How many people do you need to impact by your actions for your efforts to be worthwhile? A hundred? Twenty? A dozen? Maybe one?
For me, the answer is simple. If I bring about change and inspiration to at least one person’s life as direct result of how I live mine, that is enough to make my efforts worthwhile. This does not diminish my aspiration in impacting a dozen or a few hundred someday but it takes the impact on one person to make my deeds worthwhile. And would you not believe it, I draw renewed encouragement from that single person to continue down my chosen path. If I can impact one person positively, imagine how much more can I do? Thus the happy cycle continues.
Theme of the Yoga Flow Series #6: To escape the tapping at the keyboard for a few minutes and to tap instead into the energy and balance in our body!
Viddler videos are really cool. If you want to add a comment right on the video clip or ask a question, just click the + sign on the lower right hand side and go for it!
So today, to the one person who watches and enjoys my yoga flow series more than I can fathom but less than I can appreciate in words, thank you for being my inspiration in creating more videos which in turn may inspire others to be curious about yoga, try yoga, do yoga and quite naturally, fall in love with yoga and their own bodies in this beautiful process.
*I love Brilliant Yoga!*
The 3 Lessons from Yoga Flow Series #6:
1. Imperative to stretch when doing intense cardio
My cycling passion has yet to subside. It has turned into more of a border-line addiction. As of this writing, 35 fabulous spinning classes later, I will give you one piece of advice: Stretch your hamstrings and your hips twice as often if not more when you are committed to an intense cardio program. This is a concept I could hardly appreciate in my 20s but can fully grasp now: Cardio makes your muscles tighter and your body less flexible. If these muscles are not regularly – at least twice a day – stretched well, they become prone to injury. Stretch often and hold the poses with long deep breathing!
2. Engaging the mind while stretching
Generally, multi-tasking is over-rated and highly unproductive. However, if it makes or breaks a stretching routine consisting of even a few minutes a day, then I tend to give in. I love to engage my mind when sitting into a long stretch. If I am not going through a yoga flow or in a meditative state, I simply grab my light-as-a-feather Kindle (or a book – I still have a few of those!) and relax into a stretch for several minutes.
3. Importance of taking a mid-day break
Tapping away at keyboards all day long and doing the wonderful work that we do does not come without a sacrifice. Remember the importance of taking breaks both for the mind and for the body. I exercise, make tea, stretch, read, go out in the sun, spend time with my plants and maybe spruce up the kitchen before the chef gets home. Whatever you do, take frequent breaks and come back re-energized for the next phase of your work.
Penny for your Thoughts:
Can you imagine the relief and happiness of the muscles if you take a break from tapping at that keyboard and tap into your energy and find balance in your body if only a few minutes. It does not even have to be yoga. You can call it a stretch, Martial arts or any name you please so long as you take good care of that body. Share your thoughts, whatever they may be, and especially give me feedback on the video please!
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{ 45 brilliant comments, Care to add another? }
Hi Farnoosh,
Yes, my mid-day breaks are essential to my process too. I have to get up and take a nice walk around the pond. It is my time to commune with nature. I find if I don’t do it my attitude suffers, and when our attitude suffers it inevitably spills over into our work. Trying to push through a crummy attitude is counter productive… I may spend 4 hours pushing to get something done when I would have been better off taking a break to elevate my mood. The same task will be done in half the time and twice as good.
Rob, I do live near a lake too and I used to go on walks before I took up cycling. I will be hiking near the Alps in Switzerland in 2 weeks and will bond with Mother Nature as much as possible! It is no surprise to me that you are wise even in this area of knowing your tolerance for work and need for a break. Thank you for sharing in your own words.
Farnoosh,
So here’s the news: I am planning to attend my first yoga session on Monday!! See…you HAVE inspired me!! Although, honestly – it was prior to today that the inspiration from you came shining through. That said, I love the video you have shared – for one, it gives me just a better feel for what is involved (and your headstand is IMPRESSIVE!!).
I’m also reminded of one of my very favorite quotes:
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children…to leave the world a better place…to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Farnoosh…you have so very much succeeded…
Excellent, Lance, I want to hear all about it! And how nice and patient of you to watch the entire video clip! I am touched. So happy I inspired you to look into yoga and be sure to come back and tell me how you liked it.
Gorgeous quote. Emerson never said an untrue word. Thank you for the thoughts today.
Hi Farnoosh, I watched your video in its entirety and found it to be a wonderful meditation on peace, strength, balance, flexibility, and beauty. You performed the inverted-V pose in a way I never could, and even though you struggled with the upright-V pose, I’m sure you’ll build the required core body strength to hold it with as much poise as you do with the inverted-V.
