3 Benefits of Slowing Down
Taking things slow does not come naturally to me. I am one of those people who is constantly multi-tasking; usually in the process of reading three to five books at a time, and can often be found on the phone, while blogging, baking, and getting ready for the gym. Sound familiar?
1. Slow Down and Connect to Strength
Over the last little while, I have really made a point to take things slow…er, and it has changed my life. I have been starting with simple things like my abs routine. Have you ever tried to do 20 very, very slow v-ups? Let me tell you, it gives a whole new meaning to core strength, but what is incredible about it is that I actually feel every muscle, and am learning to work through the discomfort as opposed to rushing through it, jaw clenched and only partially strengthening my core muscles.
2. Slow Down and Find Focus
Another area of my life that I have been taking slowly, is accomplishing tasks in the day. Rather than accomplishing fifty things partially spirited, I am focusing on one, two, or ten really key things, and bringing my all to them. Since I started this practice, I have noticed the quality of my work has improved tenfold, and I feel much more confident about what I am sharing energetically with the world.
3. Slow Down and Create Tranquility
More recently, I have been enjoying the art of spiritual bathing. Bathing is amazing, and I always admire people who take the time to soak in the tub. My best friend turned me onto spiritual bathing and it has helped me fall deeper in love with my spirit. My spiritual baths consist of putting things like tea bags, clay, seaweed, lavender, flower petals, crystal salt and even rocks in my bath, as well as some scented essential oils. This ritual – which I try to talk myself out of to save time – always brings me right to my center of peace and tranquility, so I have made it a necessary part of my day.
So, for those of you who are working toward self-love, compassion, tolerance, acceptance and true strength, perhaps taking things a little slower may be just what your intuition has been asking for.
About the Author
Zain Saraswati Jamal uses her personal experience and knowledge to guide her students to a balanced, healthy place within their minds, bodies and spirits.
Jamal is an Ayurvedic, Holistic & Sports Nutritionist, Internationally Certified Kundalini, Sivananda and Ashtanga Yoga Teacher and Personal Coach.
In her hometown of Vancouver, Canada, Jamal works with those struggling to overcome weight issues and/or self-esteem issues, eating disorders, serious illness and who are looking to gain a greater level of overall health.
Raised in an Indian home, Zain Saraswati Jamal received the first teachings of yoga and Ayurveda at the age of five through scripture and a home asana practice. She felt naturally connected to the mystical and metaphysical philosophies, experiencing an innate familiarity, as though the teachings were already a part of her being waiting to be revealed through practice and life experience. Since then, Jamal has learned from esteemed gurus such as Pattahbi Jois, BKS Iyengar, Gurmukh, David Life, Shiva Rea, Dharma Mittra, Geshe Michael Roach, Eddie Modestini and other masters, which have helped her to refine her own practice and teaching.
Deciding to pursue her exploration of yoga and meditation, Zain Saraswati Jamal was classically trained in Mysore, India at the Shri K Patthabi Jois Ashtanga Institute (KPJAI) in 1996. She then studied over ten years of traditional Ashtanga practice and teaching before exploring other styles. In 2006, Jamal was drawn to another classical lineage Sivananda. She completed her E-RYT 500-hour at the Sivananda Ashram in Paradise Island, Bahamas as well as three years of deep philosophical study of the Yoga Sutras, Vedas and other scriptures from both the Buddhist and Vedic perspectives.
During this time, Zain Saraswati Jamal discovered the practice of Kundalini yoga in a Sikh Gurudwara and became fascinated by the liberation of movement and the immediate effect that the technology of kriya offered. She went on to study with the 3HO Certified Karam Kriya School in London, England and her own personal practice is a reflection of these classical styles.
In addition, Jamal leads Kundalini Fire Full Moon Ceremonies in Vancouver on sacred land, where women come together to release that which no longer serves and unite in support of one another?s growth and healing as well as other yoga workshops and classes all over the world.
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When it comes to our brains there are different types of attention. Remember the last time you concentrated on a singular task, like taking a test or working on a complicated project? After a certain amount of time in that highly concentrated state, people often describe themselves as brain tired or even brain dead.
Our minds are like muscles, they can get overworked when concentrating for too long. This can lead to stress, weight gain, burnout, and anxiety. The good news is our brains can disconnect and recharge.
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