As 2012 rolls along a little faster than some of us would like, here are some simple steps to make the world — well, at least your inner world — slow down just a little bit.
1. Do sets of sun salutations or surya namaskar. If you want the full benefits of stretching, toning, breathing and just an overall sense of well-being in approximately 10 minutes then learn the most basic of the yoga asanas, known as the sun salutation. There are different versions depending on which type of yoga you learn but they are incredible for opening up the chakras, stilling the mind and conditioning the body and spirit, not to mention if you do them often enough you get really toned arms, a stronger core and limber legs. Take some classes to get the basics and you can do this at home. Try the newly opened Core Yoga, which offers vinyasa and “hot yoga” classes to choose from. Core Yoga is at 1504 AIC Burgundy Tower, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, tel. 576-3756 or 576-3857.
2. Dedicate yourself to a spiritual practice. The philosophy of sadhana or spiritual practice is essential to a life that is open to receiving all that the universe can give. To remove what the masters call a “monkey mind” is to teach it to be still, and that is achieved through regular meditation and calm, easy breathing. Whether you devote five minutes or 50 minutes, you have to commit to creating a space in your home and life to sit down and just let go of external noise and distractions. Remember you must commit, whether it’s every day, three times a week or once a week. It is the ultimate “me” time, and frankly, you are the most important person in your life. Contact organizations that teach ways to meditate such as The Art of Living Philippines, which holds workshops once or twice a month. Visit www.artofliving.org/ph-en or call 0917-848-4898 or 216-6139.
3. Say affirmations. When you affirm yourself or a situation you are making it real to you and your life. It has been said that your brain cannot distinguish between reality and fantasy for as long as you truly believe in something. It may sound hokey at first to affirm or “convince yourself” but the more you repeat an affirmation, the more the possibility of it occurring in your life becomes a probability. Create an affirmation that is short yet detailed and one that you can repeat about 50 times a day for 30 days. As an example, if financial abundance is what you’re after you can say, “Wealth is coming to me easily and effortlessly.” Pick up I Can Do It!, an easy-to-read book by metaphysical healer and author Louise L. Hay, to get a whole bunch of affirmations to choose from that can help transform your health, love life, career and even self-esteem. It even comes with an audio CD. I Can Do It! is available via special order from National Book Store.
4. Take a trip. Everyone needs his space, especially you, so take the time to plan the perfect getaway. It doesn’t have to be abroad but you need to leave what is familiar and even comfortable for you for a couple of days. Treat this particular activity with reverence. Go out and buy yourself a brand new suitcase or weekender in a color you love. Make an afternoon out of it. Check out Tripologie, which offers an excellent selection of travel essentials and even looks like a jazzed-up check-in counter so you really get in the mood. Once you’ve bought the bag, put it somewhere where you can see it often and start imagining where you’re going to go. As you pore over travel mags and websites, get excited, get inspired and make it something to look forward to, really look forward to. There is nothing like an adventure to bring in unexpected opportunities (and even people) into your life. Oh, and this would be a good time to make sure all your travel documents are in order! Tripologie is located at Alabang Town Center and Eastwood Citywalk 2, visit www.facebook.com/Tripologie
5. Feel a little pressure. Have a proper foot reflexology massage. Each point in the foot corresponds to a major organ in the rest of the body. This is one of the simplest ways to disconnect from the world while giving the rest of your insides some time to recuperate from what has been absorbed from the daily grind. Wherever you feel pain or discomfort at a certain pressure point, you can link that to a particular area or even symptom. Many foot reflexology fans tell tales of their digestion improving and even headaches diminishing because of regular treatments. Make an effort to pamper your feet once a week (perfect for those who are in heels all the time) because they take you everywhere you go and everywhere you’ve been. Treat yourself to the Inghma Method of Reflexology at New Spa, which comes with a head and back massage as well.
E-mail at info@neo.ph or call 0917- 7938888 or visit www.neo.ph
* * *
For more Soul Train visit thesoultrain.net.