8 limbs of yoga Archives • Daily Yogi

Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga – Dharana (Intense Focus): Meditation March 2023

03/14/202303/13/2023 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, 8 Limbs of Yoga, Meditation, Philosophy

Happy Meditation March 14, 2023 – Dharana (Intense Focus)
Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge
Dharana (Intense Focus)
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
- Dharana or Intense Focus Meditative Practices
- Recommended Dharana Guided Meditation Videos
More Positive Practices
- Related Positive Practices
Share your Practice

Happy Meditation March 14, 2023 – Dharana (Intense Focus)

Good Morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a month focused on meditation for March. We typically spend more time practicing the lower limbs, but during meditation months we will take couple days to cover each of the four upper limbs, rather than combining into one. We covered Pratyahara or withdrawal of the sense yesterday. As we have discussed, the upper limbs build upon all four of the lower limbs, and then sequentially upon each other. These practices are all meditation focused and therefore must truly be attained on your own. Today we will revisit Dharana, and then try a Dharana Guided Meditation or other Meditative Practice.

close-up cool perspective of dark green glass reflective art - upper limbs of yoga dharana meditation intense focus Quote: Wisdom comes with the ability to be still. Just look and listen. No more is needed. - Eckhart Tolle — Wisdom comes with the ability to be still. Just look and listen. No more is needed. – Eckhart Tolle

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We have a bonus daily meditation challenge for March. Try any of our Dharana practices today!

Dharana (Intense Focus)

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

Dharana or Intense Focus Meditative Practices

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

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

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.

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

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!

January 2023 30 Day Challenge: Day 13 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Meditation

01/14/202301/09/2023 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Meditation

Happy January 14, 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Meditation
30 Day Challengers
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
Share your Practice
More Positive Practices
- Related Positive Practices

Happy January 14, 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Meditation

Happy Saturday Yogis! Today we are having a KISS day – try a Meditation Practice of your choice!

30 Day Challengers

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

cool perspective looking at dark reflective mirror art - meditation, upper limbs of yoga positivity Quote: The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large. - Confucius — The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large. – Confucius

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is any Meditation Practice for Upper Limbs Day. I recommend today’s breath focused meditation, which is challenging but a great meditation for progression through the Upper Limbs. Or, check out our meditation guide for more practice suggestions!

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

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

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

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

December 2022 Holidays – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Meditation – New Years Eve

12/31/202201/02/2023 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Holiday, Meditation

Happy December 31, 2022 – Meditation
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
New Years Eve
Share your Practice

Happy December 31, 2022 – Meditation

Good Morning Yogis! Today we are having a KISS day – try a Meditation Practice of your choice!

cool perspective looking at fluorescent lit glass art in dark room - meditation, upper limbs of yoga calm mind Quote: Are you a stingy breather? Well, don’t be. Be extravagant with you breathing and come fully alive. - Ron Fletcher — With meditation, you become a sensitized superhero, completely in control, with endless possibilities at your fingertips. – Tara Stiles

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is any Meditation Practice for Upper Limbs Day. You can scan through all of our recent meditations or check our most recent Dharana Day Post for a variety of focused meditative practices. I recommend a New Years Themed Guided Meditation to get a head start for our resolutions practices tomorrow!

New Years Eve

Today is also New Years Eve, the last day of the year. 2021 has been a challenging year full of changes, and I am focused on continuing the positive changes with a New Years Themed Guided Meditation today.

In the past, I also tried an energy clearing guided meditation and theta wave ambient noise meditation for New Years Eve. If these do not resonate with you, perhaps try a guided meditation on finding your path or Positive Affirmation Guided Meditation.

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

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

November 2022 Challenge: Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga – Meditation

11/12/202211/12/2022 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Meditation

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

cool perspective back bay boston skyline at night city downtown at night - meditation, upper limbs, calm mind Quote: We must experience the Truth in a direct, practical and real way. This is only possible in the stillness and silence of the mind; and this is achieved by means of meditation. - Samael Aun Weor — We must experience the Truth in a direct, practical and real way. This is only possible in the stillness and silence of the mind; and this is achieved by means of meditation. – Samael Aun Weor

Happy Saturday Yogis! Today we are having a KISS day – try a Meditation Practice of your choice!

