Cultivating Inner Strength

It has been interesting watching the 2010 Winter Olympics from a yogic point of view. The athletes are an inspiration to me, not so much through the acquisition of a medal, but through their incredible strength, focus, will and determination.
In the yoga model of the cakra-s (pronounced chakras) these qualities relate to the 3rd cakra located in the region of the abdomen called manipura. This is the seat of agni – the digestive fire. When we have a strong fire we can digest not only physical food but life’s many sensations and experiences. Evidence of a strong digestive fire is our ability to handle life’s challenges as we learn to adapt and grow from those experiences.

Here’s a simple breathing exercise to help awaken the transformative fires of the 3rd cakra. Find a time, preferably earlier in the day, where you won’t be disturbed for 10 minutes. Lie on your back with knees bent, feet planted on the floor and place your hands on your abdomen. Feel the weight of the hands on your belly and their reassuring warmth. Now turn your attention to the breath itself and feel the nourishing and expansive quality of the in-breath and the sense of release on the out-breath. As your breath gradually deepens over a number of breaths, gently firm the abdominal muscles from the public bone to the navel on the exhale (like a zipper). Remember to soften the abdomen on the inhale. Imagine the breath like a bellows, fanning the flame of your digestive fire, as your breath flows in and out. After a few minutes let your breath gradually return to a normal breath. Come to sitting and turn your attention from your practice to the day ahead. You will feel calm, energized and alert. Ready to digest the day!
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Tapping the Sun Inside

It's January and we're deep in the heart of winter now. For those of you who aren't going somewhere south, warm and sunny -- don't despair. You can tap into the power of the sun to invigorate and relax body, mind and soul without going anywhere at all. Here's how to do it....

Find a warm spot in the house where you won't be disturbed. You can do this practice either sitting or lying down , just make sure you are comfortable. Close your eyes and begin to allow the breath to flow in and out. Invite the breath to progressively lengthen until you feel very relaxed, peaceful and warm. Imagine a sunny summer's day and feel the sun's rays warming your body. Visualize a small sun taking up residence in the chest or belly. Feel the heat radiating from inside your body. Spend a while just experiencing sensation.

I encourage you to experiment with this visualization technique. You may want to try it in the evening before bed or first thing in the morning to tap into the powerful energy of the sun. The more regularly you practice this technique the more you will feel the comfort of keeping the sun inside even when the external sun is behind the clouds. Remember, the sun is still there, inside and out, radiating with all it's power, beauty and warmth.

Keep on shining!