I took the GRE last week and used yoga to help me physically, mentally, and spirituallythrough the test. (FYI, I am considering going back for a PhD in Instructional Technology. But that’s another blog). Here’s how:

Physically, yoga helped me sit still for the three plus hours. I sat tall in the chair, checking in with my body every now and then, stretching left side body, then right side body, then doing a modified seated cat-cow. I noticed during the essay portion that my shoulders were getting stiff. I instinctively pressed them in and down the back like Beth taught me, then lifted and stretched my neck to relief the pressure. Thanks, yoga.

Mentally, I felt clear and energized. I did a full set or asanas just prior to heading to the testing center, including my typical meditation. (Followed by some good strong coffee) I know that this prepares me to be clear and bright. This really helped on the essays where I had to gather my thoughts about some inane topic and properly form a few paragraphs written in clear language (with minimum of typos! No spell checker!!) Thanks, yoga (and coffee).

Spiritually, yoga helped to console me when my scores weren’t as high as I wanted them to be. Honestly, I’m just not that great at math. I don’t practice it and my mind doesn’t think in that way naturally. 2x=3y +3, why? I don’t get it and I don’t care. I did get a 600 on the math … about 50% percentile. Not bad. But only 600 on the verbal, which is about 85%. I know I can do better, it was just luck of the draw on vocab I think. Anyway, I went to yoga class a couple hours after the test and worked out my issues on the mat. Thanks, yoga.