Month: February 2023

February Expect Success & March Nutrition Month 2023 – Intentions and Yoga Philosophy

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in Holiday, Intro Info, Meditation, Philosophy

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Happy February 28, 2023 – Intentions and Yoga Philosophy

Good Morning Yogis! Today is the last day of February. We are beginning a meditation-focused March. You do not have to participate in this or any of our particular monthly challenge themes, we will be continuing our daily Positive Practices drawn from Yoga Philosophy throughout next month. Consider getting the Daily Yogi App for reminders if you are participating – this is a great Tapas tool!

February Expect Success & March Nutrition Month 2023

February is International Expect Success Month and March is National Nutrition Month. Before we get into our Eight Limbed meditation practices, I wanted to take a day to pause and reflect on our intentions and the year so far, and these two monthly focuses.

cool shot looking at orange pink and blue sunset over darkened mountain range - meditation, upper limbs of yoga positivity Quote: The game of life is a game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later with astounding accuracy. - Florence Scovel Shinn
The game of life is a game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later with astounding accuracy. – Florence Scovel Shinn

March’s National Nutrition Month is focused on what we put into our bodies physically. I believe February’s International Expect Success Month is about what we are putting into our bodies mentally. From National Today – ‘Researchers have discovered that sadness and pessimism are linked. In reality, depressed individuals are often pessimistic in the beginning. A fundamental aspect of battling depression is to transform the outlook on the world from pessimism to optimism.
In other words, if you can learn to ‘expect success’ every morning, you can gradually improve your productivity at work, form meaningful relationships with others, and improve the overall quality of your life.’

As we begin our bonus daily meditation challenge, I want to discuss an important common concept from Yoga Philosophy – Setting Intentions! If you have attended Yoga classes at a Yoga Studio, you likely have heard your teacher recommend setting an intention for your practice that day. We have talked about keeping Santosha (Contentment) in Asana practice to avoid injury. I often set Pranayama (Breath) as my intention for Asana practice with a mantra of “breathe” or “just breathe”, since in more dynamic classes I forget to maintain my preferred Ocean Breath as the Asana series picks up speed. Here is a great article with more on intentions and mantras on and off the Yoga mat.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to set a positive intention for yourself for March, keeping these mental and emotional wellness themes in mind. This can be big or small:

Part of the reason we set intentions in Asana practice is to have something positive to come back to that we want to focus on. Additionally, we will have this to return to when we meet challenges. I set “just breathe” as my intention for nearly a decade now, and I do truly breathe into difficulties on the mat, and I have improved my breath during Asana practice by keeping this in the back of my mind. There is much to be said for the power of positive thinking.

Although I do believe in the power of positive thinking and believe this helps with emotional wellness, I will discuss my own views on this a bit later this month. Here is more info if you do not want to wait!

More on the Power of Positive Thinking

The Law of Attraction & Power of Positive Thinking Intro

11 Ways to Boost Positive Thinking

The Old School of Positive Thinking – Earl Nightengale

The Old School of Positive Thinking – Florence Scovel Schinn

Tomorrow we start the first day of our Daily Meditation Challenge for March! Some of my favorite guided meditations are Manifest Meditations, which harness the powers of positive thinking, visualization, and the law of attraction. Today my meditation practice is one of my favorite 10 Minute Manifest Meditations.

Want more on Meditation? Check out our Upper Limbs & Meditation Guide!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

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Share your Practice

Please comment and share how if setting positive intentions is part of your Yoga or Asana practice. Are you taking other steps to improve your mental and emotional wellness this month? Are you going to join us in our daily meditation challenge for the month? Always remember, be kind!

              

February 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: OM Mantra Meditation

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Meditation, N5-Ishvara Pranidhana

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Happy February 27, 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: OM Mantra Meditation

Good morning Yogis! We are wrapping up our special Upper Limbs week! Next month we will have a special bonus daily meditation month aligning with our 8 Limb Yoga practices, but this week we will cover special meditation practices.

silver om symbol on dark blue background
Om – Sanskrit

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to practice some OMs for our final Meditation Practice Day. This is technically a Mantra like our practice from a few day ago.

