Solstice/New Year Sadhana?

[SpiritYogi]

Originally Posted by yogapam

I’ll start the check in Dec 20 or 21 so you can start whenever you like, Dec 21, Jan 1, or any day in between.

Thank you, Pam!

[toaster]

I'll join the checkin whenever we start even if I don't start my sadhana until Jan 1 - actually, it would be nice to try to do daily meditation prior to then.

[Izzy]

Thank you for starting this. I am in. I will start on Dec 21st.

[yogapam]

Awesome! I’ll start a check in Dec 20 and everyone can jump in whenever they like.

[Pat58]

Originally Posted by toaster

I'll join the checkin whenever we start even if I don't start my sadhana until Jan 1 - actually, it would be nice to try to do daily meditation prior to then.

This sounds like a very good plan - some grounding meditation to get us through the darkest and busiest time of year.

[Vantreesta]

Originally Posted by toaster

I'll join the checkin whenever we start even if I don't start my sadhana until Jan 1 - actually, it would be nice to try to do daily meditation prior to then.

Originally Posted by Pat58

This sounds like a very good plan - some grounding meditation to get us through the darkest and busiest time of year.

Agreed! I feel like I've been flying untethered this year. I have struggled to meditate and do my Bible studies. Some grounding is definitely in order!

[Vantreesta]

I finally finished the Mastering Breathwork challenge that Insight Timer had last month. I admit that I mostly heard it but didn't really listen or participate. I did the last three days today to get it done before the next one starts and I did try the techniques. I have to say, doing breathwork just seems to make me more anxious. I can do breath of fire okay but it seems like any time you're supposed to control the exhale I just go immediately into anxious mode. Does anyone else experience this? I don't think they did alternate nostril breathing in this challenge but I can't do that at all, just far too anxiety-inducing for me.

Today I feel like I need to find that Kate Vantucci (I think it's hers) fuzzy sweater practice. I could really use some warm cozy hugs.

[SpiritYogi]

Originally Posted by Vantreesta

I have to say, doing breathwork just seems to make me more anxious. I can do breath of fire okay but it seems like any time you're supposed to control the exhale I just go immediately into anxious mode. Does anyone else experience this? I don't think they did alternate nostril breathing in this challenge but I can't do that at all, just far too anxiety-inducing for me.

Breath of fire is a totally different technique than breath work for meditating, but I do find it interesting that the vigorous breath of fire technique does not make you anxious while slower / deeper breathing does (it's usually the opposite).

Do you get anxious when you just take deep inhales and long exhales (outside of a meditation practice)? Or when you take a deep breath, do you have to exhale quickly and forcefully?

[toaster]

Originally Posted by Vantreesta

I finally finished the Mastering Breathwork challenge that Insight Timer had last month. I admit that I mostly heard it but didn't really listen or participate. I did the last three days today to get it done before the next one starts and I did try the techniques. I have to say, doing breathwork just seems to make me more anxious. I can do breath of fire okay but it seems like any time you're supposed to control the exhale I just go immediately into anxious mode. Does anyone else experience this? I don't think they did alternate nostril breathing in this challenge but I can't do that at all, just far too anxiety-inducing for me.

Today I feel like I need to find that Kate Vantucci (I think it's hers) fuzzy sweater practice. I could really use some warm cozy hugs.

Vanny, hugs! Pranayama translates as breath control, and all types are definitely not for all people. Even simple mindful awareness of breath, while it can be very beneficial for anxiety, can make some people anxious. If that's the case for you, it's best to do it with the guidance of a teacher or therapist (or not at all). Feel free to PM me if you want to talk more about it.

So happy that Kate Vantucci gets so love here, I think I introduced her since she is local (Rochester NY). Did you mean the "Like a Fluffy Scarf" practice?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tksz1ZAe1xw

I see she has another that I don't think I've tried called "Your Favorite Sweatshirt":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9w8SF7U3OM

[Vantreesta]

Originally Posted by Dena

Breath of fire is a totally different technique than breath work for meditating, but I do find it interesting that the vigorous breath of fire technique does not make you anxious while slower / deeper breathing does (it's usually the opposite).

Do you get anxious when you just take deep inhales and long exhales (outside of a meditation practice)? Or when you take a deep breath, do you have to exhale quickly and forcefully?

I would say it's weird then that BOF doesn't make me anxious but not really bc I find I'm opposite of the norm in many ways!

I am fine doing deep breathing on my own and actually was given that as smthg to do for my physical therapy bc I don't easily breathe into my ribcage. It takes very focused effort to make it happen for me. Following guided breathing though I can inhale and even hold okay but the long exhale I guess makes me feel panicky. One of the techniques today was 4-7-8. The 8 exhale I just gave up on.