I have been noting for several (6? 7? months) my temper flares at what seems like minuscule triggers. Thinking to myself, 'Where does this anger come from?" and realizing while I am fuming how ridiculous my reaction to said minuscule triggers actually is. I coach myself and attempt to think rationally: "I am reacting rashly. I can breathe and gain perspective. What is the underlying issue?" Even while I am rationally thinking, I am often emoting and on the verge of (or indeed) crying or yelling (not at anyone - usually a loud ARRRGGH!) Over the last several months, I have been experimenting with ways of channeling the anger/frustration in either productive/constructive ways or at the very least in a way that doesn't cause me to later feel remorse for my actions.
One of those ways has been practicing yoga through this 30 for 30 challenge. . . and the timing could not have been better on this commitment! Day 17: Tempering Anger with Asana challenged me during the practice because I was becoming frustrated and angry toward the end of the practice because the instructor was taking too long with embellishing explanations! Holy pitta bossy-boots anger-issue, Coach! Simmer down. I had to chuckle, since my beardy man was in the adjoining room and I blurted out, "Stop talking! I'm getting angry!" hahaha! Good thing I've already admitted I am not perfect and that know about my pitta dosha tendencies.
Back to reflecting on today's yoga practice. Breathing is imperative to life, of course; I have realized in the last several years how critical mindful breath work is to my mind-body health. And also, how vital laughter and the snuggles of a happy dog can be during savasana. Some of the best moments can come during savasana. (Have you read: Never Skip Savasana?)
P.S. To iterate and summarize (sort of) what the wonderful Mary M. Meyer wrote in her REAL IS THE NEW GOOD blog, a person does not have to be flexible, skinny, or wear fancy yoga clothes to practice yoga - nor does he/she need to spend exorbitant amounts of time or money to get a meaningful or 'real' yoga experience. Case in point: 192lb 5'10" female practicing FREE 30-minute yoga AT HOME in old, grubby clothes with the #yogadog resting in the palm of her hand during savasana.
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| Please note: I am giggling because no matter where I moved my arm, she moved her body to rest her head in my hand. :) |
And yes. I am a female who just told you what I weigh. I want to be a better advocate for myself and for my family, friends, and clients who struggle with body image disorders toward a recognition that we are people and human beings who are more than a number on a scale.
@CoachBurow #yogaeveryday #30for30 #selfcare #mindbodyhealth #yogachallenge #dynamicwellness #pittadosha #yogadog
Have you done anything to change any hormone levels since this anger had been occurring? I know you know a lot about the human body so you probably already know whatever I might know, but what you're experiencing sounds a lot like what happened to me when I went on the birth control pill. It took me a while to admit that might be my problem, but I was back to normal in about a week once I went off it. It was probably some of the worst 9 months of my life in many ways, and gave me a lot of empathy for people I know who struggle with depression or other mental illness. I've been there too now. No more hormonal birth control for me! Good luck in resolving whatever may be causing this.
ReplyDeleteThank you, sincerely, for your insight and concern! I have actually been working with a Naturopath for several years and take some endocrine support nutrients that I have since increased (adrenal glands are over taxed). As well, I am seeking a new primary care provider (relocated for a job several months ago) and have high hopes of finding a holistic-minded doc to help me navigate some of the 'stuff' going on in my body/mind. Of note: I do not take hormonal birth control, so that is not a contributing factor. I do take a daily anti-depressant and have for several years; I strive to engage in healthful activities (exercise, healthy sleep, nutrient-dense foods, mindfulness practices, positive social activities) to help maintain emotional and mental and physical health! Of course, no one can do it right *all the time* and sometimes I need some assistance. Anyway, thanks again for your thoughtful post! I appreciate your perspective and advice, as well as your courage to share part of your story.
ReplyDelete12 years ago I was having mood swings with some serious anger, and I went to a therapist. She gave me a bunch of pieces of paper with the heading "Anger Management," and a bunch of common sense shit about anger that everyone already knows. Then I started yoga. My mood stabilized. I stopped being the roaring mom. And I wasn't even "trying"! So, central nervous system-level stuff is not something we can think our way into changing. We do our way into it, training our nervous system with every damn breath we have to take through that long hold, or that lengthy focus-challenging description the yoga teacher is spouting. ;)
ReplyDeleteHello, I Like your blog, I wanted to leave a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuation. Wish you best of luck for all your best efforts.
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