1. Food
Is the food eaten being digested? The sister science of yoga, Ayurveda, views Agni as key to health and vitality. Agni is the biological fire that governs metabolism and digestion. It destroys toxins in the stomach. How would you rate your digestive power?
Yoga poses that stimulate agni include twists. They compress the organs of digestion and then release and relax them.
2. Exercise
What is the quality of your exercise routine? Generally speaking, are movements slow and deliberate or fast with at least a 101% exercise till you drop result? In yoga attitude is king together with awareness. Exercise with breath awareness is yoga.
Yoga poses that strengthen the core include plank, Chaturanga Dandasana. Modify this pose by placing one knee on the floor for support. Practice twice holding for up to 6 breaths, and alternating knees. Create an affirmation to support your intention to increase energy levels.
3. Lifestyle
Are you ready to honestly examine your life? Hands on the heart and take a deep breath kind of examination? Seriously, assume this position and ask yourself - What is draining my energy? Accept the first response. Usually courage is needed to make changes.
Warrior poses elicit courage. Take a warrior stance, breathe steadily, rouse and vitalize courage.
4. Sex
What part does this force that keeps the species alive play in your life? What does sex mean to you? How does sex or thoughts of sex affect your energy level?
Yoga advocates for appropriate use of this energy in the fourth Yama - Brahmacharya. The way we relate to others and ourselves is fundamental to our yoga practice and outlined in the Yoga Sutras.
5. Emotions
Are you afraid of and dissociate from your emotions? Do you cover them up? When asked - what is wrong, do you say "nothing", or are you so in touch with your inner world that you can identify feelings?
The subtle level of yoga leads to discovering our inner world; learning to observe emotions, feelings, thoughts, and beliefs. When we attach to or negate emotions, energy is wasted or blocked. Practicing yoga increases our ability to watch the inner landscape, and allow the river of emotions to flow freely.
Here's hoping you take a small step towards a fuller freer life.
Heather Greaves, Self Care Mentor, is passionate about sharing simple techniques to improve quality of life, and helps those interested in natural healing ways learn therapeutic yoga. She is the owner of Body Therapies Yoga Training has been training in a certified yoga teacher training program. To learn more self care tips visit http://www.yogatogo.com/