Welcoming Vitality for Life Beyond Stress

As we move into the heart of Autumn here in Australia, and begin to slow our pace, finding much needed balance within our busy lives, and honouring the cooler days; it is here we begin to notice the importance of rest and down-time, and where we have perhaps been burning the candle at both ends for far too long. It is a timely awareness, a fruitful realisation where inner learning leads to great change.

Stress is a common factor in today's society as well as our daily lives. Many have come to accept this as a normal way to function, as well as the only way to get ahead - by working ourselves to the ground. The unfortunate reality of this, is that it can lead to allostatic load, the wear and tear on the body and mind as the result of ongoing continuous/ chronic stress. This type of ongoing stress can effect our cardiovascular health, nervous system function, cortisol levels, thyroid hormones, and immunity. And due to this physical effect, at times we may reach for energy short-cuts like stimulants (energy drinks, caffeine etc) to get us through, which is not helpful to our overall health.

Vitality is the opposite of Stress. It is being present, both in the body and mind, balanced, healthy, strong and full of life. When we feel Vitality, we feel the essence of life running through us, we feel energetic, and often inspired in our daily lives. And we all want this, right? But how?

We can invite Vitality into our lives firstly through the recognition of our energy short-cuts, taking action in guiding our physical health away from energy spikes and slumps by limiting excessive caffeine as well as sugary stimulants. The next step is to ensure lots of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables are in our diet, that we are drinking enough water, making time for regular exercise (including yoga), as well as practicing breathwork (pranayama) and mantra.

In the yogic teachings, the practice of pranayama gives us access to pranic (life force) energy and assists the stress response by utilising an unlimited source of energy - Prana. Through practicing pranayama and mantra, addictive patterns are often released, the body and mind become calm, and we can often feel uplifted in spirit. Sounds great doesn't it? So let's begin right now.

Here is a simple stress releasing practice using movement and the breath, as taught in Kundalini Yoga:

Sitting in easy pose (cross legged on the ground) or in a chair with feet flat on the floor, rest hands on the knees. Begin to inhale through the nose and raise both shoulders up to the ears, then exhale through the nose and relax the shoulders down. Keep the eyes closed (if that feels comfortable) and focused at the brow point. Build to a rapid pace slowly (within your capacity) for a maximum of 2 minutes.

If you would love to learn more about vitality and combating stress, Nicole shares a regular Kundalini Yoga workshop across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which includes pranayama, dynamic kriya and meditation, as well as a luscious and deep sound bath. You may also be interested in the upcoming Pranayama LIVE online workshops. For more details and to join, go to the Workshop link via https://www.thesunshinechannel.com.au/book-online

Nicole Edwards is a Life Coach, Mentor, and Trauma Informed Yoga, Meditation, and Sound Teacher from the Gold Coast region of Australia. Contact TheSunshineChannel@outlook.com to connect or book a 1:1 session, class, program, or workshop, at https://thesunshinechannel.com.au today.