Meditation March 2023: Santosha (Contentment) – Mindfulness

Happy Meditation March 22, 2023 – Santosha (Contentment)

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Santosha or contentment Day. Today we are going to revisit Mindfulness, a concept and practice that relates to Santosha.

cool perspective close-up modern abstract concrete sculpture from decordova sculpture garden among bright green grass and sunlit trees - santosha contentment happiness mindfulness mindful present moment Quote: The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness. - Abraham Maslow
The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness. – Abraham Maslow

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is fully being present or “in the moment” without distractions, and observing your inner and/or outer world without judgment. This is a practice embraced by both Eastern Philosophy and Western Psychology as key for both contentment and stress reduction. Many enjoy Yoga because it brings Mindfulness with focus on breath, moving between poses, and being present in our bodies. Mindfulness can help reduce anxiety, remain calm in stressful situations, support positive thinking, and increase the quality of our lives.

More on Mindfulness and Benefits

Psychology Today – Understanding, Practicing, and Benefits of Mindfulness

Mindful – Getting Started with Mindfulness (and Meditation)

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for March! For our Mindfulness-focused Santosha Day today, our meditation is a  Mindfulness Guided Meditation.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice for Santosha Day is to try to practice Mindfulness. Like many other challenging mental practices in Yoga like Aparigraha, remember this is a journey and be patient with your progress in this difficult practice, especially if it is new for you!

PS calmly notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

  • Go on a walk, and perhaps literally stop and smell the roses.
  • Take a run and feel the wind on your face.
  • Being around water is especially calming, maybe head out for a walk down the beach, around a lake, or by a river.
  • Go for a hike and appreciate the beauty around you, rather than focusing on finding a perfect selfie spot.
  • Take note of your thoughts during a stressful situation, and observe them without judgment rather than getting caught up with them.
  • Bring Mindfulness to your eating by paying attention to all five senses, chewing slowly, and truly enjoying every bite!
  • Sit quietly, and go through all of your senses one by one to appreciate your surroundings.
  • Try a body scan, especially in Shavasana after Asana practice, in a comfortable chair, or before bed.
  • Check out more Mindfulness practices from Mindful.org

Please remember Mindfulness is a difficult practice, so please be gentle with yourself!

Want more Santosha practices? Check out our Santosha Guide!

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Please comment and share how your Santosha Day went focusing on Mindfulness. Please share any favorite practices or tricks! Always remember, be kind!

Santosha (Contentment) – Meditation March 2023

Happy Meditation March 7, 2023 – Saucha (Purity)

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Santosha or Contentment Day… today is one of my favorite daily Sutra-inspired practices!

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for March! For Santosha Day today, my meditation for the day is a Positive Affirmation Guided Meditation. Try to remember any positive affirmations that resonate with you – perhaps add to your journal, repeat and reflect on your moment in nature today, and/or come back to them during meditation. I enjoyed the positive affirmations “Today I look for and appreciate the good” and “I am worthy, I am enough.” Or perhaps try this new Mindfulness Guided Meditation!

Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated than that. It is opening to or receiving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it. - Sylvia Boorstein
Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated than that. It is opening to or receiving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it. – Sylvia Boorstein

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice for Santosha Day is focusing on the present moment, ideally in nature. We are practicing finding the happiness in the “now”. Here are some of our best tips!

  • Go on a walk, and perhaps literally stop and smell the roses.
  • Take a run and feel the wind on your face.
  • Being around water is especially calming, maybe head out for a walk down the beach, around a lake, or by a river.
  • Go for a hike and appreciate the beauty around you rather than focusing on finding a perfect selfie spot.
  • Since we are still in the days of social distancing, maybe pack a picnic and head to the back yard or a nearby park.
  • Read a book on your deck or by the window.
  • Sit quietly, and go through all of your senses one by one to appreciate your surroundings.
  • Any way that feels right for you to get out of your head, and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.

PS calmly notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

Want more Santosha practices? Check out our Santosha Guide!

Want to See more like this?

Follow DailyYogi on Pinterest!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Share your Practice

Please comment and share how your Santosha Day went focusing on living in the now. Please share any favorite practices or tricks! Always remember, be kind!

January 2023 30 Day Challenge: Day 30 – Santosha (Contentment)

Happy January 31, 2023 – Santosha (Contentment)

Happy Tuesday Yogis! Today is Santosha Day! Last time we practiced the second of the Niyamas, Santosha (Contentment) with ourselves on the mat, by honoring and being gentle with our bodies, and not pushing ourselves to pain. Today we will be focusing on Santosha with our lives, not just our bodies.

30 Day Challengers

Doing our 30 Day Challenge? Click here for today’s post!

This is Day 30 of your Challenge if you started on Monday with the first Ahimsa Practice – congratulations! Please stay with us.. we will check in with our monthly daily commitment on Tapas Day and have another Svadhyaya Journal Day this week.

cool shot through darkened trees looking at purple and blue sunset over snowy mountain range - santosha contentment happiness mindfulness mindful Quote: I have chosen to be happy because it's good for my health. - Voltaire
I have chosen to be happy because it’s good for my health. – Voltaire

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to actively exercise Santosha or contentment by focusing on the present moment, ideally in nature. I have heard if we focus on the past we will be depressed, if we focus on the future we will be anxious, and the key to joy is living in the present moment. A couple of the Yamas and Niyamas reflect this secret of happiness hidden in the “now”. I find one of the easiest ways to do this is to get outside and be active!

Go on a walk, and perhaps literally stop and smell the roses. Take a run and feel the wind on your face. Being around water is always especially calming for me, maybe head out for a walk down the beach, around a lake, or by a river. Perhaps hike and appreciate the beauty around you rather than focusing on finding a perfect selfie spot. Since we are still in the days of social distancing, maybe pack a picnic and head to the back yard or a nearby park, or read a book on your deck or by the window. Or, try a mindfulness exercise if this is new for you. Whatever feels like the best way for you to get out of your little bubble, and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.

Also, calmly notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

Want more Santosha practices? Check out our Santosha Guide!

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Share your Practice

Please comment and share how you did focusing on the present moment today. Did you get outside? Were you able to find contentment in the now? Always remember, be kind!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

January 2023 30 Day Challenge: Day 7 – Santosha (Contentment)

Happy January 8, 2023 – Santosha (Contentment)

Good Morning Yogis! Our challengers are learning to remember to incorporate Santosha / contentment with Asana practice. We have discussed that Yoga is a practice, and I find nearly all of the limbs to be challenging. I personally have a hard time with Santosha, finding it especially difficult to “turn off” to just relax and enjoy where I am. So, today you have the choice between Santosha in the present moment, or Santosha with your Asana practice today.

30 Day Challengers

Doing our 30 Day Challenge? Click here for today’s post!

cool close up shot of dark and light brown grains - santosha contentment happiness acceptance Quote: The moment that judgement stops through acceptance of what it is, you are free of the mind. You have made room for love, for joy, for peace. - Eckhart Tolle
The moment that judgement stops through acceptance of what it is, you are free of the mind. You have made room for love, for joy, for peace. – Eckhart Tolle

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice for Santosha Day is either bringing Santosha into our Asana practice, or focusing on the present moment, ideally in nature.

Yogis practicing Santosha with their Asana practice – perhaps try a challenging balance pose! Here is a list of balance-focused Asanas and instructions from Yoga Journal. Personally, I am still recovering from a shoulder/neck injury that affects my daily Asana practice, and am working on Santosha with slowly rebuilding my upper-body strength.

For those Yogis practicing finding happiness in the “now” – here are some of our best tips!

  • Go on a walk, and perhaps literally stop and smell the roses.
  • Take a run and feel the wind on your face.
  • Being around water is especially calming, maybe head out for a walk down the beach, around a lake, or by a river.
  • Go for a hike and appreciate the beauty around you rather than focusing on finding a perfect selfie spot.
  • Since we are still in the days of social distancing, maybe pack a picnic and head to the back yard or a nearby park.
  • Read a book on your deck or by the window.
  • Sit quietly, and go through all of your senses one by one to appreciate your surroundings.
  • Any way that feels right for you to get out of your head, and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.

PS calmly notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

Want more Santosha practices? Check out our Santosha Guide!

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.

