September 2023: Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga – Guided Meditation & Meditative Practices

Happy Asana September 18, 2023 – Guided Meditation & Meditative Practices

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Upper Limbs Day. 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

Dharana

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. Most of the meditative practices we think of are therefore Dharana practices – see our full list!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Dharana-focused Meditation Practice for Upper Limbs 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 Meditative Practices

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

Morning Motivational Meditation (10 minutes)

Evening Sleep/Relaxation Meditation (50 minutes)

Full Night Sleep Meditation (8 hours)

Grounding Meditation (9 minutes)

Body Scanning Guided Meditation (15 minutes)

Loving Kindness Guided Meditation (15 minutes)

Self-Reflective Guided Meditation (15 minutes)

Positive Affirmation Guided Meditation (12 minutes)

Celestial Visualization Guided Meditation (7 minutes)

Manifest Meditations (Power of Attraction) (10 minutes) 

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

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

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

September 2023: Asanas (Poses) – Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

Happy September 16, 2023 – Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

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, so it is worth revisiting often!

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 Positive Practice suggestion

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.

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


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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Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

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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!

Asana August 2023: Asanas (Poses) – Seated Asanas

Happy Asana August 21, 2023 – Asanas (Poses) – Seated Asanas

Good morning Yogis! We just wrapped up practice of each of the Limbs of Yoga. Today we will begin a series on different categories of Asanas I use – Seated, Arm Balance, Heart Opener / Backbend, Hip Opener / Forward Bend, Standing, Inversion, Twist, and Reclined. Today we will begin with Seated and review favorite seated poses that are best for meditation. Please note through this series that many of the Asanas can belong to more than one group – for example a seated twist would clearly belong to both Seated and Twist categories, and a reclined twist would belong to both Reclined and Twist.

Sukhasana - easy pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing pink and black lace set doing yoga inside in cool pink and purple yoga studio
Sukhasana – Easy Pose

Like this Yoga set? Click here for product links and discount codes!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asanas practice challenge for August! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For our focus on Seated Asanas today, I recommend a passive 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 one of my favorites – Beginner AM (20 Minute), which includes the beginner version of this pose that I can do! 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!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try any seated Asana. Firstly, please try all of them, at least briefly, and see which feels best for you! Please note different seats are comfortable for different bodies. I enjoy Padmasana / Lotus Pose which many Yogis find very uncomfortable, and I find Virasana / Hero’s Pose a bit rough on my knees and best with a block under my seat. Also, these seated poses are also the best positions for your meditation and Pranayama practice! Perhaps select your favorite as your comfortable seated position for your meditation practice going forward!

If you are able, I recommend Padmasana / Lotus Pose or try Gomukhasana / Cow Face Pose for the current Taurus Season!

Seated Asanas

Upper Body

Firstly, you should keep your head, neck, and shoulders aligned over your hips in each pose. Secondly, keep your shoulders down and back, and try to keep your back from rounding. Finally, your hands can either gently rest on knees and/or in your favorite mudra / placement for meditation. We will focus just on the lower body in each of these positions. Also, if any poses are uncomfortable, try with a couch pillow or block under your seat! Lastly, I find it helps to switch my legs and do both sides for any cross legged positions to even out my posture!

Sukhasana – Easy Pose

Sukhasana - comfortable cross-legged easy pose - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing black, outdoors yoga in the woods
Sukhasana – Easy Pose

Sukhasana (sook-HA-sa-nuh) is basically just a comfortable seated position! Firstly, look down at your legs – you should see a small triangle of empty space. Keep your torso straight and tall over your hips. Then take note of your rib cage. If you notice the bottom of rib cage is sticking out, pull back in and down to correct your posture. Finally, notice your shoulders. Try to gently roll your shoulders back and down, away from your ears. Notice how this helps your chest open. You can put your hands on the ground and gently press to lengthen your back, or rest your hands on your knees. You can pull a bit on your knees to help open your chest and help keep your back straight.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Siddhasana – Adept’s Pose

Siddhasana - adepts adept's pose - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing black, outdoors yoga in the woods
Siddhasana – Adept’s Pose

