This week’s yoga class focused on the idea of creating a flow of letting go. Little did I know how much I would need this. Not one, but two cars died on the same day I was trying to go to class. Crazy!
Like hiking, yoga creates breath flow and movement in the body. But yoga also creates flow in the energetic body. What does this mean? Imagine something happens (for example, your car won’t start) and your body and mind have a reaction. Imagine the paths that energy travels between different parts of your body and mind. You tense up, you hold your breath, your fingers go a little numb, a chemical reaction takes place, your thoughts start swirling…that’s your energy body.
Ideally, when something happens and your energetic body goes into overdrive, it flows around those channels and then leaves. You feel it, you react, it flows through you and disappears.
But this can only happen if the energy path is clear of debris. If your stomach is upset because of a fatty meal, the reaction may last longer. The reaction energy passes through the stomach and stays there, giving you a sinking feeling in your intestines that can bother you for an hour afterwards. Or maybe your worries linger in the back of your mind. Your reactive energy can get stuck in your head, causing headaches and extra moodiness.
In yoga, the seven large roundabouts of energy (thanks to Marlene Smits for this great image) are called chakras. One of the chakra roundabouts is located in the stomach area and two are located in the head area. One is in the throat, neck, and chest, and two are in the groin.
So how can you prepare for these inevitable reactions? How can you avoid leaving debris in your energy roundabout? Try to avoid foods that dull your energy. Meditate, pray, talk, write in a journal… declutter your mind. Practice breathing techniques while you run, do yoga, or sit and practice mindfulness so you can use your breath to keep your energy flowing when life gets tough.
The good thing about the reaction is that it can reveal blockages in our chakras that we were unaware of. If you experience a reactive moment in your life and its energy remains undissipated, take it as an opportunity to understand which chakras are clogged and why. And don’t hesitate to gather people who can help you. You may need a nutritionist or therapist, or Healing Touch or Reiki.
Life will happen. you will react. Shit will flow. But we can help by taking a marathon approach. In other words, slow and steady lifestyle choices keep our path somewhat orderly.
And what about my car? Neither of these reasons seemed so trivial at the moment.
And it flows.
Until next time,
Laura