Share your Practice

Please comment and share how your Santosha Day went on the mat or focusing on living in the now. Please share any favorite practices or tricks! Always remember, be kind!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Santosha (Contentment) – November 2022 Challenge & Giving Tuesday

Happy Tuesday and Congratulations Challenger Yogis! We are on Day 30 of your Challenge if you started on 10/31 – congratulations! We have Day 30 planned for tomorrow to complete November. Please stay with us.. we will check in with our monthly daily commitment on Tapas Day and have another Svadhyaya Journal Day this week.

Today is Giving Tuesday. Please consider participating if you are able – you can get a bonus Ahimsa practice of kindness, Asteya practice of generosity, and enjoy how it feels to give back for today’s Santosha / contentment practice!

Before we begin our Yamas-focused practices for the month, we will continue on with weaving practice of each of the Niyamas and remaining Limbs of Yoga into our day. Last time we practiced the second of the Niyamas, Santosha / contentment with ourselves on the mat, by honoring and being gentle with our bodies, and not pushing ourselves to pain. Today we will be focusing on Santosha with our lives, not just our bodies.

alpine valley with darkened green pine trees in snowy epic mountain valley under tripply blue cloudy twilight sky - santosha contentment happiness mindfulness mindful Quote: Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties. - Helen Keller
Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties. – Helen Keller

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to actively exercise Santosha / contentment by focusing on the present moment, ideally in nature. I have heard if we focus on the past we will be depressed, if we focus on the future we will be anxious, and the key to joy is living in the present moment. A couple of the Yamas and Niyamas reflect this secret of happiness hidden in the “now”. I find one of the easiest ways to do this is to get outside and be active! Go on a walk, and perhaps literally stop and smell the roses. Take a run and feel the wind on your face. Being around water is always especially calming for me, maybe head out for a walk down the beach, around a lake, or by a river. Perhaps hike and appreciate the beauty around you rather than focusing on finding a perfect selfie spot. Since we are still in the days of social distancing, maybe pack a picnic and head to the back yard or a nearby park, or read a book on your deck or by the window. Whatever feels like the best way for you to get out of your little bubble, and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.

Also, calmly notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

Follow us on Instagram – easy access to our daily positive practices
Plus second daily reminder photo /edit On INSTAGRAM Only
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@dailyyogi.world
tag us with your Asana pics!
enable notifications for pop-up reminders!

Please comment and share how you did focusing on the present moment today. Did you get outside? Were you able to find contentment in the now? Always remember, be kind!

November 2022 Challenge: Sagittarius Season – Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

Doing our 30 Day Challenge? Click here for today’s post!

Dhanurasana - bow pose - yoga pose girl from back wearing tie dye shirt with trippy pink silver and blue metallic liquid background
Dhanurasana – Bow Pose

Good morning Yogis! Our Challengers are learning Sitali Pranayama, a cooling breath we covered on the Summer Solstice! If it is as cold as it is in Colorado today, you may want to try a warming Pranayama such as Bellows Breath again today!

Today is the start of Sagittarius Season – Happy Birthday Sagittarius Yogis! We will cover an Asana today inspired by Sagittarius– Dhanurasana (DAWN-new-RA-sa-nuh) or Bow Pose.

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

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

red and white sagittarius zodiac astrology symbol

Dhanurasana – Bow Pose

This Asana is a great full body stretch, and is especially great for the chest and shoulders. This is a deep stretch that requires you to be fairly open already, so I try to work this pose in near the end of my Asana practice.

You will enter this pose by laying on your stomach on the mat, in reverse corpse. Bend your knees and bring your feet towards your booty, and reach back to grab your feet with your hands.

Dhanurasana - bow pose - yoga pose girl wearing tie dye shirt with trippy galaxy stellar explosion background
Dhanurasana – Bow Pose

Feet and Legs – Your legs should be pointing straight – make sure your knees do not turn out to the sides. Grab your feet near your ankles, with thumbs pointing down. As you become more flexible, your legs will come up to bring you further into a backbend, but you will always keep your knees straight back/

Torso and Head  – Lift your head and chest off the mat and look straight ahead.

Arms – Keep your shoulders down and back. Your thumbs should point down, grabbing the outside of your feet near your ankles. As you become more flexible and comfortable with this pose, you may flip your grip as you move

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

You may want to try a strap in each hand wrapped around the feet to work your way into this pose!