As for having a positive influence on others, I’m with you. If I have a positive impact on just one person, then I can only feel that I’m positively affecting, not just the entire world, but all of creation in some small way. I also know that I can repeat it with others over and over again.
Blessings,
Christopher
Christopher, thank you for noticing that my boat (navasana) pose which I really had no intention of showing is STILL not there – I work so hard on my abs and core strength but that pose comes and goes. Now the inverted V, I could spend many happy moments there. Thank you for the pointer. And even more so, on agreeing with influencing a single person in life.
Engaging one’s mind is too important in Yoga. It’s a lot about diverting from pain and concentrating on relaxation and feeling good as the muscles stretch themselves to empowerment
I have to respond to this one first: Jaky, I don’t mean to engage it in yoga – if you read again, I mean only if you are stretching and if it meant that you wouldn’t stretch if you couldn’t spare a minute disengaging. During yoga, I just do yoga of course
! thank you for keeping me honest!
Hi Farnoosh
Very good video. I’m actually a yoga instructor myself teaching a form of yoga called DRU Yoga. Just watching your video is therapeutic itself. Yoga is absolutely fantastic although I will say I would like to bring it onto new levels now. I do a bit every morning and it is excellent. I also do triathlon and this weekend compete in a half iron man triathlon and believe me the yoga has been so helpful in keeping me focussed mind, body and spirit to be ready for it.
I also love the “om namah shivaya” chant particularly with Krishna Das.
“God dwells within you as you” was the first interpretation of this chant for me from the Syda yoga foundation. Which for me meant when you’re being your true self, you are being God like.
Keep up the fantastic work. It’s very inspirational.
Carpe Diem
Sean M Kelly
Hi Sean, I am very happy you enjoyed the video and very nice to hear your thoughts. Triathlon is just crazy but no doubt yoga makes the life of an athlete much better. A friend of mine did a full or half or both iron man and I was in awe of what he made his body achieve. Yes the Krishna Daas music is lovely. Thank you for sharing some of my favorite things here!
Farnoosh,
I love the encouragement of your yoga flow series! I also love the positive feeling and flow I receive when I stretch in my own modest way. I can’t image moving my mind away from my body though! Paying attention seems to perfect way to settle the mind.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Sandra,
I definitely don’t do anything else when I do yoga – my point about engaging the mind was to help those who do not do any stretching or are not familiar with yoga to start to incorporate stretching in their life and if engaging their mind helps, I think it’s better than not to stretch at all but you are not the only one to catch me on it. I may have needed to be more clear. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks again for creating these videos! They continue to be inspiring to this complete beginner as well as simply beautiful to watch. It’s still amazing to me, the way yoga practice builds without one’s noticing it the ability to move to the next level. Please keep these coming.
– Words of wisdom about the neck area during back bends?
Rebekah, I am happy you enjoyed them and of course you are my inspiration to no end. Yoga practice is amazing in so many ways. I am wondering if maybe I should even loan you a couple of books that help you think about it in so many different ways than may be at first noticeable.
With regards to neck area, first of all, during any back bend where your neck is on the floor, like bridge pose, never ever move it. Just lengthen your neck, look up at the ceiling and make sure the rest of your body is a straight line and then just slowly go into your back bend. In the full wheel position, you first get into it by putting your hands over your head and then your neck will come up looking behind you and supported on the floor. Make sure to minimize the weight on it by having as much of it on your hands. Then when you come up, your neck and head hang free so relaxing it down is the only thing I can think of. Does this help?? Was this the question? Remember I am not a yoga teacher so always ask your teacher for best answers!!!
Farnoosh, cool, thank you! My instructor and assistants are great about encouraging and answering questions, but there are so many things to ask! They’ve been careful to tell us not to move the head/neck during Bridge or Shoulder Stand, and I’ve just now gotten far enough with basic backbends to even have a question about the neck. Align, minimize weight, relax down if hanging, lengthen, got it. I’d love to borrow any books you think helpful, if you think a creaky person in this early stage would benefit from them.
Rebekah, I have some books that may help you (some sections anyway) and you are welcome to them for as long as you wish to keep them. I consider you of a dancer form, elegant, beautiful, thin, and on your way to your most flexible. It’s a gorgeous path and I am so happy you are sticking with it.
Beautiful Farnoosh!
You are inspiring me girl! Inspiring me to take action and get off my behind
And the video is so beautiful…just like you
You are like a beautiful wind …and flexible like a rubberband…a very beautiful rubberband
I am loving this series.
