the changing of the seasons is my nose. Today on my walk, after 45 minutes of walking and breathing and sweating out the thoughts and ideas that seem to run rampant in my head all day, my mind finally cleared and quieted enough for me to notice the smell in the air. What is that smell? Is it dry, or slightly musty, earthy, perhaps a little sweet, how do you describe the smell of autumn. For those of you around the world not in the midst of this season, I’m afraid that I can’t really put into words this sensual experience. It truly must be smelled to be appreciated. But, I can recommend that some time today, you step outside, take a deep breath, and savour the smell of the world around you, whatever your season.

And, when you are taking that taste of nature, perform a simple exercise in “presence”, simply open your senses and experience. What do you see? What do you smell? Are you feeling the burgeoning of Spring, or the decline of Autumn? What are the birds and animals doing right now, preparing nests for young, or moving off to their winter destinations? Becoming present, coming into harmony with the season around you, and connecting with the natural cycles of life are a great way to “be in the now” and find some peacefulness in your life. The great thing is that whether you live in a city block, a subdivision or a secluded farm, nature always finds a way to find you.

An Elemental Exercise

Deepak Chopra in one of his many books on the ancient science of Ayurveda (literally life-science) recommends spending time every day in nature, and being conscious and aware of each element. He advises this as essential for a healthy state of mind, and preventative medicine for the many systems of the body. He advises that we physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually connect everyday to each element; earth, water, air, fire, and ether (space). This means to literally put our feet on the earth, or perhaps take a few moments to consciously “ground”, feeling the support of the earth while seated in a stretch or yoga posture.

Water - the element of flow:

To connect with the element of water try taking some time every day to really experience the physical element of water. This means literally rain on face or toes in a stream, or perhaps when taking a shower you could visualize the cleansing effects of the water as it washes tension and resistence from body and mind, and helps you to flow more gracefully through life.

Fire – the element of transformation:

To experience the element of fire you could simply light a candle each day during your meditation or yoga practice, or at dinner. Or if the season allows, take a few moments sitting by the fireside to experience the element of fire, appreciating its purifying, transformative, and strengthening powers. Keep in mind that to temper steel, to refine gold, we must burn it to find it’s finest qualities.

Air – the Element of Movement

For the element of air, practicing some deep, relaxing breaths to appreciate its nourishing and revitalizing powers. While breathing, become aware of the movements of the body that allows the breath to become more full. Allow the breath to relax the body. And, imagine the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide with each breath that is keeping the body alive and vibrantly healthy.

Ether – the Element of Space

For the element of ether or space, consciously creating some space each day for your own practice or health improvement program is important. This may mean 10 minutes in the morning before the kids wake up, or taking in a class or trip to the gym on the way home. Space is essential for healthy relationships, healthy bodies, and healthy minds. And, to truly appreciate the element of space the burning of incense is a traditional exercise to honour the element of ether or space.

Feng Shui the ancient oriental art of conscious design, Vastu, the ancient Indian art of the same purpose, as well as many traditional and modern personal growth and preventative health systems encourage this daily connection with nature. Whether it’s a few moments of focus in the shower in your condo downtown or dipping a hand in a waterfall in a remote rainforest, this awareness of nature and the power of the five elements can help you to become more conscious and aware of the world around you and within you, and help you to remember that you are a significant part of the universe, and yet just a small part of the great cycle of life.

I encourage your feedback, suggestions, and perhaps other exercises you may know that help to attune one with the elements to bring about greater health, clarity and awareness. And, whether you have time for a hike tomorrow or not, when you step out in the morning perhaps you will be more alert to the call of the birds, the warmth of the sun, and the cycles of nature that can bring you to a greater sense of calm, peace, and connection.

Namaste, Heather

I wish you always air to breath
Fire to warm you
Water to sustain you
And earth to support you
~Author Unknown

Upcoming Events

Self Mastery; The Journey Continues

In this 6-session in-depth workshop with Christopher Lipscomb you will explore and experience the “Steps to Self-Mastery”. This course focuses on developing the skills and awareness necessary to become more vibrantly alive and actively involved in creating your reality. Learn the essential arts of deep relaxation and self-observation to overcome the barriers to living your true purpose in life.

• Dates: 6:00-9:30pm Fri Oct 20, Wed Oct 25, Fri Oct 27, Wed Nov 1, Fri Nov 3, 11:00-4:00 Sun Nov 5.
• For details and registration call Judy at 519.938.7813.
  