OM is pronounced as a very long A-U-M or OOOM, not like “on” with an m. OM is familiar in the East, but often the only exposure for those in the West is at Yoga class. Please see our Ishvara Pranidhana Guide OM section for more info and links for in-depth research. You can do this on your own if you have practiced before, or check out this video to learn how to properly OM on your own. If you prefer, try this video as a guided meditation.

Want more on Meditation? Check out our Upper Limbs & Meditation Guide!

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Please comment and share your experience if you got your OM on with us today! Have you tried this before, or is OM new to you? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!

              

February 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Breath-Focused Meditation

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Meditation

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Happy February 26, 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Breath-Focused Meditation

Good morning Yogis! We are wrapping up our special Upper Limbs week! Next month we will have a special bonus daily meditation month aligning with our 8 Limb Yoga practices, but this week we will cover special meditation practices.

close-up cool perspective of colorful fluorescent leaves foliage art from meow wolf denver - pranayama breath breathing Quote: Focus on the miracle that breath is. - Jacqueline Whitney
Focus on the miracle that breath is. – Jacqueline Whitney

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try the traditional Breath-Focused Meditation Practice. This traditional meditation method is supposed to bring you to Samadhi – from Dharana and into Dhyana. Meditation (particularly on my own with breathing and not a guided meditation or Dharana practice) has always been difficult for me personally, with my “monkey mind” but these methods below have worked for me!

Traditional Breath-Focused Meditation

Start sitting in a comfortable cross-legged position. Try to find a quiet, comfortable space. Relax and focus on your breath. Allow your belly to expand on each inhale, and contract to empty your lungs fully on each exhale. (Check our Pranayama Guide for more detail on diaphragmatic breathing).

Notice any outside distractions such as wind or noises from the street, and try to allow them to fade into the background as you calmly turn your focus inwards. Notice any inside distractions coming from your mind, as our inner world/voice is typically used to running wild on auto-pilot. Calmly allow these passing thoughts to fade, and turn your attention back to your breath. 

Start working towards calming your mind. Focus on counting to 10 with your breath. Inhale 1, exhale 2, inhale 3, exhale 4, and continue to 10. If you notice your thoughts wandering, gently let them go, turn your attention back to your breath, and begin again with 1 on your next inhale.

Or, if you prefer more than numbers for your focus, try thinking to yourself “inhale peace and relaxation” each inhale, and “exhale stress and tension” each exhale. Many Yogis enjoy guided meditations to help focus.

Want more on Meditation? Check out our Upper Limbs & Meditation Guide!

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

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Share your Practice

Please comment and let me know what you thought of this meditation exercise! If you meditate, how long do you typically meditate for and how frequently? Do you have another meditation technique or guided meditation you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!

              

February 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Body Scanning Meditation

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Meditation

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Happy February 25, 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Body Scanning Meditation

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our special Upper Limbs week! Next month we will have a special bonus daily meditation month aligning with our 8 Limb Yoga practices, but this week we will cover special meditation practices.

close-up cool perspective of colorful van goh painting projection from immersive exhibition - upper limbs of yoga meditation body body-scanning meditation Quote: Your body hears everything your mind says. - Naomi Judd
Your body hears everything your mind says. – Naomi Judd

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a body scanning meditation. You can try in Shavasana after Asana practice, or on its own. I usually start at my toes, and gradually tighten and relax each body part, then re-scan starting again at my toes.

PRO TIP: Already comfortable with body scanning meditations? Try starting with right toe, then left toe, and switch sides as you progressively scan moving up your body!

More Body Scan Meditations

Body Scanning Guided Meditation (15 minutes)

Pratyahara Guided Meditation

Body Scan Instructions and more info

Want more on Meditation? Check out our Upper Limbs & Meditation Guide!

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Please comment to share your experience or any favorite body scan practices. Always remember, be kind!

