September 2021 • Daily Yogi

Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga – September 2021 – Dhyana (Full Meditation)

09/30/202109/29/2021 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, 8 Limbs of Yoga, Meditation, Philosophy

Good Morning Yogis! We are ending a September Asana-focused month of practices, and moving on to a month focused on meditation for October. We typically spend more time practicing the lower limbs, but during meditation months we will take couple days to cover each of the four upper limbs, rather than combining into one. We already covered Pratyahara or withdrawal of the senses and Dharana or Intense Focus. The last three Limbs of Yoga – Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi are often referred to as the “innermost quest” and studied together. As we have discussed, the upper limbs build upon all four of the lower limbs, and sequentially upon each other. However, these practices are all meditation focused, and must truly be practiced and understood on your own. Samadhi is basically our goal and will be discussed only occasionally… we are skipping Samadhi this round of through the 8 limbs of Yoga, and jumping right into our meditation month tomorrow. Today we will discuss Dhyana and try a Meditation to reach this state. Check out our deep dive on Dhyana.

cool shot of sunlit garden with awning of sunlit leaves and yellow flowers over gray floral-lined pavement - upper limbs of yoga Dhyana full meditation Quote: Meditation is bringing the mind home. - Sogyal Rinpoche — Meditation is bringing the mind home. – Sogyal Rinpoche

Dhyana is the 7th Limb of Yoga, and is usually translated as meditation. I prefer to think of Dhyana as full meditation, a bit stronger and more specific than “meditation”. This is typically the goal of meditation, to fully stop our thoughts and have a quiet mind. After withdrawing inside ourselves with Pratyahara and focusing our minds on a single subject with Dharaha, we may reach the level of meditation where our thoughts actually stop. In true Dhyana or true meditation, we typically are not aware of this clear-minded state until we come out of it.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Dhyana-focused Meditation Practice. You can try our breath-focused meditation again, and then allow your mind to quiet. Or, you can try a guided meditation meant to help bring the state of Dhyana.

Remember this is a practice, and a difficult one.. so be patient with yourself on this journey! I am working on Dhyana.. I usually can focus on one thing with Dharana, but my mind wanders fairly quickly when I try to quiet it for full meditation.

Recommended Dhyana Practices

Dhyana Guided Meditation

Our Breath-Focused Meditation – first focus on breath, then allow your mind to quiet.

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Please comment and let me know which you tried, and what you thought of this Dhyana exercise! If you have another favorite guided meditation, please share the link! Always remember, be kind!

Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga – September 2021 – Dharana (Intense Focus) – Guided Meditation & Meditative Practices

09/29/202109/28/2021 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, 8 Limbs of Yoga, Meditation, Philosophy

close-up bright green spiky succulents in dark pot - upper limbs of yoga dharana meditation intense focus Quote: Concentration can be cultivated. One can learn to exercise will power, discipline one’s body and train one’s mind. - Anil Ambani — Concentration can be cultivated. One can learn to exercise will power, discipline one’s body and train one’s mind. – Anil Ambani

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to youtube videos for various Yoga Styles. For our more meditative day today, I recommend a gentle morning Hatha class, perhaps before trying out this new technique!

Nearly all meditation practices you think of are types of Dharana.

Dharana is the 6th Limb of Yoga, and is usually translated as concentration. This comes from the Sanskrit root “dhri” meaning to hold, carry, or maintain. I prefer to think of Dharana as intense focus, a bit stronger than “concentration”. This is typically the second step for meditation – after letting the outside world slip away, we then direct our focus inward. Please see our deep dive of Dharana for more. Most of the meditative practices we think of are therefore Dharana practices – see our full list!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Dharana-focused Meditation Practice. Perhaps try our breath-focused meditation again to prepare for tomorrow’s next level of meditation. Perhaps focus on your breath or body in Shavasana / Corpse Pose after an Asana practice, another meditative practice from our list, try a guided meditation below, or any other method of your own.. whatever feels right to you. We will cover mandalas and flame gazing later!

Dharana or Intense Focus Meditative Practices

Most guided meditations (see list of some of my favorites below)
Our first breath-focused meditation
Meditations focusing on sounds like a Mantra or special word
Meditations focusing sight on one set object such as a flower, color, hands, etc.
Full body scans
Meditative driving, walking, or hiking
Special focus practices like creating mandalas or flame gazing

Remember this is a practice, and a difficult one.. so be patient with yourself on this journey!

Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga – September 2021 – Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses) – Guided Meditation

09/28/202109/27/2021 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Meditation, Philosophy

Good Morning Yogis! We have completed our daily positive practices and meditations inspired by the first four Limbs of Yoga, and are back to the Upper Limbs. We are also ending a September Asana-focused month of practices, and moving on to a month focused on meditation for October. We typically spend more time practicing the lower limbs, but during meditation months we will take couple days to cover each of the four upper limbs, rather than combining into one.

close-up bright plant leaves with bright deep red new center leaves - upper limbs of yoga pratyahara withdrawal of senses Quote: The moment the senses start turning inward, we are tapping into the eternal source of energy. - Gurudev Shankar — The moment the senses start turning inward, we are tapping into the eternal source of energy. – Gurudev Shankar

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

As we have discussed, the upper limbs build upon all four of the previous limbs, and sequentially upon each other. These practices are all meditation focused and therefore must truly be attained on your own. We will take the next few days in our Meditation-focused month for daily practices inspired by the first three Upper Limbs. Today we will revisit the 5th Limb of Yoga – Pratyahara and try a Pratyahara Guided Meditation.

Pratyahara is the 5th Limb of Yoga, and is usually translated as withdrawal of the senses. “Prati” means against or away, and “Ahara” means food or anything we take into ourselves. So, this literally means to stop taking things into ourselves. This is typically the first step for meditation – letting the outside world slip away, and going inside. The point is not about isolating yourself from outside distractions, it is about withdrawing into yourself, and then allowing outside distractions to fade away. Please see our detailed discussion on Pratyahara for more.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Pratyahara-focused Meditation Practice. You can try this with Shavasana / corpse pose after an Asana practice, with a guided meditation, or on your own.. whatever feels right to you! Remember this is a practice, and a difficult one.. so be patient with yourself on this journey!

Recommended Pratyahara Guided Meditation

Pratyahara Guided Meditation

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Please comment and let me know which you tried, and what you thought of this Pratyahara Meditation! If you have another favorite, then please share the link! Always remember, be kind!

Pranayama (Breathing) – September 2021 – Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath)

09/27/202109/27/2021 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 4 Pranayama

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Pranayama Day! We celebrated the first day of fall last week, and the days are getting shorter and cooler. So, today we will revisit a warming and energizing breathwork technique – Bhastrika Pranayama or Bellows’ Breath!

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to youtube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Pranayama Day today, I recommend a gentle morning Hatha class, perhaps after trying out this new technique!

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing one of my favorites – Beginner AM (20 Minute), which I modify with more advanced versions of poses including full side plank, standard extended side angle, and lowering slowly from plank to Chaturanga Dandasana / Yoga Push-Up… I am still working arm strength to do the Intermediate version of this class. I typically practice Asana most consistently in the morning, and this is my favorite morning series! PS I keep Ocean for the background sound in my Yoga Studio App, to help remind me to use Ujjayi Pranayama or Ocean Breath!

cool perspective looking up at white flowering tree branches up through to light blue partly cloudy sky - pranayama breath breathing Quote: The more you breathe, the more you feel. - Isabel Losada — The more you breathe, the more you feel. – Isabel Losada

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Bhastrika Pranayama, an energizing Pranayama Practice. We will start diaphragmatic breathing, which is part one of this breath. Please note this is a technique that should be practiced on its own, NOT during Asana practice! This Pranayama is best first thing in the morning, or if you need an energy boost during the day. Also, this technique is best on an empty stomach, or at least a couple hours after eating!

This is a great technique to watch and follow along – click here for video instructions!

Diaphragmatic Breath

Start by evaluating your current breath pattern. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on your belly. Breathe in and out, and notice when the hands resting on your belly and chest move to indicate expansion. You SHOULD use your diaphragm and breathe into your belly, so your belly expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest only, and our belly hand never moves!
Breathe in and make sure your belly expands, pushing your hand out as your entire torso fills with air.
Breathe out, contracting the belly, making sure you empty the lungs completely
Continue breathing in to a full count of 6, and out to a full count of 6, using your diaphragm to fill your lungs with air, and contract the belly to empty lungs completely. Focus on keeping your chest hand fairly still, and using your diaphragm to breathe into your belly.

