To write about the characteristics of happy people, I declare myself to be one of those happy people,  and ask myself what it is like to feel happy. Here are some answers.

The first response is a slow widening of my lips – a smile. For no reason, just because. Trait number 1 – a ready smile. Actually it was the thought of happiness that produced the smile. There’s a twinkle in my eye with warmth and energy circling throughout my face

To find another trait, I journey back inside with the question, “What else happens when there’s a happy feeling?” I notice my body is relaxed.  Now if I were preparing to visit my physician, optometrist or financial adviser with concerns, my facial expression would be different. And if I were extremely concerned I would opt for a few deeper breaths as a safeguard against muscle tension. I would remind myself that it is another occasion to learn. With the idea of learning,  I get excited and feel internal organs soften.  Trait No.2 – a relaxed body.

Trait No.3 – the ability to let things go. I pondered a while about what the next trait would be. This incident illustrates the point. Smiles are usually absent between a particular staff member at a customer service department and I.  I was reminded about this when I recently returned after 6 months.  To work with this tension  includes being gentle with myself. Accepting that this is where I am and it is okay. I resolve that next time we meet it will be different.  Why? Because I just took a moment to embrace both of us with our hurting hearts. I imagined us both as babies smiling and being cared for. And see myself commissioning a smile the next time we meet.  Now my heart is light and free. All is well.

From your experience, what other traits go with happy people?

Yoga practitioners develop self observation skills even during the relaxation at the end of the yoga class. Relaxation exercises are a welcome end to a yoga class; and it is very common to hear a comment like, “Ah, this is the best part” when it is time for shavasana, the corpse pose. Most times we remain alert while relaxing, though hearing a snore, even our own, will definitely perk us up more.

Researchers, from Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVYASA) and Bangalore Institute of Oncology (BIO), tested yoga relaxation techniques on those living with breast cancer in second and third stage and found that the exercises were not only successful in fighting the side effects of the ailment, but also helped maintain immunity levels to fight the disease.

Yoga techniques include poses, breathing, hand positions, meditation and relaxation. Singling out relaxation, there are at least ten yogic relaxation techniques to quiet the mind and relax muscle tension. Benefits from relaxing mind and body affect us physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. They include:

• Reduced muscle tension
• Increased productivity
• Contributes to increased energy levels
• Increase ability to communicate with others
• Reduction in compulsive and impulsive behaviour
• Increased self acceptance and inner peace
• Reduction of stress related physical symptoms

Self-observation and self assessment can be an ongoing practice, on and off the mat. In a formal yoga on the mat practice, we can pay attention to many intricate details of our physical body. And on the other hand, we may find that simply being aware of whether we are maintaining length in the spine, might suffice for self assessment of the physical.

Moving with the breath, or maintaining awareness of the movement of breath while we hold a pose, develops self-observation. And on a more subtle level, awareness and self assessment of how grounded we are, or how much lightness we experience could keep us balanced energetically.

On deeper levels, as we remain steady in the pose, we might observe how much sadness our heart holds, and/or how much determination we feel. The longer we are able to hold the pose, we may observe ourselves enveloped with feelings of softness, surrender or courage.

The more we are able to connect with all levels of our being, the more we improve health and foster the sense of well being. Energy follows our attention.

How are you developing your self-observation skills as you relate to the world?

Want another way to warm up your body, mind and soul during the winter? Apart from a steam or dry sauna,  engage in scintillating discussions, have fun as you move your body, then relax in a simulated tropical atmosphere here at Body Therapies Yoga Training in Dundas. Come together, create warmth and spread joy.

The Tropical Winter Break starts with snacks and a mix and mingle, followed by an in-depth informative discussion on the topic for the month. The session ends with dynamic movement and deep relaxation. Stay overnight for a mini retreat. Dorm style accommodation is available at a reasonable rate.

Saturday’s treat starts with a restorative yoga class designed to bring the theme to life in a personalized way. Keep the theme alive as you partake in Caribbean delights, a spa treatment of your choice, sauna and a Kundalini yoga class in the afternoon.

Jan. 29 p.m. & 30 – Gems, Stones, and Your Life
Feb. 26 p.m. & 27 – Express Yourself Carnival Style
Mar. 19 p.m. & 20 – Spring Forward with Focus

Gems, Stones, and Colors in Your Life
Bring your favourite gems, stones and story. In Ayurveda, gems are used for healing. What gems and stones have been prominent in your life? What are their energetic qualities and problem solving capabilities? Why should we care how they came to be in our hands?  Meditate with a gem of choice.

Express Yourself Carnival Style
Come with mask and/or costume and story. How essential is music, rhythm and dance to human existence? In what ways can the goal of a future Samadhi, Nirvana and Liberation prevent us from living fully in the present?
Flow, dance, and refresh the mind… experience a meditative mind.

Spring Forward with Focus
Bring journal and coloured pens or pencils. Honour the milestone of another Spring. Where are you now? Where do you want to go? Review and experience desires, goals, dreams and let a choice of yogic techniques help you.

For more details click here.
Register by calling the facilitator, Heather at 905-628-6463 or email at heather@yogatogo.com

1. Consciously Exhale – Let it go when you exhale. Breathe out slowly through the mouth. Notice the exhalation becomes longer. The quality and length of the exhalation will depend on the way you were breathing immediately before. Never force the breath. After some breaths you may be able to breathe out quite easily through puckered lips; and eventually through a very small opening. Breathe out through the mouth and breathe in through the nose.

2. Hand Position (1) – Gently press the tips or the pads of all the fingers together. The fingers may be gently curled or extended straight out. Your hands themselves can rest in your lap, or you can keep your elbows close to your body with your hands comfortably in front of your chest. The important point is that the hand position should be free of tension. Relax the fingers.

3. Hand position (2) – Rest the cupped left hand on your lap. Rest the cupped right hand into the left hand. (Both palms are up.) Relax the shoulders, and let your body weight drop down. Be aware of your breath in the lower abdomen.

4. Animal’s Head – If you are choosing to be mad at what someone is saying, (it really is your choice) choose instead to imagine a talking animal head on the individual.

5. Posture - Let your posture work for you, rather than against you. If you are sitting, plant both feet on the floor. Be aware of what is supporting your body and feel the connection in those places. Feel your feet on the floor; thighs, buttocks and back on the chair. Lengthen your spine. If you are standing, stand well and stand tall with the weight of your body falling equally on both feet, if possible. If you are lying, be as comfortable as possible.

6. Eyes - You may keep them open, 9/10th open, or completely closed. The choice is yours.

7. Mental Focus - Count each exhalation starting from one. The first exhalation is one, the second two, all the way up to ten. Once you reach ten, start again from one. Or if you prefer you could repeat a word or phrase that has meaning for you, like “aah” or “peace”. Another option for mental focus could be your name for God.