Aaah... how I love Edvard Munch's painting, The Scream, shown above! Why? Because when I feel stressed, it is SO cathartic for me. The painting epitomizes the need for and value of a primal scream now and then when the pressure builds. What me - have pressure? I do yoga don't I? Yes, of course I do. Does this mean I never feel stressed? Of course not! Does any mother of a teenage boy escape stress? I think not.
The type of gentle, slow, hatha yoga I practice does not prevent stress because it cannot prevent the ups and downs of life. But, it does allow you to release the stress that comes your way. During the past few days my teenage son has driven me to my wit's end. No need for details. If I weren't practicing yoga daily, I might really lose it. Yesterday's interactions with my son were especially difficult and punctuated by vociferous rantings and ravings. This morning I realized that I had to take a few extra steps during my yoga practice to release the pent-up stress and strain in my mind, body, and spirit that had developed yesterday.
My first step was to create a clear intention to release stress and to relax totally and I dedicated my session to that purpose. I followed this by switching on my two vanilla-scented battery operated candles to enhance the mood. Next, I turned on the light classical music station to have soothing music in the background. A wonderful, soothing piece, "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" by Debussy came on the music station. I could not have asked for a more appropriate selection! Lastly, I remembered the time I lolled on the beach in Kauai with my college friend, Marilyn, and visualized myself back on vacation. Guess what? It worked. I had a soothing, delightful yoga session and felt so relaxed afterwards. We can't escape stress, but we can release it with yoga. When you open and stretch your body with strategically created yoga poses, relaxation occurs more easily and stress dissipates.
Yours for releasing stress with yoga,
Laura Venecia Rodriguez
P.S. Yes, I am trying to persuade my son to learn some yoga poses and breathing techniques!
Hi Laura - I can relate to the teenage boy stress. Mine is 20 and there is still stress. :)
I have been wanting to try Debussy. I first heard of him during the Twilight Series movie where one of his songs was featured. What cd do you recommend? Thanks!
Posted by: Karyl | May 12, 2011 at 09:42 AM
Yoga has numerous health benefits it helps in relieves stress and tensions.Stress sometimes cause serious problem .Yoga helps us.to prevent it.
Posted by: Yoga Mat | May 12, 2011 at 11:28 PM
Hi Karyl. I don't have any specific Debussy albums to recommend. I only have one called sleepytime Debussy which is for getting to sleep. Check out some Debussy albums on Amazon or ITunes - listen to samples and go from there. Sorry, I can't recommend more. I haven't seen the Twilight Series yet. But, they seem to have good musical selections. I heard another one - not Debussy that I really liked.
Posted by: Laura Rodriguez | May 13, 2011 at 07:19 AM
Yoga is best exercise for reduce the stress level and so many health benefits, As per my suggestion do yoga regularly its beneficial to you.
Posted by: Tummy tuck | May 25, 2011 at 09:16 AM
Yes, "Tummy Tuck"! We think alike!
Posted by: Laura Rodriguez | May 26, 2011 at 08:12 PM