Bhastrika Pranayama / Bellows Breath

After 5-10 full Diaphragmatic Breaths, close your mouth and begin the Bellows Breath:
Exhale forcefully through the nose, followed by inhaling forcefully through the nose.
- These are quick forceful breaths, about one second for each inhale and one second for each exhale.
- Use your diaphragm to initiate this breath, so your belly moves in and out quickly with your breath. Note that due to the speed, your breath will likely only reach your chest, not your belly.
- Keep head, neck, and shoulders still throughout this technique.
Complete a round of 10 Bellows Breaths.
Move back to Diaphragmatic Breathing for 5-10 complete breaths. If you are getting dizzy, just stick with one round.
Complete a second round of 20 Bellows Breaths.
Move back to Diaphragmatic Breathing for 10 complete breaths.
Complete a third round of 30 Bellows Breaths.
Do not practice more than 3 rounds or 60 Bellows Breaths at a time.

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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Have you tried this breath technique? How many rounds did you complete? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!

Asanas (Poses) – Family Health & Fitness Day 2021 – Family & Kids Yoga

09/26/202109/27/2021 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, Asana Styles, Ayurveda, Holiday, Intro Info, Self Care

Good morning Yogis! Today is Asana Day, and it is also Family Health and Fitness Day USA! We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to youtube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Family Heath & Fitness Day today, I recommend a dynamic Vinyasa series, or try a Family or Kids Yoga Session! Cosmic Kids Yoga has a ton of different classes enjoyable for school aged kids. Or, look for ‘mommy and me’ yoga for options for Yogis with younger children.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without Wifi or phone signal. Today I am trying a new 60 minute Vinyasa, and breaking a sweat for Family Health and Fitness Day!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Vinyasa series, or perhaps a family Yoga series if you have children! Many Kids’ Yoga classes use traditional Yoga Asanas (poses) with fun animal names and animal sounds. This is a great trick for busy parents – get some Yoga in your day, even if it is hard to find alone time in your day! Unfortunately the animal noises and trippy cartoons in Family or Kids’ Yoga may not be as relaxing and meditative as you are used to, but I personally find the physical benefits of Asana practice equally if not more beneficial than the mental benefits. You will also get a laugh.. it is hard not to smile at silly stories, animal noises, and the other fun things in kids yoga.

Today’s Daily Yogi practice is fitness based, but today’s Family Health and Fitness Day USA is focused on both health and fitness. So, I would like to share a couple things I have learned from some of my research on nutrition to cover the health piece. I have a few old friends who are MDs… and though there is a bit more coverage for DOs, I was shocked how little traditional education for MDs focuses on nutrition! These old friends with MDs will be slightly horrified to learn about my interest and continuing education in Ayurveda, so I will mostly hold off on going there… for today (though I still swear by my Ayurvedic Diet that explains why I am a rare American woman who does not like salads and also supports my love of cheese).

The modern scientific community has made many changes in nutrition recommendations in recent years. Remember the Food Pyramid you learned about in school, which recommended 1/3 – 1/2 of your daily calories from grains? That has changed to a Food Circle or Plate, with some very different diet recommendations! Along with this change to 50% fruits and veggies rather than 50% grains, I have seen a lot of recommendations about trying to “eat the whole rainbow” to get more essential vitamins and minerals in your diet, and this seems fairly logical to me. Here are a couple nutrition info-graphics on this, click if you want to print or save for reference!

healthy nutrition redefined food pyramid vs healthy eating plate, nutrition recommendations infographic — Healthy Nutrition Redefined

rainbow of health fruit and vegetables infographic: white benefits immune support, orange benefits cancer prevention, green benefits detoxification, red benefits heart health, yellow benefits beauty, purple benefits longevity — Rainbow of Health

If you are interested in nutrition and diet, I strongly recommend doing research on MacroNutrients which is widely accepted by the scientific and fitness communities. Or, perhaps do some more digging on ancient Ayurveda if I piqued your interest and you enjoyed our star chart exercise. I’m just a nerd and like all the learning 🙂

Niyamas (Personal Observances) – September 2021 – Agnistambhasana – Fire Log Pose

09/25/202104/02/2022 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 2-Niyamas, 3-Asanas

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras. Our last few cycles we took one day for all five of each of the Yamas and Niyamas, but this time we will take one day for these Limbs of Yoga. Since we are in the middle of a September Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Agnistambhasana (AHG-nis-tam-BAH-sa-nuh) or Fire Log Pose is my choice to represent the Niyamas, or Personal Observances – this Limb of Yoga covers how we should manage ourselves, and in Fire Log we are opening into and gazing at ourselves.

