YOGA TODAY
Yoga Nidra: A Pandemic Survival Strategy ...continued from page 15
of the abdomen, and watch how the in- hale and exhale melt into one another. This is the beginning of Yoga Nidra. Your best results will come from minding the recommendations, and of course, from listening to the masters who teach this. The 61 Points are spe- cific to the lineage of Para Yoga Nidra and the Himalayan tradition. Any consistent Yoga Nidra practice can be a wonderful addition to your pandemic survival strategy. Boost your immunity by nourishing yourself physically, psychologically, emotion- ally and mentally with the gift of deep sleep. Resources: Yoga International: “ A Practice of 61-Poinys to Sharpen Concentration ”
(https://yogainternational.com/ar- ticle/view/a-practice-of-61-points-to- sharpen-concentration) Sanctuary App: The Meditation and Yoga Nidra App by Rod Stryker: https://www.parayoga.com/sanctu- ary-meditation-app/ Claudia Neuman, MSW, E-RYT 500, YACEP, was born in Los Angeles and began teaching in 1982. Her formal Yoga training began in 1984 at Yoga Works in Santa Monica with Rod Stryker & Eric Shiffman and many others. She is cur- rently working towards her certification in Para Yoga with Yogarupa Rod Stryker. All of Claudia’s classes, including her Yoga Nidra classes, are available via live stream, visit: www.alignwithgrace.com for her schedule; email for more informa- tion: alignwithgrace824@gmail.com. See also her ad on page 23.
phragmatic breathing and systematic relaxation. Learning to do this, you would then be ready to start the work with the 61 Points, which can begin with doing 31 of these points and eas- ing your way into the full exercise. Yogarupa Rod Stryker’s app, Sanctu- ary has several recordings of the differ- ent types of Nidras that Para Yoga of- fers, and there is a free 30-day trial for this, so you can explore. I recommend you begin with just doing 20 diaphrag- matic breaths to start. These breaths can be done anywhere, anytime. If you are having a sleepless night, or having trouble relaxing, lie down and start slow, steady breaths, filling the belly on inhales and releasing on exhales. Con- centrate on the slow steady movement
interruptions. The room should be made dark. If the room cannot be darkened, use a dark colored handkerchief placed over the eyes. Spread a blanket or mat on the floor. Use a small, soft pillow to support your head. Cover yourself with a light blanket or shawl to shield your body from drafts. During these exercises, try to keep your mind alert and focused on your breath as you progressively relax.’ Getting Started with Yoga Nidra As Swami Rama mentioned, the practice is best done systematically, starting with introducing yourself to the practices. The first step is to start giving yourself the experience of dia-
TO YOUR HEALTH
Visual Stress During the COVID Mess The Effects of Eye Stress and Tips for Good Vision Health ...continued from page 19
tative Optometry. He is the co-owner of Appelbaum Vision with his son, Dr Bryce Appelbaum, with offices in Bethesda and Annapolis, and is Board Certified in Vi- sion Therapy. Learn more at www.AppelbaumVision.com; see also his ad on page 5
to improving and maintaining good vi- sual health. Dr. Stan Appelbaum has over 35 years experience as a behavioral optometrist specializing in Functional & Integrative Vision Care and Developmental/Rehabili-
working together to find solutions to end the senseless struggle that affects so many of us and our children. Un- derstanding the effects of visual stress and recognizing the adjustments we need to make is an important first step
volving excessive digital screen time. To address the hidden damage induced from Nearpoint Visual Stress, we need a more collaborative approach, with ophthalmology, primary care and de- velopmental/rehabilitative optometry
by Mary Kay Reynolds
Massage Therapist Nationally Certified Member AMTA
Swedish • Deep Tissue • Myofascial • Pregnancy • Aromatherapy
$10 off first visit mention this ad new clients only
6
6
LOCATED IN TAKOMA PARK, MD BY APPOINTMENT 301.270.1257 MARYKAYREYNOLDS@GMAIL.COM
PATHWAYS—Winter 20-21—57
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog