EATING WITH AWARENESS

Are you eating with awareness?
Have you ever taken an hour or so to prepare a tasty meal with delightful presentation only to have your family or guests gobble it down in 5 minutes?! Your loving effort seems to be wasted. Yes they loved it so much that they gobbled it, but did they really enjoy it? the flavours, the textures?

Did they chew it?
Meals can be a time for gathering, catching up, connecting and sharing. If you are eating alone it can be a time for relaxing and reflection. On the contrary these days many of us are in such a rush, people are skipping breakfast grabbing a coffee and muffin on the go, fast food at lunch or a quick sandwich at the desk while working. After rush hour traffic and a long day at work too tired to cook, heating up something frozen or leftovers to be eaten in front of the television or computer.

How many people are suffering from digestive and elimination problems today? How many people are lacking nutrients? How many people end up snacking more and gaining weight?
Does this sound like you?

Did you know that if you chew your food until it is completely mush as if it had been in a blender then you will have better nutrient absorption, digestion and elimination? There are many health benefits of eating with awareness, the one that comes to my mind immediately is how we chew our food.

Digestion starts in the mouth.
The saliva has compounds in it which mix with the food preparing it for the stomach which has stronger acids to mix with the mashed food. Drinking water with meals is not helpful because it dilutes the gastric acids. Some people find they have better digestion if they drink a small glass of water with  natural apple cider vinegar 10 -15 mins before a large meal. Europeans commonly have a glass of wine with meals to improve digestion as wine is acidic. This maybe a good option for non-vegetarians.

As we age digestive acid production can slow down leading some people to look for aids such as digestive enzymes. After chewing our food the mush passes from the stomach into the intestines where all the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. The mush then moves on into the colon to be expelled as waste. If the food has been swallowed in clumps then some nutrients are being missed, and the clumps can get lodged in the intestinal walls to putrefy and create gases and bloating.  The colon can get backed up and become blocked causing constipation and other  digestive and elimination problems.

Stress can also diminish the proper release of gastric acids and also slow down peristalsis, the wave like motion which move food through the intestines. Therefore eating mindfully will help to create mental  as well as physical relaxation thus lead to better digestion. 

This is just a simple explanation of your digestive system, but it's enough to give you something to think about. If you have been inspired to be more mindful about your eating habits, then you may want to start making a bit more time for your meals. After all what is more important than your own personal health?

Try to schedule time for your meals even if it's just 10 minutes for breakfast, or 15-20 for lunch and a longer time for dinner. Sit without distraction so that you can enjoy the flavours and textures of your food while being aware of chewing it well before swallowing it.

Try this for 2 weeks and  see if you are feeling better physically and mentally. 

Brenda E. Bell
www.brendabell.ca

Are EMF'S making you sick?

We are constantly hearing about detox programs for our diet but not many people talk about clearing the dirty electricity or EMF's out of our system.Electromagnetic Field Emissions. This includes waves from microwave ovens, radio, television, wireless internet and cell phones. Think about it...it's all around us, we can't see it but our body and nervous system can feel it.

It is important to be aware that CFL's (compact fluorescent lamps) create "Dirty Electricity" increasing EMF's (electromagnetic field emissions) and UVR (ultraviolet radiation) all of which can compromise the immune system with over exposure. So if you work in an office or school you need to learn about this.

When I was a child in elementary school we sat by big windows and under old fashioned light bulbs. I was alert and did well, but when I was sent to a brand new middle school lit with fluorescent lighting I found myself unable to focus and fell asleep at my desk. I was eventually sent to the nurse's office after fainting. They thought it was low blood sugar, but once I got outside I was fine.

It was later after high school that I was informed that I was sensitive to fluorescent lighting and this affected my choices of work. When I returned to college after my years of professional dance, I was fortunate that the school used full spectrum lighting. This made a dramatic difference for me. I was alert and graduated with honours.

Health Canada is now warning that more than 3 hours of exposure to EMF's at a time is too much and they recommend taking regular breaks. If you Google this subject you will find many articles about this topic. It's no wonder that coffee is as popular as it is!

I learned a simple secret 40 years ago from Dr. Christopher a renown Canadian herbalist and health practitioner. He taught us to stand barefoot outside on the earth regardless of the season, for just a couple of minutes to ground out the electromagnetic emissions and static electricity from our body. He suggested wearing leather soled shoes instead of the rubber soles which were becoming more common. The rubber prevents the electrical currents from leaving the body. But these days that is difficult and not a welcomed feature for Vegans. So taking off our shoes and standing on the earth should become a regular practice, it only takes a minute or two. Yes it works when you stand on snow providing there is earth and not concrete below.

Dr. Christopher was teaching us this before we had internet and cell phones so imagine the load we are taking on now!

