Waiting places are the best spaces of time and place to practice small space fitness. So you can twist, tone and transform your body and mind one deep breath at a time. Breathing is after all primary fitness. By Ken Rosen MTCM
A plane seat, a dinner seat, a commuter seat, a hospital waiting room, a massage table, a yoga mat, a lounge chair while at home or on vacation, standing-room-only, a long line at the grocery store and your bed are all small spaces.
You can use these small spaces of time and small spaces of place to twist, tone, and transform yourself. Everything becomes an opportunity to feel, think and breathe differently in small spaces of time and place.
Many times it can be at that moment when there is time to wait, or traffic to beat that it is a ripe time to think about doing some small space fitness.
The key step is first shifting your attitude towards gratitude, then tuning into your breathing. Breathing as a rule should be long, slow and deep. Focus on your breath in your belly, so your belly expands as you inhale and your gut tightens as you slowly exhale.
Contemplation in the moment. Heart and mind open to see inward and new perspectives, especially when you are smashed in a subway car or suddenly stuck in a traffic jam. Create space, which you can always create more space in your heart and mind by using the bellows of the breath. Enjoy a peaceful presence in your moment, whatever that moment may be.
In these small places and small spaces of time, we must remember to breathe. The natural movement of the lungs is to protect the heart, but when we remind ourselves to belly breathe we soften the fire of the heart.
Let waiting become an opportunity to breathe, to be calm and to open your chest.
Three is a magic number. It indicates the levels of existence: Heaven, Man, and Earth.
Heaven is when you are in a standing small space. Heaven represents balance, future, and infinite strength.
Sitting in a small space represents the Level of Man. Not quite as challenging as standing, but not quite as still and restful as laying down. Man is the in between realm, perfect for more reflection, twists and learning from the past.
Rest is the best and the realm of earth is about laying down, tuning into your breath and now. Earth is still, supportive and restful.
As you find yourself in these small spaces, standing, sitting, or laying down; remind yourself about deep belly breathing. Then you can soften your mind, and create space.
Waiting places are the best spaces of time and place to practice small space fitness. So you can twist, tone and transform your body and mind.
