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For those of you who have cats, have you ever noticed how these wonderful creatures always look as though they're practicing yoga poses? Well, that's because cats are Natural-born Yoga Masters.

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Everyone has their own method of exercising that works well for them.

Some people like going to the gym and using things such as: weights, a treadmill, a StairMaster, etc.

Some people prefer running outdoors, playing tennis, or hiking.

For me, personally, I prefer to get my exercise from going on long, brisk walks, doing some daily stretching, and practicing yoga.

Low-impact exercise works best for my own metabolic body type. I've tried countless other forms of exercise and they didn't seem to work for me because my body fiercely rejected them. Many years ago when I lived in Florida, I tried running and it caused so much pain to my knees and joints, that I simply had to stop. I could literally feel my body saying, "Stop!...please stop!...this is not for you!."

I'm a firm believer that your body will tell you what's best for it, if you just listen.

About Yoga

When I first heard about yoga, I naively assumed it meant that I would sit cross-legged, wearing a colorful turban, burning incense, while chanting, “Ommmmmmmmm” for a few minutes; quickly becoming a more enlightened being.

Boy, was I ever wrong.

I began practicing yoga in the late 80's. I started with Hatha Yoga and then tried various other styles.

I find that if I make the time to practice, even just a few times a week, I feel better physically, mentally, and spiritually.

What’s deceiving about yoga is that some of the poses appear rather simple and easy. However once you try them, you discover how challenging and potent they are.

Yoga is not only about the body, but more so how the body, mind, and spirit work together. Because when those three things are in balance, they create a “wholeness.”

Yoga is like taking a never-ending journey, because wholeness is constantly fluctuating.

Even at 64-years old, I’ve been very blessed with a naturally toned and flexible body, but that doesn’t mean yoga poses are easy for me. It depends on the state of my mind and spirit.

Sometimes while holding a pose, I will suddenly feel emotional and break into tears. That’s because yoga will bring up anything that’s been harboring inside me that has not been expressed. Other times, I just feel relaxed and flowing with the poses; almost in a state of meditation.

Without getting too technical about yoga, I would like to share one of my favorite poses because it seems to be a real challenge for me at times.

This is called The Tree Pose


The tree pose is beneficial for grounding yourself, and also balancing both sides of the brain. It's also beneficial for your spine. There are some days when I can freely move into this pose and hold it for a full 5 minuets. Then, there are other days when my body rocks, shakes, and topples. Sometimes I can hold the pose on one leg easily, but the other leg will be more difficult.

Which means I’m out of balance.

Yet, after patiently staying with the pose a bit longer and relaxing into it, I will usually move into a stable stillness, feeling much more centered.

Even to this day, it never ceases to amaze me how effective yoga is.

When I first started practicing I used to take group classes, however, now I just practice at home. One of the reasons is because I can practice it whenever I want, and at my own pace.

But, another reason is this…….


Because trust me, with yoga, not only will you feel enlightened, but sound enlightened as well!

Have a faaaaaaaabulous rest of your week, everyone!
X

24 comments:

  1. Oh my, Ron, you make me feel so guilty. I practised yoga for years but don't remember when or why I stopped. It was so good for me and I enjoyed it so I wonder what made me give up. There's nothing to stop me taking it up again, so I might just do that. Surely my poor back would benefit from it.

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  2. You're too much with that last photo, Ron! LOL! About 13 years ago when I was diagnosed with hypertension, my doctor suggested I try yoga. I went weekly with a friend and stuck with it for a year. And I'm probably the only person to admit this, but I hated it! There was a serious creepy element I couldn't get past, from the male students, to the incense, to the instructor coming around and correcting our poses, to the mantras. I decided it stressed me out more than relaxed me!!! But, I'm glad I gave it a try and I know plenty of people who just love it like you do!

    I hope your holiday season is Merry. XO

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  3. Hey there Valerie!

    Great to hear that you practiced yoga for years. You know, yoga is one of those things that you can always go back to at any age because it's the type of exercise that is both gentle and powerful. It's also very adaptable, so it works with whatever physical issues we have.

    After I stopped going to group classes, I purchased a Yoga DVD that I could use at home. I actually prefer doing yoga on my own.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic rest of your week!

    X to you and Charlie

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  4. "You're too much with that last photo, Ron! LOL! "

    HA! I just COULDN'T resist sharing that last photo. Isn't it hilarious?

    " I went weekly with a friend and stuck with it for a year. And I'm probably the only person to admit this, but I hated it! "

    As I shared, everyone has their own type of exercise that works best for them. So, yoga was not for you. At least you gave it a try. Trust me, I tried a lot of different exercising practices over the years (many of which were very popular with most people), however, they never felt right for me.

    I don't like going to yoga classes with groups of people. I much prefer practicing at home, on my own. I really don't like exercises with lots of other people in the room.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope your holiday season is Merry as well! Gosh, I can't believe that Christmas is only a few weeks away!?

