Cortisol (kor-tuh-sol): Often referred to as stress hormone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands on top of the kidneys and involved in the stress response. It rises in the mornings, inducing wakefulness and also rises during stress. Sleep deprivation, caffeine and alcohol can also raise cortisol levels. Chronically high levels have been linked with low immunity, weight gain and other health problems.
-John Hopkins Medicine “The Yoga-Heart Connection”
I want to point out that not all stress is bad or that stress must be banished – nor is that realistic as long as we are not brain dead – and some stress, actually is good. Very good. I even think we need a moderate doze of “good” stress to accomplish and propel us to rise to higher heights* BUT we are referring here to insidious chronic stress that robs you of quality deep sleep; causes fatigue and for some even anxieties and panic attacks; weight gain; social withdrawals; and anger management issues – all of which is a perfect recipe for developing a heart disease or an inflammatory & lowered immune system. Heart disease is not just for overweight over 50 people – at times, it can strike someone slim and trim in their 30’s and 40’s. It’s not the age or weight but more about … lifestyle choices we make (per Dean Onish and other publications.) When cortisol level is always high, studies have shown that more serious illnesses may arise such as cancer and circulatory issues as well as muscles and joints pains such as back pains …and pains of the … heart.
I was reminded of the book us Relax & Renew trainees were asked to read called “The Heart Speaks” by Dr. Mimi Guarneri an Insightful book on heart health by a Cardiologist .
Exercise (which boosts the endorphins) will help manage stress and improve our heart health by pumping those fist size heart muscles on the left-center of our chest – the “cardio” in the fitness world; and complimented … for the long haul, yoga for overall fitness and for the therapeutics to complement any exercise. So, let’s get back on the mat on regular basis:) Consistency and repetition – not so much about being “inspired”, looking always to be entertained and excited – it’s steady, gentle and maybe repetitive SO THAT you can note the subtle changes of our body-mind-spirit. Each day is a new baseline set. Isn’t it so when your body is flexible and then… the mind is flexible, and our mind does not easily get bent out of shape but rather bend with graceful resilient curve … bendy, flowing along to rebuild our energy and vitality, that life force we call “prana” to better choreograph our dance with LIFE’s throbbing rhythm.
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Chanting clears the mind; creates vocal vibrations; improves the TONE of our vagus nerve; clears any blockages in the 5th Throat/Vishudda Chakra and 4th Heart/Anahata Chakra. It’s a pure trance … culminated from caller response repetitions …
Last year photos @1440 Multiversity
Krishna Das comes back to Santa Cruz … Surprised that Kirtan Sat night requires registration for the whole weekend this year unlike last year.
Rather, I wish the Saturday night Kirtan would be open to the public not just for the entire weekend participants – just like last year.
It is no wonder, then, Monday night concert that does not require the entire weekend commitment is all SOLD OUT. Tuesday evening Thanksgiving week is so so very … challenging time crunch but … anyone going?
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* “The Upside of Stress” -Why Stress is Good for You, & How to Get Good at It by Kelly McGoniagal, Ph.D