October 2021 Blog Get to The Other Side

Get to The Other Side

How do you build bridges in your life? We have so many options to create paths of body, mind, and soul unity. 

I have always loved bridges. Creating connection is critical in today’s fractured world. The pandemic and the Delta variant make it even more important to devise ways that keep you in communication with others. Whether it’s through a phone call, email, or text, there are ways to reach out without being face-to-face, and employing them serves as a two-way street. Your contact may be the only touchstone your friend or loved one may receive that day, in several days, or that week. When was the last time you received a “hello note” from a friend? Bring a smile to someone by being that person who starts the ball rolling. 

When I teach or do yoga, I always include a bridge (Setu bhandasana) pose. It is a multi-faceted posture and tones the pelvic floor (I dare you to do a Kegel or two or five, right now!) I include them in my routine for osteoporosis and love to watch my breath slow, knowing this one exercise can reduce blood pressure and heart rate. It opens the hips, shoulders, and chest and strengthens the ankles and feet. Win-win.

While in bridge pose for 1-5 minutes, think about the infrastructure of your bridges. 

Let’s look at these five bridges to health:

~ moving your body through yoga, pilates, strength training, high-intensity interval training, hiking, biking, or walking. Check-in with your body. How many days did you walk 1-1.5 hrs last week? Did you sweat and get your heart rate up? 

~ become present to each moment, using breathwork, stillness, contemplation, and journaling. You’re on one side of the bridge and your best self is on the other. How many trips do you make? Do you cast aside anxiety, worry, doubt, fear, and nervousness and instead bring along hope, confidence, optimism, and joy?

~ build up your immunity to illness by eating well, sleeping soundly, and knowing what to use when the nose starts to run or tummies rumble. 

~ develop an arsenal of yummy and seasonal recipes as your go-tos when meal planning. Indulge in local produce and support your local farmers. Shelve only healthy snacks in the pantry so you’re not sabotaged during moments of stress. 

~ design your best sleep environment and tweak it every so often. Add a fun pillow. Sprinkle a new essential oil to change the vibe. Wash your comforter in prep for chillier temps. 

Connect your passions to your everyday life. Engineer strong attachments to what really matters.  

Unite your community of loved ones. Be strengthened when you yoke your inner world to more calm, rest, and mindfulness. Create your microcosm of a perfect bridge to your ideal health. 

What would a bridge to your heart look like? 

Pour a smooth foundation. Build that connector. Don’t let the heights scare you. Your dreams are waiting on the other side. 

Love,

Kathy

ARAY Wellness Coaching