Transcript Using Yoga in Everyday Life - Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota

Using Yoga in Everyday
Life
Katie Kohlbeck, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200)
2014 Midwest Seizure Smart Conference
My Story
What is Yoga?
State of union between two opposites - body and mind;
individual and universal consciousness; a process of
uniting the opposing forces in the body and mind in order to
achieve supreme awareness and enlightenment, from the
Sanskrit era meaning "to join together or yoke"; a system of
techniques to enable the joining of the physical and
emotional/spiritual bodies.
Yogic Breath (Pranayama)
● The breath is foundation of yoga practice.
● Benefits are numerous: better sleep, feeling calmer and centered, ability to
navigate intense emotions
● Good breathing activates our parasympathetic nervous system (“calm and
connect system”)
● Begin to unite mind and body:
o 4-7-8 Breath (or Relaxing Breath): Breathe in for count of 4, hold the
breath for 7 and release with a sigh for 8 counts. Repeat.
o Brahmari Pranayama (Bee Breath): Inhale and as you exhale, hum
like a buzzing bee. Repeat.
*Source: http://kripalu.org/blog/thrive/2014/01/02/breath-body-and-mind-the-physiology-of-pranayama/
Movement (Poses / Asanas)
● Asana practice increases flexibility, joint mobility and strength
● Breath plays significant role in asana practice
● Let’s try it!
o Half Sun Salutation (Ardha Surya Namaskar) can be practiced either
standing or seated
o Begin in standing or seated. Ground down through your feet
o Inhale and lift your arms overhead
o Exhale and come into a forward fold
o Inhale to lift your chest, open your heart and lengthen your spine
o Exhale and return to a forward fold
o Inhale and reach your arms up to the sky
o Exhale and bring your palms together, lower to in front of your heart
Meditation
● Meditation can help ease stress and anxiety
● Objective is not to make thoughts stop but rather to observe and let go
● Tips for starting and maintaining a meditation practice:
o Start with a few minutes each day and increase from there
o Connect with a group to practice with
o Use a Mantra: “Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is a wonderful moment.” Thich Naht Hahn
o Walking Meditation: Walk mindfully (without a destination) for 5
minutes and notice sensations in and around you
o Just remember that the key to meditation ….
Thank you - and Namaste!
www.katiekohlbeckyoga.com
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @KatieKohlbeck
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