Siddhasana (sid-DAH-sa-nuh) is basically a slightly more difficult version of Sukhasana / Easy Pose. Start in Sukhasana / Easy Pose. Then, spread your knees a bit further, and bring your feet in towards your groin. Next, look down and make sure there is no empty space between your legs. Finally, make sure you keep your back straight, not rounded! If you notice your back rounding in this pose, move your legs back out to Sukhasana / easy pose. I prefer Siddhasana over Sukhasana, especially because bringing in my feet helps me maintain a straighter back.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Padmasana – Lotus Pose

Padmasana - full lotus pose - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing black, outdoors yoga in the woods
Padmasana – Lotus Pose

This is a comfortable seat for advanced Yogis only. Please do not force yourself into this pose! Many Yogis work Ardha Padmasana (ARD-ha pahd-MA-sa-nuh), or Half Lotus and can only express the full pose after extensive Asana practice. Make sure you keep your back straight, not rounded! I ALWAYS do an Asana series in this pose, cross my legs the other way, and repeat! This leg base is used in many other advanced Asanas and variations, such as Tolasana / Scales Pose and advanced Matsyasana – Fish Pose.

First, start in Siddhasana / Adept’s Pose. Lift and pull in your right foot, and place on top of your left thigh, as close to your hip as possible. You can leave your other leg here, in Ardha Padmasana – Half Lotus. Or, you can pull your left leg up and over onto your right leg, to come into the full expression of Padmasana.

If you are being extra festive today, perhaps also try Lotus Mudra with your hands, and read more about its history!

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Virasana – Hero’s Pose

Virasana - hero hero's pose - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing black, outdoors yoga in the woods
Virasana – Hero’s Pose

Since Virasana (veer-AH-sa-nuh) or Hero’s Pose is a kneeling Asana, it usually much more comfortable for Yogis with tight hips than the cross legged poses above. Firstly start kneeling with knees and toes together. Then, bring the toes apart, and sit yourself down between your legs. This pose can be rough on my knees, and sometimes bothers my heels and tops of my feet if I have been wearing high heels. I therefore find this pose much more comfortable with a block under my seat as pictured below.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

More Seated Asanas

Gomukhasana – Cow Face Pose

Dandasana – Staff Pose

Navasana – Boat Pose

Parivrtta Sukhasana – Seated Twist Pose

Check out more Asanas on Yoga Journal

Want to check out more types of Yoga? Check out our Asana Styles Guide!

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


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 to share your experience! What did you think? Which was your favorite of these seated poses? Always remember, be kind!

Asana August 2023: Asanas (Poses) – Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

Happy Asana August 17, 2023 – Asanas (Poses) – Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

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 an August 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, so I would like to revisit this today!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for August! 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 Positive Practice suggestion

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.

For a twist on Shavasana today – perhaps try a few rounds of Sun Salutations and end with a standing Shavasana in Tadasana / Mountain Pose!

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


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 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!

Asana August 2023: Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga – Meditation

Happy Asana August 6, 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga – Meditation

Good morning Yogis! Today we are having a KISS (keep it super simple) Day for Upper Limbs Day today with a Meditation Practice of your choice!

close-up cool perspective of yellow painting projection from immersive exhibition - meditation, upper limbs, moving meditation Quote: Half an hour’s meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed. - Saint Francis de Sales
Half an hour’s meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed. – Saint Francis de Sales

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for August. Please see our Asana Styles page for links to youtube videos for various Yoga Styles. I recommend a Vinyasa series today for a meditative flow.

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 Minute)!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is any Meditation Practice of your choice for Upper Limbs Day. You can scan through all of our recent meditation practices or check our guide below for a variety of focused meditative practices. Or, if you prefer a moving meditation for our Asana Month, try a Vinyasa series for a meditative flow.

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

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Check our Meditation Board on Pinterest!

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Please comment and share what meditation you chose for today! If you have another favorite meditation, please share the link! Always remember, be kind!