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.

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

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

November 2022 Challenge: Day 7 – Santosha (Contentment)

Doing our 30 Day Challenge? Click here for today’s post!

cool shot of bright blue sky with sun setting behind snow-capped mountains - santosha contentment happiness mindfulness mindful Quote: Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life. - Omar Khayyam
Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life. – Omar Khayyam

Good Morning Yogis! Our challengers are learning to remember to incorporate Santosha / contentment with Asana practice. We have discussed that Yoga is a practice, and I find nearly all of the limbs to be challenging. I personally have a hard time with Santosha, finding it especially difficult to “turn off” to just relax and enjoy where I am. So, today you have the choice between Santosha in the present moment, or Santosha with your Asana practice today.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice for Santosha Day is either bringing Santosha into our Asana practice, or focusing on the present moment, ideally in nature.

Yogis practicing Santosha with their Asana practice – perhaps try a challenging balance pose! Here is a list of balance-focused Asanas and instructions from Yoga Journal. Personally, I am working through an injury this month while trying to maintain my daily Asana practice, and working on Santosha with my limited hip-focused practices on the days when I cannot use my shoulders for my preferred daily Asana series.

For those Yogis practicing the finding the happiness in the “now” – here are some of our best tips!

  • Go on a walk, and perhaps literally stop and smell the roses.
  • Take a run and feel the wind on your face.
  • Being around water is especially calming, maybe head out for a walk down the beach, around a lake, or by a river.
  • Go for a hike and appreciate the beauty around you rather than focusing on finding a perfect selfie spot.
  • Since we are still in the days of social distancing, maybe pack a picnic and head to the back yard or a nearby park.
  • Read a book on your deck or by the window.
  • Sit quietly, and go through all of your senses one by one to appreciate your surroundings.
  • Any way that feels right for you to get out of your head, and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.

PS calmly notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

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.

Please comment and share how your Santosha Day went focusing on living in the now. Please share any favorite practices or tricks! Always remember, be kind!

Santosha (Contentment): October 2022 – Mindfulness

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Santosha / contentment Day. Today we are going to introduce Mindfulness, a concept and practice that relates to Santosha.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is fully being present or “in the moment” without distractions, and observing your inner and/or outer world without judgment. This is a practice embraced by both Eastern Philosophy and Western Psychology as key for both contentment and stress reduction. Many enjoy Yoga because it brings Mindfulness with focus on breath, moving between poses, and being present in our bodies. Mindfulness can help reduce anxiety, remain calm in stressful situations, support positive thinking, and increase the quality of our lives.

More on Mindfulness and Benefits

Psychology Today – Understanding, Practicing, and Benefits of Mindfulness

Mindful – Getting Started with Mindfulness (and Meditation)

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for October! For our Mindfulness-focused Santosha Day today, our meditation is a  Mindfulness Guided Meditation.

cool shot of cloudy sky above snow-capped mountains - santosha contentment happiness mindfulness mindful Quote: Mindfulness isn't difficult. We just need to remember to do it. - Sharon Salzberg
Mindfulness isn’t difficult. We just need to remember to do it. – Sharon Salzberg

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice for Santosha Day is to try to practice Mindfulness. Like many other challenging mental practices in Yoga like Aparigraha, remember this is a journey and be patient with your progress in this difficult practice, especially if it is new for you!

PS calmly notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

  • Go on a walk, and perhaps literally stop and smell the roses.
  • Take a run and feel the wind on your face.
  • Being around water is especially calming, maybe head out for a walk down the beach, around a lake, or by a river.
  • Go for a hike and appreciate the beauty around you, rather than focusing on finding a perfect selfie spot.
  • Take note of your thoughts during a stressful situation, and observe them without judgment rather than getting caught up with them.
  • Bring Mindfulness to your eating by paying attention to all five senses, chewing slowly, and truly enjoying every bite!
  • Sit quietly, and go through all of your senses one by one to appreciate your surroundings.
  • Try a body scan, especially in Shavasana after Asana practice, in a comfortable chair, or before bed.
  • Check out more Mindfulness practices from Mindful.org

Please remember Mindfulness is a difficult practice, so please be gentle with yourself!

