Depending upon one’s dexterity, there are many yoga postures which are considered to be beyond our current physical capacity like the sitting position of Full Lotus or the flexibility and strength required in the yogic posture of Pincha Mayurasana - Forearm Stand.
Aside from yoga, if I asked you where you experienced your current greatest life challenge you might respond, “Getting everything accomplished!”, “Finding time to relax” “Getting to sleep” “Setting goals and following through” “Handling all of my varied responsibilities”.
For those of us who aren’t suffering from insomnia, we may remember how to sleep but many have lost the art of how to truly rest and replenish.
For some, it takes great effort to resist turning on the television, and, once it’s spiraling on it can become even harder to turn off. We are often mesmerized by its constant promises of entertainment as time drains away from other more nourishing pursuits.
In this day and age of over-exertion, over-extension, a coffee store on every corner and media over-stimulation, relaxation has been pushed aside. Replaced by activity and consumed by the effort, we think ourselves lazy if we aren’t busy. Our authenticity often becomes lost in forward moving, frenetic activity just for movement’s sake.
We are a highly adaptive species: what was once “normal” in life morphs and evolves over time becoming our new standard and sometimes we can forget what life was like before our new habits took hold. Wisdom is often lost if we don’t pause to notice our current state of being.
Initially our most difficult yoga posture to experience is Shavasana – the mental and physical equivalent of deep relaxation.
Shavasana, the corpse pose, is the least physically challenging posture in the spectrum of yoga positions because we don’t have to do anything with our bodies other than sink deep into our being.
In Shavasana the mind quiets down; the body leans into itself and the internal organs begin to unwind. When comfortable in this pose, breathing slows and stress begins to evaporate. The body’s natural healing powers rise as we surrender to a higher wisdom.
Students who practice Shavasana over time begin to relish the cumulative benefits of this restorative and rejuvenative posture. As their minds become calmer, it is easier to meditate and many notice that fewer mistakes are being made throughout their work day. People feel better. Their sleep is richer. The capacity for kindness expands. It becomes easier to make decisions, and we feel more connected to God.
The Corpse pose can be mentally challenging though – the mind can trick us into thinking we should be doing something because striving is what the psyche knows.
According to the Mayo Clinic, if we are experiencing a great deal of stress in our lives, it is imperative to find the time every day for relaxation and just a few minutes a day isn’t enough to provide the stress reducing benefits of deep relaxation. Fifteen minutes a day is best – rest at the core level for optimal health.
In a pinch, daydreaming can also be used as a relaxation technique; however, with daydreaming, the mind is still engaged, whereas in Shavasana, the mind is quiet.
As a precursor to meditation, deep relaxation also provides a relief from headaches, reduced body pain, improved concentration, emotional stabilizing, elimination of insomnia, lowering of blood pressure, reduced fatigue, and improved bowl function, reconnection to your source and less depression and anxiety. The quality of observing without judging is also developed.
How often do you daydream? When do you truly and deeply relax? The Mayo Clinic recommends a daily practice of deep relaxation. Yogi’s do too. If you can offset your daily relaxation practice with a gradual and regular series of at first 30, then 60 and finally 90 minute Shavasana classes, you will enjoy the peace and sustainability of this miraculous yoga posture.
Turn down your mind and begin to turn up the quiet with Shavasana – The Corpse Pose.
Stacy Kamala Waltman brings a well-rounded blend of experience and personal development skills to her coaching practice. Bridging the spiritual world with the professional arena, Stacy Kamala draws from a rich and varied background to enhance her client's personal, spiritual and professional life.
Earning a B.A. in journalism at San Diego State University along with a minor in business administration, Stacy Kamala has worked in a variety of business settings including group/team facilitation, public speaking, marketing, promotions, corporate communications, sales, web site design, and public relations. In small, medium, and large companies, she has learned what it takes to succeed.
Stacy Kamala also serves her community as a consultant and volunteer, most recently as a Facilitator on the Bend2030 project and as a commissioner on the Oregon Governor's Commission on Women.
Stacy Kamala's tangible-world experience is a counterpoint to a 25-year history as a student of Swami Satchidananda's Integral Yoga, and a certified Svaroopa Yoga Instructor. From the postures of Hatha Yoga to the regulation of breathe control; the discipline of meditation to the ecstasy of chanting, Stacy has developed a deep appreciation for the peace, centering and focus to be found in the world of spiritual studies.
By combining these various disciplines with specific coaching training and advanced education at the Coaches Training Institute - accredited by the International Coaching Federation, Stacy Kamala provides an integrated approach to her coaching practice. Her vision is to guide her clients and teams to a life of fulfillment and success by linking their spiritual, material and practical needs.
Stacy Kamala's clients are those people striving for more in their lives; better communication skills, a healthy relationship with money and increased earning power while maintaining skillful life balance.
"In addition to being a wonderful communicator, Stacy is a gifted and powerful coach," says Jim DeLaurentis, CFO, The Andrew Lauren, Inc." She has dynamic energy and deep commitment."
Whether you participate with her in a teleseminar format, organizational team or individual coaching, Stacy Kamala's approach will illuminate blind spots and increase awareness of yourself while enhancing how you interact in the world.
If you are committed to living a life of freedom from habitual thinking patterns and creating the life of your dreams - then you would enjoy Stacy's coaching dynamic. She is not only brilliant, she is fun!
To schedule a sample session at Integration Coaching with Stacy Kamala Waltman, please send an email to: ic@integrationcoaching.com.