I just saw the following on Facebook and thought how pertinent it is, so I thought I would share.

"A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they'd be asked the "half empty or half full" question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: "How heavy is this glass of water?"
Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.
She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn't change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything."
It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses. As early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night. Remember to put the glass down! -author unknown"

From my own experiences, I know that it can be very difficult to put down those stresses. I fully recommend learning some relaxation techniques, I've made a note to blog some of the relaxation and meditation tips that helped me. Watch this space.

Even before I started coaching and practising yoga, I always tried to accept what life throws at me. I call it 'character building' and it's become a bit of an 'in' joke amongst my friends. Now that I'm studying yoga in a little more depth, I am more aware the other 6 limbs of the 8 limbs of yoga (asana and pranayama being 2 of them): the first limb is the Yamas, guidelines for ethical standards and moral restraints, of which there are 5 main sections that cover such things as non-violence, consideration and compassion, truthfullness, honesty in behaviour, thought and intention, etc., etc..

The thing is, while I've always considered myself to be a fairly kind person, I do sometimes have lapses. I'm only human. Like last week, when I was driving my friend's lovely shiny red mini and a lady, in a hurry, ploughed into the back of me. Now actually, I was very good. I didn't say any bad words to her, but I wanted to. Very, very much. The upshot is, the car is ok (ish, needs a small repair which apparently needs a whole bumper change!) and I've got a stinking headache, sore back and am waiting for my second visit to the osteopath. My friend (who is currently on an extended holiday) was actually very ok with the whole thing and was more concerned about me than the car.  So, tick one, I did manage to behave (if not entirely think) within the guidelines of Limb 1.

Limb 2, Niyamas are observances and disciplines in our attitude to ourself, again 5 sections covering such things as cleanliness, purity, positive outlook, uncomplaining attitude, self study, mindfullness, reflection and self discovery. I've certainly tried to remain content, I have not minded (too much) that I have had to curtail my asana practice due to the injury, instead taking the opportunity to explore meditation and pranayama and to read and deepen my knowledge. But, I cannot help but feel totally and utterly frustrated that I have not been running for a few weeks, firstly due to a brief illness and now this. It is just so disappointing. I know I can't until my osteo gives me the all clear. It's frustrating. Well, I guess I can't be perfect, something to work towards ;-)

I thought I'd share this article I just read, which I found interesting as I've been doing the same, or similar, for ages now, particularly the breathwork. I decided to stop chasing the distances and times 'at all costs' some time back and just enjoy my runs, be in the moment. I do still listen to music sometimes though. I think the bodyscanning is a really important element, and I'm sure this approach (plus the restorative yin yoga I practise) has helped me to stay running injury free.  Check it out (it's a great site for interesting articles)

bit.ly/15EAa6A