Want more Santosha practices? Check out our Santosha Guide!

Follow us on Instagram – easy access to our daily positive practices
Plus second daily reminder photo /edit On INSTAGRAM Only
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@dailyyogi.world
tag us with your Asana pics!
enable notifications for pop-up reminders!

Please comment and share how your Santosha Day went focusing on Mindfulness. Please share any favorite practices or tricks! Always remember, be kind!

October 2022: Santosha (Contentment)

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Santosha / Contentment Day… today is one of my favorite daily Sutra-inspired practices!

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for October! For Santosha Day today, my meditation for the day is a Positive Affirmation Guided Meditation. Try to remember any positive affirmations that resonate with you – perhaps add to your journal, repeat and reflect on your moment in nature today, and/or come back to them during meditation. I enjoyed “Today I look for and appreciate the good” and “I am worthy, I am enough.”

cool perspective sunlit cloudy mountain sky with pink orange and blue sunset - santosha contentment happiness satisfaction Quote: The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it. - Thich Nhat Hanh
The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it. – Thich Nhat Hanh

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice for Santosha Day is focusing on the present moment, ideally in nature. We are practicing finding the happiness in the “now”. Here are some of our best tips!

  • Go on a walk, and perhaps literally stop and smell the roses.
  • Take a run and feel the wind on your face.
  • Being around water is especially calming, maybe head out for a walk down the beach, around a lake, or by a river.
  • Go for a hike and appreciate the beauty around you rather than focusing on finding a perfect selfie spot.
  • Since we are still in the days of social distancing, maybe pack a picnic and head to the back yard or a nearby park.
  • Read a book on your deck or by the window.
  • Sit quietly, and go through all of your senses one by one to appreciate your surroundings.
  • Any way that feels right for you to get out of your head, and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.

PS calmly notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

Want to See more like this?

Follow DailyYogi on Pinterest!

Please comment and share how your Santosha Day went focusing on living in the now. Please share any favorite practices or tricks! Always remember, be kind!

September 2022: Santosha (Contentment) – Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana (One Legged King Pigeon)

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras with the second of the NiyamasSantosha or Contentment. Since we are in the middle of a September Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana (EH-kah PAH-duh RAH-juh kah-po-TAH-sa-nuh) or One Legged King Pigeon pose is my choice to represent Santosha. This pose, especially with a forward fold, always brings me to a mindful place in my Asana practice, and whenever I practice, I just want to hang out in this pose!

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 Santosha Day today, I recommend an alignment-focused Iyengar 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 one of my favorites – Intermediate Flexibility, which includes both variations of this pose.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try One-Legged King Pigeon Pose for Santosha Day! This pose is a favorite among all levels of Yogis, and is a great passive hip opener.

Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana – One Legged King Pigeon Pose

Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana - One Legged King Pigeon Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana – One Legged King Pigeon Pose

Start in Table Top. We will begin with the LEFT leg forward. Bring your left knee forward, and place it next to the inside of your left hand. Extend your left leg straight back as you lower your hips, making sure you keep the top of your foot on the mat and hips pointing forward. Press your hands into the mat and roll your shoulders back, puffing out your chest to come into the standard version of this pose.

After a breath or two, you may want to slowly walk your hands forward to rest your upper body over your front leg in a forward fold. You can keep your front leg parallel to the front of your mat to deepen the stretch. Take deep breaths into your belly (perhaps try Vilona Pranayama) and hold this pose for at least 30-60 seconds. To come out, lift yourself back onto your hands if you are in a forward fold, flex up onto your back toes, and come back up into either Downward Dog or Tabletop. Make sure to repeat on the other side.

Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana - One Legged King Pigeon Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana – One Legged King Pigeon with Forward Fold

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 either version of this pose before? Always remember, be kind!

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Santosha (Contentment) – August 2022 Yoga Challenge

Doing our 30 Day Challenge? Click here for today’s post!
Congrats on completing our August Challenge! Please stay with us.. we will have a 31st day to close out August, check in with our monthly daily commitment on Tapas Day and have another Svadhyaya Journal Day this week, and will begin our Asana-focused month for September.

Congrats on completing our August Challenge! Please stay with us.. we will check in with our monthly daily commitment on Tapas Day and have another Svadhyaya Journal Day this week, and will begin our Asana-focused month for September.

