I've been working with a restorative yoga practice lately, and one that is a little different from what we usually might think of as restorative yoga, which usually involves lots of supportive props and extended time in relaxing floor poses to rest and recover – highly recommended!

The practice I've been doing, however, is asking myself this question:
What do I value?

And What needs to be protected and restored?

Regularly and often, and especially when it's required, asking What do I value? helps me focus and shift my energy, thinking, and actions toward what is important to me. Even moment-to-moment, sometimes.

What needs to be protected and restored? helps me then make the shift or adjustment that brings me back into a more grounded and centered alignment with my values.

Sometimes it is helpful and clarifying to ask What do I really value? What really needs to be protected and restored?

These questions are from Dynamic Emotional Integration® and are used to work skillfully with the emotion of anger. And anger is all about boundaries, values, rules, and behavior. It's a superpower, really, and helps to define and support all of your emotions.

Perhaps you might consider this practice in the coming week. Consciously choose to engage anger's information, energy, and wisdom – especially at its soft and flowing level – whenever your interests interest you. What values, ideas, things, and relationships need to be protected and restored as you go about your day? 

If you'd like to deepen your understanding of the vital emotions of the Anger Family (Anger, Shame, Apathy, and Hatred), join us for the upcoming online course Restore, or check out the Yoga of the Emotions courses here.