LIFE LESSONS from
the MAT
programs, seems to have a deep, profound effect on the way practitioners approach their lives. In practicing yoga you will learn a lot about your body. You'll become stronger, more flexible, calmer, and breathe more deeply. The health benefits are great, from reducing blood pressure to stimulating your immune system. When you continue to practice you will find that what you learned about your body on the mat is directly transferable into your daily life. Following are some valuable life les- sons from the mat:
A
1. Pay Attention. The small things matter. On the Mat: Your yoga instructor will
give instruction on making the smallest imperceptible adjustments to your body in a pose. Things that no one else can see ,but you can feel. And these things make all the difference. Once you "get" a pose it is these small details that bring it to life. In Life: Most of us get the big things. We do our jobs, we take care of our families, we build friendships. But when we pay atten- tion to the small details, the things that might go unnoticed on the surface, is when we bring in new business, increase har- mony at home, and deepen lasting friend- ships. Things like taking the time to listen and respond, saying thank you, doing a little more than was expected, keeping promises ... you know, generally paying attention; these things make all the differ- ence. It is the imperceptible adjustments that bring your life to life.
Natural Triad Magazine DECEMBER 2012 45
ny exercise program, if you stick with it, will have an effect on your life. Yoga, unlike other exercise
2. Let Go. On the Mat: We learn when moving into a deep stretch that we make more progress by letting go than we do by push- ing. Breathe, relax, and let go. That is when the pose magically appears. Physiologi- cally it makes sense; when you push, there is a natural reflex that causes your muscles to tense to protect from injury. When you breathe, relax, and let go, you allow the pose to come to you. In Life: We push for more. We struggle to make ends meet. We
chase the illusive dream. No matter what we have, we seem to want more. But if we slow down, breathe and relax, we find that not only do we already have everything we need, but also whatever it is we think we've been chasing can finally catch up to us.
3. Hold On. I know what you're thinking; I just told you to let go. Now I'm telling you to hold on. Both can be good strategies but at different times. Learning the differ-
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