Static electricity has an irritating effect on the nervous system which can be the cause of headaches, insomnia, anxiety, poor memory, depression and mental alertness as well as compromise the immune system and contribute to other nervous disorders.

There are many other ways to combat this new phenomena if you care to do your research.

Individual Reiki sessions are a good way of helping to clear and balance the energy in our body. Yoga breath work is also a good method. Start wearing clothing made from natural fibres instead of polyester, acrylic and nylon, all which hold static electricity.

Try it and see if it works for you.

I am here to help you. Remember your wellness is my business!

Brenda E. Bell
www.brendabell.ca

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

Wellness Coaching for Self Empowerment

    Do you want to experience renewed energy and health, lose or maintain lost weight, reduce stress and sleep better? Would you like to boost your immune system before another cold winter and seasonal viruses arrive?

Well you can do all this if you make a commitment to yourself right now.

   Start now with simple and gradual changes that will slowly develop your self discipline and willpower, keep you more relaxed and increase your vibrancy.
You'll be able to develop mental clarity, make better decisions and become less agitated when challenged.

 If you can follow the recommended lifestyle routine outlined below you will be amazed how much better you will feel in a short time.

For some healthy people the following routine may not seem like such an effort, but for those who are stressed and unhealthy it can sound very challenging.

   Make one change at a time so you don't feel overwhelmed. Give yourself a month or so to incorporate all the suggested tips.

It may inspire you to eat and drink differently and inquire about other health enhancing options that are available to us these days.

 If your budget or company benefits allow, you could consult a wellness coach, naturopath doctor or therapist for more detailed personal changes and options.

 Remember to smile every day, avoid negative people and find social groups that will support the changes you are adopting.

It's your life! No one else is living it and no one else can make these changes for you.
Take control, become self empowered now!

Healthy Lifestyle Routine Tips

  Wake up 30-40 minutes earlier than usual

·       Drink 16 oz of room temperature water with lemon juice

·        Meditate or do mindful breathing for 15 -20 minutes

·       Read a short inspirational phrase, paragraph or recite positive affirmations

·        Prepare for the day without stress and eat a nourishing breakfast

·       During the day if you become stressed, sit still and quietly focused on breathing for a few minutes. Remember your positive affirmations

·        Exercise daily even if it’s just a 30 minute walk outdoors and simple stretches to alleviate tension

·        Have low calorie, fibre rich nutritious meals of moderate portions at regular times and healthy snacks

·        Take Vitamin C and D daily

·        Minimize caffeine and alcohol consumption ( none 4 hours before sleeping)

·        Avoid cane sugar , fried and refined foods

·        Drink water and clear herbal teas, avoid drinking fluids 1-2 hrs before sleep

·        Indulge in healthy humour

·        Go to bed 30 - 40 minutes earlier than usual
 
 

Reaching optimal health and wellness is my passion; it cannot be overstated or exaggerated. Focusing on lifestyle behaviours and healthy habits help to prevent illness or disability and will enable you to achieve full physical and mental potential. I’d like to inspire you to be your personal best, living a life with purpose and joy.

Brenda E. Bell

www.brendabell.ca

EASY TWO-MINUTE MEDITATION

    I hear so many people saying that they would love to learn to meditate but they don't know how to begin or how to sit still for more than two minutes.

Ok so here you go, give me two minutes of your time.

  I believe in keeping things simple and from all my learnings I have found that the simple things can be the most powerful and effective because they allow for concentrated focus. Starting with small realistic efforts can lead us gradually towards positive life changes as we become ready for them.
Even if you never graduate to a 20 -30 min  daily meditation, doing this short "Two Minute Meditation" regularly is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself.
Try it for TWO WEEKS and see for yourself how it affects your personal well being.
You can do this in your office or anywhere providing there are no loud and obvious distractions. Nature settings are glorious!

HOW TO GET STARTED
Have some sort of timer alert beside you so you don't have to think about time. Set it for two minutes, but don't start it yet.

Sit where you are, close your eyes and bring your awareness to your body.
Mentally scan your body for tension and consciously release it with exhalations.

Having relaxed your body, feel the gentle flow of your natural breath, smoothly, slowly without control.

As you observe exhalation to the end, immediately prepare your mind that, without a gap, the awareness of the inhalation will begin.
Observe the completion of inhalation then, prepare your mind to begin the awareness of the exhalation, without a gap. Observing not controlling the totality of each breath

Resolve in your mind that for the next two minutes to simply let go of extraneous thoughts while focusing on your breath. 

Make the resolve and begin now. Start the timer.

After two minutes without breaking the flow and awareness, of relaxed natural breath, gently open your eyes. Feel gratitude for this moment of peace.

Resolve in your mind to enter this state any time during the day when there is a minute or two available. You will learn to pacify the senses and calm the disturbances of the mind. Eventually you won't need the timer and you may find that two minutes will start growing into more without effort.