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Niyamas Day today, I recommend an alignment-focused Iyengar Series.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Fire Log Pose for Niyamas Day! I also recommend practicing your choice of Niyamas today – I will be practicing Santosha – Contentment with a mindfulness practice. Today’s Asana is a deep hip opener – make sure to switch your legs and practice on both sides! I consider this a slightly more targeted and intense version of Baddha Konasana / Cobbler Pose.

Agnistambhasana – Fire Log Pose

Start in a cross legged position. Your hips should stay neutral. Take note of your booty – it should be almost tucked under rather than sticking out. You may want to sit on a block or couch pillow if you notice rounding in your back or shoulders. Keep your back, neck, and head in a straight line – notice any rounding in lower back or shoulders, and adjust your tail bone. Look straight ahead.
Begin with your right foot on top – bring your right ankle on top of your left knee. Make sure your knees and feet are stacked, and feet are flexed. Bring shins parallel to front if possible.
Inhale and press your hands into the mat next to your hips to lengthen your spine.
Exhale and walk your hands forward as far as possible, lowering your torso over your legs. You may want to put a block or couch pillow under your head to help relax into the pose. Breathe deeply into your belly and hips, and let your hips and lower back release.
Hold for 3-5 breaths. Walk your hands back to sit up on an inhale.
Switch your legs so left leg is on top, and repeat on the other side.

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Mats and Equipment for Newbies!

You may want to try a block, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself find a comfortable seat.

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

Top 5 Yoga Mats

Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried Fire Log before? Always remember, be kind!

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Yamas (Interpersonal Ethics) September 2021 – Salabhasana – Locust Pose

09/24/202109/23/2021 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas

Good morning Yogis! We are restarting our cycle through the Yoga Sutras. Our last few cycles we took one day for all five of each of the Yamas and Niyamas, but this time we will take one day for these Limbs of Yoga. Since we are in the middle of a September Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Salabhasana (sa-la-BAH-sa-nuh) or Locust Pose is my choice to represent the Yamas, or Interpersonal Ethics – this Limb of Yoga covers how we should interact with the world, and in Locust we are opening our bodies outwards. There are two versions of this pose that I enjoy practicing, and we will cover both variations.

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Yamas Day today, I recommend a Hatha series.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Locust Pose for Yamas Day! I also recommend practicing your choice of Yamas today – I will be practicing Aparigraha (Non-Attachment) with practicing gratitude. There are many variations of today’s Asana, ranging from beginner to very advanced. Today we will cover the beginner and intermediate versions of this pose that I commonly practice. Please do not push yourself in these back bends – although these Asanas are great for mitigating lower back pain and strengthening, you can cause injury by pushing beyond your limits. For all variations of Salabhasana / Locust Pose, you will start laying face down on your mat in reverse corpse pose.

Ardha Salabhasana – Half Locust Pose

Start laying face down on your mat.
Work both arms under your body and either interlace your fingers, leave palms down, or make fists. Bring your chin to the mat.
Inhale and lift your right leg up as high as possible, keeping both hips even and on the mat. Try to point your foot back as far as possible.
Hold for 3-5 breaths, and slowly lower your leg on an exhale. Repeat with left foot.

Salabhasana – Locust Pose

Start laying face down on your mat. Bring your chin to the mat and arms next to your body.
Inhale and lift your head, chest, arms, and legs off the mat as high as possible.
Keep your shoulders down and back, away from your ears. Your arms can be straight back, with palms facing in or out (perhaps try both!). Or, perhaps bring your arms straight in front of you for a “Superman” Salabhasana Variation (see below)
Hold for 3-5 breaths, and slowly lower your entire body back to the mat.