I want to report back on my sleep meditation that I have been trying the past couple years! I have kept up with listening to this every night for the past few months, and I have found when I used this 8-hour sleep meditation I not only fall asleep faster, but I stay asleep better throughout the night. I wonder if the ambient noise puts me back to sleep if I am waking up? Either way, I am very pleased to have found a natural sleep aid for my tool box!

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

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

Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: October 2022 – Meditative Practices: Mandalas

10/30/202210/24/2022 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Meditation, Philosophy

Good morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for October’s Emotional Wellness Month. Additionally, today is Upper Limbs Day. Today we will try a new Dharana Meditative Practice – Mandalas!

Also, welcome to our 30 Day Intro Challenge! We are starting another 30 Day Intro Challenge for November. Typically we start our intro weekends with Resolutions / Intention Settings. If you have been with us since January and our last Challenge, please consider revisiting your intentions and resolutions for the year, since we are at the 3/4 point of 2021.

New & Intro Challenge Yogis – Please navigate to our intro weekend posts below!

00 Birthday/New Year Resolution
0 Ashtanga – The 8 Limbs of Yoga (must read!)

blue and yellow colorful celestial mandala

green and purple colorful floral mandala

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. Please see our deep dive of Dharana for more info. Most of the meditative practices we think of are therefore Dharana practices – see our full list!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Dharana 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

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!

October 2022: 6th Limb of Yoga – Dharana (Intense Focus): Guided Meditation & Meditative Practices

10/16/202210/15/2022 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, 8 Limbs of Yoga, Meditation, Philosophy

Good Morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a month focused on meditation for October. We typically spend more time practicing the lower limbs, but during meditation months we will take couple days to cover each of the four upper limbs, rather than combining into one. We covered Pratyahara or withdrawal of the sense yesterday. As we have discussed, the upper limbs build upon all four of the lower limbs, and then sequentially upon each other. These practices are all meditation focused and therefore must truly be attained on your own. Today we will revisit Dharana, and then try a Dharana Guided Meditation or other Meditative Practice.

cool shot of alpine town in mountain valley under partly cloudy sky with snow on mountain tops - upper limbs of yoga dharana meditation intense focus Quote: We are not born focusing. It’s an acquired skill that requires initial effort and constant upgrading. - Robert Genn — We are not born focusing. It’s an acquired skill that requires initial effort and constant upgrading. – Robert Genn

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

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

Dharana or Intense Focus Meditative Practices

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

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

September 2022: Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga – Dharana (Intense Focus): Guided Meditations & Meditative Practices

09/28/202209/26/2022 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, 8 Limbs of Yoga, Meditation, Philosophy

Good Morning Yogis! We are ending a September Asana-focused month of practices, and moving on to a month focused on meditation for October. We typically spend more time practicing the lower limbs, but during meditation months we will take couple days to cover each of the four upper limbs, rather than combining into one. We covered Pratyahara or withdrawal of the sense yesterday. As we have discussed, the upper limbs build upon all four of the lower limbs, and then sequentially upon each other. These practices are all meditation focused and therefore must truly be attained on your own. Today we will revisit Dharana, and then try a Dharana Guided Meditation or other Meditative Practice.

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

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

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

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

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

Dharana or Intense Focus Meditative Practices

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

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

September 2022: Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga – Guided Meditation & Meditative Practices

09/20/202209/13/2022 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, 8 Limbs of Yoga, Holiday, Meditation, Philosophy

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Upper Limbs Day. Today we will revisit Dharana, and then try a Dharana Guided Meditation or other Meditative Practice.

