Even if you don't have time for anything else, take a few minutes each day to stop and focus on your breath. Incorporating a daily breathing practice into your routine builds a tremendous resource for bringing yourself back to centre when you are stressed, upset or disturbed. The ability to sit easily and quietly even for a few minutes frees you from tensions which drain your energy. Bringing your attention to your body and your breath brings you into the present moment.

If you come to my classes you know all about the beloved relaxation response...

There is no educational requirement or aptitude necessary to experience the Relaxation Response. Just as each of us experiences anger, contentment, and excitement, each has the capacity to experience the Relaxation Response.

-Herbert Benson

Are you happy? I mean really happy?

I love that we can change our brain. There have been countless undisputed studies with the development of functional MRI scans on the brains of meditators vs those who do not meditate, showing without a doubt that we can change our brain in a big way. Its contemplative neuroscience. There have literally been hundreds of studies now. The video above is interesting (however it sort of screws up at the end).

More and more reasons to meditate and practice yoga. We can literally strengthen and grow our brains in different areas.

And well... just be happy!!

We can't control what the world throws at us but there is undeniable proof that yoga is the full deal. It is so much easier sailing through life with the tools to deal with those stressors. And lets face it, we all have them. And we all know what stress does.

Well, quite frankly, it kills :(

Neuroscientists have found that meditators shift their brain activity to different areas of the cortex-brain waves in the stress-prone frontal cortex move to the calmer left frontal cortex. This mental shift decreases the negative effects of stress, mild depression and anxiety. There is also less activity in the amygdala, where the brain processes fear.

The bottom line is that moving our body in fitness modalities is wonderful but we need more. Yoga's got it all.

(and it is a wonderful compliment to any other activity out there no matter what turns you on).

If you have been thinking of trying yoga for the first time now is the time. Why wait?

My class or someone else's. Give it a whirl! It's yoga-land here in Vancouver so there are countless choices, levels and styles.

Why wait to feel better than you ever imagined?

Maru keeps tryin' ;)

If you have or had cats you know that the great majority of them love love love boxes, laundry baskets, bags..anything they can crawl into. I once came home to a cat with a glass jar stuck on it's head (and that wasn't good). It had to be smashed off and was pretty scary (he wound up being just fine btw). Anyhow, a friend posted this on facebook and Maru is cute and never gives up. And he tries to make the most out of what he has. Thought I'd share

♥

Take a little time out of your day to really let go...even a few minutes. Just take the time and watch what happens.

When you release a deep breath, think of the muscles letting go of the bones. On the next exhale, think of the brain, the mind, and the cranial muscles letting go of thoughts and worry. On the release of breath, think of letting the heart and muscles around it relax. Each release of breath becomes a deep cleansing and letting go on many different levels: physical, emotional, mental, and other levels we're not conscious of.

Meditation is like training a dog. Your breath is the treat.

Do you meditate? Actively meditate when you are not on your yoga mat?

I highly recommend it and so do studies. Numerous studies. The more you can meditate the better, and it doesn't have to be complicated. At all. Even 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes at night for starters, can literally change your life. I'm serious!

Cyndi Lee who turned out to be one of the highlights for me at this years Yoga Conference says that Meditation is like training a dog. Your breath is like the treat.

Those of us who meditate and practice yoga (it's the same thing by the way), know that it is impossible to just turn off our mind. But can you slow down your thoughts? Absolutely, and at will. You really can self regulate.

There are many meditation techniques out there (including walking meditation).

When you can..just sit. Just sit and watch your breath. When your mind wanders simply notice and come back to your breath. And remember...."your breath is the treat". You will notice a great many things come up and you'll notice "there's that thought". "yup, there it is again", "oh, there's another one". Items from your to-do list may pop into your mind. You may even feel the release of stress hormones flooding your body if it's a stressful thought (and if you do, it's all ok)! Sit with it and breathe and notice what happens. Just watch, observe and come back your breath. Just come back. Just come back to two more breaths.

Its challenging but it does get easier to quiet the mind, slow down your heart rate etc. I really can not recommend it enough. It can get ugly, annoying, uncomfortable, and even boring, but it is so very interesting to watch the mind.

Meditation is getting to know yourself. Warts and all. And the benefits are endless.

Breathe (extended, instructional version)

It seems so simple because it really is. It's always there with us, it's free, it's portable, and it really can turn your entire day around. Next time you are stressed turn to your breath and let go. ahhhh....

Namaste