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

Happy Meditation March 28, 2023 – Morning Meditation

Good morning Yogis, it is Upper Limbs day! We are wrapping up a special bonus daily meditation month aligning with our 8 Limb Yoga practices, so we will close the month with a few of my favorite special meditation practices.

deep blue alpine lake in mountain valley full of green pine trees under bright blue sky - meditation, upper limbs, morning Quote: With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts. - Eleanor Roosevelt
With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts. – Eleanor Roosevelt

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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Share your Practice

Please comment and let us know which meditation you tried. Or, please share any favorite guided meditations or meditation practices!! Always remember, be kind!

Meditation March 2023: Asanas (Poses) – Vinyasa Yoga Series

Happy Meditation March 26, 2023 – Asanas (Poses) – Vinyasa Yoga Series

Adho Mukha Svanasana – Downward Facing Dog Pose

Good morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a meditation-focused March, and today is Asana Day. So, today we will revisit Vinyasa Yoga and its meditative flowing style.

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for March. We are trying a moving meditation with Vinyasa Yoga today!

Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa is arguably the most common class at Yoga Studios in the West. This is a fast-paced Asana practice combining breath with fast transitions between Asanas / poses to “flow” almost like a dance. Although these classes are popular, they are not for beginners. You should know many poses very well and sometimes how to transition between these poses. Vinyasa refers to the connections between breath and movement and a traditional Vinyasa class will move like a dance. Power flow also has this breath/movement connection or “flow” but is primarily cardio and strength-focused.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is a traditional Vinyasa Yoga series. This is a very challenging Asana practice moving quickly between each Asana.. you may want to try the beginner version if you have never tried a Vinyasa class before or are still learning the poses!

Beginner Vinyasa Series (try if you are still learning to “flow” breath with movement)

Intermediate Vinyasa Series

Check out a sped-up version of each of these videos above, to get a quick idea of what this style is like! You will notice linking breath to motion to “flow” through poses like a dance, with each Asana often held for only one breath.

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

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Equipment and Yoga Mats!

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.

Adho Mukha Svanasana - downward facing dog down dog pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing multicolor star print set doing yoga inside in cool pink and purple yoga studio
Adho Mukha Svanasana – Downward Facing Dog

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Please comment to share your experience with these Vinyasa series! Which version did you try? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!

Meditation March 2023: Asteya (Non-Stealing)

Happy Meditation March 18, 2023 – Asteya (Non-Stealing)

Good Morning Yogis! It is Asteya Day! Last time we practiced the positive version of the third of the Yamas – Asteya or non-stealing with an act of generosity, but today we will take it a step further and examine non-stealing.

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for March! For Asteya day today, my meditation for the day is a Guided Meditation on Balance in Our Lives.

garden with green leafy tree among green grass and shrubs under blue sky - asteya non-stealing giving balance Quote: Justice is balance in human affairs. Balance is wider than justice, since it includes justice and more than justice. - Orlando Jay Smith
Justice is balance in human affairs. Balance is wider than justice, since it includes justice and more than justice. – Orlando Jay Smith

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to actively practice Asteya or non-stealing in our lives. Need ideas? This is going to be similar to our Satya practice from yesterday, and we should reflect on areas of our life where we may be acting a bit selfishly or taking advantage of a situation. If you are taking a lot of assistance or time from a particular person but not giving much in return, reflect on that and consider how you can make the situation more fair. Or, examine a situation where you have been taking more than giving, express gratitude, and see how you can make things more balanced and take better care of those who take care of you. Examine areas where you can focus a bit more Asteya, and express that however it feels right to you.

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Please comment and share how you decided to practice Asteya today. How did it make you feel? Always remember, be kind!

Meditation March 2023: Satya (Truthfulness)

Happy Meditation March 17, 2023 – Satya (Truthfulness)

Good Morning Yogis! We are continuing on with weaving practice of each of the Yamas into our day. Today is Satya or Truthfulness Day. Last time we practiced the second of the Yamas, with a kind truth, but today we will examine and practice from a different angle.

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for March! For Satya Day today, my meditation for the day is a Guided Meditation on uncovering your True Self.

alpine forest with lichen covered rocks and moss among dark green pine trees - satya truth truthfulness self honesty Quote: The freedom to be yourself is a gift only you can give yourself. But once you do, no one can take it away. - Doe Zantamata
The freedom to be yourself is a gift only you can give yourself. But once you do, no one can take it away. – Doe Zantamata

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to actively exercise Satya or truthfulness with ourselves today. Need ideas? It can be big or small.