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

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

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

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

Dharana or Intense Focus Meditative Practices

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

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

September 2022: Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender) – Padangusthasana (Toe Stand Pose)

09/17/202209/13/2022 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 2-Niyamas, 3-Asanas, Grounding Asanas, N5-Ishvara Pranidhana

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

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

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

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

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

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

Padangusthasana – Toe Stand Pose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦, 𝘴𝘰 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨. - 𝘉𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘦⁣

𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘵. - 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘬⁣

𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴. - 𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘙𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘵⁣

𝘉𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭. 𝘈𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭. 𝘛𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘹 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘌𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺. - 𝘈𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘢 𝘐𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪 𝘕𝘬𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘻𝘢𝘯𝘢⁣

Today is Asana Day and we are in a meditation-focused March. Today we are revisiting the meditative flow of Vinyasa Yoga. ⁣

𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦; 𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦, 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴. - 𝘈𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘵𝘭𝘦⁣

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⁣

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

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September 2022: Svadhyaya (Self-Study) – Ardha Hanumanasana & Utthan Pristhasana (Half Monkey & Lizard Pose)

09/16/202209/13/2022 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 2-Niyamas, 3-Asanas, N4-Svadhyaya

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

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

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

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

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 old favorites with both of today’s poses – Intermediate Flexibility (30 Minutes) which works these poses.

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

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

Ardha Hanumanasana – Half Monkey Pose

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

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Utthan Pristhasana – Lizard Pose

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

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

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

Journal Day

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

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

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

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

September 2022: Tapas (Discipline) – Bakasana – Crow Pose

09/15/202209/13/2022 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 2-Niyamas, 3-Asanas, Grounding Asanas, N3-Tapas, Yoga Workouts

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

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

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bakasana – Crow Pose

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next INTRO CHALLENGE May 2023

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

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

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

09/14/202209/13/2022 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 2-Niyamas, 3-Asanas, N2-Santosha

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras with the second of the Niyamas – Santosha 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

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.

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

September 2022: Saucha (Purity) – Ardha Bhekasana (Frog Pose)

09/13/202209/13/2022 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 2-Niyamas, 3-Asanas, N1-Saucha

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras with the first of the Niyamas – Saucha or Purity. Since we are in the middle of a September Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Ardha Bhekasana (ARD-ha bhe-KA-sah-nuh) is my choice to represent Saucha, since this pose always reminds me of wringing out a rag!

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 Saucha Day today, I recommend a gentle Yin or Restorative class which will likely feature twisting poses.

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 – Twist and Align, which includes many twisting poses!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Half Frog Asanas for Saucha Day! You will notice that this is a floor version but very similar backbend to Natajarasana or King Dancer Pose from yesterday! ALWAYS practice this Asana on both sides!

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Saucha Day – practice some clean self-care!

Ardha Bhekasana – Half Frog Pose

Start laying face-down on your mat in Reverse Corpse Pose. We will perform on the right side first. Prop yourself up with your left forearm, keeping your elbow under your shoulder. Exhale to bend your right leg towards your bottom, and inhale as you reach back with your right hand to grab the top or outside of your right foot. Keep your elbow pointing straight up and back, and avoid letting your shoulders collapse. Lengthen your spine on inhales, and press your foot and leg further towards the floor on exhales. Hold for 30 seconds and release back to Reverse Corpse.

Make sure to repeat on both sides! If you are comfortable with this Asana, perhaps try the advanced full version of the pose!

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I would recommend couch pillows, or perhaps a folded-up blanket for support under the torso and ribs.

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

Top 5 Yoga Mats

Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried this pose or its full expression before? Always remember, be kind!

September 2022: Aparigraha (Non-Attachment) – Natarajasana (King Dancer Pose)

09/12/202209/10/2022 by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Y5-Aparigraha

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras and representative Asanas with the fifth and last of the Yamas – – Aparigraha or Non-Attachment.

King Dancer or Natarajasana (NAH-tah-ra-JAH-sa-nuh) is my choice to represent Aparigraha, since this is a very challenging balance and back bend. You will also likely fall over a few times, so enjoy a few laughs working on this Asana! In fact, I often work just the beginner version of this pose, and do not often come into the full version. this is a popular advanced Asana for Instagram, and I enjoy watching other Yogis journey with this pose! PS Check out the mythology behind this pose!

