What if I'm not flexible? You should do yoga BECAUSE you're not flexible! Yoga is designed to help you gain the flexibility you need to enjoy daily life injury-free. If you see other students who are very flexible, it is probably because they have been doing yoga for some time. Most students start out less flexible, just like you, slowly gaining greater flexibility over time. Will yoga compromise my belief system? While the practice of yoga originated in India over 5,000 years ago, today people of all nationalities and religions enjoy yoga as a great form of exercise. There is no religion taught in a Liz Taylor yoga class. Instead, Liz promotes self-awareness through personal attentiveness. She believes the best way to undo physical and mental tension is to observe how our bodies store this tension, and then slowly unravel it through yoga. How can I expect to feel after a yoga class? Relaxed, rejuvenated and refreshed! All of us go through life storing up little bits of tension in our bodies and minds as the result of daily living. Yoga helps you to release those tensions and uncover the natural state of balance and peace residing within the heart. After a yoga class, it is this centeredness and balance that makes you feel like you are floating right out the door! I've never tried meditation before. Is it hard? Never fear-it's not as austere or elusive as it sounds! Meditation can be as easy as pausing for a moment to close your eyes and take a deep breath. It doesn't have to compromise your religious or spiritual background either! Meditation has been described in Christian, Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu practices alike. Think of it as just another way to quiet the mind and give your brain a rest! Here are some Tips on Making Meditation Easy: Where do I begin? The easiest way to invite silence into the mind is to be still in the body. Although some feel they can meditate while walking or gardening, most people find it easiest to focus on inner quietness by sitting still on a comfortable chair or cushion. Try starting with a few minutes every day, to establish a good habit in your daily routine. You can set the kitchen timer so you don't have to monitor the clock. Consider beginning with 3 minutes and working up to 20 minutes or more as you get the hang of it. Welcome the Divine. Creating a sacred space is an uplifting and easy way to invite Higher thoughts into your quiet time. Select a location in your home or office that is free of distractions and noise. Turn off your cell phone or beeper and turn down the answering machine. Consider decorating your space with an item or two that reflect your spiritual life-perhaps a candle, feather, cross or picture or the Divine that is close to your heart. Setting a space creates a welcoming container into which enlightening and uplifting energy can flow. Set your intention. Once you have set aside some time and created your space, the inner work begins. Start by closing your eyes softly and repeating an inspiring word or phrase that affirms and uplifts your soul. Repeated silently or aloud, your word can be as simple as "Breathe" or as specific as "I am here now, and all is well." Use this word to help cultivate what you want most to feel in this moment-serenity, joy, fulfillment-and open your heart to receive the energy of that intention. Allow this personal mantra to wash over you like a warm shower and feel tension begin to melt from your body. Notice your thoughts. As the quiet moments pass, feelings and thoughts will begin to arise in your mind. Thoughts are like clouds floating across a clear, blue sky. In this moment, you may be tempted to watch them as they morph and change shape, but try to allow them to continue on their way. Simply refocus your heart on your intention and the feeling you are trying to cultivate. By not indulging our thoughts or feelings, we find they begin to fade. Be especially careful not to get hooked by thoughts such as "I must not be doing this right" or "I'll never get the hang of this!" Treat all thoughts the same and just return to your mantra or intention. The art of Letting Go... In the final moments of your meditation, imagine turning yourself upside down like emptying a glass of water. Any feelings of stress, anxiety, confusion or judgement can be symbolically released by a deep breath with a complete exhalation. It can take time to learn how to let go and breathe in order to keep stress in check. Remind yourself that you have a lifetime to perfect that art and learn how to quiet the mind. Letting go and opening to your fullest potential takes dedication and patience, but it is well worth the effort! If you have questions regarding meditation or yoga, feel free to Email Liz Taylor and learn more about this ancient practice of relaxation and well being!
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