We are continuing on with weaving practice of each of the Niyamas into our day. Last time we practiced the second of the Niyamas, Santosha / contentment with ourselves on the mat, by honoring and being gentle with our bodies, and not pushing ourselves to pain. Today we will be focusing on Santosha with our lives, not just our bodies, by mindfully enjoying the present moment.

trippy white human face statue set in green new England forest with green grass and gray rocks - santosha contentment happiness satisfaction Quote: If you’re always racing to the next moment, what happens to the one you’re in? Slow down and enjoy the moment you’re in and live your life to the fullest. - Nanette Mathews
If you’re always racing to the next moment, what happens to the one you’re in? Slow down and enjoy the moment you’re in and live your life to the fullest. – Nanette Mathews

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to actively exercise Santosha / contentment by focusing on the present moment, ideally in nature. I have heard if we focus on the past we will be depressed, if we focus on the future we will be anxious, and the key to joy is living in the present moment. A couple of the Yamas and Niyamas reflect this secret of happiness hidden in the “now”. I find one of the easiest ways to do this is to get outside and be active! Go on a walk, and perhaps literally stop and smell the roses. Take a run and feel the wind on your face. Being around water is always especially calming for me, maybe head out for a walk down the beach, around a lake, or by a river. Perhaps hike and appreciate the beauty around you rather than focusing on finding a perfect selfie spot. Since we are still in the days of social distancing, maybe pack a picnic and head to the back yard or a nearby park, or read a book on your deck or by the window. Whatever feels like the best way for you to get out of your little bubble, and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.

Also, calmly notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

Follow us on Instagram – easy access to our daily positive practices
Plus second daily reminder photo /edit On INSTAGRAM Only
(2nd Insta post currently paused)

@dailyyogi.world
tag us with your Asana pics!
enable notifications for pop-up reminders!

Please comment and share how you did focusing on the present moment today. Did you get outside? Were you able to find contentment in the now? Always remember, be kind!

August 2022 Yoga Challenge: Santosha (Contentment)

Doing our 30 Day Challenge? Click here for today’s post!

white mountain wildflowers in grassy green field in front of gray lichen covered boulder - santosha contentment happiness satisfaction Quote: Happiness is a state of mind. It's just according to the way you look at things. - Walt Disney
Happiness is a state of mind. It’s just according to the way you look at things. – Walt Disney

Good Morning Yogis! Our challengers are learning to remember to incorporate Santosha / contentment with Asana practice. We have discussed that Yoga is a practice, and I find nearly all of the limbs to be challenging. I personally have a hard time with Santosha, finding it especially difficult to “turn off” to just relax and enjoy where I am. So, today you have the choice between Santosha in the present moment, or Santosha with your Asana practice today.

PS Today is also the Lion’s Gate peak – perhaps practice some Lion’s Breath Pranayama!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice for Santosha Day is either bringing Santosha into our Asana practice, or focusing on the present moment, ideally in nature.

Yogis practicing Santosha with their Asana practice – perhaps try a challenging balance pose! Here is a list of balance-focused Asanas and instructions from Yoga Journal.

For those Yogis practicing the finding the happiness in the “now” – here are some of our best tips!

  • Go on a walk, and perhaps literally stop and smell the roses.
  • Take a run and feel the wind on your face.
  • Being around water is especially calming, maybe head out for a walk down the beach, around a lake, or by a river.
  • Go for a hike and appreciate the beauty around you rather than focusing on finding a perfect selfie spot.
  • Since we are still in the days of social distancing, maybe pack a picnic and head to the back yard or a nearby park.
  • Read a book on your deck or by the window.
  • Sit quietly, and go through all of your senses one by one to appreciate your surroundings.
  • Any way that feels right for you to get out of your head, and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.

PS calmly notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

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.

Please comment and share how your Santosha Day went focusing on living in the now. Please share any favorite practices or tricks! Always remember, be kind!

July Anti-Boredom Month – Mindfulness & Flow: International Day of Friendship – Fun with Friends

Good Morning Yogis! We are near the end of a special Santosha and Mindfulness Summer Fun Month to align with July’s Anti-Boredom Month.

