Yoga
So, I was avoiding yoga for a while... not for any good reason, more because yoga, like medicine, is good for me. And, much like any good human, I sometimes avoid what's good for me.
I've been really inspired by marinatempest gathering her stuff together to do The Yoga Center of Columbia's teacher training program. It's exciting for me because I'm really impressed by her dedication and dourky obsession with yoga. I think it's also helped me come to terms with putting of my certification for a while. Mostly, because going back to Scott's class for a while made me realize that I have taken a good year and a half off yoga and am just not where I was a few years back as far as alignment, strength and confidence go. That's not a bad thing for me, it's a good realization to have.
However, I love a good challenge. So, I've started adding small morning practices into my bellydance workout. I'm starting out by doing a few sun salutations, then making sure to add in my favorite poses each day...
half moon pose
One Legged Pigeon Pose
Warrior I
I find that all three of these are really good for easing stress. Warrior I makes me feel like I'm the goddess Diana, shooting a bow of energy into the sky. It also has this beautiful, bizarre quality, with it's strong, stable legs and upward, graceful arm... such a nice balance of verticle versus horizontal lines. Pigeon is great because I have tight thighs of death, with muscles that are stiff and unforgiving. Pigoeon lets me stretch them out and makes me feel really grounded. Half moon is, by far, one of my favorite poses of all time because it takes a bit of courage to get into it at first. You have to change your perspective and say, "you know... for this pose, I'm going to tilt the world a bit and see things from a new angle." I also love this one because it's easier for me if I don't use a block. The closer to the earth I am, the more grounded I become.
Any of the rest of you yoga heads out there... what are your stress relieving poses?