This usually means examining mindsets, practices, or people in our life that may not be serving us. For example, maybe you are like me and should really examine eating less candy and more veggies. Or maybe you have other unhealthy practices like smoking, or a medical issue you have been putting off getting examined. Perhaps you have “friends” who cut you down to bring themselves up or consistently take but never offer support.

We usually know deep down what truths we need to accept… perhaps meditate to allow these thoughts to come up. Accepting difficult truths is a big step, and do not push yourself to do anything until you are ready. But, if you decide you are up for it, plan a course of action to resolve what you had been avoiding.

Want more Satya practices? Check out our Satya Guide!

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Equipment and Yoga Mats!

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

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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

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Share your Practice

Please comment and share how you decided to practice Satya with yourself today. This can be difficult, but honestly is always the best policy. Always remember, be kind!

Meditation March 2023: Ahimsa (Non-Harming)

Happy Meditation March 16, 2023 – Ahimsa (Non-Harming)

Good Morning Yogis! We are restarting the Limbs of Yoga for our daily positive practices with Ahimsa or non-harming. Our last Ahimsa Day we practiced with a random act of kindness, but today we will focus on practicing non-violence.

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for March! For Ahimsa day today, my meditation for the day is a Guided Meditation on Non-Violence.

cool shot looking up at branches of pine tree - ahimsa nonviolence nonharming peace Quote: Peace brings with it so many positive emotions that it is worth aiming for in all circumstances. - Estella Eliot
Peace brings with it so many positive emotions that it is worth aiming for in all circumstances. – Estella Eliot

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to actively exercise Ahimsa or non-harming today. Need ideas? It can be big or small. We should strive to exercise non-harming with our thoughts, words and/or actions.

For actions, you can avoid killing a bug you find in the house, and instead use a cup and paper or cardboard to carry outside. Perhaps drive compassionately if you have to drive today. Maybe refrain from letting your temper get the best of you and stay kind throughout a difficult interaction.. this will probably be non-harming in both words and actions. Keep in your mind and try to follow “if you do not have anything nice to say, do not say anything at all.” Or, to practice Ahimsa with our thoughts, try to stay positive today with yourself, and notice and stop yourself from any negative self-talk.

Want more Ahimsa practices? Check out our Ahimsa Guide!

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Please comment and share how you decided to practice Ahimsa today. How did it make you feel? Always remember, be kind!

Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga – Dhyana (Full Meditation): Meditation March 2023

Happy Meditation March 15, 2023 – Dhyana (Full Meditation)

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 already covered Pratyahara or withdrawal of the senses and Dharana or Intense Focus.

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We have a bonus daily meditation challenge for March. Learn about Dharana and try today’s positive practice suggestion or a meditation of your choice!

close-up of center growing striped green leaves - upper limbs of yoga Dhyana full meditation Quote: Meditation is the dissolution of thoughts in eternal awareness or Pure consciousness without objectification, knowing without thinking, merging finitude in infinity. - Voltaire
Meditation is the dissolution of thoughts in eternal awareness or Pure consciousness without objectification, knowing without thinking, merging finitude in infinity. – Voltaire

Dhyana (Full Meditation)

The last three Limbs of YogaDharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi are often referred to as the “innermost quest” and studied together. As we have discussed, the upper limbs build upon all four of the lower limbs, and sequentially upon each other. However, these practices are all meditation focused, and must truly be practiced and understood on your own. Samadhi is basically our goal and will be discussed only occasionally… we are skipping Samadhi this round of through the 8 limbs of Yoga, and jumping right into our meditation month practices tomorrow. Today we will discuss Dhyana and try a Meditation to reach this state.

Dhyana is the 7th Limb of Yoga, and is usually translated as meditation. I prefer to think of Dhyana as full meditation, a bit stronger and more specific than “meditation”. This is typically the goal of meditation, to fully stop our thoughts and have a quiet mind. After withdrawing inside ourselves with Pratyahara and focusing our minds on a single subject with Dharaha, we may reach the level of meditation where our thoughts actually stop. In true Dhyana or true meditation, we typically are not aware of this clear-minded state until we come out of it.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Dhyana-focused Meditation Practice. You can try our breath-focused meditation again, and then allow your mind to quiet. Or, you can try a guided meditation meant to help bring the state of Dhyana.

