Do you ever feel overwhelmed? 
Right now in this busy Autumn season it's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we forget our goals and dreams. Sometimes we are so busy rushing around that we may not even know what we are working towards anymore. I recently caught myself feeling scattered, taking extra long to get things done or rushing and forgetting things. Getting stuck on a hamster wheel of existance is a pretty common occurrence and falling off to hit the ground is sometimes the only way we notice that we are on it. 

When we practice physical Yoga asanas (body postures), we can also use the positioning and gaze of the eyes. A Drishti is a point of focus where the gaze rests in a posture. Our eyes often speak more than words when we are communicating with others and the way we use our eyes during our practice can have powerful effect on our bodies and minds.  

There are different ways to use our gaze for example when we are doing a seated forward fold (Paschimottanasana) we can allow the eyes to look forward towards the toes, which may help us find length through the spine or we could  choose to have an inward gaze allowing the gaze of the eyes for fall towards the bellybutton. Looking inwards can help us to allow the back of the neck to release and can  direct the mind inwards to a more reflective state. 

In a Warrior 2 pose we look towards the tip of the middle finger of the front hand, this drishti on a physical level keeps our head centered and helps us stay upright and balanced. The very slight gaze down to the hand allows the back of the neck to stay long. Without a drishti this pose almost feels like I'm just hanging out on the mat with my arms and legs stretched out, but a soon as I add the gazing point it evokes a strong sense of clarity and direction. Instead of feeling like a scatterbrain (which can at times be my state of mind!) I start to feel like a warrior, strong, grounded and with purpose. 

If we keep our gaze steady, it can help our minds become calm and focused. We are no longer likely to be so distracted by all the things around us. Drishti can allow us to become present in this moment and in our practice. We can also relate the use of Drishti to our lives off the mat. If we keep clear goals in our minds and purpose in our hearts we can experience  peace and clarity even in crazy times. Keeping us steady and unshakable even in the strongest tides. 

What is your Drishti? 

Need a quick energy boost better than coffee? Or simply need to get your energy flowing and get you ready for the day ahead. Sun Salutaions also known as Suyra Namaskar are like full body workout in just a few simple moves. Traditionally done very early in the morning before the sun comes up, as a salutation to the rising sun!  The sequence can vary between different schools and traditions of Yoga but the sequence usually links 12 classical postures to create an dance like flow. The body moves from gentle backbends to forward folds giving the whole front and back side of the body a great stretch. Plank and chatarunga tones the arms and shoulders and gives you amazing core workout (find some tips on plank here). Whilst down dog stretches the spine and hamstrings, bringing a sense of calm.

Here are a few tips and reasons to doing Surya Namaskar in morning...

• Sun salutations get the blood flowing and warm up the body. 
• They help focus on your breath and calm the mind. 
• Balance the Chakras. 
• Remember you are stiffer in the morning so take it easy don't force your body into deepest lunge you ever did in your life.
•  Feel your body, watch and see how it feels as you flow through the sequence. 
• If you practice regularly in the morning it can be a good way of seeing how you are progressing.
• As always....Enjoy!

Want to wind down after the day without sudating yourself a food and alcohol or turning into a TV zombie. There is healthier, simple and 100% FREE way to relax your mind and body after the daily grind.
A simple forward bend in Yoga done in restorative way brings us back to a calm, tranquil, reflective and relaxed state of being. Basically all day long our energy is directed out into the world with distractions and stress in varying amounts from commuting, work, chores, appointments, friends and family commitments etc. When we fold forward we not only get a beautiful stretch, it also draws our attention within and away from all the external stimulation of the day. 

The seated forward bend also known as Paschimothanasana is well......excellent. It has so many benefits. When doing this before bed you can try it in a more restful and passive way, holding it for longer than you would in a regular Yoga sequence maybe up to 5 minutes. Avoid this pose if you have any back injuries such as disc problems(when in doubt please consult your doctor). Here are some simple tips to make the most of the the pose: 

• RELAX..don't force your self down into the pose, wherever you are is totally fine.
• If your hamstrings or lower back are very tight bent your legs or pop a pillow or two under your knees.
• Put a block (if you have one) to support your head for extra relaxation and release.
• Let your shoulders relax and feel the stress of the day melt away.
• SURRENDER let go of muscles in your jaw, face, fingers, toes and everything in between.
• Close your eyes, go within and away from all the distractions of the day. Focus on the quality of your breath. 
• Its not about how far down you, its more about how much you can let go.
• Come out of the pose slowly and take a few moments with body vertical, you can also lay down afterwards  and do savasana (copse pose ).
• Sleep like a baby ZZzzzzzzz...