Yoga to counteract the effects of irregular daily schedule?

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

So,

I’m basically working on a very off-beat schedule. Sometimes it is very hectic, sometimes I go for weeks without much activity, but almost always am I working irregular hours. (I am in the search for other job opportunities, but due to the state of things where I live, I might be in this for some time.)

I am also physically very active with a lot of dancing going on, and this is also on an irregular schedule due to different shows, workshops and so on. For instance, by the end of this week I will have been dancing for at least 15 hrs, compared to last week’s 6 hrs. The type of dancing varies from fast-paced, dynamic and with full use of the body to more repetitive, isolation-based and “torso-centered”.

I use asanas partly as a way of strengthening and centering in correspondence to my dance training. I also try and make my daily practice as regular as possible, with asanas, pranayama, meditation after waking up (regardless of time of the day) as well as after dance or work or before going to bed. However I feel that this is becoming more and more random as my energy levels are getting quite low.

Does anyone have any advice for how to work on this? Any specific sequences or poses or techniques?

Thank you for your time!

#2

Hello Nila,

I’m sorry, I’m not understanding the kernel of your question. What is it that you are working on which needs feedback and direction? Is it not feeling fatigued? Is it strengthening and centering. Is it the feeling of randomness you mention?

gordon

#3

[QUOTE=InnerAthlete;58703]Hello Nila,

I’m sorry, I’m not understanding the kernel of your question. What is it that you are working on which needs feedback and direction? Is it not feeling fatigued? Is it strengthening and centering. Is it the feeling of randomness you mention?

gordon[/QUOTE]

Hi Gordon,

Sorry about that - rereading my post I see what you mean. This situation is not exactly balancing for my scatterbrainy vata-ness :wink:

Basically it’s the fatigue and feeling of randomness I’m thinking about primarily. Are there any good ways to “reset” and stabilize the body and mind even during circumstances like these?
(I realize as I’m writing this that what I’m looking for is ways to cheat…)

#4

Yes you’ve said the magic “V” word. Certainly there are ways to balance aggravated vata in the practices you mention. Vat can be balanced through the consumption of root vegetables (and reduction in vat-enhancing foods like fruit and popcorn), standing poses when the student is able to conceptualize and execute the drawing up of earth energy through the legs, and in the centering of the mental force and subsequent descent of that force into the heart center for transformation.

Of course this is cliffs notes on the topic but does provide an overview and affirmation that it can be addressed in the practice. The practice of yoga can leave the student woozy, balanced, or charged up. Ergo it falls to the student and teacher to determine what suits that student at that time for their dharma.

gordon

#5

Thank you.

#6

you’re welcome