    X

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  5. Ron, I have two cats and agree with you, they are born yoga masters! Have you ever noticed that no matter if a cat is sitting, standing, walking or sleeping, they always look so flexible, comfortable and relaxed. I love when my cats climb into my bed at night when I go sleep because they're so comforting.

    Love that last photo. LOL!

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  6. Ron, you're spot on here. My chiropractor advised me a long time ago to balance on one leg, then the other, for at least a full minute ... every day. He said balance issues and the resulting falls are what cause injuries to so many people (and not just the "old" ones!). So you keep doing what you're doing -- as you said, your body will tell you when you're on the right track.


    I'm not a runner either. In fact, when I was playing tennis every day, I found ways to "cheat" and hit the ball back without having to run. Helps to have long legs and arms, ha! Nor do I think I'd enjoy classes. I've got a yoga DVD and my chiro gave me some yoga poses to work on, so that seems to help.


    Love your kitty photos -- and yes, they can get into the cutest positions! xo

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  7. Hey there Candice!

    "Have you ever noticed whether a cat is sitting, standing, walking or sleeping, they always look so flexible, comfortable and relaxed."

    Absolutely! Their flexibility is mind-blowing because they can bend and stretch themselves into any kind of position.

    " I love when my cats climb into my bed at night when I go sleep because they're so comforting."

    Yes! At one time I had two cats (a male and a female). The male loved cuddling under the blankets with me every night when I went to sleep. He would purrr, which was such a comforting sound. I would instantly fall asleep!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a FAB rest of your week!

    X

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  8. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comFriday, December 06, 2019

    Mowhahaha! I nearly spat my coffee over my keyboard! I started doing yin yoga in September and I love it! I already feel much more balanced and grounded. (I go to lessons in a school gym once a week)... I can totally relate to sounding enlightened too! Ha ha!

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  9. "My chiropractor advised me a long time ago to balance on one leg, then the other, for at least a full minute ... every day. He said balance issues and the resulting falls are what cause injuries to so many people (and not just the "old" ones!)"

    Debbie, that is SO AWESOME to hear! What I really like about practicing yoga is that it works on so many levels, not just physical. Because I truly believe (and always have) that everything is interconnected, so it's important to exercise all parts of our make up.

    "I'm not a runner either. In fact, when I was playing tennis every day, I found ways to "cheat" and hit the ball back without having to run. Helps to have long legs and arms, ha!"

    OMG...that is so brilliant! And you go, girl!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post topic, my friend. Have a fantabulous weekend!

    X

    P.S. aren't kitty photos adorable? I made that collage using photographs I found online.

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  10. HA! Sorry, I just resist sharing that last photo :)

    "I'm not a runner either. In fact, when I was playing tennis every day, I found ways to "cheat" and hit the ball back without having to run. Helps to have long legs and arms, ha!

    Fiona, that is so GREAT to hear!!! And isn't something how it really does help to balance and ground you? It's a pretty impressive form of exercise, isn't? And I love how it touches on all levels of our being.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post topic, my friend. Have a super weekend!
    X

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  11. Oh my god, Ron, I love the photo collage of the cats. It's so CUTE! I don't have cats at the moment, but at one time I had three. My friends used to call me the cat lady. I love cats. And you're right, they always do look as those they're practicing stretching exercises.

    I've never tried yoga, but there is a wellness center not far from my apartment here in Florida. Funny you mentioned it because I've always been curious to know more about it. Thank you for sharing the links because it gave me more insight. I may have to try it.

    Enjoyable post, Ron. And that picture made me LOL! xo

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  12. Hola Denise!

    Aren't those kitty cats soooooooooooo CUTE? I had so much fun putting that collage together with images I found online. I LOVE cats, as well! WOW...you had THREE? The most I ever had was two, and they were related (mother and son). Yes, it's amazing how flexible they are, isn't it? It's like they're made of rubber!

    Glad you found the links informative. As I shared, everyone prefers different forms of exercise, so you may or may not like yoga. But give it try, just to see. For me (along with my walking), yoga is perfect.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a wonderful weekend!

    X

    P.S. isn't that picture hilarious? Tee-hee!

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  13. Hey, Ron, this post is a gas!

    Seriously, though, I'm so glad that you've gotten so much out of yoga, both physically and emotionally.

    I've heard great things about yoga and for a while I was doing a class at least once a week at my gym. But then I hurt my back and I was a little gunshy.

    However, I'll give yoga another try in the new year.

    I love the cat images, by the way. Cats are so calm and serene--they just everyone around them crazy!!

    Take care, buddy, and have a great weekend!

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  14. Ron, being a cat lover, I love the pictures of the all the cats! My husband and I have a cat AND a dog. He's the dog person, I'm the cat person, but we both love having one of each because they are so completely different. And yes, cats DO always look as though they are doing yoga poses!

    Back when we were living in New York, I took a yoga class as part of a women's group I belonged to and really enjoyed it. You're right, it does make you feel more balanced, not only physically but mentally as well. I don't know why I stopped, but this post was a reminder that maybe I need to get back into it. I'm going to check out places in the area that live to see if they offer classes.

