Guided Relaxation

A few weeks ago I asked my Instagram followers if they struggle with sleep and what methods they use to combat it (shameless plug: @benditlikelacy). Many people I’ve talked with in my personal and professional life have irregular sleep patterns, insomnia, and a hard time slowing down or shutting off their racing thoughts. On the post, I vaguely described a relaxation technique I use in and outside of my yoga classes that relaxes my students. It is an effective way to turn your awareness inwards, whether you intend to fall asleep or find a calmer state of mind. I promised I would make it available for all and I am keeping my word.

“Decide to use this time for yourself. And nothing and no one else.”

           

Relaxing is difficult for most of us. Even when we think we’re relaxed, we often still unconsciously hold tension in parts of our bodies (toes, jaw, shoulders…). Relaxation requires intention and even practice. There are many paths to cultivating a peaceful body and mind; so long as no harm is done, they are valid and critical to your health! There is no disease that cannot be positively affected by stress reduction. In that case, relaxation is more than a luxury; determining your path of access is crucial!

The Guided Relaxation is a combination of a systematic muscle awareness process gleaned during my yoga teacher training and deep breathing exercises. It can be used not only for sleep, but to cultivate a calmer state of being, or as a part of your yoga and meditation practice. You could also just pop in your headphones and use it before a stressful situation, or just to show yourself some love. It’s all up to you. The process begins with asking you to choose yourself over your worries, to-do list, and past and future concerns. I invite you to honor your body and explore your inner world, simply because you are worthy of your time.

Here are some suggestions to help you get started with your relaxation process with intention:

·       Designate a time during your day to use the Relaxation 

undisturbed.

·       Set the mood. Little to no light is useful for increased self-

awareness or sleep. Light music and scents (like lavender or 

peppermint) may also be helpful.

·       Find a comfortable supine (on your back) position so that 

your body has less work to do (although, regardless of being 

seated or standing this is effective!).

·       Prepare your body. Take a warm shower. Remove glasses, 

jewelry, or other accessories that may impede on your comfort.

“This peace, this relaxation, is yours. It always has been. It always will be…”

The recording ends with a reminder that your peace is your power. With time and practice, you will find it easier to return to state of calm, relaxation and balance. Use the link below and comment your experience! 

Happy relaxing, Kala.

Guided Relaxation by Kala Lacy

Written by Kala Lacy

IG @benditlikelacy

Yogis Playlist

Picture this: mountain pose. Feet planted firmly on the mat feeling, rooted. Gaze either focused or eyes closed. Deep breathing. Arms begin to raise above the head stretching towards the heavens.

Panda by Desiigner plays in the background.

Most believe that doing yoga involves a “zen” environment, which includes the type of music that is played. Maybe in the studio the focus is on sounds of nature or melodic instruments, but it’s important to remember each yogi has a different practice, and each practice can come with a different playlist.  Each of us have songs with which our bodies want to move. What I’ve most commonly see is the rise in the number of yogis doing a flow to trap music, indicating that there is no universal sound that yogis move to.

There are days when I need to quiet my mind; these are days when to focus on my breathing and muscles I switch to my “instrumentals” playlist where no words can distract me. Other days when my emotions feel chaotic and I have no way to express them I use rock music as a filter while in High Lunge and Warrior II. Or maybe, as I have now seen quite often with others on Instagram, while in frog I want to incorporate a little booty poppin and Fi Di Jockey by Aidonia happens to work perfectly for me. Yoga not only involves the body and mind, but can hone in on the mentality of the yogi and music accompanies that mentality.

“But isn’t any other kind of music distracting?” I believe that when our bodies and minds are connected to the music that we can feel flow through us, it syncs with our being more than distracts us. One yogi loves playing Gangster by Kehlani while practicing her headstands because the song makes her feel empowered and badass and capable of doing many variations of the pose. And of course, with deviation from the “norm” comes controversy. Some people believe that individual having yoga classes with this different music are just trying to “get publicity” or “seek attention.” Others don’t understand how one could feel at ease or concentrate with any other type of music playing. But, the point of these “trap yoga” classes or “BeyonSLAY” workshops are to connect with others who share the same tastes and mindsets and practice. In the end, it builds on a community that you want to feel part of and in turn offers support and comradery for others.

Written by Anjé McLish

IG @yoga_tapdancer