Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras. Our last few cycles we took one day for all five of each of the Yamas and Niyamas, but this time we will take one day for these Limbs of Yoga. Since we are in the middle of a September Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Agnistambhasana (AHG-nis-tam-BAH-sa-nuh) or Fire Log Pose is my choice to represent the Niyamas, or Personal Observances – this Limb of Yoga covers how we should manage ourselves, and in Fire Log we are opening into and gazing at ourselves.
Bonus Daily Asana Challenge
We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Niyamas Day today, I recommend an alignment-focused Iyengar Series.
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 (30 Minutes).
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Fire Log Pose for Niyamas Day! I also recommend practicing your choice of Niyamas today – I will be practicing Santosha – Contentment with a mindfulness practice. Today’s Asana is a deep hip opener – make sure to switch your legs and practice on both sides! I consider this a slightly more targeted and intense version of Baddha Konasana / Cobbler Pose.
Agnistambhasana – Fire Log Pose
- Start in a cross legged position. Your hips should stay neutral. Take note of your booty – it should be almost tucked under rather than sticking out. You may want to sit on a block or couch pillow if you notice rounding in your back or shoulders. Keep your back, neck, and head in a straight line – notice any rounding in lower back or shoulders, and adjust your tail bone. Look straight ahead.
- Begin with your right foot on top – bring your right ankle on top of your left knee. Make sure your knees and feet are stacked, and feet are flexed. Bring shins parallel to front if possible.
- Inhale and press your hands into the mat next to your hips to lengthen your spine.
- Exhale and walk your hands forward as far as possible, lowering your torso over your legs. You may want to put a block or couch pillow under your head to help relax into the pose. Breathe deeply into your belly and hips, and let your hips and lower back release.
- Hold for 3-5 breaths. Walk your hands back to sit up on an inhale.
- Switch your legs so left leg is on top, and repeat on the other side.
Check out our Top 5 Yoga Mats and Equipment for Newbies!
You may want to try a block, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself find a comfortable seat.
Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies
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Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried Fire Log before? Always remember, be kind!
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