Today is the International Day of Friendship! So, for today’s Summer Fun activity, we will cover one of my favorite activities – Fun with friends!

Check out this month’s Introduction for more on mindfulness, flow, and Tea Ceremony – my recommended substitute practice for any suggested daily Fun Practice this month you do not want to try. We will have 31 different practices and activities to at minimum beat boredom for Anti-Boredom Month, and hopefully help you experience a flow state.

cool shot of three girl friends embracing in the sunset - mindful mindfulness friends friendship positivity Quote: Friendship takes work. Finding friends, nurturing friendships, scheduling face time, it all takes a tremendous amount of work. But it’s worth it. If you put in the effort, you’ll see the rewards of positive friends who will make your life extraordinary. - Maya Angelou original work - https://unsplash.com/photos/tXiMrX3Gc-g
Friendship takes work. Finding friends, nurturing friendships, scheduling face time, it all takes a tremendous amount of work. But it’s worth it. If you put in the effort, you’ll see the rewards of positive friends who will make your life extraordinary. – Maya Angelou

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try today’s Anti-Boredom / mindfulness/flow Activity: Enjoying a fun time with a friend!

With COVID this may not be the best time to visit a populated attraction, or they may be closed right now. So, consider some of our backyard activities below as well!

Fun with Friends

  • Enjoy a meal or drink with great conversation!
  • Spend an afternoon shopping or window shopping
  • Tour a brewery or winery
  • Call a friend on the phone or zoom and catch up
  • Play a card, board, trivia, or video game together (some of these can easily be done remotely!)
  • Beach Day!
  • Catch a new movie or watch your favorite TV shows together
  • Go for a walk or a hike together
  • Spend an afternoon enjoying a shared hobby like golf, biking, crafting or playing sports
  • Try an indoor adventure with laser tag, glow-golf, bowling, pool, darts, or a haunted house
  • Enjoy people watching or a picnic in a city park
  • Try something new like a cooking class, ziplining, jetskiing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, or kayaking
  • Play backyard games such as bocce, croquet, backgammon, volley ball, corn hole, or other fun family activities.
  • Check the local guides for your city and check out the top local attractions

Try to calmly take notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to and fully immerse yourself in the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

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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Please comment and share your experience with today’s practice. Were you able to find flow or contentment in the now? Always remember, be kind!

July Anti-Boredom Month – Mindfulness & Flow: Tiger Day – Animals

Good Morning Yogis! We are near the end of a special Santosha and Mindfulness Summer Fun Month to align with July’s Anti-Boredom Month.

Today is International Tiger Day to raise awareness about this endangered species. Please consider supporting conservation efforts through WWF’s Tx2 Initiative. So, today’s summer fun practice will be spending time with animals! I grew up with dogs, and LOVE my two dogs. I have always been an animal lover, and enjoyed studying marine biology as a child. Animals and pets benefit our mental health, so today we will be spending time with animals! Or, perhaps celebrate Tiger Day as we did last year with Vhyagrasana or Tiger Pose!

Check out this month’s Introduction for more on mindfulness, flow, and Tea Ceremony – my recommended substitute practice for any suggested daily Fun Practice this month you do not want to try. We will have 31 different practices and activities to at minimum beat boredom for Anti-Boredom Month, and hopefully help you experience a flow state.

Eka Hasta Vyaghrasana - one-handed tiger pose - yoga pose girl wearing platform black high heels and tiger dress, yoga in the forest, sexy yoga girl
Eka Hasta Vyaghrasana – One-Handed Tiger Pose

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try today’s Anti-Boredom / mindfulness/flow Activity: Spending time with animals!

With COVID this may not be the best time to visit a populated attraction, or they may be closed right now. So, consider some of our backyard activities below as well!

  • Today’s practice is inspired by Tiger Day so perhaps visit a zoo and learn about animals and conservation efforts!
  • Visit a butterfly garden or aquarium
  • If you have a pet, spend extra time together today or perhaps go on an adventure!
  • If you do not have a pet, consider asking a friend if they would like you to pet sit, or volunteer at a local animal shelter!

Try to calmly take notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to and fully immerse yourself in the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

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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Please comment and share your experience with today’s practice. Were you able to find flow or contentment in the now? Always remember, be kind!