What is synergy?

In this story, I describe how my definition of synergy extends beyond what’s in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

For me, it’s a practice, to unify the Self, to be whole and bring synergy and success to everything that we do.

Fitness plays a large part in my synergy practice.

I used to think, “I don’t need to do yoga.”

Why?

Because I compared yoga to the lifting, bodycombat, and dancing that I do.

If I’m being honest, on some level I thought, “Yoga’s not going to give me as much of a workout.”

So, I went to yoga only occasionally.

And, while it built up my strength and flexibility, I viewed it mainly as a reliable relaxation technique.

If my schedule needed to be rearranged, yoga was often the first thing to go.

I figured, “I’m already meditating.” I was used to focusing on my breaths.

“I don’t really need to make extra time in my schedule to head to the gym and feel blissed out on a mat.”

I told myself, “You don’t really need to go.”

But…

As it always does, my body keeps the score.

When the stress becomes too much, it gives me horrible migraines.

But the seemingly unending pain’s not the worst part; what truly gets me is the torrent of ruminating thoughts.

I used to think the best way to save myself — to avoid the migraine — was to think my way out of it.

To use better thoughts.

To Flip the Script.

It was a very cerebral thinking vs. better thinking approach.

It’s worked before, and it’ll work again.

But, I found an even better solution:

Yoga’s taught me the Power of a Somatic Practice: SOMETIMES, Entering the Body’s a Better Method

I didn’t come to this realization on purpose.

It happened after I decided to add yoga to my schedule as a form of self-care.

As a way to show myself, “Even if you don’t feel like you have the time, even if it feels like there’s still too much to do, you deserve to take time for yourself.”

In other words, I saw it as a form of self-love.

And that’s precisely what it’s become for me.

Every week, I carve out that hour for myself. And I feel so much more relaxed and energized because of it. Not just for the hour, but for the entire day afterward.

And sometimes days before, too. Because I can look forward to giving that time to myself.

It’s lessened my stress. It’s enhanced my balance. It’s strengthened my body.

Most importantly…

Yoga’s refocused my mind.

One morning, I was feeling the beginning of a migraine coming on.

A part of me wanted to skip yoga.

To grab my migraine mask (this too-embarrassing-to-be-seen-in-public, but highly-effective neoprene sleeve) that covers the entire top of your head, from the crown of your head, over your eyes, to the tip of your nose.

That’s the Total Blackout I wanted. To sleep it off in bed.

But, I didn’t.

I remembered the calm bliss I felt after an hour spent focusing on my breath.

That slow and subtle shift out of the Sympathetic Nervous System, and into the Parasympathetic Nervous System that lets your body relax and rest.

So I drove myself to the gym, doubting it would be enough to ward off the migraine.

Still, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try.

And, some time in the middle of class, in the midst of following the teacher’s instructions, to repeat the somewhat complex vinyasa — but faster, this time, on the opposite side — it dawned on me:

By focusing on following my Yoga teacher’s instructions, I had no option but to ignore any ruminating thoughts.

Which is a big deal. Because my rumination’s not your run-of-the-mill rumination when I’m having a migraine.

It’s far worse, the worse the migraine gets.

And this is where yoga surprised me.

Of all the benefits to yoga,

I love the focus on the breath.

I love the benefits of going inward.

I love the enhanced flexibility and tone it’s giving my body.

I love the better balance I can sustain.

And, most of all, I love the introspective space it gives, to heal yourself, to give yourself the time and grace that everyone needs to see their body and their Self as the fallible and sometimes frail or fragile human beings that we are.

But what I never expected was the sudden realization, as I focused intently on how to twist out of a move and into the next — in a way that we had never done before, at faster than ever speed — that I had completely escaped my rumination.

I suddenly found myself: FREE.

It was such a relief!

To want to stay present in my body, in this positive way, when usually a migraine makes me want to escape my body the most.

Yoga’s inspired me to pursue more somatic practices.

Ever since this happened, I’ve been exploring other somatic methodologies.

To see what other somatic practices could help me do.

And I haven’t found this level of freedom in other forms of movement.

I think it’s because this particular Yoga Teacher does a new routine every week. And since I only take her class once a week, I might be familiar with the poses, but the specific combinations are fresh and new.

And her vinyasas move quickly, from one pose to the next, like a sophisticated game of Twister. Where you have to listen carefully. To focus. To follow.

I think that’s what keeps my mind so attuned to my body, from the neck down, instead of my own internal thoughts.

Give it a try!

The next time you’re over-stressed, or you can’t escape a bad bout of rumination, find a challenging Yoga class. And if your local gym doesn’t have one, look for one on YouTube.

If you’re anything like me, focusing into your body just might be the faster path out of your pain.

Not just physically, but mentally.

And if you’re thinking, “I don’t have the time”….

Well, that’s precisely the time you might need to go.

The Flow in me honors & respects the Flow in each of you,

Marisa

🎤 📺 🎤

If you would like to hear or see me succeed (or flop 😂) as I practice in public, and you’d love to learn about the science of self-improvement, please Subscribe to my new YouTube Channel and signup for my free Substack Newsletter.

And as I sit here, rewatching it in silence, I feel a greater sense of strength, not in my voice, but deep in my core.Yes, there is power in SILENCE.Have you experienced it, too?

Together, we’ll explore all the ways that we can 10x our life — mind, body, & soul.

We’ll learn the scientific, physiological, and psychological reasons why we are the way that we are, and combine that understanding with simple, active practices that will:

• Enliven our emotions & creativity;

• Enhance our efficiency & productivity;

• Foster a greater depth of Self;

• Build the Secure Attachment that we need to develop a Growth Mindset; and,

• Reprogram our minds to pivot from the Sympathetic Nervous System to the Parasympathetic Nervous System when we need it to, more often than not.

I’ve planned so many exciting & fun things to share with you (in addition to music!) and I can’t wait for you to get all the FREE goodies I’ve prepared for you.

We CAN do this, TOGETHER!

Marisa