Yoga - Saving time for Savasana

  These days many people are practicing Hatha yoga postures and routines as a form of fitness to build strength and flexibility of the outer body, they may be getting some improved psychological benefits as well, but are they taking time to focus on the inner body?

  We humans have an incredible inner body full of many complex systems including nerves, glands, organs, blood and lymphatic circulation, digestion and elimination.
The actions of the yoga postures are not only flexing and extending muscles to improve posture and relieve stiffness, they are also playing an important role in the function of the inner body which provides optimum health.

Yoga postures squeeze and release internal organs which aid in detoxification, glands which distribute necessary hormones to balance metabolism and can soften the aging processes, stretching nerves to improve electrical conduction, rotating joints which produces lubricating synovial fluid, and deep breathing which improves lung and cardio vascular health, oxygenating the blood which carries nutrients to cells.

   The focus of yoga asanas (postures) is not only for creating a beautiful form, they were designed to keep all systems functioning properly so that we can enjoy a better quality of life. It is a holistic practice which attends to the needs of all that it means to be living as a human, to create balance and live in accordance with the laws of nature. To address the mind there is a philosophy which can guide us through life. The philosophy of yoga can be applied to all faiths, because yoga is a science not a religion.

   We may practice very active asanas when we are feeling energetic and healthy, but if we have days when we are tired, nervous or unwell we can change to a more passive practice to suit our needs which can leave us feeling calm, refreshed and in a more positive mental state . As we age we need to adapt our yoga practice according to the changes that occur over time.

   An important part of our physical yoga practice is "not being active" this is the still quiet time at the completion of the physical movements which is called Savasana in Sanskrit . It means "as relaxed as a lifeless body, or Corpse pose."

Savasana looks simple enough, but it can be one of the most challenging parts of the yoga  practice for some people because it requires us to let go of the body and the mind, without falling asleep. We become "consciously relaxed"
Savasana is a good exercise in conscious awareness and detachment, when desiring to learn meditation.

 I would highly recommend the guidance of an experienced teacher to share a method of how to relax into Savasana. Each teacher has their own unique way of guiding people into conscious relaxation, or you can find a video or download on line.

    Savasana requires one to lie down face up on a clean firm surface, for a minimum of five minutes to a maximum of twenty depending on our time restraints and personal needs.
Using soft relaxation music is often a good way for some people to start because it can help distract the mind from thoughts.

   First we learn to observe and regulate the breath, then all body parts while consciously releasing tension. Choosing a method from a variety of techniques we can  learn to identify where we hold physical tension and consciously release it.
The mind is then equally addressed, learning to relax and release thoughts without sleeping but rather resting in our natural thoughtless state. All body systems are governed by the brain so
when the mind relaxes the brain waves slow down and this allows the body a deeper and more complete releasing.

   When the entire body is relaxed and soft, the joints, muscles, nervous system and internal organs can rest in their correct anatomical position and space is created right down to the cellular level. This allows oxygenated blood to rush through the entirety of all systems flushing out toxic waste and replenishing cells with nutrients and hormones which have been secreted from the massaged glands.This action contributes to cellular regeneration.

 Muscle cells are flushed removing toxic acid which prevents stiffness. The cartilages of the joints especially those of the spine are bathed in synovial fluid which maintains resilience and can flush out inflammation.  Digestion and elimination are greatly improved. The brain is flooded with endorphins which leaves us with a wonderful euphoric feeling after wards and can help improve sleep and mood disorders.
These are just a few of the benefits gained from practicing Savasana.

When planning time for your yoga asana practice be sure to make an extra 5 - 10 minutes into consideration and enjoy a balanced experience. Your inner body and general health will improve greatly.

 Savasana can also be done as a practice on it's own without having to do the yoga postures first, it helps to calm the nervous system and provide mental rejuvenation during a busy or stressful time. Try it at  home or at work if you have the space to lie down and stretch out freely. If you are working with a team, it could be a beneficial break for the entire group which could  help to increase productivity.





"Your Wellness is my Business"
Brenda E. Bell
www.brendabell.ca

The Benefits of Learning Reiki

Learning reiki can be a life changing event in one’s life.

 We don't have to become professional healers to enjoy the many benefits it can offer to us in our personal lives.

Many people are aware of the fact that reiki is used primarily to heal others, but there is a larger part to becoming a reiki practitioner, in fact it is probably the most important aspect of becoming a healer.

Heal yourself first!

“Physician, heal thyself” -Jesus – Luke 4:23

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you” – Rumi

“The way you help heal the world is you start with your own family” – Mother Teresa

       To me this makes a lot of sense. How can you trust a person to help heal you when they haven’t attempted to heal themselves first?

There are very few of us who reach adulthood without some type of affliction whether it be physical, mental or emotional. There is always some part of our “Being” in need of adjusting into balance.

This is what all eastern health philosophies attempt to teach us, that all aspects of existing in this present life must be attended to. Diet, exercise, thought, rest, sleep, elimination and work.

   When we put our attention on balancing ourselves as a “Whole” it develops self awareness which can lead us to compassion and understanding of others. We can learn to live life with ease, without struggle, to move with the wind without resistance.

When we put attention towards creating balance in our personal lives it creates a vibrancy that other people can see. 