Remember this is a practice, and a difficult one.. so be patient with yourself on this journey! I am working on Dhyana.. I usually can focus on one thing with Dharana, but my mind wanders fairly quickly when I try to quiet it for full meditation.

Dhyana Guided Meditation

Our Breath-Focused Meditation – first focus on breath, then allow your mind to quiet.

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

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

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

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) 

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

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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.

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

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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!

Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga – Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses): Meditation March 2023

Happy Meditation March 13, 2023 – Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses)

Good Morning Yogis! We have completed our daily positive practices and meditations inspired by the first four Limbs of Yoga, and are back to the Upper Limbs. We are also 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 meditation day.

close-up cool perspective of colorful green fragmented reflections of van goh painting from immersive exhibition- upper limbs of yoga pratyahara withdrawal of senses go within peace within Quote: The first half of life is devoted to forming a healthy ego, the second half is going inward and letting go of it. - Carl Jung
The first half of life is devoted to forming a healthy ego, the second half is going inward and letting go of it. – Carl Jung

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We have a bonus daily meditation challenge for March. Today I recommend trying this Pratyahara Guided Meditation perfect for Shavasana after your Asana practice.

Pratyahara (Withdrawal of Senses)

As we have discussed, the upper limbs build upon all four of the previous limbs, and sequentially upon each other. These practices are all meditation focused and therefore must truly be attained on your own. We will take the next few days in our Meditation-focused month for daily practices inspired by the first three Upper Limbs. Today we will revisit the 5th Limb of Yoga – Pratyahara and try a Pratyahara Guided Meditation.

Pratyahara is the 5th Limb of Yoga, and is usually translated as withdrawal of the senses. “Prati” means against or away, and “Ahara” means food or anything we take into ourselves. So, this literally means to stop taking things into ourselves. This is typically the first step for meditation – letting the outside world slip away, and going inside. The point is not about isolating yourself from outside distractions, it is about withdrawing into yourself, and then allowing outside distractions to fade away.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Pratyahara-focused Meditation Practice. You can try this with Shavasana / corpse pose after an Asana practice, with a guided meditation, or on your own.. whatever feels right to you! Remember this is a practice, and a difficult one.. so be patient with yourself on this journey!

Pratyahara Guided Meditation

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

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

Asanas (Poses) – Meditation March 2023: Top 5 Meditation Poses

Happy Meditation March 11, 2023 – Top 5 Meditation Asanas (Poses)

Good morning Yogis! We just wrapped up practice of each of the Yamas and Niyamas, and we are now on to Asanas, the 3rd Limb of Yoga. Today we will cover my Top 5 Positions or Asanas for Meditation.

Please try all of these meditation poses, at least briefly and see which feels best for you! Please note there is no right or wrong here.. I am sharing MY Top 5, but many others may disagree with me. For example, I find Virasana / Hero Pose comfortable for an extended time only with a block under my seat, and occasionally find Lotus Pose enjoyable, which is too intense for many Yogis.

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for March. Try our breath-focused meditation, or perhaps a meditative drive or hike! If you prefer guided meditations, for Asana Day today try a Restorative Asana class with Guided Meditation.

forest green yogi female meditate siddhasana adept's pose tree overlay
Siddhasana – Adept’s Pose

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a meditation in the position / Asana of your choice. My favorite is #1!

Top 5 Meditation Positions (Asanas)

1. Siddhasana (Adept’s Pose) – Cross-legged Seated Meditation

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

I enjoy Siddhasana (sid-DAH-sa-na) or Adepts Pose for Meditation. This is basically my comfortable seated position, and that is just how I always envisioned meditating! This Asana is basically a slightly more difficult version of Sukhasana / Easy Pose.

Start in a comfortable cross legged position. Then spread your knees a bit further, and bring your feet in towards your groin – keep your leg on the mat and tuck your ankles/shins over each other. Look down and make sure there is no empty space between your legs and feet. Keep your torso straight and tall over your hips. 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. Next 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. You should keep your head, neck, and shoulders aligned over your hips in any seated pose. Your hands can either gently rest on knees and/or in your favorite mudra/placement for meditation. PS if any poses are uncomfortable, try with a couch pillow or block under your seat! Try not to move your body while meditating, I find it helps to switch my legs each day of practice for any cross legged positions to even out my posture!

