While I love practicing yoga outside, especially on warm summer days, it is nice to know you have a space and routine on any day of the year. To make your practice a habit (and what may become the best part of your day), it is a good idea to dedicate a space in your home or office for your practice.
Your Yoga Space a quiet place where you can keep to yourself, a place that makes you feel calm, inspired and at peace. Your space could be as little as the size of your yoga mat (like mine) or could be a whole room depending on how much free space you have available. It isn’t the size of the space that matters, rather the way you feel when you enter this space. To make your space inviting, add things that you love, that inspire you. This could be pictures, candles, plants, statues, love letters, basically any reminders that speak to you.
Once you have your space, it is time to create your daily routine:
- Set your alarm to go off at least 15 minutes prior to when you have to get up or if you choose to practice later in the day, set an alarm to remind you that it is time to practice
- Go to your space (tell others your intention about this being your time)
- Try not to get too serious
- Put on your favorite inspirational music
- Close your eyes and take note of your breath
- Try to stay here a few minutes (sitting on a folded blanket or meditation pillow helps, but is not necessary)
- If you feel you could get lost, set a timer (with a soft ring) for 5 minutes, then 7 and all the way up depending on how much time you want to dedicate
- Focus on your breath and try to create stillness and space
- When thoughts come in (and they will), put them in mental piles such as work, relationships, play, even great ideas
- Try to make your inhale and exhale even and balanced (inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, then try 6, 8, etc.)
- On the inhale, think of positive energy entering your being and on the exhale, think of removing stress or anything you might be holding on to
- When your mind gets distracted, simply start with a new breath
- When time is up, or you are feeling stressed by the process, slowly open your eyes
- Say your Sankalpa (a positive affirmation such as "I am calm") to yourself quietly, take it in and thank yourself for this practice
- Remember this is an exercise that takes practice, but hopefully will bring you some peace and increase your Quality of Mind
Now, while you have the time and space, get moving. Practicing Sun Salutations is a dedication to the sun, but also a nice away to naturally get energized and/or prepare to take on any day or situation. A daily practice of Sun Salutations will help to improve your strength, balance, flexibility and concentration. This can be done in your yoga space or when the weather is just right, you can take your practice outside. Personally, I seek out open fields of grass, gardens, or quiet spaces on the beach- but you can practice just about anywhere, including your new yoga space at home or in your office!
Half- Sun Salutations: repeat x 3
- Inhale while reaching your arms up over head
- Exhale while folding forward and reaching for your toes
- Inhale while looking half way up and flattening your back (hands to shins or floor)
- Exhale while folding down towards the ground
- Inhale while lifting your arms over head
- Exhale while bringing your palms together at the center of your heart
Sun Salutations A: repeat x3
- Inhale while reaching your arms up overhead
- Exhale while folding forward and reaching for your toes
- Inhale while looking half way up and flattening your back (hands to shins or floor)
- Exhale while folding down towards the ground
- Inhale while stepping or hopping back to high plank
- Exhale and drop your knees, chest chin to floor (option, if experienced, on your knees, or toes through chaturanga, low plank)
- Inhale while lifting through your heart, relaxing your shoulders to upward facing dog
- Exhale while lifting your sit bones to downward facing dog (upside down V) (take a few breaths here - explore)
- Inhale while stepping or hopping your feet up to your hands
- Exhale while folding forward
- Inhale while looking half way up and flattening your back (hands to shins or floor)
- Exhale while folding down towards the ground
- Inhale while lifting your arms over head
- Exhale whole bringing your palms together at the center of your heart
If your practice moves you, continue with some standing, seated, and/or supine poses. As always, stay well and enjoy the journey.
Namaste!
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