Private Healing Sessions, Christopher

Due to popular demand, Chris has extended his stay in Canada and will be offering private sessions in Orangeville until November 15th. The energetic healing combines massage, acupressure, meditation and dialogue to assist you in overcoming fear and anxiety, heal emotional and physical blocks, connect with your higher self, and reveal the true nature of your purpose in life.

• Sessions are 90-120 minutes in length at a cost of $100 per session.
• For bookings call Judy at 519.938.7813 or Chris at chris@yogatrinity.com

Private Sessions, Heather

Until Dec 15 Heather is offering Thai Yoga Massage, Personal Fitness/ Pilates/ Yoga sessions, and Corporate Yoga Classes in your home or office to help you to improve your health, release tension, deeply relax, and advance your yoga practice.

• Session costs range from $60 per one-hour session.

Thai Yoga Massage Canberra, Australia

In January 2007 we are excited to be hosting the Lotus Palm Thai Yoga Massage School and instructor Shai Plonski in Canberra for the Thai Yoga Massage Certificate Program. Intensives I and II will be offered for students, yoga teachers, massage therapists and anyone interested in learning and practicing this dynamic healing art. If you wish to receive more information, or register for this special event, please visit www.yogatrinity.com or write to heather@yogatrinity.com

Yoga Teacher Training
Canberra Feb 2-Apr 24

A 12-weekend non-residential program designed to assist you in deepening your practice, exploring the foundations of Yogic technique and philosophy, and beginning to integrate the practices of Yoga in your everyday life. Registered 200 hour (Yoga Alliance).

• For details visit www.yogatrinity.com or write to heather@yogatrinity.com

Yoga Teacher Training
Australia July 2007

Join us at the beautiful Govinda Valley Retreat just outside of Sydney for a highly experiential one-month residential Yoga Teacher Training program. Program includes over 200 hours of study of the foundations of Yogic philosophy and technique. Take a quantam leap in your own practice, and become an internationally recognized Registered Yoga Instructor. For details visit www.yogatrinity.com or write heather@yogatrinity.com

Yoga For Mind and Body

Part of an ongoing series offering yoga postures for men, women, and children to practice at home, school, on the road or in the office. With special thanks to Ross Pottinger of Wink Photo Design in Brisbane, Australia for the photos and the support in this project. And many thanks to Louisa Dick for taking part in the project. Do check with your health care practitioner before beginning a yoga practice. Many postures and techniques are not suitable for pregnant women, people with joint replacements, those with hypertension or other medical conditions. If you have a posture that you would like to see in this column, I welcome your suggestions.

Namaste, Heather

Antara Kumbhaka – The Energizing Breath printer friendly version

Also called the “positive breath”, this pranayama (breath control) exercise activates and energizes body and mind. Practice upon waking, or at a time of day when you want to experience a boost of dynamic energy. Use this breath-work exercise to revitalize and oxygenate the body and mind and release lethargy and drowsiness. In a comfortable position, begin by taking a deep breath into the belly and ribs for a count of four. Comfortably retain the breath in the body for a count of four (without struggle or strain). Finally, release the breath for a count of four. Breath in and out through the nostrils, and perform 10-20 breaths in this manner. As you grow more proficient with this exercise, you may like to extend the length of the count to as many as 12.

Prana means “life force”, and it enters the body with the breath. As you grow comfortable with the Antara Kumbhaka exercise, you can begin to cultivate the concentration and sensitivity that during the retention phase of the breath, you can consciously retain the prana in the body. On exhalation you will concentrate on releasing the ordinary carbon dioxide and stale air from the lungs, storing the prana in the solar plexis (manipura chakra) for energy and vitality.

Breathing Tips

• Unless otherwise specified, always inhale and exhale through the nose.
• It is preferred to practice pranayama or breathing exercises on an empty stomach.
• Use good posture and alignment; with a tall, relaxed spine resting comfortably on a chair, cushion, or the ground. Keep head neutral and chin parallel to the ground. You might like to sit against a wall and on a cushion for prolonged exercises, and for some exercises lying on the back can be beneficial.
• Make the body as comfortable as possible, with clothes that allow space for the belly and chest room to expand. Wearing tightly-waisted or belted clothes and other restrictive clothing inhibits the natural movement of the breath.
• If you find that your jaw or face holds tightness during pranayama exercises, try placing the tip of the tongue gently on the roof of the mouth and separating the biting surface of the teeth slightly to soften the muscles of the face and jaw.
• Keep all pranayama exercises smooth and subtle. If your breath is discordant or strained, your energy will be drained instead of being revitalized.
• Your breathing exercises are made much more potent if you use visualization while doing the breathing. Visualization works on the principle that whatever you concentrate on, an extra supply of oxygen and prana (life force) will be directed to that area or goal.