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January 24, 2005
Try being a Tree
I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to put in a plug for yoga here. I'm lucky: I can walk from the office to Berkshire Mountain Yoga, and then walk home under the just-past-full moon. Tonight I had to bring a pair of snowpants to put on after class because the temperature is fast sinking below zero F. again. Low-tech anywhere exercise is certainly part of eco living, but yoga's got so much going for it beyond firm upper arms. Yoga--and similar physical training practices--matters because it puts us in our bodies, and our bodies are where we connect with the physical world. If you're like me, dealing with a hectic professional job, you probably lose sight of everything but that computer screen and telephone. Settle down on a mat. Stand in the Tree posture and feel your feet rooting into the floor, grounding you in a particular place and moment. Do a twist and feel your ribs lift and separate, the tissue around your spine pop with relief. I find that this internal movement and realignment, along with the sweat and heat, brings me back to solid ground. And that's no to mention the multitude of other benefits: stronger bones, improved mood, better digestion. There's no need for glam gear, in spite of the catalogues that keep pouring in. But a cute well-fitting outfit is a nice boost when you're struggling with that first downward dog pose!
Posted by Karen Christensen at January 24, 2005 8:58 PM
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