The Purpose of Yoga- Yogic Walking for Anxiety
Lets look at more solutions, which yoga can give you, for anxiety and stress management. All of these solutions will take a bit of practice, and in some cases, you may need the guidance of a competent yoga teacher.
After pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques), there are still a large number of techniques to choose from. The next one that comes to mind is Asana (Yoga Posture). In a typical hatha Yoga class, you will learn Asana on a mat, but you can learn to practice good posture all day long.
You can practice good posture in a chair, when eating a meal, standing, and walking. You can even use pillows to sleep in good posture. Most people prefer to multi-task these days, so Yogic walking is a wonderful way for those of us, who just have to do many things at once. This is not to be confused with walking meditation, which is an entirely different technique.
Put on good walking shoes, comfortable clothes, and begin to walk your course. Always watch the road, but keep your spine straight, and your gaze should be at eye level, while you visually take in the world around you. Close your mouth and breathe only through the nose. Breathe naturally, and do not force your inhales or exhales.
As you continue to walk, maintain your personal pace, and be mindful of your posture. The recommended time for Yogic walking is, at least, 20 minutes. Once breathing is natural, and not strained, some practitioners of this method practice walking meditation or silent japa (Prayers).
This is a complete mental, physical, and spiritual practice, but you must pick a safe course and be ready to react to traffic, animals, and other pedestrians. Just because you meditate, or practice japa, is not a reason to ignore people who wave or say hello.
Some people carry dog snacks for dogs and squirrels - while others may stop and chat to friends in the park. To accept life, people, animals, and the changes around us, without judging everything, is a treasure of life. If you can avoid judging everything, while you go for your walks, your health will change for the best in a multitude of ways.
Yogic walking is good aerobic exercise and prevents many diseases, anxiety, and depression. Your heart, vital organs, bones, joints, connective tissue, and muscles will benefit from Yogic walking. You may control, or lose weight, by practicing Yogic walking.
Maybe you were only looking to reduce your anxiety levels, but you are now convinced that Yogic walking is the way to go. Talk to your physician and get advice, which is specific to your body. Choose your course wisely and have fun.
Copyright 2007 paul Jerard / Aura Publications
paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "yoga in Practice," and a Free yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
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