Chapter Shoutout: Simpson Girl Talk!

Breathing is absolutely essential if we want to go about our daily lives, no doubt! It is also what can help in times of stress and anxiety. See, any negative stress can cause one's reptilian brain (home of our sense of territory and the “flight or fight” response to danger) to dominate during moments of adversity instead of the cortical brain (the highest part of the brain which allows for complex thinking, reasoning, and logic).The higher brain is only accessible during moments of tranquility. It's scientifically proven that learning under high stress can hurt one's learning ability and memory. Not only that, but its easier to have fun when one is relaxed and worry-free. That's why the Simpson Girl Talk Chapter Leadership decided to implement breathing exercises as a part of the daily meeting routine. Its a great way to start-off meetings, as it allows for a clear mind. Of course, we want the girls to be aware and attentive during discussions so that the meetings can be productive, but we also want to create a cheerful and light-hearted atmosphere. We can also transition smoothly in our schedule and remain within out time limit.

Simpson Girl Talk Girls are excited to learn about breaking techniques!

Breathing exercises are quick and easy tools that aid in many aspects, not just to simplify Girl Talk meetings. Anyone can use these techniques- anytime and anywhere. We explain the concept to the girls often, letting them know they can use them on their own when they feel pressured or under stress. Many exercises and strategies can be found on the internet and in books. However, here is a simple exercise that can start things off:

1.     Inhale through the nose for six seconds.

 Do not expand the chest, use the tummy like a balloon to hold in air.

2.     Pause for two seconds.

      From our research, feeling out of breath when just starting out is perfectly normal, so it’s ok to hold off on this part for now and add it when one feels comfortable enough to do so.

3.     Exhale through the mouth for six seconds.

The goal is to exhale slowly and evenly for six full seconds

 

Hopefully this will enhance everyone’s meetings and benefit the girls beyond the classroom. We all could use a reminder to relax and breathe every once in a while!  

Best wishes,  
                 
             The Simpson Girl Talk Leaders

simpson.girltalk@gmail.com

www.simpsonchapter.tumblr.com

OHMMMM: Finding Peace in Yoga

Today, our Existing Chapters Coordinator, Danae tells us about her love for yoga:

I first tried yoga when I was in high school. I heard so many people talk about how wonderful it was and how it would transform not only your body for your mind as well; it seemed I couldn’t escape the topic of yoga. The primary offenders were my dad and my sister, they loved talking about yoga and how great it made them feel. Eventually, I decided I had to try this out myself.  While signing up for summer camp, I noticed one of the classes offered was a yoga class—this was the perfect opportunity to try it. I even convinced of my friends to try it out with me, because it’s always easier to try something different with a friend.

When it was time for me to try my first yoga class, I didn’t know what to except.  All I knew was if I could get a workout without running and lifting weights, I was in. The start of the class of was an introduction of the breath and how important it was to focus on your breath. We then learned to listen to our bodies and to not push ourselves too far. It’s quite common in a class to want to push yourself into poses your body might not be ready for simply because you notice everyone else is doing it. This was often a mistake I was guilty of committing. It took me a long time to realize the practice of yoga is more about your progress over time rather than instant success.

Over the years as I have continued practicing yoga, I have enjoyed how the lessons of yoga transfer very well into my everyday life. For example, a big lesson is the importance of breathing. Often times when your body is put through stress such as a strange position or even emotional stress, your breath becomes much shallower which makes it harder for you to concentrate and to remain calm. So instead of thinking about how much work I have to do or why do I have to stay in dog ward facing dog or what seems like an eternity, I focus simply on breathing. The more I concentrate on my breath, the less stressed out I feel.

I look forward to doing yoga, because the one quiet time of day where I get to shut out the world and get tuned with my body. If you’re interested in yoga, I encourage you to try it! Just remember always be safe and listen to your body! The hardest part is just getting started, but once you do, you won’t regret it! Happy yogaing!