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 Yoga for All Five Senses
(ARA) - Yoga has taken the country
by storm. A-list celebrities, soccer moms and senior citizens
are learning the rewards of this ancient practice. And as people
come to understand the physical, mental and emotional benefits
of their yoga practice, many are seeking ways to bring their
practice into everyday life.
Carving out personal time for
yoga provides a way to reflect and reenergize. And unlike many
workouts, yoga is easy to do at home. There is no bulky equipment,
and you can customize the yoga session that is right for you
-- from meditative breathing to an intense workout. At first
glance, your living room or den might not seem like the right
place for child’s pose or downward-facing dog, but it’s
easy to create an environment that speaks to all five senses.
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* Give yourself room to breathe
Make sure the space is large
enough to fully participate in each pose. You may have to move
some furniture, but it’s worth it to reap the full benefits
of each pose. Make sure the room is a comfortable temperature
-- while you might not work up a sweat, you will be moving quite
a bit.
* Listen closely
The right mood can be created
or broken by outside noise. Block out sounds of traffic or noisy
neighbors with a CD of gentle music or nature sounds. A tabletop
fountain can bring the soothing babble of flowing water. Whatever
you choose, it should help to focus your attention, not distract
it. |
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* Inhale
Aromatherapy is the science of
scent and its effect on our well-being. Take a personal approach
-- and avoid a house full of smoky incense -- by investing in
a yoga mat with aromatherapy. The Aroma Mat from Hugger-Mugger
has a unique combination of fragrances. The scent of jasmine,
peach, raspberry and coconut uplift your mood. Hints of soothing
patchouli and cedarwood may aid in your grounding and relaxation.
* A feast for the eyes
Remember that most of our impressions
about our world come from what we see. Create a calming space
by removing clutter. Draw the curtains if outside activity will
cause distraction. Surround yourself with objects of beauty --
a flowering plant, a beautiful print, even a favorite color.
Choose a yoga mat in a color that inspires you. Most people prefer
a sticky mat to aid with poses and comfort. Hugger-Mugger is
a creator of the original Tapas sticky mat and today offers 10
styles and 21 color options.
* A strong finish
Most yoga instructors recommend
that students refrain from eating for at least two hours before
yoga sessions. After your practice, don’t head straight
for the fridge. Enjoy a quiet moment with a cup of herbal tea
or spring water to ease your body back into the “real world”
and reward it for all its hard work. |
