why dogs are so happy …

Ever wonder why dogs are so happy?  Just like there are quite a few “warrior” poses in yoga there are “dog” poses, downward facing dog, upward facing dog (aka chaturanga), & playful puppy are the ones that come to mind.  The class I went to the other day was focused on our second & third chakras. Second/Sacral chakra: your emotional center, located a couple of inches under your navel (belly button ;)) colors associated with this chakra being orange.  Third/Solar Plexus Chakra: emotional issues, self-confidence, self-esteem (happiness & friendliness), located a couple of inches above your navel, color associated with this chakra being yellow.  The teacher said since it was the summer solstice it was a good day to concentrate on stimulating those chakras, the longest day of the year & therefore the most daylight hours.  Orange & yellow representing the sun.  After 20 plus years of practicing yoga we did a breathing exercise that I haven’t done before, in frog pose which essentially is squatting down knees apart elbows on inner knees, hands in prayer 🙏 at heart center ❤️, it can be quite challenging in itself but then she wanted us to breath/pant like dogs on a hot summer day.  So we did and she said can you feel that part of your solar plexus? And I could! She said THAT is the root of good moods, happiness etc. and that is why dogs are so happy all the time 😊🐶. Also hanging your head below your heart is good for you on so many levels including improving your mood, downward dog! During class in-between particularly difficult asanas she told us to “shake it out” and not like a person but REALLY “shake it out like a wet dog” and guess what? Even if you didn’t think it was improving your mood it made almost everyone in class smile or giggle a bit! So pant a bit more (smile & breath more) & shake a bit more (dance more).  Maybe we should all try to behave like happy dogs more often? The world would be a better place!❤️🐶❤️

The 2nd Chakra – The Sacral Chakra

Location: The center is located a few inches below your belly button. Color Psychology: Orange is an energizing and creative color. It promotes a feeling of warmth and security. This color brings to mind thoughts and feelings of passion, pleasure and sexuality. Orange can make you feel sensual, safe and abundant.*

The 3rd Chakra – The Solar Plexus Chakra

Color: Yellow
Location: The center is located a few inches above your belly button. Color Psychology: Yellow is a strong emotional color. It promotes a feeling of being confident and friendly. This color brings to mind thoughts and feelings of courage, optimism and self-esteem. Yellow can make you feel stimulated, prepared and capable.*

  by mindbodygreen*

Do more of what makes you smile …