Negative thinking patterns can create unnecessary anxiety, stress and pave the way for an empty outlook on life. Thoughts are invisible, abstract and personal, yet they have tremendous power to influence the course of life. If we are suffering, then we believe in something limited and untrue. Many of us have a set of core beliefs that bind us to feelings of fear and lack. These beliefs lead to harmful habits—conflicts, addictive behaviours, our ability to enjoy intimacy with others, avoiding risks that get in the way of our productivity, creative and happy life. Whether you believe deep inside that you are unworthy or unlovable, unseen or misunderstood, your beliefs set you apart from your being and the world.
Also Read: Lose Weight and Get Flexible With Paschimottanasana
Ways of thinking can be habitual, but with a little awareness, exercises and some time, one can substitute negative thoughts with plentiful positive ones. The spine is one of the crucial parts of the body. It provides structure and support, and without it, one would not be able to stand up, walk or do anything. Do you know? It also holds a lot of emotions. If the spine is not moving, of course, our thoughts are even stagnated causes negativity, unnecessary stress and anxiety. We all know our mind-body- breath is all connected. So, in yoga, all postures are done keeping the spinal movement in focus.
Mita Vinay (Yoga Teacher, Founder, Bodhsara) shares some of the different spine movements in yoga asana practise and how to practice them effectively and safely.
- Axial rotation: It is a movement that rotates or twists the spine. It is an activity in yoga that helps to smooth the range and increase its speed. Spinal twists are fabulous for the extension of the spine. It is a great way to prepare the spine for flexibility and besides, can help neutralize the range after flexion or extension.
- Flexion: It is a movement that brings the spine downward and forwards toward the feet, and usually extends the posterior chain. Spinal flexion is another way of referring to forward bending, in yoga practice. Cat pose and child pose are postures where the spine is in flexion and is mostly round.
- Axial extension: It is a movement that lengthens and straightens the spine along its axis. It disintegrates the range and gives more breath. In other words, it brings the spine into space without moving in any particular direction, saving upward.
- Lateral flexion: It is a movement that bends the body to the left or right. It helps to open the side-body and helps increase the flexibility of the spine. It also opens the ribcage, expanding the lungs and assisting in deep breathing.
- Meditation and Breathing: Daily meditation calms your body, slow your breathing, and reduce stress and anxiety. Meditate each day at a quiet place, by closing your eyes for five minutes.
Takeaway Tip: Negative thinking patterns, especially when they become habitual, can be challenging to break. Over the years, the practice has not gone undone overnight, so working with you through these easy and acceptable practices require being kind and patient with yourself.
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