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

Happy June 28, 2023 – Body Scanning Meditation

Good morning Yogis! We are at the end of our special Upper Limbs week and special bonus daily meditation month, and will close with special meditation practices. Next month we will have a new special feature – stay tuned!

cool perspective decordova sculpture garden shot of gray twisting abstract sculpture with background of grassy field under shade of green leafy trees - body scanning meditation Quote: The body scan is not for everybody, and it is not always the meditation of choice even for those who love it. But it is extremely useful and good to know about and practice from time to time, whatever your circumstances or condition. - Jon Kabat-Zinn
The body scan is not for everybody, and it is not always the meditation of choice even for those who love it. But it is extremely useful and good to know about and practice from time to time, whatever your circumstances or condition. – Jon Kabat-Zinn

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.

More Body Scan Meditations

Body Scanning Guided Meditation (15 minutes)

Pratyahara Guided Meditation

Body Scan Instructions and more info

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Meditation June 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Mantra Meditation

Happy June 27, 2023 – Mantra Meditation

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our special Upper Limbs week! We are ending a special bonus daily meditation month with a week of special meditation practices.

cool perspective shot looking at pine tree branch with droopy green needles and baby pine cones surrounded by branches in pine grove - mantra meditation Quote: Everyone has their own mantra. - Russell Brand
Everyone has their own mantra. – Russell Brand

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.

Mantras

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 our Meditation Board on Pinterest!

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

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

Happy June 26, 2023 – 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. A candle is usually best for summer, and traditional Trataka is practiced with the flame from a candle or oil lamp.

cool decordova sculpture garden perspective shot of black and red firey waving platform holding black rock with background of grassy field under shade of green leafy trees - fire trataka flame gazing meditation Quote: The most tangible of all visible mysteries - fire. - Leigh Hunt
The most tangible of all visible mysteries – fire. – Leigh Hunt

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

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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!

Meditation June 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Meditative Mandalas

Happy June 25, 2023 – 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!

Dharana is the 6th Limb of Yoga, and is usually translated as concentration. 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. Most of the meditative practices we think of are therefore Dharana practices!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

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

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!

Blank Mandalas

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.

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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!

Meditation June 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Evening Meditation

Happy June 24, 2023 – Evening Meditation

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

cool decordova sculpture garden clear glass doors with dirt path through grassy field dreamland  under cloudy blue sky - sleep meditation dream Quote: Your future depends on your dreams, so go to sleep. - Mesut Barazany
Your future depends on your dreams, so go to sleep. – Mesut Barazany

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. I recently have been enjoying trying different Hz Solfeggio Frequency sleep music.

Sleep Guided Meditation

Evening Sleep/Relaxation Meditation (50 minutes)

Meditative Sleep Music (8 Hours)

Delta Wave Healing Sleep Music (11 Hours)

528Hz Manifest Guided Meditation (8 Hours)

Sleep Music for Dreams (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. I have been enjoying the same sleep meditation for a while, so please share any favorite guided meditations or meditation practices for me to try!! Always remember, be kind!

Meditation June 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Morning Meditation

Happy June 23, 2023 – Morning Meditation

Good morning Yogis, it is the start of a special Upper Limbs week to close out the month of June! We are in the middle of a special bonus daily meditation month aligning with our 8 Limb Yoga practices, so this final week we will focus on the Upper Limbs and cover special meditation practices.

cool perspective looking up at grape vine with dark green leaves covering trellis gate with sun rays peeking through the foliate - upper limbs meditation morning routine Quote: The day will be what you make it, so rise, like the sun, and burn. - William C. Hannan
The day will be what you make it, so rise, like the sun, and burn. – William C. Hannan

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

Morning Guided Meditation (5 minutes)

Morning Motivation Guided Meditation (10 minutes)

Morning Manifest Guided Meditation (20 minutes)

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. I switch between different morning meditations each day, so please share any favorite guided meditations or meditation practices!! Always remember, be kind!