So Much love,
Z~
Dear Zeenat, I am so happy you enjoyed them – really overwhelmed by all the sweet responses and so glad I went through this. I have never been called a beautiful rubberband but it is one fabulous nickname so I accept it graciously. Of course this rubbereband has a lot more bending to do to get where she wants to go and I will help you get into yoga, albeit virtually, any time, Zeenat…..Thanks for making my day here!
I’ve always been a fan of the mind-body connection and I like the way you bake it into your day.
Bruce Lee was a role model for me when I was younger and I always liked his combination of mind, mindful, and mindless ways for better results.
Bruce Lee was wonderful. They have dedicated so many things to him including a fabulous statue in Hong Kong (Kowloon if you ever go). Thank you, J.D., for sharing your thoughts!
Farnoosh,
That was beautiful. I also enjoyed the music. I love Eastern Indian music. Watching you brought back many memories of how much I loved and enjoyed yoga. I taught my self from books back when I teenager. I’ve always been a spiritual seeker since I was a little girl, but when I started reading Indian philosophy in the 1970s – there were no yoga classes!
Your video was completely inspiring. Honestly, I was held spellbound watching your flexibility. I feel you’ve clicked a switch for me, my dear Farnoosh, and I want to take yoga now, after all these years, again!
Thank you!
Dear Angela, you have no idea how happy that makes me. After all the years, I know you will find the rhythm of your body in yoga again and fall in love with the untapped potential you have in store. Yoga knows no discrimination against age, sex, race, color, ethnicity, none and it is the only “exercise” – if you will – that we can do well into our 90s. Everything else will probably be harder on our joints and our bodies but yoga is good for even our golden years. I really encourage you to at least give it another try. I am here to nudge you and can’t wait to hear. Thank you for the kind words!
Farnoosh,
What a lovely video! I am in awe of your elegance and strength. That is something I hope to one day achieve in my yoga practice.
I practice Kundalini yoga, and the instructor Ana Brett once said, “What happens on your yoga mat is a metaphor for life.” Another quote that makes this point is one that I have on my Facebook page:
“The whole practice of yoga is putting yourself in a funny, awkward, sometimes challenging, sometimes somewhat painful place. And then learning to find that connection with your breath, or with spirit, so that you can move through it with grace.” ~Libby Bryan
And so the idea is that if you can learn to accept these awkward or unexpected positions for your body, your mind will also be able to work through frustrating or uncomfortable situations in life.
Thank you for taking the time to make such a beautiful video! Namaste.
Maggie, do you mean Ana Brett and Ravi Singh – the couple who does all the gorgeous Kundalini DVDs? I have 5 of those and have cycled through them for many happy Kundalini sessions! I LOVE them! I do love Ravi taking us through them with his bits of wisdom too…..There is one favorite I have. He says, I paraphrase, core strength helps you think before you act……And I love your analysis and take on yoga. Kindred spirits at yoga we are. I am so happy you enjoyed the video and I’d love to see one of you doing Kundalini if you were up for it!
I find when I am writing and getting frustrated that a yoga or stretch break seems to feed the creativity and when I come back to the work answers appear and words come easier. Lovely video…soothing, engaging and inspiring.
I agree so much with how frustration flees with yoga stretches. So happy you enjoyed the video and took time to watch it…..thank you for your lovely comment here!
Okay, I’m going back to yoga tomorrow! That thing where you hiked up your forward leg over you arm then lifted both the front and back legs was freakin’ awesome. Your Royal Awesomeness! I bow to you, stiffly and in need of yoga, but I bow to you nonetheless my amazing Farnoosh! Great video, great blog on why I need to get my ass back to yoga. Inspired! Yes!
That pose is called Eka Pada Kundinyasana but from now on, I shall call it, the-pose-that-hooked-Katie-back-into-yoga
! Dear Katie, I am so happy you enjoyed the little video I made on a whim and that you are going to return to your yoga and find your beautiful flexibility that is simply dormant. Thank you for making my night with your wonderful comment!
I found you via a comment on Annabel Candy’s life in Costa Rica. I can so relate and found balance in my life when we lived in Belize. Now back in Orange County, California, it’s so difficult. I read you want to go to Australia. Will you teach yoga there? I love to exercise with weights, but now need to be kinder to my body.
Dear Sonia, welcome to prolific living. You are so kind to ask. I do not even teach yoga here at my hometown so I would definitely not try to make my Aussie friends follow me on the mat. I’d LOVE to get certified someday and that someday had better happen soon but for now, practicing and sharing the inspiration. Thank you for visiting!