Natarajasana - King Dancer Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains — Natarajasana – King Dancer Pose

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asanas practice challenge for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Aparigraha Day today, I recommend a passive Yin or Restorative class, or a balance-focused 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 – Beginner AM (20 Minute), which includes the beginner version of this pose! 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 Daily Yogi Practice is to try King Dancer Pose for Aparigraha Day! This is a challenging pose for all levels Yogis. Make sure to incorporate Aparigraha, and just practice without expectations, and see how you can progress with this journey pose. Remember – practice not perfection! We will talk about the variations of this pose as you progress today! Start in Tadasana – Mountain Pose.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Aparigraha Day – make a gratitude list!

Natarajasana – King Dancer Pose

Natarajasana - Beginner King Dancer Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains — Natarajasana – King Dancer Pose (Beginner)

Feet and Legs – Start in Tadasana – Mountain Pose. Claw your toes into the mat slightly to keep your arches from falling into the mat. Perhaps keep a slight bend in the knee, Always make sure you avoid hyper-extending or locking your knees. We will perform with the right leg first – so shift all weight into your left leg. When you are ready, slowly bend your right leg back. Grab the INSIDE of your right foot with your right hand, to begin opening your chest.

Hips – Make sure your hips stay pointing forward, not opening to the side.

Torso – Notice your rib cage in mountain pose. If you notice the bottom of rib cage is sticking out, pull back in and down to correct your posture. Next notice your shoulders. Try to gently roll your shoulders back and down, away from your ears. Notice how this helps your chest open. Make sure you keep your torso in line with the rest of your body, do not jut your ribs forward.

Head and Neck – Check where your ears are compared to your shoulders. Most of us keep our heads slightly forward. If you notice you are doing this, tuck your chin slightly and gently press back to bring your neck and ears into alignment with your shoulders. Gaze ahead at a single unmoving point to help with balance.

Arms – Grab the INSIDE of your right foot with your right hand, to begin opening your chest. Raise your left arm straight up, to come into the beginner pose above.

To move into the pose, exhale and lean forward slightly, raising your right leg and lowering your left arm to stay balanced. You may come as far forward as you are comfortable, but try to only lean as far forward with your arm as needed to offset lifting your leg. Eventually, you may grab your foot with both hands behind your head, but this expression of the pose requires master balance and flexibility.

To come out of either variation of this pose, first slowly lower down to the starting position, then release and slowly lower your foot back down to the ground on an exhale. Make sure to repeat this Asana on both sides, and notice any differences in balance and flexibility between sides without judgement!

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! Where are you on your journey with this challenging pose? Always remember, be kind!

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Table of contents

Happy Meditation March 14, 2023 – Dharana (Intense Focus)

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

Dharana (Intense Focus)

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Dharana or Intense Focus Meditative Practices

Recommended Dharana Guided Meditation Videos

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

More Positive Practices

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

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Table of contents

Happy January 14, 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Meditation

30 Day Challengers

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

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

Share your Practice

More Positive Practices

Related Positive Practices

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Table of contents

Happy December 31, 2022 – Meditation

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

New Years Eve

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

Share your Practice

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

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Blank Mandalas

Check out my favorite Mandala Coloring books and supplies

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Dharana or Intense Focus Meditative Practices

Recommended Dharana Guided Meditation Videos

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

Like this:

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

Dharana or Intense Focus Meditative Practices

Recommended Dharana Guided Meditation Videos

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

Like this:

Dharana or Intense Focus Meditative Practices

Recommended Dharana Guided Meditation Videos

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

Like this:

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

Padangusthasana – Toe Stand Pose

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Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

Ardha Hanumanasana – Half Monkey Pose

Utthan Pristhasana – Lizard Pose

Journal Day

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

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Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

Bakasana – Crow Pose

Next INTRO CHALLENGE May 2023

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Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana – One Legged King Pigeon Pose

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Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

Ardha Bhekasana – Half Frog Pose

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Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

Natarajasana – King Dancer Pose

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

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

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

Follow us on Instagram – easy access to our daily positive practices
Plus second daily reminder photo /edit On INSTAGRAM Only
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Get the Daily Yogi App – Get quick access to
today’s practice and daily pop-up reminders!

CHECK OUT OUR Other Top 5 lists
TOP 5 YOGA Equipment and Yoga MATS!

Follow us on Instagram – easy access to our daily positive practices
Plus second daily reminder photo /edit On INSTAGRAM Only
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