WEEK FOURTEEN - UPS AND DOWNS

My week had its ups and downs - both literally and figuratively:)  I mentioned last week that Sivananda Yoga is based on 12 basic asanas (steady poses).  The graphic shows poses 2 through 5, with last week's headstand being #1. 

As you can see, my shoulder stand is far from straight, but I can hold it steady and comfortably for a few minutes, and that is the main goal.  Some days I can get a little straighter than other days, but each day is different.   The shoulder stand and the plough have the same cautions as I mentioned last week for headstand.  Practicing safely is stressed over and over, here.

The shoulder stand is particularly good for the thyroid and parathyroid by providing them with a rich supply of blood flow.  The thyroid regulates functions of growth and repair, protects the body against poisons, plus regulates waste processes, mental development and attainment of sexual maturity. 
Beginners are suggested to do the pose for one minute, and fifteen minutes is the maximum suggested for this pose.

I like the plough, fish and forward bend - probably because they are easier for me.  It is fascinating to observe how each of us have different areas of flexibility. 

For a flexible spine and good mobility, the plough pose is a great posture.  The classical way of doing it is to have the arms outstretched with palms down flat.  I am doing a variation above that also stretches the shoulders.

Fish or Matsyasana (I like the sound of the word:) is a counter stretch for the shoulder stand.  It is a nice stretch of the neck, shoulder muscles and chest, when we breathe deeply in the pose - and it removes stiffness.

Seated Forward Bend (I still struggle to pronounce this one in yoga terms) is an excellent abdominal exercise and stimulates the kidneys, liver and pancreas.  Hamstrings are also strengthened and the spine becomes more elastic over time.  It is also called a surrender pose, as we surrender into the pose to maximum comfort after the initial stretch.

Small improvements are more noticeable to me these days, and I'm appreciating them more than I used to.  It may take years to notice bigger changes, but I can feel changes each and every day.

As for the rather unattractive photo in the middle, I also managed to get an eye infection, with accompanying swelling and bruising resulting from the infection - not sure from what, and I had a few miserable days and nights - but after a visit to the clinic, I am now on the mend.  Lesson learned - don't wait so long to go to the clinic if I need to.

Even in Paradise, with the guidance of an expert herbalist and Ayurveda specialist and with yoga as my anchor, life maladies strike.  How we react, the actions we take and how we bounce back are what's important in this journey of life.

Sending You Love from the Bahamas,🌞

If you haven't signed up for the blog post updates, please do.

I also welcome you to leave a comment below or post one on my BestYOU facebook page. 
Sharing your thoughts is a gift to all of us! 

Thank you for taking this journey along with me!