What is that “Vibrancy”?

   It is life force energy which all living things are infused with. It is this life force that reiki practitioners tap into to connect with others, much like a jumper cable used from a highly charged car battery to a poorly charged one.

   When we learn reiki we are taught affirmations to be used daily in order to develop character, encourage positive thinking, compassion, honesty and gratitude. We learn that thought is also energy.

We learn exercises to develop awareness of this life force energy and how to increase our personal  energy frequency.

We need nothing external from our own selves, and we can be of any faith and apply the basic principles of reiki because they are not part of a religion but can most certainly show us that we are more than simple physical beings which turn into ash or compost.

    Being true to ourselves first is the most important aspect of becoming a healer. Practice what you preach!  Keep it simple and uncomplicated.

Over time self reiki can raise our personal frequency, teach us to relax, improve our breathing, cardiovascular health, digestion, elimination, sleep, and balance hormones.

It calms irrational desires and behaviours, can help us to break bad habits, overcome addictions and depression. We can develop intuition which leads to better decision making and in general can improve our personal and work relationships.

  Once we have experienced this within ourselves we can if we choose to, extend this to others to help improve their quality of life,  whether it is family members or clients. 

  There is nothing magical or occult about reiki, it is just a practical application and a method to increase awareness of and respect for who we really are and our relationship with all life around us. It is meant to create balance and harmony which in turn can reward us with good health, happiness and a sense of contentment.

Finding our own personal health and happiness is the first step towards creating positive global changes.

Brenda E. Bell  RT-CRA

www.brendabell.ca 

Brenda Bell Wellness: Creating positive vibrations with Negative Ions

Brenda Bell Wellness: Creating positive vibrations with Negative Ions: What is a negative ion? Ions are invisible particles, either molecules or atoms, which bear an electric charge. Atoms, for instance, cons...

Creating positive vibrations with Negative Ions

What is a negative ion?

Ions are invisible particles, either molecules or atoms, which bear an electric charge. Atoms, for instance, consist of an atomic nucleus that contains neutral neutrons and positively charged protons, as well as orbiting electrons that are negatively charged. When an atom is in a neutral condition, the number of protons (+) and electrons (-) is equal. When the number of protons and electrons is not the same, the particle becomes an ion that is either positively or negatively charged.

Positive Ion (Cation): an atom (or molecule) that has lost one or more electrons due to a high-energy impact. Natural forces that generate positive ions include the decay of radioactive minerals, radon gas, forest fires, lightning and ultraviolet rays.

Negative Ion (Anion): an atom (or molecule) that has gained one or more extra negatively charged electrons. Negative ions are naturally generated by evaporating water, ocean surf, waterfalls and ionic minerals such as Tourmaline.
Reference; Team Ionic

Negative Ions - Negative ions have long been associated with improvements in mood and physical health. Research conducted in the last decade has begun to support the view that negative ions have a net positive effect on health. Researchers at the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow discovered that negative ions are able to help protect the body from mental and physical stress.

How do we absorb them?

We inhale them, they are tasteless an odorless.

To address air pollution-related health problems a growing number of people are using air filtration products in the home or workplace that generate negative ions to charge and precipitate airborne particulate matter for removal to create localized zones of improved air quality.
Consumer devices that utilize negative ion-generating technology have been shown to eliminate airborne pollutants, dust, cigarette smoke, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, viruses, and bacteria from the air. Research supports the view that negative ions have a net positive effect on health, including improved mood and relieving depression by increasing serotonin levels, stabilized catecholamine regulation and circadian rhythm, enhanced recovery from physical exertion and protection from positive ion-related stress and exhaustion disorders.  Negative ions can help keep office workers more alert on the job and reducing the need for caffeine consumption.

The best and most available source of negative ions is in natural settings with moving water such as waterfalls, lakes, ocean, rivers, and streams.  Going outside after a thunderstorm or heavy rainfall will also provide us with negative ions. All the above environments are commonly associated with peacefulness not only because of the beauty but because of the ionic effect in our blood stream.

How can we bring Negative ions into our space?
As previously mentioned we can purchase commercially sold ionizers but there is no solid evidence that they actually work. Most ionizers come with air filters so the filter may be working to create a better air quality but to get the maximum benefit of negative ions I suggest using a water fountain.
There are now many different styles and sizes of water fountains available for home and office use.
    At home we can install small tabletop fountains in our family rooms or bedrooms. Larger art piece fountains can be installed in foyers and entrances, the bigger the fountain the more ions will be given off.

        Many businesses have fountains in their reception area where clientele may sit and wait for appointments and meetings. This is excellent for doctor’s offices or other environments where intense decision making will take place.

         In busy offices with a large staff we can create an “Ion Space”.  Designate a small spare room or a small section of a large open area to install a tabletop fountain and a comfortable chair or two which recline slightly.

    Use this area for rest only, you could name it  the 
“Take 5” space.  Sit back and close the eyes, practice mindful breathing and simply “BE” in the moment for 5 minutes.  No talking allowed, no texting, no emails no calls.

The combination of inhaling negative ions while breathing consciously, and relaxation will leave one feeling rejuvenated and more alert.  Over time you may be surprised with the positive effects this practice will have on your physical and mental health.

Brenda E. Bell
www.brendabell.ca