Pranayama (Breathing): Yogic Breath (Three Part Breath) – Meditation June 2023

Happy June 22, 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing)

Good morning Yogis! Today is a KISS (keep it super simple) Day! So, we are going to revisit Yogic Breath, a Pranayama Practice.

cool perspective looking up at gray sky with twisting brown tree branches covered in green leaves - pranayama breath breathing Quote: When the breath wanders the mind is unsteady, but when the breath is calmed, the mind too will be still. - Hatha Yoga Pradipika
When the breath wanders the mind is unsteady, but when the breath is calmed, the mind too will be still. – Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for June! For Pranayama Day today, try our Breath-Focused Meditation with our Three Part Breath Below! If you prefer guided meditations, perhaps check out this talk on breath, mindfulness, and spirituality from the author of today’s quote.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Yogic Breath, a Pranayama Practice. Most of us have tried diaphragmatic breathing, which is part one of this three-part breath. We recommend incorporating this breath technique into your Asana practice, and bringing it forward into meditation! This is also a great calming technique for anxiety.

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.

Yogic Breath / Three Part Breath

  • PART 1 – Belly: Diaphragmatic breathing is the first part of three part breath! Make sure you complete 10 full inhalations and exhalations, counting to 6 for each inhale and exhale.
  • PART 2 – Ribs: After 10 complete belly breaths, after expanding into your belly – try expanding your rib cage outwards on inhales and allowing to compress on exhales.
  • PART 3 – Chest: After 10 full inhale and exhalations with rib cage expansion – first fill your belly, then expand rib cage, then try allowing your clavicle (collar bone) to rise as you fill and empty your lungs completely for another 10 breaths.

Want more on Pranayama? Check out our Pranayama Guide!

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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Do you incorporate diaphragmatic breathing like this, or other Pranayama into your Asana practice? Have you tried this full three-part breath? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!

Meditation June 2023 – Summer Solstice & Cancer Season: Chatus Pada Pitham Asana (Crab Pose)

Happy June 21, 2023 – Summer Solstice & Cancer Season

Good Morning Yogis! Today is the start of Cancer Season – Happy Birthday Cancer Yogis! We will cover an Asana today inspired by Cancer – Crab Pose. This is a great chest opener and counter-pose for forward bends, but you should avoid this pose if you have neck or shoulder injuries. Today is also the Summer Solstice – Happy Summer!

blue and white cancer zodiac astrology symbol

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for June! For our Astrology-focused day today, my meditation for the day is a Celestial Visualization Guided Meditation. Or try a special Pranayama exercise with a Zodiac-themed meditative breath Simhasana Pranayama – Lion’s Breath for Leo.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

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

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

Chatus Pada Pitham Asana – Crab Pose

Chatus Pada Pitham Asana - crab pose reverse table tob - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing black, outdoors yoga in the woods
Chatus Pada Pitham Asana – Crab Pose

The full expression Asana is a great chest opener, and is especially great for the core and glutes. I usually practice this as a counter pose after Navasana or Boat Pose. This is also a precursor to the advanced Urdhva Dhanurasana or Wheel Pose. The Sanskrit for this pose is literally four-footed throne.

You will enter this pose by sitting on the mat in Dandasana or Staff Pose if you are coming from Navasana or Boat Pose with your hands on the mat. Bend your arms back and place your hands palm down on the mat just behind your hips – they can face forward or back for this Asana, but make sure to point fingers towards your shoulders if working progression to Wheel. To come up, press into your hands and lift your booty off the ground, then use your core to lift your hips and torso to parallel to the ground. Hold for 2-6 breaths. To come out, lower your back to the mat, then lay legs back out.

Chatus Pada Pitham Asana - crab pose reverse table tob - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing black, outdoors yoga in the woods
Chatus Pada Pitham Asana – Crab Pose

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

Santosha (Contentment) – Meditation June 2023: Mindfulness

Happy June 16, 2023 – Santosha (Contentment)

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Santosha / contentment Day. Today we are going to revisit 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 June! For our Mindfulness-focused Santosha Day today, our meditation is a  Mindfulness Guided Meditation.

cool perspective close-up of light green evergreen spruce tree needles - santosha contentment mindfulness present moment Quote - Always hold fast to the present. Every situation, indeed every moment, is of infinite value, for it is the representative of a whole eternity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Always hold fast to the present. Every situation, indeed every moment, is of infinite value, for it is the representative of a whole eternity. – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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!