Namaskar - Oct 09

meridian lines, stimulating the release of blocked areas by
replenishing it with blood and providing an opportunity for stored
emotions to release. This explains why after a yoga class, we often
feel a great sense of ease and space in our body.
According to Dr. Candice Pert, author of Molecules of Emotions,
the cells in our body keeps a record of every emotion we have had
since birth. Whenever something happens to us as a kid or as an
adult, our body is involved. Depending on your life experiences,
each person has his/her own set of emotions to work through.
Perhaps this explains why no two people feel the same after a yoga
practice. And in your own practice, have you noticed that each pose
brings you a different feeling and this unique feeling is never the
same? Compare downward facing dog in the beginning and end of
class and you will know what I mean. In general, there are postures
that seem to initiate emotional responses more than others.
Backbends invite more joy and strength because of they expose the
heart; hip openers help release vital feelings such as anger and
frustration; inversions train us to be more courageous in situations
when we (or our world, metaphorically) turn upside down.
We need to educate ourselves on how to work in a healthy way with
our emotions and there are numerous tools that can guide us
through this process.
In terms of yoga practice, there are many styles of yoga available and
a majority of them are yang-based where the focus is on
strengthening our muscles. In my experience, practices that are more
yin and restorative based tend to encourage deeper release of strong
emotions as our focus turn inward. Adding pranayama to your
practice can help restore and re-balance your inner energy system.
The classic ones are alternate-nose breathing or breathe of fire where
you may find instructions online. Mudras are another good option.
There are also resources to complement your practice, such as:
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as “needleless
acupuncture for emotions” is a great self-taught tool to work on
negative emotions. EFT teaches that negative emotions are caused
by disturbances in the body’s energy field, and tapping on the
meridians while thinking of a negative emotion alters the body’s
energy field, restoring it to balance. Basic instructions can be
downloaded for free at www.emofree.com.
Any simple self-energy cleansing technique can be performed each
night before bedtime to help remove negative thoughts in your
system. One of my favorite
books is called Energy Medicine
by Donna Eden.
THE EMOTIONS OF A LIFETIME
ETCHED ON THE FACE
The process of dealing with
thoughts and feelings may
become intense and challenging
at times. Remember, what
works for one person may not
work for another. You cannot
demand release and expect a
response, although you can
certainly listen to your body and
discover where it needs to untie
an emotional knot. The best
way to find out is to explore
what suits you the most.
When timing is right, you will
know exactly what to do. In
order to change ourselves into a
better person, we need to meet
ourselves where we are. The combination of willingness,
commitment and determination is powerfully healing.
Peggy teaches yoga in Stanley and Happy Valley.
She is also an energy medicine practitioner who
helps clients address emotional issues through
techniques focusing on mindfulness. She welcomes
any questions or comments. www.chiuonit.com.
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