Yoga: Crocodile Pose

Things seem to be swirling around as of late. Energies are thick and emotions seem to be running high out there, world. What's up? I sense that perhaps going back to school, the end of summer, beginning of the reap in preperation for the winter's sleep are all making us anxious. People are scurrying, hurrying, neglecting themselves, but not a neglect due to the kindness towards others. Almost a vacant drunken bumblesque behaviour.

I feel this way right now. It seems that when I stop and think how this action will affect this person HERE, I am totally stepping on the toes of this person over THERE. Bumping into things, overwhelmed by the energies around me; so many people trying to escape but realize they have their chores and tasks to do and so trampling is not out of the question here, as you run me over with your baby cart, darting across the street full of whizzing cars; the careless meanderings and bumping into's, giving disgusted looks because for an instant you know you were responsible for your own trippings, but decided to save face by passing the blame: 'How dare you occupy this space, when it was fully intended that I would occupy it at the same time.'

Needless to say, I felt totally exhausted when I got home yesterday. I went to Granville Island to drop off my bookkeeping work and went on a little sojourn to FINLANDIA - MY MOST FAVOURITE VITAMIN STORE to pick something up for my mother. I run into my building, open my apartment door, close it and lock it.

Sigh. Time for a Yoga practice.

You would think that this would be a welcoming idea, getting downward dog and sun salutation'ed, erasing all that tension. But I couldn't shake it. The downward dog made me feel more tired, my little warm up that I do made me dizzy. I felt so overwhelmed, I laid down on my stomach and placed my head on my folded arms in front. Ahh, the Crocodile Pose.

As defined by Yoga Journal:

Crocodile Pose: This is a deceptively simple posture that can deliver dramatic benefits. Relax on your stomach with arms folded on the floor above your head. Similar to Savasana (Corpse Pose), in which you lie face-up, Crocodile Pose allows you to release all of your tension, but because it puts your belly and face to the ground, it can make a socially anxious person feel less exposed and vulnerable. In Crocodile Pose, you can practice yogic breathing (consciously using your diaphragm), which feels both calming and empowering.

(find link here).

After about 3 minutes of resting in this pose and focusing on my breathing, I was able to do a small, productive practice. All that tension and stress was almost gone (hey, I am not perfect at this you know) and was able to go back out into the world to complete my other errands.

So folks, if you feel a bit like you are just about ready to fly apart, collect yourself with a good ol' Crocodile Pose and feel good as new.