Make sure you keep your back straight, not rounded in any seated position! If you notice your back rounding in this pose, move your legs back out to Sukhasana / easy pose, making a small triangle of empty space between your legs. I prefer Siddhasana over Sukhasana, because bringing in my feet helps me maintain a straighter back. I also prefer Siddhasana over Padmasana / Lotus Pose for meditation, since Lotus can get a bit strenuous on my ankles for an extended time.

2. Seated In A Chair – Seated Meditation

Chair Yoga is very common, and chairs are often the most comfortable seat we can find! It is important to be comfortable and maintain your posture if you will be sitting for an extended period of time, and a chair can help with both. Driving is also my favorite meditative activity, so sitting in a chair (driver’s seat also counts to me) makes this #2 for my Top 5!

3. Shavasana (Corpse Pose) – Reclined / Supine Meditation

shavasana savasana - corpse pose - yoga pose girl red hair wearing black on gray yoga mat
Shavasana – Corpse Pose

Shavasana or Corpse Pose is often considered the most important Asana, especially after Asana Class. I occasionally enjoy deep meditations if I need help to fall asleep, and it is absolutely required to be in bed in Shavasana for those guided meditations! One of my favorite things about meditation in Shavasana is that I can breathe more deeply into my belly than I am able to in a seated position.

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. 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.

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.

4. Tadasana (Mountain Pose) – Standing / Walking Meditation

Tadasana - mountain pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Tadasana – Mountain Pose

Tadasana (Mountain Pose) is often thought of as neutral standing, but this a power pose for many Yogis. Yoga Retreats frequently offer meditation walks or mindfulness hikes. This is something I try with our Santosha practices of enjoying the present moment! A meditative walk or hike is a great way to begin meditating, especially if mindfulness practices are new to you, or you have difficulty calming the mind while sitting quietly.

5. Virasana (Hero’s Pose) – Kneeling Meditation

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

Virasana / Hero’s Pose is actually the most comfortable seat for many Yogis. However, this is my Top 5, and I find kneeling positions strenuous on my feet and knees for extended periods of time. I can only hold kneeling positions comfortably with a block under my seat! I do enjoy meditation in a kneeling position, resting my hands on my knees.

This is a kneeling Asana, and usually much more comfortable for Yogis with tight hips than the cross legged posses above. Start kneeling with knees and toes together. Then, bring the toes apart, and sit yourself down between your legs. Make sure to keep your back straight, with hips, shoulders, and head in line. This pose can be rough on my knees, and sometimes bothers my heels and tops of my feet if I’ve been wearing high heels. I find this pose much more comfortable with a block under my seat as pictured below.

Virasana - hero hero's pose with block - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing black, outdoors yoga in the woods
Virasana with block

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

I would recommend a block, couch pillows, or perhaps a folded-up blanket for support under the seat. Pick your favorite chair for a seated meditation, or comfortable shoes for a meditative hike or walk!

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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There you have it, my Top 5 Meditation Positions! Please comment to share if your Top 5 would be different.. I know many Yogis enjoy seated positions other than Adept’s Pose, or prefer Shavasana to any other position. Always remember, be kind!

Svadhyaya (Self-Study) – Meditation March 2023

Happy Meditation March 9, 2023 – Svadhyaya (Self-Study)

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Svadhyaya or Self-Study Day. We started practicing this Niyama by beginning a journal as a tool for self-reflection. If this is your first Svadhyaya Day, please consider starting a paper or electronic journal today and joining us with this practice!

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for March. For Svadhyaya Day today, my meditation for the day is a Self-Reflective Guided Meditation. You will want to take notes from this guided meditation in your journal!

cool shot of girl's shadow on colorful yellow ground painting outside of van goh painting from immersive exhibition - svadhyaya self-study learning goals Quote: One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is intelligent among men. - The Bhagavad Gita
One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is intelligent among men. – The Bhagavad Gita

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try this self-reflective guided meditation for Svadhyaya Day. This is one of the most interesting guided meditations I have tried. So, today’s practice is this self-reflective guided meditation that utilizes the very challenges we face with meditation.

PS today’s quote is from The Bhagavad Gita so we are also covering the Svadhyaya practice of studying sacred texts!

