By now, all of us have heard at least some of Charlie Sheen’s self-described ‘tsunami of media on a mercury surfboard.’
In all of my years covering Hollywood, I have never witnessed a celebrity whose life seems to be unraveling in the public spotlight quite like Charlie Sheen.
I am not here to judge whether Charlie is “WINNING” his mission to right some wrongs. Or, what the side effects are of being on the drug called “Charlie Sheen.” I do know I can’t get this head-spinning story of Charlie uncensored off my brain. I need to take a moment and relax and be thankful for the sanity in my life.
That’s right – I know it seems odd, but Charlie’s unfolding drama has given me gratitude for the simple things in life – peace, serenity, and a solid family life. I know this sounds like a stretch, but the loud and omnipresent media buzz on Sheen has made me seek out tips for Healthy Hollywood on how to relax and simply appreciate being quiet.
“When we look at the times in our lives when we become emotionally stressed, it is usually a result of our attachment to an outcome or thing,” reveals Alanna Zabel, LA based yoga instructor and founder of the yoga apparel line, AZIAM. Alanna also advises, “our attachments to our cars, work, image, etc. can often take such a hold on us that we feel the stress and pressure physically. My advice is to appreciate these “extras” in life, enjoying them in each moment, but knowing that they are impermanent, and will no longer exist someday.”
To help all of us achieve a more relaxed mind/body state, Alanna shares two restorative yoga poses with Healthy Hollywood.
1. Reclining Bound Angle Pose
This is a restorative and passive pose, helping the body to deeply relax. It drains away stress and tension from the body, allowing the practitioner to take time to tune in to their body and listen to your energy rhythms and thoughts.
How to do:
Before you begin this pose, get yourself some pillows and firm blankets, if you have them. First sit in a comfortable position, with a stack of pillows behind you. Press the soles of your feet together, keeping your feet as near to your body as you comfortably can, and your knees bent out to the sides. Slowly lower your back and upper body towards the stack of pillows behind you (use your hands to give yourself support until you are comfortably supported by the pillows). Your head should be resting on this stack of pillows. Now inhale deeply and slide your arms out to the sides, with your palms facing up. Hold this position for 5-20 minutes. Deeply relax, release your jaw, let your face soften and keep your eyes closed. Feel the tension drain away from your body as you breathe deeply.
2. Restorative Twist
How to do:
Find some empty space on your floor or your bed. Lie on your back, while hugging your knees towards your chest. Place your bent knees and shins to your left side, stacking knee on knee – with your knees belly button level or higher (you can place your knees on some firm pillows for less pressure on your back). Place your hands on either side of your knees, with your palms facing upward, while looking in the opposite direction from your knees. Stay here and breathe for 5-20 minutes. With each breath, let your body sink more deeply down toward the floor. Repeat on other side.
Besides teaching yoga, Alanna has also designed the “I Am Pure Joy” Wife Lover Tank to support actress Mariska Hargitay’s Joyful Heart Foundation, which helps victims of sexual assault. For more information on the tank and her other yoga apparel, check out www.AZIAM.com
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