Information about Interactive Visualization of Yoga
Studies have shown that mentally rehearsing what you want the body to do stimulates pathways in the brain used for the actual movements and, in so doing, “tunes up” the muscles for maximum benefit. Mental rehearsal is nothing new-the yogis have practiced it for centuries to perfect a pose or routine.The breathing and visualization exercises included with each routine presented in this book are practiced with slowness, precision, and concentration coupled with periods of relaxation and meditation. This approach allows your mind time to formulate a very clear image of what you would like to see happen. With practice, you will be able to apply these strong visualization skills not only to losing weight but also to achieving other lifestyle goals. To ensure success in your weight loss program, it is as important to practice the breathing and visualization techniques as it is to practice the physical workouts. Each practice complements the other.
To begin reprogramming your mind with a healthy body image, try practicing the following simple visualization exercise. Practice the visualization for 15 minutes every day in a quiet place, whenever you find yourself sitting or lying still.
- Place a cushion on the floor, and sit on it in Cross-Legged Position.
If this position is not comfortable, sit on a folded towel to tilt your hips forward and take the pressure off your knees. Alternatively, sit with your legs stretched out in front, leaning against a wall if necessary, or sit in a chair. Rest your hands on your knees, palms facing up or down. - Close your eyes, and be perfectly still you cannot relax completely unless your body is perfectly still.
- Inhale deeply and slowly, then exhale with a gentle sigh.
- Let your breath come and go in an easy, unhurried way, paying attention to the rise and fall of your chest with each breath.
- With each exhalation, let all the weight of your body sink down into your buttocks. With each inhalation, feel as if you are being pulled up b a string attached to the crown of your head while the base of your spine is anchored to the floor.
- Let your logical thinking (all that planning about what you are going to do next) subside, and silence the chatter in your mind so that your mine can rest. Do not try to stop the thoughts, watch them come and go. The more detached you become, the more your mind will become quiet. Observe all that is going on in your body and mind.
- Let the “observer” go, but let the “observing” continue.
- Be as still as a statue. Watch your mind become quiet, and visualize your life as you would like to be-the way you would like to look, speak, interact with people; the sort of relationship you would like to have witt. a partner, the career path or hobbies that you would like to have. Continue the visualization for a few minutes. . The vision will come with practice.
- In the silence, refine this image of yourself as you would like to be for 10-15 minutes, until it is very clear in your mind.
- To finish the exercise, gently begin to deepen your breath.
- Stretch your arms out in front of you, then overhead.
- Rub your palms together until your hands are very warm, then place them over your eyes.
- Release your palms, blink, stand up, and stretch your body to each side to awaken your spine.
You will feel relaxed and alert, ready to get on with your day, knowing that you have imprinted a very clear image of your ideal self on your mind. Your subconscious will be open and receptive to the suggestions that will make this vision a reality. The more you practice, the more effective the results will be, so keep on refining the image of yourself as you would like to be until it is very clear in your mind. Expect this vision to become a reality sooner than you think.
Tags:body image, cross legged, healthy body, knees, lifestyle goals, mental rehearsal, visualization exercise, visualization techniques, yoga yogis
In today’s fast-paced society, we often expect results now-instant flight bookings, instant sales purchases, and instant pleasure-but when it comes to reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, this does not apply. When a fad diet fails to result in immediate weight loss, you may feel like a failure. But it’s the diets that fail, not you. Rather than looking for an answer in the form of a pill, potion, or diet, turn to the practice of yoga.