Just as the word yoga has nothing to do with yogurt or yo-yos, so the word trigger does not refer to a horse or the part of a pistol. Instead, it means that the repetitive stimuli we are all exposed to every day should automatically trigger the thought: "Aha, this is the perfect time for me to practise my . . . (such and such) yoga exercise." For instance, every time you come to a red light, (as driver or passenger) it should remind you that this is the time to work on your pectorals, to offset wrinkles or to relieve a sore throat. In other words, press your hands against the steering wheel or do the LION! That exercise will even work off aggressive feelings caused by the stresses of city driving.
Can you see the possibilities? You can do yoga, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE -without really trying! People often ask me how many hours of yoga I do a day. The answer is: none! I do it ALL DAY LONG.
1 am sure that you can add your own TRIGGER YOGA ideas to the list. If you do, please let me in on the secret. I'd love to do more yoga! ANYTIME!
1. Waking up in the Morning:
SIDE STRETCH in bed, keeping shoulders steady. Try to stretch each hand in turn, as though to reach the foot.
2. Brushing Teeth:
ALTERNATE LEG STRETCH VARIATION: Bring one foot up on toilet lid, windowsill or even sink, bend into extended leg and brush. Change sides. (Also see p. 20.)
3. Red Light:
HANDS-TO-WALL (Steering Wheel): Slowly bend elbows, resisting the movement, 'til the forehead touches wheel. Return slowly, resisting. (More on p. 60.)
4. Brushing Hair:
FORWARD BEND STANDING, keeping knees straight, hand loose and brush hair. With each brushstroke try to go a little further down. (More on p. 56.)
5. On the Phone:
BALANCING POSES: Do the Tree Stand on one leg, slowly pulling the other one along the inside of the first. Hold as long as you can. If necessary, lean with hip lightly against counter. (See page 108.)
6. In the Kitchen:
SQUAT whenever you peel anything. TOE TWIST every time you get something out of the cupboard. Stand with your back to the counter, come lightly up on toes, twist to reach. (See p. 104 for more.)
7. Picking anything up:
ABDOMINAL LIFT: Bend forward while exhaling, relax and let your abdomen get pulled in all by itself. Hold, inhale, straighten, and relax. Does, wonders for the muscles and the digestion! (Detailed instructions page 18.)
8. At the Desk:
CHEST EXPANDER SITTING: Sit at the edge of your chair with legs apart, clasp your hands behind your back, exhale and bend forward, pushing the hands as high up in the air as you can. (See p. 38 for detailed description.)
9. In the Car, Plane or Bus:
ISOMETRIC EXERCISES: Press the head against the back of the seat, hold; put hands on knees, press hard as though to stand up; tense individual muscles, then relax them; lift shoulders up, back, forward, rotate; roll neck slowly around.
10. At a Dinner Party:
ASWINI MUDRA: Arrange to be seated opposite your date, take off your shoes and put your feet on his lap; or pinch the buttocks together, hold, relax. Repeat many times.
11. In Front of the TV:
SIT-UPS: Sit with the knees drawn up just enough to let the whole sole of the foot touch. Bring arms behind head and very slowly lie down. (Beginners can hook feet under the couch, and use one elbow for support.) (See page 98.)
BACK BENDS such as the ROCKING BOW: Lie on your tummy, grab ankles (with hands or the aid of scarves), exhale, pull the ankles away from the hands, head up. Breathe fairly deeply, so that your breath rocks you. Relax, repeat.
ROCKN' ROLLS (See page 90.)
SPREAD LEG STRETCH SITTING: Spread your legs as wide as you comfortably can, bend forward from the waist, place bent elbows on the floor, wrists together, and rest your head in your cupped hands. Hold indefinitely. (See page 102.)
LEG-OVER (see page 70): Position yourself so that the crossing leg is hooked against something and your face is in the direction of the T.V. Hold a long time.
12. Anytime, Anywhere:
Take your pick from the above or invent your own.