PS If you are comfortable with variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!

salabhasana variation yoga superman - locust pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing pink shirt and black pants doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains — Salabhasana – Locust Pose – Superman

Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried both variations of Salabhasana / Locust Pose before? Have you tried a more advanced version? Which is your favorite? Always remember, be kind!

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga – September 2021 – Innergize Day – Guided Meditation & Meditative Practices

09/23/202109/20/2021 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, 8 Limbs of Yoga, Holiday, Meditation, Philosophy

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Upper Limbs Day, and also Innergize Day – focused on self-care, relaxation, and meditation. Today we will revisit Dharana, and then try a Dharana Guided Meditation or other Meditative Practice.

cool perspective epic alpine sunset in the mountains - meditation, upper limbs, calm mind Quote: Your calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges. So relax. - Bryant McGill — Your calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges. So relax. – Bryant McGill

Nearly all meditation practices you think of are types of Dharana.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Dharana-focused Meditation Practice for Upper Limbs and Innergize Day . Perhaps try our traditional breath-focused meditation. Perhaps focus on your breath or body in Shavasana / Corpse Pose after an Asana practice, another meditative practice from our list, try a guided meditation below, or any other method of your own.. whatever feels right to you. We will cover mandalas and flame gazing later!

Dharana or Intense Focus Meditative Practices

Most guided meditations (see list of some of my favorites below)
Our first breath-focused meditation
Meditations focusing on sounds like a Mantra or special word
Meditations focusing sight on one set object such as a flower, color, hands, etc.
Full body scans
Meditative driving, walking, or hiking
Special focus practices like creating mandalas or flame gazing

Remember this is a practice, and a difficult one.. so be patient with yourself on this journey!

Libra Season – Tolasana (Scales Pose)

09/22/202109/20/2021 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, Holiday, Yoga Workouts

Good morning Yogis! Happy Fall! Today is not only the Fall Equinox, but it is also the start of Libra Season – Happy Birthday Libra Yogis! We will cover an Asana today inspired by Libra – Tolasana (toe-LAH-sa-nuh) or Scales Pose. This is one of the few arm balances and advanced poses I can do! I had to try to channel my Libra friend with that smile, which was quite difficult in this challenging Asana.

purple and white libra zodiac astrology symbol

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Tolasana or Scales Pose inspired by the start of Libra Season! The full expression of the bottom half of this pose is from Padmasana or Lotus Pose, but there are variations for both the Lotus Legs and full Arm Balance to make accessible for beginner Yogis. This Asana is a great workout for the arms and core!

Tolasana – Scales Pose

Start in either Padmasana or Lotus Pose, or cross your legs and bring one foot on top of the opposite thigh to come into Half Lotus. If neither pose is comfortable, stay in a comfortable cross-legged position.

Place your hands on the mat, palms down and middle fingers pointing straight to the sides and fingers spread. Exhale and press into the mat with your hands, as you contract your core and lift your legs and seat off the mat. If you cannot lift your entire seat off the floor, come into Half Lotus and lift your hips off the ground, using your other foot on the mat for stability. Hold for a few breaths if you can, and slowly lower back to the mat on an exhale. Make sure to flip your feet and practice on both sides!

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Today is International Translation Day and a KISS Day! Also for International Translation Day, is the anniversary of the multilingual capabilities for our site for our Yogis who have first languages other than English!⁣

For today's practice, we are completing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! ⁣

For today's practice, we are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! ⁣

We are continuing this morning with our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! ⁣

We are continuing with our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! ⁣

For today's practice, we are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning High and Low Lunge and modified Sun Salutations with three variations of this Asana. ⁣

For today;s practice, we are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Uttanasana / Standing Forward Bend and modified Sun Salutations with three variations of this Asana. ⁣

We are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Talasana / Palm Tree Pose and modified Sun Salutations focused on chest opening. Daily Yogis are revisiting Talasana or another arboreal Asana - Vrksasana / Tree Pose. ⁣

Good morning Yogis! We are starting our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are starting with Tadasana / Mountain Pose, and a modified Sun Salutations focused on alignment. Check out our video under Tadasana for options for your hands! See full post for more!⁣

Please comment and let us know how Scales pose was for you! Did you try full Lotus Legs? Were you able to lift your seat from the mat? Do you want to share an Asana inspiration for your sign’s pose? Always remember, be kind!