              

February 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Mantra Meditation

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Meditation

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Happy February 24, 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Mantra Meditation

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our special Upper Limbs week! Next month we will have a special bonus daily meditation month aligning with our 8 Limb Yoga practices, but this week we will cover special meditation practices.

close-up cool perspective of colorful orange forest light art from meow wolf denver - meditation, upper limbs, mantras mantra meditation Quote: Mantras are sacred syllables. They are a series of either a single syllable repeated or a string of syllables that form words. But they are words with particular intent in mind. So the idea of mantras would be to create certain vibrations, or to align yourself and others with certain vibrations that are known to create profound positive transformation, within yourself and in the environment around you. - Zeena Schreck
Mantras are sacred syllables. They are a series of either a single syllable repeated or a string of syllables that form words. But they are words with particular intent in mind. So the idea of mantras would be to create certain vibrations, or to align yourself and others with certain vibrations that are known to create profound positive transformation, within yourself and in the environment around you. – Zeena Schreck

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a mantra meditation. You can try some OMs, a traditional Sanskrit mantra, or some common English motivational mantras.

Mantra Recommendations

25 Motivational Mantras

Learn about and practice some OMs

Intro to Sanskrit Mantras

Read and learn about Mantras in English

Morning Positive Affirmations (5 min video – English)

Want more on Meditation? Check out our Upper Limbs & Meditation Guide!

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

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Share your Practice

Please comment to share which mantra meditation you tried or prefer. Always remember, be kind!

              

February 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Trataka (Flame Gazing Meditation)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Meditation

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Happy February 23, 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Trataka (Flame Gazing Meditation)

Good morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a special Upper Limbs week of meditative practices. Today we will focus on Flame Gazing Meditation, a Dharana practice I particularly enjoy during winter with the wood stove.

close-up cool perspective of colorful orange fragmented reflections of van goh painting from immersive exhibition - meditation, upper limbs, fire flame gazing meditation Quote: One of the strongest characteristics of genius is the power of lighting its own fire. - Carol Welch
One of the strongest characteristics of genius is the power of lighting its own fire. – Carol Welch

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a form of Flame Gazing, a Dharana Practice. There are a few different forms of this you can try!

Flame Gazing Meditation – Trataka

Want more on Meditation? Check out our Upper Limbs & Meditation Guide!

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

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Share your Practice

Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Dharana exercise! Have you done this meditative flame-gazing before, not knowing this was a meditation practice? Always remember, be kind!

              

February 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Meditative Mandalas

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Meditation

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Happy February 22, 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Meditative Mandalas

Good Morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a special Upper Limbs week of meditative practices. Today we will revisit one of my favorite Dharana Meditative Practices – Mandalas!

blue and yellow colorful celestial mandala
red and yellow colorful mandala
green and purple colorful floral mandala
rainbow colorful mandala

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Meditative Mandala Practice!

Mandala Art

Please see blank Mandalas below, or consider one of my recommended Mandala coloring books… I am excited now years later I have the opportunity to share some of my favorite Mandala colorings! I prefer colored pencils or crayons for Mandala coloring books, because unfortunately, my coloring sharpies bleed through the pages.

Blank Mandalas

More Mandalas

Or, if coloring is not your thing, try out a Mandala Kaleidoscope Meditation! I am not a huge fan of the new-agey music (unless using a special HZ), and prefer muting and listening to a meaningful song or album. You may also want to look into Tibetan Sand Mandalas!

Want more on Meditation? Check out our Upper Limbs & Meditation Guide!

Check out my favorite Mandala Coloring books and supplies


Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This page contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Share your Practice

Please comment and let me know which you tried, and what you thought of this Meditative Mandala exercise! If you have another favorite Mandala practice or coloring book, then please share! Always remember, be kind!

              

February 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Moving Meditation

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Meditation

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Happy February 21, 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Moving Meditation

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our special Upper Limbs week! Next month we will have a special bonus daily meditation month aligning with our 8 Limb Yoga practices, but this week we will cover special meditation practices.

cool perspective looking out airplane window at city lights in dark sky - meditation, upper limbs, moving meditation Quote: Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states. - Carol Welch
Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states. – Carol Welch

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a moving meditation. I recommend a meditative drive or hike!

Moving Meditations

Meditative Drives

Driving is my favorite meditative activity, I definitely have the “monkey mind” so having something big to focus on is very helpful for me, and these meditative drives often result in solutions to problems or my best ideas.

