Vancouver is mayhem – apparently there is some sporting event going on?!?!? Hockey fan or not, you are sure to be on the edge of your seat tonight as history is made. The sense of community and the amazing team spirit the Canucks have generated are very yogic (we are all connected – we ARE all Canucks!), but unfortunately, the stress and nail-biting are not. Keep your zen tonight by working some of your yoga practice into the game:
–Deep breaths. Take one deep breath, inhaling as deeply as you can, and exhaling swiftly out the mouth. A few would be great, but if all you can muster is one, it is a great way to quickly expel any suspense and tension your body may be holding.
–Close your eyes (during commercials, obviously!). Remind yourself of the importance of non-judgement and non-attachment. Yes, we all want them to win, but do your best to remember that there is a still place deep within you that is unaffected by external events, and that is going to be able to smile tomorrow either way.
–Move around. Get up during breaks and talk a walk around your house or the pub. Reach your arms up overhead and take some gentle back bends, opening your heart to the excitement and community around you. And if the only movement your body is getting is lifting a beer glass or slapping some high fives, at least switch it up and use your non-dominant hand to bring some balance.
Breathe, tune in, and move. That’s all we’re doing in our yoga classes. Just tonight you get the pleasure of doing it with a few hundred thousand of your closest friends.