Journal Day

Also, this is a good time to make a full journal entry if you have not kept up with this new practice! I have been doing a lot of journaling lately, more frequently than just Svadhyaya Days, since I have had a lot of interesting life events to document and prioritized Svadhyaya practice for myself for 2023… I am using both daily prompt 5-year guided journal and more artsy guided journal, but am happy to have a more free-style writing day today. If you are not sure what to write about, today’s Self-Reflective Guided Meditation may give some prompts from yourself to explore. Or, you can journal on your reflections on today’s quote from The Bhagavad Gita (available in our free Daily Yogi App). The Bhagavad Gita or God’s Song is a section from the Indian Sacred Epic – The Mahabharata. It is the most widely known of these Sacred Texts, and is widely read among modern-day thinkers.

Want more Svadhyaya practices? Check out our Svadhyaya Guide!

Want more Ideas for journal day?
Check our Journal prompts board on Pinterest!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Share your Practice

Please comment and share your thoughts on today’s guided meditation or quote if you would like. Have you kept up with your journal, or are you making another entry with me for Svadhyaya Day? Always remember, be kind!

Asteya (Non-Stealing) – Meditation March 2023

Happy Meditation March 3, 2023 – Asteya (Non-Stealing)

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Asteya or Non-stealing Day. So, we will be practicing Asteya with the positive of non-stealing or generosity today!

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for March! For Asteya Day today, my meditation for the day is a brief Generosity Guided Meditation.

close-up cool perspective of colorful van goh flower painting projection from immersive exhibition - asteya non-stealing giving generosity Quote: That’s what I consider true generosity: You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing. - Simone de Beauvoir
That’s what I consider true generosity: You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing. – Simone de Beauvoir

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to practice a random act of generosity for today’s Asteya (Non-stealing) Day. Need some ideas?

  • Today is World Wildlife Day – Please consider making a donation to the World Wildlife Fund to help protect endangered animals and their environments!
  • Ask someone you care about who is having a tough time if you can help with household chores, or yard work, or anything else to make their lives easier and take something off their plate.
  • If you have old luggage you no longer use, please consider donating to a foster care agency, since many foster children are forced to move with garbage bags.
  • Purge toys, books, kitchen gadgets, and/or electronics you no longer use, and consider donating as appropriate to a local organization for the elderly, women and/or children.
  • Consider making a cash donation to your local food bank, hospital, or another nonprofit or charity that is meaningful to you.
  • Do a closet clean-out and donate clothes you do not wear any more… or consider starting a wardrobe tracking method to help identify what you do not wear and could donate. PS consider making the extra effort donating directly to local organizations for the homeless, women, or children rather than the easy dropboxes for Goodwill.

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Satya (Truthfulness) – Meditation March 2023

Happy Meditation March 2, 2023 – Satya (Truthfulness)

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Satya or Truthfulness Day. Today’s Satya practice is focused on the “benevolent truth” translation of Satya from Sanskrit.

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We have just started a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for March! For Satya Day today, my meditation for the day is a Guided Meditation – Seeing Your True Self about loving yourself and seeing your true potential.

cool shot of epic cloudy alpine sunset with bright orange and purple gray clouds over darkened mountains and pine trees - satya kind truth honesty truthfulness Quote: The only way to tell the truth is to speak it with kindness. Only the words of a loving man can be heard. - Henry David Thoreau
The only way to tell the truth is to speak it with kindness. Only the words of a loving man can be heard. – Henry David Thoreau

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is sharing a kind truth with someone you care about. Let’s make it big today… these are hard times and we could all use a big pick me up! Do not compliment someone about something that changes every day, like their hair or outfit. Need some ideas?

  • Contact your best friend just to say how much you admire their drive, or loyalty or the ability to always make you laugh.
  • Tell your significant other how much you appreciate the thing you love most about them.
  • Call a friend or family member who had a significant positive impact on your life, and let them know how thankful you are.
  • Message an old colleague or boss who helped you on your path, and thank them for their mentoring.
  • Reach out to someone you love and/or someone you know could use a pick-me-up.

Want more Satya practices? Check out our Satya Guide!

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

Happy February 28, 2023 – Intentions and Yoga Philosophy

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

February Expect Success & March Nutrition Month 2023

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

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

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

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

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

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

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

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

More on the Power of Positive Thinking

The Law of Attraction & Power of Positive Thinking Intro

11 Ways to Boost Positive Thinking

The Old School of Positive Thinking – Earl Nightengale

The Old School of Positive Thinking – Florence Scovel Schinn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

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

Traditional Breath-Focused Meditation

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

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

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

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

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