    Have a great weekend, neighbor! Are you enjoying this colder weather? I bet! LOL!

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  15. Hey, Ron - you knew I'd love those cat photos. They are perpetual acrobats and definitely yoga masters. I often envy the positions they can get into.



    Yoga is absolutely beneficial for the body, mind, and soul. I dabbled in it when I was young - and also transcendental meditation. The great thing about yoga is that age is no limit.

    I've never been seriously into any form of exercise, but I always preferred walking (yes, brisk walking!) and swimming. I never liked running, which I think is physically harmful and abnormal. I've known runners who were completely obsessed - and they had nothing but pain and injuries.


    Our bodies do indeed tell us what's right for our own personal needs and we should listen to our inner selves. Have a great weekend!

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  16. As a longtime cat owner, you are absolutely right about their affinity for yoga. Sydney does stretches every single time she's ready to eat. At least she's getting in a little exercise prior to scarfing down a bowl of food.

    Tara also likes yoga. Me, I prefer Yoda. Force be with you, may it.

    Have a killer weekend, my friend!

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  17. "Me, I prefer Yoda. Force be with you, may it."

    OMG Mark, your comment CRACKED ME THE HELL UP! That was so CLEVER!

    Yes, isn't it funny how cats will stretch in front of their bowls just before they eat? It's almost like a signal they give you..."Feed me, now."

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. And thanks for your humor!

    Have a killer weekend as well! Enjoy that snow!

    X

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  18. Elaine, aren't the cats pics adorable? I had so much fun selecting them online for the collage. However, I likes so many of them, it was so hard to choose just those.

    "My husband and I have a cat AND a dog. He's the dog person, I'm the cat person, but we both love having one of each because they are so completely different. And yes, cats DO always look as though they are doing yoga poses!"

    I adore cats, but I also adore dogs as well. It's just that, for me, a cat is easier because they're so low-maintenance. Plus, a cat (as a roommate) is better for me because they mellow me out.

    Isn't yoga fabulous? It's amazing how you can feel how much it's doing for you--mind, body, and spirit. I always feel so much more balanced. I don't know of any places here in Philly because when I took classes, I was living in Orlando, Florida.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Have a terrific weekend. And yes...I am SO enjoying the colder weather. I just we'd get some SNOW.

    X

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  19. HA! Yes, Jon, I KNEW you'd love those cat photos! Aren't the ADORABLE? There are a few other longtime readers who have cats as well, so I knew they'd love the pics.

    You're right...cats are perpetual acrobats. It's blows me away how they can fall from high heights and yet, land on their feet!

    "The great thing about yoga is that age is no limit." Yes!!!!! Correct...age is no limit. Anyone (at any age) can do yoga and benefit from it.

    "...but I always preferred walking (yes, brisk walking!) and swimming. I never liked running, which I think is physically harmful and abnormal. I've known runners who were completely obsessed - and they had nothing but pain and injuries."

    Yup...what you shared there is pretty much my own experience with running. I had a good friend in Florida who was literally addicted to running. He ran everyday; long distances, whether he was in pain or not. I haven't seen him in years, so I wonder if he still runs and has had any long-term injuries. This is why I much prefer going on long, brisk walks. It's much gentler on the body.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have an AWESOME weekend!

    X

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  20. "Hey, Ron, this post is a gas!"

    Bwhahahahahahaha! Rob, that made me laugh out loud. You are so clever with words!!!!

    "I've heard great things about yoga and for a while I was doing a class at least once a week at my gym. But then I hurt my back and I was a little gunshy."

    The thing about yoga is that (if done properly) it can actually help heal and repair injuries. So yes, give it another try in the new year. I like it not only for how it helps my body, but also my mind and my spirit. I find that it helps me stay balanced.

    Aren't the cats pics, so cute? Yes, that's why I love them, they help to mellow me.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent weekend!
    X

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  21. I feel the same way about cats, Ron, low-maintenance. Mellow as well!

    And yes, looking forward to some snow for Christmas.

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  22. A WHITE Christmas! Yeeeeeeeeees!!!!

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  23. Bwahahaha! That last cartoon says it all! I've toyed with the idea of yoga. I've tried other types of exercise, but am never able to really stick with anything. I lifted weights for years until life got busy and the wallet got a bit thin for a gym membership and personal trainer time. I simply cannot be trusted to do it on my own at home. I've considered yoga more for the flexibility and balance rather than enlightenment since I get that through my prayer life. I do believe a person can greatly benefit from being "in-tune" with their body and this would be a great way to increase that synergy. The cat poses are too cute! Sometimes I wonder if cats really have bones in their bodies. X

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  24. LOL Lisa, I just couldn't resist sharing that last cartoon!

    Me too. As I shared, I've tried several different types of exercise, none of which held as much of an interest to me as yoga, which I combined with stretching exercises and walking. They seem to work for me.

    "The cat poses are too cute! Sometimes I wonder if cats really have bones in their bodies."

    Yes!!!! That's exactly what they look like, as if they have no bones in their bodies! Aren't the cat poses adorable?

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a lovely week!

    X

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