Ah, what a treat to return from my weekend digital sabbatical and watch your video. I had saved it for now, and I’m glad I did. I love yoga and now that it’s almost fall, I’ll be returning to classes at a local gym. You’re an inspiration, Farnoosh! Now, if only I could find an Italian speaking instructor
Jean, another digital break? Good for you. And I did not know about your love of yoga. Fall is a sweet time to take yoga. Thank you for enjoying the video and for your lovely comment!
Farnoosh, what a fabulous celebration of yoga this is! I’m thrilled you have this series it’s a true encouragement.
For the last month I’ve been practicing Yoga at home since I downsized my budget, and for a while I didn’t like practicing at home as much as I do in a class. I’m just beginning to gain the deeper focus while practicing at home. For some reason I found it easier to deepen my focus in class.
Your video reminds me that great yoga can be practiced home
Aileen, motivation with home practice has ebbs and flows for me too – and I think the yoga podcasts and some yoga DVDs (esp for Kundalini) help me a great deal but I do like the class atmosphere too. Nothing however beats the benefits of a strong home practice – the habit is going to be the greatest gift you give yourself so keep at it and I am so happy this was inspirational to you!
Thanks for your kind message!!!
Farnoosh, do you have Yoga DVD’s that you love and can recommend? I’ve been using a series called Yoga Zone, and have been thinking about getting a a few new ones for variety.
Dear Aileen, if you know enough of the poses and the series and can listen to yoga and know what to do, I recommend free podcasts instead. Go search iTunes and try a few but my favorite podcasts are from Yogadownload.com (yogadownload search on iTunes podcast directory) they have paid and lots of free classes. I did an entire yoga post on them if you search the blog. Love those guys. Then recently (well, when I am not at Sync studio which is every day in this challenge month) I found yoga with Catherine Middlebrook which really spoke to me. If you want power yoga, I LOVE the many series (free) by Dave Farmar but I warn you – he has to grow on you. He did on me! What else, DVD-wise, I only have 5 or 6 Kundalini DVDs (Ana Brett/Ravi Singh) and Mark Blanchard’s DVD set from years ago but it’s just too fast and too challenging so I rarely do them. Hope this helps? Contact me if you should need anything else! One thing I have in plenty is opinion about yoga
!
THANK YOU!!! I ‘m thrilled about yogadownload now
I did find your post Yoga with Yoga downloadscom from May 2009 – Such a great resource! After reading your series I feel a million times better about my home practice! I love the variety offered through the podcast. I’m all kinds of excited about this!!
Thank you for your suggestions!!
Last Fabulous Post by Aileen was “Make friendship a fine art”
I have never did yoga. Even though Russell Simmons talks about it non stop. But what i do, do is ( wait that was a bit funny); Meditate. Silencing my mind bring me to a time where I’m connected to nothing. Wherever that is, I’m there everyday after work. I sit down, breathe in deeply and focus my mind on nothing. Feels so good doesn’t it. Next time. record your self meditating…or have a telecast. It would be brilliant.
Dear Jonathan, you can still start someday if you wanted to do it. Meditation is even more difficult and challenging than yoga and has, I think, deeper reward. I am not but a beginner at meditation but I’d love to see a video of you meditating
! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Hi Farnoosh,
I’ve yet to fall in love with yoga. Although I do have a blogging bud and we’re holding each other accountable for once a week. I don’t know what you’re talking about…1 person. You truly are one of the most inspiring blogger I know when it comes to mind, body and spirit. I’ve enjoyed reading all the comments…Your Royal Awesomeness! You young people are great;)
Dear Tess, there is still plenty of time in life to discover new things and fall in love with them – And I am very happy that you felt inspired by the video AND all the blog comments which made my day! Thank you for the sweet compliment and you know of course that we think the world of you too, Tess.
Loved the video. Keep them coming.
They are excellent teaching/learning tools.
I will – I will! I am so happy this inspired the dear readers here. Thank you Abubakar!
Nothing like stretching and relaxing after a long day of work.i personally love to stretch and read at the same time, i can indulge in a great book mean while relaxing my muscles, of course the stretching would be done laying down or sitting on the ground.
Last Fabulous Post by Bikram Miami was Hello world!
Hi Bikram Miami, you must be one of the few others that loves to stretch AND read and yet I love it too. It’s an amazing way to face the end of a long day. Thank you for your comment.
{ 3 brilliant comments, Care to add another? }