Monday Morning Yoga

Happy Spring Equinox! I feel almost relieved since this winter has seemed expecially wet and long to me. There are a few flowers on the Camilia tree out front, and snow drops in the flower beds.. but the sounds of the birds singing brings colour to my cheeks. Blessed be those little birds :)  With the recent family purchase of a Blue Orchard Mason Bee hive and twelve cocoons, my boys are filled with excitement over watching them hatch and everything that follows. So welcome spring, lets get this show on the road!!

I was thinking that since winter is cold and we tend to sit alot more than any other time of year, a great yoga pose to bring some heat and energy into our bodies would be Utkatasana (Chair Pose).  Push past the discomfort, find strength in your breath, believe in yourself and breathe..

Utkatasana

(Chair Pose)

Chair pose can be an awkward pose but it is a very powerful pose at the same time. It builds strength in the arms and legs, but also the mind. Breathing into the places that burn will help release the pain. It stimulates the abdominal organs, diaphragm and heart, and can even reduce flat feet. I find this pose challenges me to demand more of myself.

1. Stand with your feet hip width apart.

2. Raise your arms over your head keeping arms straight and shoulders down.

3. As you exhale, bend your knees and move your upper body forward at 45 degrees.

4. Bring your knees as close to parrallel to the floor as you can but remember to not let your knees go past your toes (so stick your bum out while keeping your back strainght)

5. Stay in this pose for 30 seconds to a minute (try to do it 3 times with a standing rest in between) and enjoy.

Namaste

Monday Morning Yoga

....or... Monday Night at 10 pm Yoga... at least thats the way it goes when the brand new computer dies... RIP...   Anyway, plugged in the old  'mother board could go any minute' laptop to get the weekly Yoga Pose in.

     This time of year is never without a steady stream of colds and flus it seems. Runny noses, buckets, coughs, many baths, and the soup, oh the soup. I am ever so grateful to the chickens that help us recover from late winter bugs...oh and to my dear, sweet washer and dryer... thank you.. kisses

      So, I was thinking that this is THE week to bring in Shava-asana, otherwise known as corpse pose. It is, simply put, delightful. Breathe and enjoy.

Shava-asana

(Corpse pose)

This posture can be deceivingly difficult. The goal here is to quiet the body AND mind, all the while staying present (mainly awake) :). When the thoughts come, it helps to acknowledge them and then let them go. Personally, I find this pose recalibrating and quite awesome.

1. Lay on your back with your legs slightly apart.

2. Let your feet fall to the sides so the hips can release.

3. Your arms at your side, away from your body with palms pointing up.

4. Relax your face, let the tongue fall away from the roof of your mouth and your eyes relax away from the lids.

5. I like to imagine there are three very warm stones, one in each palm and one at my third eye..it seems to work...

6. breath deeply and stay here for 5 minutes..

Namaste



Monday Morning Yoga

Here you are again Monday morning...  and sooo early this morning was i awoken, that I got to see your sunrise...through tired eyes, still a wonder of beauty.  So, for this week I thought perhaps a pose with focus and energy to get the heart working and the mind calm. See if you can do this pose every day this week for a few minutes.. enjoy and don't forget to breathe.

             

Vriksha-asana
(tree pose)

 When Vriksha-asana is practiced on a regular basis, it cultivates concentration and helps to focus the mind. It also improves balance and coordination. Spiritually, I find it calming and grounding. Most people enjoy tree pose.. try it with your little ones..:)

1- Stand with your feet together and find an unmoving point of focus in front of you.
2- Take your right ankle into your hands and place it into the crease of your thigh... take your time to find a comfortable place here..

3- Bring your hands together and when you are ready and grounded raise your arms straight over your head keeping your arms by your ears.

4- Hold this pose as long as you can.. and remember, if you start to sway.. tree's sway.. stay grounded and Breathe.

5- switch legs

Namaste

Yogamazing..

Yoga has been in my life since I was 17. When I found it, I realized that I had been missing it my whole life. It remained an important part of my life till I became pregnant with my first son. In February of that year, in my 8th month, I fell down the back stairs and fractured my back.. not horribly, but bad enough where bending was a whole new ball game.  I sort of let it go, thinking it would always be uncomfortable and difficult. Now 6 years later, and after extensive chiropractic work with my second pregnancy, I have begun a very strong practice and I am so proud of myself. I feel lighter, better, stronger, younger. Anyone out there with a back injury that feels like they will never be able to do the things they love again, I say keep your chin up and keep trying. Your mind can easily work against you. Take your power back!.. yay! 

ok, so, I thought I would try a little 'Monday Morning Yoga'. On Monday's I will post a Yoga Pose and see if you can do it every day for 5 minutes..find a quiet place (good luck moms), breathe in , breathe out, and enjoy. 

Sukhasana (Easy Pose)

The Sukhasana pose is a relaxation pose. It is commonly used for meditation.  It promotes inner calm and straightens the spine, opens the hips, and relieves tiredness.

1. Sit on the floor (I recommend to put a pillow under your bum and to sit on the very edge of it. this will help open the hips and make you more comfortable)

2. Place your hands on your knees with straight arms to help straighten the spine (palms facing up if you feel you need more energy)

3.Tilt your chin down ever so slightly to straighten the spine even further

4. Breathe deeply and enjoy your 5 minutes

Namaste