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BarJournal COLuMN

TH & WEllnESS
JULY/AUGUST 2015

lIfE lESSonS from a lEgal yogI

By Kira S. Kittoe-Krivosh

returned to the yoga mat after years of the scientific study and understanding of clearly. Yoga encourages a loud exhale, which
hiatus and was pleasantly surprised by a dating tree rings, also known as growth rings. may sound strange, but that unassuming act is
few things. My body remembered well its If you look at a forest, there are all kinds of a great reminder to speak up for yourself, like a
capabilities, it calmed my mind and the trees and each have completely different rings lion. Not only in breath, but in being your own
I yogis I selected took me on a journey of within their trunks. The Tree pose, which greatest advocate. No one else will be able to
mEnTal HEal
self-discovery, as all good yogis do. I realized, everyone does a little differently in yoga based articulate your own wants, needs and ideas in
quickly, that the lessons we learn in the mindful on their abilities, is a beautiful metaphor for this. life like you will.
practice of yoga are true and translate their flow Your perception of where someone else is in life
into everyday life. is not the full story. We all have inner growth to Hands-on Assistance
develop and different experiences we provide Surrounding yourself with those that make
Give Yourself Permission those growth rings. It’s important to remember, you feel inspired, empowered and wonderfully
Often, we are too busy to start a hobby, too we are all trees, serving all kinds of purposes. made is important during challenging times.
stressed to enjoy an event and most common, There is no need for comparison because our The same is true for a yoga teacher. Finding
too stretched to spend time on yourself. Yoga stories, our growth rings have amounted to a yogi with those qualities can lead you on
reminds you to give yourself permission to be diverse journeys. Another perspective is to an incredible journey of healing and self-
present. Permission to make time for yourself understand someone else’s growth rings if you discovery. By practicing at Inner Bliss studio, I
and that you are allowed to make yourself a want to reach where they are in life rather than have found that empowerment in Yogi Anna
priority. As the saying goes, “you can’t pour looking to judgment. Simi. To her, hands-on assistance in yoga or in
from an empty cup.” Not making yourself a life is never a correction, but rather support to
priority is a disservice to your family, friends, Gratitude build our practice. It is a good reminder that
career, clients and most importantly, your It can be difficult to remain focused on your by surrounding ourselves with those who will
physical and mental health. goals, advancing the concentration of your support us, it won’t be difficult to ask for help or
practice while maintaining balance in your for guidance in taking a leap of faith.
Breathe personal life. Sensing lack of control can be
Your breath is directly related to your mental disruptive but learning how to feel grateful in Connection
state. Therefore, calming the breath can calm any given moment can combat that feeling. The social climate can be an argumentative
the mind. Even as you are reading this, take note Gratitude brings your attention to the existing and isolating place to live. Yoga reminds us by
of your posture. Are you tense, jaw clenched, good. Past regret and future anxieties can tiptoe placing a hand over our heart, that we all are
shoulders shrugged, anxious, hands tight or in, and when they do, try writing down five people with gifts, differences and struggles, but
holding your breath? Be mindful of what your things you are grateful for in that moment. That our common thread is a beating heart.
body is communicating. Next time you feel action will bring a positive perspective to your
stressed or tense, slow your breath. Become energy. Each yoga class ends with Namaste,
more aware of your surroundings and your giving gratitude to each other for being present. Kira Kittoe-Krivosh joined the Cuyahoga County
inner narrative. You have all of that under your A simple act that is transformational in your Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant Prosecuting
control. Something as simple as slowing your thinking but a necessary start in being grateful. Attorney in 2013, where she manages the
breath can help bring you back to a peaceful Bankruptcy Workgroup. She is currently the Board
center, which in turn can help you respond to Make yourself be heard, like a Lion Vice President for the Citizen’s Committee for the
daily crisis with clarity and awareness. Breathing in through the nose and breathing Lakewood Animal Shelter, the Board of Directors
out through the mouth with intentional – Strategic Transformation Director for the Junior
Stand Like a Tree purpose is one of the simplest but most effective League of Cleveland and she volunteers, along with
We live in a digital age where it is easy yoga techniques. Not only are you lowering her family, with other non-profit organizations. She
to make comparisons to others without your blood pressure, but you are teaching joined the CMBA in 2017. She can be reached at
personal interaction. Dendrochronology is your body to slow your adrenaline and think (330) 268-9111 or Kirakrivosh@yahoo.com.
24 | Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal clemetrobar.org