We have entered the darker half of the year now, summers end, or Samhain. Traditionally celebrating the last harvest of the year. As the days grow shorter people can become light deprived, experience Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD) and may feel depressed and lethargic. Asana the physical aspect of yoga can help by increasing your endorphins, balancing your brain chemistry (your endocrine system) in particular fish pose (Matsyasana ) shoulder stand (Salamba Sarvangasana) and spinal twists are beneficial. Increasing your inner fire (tejas) by practising heating postures such as chair (Utkatasana ) or heating breathing techniques such as kapalabhati are also helpful.
It is also very important to tap into our inner light or glow (Jyoti). As plants tap into their inner resources during the dark hours we too can do the same.
Jyoti occurs when the brain is in a relaxation similar to that of sleep, yet the person remains awake. Holding the attention to the midbrain (Ajna Chakra) stimulates this inner light. Science acknowledges that there is an optical radiance that takes place in the mid brain during a state of deep relaxation.
Practicing five minutes of Jyoti where you experience the light internally, has a far longer reaching effect than the external stimulation of sun lamps.
This exercise only takes a few moments each day and helps recharge your batteries by using your inner light.
Practice:
Sit in easy pose cross legged (Sukhasana) with your spine long, eyes gently closed. Count backwards from ten to zero, tapping the center of the forehead(ajna). Between each tap, pause for 2 seconds , feeling your consciousness move to that point in the center. When you reach zero rest your hands on your thighs or knees. Keeping your eyes closed use the mantra "Aim" (ah-eem) to relax and clear thought, allowing the light to remain in the mid brain region (pineal gland that controls your endocrine system) for five minutes. When finished, rub your palms together to create heat and move the energy down chakra by chakra to reground. Practice this every day in the late afternoon. Jyoti exercise provided by Alan Finger.
On a personal level I would like to thank all those that sent their good wishes to both Aylah and myself. I am enjoying being a mum (Eeek!! Mum, that does sound strange) Aylah and I are learning about one another and each day brings joy and new wonder. I have attached a photo of Aylah dressed in her little pumpkin Halloween costume and a photo of us both with my Old Catton Yoga group (hello guys!).
I am starting to organise which classes I will be teaching in the new year so please bear with me. However, I know that I will be returning to Inner Space Monday 11 January 7:30pm and look forward to seeing you there. I will send further information on classes shortly.
Much love to you all.
Om Shanti