Meditative Walks & Hikes

Yoga retreats frequently offer meditation walks or mindfulness hikes. This is something I try with our Santosha practices of enjoying the present moment! A meditative walk or hike is a great way to begin meditating, especially if mindfulness practices are new to you, or you have difficulty calming the mind while sitting quietly.

Meditative Asanas

Or try a Restorative Asana class with Guided Meditation for a meditative Asana session.

Want more on Meditation? Check out our Upper Limbs & Meditation Guide!

Next INTRO CHALLENGE May 2023

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

More Positive Practices

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Share your Practice

Please comment to share which moving meditation you tried or prefer. Always remember, be kind!

              

February 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Evening Meditation

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Meditation

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Happy February 20, 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Evening Meditation

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our special Upper Limbs week! Next month we will have a special bonus daily meditation month aligning with our 8 Limb Yoga practices, but this week we will cover special meditation practices.

close-up cool perspective of colorful starry night van goh painting projection from immersive exhibition - meditation, upper limbs, morning Quote: In the morning there is meaning, in the evening there is feeling. - Gertrude Stein
In the morning there is meaning, in the evening there is feeling. – Gertrude Stein

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Bedtime or Sleep Meditation for Upper Limbs Day. I am providing a few recommendations for this style of guided meditation based on your preferences. I find I fall asleep much easier with a sleep meditation, and I find the 6-8 hour meditations help me stay asleep through the night.

Sleep Guided Meditation Recommendations

Evening Sleep/Relaxation Meditation (50 minutes)

Sleep Manifest Guided Meditation (8 Hours)

Meditative Sleep Music (8 Hours)

Want more on Meditation? Check out our Upper Limbs & Meditation Guide!

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Please comment and let us know which meditation you tried. We are starting a daily meditation challenge for March, so please share any favorite guided meditations or meditation practices!! Always remember, be kind!

              

February 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Morning Meditation

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Meditation

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Happy February 19, 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Morning Meditation

Good morning Yogis, it is the start of our special Upper Limbs week! Next month we will have a special bonus daily meditation month aligning with our 8 Limb Yoga practices, but this week we will cover special meditation practices.

cool shot of bright orange sun on edge of horizon from plane window looking out at clouds and darkened water and towns - meditation, upper limbs, morning Quote: Waking up early, connecting with nature, and having my quiet time are priorities to me, and they are non-negotiable. - Danette May
Waking up early, connecting with nature, and having my quiet time are priorities to me, and they are non-negotiable. – Danette May

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Morning Meditation for Upper Limbs Day. I am providing a few recommendations for this style of guided meditation based on how much time you have available to practice. I truly find I have a much better day when I start the morning with a guided meditation!

Morning Guided Meditation Recommendations

Morning Guided Meditation (5 minutes)

Motivation Morning Guided Meditation (10 minutes)

Morning Manifest Guided Meditation (20 minutes)

Want more on Meditation? Check out our Upper Limbs & Meditation Guide!

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

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Share your Practice

Please comment and let us know which meditation you tried. We are starting a daily meditation challenge for March, so please share any favorite guided meditations or meditation practices!! Always remember, be kind!

              

February 2023 – Pisces Season: Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, 4 Pranayama, Holiday, Yoga Workouts

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Happy February 18, 2023 – Pisces Season: Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

Good Morning Yogis! Today is the start of Pisces Season – Happy Birthday Pisces Yogis! PS I am a Pisces rising so this is a special one for me! We will cover an Asana today inspired by Pisces – Matsyasana (maht-SYA-sa-nuh) or Fish Pose. This is a great chest opener and counter-pose for hunching over your desk, but you should avoid this pose if you have neck or shoulder injuries

PS if you would like to finish our week of special Pranayama exercises with a Zodiac-themed breath, try Simhasana Pranayama – Lion’s Breath for Leo.

Matsyasana - fish pose lotus legs intermediate variation - yoga pose yoga girl wearing blue fish-scale dragon-scale set doing yoga inside in cool indigo blue studio
Matsyasana – Fish Pose with Lotus Legs

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Fish Pose Asanas inspired by the start of Pisces Season!