Simple and regular meditation develops self awareness, mental focus, emotional stability, lowers blood pressure, anxiety, manages depression and promotes deep sleep, allowing one to live a life with more clarity and joy.

Copyright Brenda Bell Wellness

Food For Thought

 

Did you ever notice that walnuts look like little brains?  

 I often think they look that way to remind us of their natural brain enhancing qualities. Walnuts when eaten raw contain abundant amounts of omega 3 fatty acids which can help to prevent depression and cognitive degeneration. Walnuts also raise melatonin levels which promotes sleep. So if you suffer from insomnia you might think about adding raw walnuts to your diet.

Your heart can benefit from the polyunsaturated fats and polyphenols, and they make a great lean protein snack.

Be sure that you don't have too much of a good thing, limit your intake to 3 walnuts per day. (6 halves) That’s all you need. 

Six halves

You can take them to work, put them in vegetable or fruit salads, crumble into your heart healthy oatmeal, and they taste great with maple syrup and plain yogurt for a healthy dessert!

Walnuts should be eaten raw for their health benefits; once they are heated the fats become saturated. You need to keep them stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and avoid becoming rancid.  Make sure that you are purchasing fresh walnuts they should not have a bitter taste. Rancid walnuts are poisonous and can make us sick. Avoid buying walnut pieces sold in plastic bags at the grocery store in the bakery section.  These are sure to be old. The best place to purchase good quality walnuts halves are from a reputable health shop.

Tips for relieving eye strain at work

 Many people are working with computers these days and eye strain has become a major work related complaint.  Fatigue, headaches, red or twitching eyes lead to increased errors and reduced productivity.

Many workers take only two 15-minute breaks from their computer throughout the work day. According to a recent NIOSH* study, discomfort and eye strain were significantly reduced when computer workers took four additional five-minute "mini-breaks" throughout their work day.

Data entry speed was significantly faster and work output was maintained even though the workers had 20 mins of extra break time during the day.

*National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

Here are a few helpful tips for reducing work related eye strain:

 #1) “20-20 Rule”

Every 20 minutes, look a minimum of 20ft away from the computer, for 20 seconds.

This relaxes the muscles deep within the eyes that are used for close focusing. 

#2) Exercise the eyes

Circle eyes in one direction 10 times, and then reverse.  Lightly press the heels of your hands on the eye. Place a tissue on the eyes first if you are wearing eye makeup.

This improves blood circulation.

#3 ) Relax 

Turn away from the computer or change your location. Release tension by rolling the shoulders a few times in one direction then the other.  Turn the head gently from side to side. Tuck the chin downward toward the collar bones  and release 3 - 4 times.

 For 4 minutes sit back and gaze into the distance across the room or out the window, this relaxes the focusing muscles of the eyes.  Be conscious of breathing deeply in a relaxed manner while gazing, then close the eyes while releasing tension in the face, neck and shoulders  for 1 minute 

This increases oxygenated blood flow into the eyes and brain, while relaxing the mind which will improve work performance.

#4 )Eye drops

 Keep good moisturizing eye drops handy and make a habit of using them during your breaks.

 Print this page and keep it by your desk as a reminder!  


Brenda E. Bell  2015

HATHA YOGA- Preventing injuries in the Shoulders and Wrists

 According to studies done by the International Association of Yoga Therapists ,  Downward dog pose, Push up pose, Crow pose, Side plank pose and all poses that require bearing weight on the arms and hands have been linked to injuries of the shoulders, wrists or hands.

Many students try to achieve the full pose without the proper technical instruction or strength required to do so safely.

It is important that students inform their yoga teacher of any pre-existing injuries or issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, rotator cuff tears or tendonitis in the elbows.

In a group class an experienced teacher will address the varying degree of ability in each student and offer modifications that will provide a safe practice for all, including alternatives for flowing sequences such as Sun salutation.

 Remember a class is a place to learn, you have paid money to be there so take the knowledge and use it in your personal practice to improve your condition and not aggravate it. If your condition is worsening after informing the teacher then have them reassess their suggested pose modifications and your performance. If you are still not satisfied then I suggest you find another teacher with better teaching skills or perhaps the pose you desire to perform is not right for your body. Remember not all yoga poses are suited for all bodies, that is why there are hundreds of yoga poses.

The following actions in these upper body weight bearing poses will reduce the chance of injury:

 First: Check your hand placement; spread the fingers pressing down evenly through all parts of the hands paying special attention to the index finger and thumb side of the hands avoiding passive weight bearing on the wrists.

Next: Stabilize the arms by contracting all arm muscles and energetically pulling them up and away from the floor.  Move the upper arms towards the back of the body using the shoulder blade muscles to position the humeral head (the front of the shoulder joint) towards the back.  Revolve the biceps muscles forward, having a sense of turning the upper arms laterally. Keep the chests broad, lifting the breast bone and find strength in the torso muscles to help lift the weight off the hands.

