Yoga

Sometimes I ly in bed at night, excited or worried about what the day brought me. My mind can begin to race, did I do the correct thing in that situation, did they really mean what I thought they meant? The whirling of the mind, as described by Patanjali, the renowned yoga sage can be very tiring. Lying in bed at night I should be thankful and grateful for what life has brought me. A beautiful husband beside me, food on the table, kids tucked up in their beds. A whirling mind does not let me realize this gratitude, it helps me to focus on the doubt and fear in my life.

Admittedly I can also become excited about my life as I ly in bed which is a beautiful thing but something that I will find very tiresome around 3pm the following day. It would suit me much better to find the energy to be excited about life then, not at 3am in the morning.

I am finding that my yoga practice and new found awareness of my body and breath can assist greatly in coping with this busy mind at this time of the night. As my mind begins to pick up speed and the thoughts begin to whirl, I can now recognize this and slow it down somewhat.

Taking my focus and awareness back to my breath I can alleviate the wobbles and worries that I allow to enter my consciousness. One breath in, one breath out and so we begin. Slowly listening to the inhalation and exhalation as they happen. My chest begins to rise and fall and I bring my attention to the contact of my chest and the sheets. Depending on what season it is, winter or summer, how heavy is the contact point. Fluffy doona for winter, a comforting prescence on my chest, in and out goes the breath.

For summer, one light sheet is a different sensation but something to be witnessed and concentrated on. Inhale, lift the sheet, slow and stead, exhale, down it goes.

Very quickly and admittedly without much effort my mind begins to relax and listen to my body. Our breath is a most constant form of regulation, our heart beat and breath will not stop whilst we are alive. So bring your attention to this area.

Concentrating on my breath takes my mind off the things I was worrying about without my even realizing it. It takes some awareness and forced concentration at the beginning but once that has begun the busy mind starts to fall away.

I find that I very surely start to enjoy my presence within the confines of my bed. Listening to the breath,check, husband sleeping by my side, check, kids resting in their own beds, check. Positive energy beginning to fill the room, check.

Energy is within us and we create what we think and believe. Yoga is one of the greatest and simplest ways I have discovered of channeling my energy and thoughts. Practice the listening, it is not so much different from counting sheep but this time we are cultivating positivity. Sleeping after such a conscious effort is wonderful and most times I find I awake with a positive outlook for the coming day and a renewed gratitude for what I have.

Give it a try.