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Pranayama (Breathing) – September 2021 – Bikram Pranayama – Hot Yoga Breath

09/21/202109/20/2021 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 4 Pranayama, Intro Info

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Pranayama Day! We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for September, so we will revisit a moving Pranayama technique common in all kinds of Hot Yoga Classes, that originated in Bikram studios. This breath technique is part of the opening in the classic Bikram series.

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

Please see our Asana Styles page for links to youtube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Pranayama Day today, I recommend a Hot Yoga Style class, which will include this breath technique!

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without Wifi or phone signal. Today I am doing one of my favorites – Beginner AM (20 Minute), which I modify with more advanced versions of poses including full side plank, standard extended side angle, and lowering slowly from plank to Chaturanga Dandasana / Yoga Push-Up… I am still working arm strength to do the Intermediate version of this class. I typically practice Asana most consistently in the morning, and this is my favorite morning series! PS I keep Ocean for the background sound in my Yoga Studio App, to help remind me to use Ujjayi Pranayama or Ocean Breath!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Bikram’s Pranayama a moving Pranayama Practice used in all kinds of Hot Yoga classes. We will start diaphragmatic breathing, which is part one of this breath. I am sure you will have tried this Pranayama technique if you have practiced any kind of style at a Hot Yoga studio – this breath feels particularly great in a hot and humid environment.

This is a great technique to watch and follow along – click here for video instructions!

Hot Yoga Pranayama Breath - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach — Bikram Pranayama – Hot Yoga Breathing

Diaphragmatic Breath

Start by evaluating your current breath pattern. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on your belly. Breathe in and out, and notice when the hands resting on your belly and chest move to indicate expansion. You SHOULD use your diaphragm and breathe into your belly, so your belly expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest only, and our belly hand never moves!
Breathe in and make sure your belly expands, pushing your hand out as your entire torso fills with air.
Breathe out, contracting the belly, making sure you empty the lungs completely
Continue breathing in to a full count of 6, and out to a full count of 6, using your diaphragm to fill your lungs with air, and contract the belly to empty lungs completely. Focus on keeping your chest hand fairly still, and using your diaphragm to breathe into your belly.

Bikram Pranayama / Hot Yoga Breath

Clasp your hands together, and bring your fists under your chin with your thumbs at your throat. Squeeze your elbows together.
Inhale through your nose into your belly, and allow elbows to float up, keeping your chin in place.
Let your your chin float up and exhale, as you squeeze your elbows together.
Continue the cycle – allow your chin float down and elbows to float up on your inhale.

Want more on Pranayama?
Check our Pranayama Board on Pinterest!

Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Do you incorporate Pranayama into your Asana practice? Have you tried Hot Yoga or this breath technique? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!

Asanas (Poses) – September 2021 – Shavasana – Corpse Pose

09/20/202109/20/2021 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, Grounding Asanas, Intro Info, Meditation

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras with the third limb of Yoga – Asanas. Since we are in the middle of a September Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Shavasana (shah-VA-sa-nuh) or Corpse Pose is my choice for Asana Day today – this is possibly the most important Asana, and although we have covered it once before, it is worth revisiting!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Asana Day today, I recommend a gentle Yin or Restorative class.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing Intermediate Relaxation (30 minutes).

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try focus on Shavasana or Corpse Pose in your Asana practice today for Asana Day! Shavasana at the end of your Asana session is important for your body to take in the changes you made during that session. Also, the Shavasana section of an Asana class is a great time for meditation and Pranayama.

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I learned you should have 5 minutes of Shavasana for every 30 minutes of practice. However, this means only 10 minutes of Shavasana after an hour of practice, but I have read about more meditative benefits of Shavasana at 15 minutes and longer. Perhaps adjust your practice schedule to allow for a longer Shavasana today!

Shavasana – Corpse Pose

shavasana savasana - corpse pose - yoga pose girl red hair wearing black on gray yoga mat — Shavasana – Corpse Pose

Lay on your back, and allow your legs and feet to gently splay open. Rest your arms a few inches away from your body, with palms facing up. Close your eyes, and allow your entire body to relax and sink into the mat.

To come out, gently roll onto your right side, then press your hand into the mat to come back up slowly into a seated position.

