30-Jan-2011

Beat Up the Blues

Pillow Fight Therapy

Even with exercise and meditation, it can be difficult to unearth and remove the stale emotions that stress accumulates. But you need to let these raw emotions out. Find a pillow—then punch away! You might feel strange at first, but that’s okay—laugh while you punch. As feelings come up, let them out through punching, grunting, screaming or crying. No matter how it comes out, keep your navel engaged. (Try chanting “Sat” and “Nam” each time you hit the pillow.)

You’ll begin to tire soon, but keep going until you’ve emptied your emotional tank. Afterward, write your feelings down, or just sit and breathe for 2-3 minutes. Finally, sit with a straight spine or lean against a straight surface and meditate on healing for a few minutes, breathing freely. Inhale deeply, feeling loved and connected. Exhale any leftover emotions and enjoy the relaxation.

Recommended Read: Emotional Yoga: How the Body Can Heal the Mind by Bija Bennett