Tag @dailyyogi.world with your Fish Pose Pics on Instagram!

blue and white pisces zodiac astrology symbol

Matsyasana – Fish Pose

Matsyasana - fish pose beginner variation - yoga pose yoga girl wearing blue fish-scale dragon-scale set doing yoga inside in cool indigo blue studio
Matsyasana – Fish Pose

The full expression Asana is a great full body workout, and is especially great for the core. I usually practice the beginner version of this Asana as a counter-pose to inversions such as Supported Shoulder Stand. The full expression of this pose is with stretched legs, with whole body in a V similar to Navasana or Boat Pose.

You will enter this pose by sitting on the mat in Dandasana or Staff Pose with your hands on the mat. Lean back slightly, place your forearms on the mat under your torso with palms on mat under your hips. Keep the weight of your torso on your arms, and gently lean your head back and rest gently on the mat to come into beginner Matsyasana as above. Hold for 30-60 seconds. To come out, gently press back up to sitting on your forearms, and then roll back down onto the mat.

When you are ready, you can straighten your legs to come into the full expression of this pose below, or fold your legs into lotus legs as above for a hip-opening intermediate version.

PS I have recently been enjoying a new modification for Matsyasana with Supta Badha Konasana Legs rather than Lotus Legs!

Matsyasana - fish pose advanced variation - yoga pose yoga girl wearing blue fish-scale dragon-scale set doing yoga inside in cool indigo blue studio
Matsyasana – Fish Pose – Advanced

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Equipment and Yoga Mats!

Do not push yourself to pain on your Yoga Journey! Many Yogis of all levels embrace all kinds of blocks and props. Do not hesitate to grab a couch pillow for extra support, a block for extra support or when you cannot reach the floor, or a strap for extra arm-reach and leverage.

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

Top 5 Yoga Mats


Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This page contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

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YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

More Positive Practices

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Share your Practice

Please comment and let us know how Fish pose was for you! Do you want to share an Asana inspiration for your sign’s pose? Always remember, be kind!

              

February 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril / Channel Clearing Breath)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 4 Pranayama, Self Care

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Happy February 17, 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril / Channel Clearing Breath)

Good morning Yogis! We are at the end of our week of special Pranayama practices! We will start a special meditation-focused week next week, and today we will try a a meditative Pranayama practice – Nadi Shodhana (NAH-dee show-DAH-nuh). This literally translates as “channel-clearing” but we frequently use a more descriptive translation of alternate-nostril breathing.

cool perspective close-up modern black metal sculpture from decordova sculpture garden among bright green sunlit trees - pranayama breath breathing Quote: Breathing is meditation; life is a meditation. You have to breathe in order to live, so breathing is how you get in touch with the sacred space of your heart. - Willow Smith
Breathing is meditation; life is a meditation. You have to breathe in order to live, so breathing is how you get in touch with the sacred space of your heart. – Willow Smith

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Nadi Shodhana or Channel Clearing, a Pranayama Practice. Most of us have tried diaphragmatic breathing, which is part one of this alternate-nostril breath. We recommend trying this breath technique during meditation! This is also a great calming technique for anxiety.

This technique is meant to clear the body’s energy channels, and I find it is super cleansing for the entire respiratory system – you may want to keep some tissues handy for this technique, and do not perform if you have a stuffy nose! You can also try a Guided Pranayama Meditation Practice – Nadi Shodhana.

Diaphragmatic Breath

  • Start in a comfortable seat 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.

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama – Channel Clearing / Alternate-Nostril Breathing

  • Get in position – you will want to come into a comfortable seat. Place your left hand on your left knee. Bring your right hand into a Vishnu Mudra, folding your first two fingers to your palm (or if this is not comfortable, bring all three center fingers to the palm, or rest your index and middle fingers on your forehead/third eye)
  • Use the right thumb to close the right nostril. Exhale and then inhale fully through your left nostril only, keeping your diaphragmatic breath technique, breathing into your belly.
  • Move your right ring and pinky finger to close the left nostril. Exhale and then inhale fully through your right nostril only.
  • Continue this alternate-nostril breathing for 3-5 minutes. Remember, exhale and inhale, then switch sides.

