Don't Let 2008 Come Rushing in

The word rushing is defined as 'violent forward action'.

If we are to truly live the concepts of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras we are encouraged to practice Ahimsa (non-violence).

Normally when we think of violence we consider it action toward others.

That is not always so.

I constantly remind my yoga students to listen to their bodies and never push it (violence) to a place it is not ready for.

I had to learn this lesson myself.

Last year I injured my L4 and ended up in chiropractic treatment. Sometimes being flexible is not a good thing. Maybe my muscles weren't warmed up enough or I wasn't listening to the physical messages I was receiving ... regardless, I went too deeply into a forward bend and payed for it in pain.

Violence can occur during other actions, thoughts and activities.

If we rush through our day we are not practicing ahimsa. Think of the physical response to rushing:

*Your heart pounds heavily in the chest.

*You forget to take time out which usually results in errors.

*You get so caught up in your head you forget you even have a physical body.

So as 2008 begins let's intend to stop being violent!

Here's a list of five things you can do to help you toward creating the life you wish and to end rushing:

1. Take time to focus on your breath. Remember it only knows about the present moment, so focusing on this gift is essential to slowing down.

2. Take a 5 minute coffee break. Even if you don't drink coffee you can treat yourself to five minutes for yourself. You could go for a walk around the parking lot at work or at the local park connecting with mother nature, find something which inspires you and focus on it for five minutes or phone a friend to see how their day is going.

Each of us has five minutes to stop or slow down in a 24 hour period.

3. Say, "I love you." You can take time to focus on whatever you are working on and send love to it, or even just saying the words will help you live the attitude of gratitude and create space in your day.

4. A client of mine uses the words, "I'm here. I'm present." to remind herself to slow down when she is feeling out of sorts. Another uses the visualization of a stop sign.

Be it a word or a phrase or even a visualization, tapping into your source energy can help remind you to slow down.

5. Take a few minutes to check in with your physical body. Do a body scan and notice if and where you are holding onto tension. Give yourself permission to release it with each exhalation. Tension creates disharmony in the body and can lead to ill health. Releasing tension is the best way to get your body to really-sing!

Let's intend 2008 to be free from rushing! You will be much further ahead in the long run. Plus your health and wellbeing will thank you.

Namaste