Creating Breath 'Muscle Memory'

Lovely Senate Square...you will be missed

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, My husband and I will be moving to Louisville, Kentucky in several weeks for a new adventure. I was asked to write an article for the newsletter of the building we currently live in where I also teach yoga. I had no idea what exactly I was going to write...but the words just started flowing and I wanted to share:

~ Take a deep breath ~ exhale ~

Life works in unique ways, carving paths out for us and opportunities to be explored. This opportunity is my husband's career, which took us from Illinois to Washington D.C in 2010 and  this year to Louisville, KY. I would have never guessed I would live in D.C., but I am so happy a door opened that brought us to this beautiful city even if only for a few years. It was in D.C. that I found my stride as a wife, a yogi and developed the confidence to become a yoga teacher. D.C will always hold a special place in my heart and I'm happy to say I've met life long friends just from saying 'hi' to neighbors within the Senate Square 'compound'. (Such a great reminder to smile and say 'hi' to the person on the elevator with you)

It is through the moments of challenge, turmoil and transition that I have found my yoga practice to be most useful. When you can practice challenging poses on the yoga mat, learn to work with your breath as you transition your body, allowing your breath to guide you to calm your mind and focus; it is in those moments that you build what I like to call 'muscle memory'. When we transition into life off our yoga mats we can call on that 'muscle memory' to guide us through challenging moments at the office or at home and difficult transitions to new cities.

I believe the backdrop of that 'muscle memory' is the breath, or pranayama, in sanskrit. Paying attention to the breath can calm the mind, reduce stress and transform an experience. Next time you are in a heated situation, even if it's just a crowded metro car, try this...

~ Close your eyes
~ Inhale through your nose for a count of 4, as you inhale notice the breath flow in through the nostrils
~ Pause and hold the breath for just a moment, as if the air is just hovering within
~ Exhale, slowly for a count of 4 to 8 noticing the breath's impact to the body
~ Continue with this breath pattern for as long as you like
~ Notice your energy shift

Wishing your next metro ride be peaceful one!

~ Namaste