These movements may be initially practiced placing the hands against the wall or with the knees on the floor to reduce weight bearing while technique and strength develop.

If these techniques are not working for you then you may require some personal instruction involving the use of props.  It is worth spending a few dollars more for a private lesson to find a way that works for you.  You can then take this into the group class feeling confident that you are healing your body and not adding to further injury.

Brenda Bell CYT, has 30years of teaching experience and is a member of International Association for Yoga Therapists, offering workshops, group and private lessons in Toronto.

Yoga as therapy

 Are you suffering from chronic pain due to work related postural habits, previous injuries,heart disease or aging processes from a sedentary lifestyle?

Would you like to live a pain free life and take responsibility for your personal well being?

With the help of an experienced yoga therapist, living a pain free life is possible. Everyone at any age can start yoga.
 No one  with health issues should  attempt to start practicing yoga alone until they  have been properly assessed by an experienced  teacher.
  Not all yoga postures or breathing exercises are suitable for all bodies or ailments, therefore an experienced yoga therapist can develop a daily practice suited to each clients personal needs.  
   Yoga is a scientific practice which can be adjusted accordingly as one’s condition changes and improves.
  While some encouragement is needed from the teacher to help the student develop self discipline as they are establishing a daily practice, the payoff is well worth the effort.
Not only will one be able to move through life with limited pain, there will also be a sense of achievement, mental clarity, focus and happiness. 
An increased sense of self confidence develops because one learns to listen to warning signals and knows how to cope with them by avoiding or modifying actions or behaviour, then at their convenience practicing the remedial yoga postures and breathing.
  
In the beginning working with a yoga therapists is done in private sessions,but over time some students feel confident to start taking group classes with an increased awareness of  what works for them personally and therefore avoiding injury or flare ups. Speaking with the instructor making them aware of one's situation is a wise action before attempting group classes. Experienced and conscientious teachers will respect each students needs and give them alternative or modified postures if needed.

 I have had great success with many of my clients throughout my years of teaching, this is why I can express my confidence in the healing power of yoga.
If there is a will, there is a way.

I am a Yoga  Teacher and Yoga Therapist  working in the Greater Toronto Area. I am a member of International Association for Yoga Therapists.

If you don’t know how to find a good yoga therapist in your area you can go to the International Association of Yoga Therapists website 
http://www.iayt.org

Are you breathing?

I know that may sound like a silly question, "Are you breathing?"
Of course you are! If you are reading this post then you are most definitely breathing.
The breath is voluntary going on and on with out us having to think about it.
 But it if we do decide to think about it and put our attention to our breath it can become a powerful tool for life changing experiences.
The science of breathing from ancient India is called "Pranayama", it is a very in depth study of  breath control which can lead the practitioner to extreme techniques such as stopping the heart beat. This was demonstrated to scientists by Krishnamacharya in the early 20th century.

   We don't need to go to such extremes to enjoy the benefits of conscious breathing. Starting with only 10 simple deep conscious breaths a day is a good beginning. If you feel inspired you can do this practice twice a day and if your interest grows you may seek out a competent yoga teacher to lead you onward.

Here are just a few of the many benefits of practising conscious breathing;

Heart health- improved circulation, lowers and regulates blood pressure

Nervous system - calms nerves and mind leading to improved mental health, memory, decision making and relieves stress related illnesses, depression and anxiety.

Oxygenates cells - increases immune function, cellular regeneration and detoxification

Lung health - increase lung capacity, relieves respiratory disorders

Diaphragm strengthening- leads to better breathing and prevents hiatus hernia

Organ health - all internal organ function is improved, including digestion and elimination

Hormones- balances the endocrine system and relives insomnia

Preparation for meditation- conscious breathing keeps us focused in the NOW


Let's get started!
Lie down on your back with your head slightly raised. Bring your hand and rest it lightly on the diaphragm area which is located at the lowest end of the breast bone.
Breathing through your nose start the inhalation at this diaphragm area and you will feel the hand rising upward. Continue to fill the lungs with breath upward towards the collar bones. Pause for a second or two until you mentally prepare to exhale from the diaphragm area feeling the hand dropping backward towards the floor as you empty the lungs completely.
 Slowly start another conscious inhalation and continue this process until you have done 10 complete breaths.
For most people this practice only takes one to two minutes. After some weeks or months of practice you may like to set a timer for 5 mins and not have to count the breaths, allowing the mind to completely focus on the movement of breath. Experiment with this and see what you get from it. You may be very surprised. I've given you several good reasons to try.

*NOTE: the diaphragm is the muscle of  respiration, please refer to the diagram below for a simple
example.

Love and Light
Brenda                                                                                  Brenda E. Bell Copyright 2015