To all of the yogis out there, it is not necessary for me to explain what yoga is and what the infinite and individual benefits the practice can offer during the various phases in one’s lifetime. You don’t have to be a certain type of person to engage in the different types of yogic practices. Yoga, and all accompanying practices, is for everyone. Yoga is a 5,000-year-old wisdom of the mind, body, and soul. It is an individual art that can be practiced in a variegation of ways.

The practice of yoga, regardless of type, can be modified to fit one’s specific needs, abilities, and present state of mind. While yoga is known for increasing flexibility, building strength, improving posture, upping heart rate, booming blood flow, decreasing blood pressure, among quite a few other physical benefits, there is another side that even science is beginning to accept as equally important.

The mind is a powerful entity. It is capable of producing feelings of happiness, peacefulness, creativity, love, acceptance, spontaneity, curiosity, confidence, gratitude, and all other positive emotions. However, like ying and yang, the mind is also capable of producing feelings of anxiety, stress, fear, restlessness, worthlessness, dispassion, insecurity, envy, loneliness, and this list goes on and on. What causes these feelings, whether on the positive or negative end of the spectrum, is totally personal and different for every individual. Happiness can come from taking your chocolate Labrador for a long walk on the beach, while anxiety might come from going to a doctor’s appointment; there is no end to the possible catalysts for what makes us feel certain ways.

Living mindfully teaches us not to judge ourselves based on what we are feeling, but rather accept how we are feeling and why we are feeling a certain way in that present moment. Through yoga, which also includes meditation and controlled breathing, one can learn to practice mindfulness in one’s everyday life. Through the practice of yoga, meditation, and conscious breathing it is possible to lighten the strains that anxiety, stress, fear, and any other heavy emotional or physical sensations cause, whether on a regular or sporadic basis.

You might be surprised how powerful an effect a few short breathing exercises or a couple of yoga poses can have on your overall wellbeing, especially during stressful or anxiety-producing moments. Everyone has at least one trigger for anxiety and stress, whether it is giving an important presentation at work, preparing to take final exams, going to the dentist for a procedure, driving at night, or swimming in the ocean; it literally could be anything.  Reaping the benefits of yoga doesn’t mean you have to be a completely committed, spiritual, and full on yogi. There is something for everyone to take away from this 5,000-year-old body of knowledge. Parker Wellness would like to share these things with you, as we continue this journey together. 

Last year, Honi earned her RYT 200-hour yoga certification. What started as a personal quest to improve her practice, turned into something much greater. Since completing her certification, she has shared her gift with quite a lot of people, including some of the staff members at Parker Dentistry Facial Rejuvenation and Wellness. Once a week, she teaches an all-level and semi-private style class in the office to Chris, Ivonne, Yenn, Michele, and Jackie. Just ask any one of them how beneficial this once a week class has been to their daily lives. Honi can share with you a wealth of information and inspiration, regarding the art of yoga and how to incorporate the practice into your life.

If this has made you curious, and you want to further explore this practice, Parker Wellness encourages you to sign up for a class with the beautifully spirited Joy at Om Joyful Yoga in Cooper City. (www.omjoyfulyoga.com)

These two short videos are great introductions into the practice of yoga and conscious breathing techniques. I highly recommend you check them out! If you would like more suggestions, please don’t hesitate to email Parker Wellness at parkerdentistrywellness@gmail.com .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9jmO6xwFfs  (7 minute video on 3 breathing exercises that you can do anywhere to help overcome moments of stress and anxiety)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn8TOat-3Cg  (4 minute calming yoga sequence)

Thank you for sharing a smile with us! 

As we continue our mindful and salutary journey this week, our focus will be on the Japanese technique of Reiki, as it relates to stress reduction, relaxation, and healing. The word Reiki literally translates to “spiritually guided life force energy,” and that is basically the definition, as well. A Reiki treatment focuses on the receiver as a whole person: the mind, the body, and the soul. The results of a Reiki session will vary, but the intention is to promote peace, relaxation, and overall wellbeing.

Reiki is not a religion or dependent upon any level of spirituality, which makes it available to everyone and beneficial to anyone who chooses to learn it, teach it, practice it, or receive it. We are all made up of energy, and therefore are capable of exuding and receiving energy to and from one another. When one’s life energy, or Ki, is high, one is more likely to be healthy and happy, while the opposite is true for low levels.

Stress and anxiety are two powerful responses to an endless list of possible triggers. The effects of these responses can be psychological, emotional, and oftentimes, physical. It is important as an individual to identify personal and effective methods for coping with feelings of anxiety, stress, discomfort, restlessness, or any other negative influences on your wellbeing, as they arise in your life. Reiki is a proven method that can be greatly beneficial for individuals that are struggling in a moment or long-term with any personal issues. The practice can help promote healing and recovery with almost any type of malady.

Some people feel an immediate physical result, while others don’t noticeable feel anything during the immediate session, but will reap all sorts of different benefits after receiving Reiki. Reiki is a non-physical, non-invasive healing approach. While the Reiki practitioner cannot share the techniques and practices learned during training, or prior to starting the session, it can be shared that it involves various placements of the hands, breathing techniques, and the sharing of energy. It is a powerful, but gentle approach to healing and promoting peacefulness. 

Did you know that Honi is level 1 and 2 certified in Reiki? She completed this training as part of her 200-hour yoga teacher certification last year. She has shared her knowledge and energy with several members of the Parker Dentistry team, including Ivonne, Jackie and Dr. Steve. A simple twenty to thirty minute session can provide numerous and noticeable benefits. She would love to offer this gift to anyone whom would like to receive it before his or her appointment. This is a service that is completely free of charge. Whether are you having a little nervousness prior to sitting in the dentist’s chair, or you are just in need of some relaxation before returning to the rest of your day, she is happy to perform a session. If this is something you would like to try, especially since there are zero negative side effects, please let us know prior to your appointment, and Honi can schedule a session for you. If you are not sure, and you just want to know more about Reiki, Honi is incredibly knowledgeable and can answer all of your questions and concerns.

Parker Wellness highly recommends that you give this a try! You might be surprised what a positive influence it can have over you. Reiki is just one of the many ways to contribute to one’s living a mindful and happy life.

Thank you for sharing a smile with us, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you next week!