This technique can be quite confusing – you may want to follow along our recommended video this first time!

Want more on Pranayama? Check out our Pranayama Guide!

orange breath graphic on yellow gold background

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𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯, 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘦. - 𝘈.𝘊. 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘯⁣ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘫𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴. - 𝘈𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘮 𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸⁣ 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. - 𝘓𝘢𝘰 𝘛𝘻𝘶⁣ 𝘙𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘶𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴— 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺— 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘴, 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦. - 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘋𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘴⁣ 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭. - 𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘭𝘴𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳⁣ 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘴. 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦. - 𝘖𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰 𝘑𝘢𝘺 𝘚𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘩⁣ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰, 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺. - 𝘋𝘰𝘦 𝘡𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘢⁣ 𝘗𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴. - 𝘌𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘌𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘵⁣ 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘗𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺. - 𝘝𝘰𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦⁣

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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Have you tried this alternate-nostril breath? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!

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February 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 4 Pranayama

Table of contents

Happy February 16, 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Bhastrika Pranayama (Bellows Breath)

Good Morning Yogis! We are continuing our special Pranayama week! Today we will revisit a warming and energizing technique – Bhastrika Pranayama or Bellows’ Breath!

close-up cool perspective of colorful fluorescent art from meow wolf denver - pranayama breath breathing Quote: I really believe that breath, in and of itself... can become the ultimate self-healing tool. - Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
I really believe that breath, in and of itself… can become the ultimate self-healing tool. – Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Bhastrika Pranayama, an energizing Pranayama Practice. We will start diaphragmatic breathing, to center before beginning this technique. 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!

Want more on Pranayama? Check out our Pranayama Guide!

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 total Bellows Breaths at a time.

Want more on Pranayama? Check out our Pranayama Guide!

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Share your Practice

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!

              

February 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Vilona Pranayama (Retained Breath)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 4 Pranayama, Self Care

Table of contents

Happy February 15, 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing): Vilona Pranayama (Retained Breath)

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Pranayama Day! We are in the middle of a special Pranayama week.

close-up cool perspective of colorful fragmented reflections of van goh painting from immersive exhibition - pranayama breath breathing Quote: An instructor once told me that when there's resistence in your body, it's only because of the resistence in your mind. It's about getting inside the pose. Being the breath. - Lisa Bonet
An instructor once told me that when there’s resistence in your body, it’s only because of the resistence in your mind. It’s about getting inside the pose. Being the breath. – Lisa Bonet

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Vilona Pranayama or Retained Breath, a Pranayama Practice. We will start diaphragmatic breathing, which is part one of this breath. Vilona Pranayama translates as “against the wave” and is a retained breath technique. We recommend incorporating this breath technique into your Asana practice if poses are held for an extended period! Or, you can use this cooling breath technique to calm down after an active workout, or to help with anxiety.

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.

Vilona Pranayama / Retained Breath

  • VARIATION 1 – Retain before Inhale: Diaphragmatic breathing is the first part of this breath! Make sure you complete 10 full inhalations and exhalations, counting to 6 for each inhale and exhale. Then, hold your breath for a count of 6 before each inhale. Your breath pattern will be Inhale 6, Exhale 6, Hold 6, Inhale 6…
  • VARIATION 2 – Retain before Exhale: Diaphragmatic breathing is the first part of this breath! Make sure you complete 10 full inhalations and exhalations, counting to 6 for each inhale and exhale. Then, hold your breath for a count of 6 before each exhale. Your breath pattern will be Inhale 6, Hold 6, Exhale 6, Inhale 6…
  • VARIATION 3 – Retain before Inhale and Exhale: Diaphragmatic breathing is the first part of this breath! Make sure you complete 10 full inhalations and exhalations, counting to 6 for each inhale and exhale. Then, hold your breath for a count of 6 before each inhale AND exhale. Your breath pattern will be Inhale 6, Hold 6, Exhale 6, Hold 6, Inhale 6…

Want more on Pranayama? Check out our Pranayama Guide!

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Share your Practice

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