Stretching and yoga aren’t just for people who can fold
themselves up like pretzels, or movie stars who have nothing
better to do with their days! It can be a beneficial practice to
all who use it, and one doesn’t have to adopt the worldview of
the swamis in order to reap benefits from it. The pace of our
lives these days is crazy—some would argue destructive.

Yoga proponents say that learning the art form will not make you
dull, but more magnetic, and show you the importance of slowing
down. Yoga’s ‘inactivity’ can insert a moment to breathe in the
midst of the hustle and bustle of life, can clear your mind, and
re-energize you with just a few simple techniques.

The first lesson in any Yogic theory is how to relax. This
doesn’t mean you flop on the sofa and become a couch potato;
instead it is defined as ‘a conscious transfer of energy from
one department of nature to another….’ Even if you do this for 5
minutes at a time over a beverage, you’re on your way to
relaxing. It will increase your efficiency—try it and see!

Stretching involved in yoga can be very simple: lie on the floor
without pillows. Remove your shoes and wear whatever is loose
fitting and comfortable to you. Stretch your arms over your head
while stretching your legs and feet. Close your eyes and let
your head roll to one side.

Now release each part of your body and consciously permit each
limb, each ‘section’ of your body, to meld in to the floor.
Permit yourself to feel as if you are sinking and think of a
peaceful scene. This will likely feel very odd to you the first
time you do it, but the relaxation that you bring each part of
your body will be refreshing!

Now we’ll work on stretching! Lie on the floor as you did for
your full-body relaxation, only this time, interweave your
fingers above your head. If you turn your palms upward, you’ll
feel a bigger stretch along your ribs and spine. Stretch your
arms as far above your head as possible, pointing your toes and
pushing them towards the floor so you can feel every muscle
between your head and feet.

Once you have stretched every part of your body, release! Now go
back in to your full-body relaxation mode, remembering to start
at the head and relax your way down to your toes.

Now work on the ‘complete breath’ that yoga teaches. Lying flat
on the floor without pillows, place your hands gently on your
diaphragm. Slowly exhale as much as you can. Very slowly begin
to inhale through the mouth, evenly and without sudden stops.
You will feel your diaphragm expand at this point—keep going.
Now exhale through your mouth, using a slight force, expelling
as much air as possible.

You have just completed your ‘complete breath’ in yogic
teaching! If you build up the number of complete breaths per
day, you’ll notice less tension, better rest, and a more relaxed
you. Release the stress of your day and become who you were
designed to be!