Take deep breaths into your belly (perhaps try Vilona Pranayama or Yogic / Three-Part Breath). You can use a couch pillow under your head and/or knees, or any modifications to make this pose more comfortable for an extended time. I occasionally take Shavasana with knees bent and feet on the floor, and/or with elbows bent and hands under my head or cactus-arms to the side.

PS If you are comfortable with variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Mats and Equipment for Newbies!

You may want to try a couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself find a comfortable Shavasana.

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

Top 5 Yoga Mats

Please comment to share your experience! Do you always include Shavasana with your Asana practice? Have you taken a 15 minute or longer Shavasana before? Always remember, be kind!

Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender) – September 2021 – Padangusthasana – Toe Stand Pose

09/19/202109/19/2021 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 2-Niyamas, 3-Asanas, Grounding Asanas, N5-Ishvara Pranidhana

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras and representative Asanas with the fifth and last of the Niyamas – Ishvara Pranidhana or Surrender.

Since we are in the middle of a September Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Padangusthasana (Puh-DAHN-gus-THA-sa-nuh) or Toe Stand Pose is my choice to represent Ishvara Pranidhana. I feel this pose, folding over from a standing position, represents the surrender. This is an advanced Asana requiring balance and poise, folding into the pose from a one-legged stand,

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Ishvara Pranidhana Day today, I recommend a Bikram series, which includes this challenging Asana.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing a Forward Folds class that I feel embodies Ishvara Pranidhana.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Toe Stand Pose for Ishvara Pranidhana Day!

Padangusthasana – Toe Stand Pose

Padangusthasana - Toe Stand - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains — Padangusthasana – Toe Stand

Start standing in Tadasana (Mountain Pose). We will perform coming onto the RIGHT toe. Bend your left leg, and bring your left foot onto the top of your right thigh.

Lean forward at the waist, keeping your left foot on your right thigh. Place one or two hands on the ground for stability.

Bend your right knee and lower down into a toe stand, keeping your hands grounded for stability.

Once you are grounded and stable, slowly bring your hands in front of your chest in prayer position or another Mudra of your choice.

Take deep breaths into your belly (perhaps try Vilona Pranayama) and hold pose for at least 3-5 full breaths. I recommend performing on both sides, and monitoring differences and progression with your balance on each side!

PS If you are comfortable with variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!

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Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried this Asana before? Always remember, be kind!

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Svadhyaya (Self-Study) – September 2021 – Ardha Hanumanasana & Utthan Pristhasana – Half Monkey & Lizard Pose

09/18/202109/18/2021 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 2-Niyamas, 3-Asanas, N4-Svadhyaya

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras and representative Asanas with the fourth of the Niyamas – Svadhyaya or Self-Study and discussing Ardha Hanumanasana and Utthan Pristhasana.

Since we are in the middle of a September Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Ardha Hanumanasana (ARD-huh HAH-nuh-mah-NA-sa-nuh) or Half Monkey Pose and Utthan Pristhasana (OOT-han Pris-THAH-sa-nuh) or Lizard Pose are my choices to represent Svadhyaya. I feel like I am literally looking at myself in these poses, a perfect embodiment of self-reflection. Also, flowing between these poses has been both a strategy and a way to monitor my progression working forward splits!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Svadhyaya Day today, I recommend an alignment-focused Iyengar class.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Half Monkey and Lizard Pose for Svadhyaya Day! I enjoy flowing between these two Asanas to work my flexibility for Hanumanasana or Full Splits! I recommend working both of these Asanas on one side, and then switching and repeating on the other side.

Instructions are for each pose with the LEFT side. Make sure to repeat this sequence on both sides!

Ardha Hanumanasana – Half Monkey Pose

Start in a comfortable kneeling position. Come up onto your knees, and bring your left foot forward placing your heel on the mat, keeping your hips above your right knee. Hinge forward slightly at the waist, and place your hands on each side of your straight left leg to support your upper body. If comfortable, bring your forehead down towards your left shin, making sure to keep your hips stacked over your right knee. Breathe deeply and hold this pose for 30-60 seconds. To come out, lift your upper body and either bring your left leg back to kneeling, or plant your left foot to come forward into Lizard Pose.

