Post #91: Re-train your stress response with this 20 minute Warrior Vinyasa Practice

What makes yoga different from other “exercise” that you do?

Yoga is not meant to be “exercise” like Americans tend to think of it as. However it does make for great exercise. The ancient yogis were determined to find a better way in life. Yoga helps us to gain a higher perspective on what is happening so that we don’t get caught up in the ego emotional roller coaster that our thoughts and emotions can send us on. It is meant to be a means to find peace, joy and balance and a means to find sacredness and meaning in life.

It’s totally fine if you are interested in yoga as exercise. You will still get the benefits of this practice that go much deeper than the physical. However, there are two main differences between yoga and other exercise. First is the focus on the breath, which is called prana, and is considered the “life force” in yoga. As yoga practitioners we can manipulate the breath and increase endurance, concentration, and focus. It helps us go deeper within our physical practice so that we in turn, go deeper within. 

Second is the establishment of witness consciousness as we move through our asana practice. The yoga practice enables us to start slowing down within our own consciousness so that we can take a step back and watch ourselves. We can watch how we are handling a warrior pose. We watch our minds get anxious as we have to push for more strength, flexibility or balance. We watch ourselves move past the anxiety and just “be” with it all. We deepen the breath and watch ourselves release stress rather than hold onto it.

This trains us to be able to deal with real-life stressors in the same way. Now when stress comes up, instead of going into an immediate reaction, we pause, take a deep breath, and allow ourselves to choose action with a better outcome. Or, in some situations, choose non-action.

Today’s practice is a warrior pose vinyasa flow utilizing breath work to help train us for real life stressors. This will help keep our ego reactions to a minimum and save us the stress and drama that those usually bring.

Just remember, we have to give ourselves grace and forgiveness when the stress gets the best of us and we find ourselves reacting from ego. We may not be able to live from a higher state at all times, and that is okay. If we can forgive ourselves in those moments it only makes it easier for us the next time we are faced with the choice of reacting from ego or slowing down, taking a deep breath, and making a more peaceful choice.

Look forward to this yoga practice, not just as a good “exercise” routine, but for all the depth and goodness it will bring to your life and your relationships. 

Click on the image below and start training yourself to deal with real-life stress.

Remember, you are a force for good in the world. The more consistent you get with these practices the more your life will become guided, sacred, and filled with meaning. You cannot help but then extend deep peace, joy, and contentment to your loved ones, friends, and everyone you meet. The world could use more of this, so let’s get you in the best space to make it happen.

Click the video above and get started with this amazing practice.