Yoga
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Physical Tools
This page is about the use of physical tools in your practice. What is typically called ‘yoga’ is one that will be described. In actuality, the term yoga is often used to describe a wide variety of activities. For the sake of simplicity, though, we will use it in its most common form in America: a variety of exercises for increased flexibility, relaxation, and general health.
First, however, we will describe a variety of other physical tools which can benefit your practice.
Massage
Massage is an excellent way to have an expert diagnose the structure of your body. By itself, it is a temporary fix. Unless you have the time and funds to get 2 or more massages a week, you will have to learn methods to further develop relaxation on your own. Getting a full body massage (particularly deep tissue) gives you an excellent reference point for relaxation. It helps you step out of the conditioning of your mind-body.
With the help of some consistant practice, a good massage can add significant momentum to your path.
Progressive Relaxation
This is one of the quickest tools to develop a little relaxation. It is mind-body fractionation. It’s very powerful. Check out the post on progressive relaxation.
Energy Work
This one is a bit harder to pin down. Energy can be felt, but is usually not seen. The microcosmic orbit is an excellent starting meditation for energy work. This meditation can be sped up by using your hands.
In order to prepare your hands properly for any energy work, whether you are trying to pick up something ‘off’ in someone else’s field, or if you are trying share your energy with another, or if you are simply working on yourself… you will want some increased sensitivity in your hands. The best way to achieve this is by rubbing your palms together vigorously for 20 seconds or so. A light tingling sensation in the hands is desirable. After this, your palms will be better able to detect and project energy.
I will speak more on this in future posts.
Yoga
Yoga need not be an overcomplicated practice of tying oneself in knots. A yoga practice should be simple, quick, and designed specifically for your mind-body.
Yoga is a moving meditation. Focus, relaxation, and breathing are the most important aspects. Yoga is much more than a practice for flexibility.
“The issues are in the tissues.” -Wilhelm Reich
Any body worker can confirm this for you. Distress in the body has an effect on the mind. Distress in the mind has an effect on the body. To achieve the most from your practice, it is best to use tools to relax the mind as well as the body.
As with every other practice you learn here, it is important that you remember to smile when you practice yoga.
Soon, I will be posting a brief video showing one version of the classic Sun Salutations exercise.