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Utthan Pristhasana – Lizard Pose

This Asana has many variations to fit your body and flexibility. I prefer to enter this pose by flowing forward from Half Monkey, or shifting my front leg and lowering down from a Low Lunge.

Step and plant your left foot, keeping your knee directly above the ankle. Move your left foot out a few inches to the left, and hug your knee towards your shoulder. Plant your palms on the ground in front of you to support your upper body while you set your lower body. Keep your right leg straight back – you can rest your knee on the ground for a more passive hip-opening, or come up onto your right toes and straighten your leg for a more intense stretch. You can stay on your hands, or lower down onto your elbows for a deeper stretch. To come out, come back up onto your hands, and either press back into Half Monkey, or step your left foot back to come into Downward Dog.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Instructions are for each pose with the LEFT side. Make sure to repeat this sequence on both sides!

Journal Day

Our first Svadhyaya Day, we started journals to have a source for self-study. I am using Svadhyaya Days to keep up with this practice.. perhaps make another journal entry with me today! If you are not sure what to write about, you can use my prompt for today – I have always associated September (after Labor Day) with the start of the academic school year since I grew up outside of Boston. So, what is something you have always wanted to learn – a hobby, an academic topic, a language, a sport… whatever it is, write about what you want to learn and why, and consider this for your Tapas daily habit!

Need a Journal? Check out my recommended blank and guided journals!

PS If you are comfortable with variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!

Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried Half Monkey, Lizard, or another set of Asanas to work Splits before? Always remember, be kind!

Tapas (Discipline) – September 2021 – Bakasana – Crow Pose

09/17/202109/18/2021 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 2-Niyamas, 3-Asanas, Grounding Asanas, N3-Tapas, Yoga Workouts

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras and representative Asanas with the third of the Niyamas – Tapas or Discipline and Utkatasana.

Since we are in the middle of a September Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Bakasana (Bah-KAH-sa-nuh) or Crow pose is my choice to represent Tapas. This is a challenging pose, and a great workout when held for an extended time. This is also one of the first arm balances I have been working on. Thank you to our featured Yogi Nick for both his demonstration of Crow Pose and his tips for beginners!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Tapas Day today, I recommend a vigorous Power Yoga class.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing a new Hip Hop Vinyasa.

Each Tapas day, we check in on our progress with the daily habits we have set for ourselves. It typically takes 30 Days to set a new habit (which is why I love these 30 Day Challenges!) so if you have kept up on your daily habit you have likely successfully formed a new habit! Congratulations, keep it up.. perhaps it is time to add a new daily habit to your routine!! If you have not kept up, examine why you did not, and consider if you want to keep this goal or set a new one. Evaluate the reminders and/or rewards you set for yourself, and perhaps modify these systems to ensure your success! Yoga is a practice, and successfully changing our habits is about consistency, so we will keep checking in on our goals on Tapas Days.

As mentioned we are in a daily Asana Challenge, which I have kept up with by wearing workout clothes to bed and practicing first thing in the morning. I also have a daily habit of practicing French or Spanish with Duolingo… I am pretty pleased with myself to be on my way to a year of practice!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Crow Pose for Tapas Day! This pose is challenging, but is one of the first Arm Balances many Yogis (including myself) want to add to their practice.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Tapas Day – set or check-in on a meaningful daily habit!

Bakasana – Crow Pose

Start sitting on your heels in a kneeling position. Move into a wide squat in Malasana with feet slightly wider than your shoulders.

Bring your torso forward between your knees and place your palms on the mat a bit wider than shoulder width with fingers spread wide. You can keep your arms straight for the traditional version of this pose, or bend your elbows to make a shelf if easier. Bring your knees close to your arms and lift your hips, coming onto your toes.

Slowly lean forward as you engage your core, allowing your feet to lift from the floor. Pause here if you are comfortable. Or, to come into the full expression of the pose, try to bring your knees to your armpits as you draw your heels up towards your seat and round your spine.

PS if you are worried about face-planting, put a block under your forehead!

Hold this pose for 30-60 seconds. To come out, slowly lower your feet to the mat, and press back into Child’s Pose.

PS If you are comfortable with variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!

Next INTRO CHALLENGE October 2023

Days

Hours

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Seconds

Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried Bakasana or the more advanced variation like Flying Crane before? Always remember, be kind!

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