Running is a very popular way to keep fit and we all see runners out in all conditions. It seems to hold some addictive power. I know I can honestly say I have ignored niggling health issues to go for a jog in the past. Some runners even ignore more serious issues to get that “buzz” a jog brings.  So, I ponder why.

When you run we ask more of our lungs as our muscles urgently demand more oxygen. In response, we have to consciously control our breath. With so much focus upon breathing, our minds tend to quiet; the internal chit chat is dampened and we become immersed in the present moment. Our senses tend to become heightened and we often feel a certain amount of liberation.

In yoga we try to connect the physical postures (asanas) with our breath for exactly this reason. Being mindful, or living in the present releases us from many of our stresses and responsibilities. Mindfulness offers a way of becoming an observer of experiences, rather than having to be involved in every story. It is a way of controlling your mind so it becomes your best friend rather than your enemy. 

This is a question I was posed by a Box-Fit lady today. After a little research to confirm my suspicion,  it seems that the answer to this is yes! I have found out that various hand moves (known as mudra) used in the nata dances (see the natarajasana pose in previous post) have been incorporated into several martial arts. The seminal text on yoga, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali also describes meditating single mindedly on points located within one's own body. This has also been used in martial arts. There are many more examples too! 

Yoga seems to be everywhere! Discovering where it is going to pop up next makes the journey quite thrilling.  Please comment with any examples where you have found yoga unexpectedly in your life. It's great to share!

I'm back from a wonderful holiday in France. I have always managed a to sneak in a bit of keep fit somewhere on my travels. This year though it was particularly difficult. Fitting in any "me time" is always difficult with a teething two-year-old clinging to your side. So I did what I could and didn't punish myself for not doing more. I remembered the yogic concept of ahimsa or nonviolence to the self (or others) through thoughts or actions. However, I did manage to get some yoga done despite it being a lot less peaceful than usual!