Tag: yoga for back pain

September 2023: Brahmacharya (Moderation) – Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Sun Salutations, Y4-Brahmacharya

Table of contents

Happy September 9, 2023 – Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras and representative Asanas with the fourth of the Yamas – Brahmacharya or Moderation and Ustrasana or Camel Pose.

Since we are in the middle of an Asana-focused set of practices for September, we featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Ustrasana and Ardha Ustrasana (ARD-huh oos-TRAH-sa-nuh) is my choice to represent Brahmacharya, since this pose requires moderation – you must gently lean back and avoid straining to avoid injury! This is a great pose for monitoring your yoga journey with Asanas, because you will come further and further into backbends as you increase your flexibility. I actually prefer Ardha Ustrasana, or the half version, with a Mudra!

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. So, for Brahmacharya Day today, I recommend a Hot Yoga class, which will include this pose.

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 Flexibility (30 Minute), which includes Ustrasana!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Half Camel and/or Camel Pose for Brahmacharya Day! This is a common peak pose that you should only practice after warming up, in the middle to end of your session. This is an intermediate pose that should always be followed with a counter-pose such as Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose) or Balasana (Child’s Pose).

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Brahmacharya Day – try a digital detox!

Ustrasana – Camel Pose

Ustrasana - Camel Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Ustrasana – Camel Pose

Start sitting on your feet in a comfortable kneeling position. On an inhale, come up onto your knees, keeping your legs about hip-distance apart and your feet pointing straight. Place your palms on your hips, with your fingers pointing forward and elbows pointing back. Exhale, press your hips forward while you roll your shoulders back and lift your chest, to come into a slight backend with your hands supporting your lower back. As you deepen the backend, you can reach one hand back at a time to hold your heels.

Beginner Yogis may want to come into Ardha Ustrasana – Half Camel Pose as pictured below. Reach only one hand back, and reach the other hand straight up. I like to touch my first finger to my thumb in a Mudra. If you are having problems reaching your heel, you can also come up onto your toes to decrease the distance you must reach!

Finally, to come out of this pose, inhale and put your hands back on your lower back, come back up onto your knees, and then sit back on your heels. Remember to always follow this pose with Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose) or Balasana (Child’s Pose)

Ardha Ustrasana - Half Camel Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Ardha Ustrasana – Half Camel Pose

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

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

Want to See more like this?

Follow DailyYogi on Pinterest!

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Share your Practice

Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried both versions of Camel Pose before? Do you prefer a different Mudra with this pose? Always remember, be kind!

              

September 2023: Ahimsa (Non-Harming) – Parsva Balasana (Thread the Needle Pose)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Y1-Ahimsa

Table of contents

Happy September 6, 2023 – Parsva Balasana (Thread the Needle Pose)

Good morning Yogis! If you have not noticed, we are keeping our August Asana challenge going into September! We are beginning our cycle through the Yoga Sutras, and starting with the first of the Yamas – Ahimsa or Non-Harming. We are beginning a special Asana-focused round through the Sutras. Each day, we will feature a new Asana (including more intermediate poses) that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Thread the Needle Pose or Parsva Balasana (PAR-svuh buh-LAH-sa-nuh) / is my choice to represent Ahimsa, since this is part of a great opening series to help avoid injury, by gently opening and warming up the back at the beginning of Asana practice!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of daily Asana-focused practices for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to youtube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Ahimsa 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 one of my favorites – Beginner Combination (30 Minute), which includes a Cat / Cow opening!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try some Thread the Needle Pose for Ahimsa Day! This is a common opening pose series for all levels of Yogis and all styles of Yoga. We will talk about how to get into both variations from Table Top or Bharmanasana today! Start in Table Top – with hands directly under shoulders, and knees directly under hips.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Ahimsa Day – perform a random act of kindness!

Parsva Balasana – Thread the Needle Pose

Parsva Balasana - Thread the Needle Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Parsva Balasana – Thread the Needle Pose

We will perform on both sides, starting turning towards the LEFT with the RIGHT shoulder down.

Bharmanasana - tabletop pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Table Top – Bharmanasana
Click image above for our Yoga Ab Workout!

Feet & Legs – Start in Bharmanasana / Table Top with tops of feet laying on the mat and both hands directly under shoulders. Your legs should stay hip-distance apart in Table Top. You will keep both knees and feet grounded on the mat in table top through this Asana / pose!

Hips – Keep your hips in place when moving from Bharmanasana / Table Top with your hips over your knees.

Torso – On the exhale, you will keep your spine long and turn your rib cage to the left with your shoulder.

Arms and Head – On the exhale, slide your RIGHT hand and arm behind and under your LEFT hand. Keep ‘threading the needle’ until your RIGHT shoulder is on the ground, and rest your right ear on the mat. You can then reach your LEFT hand either straight in front of you on the mat, or reach straight up towards the sky.

Breathe into your ribs and hips, and hold the pose for 30-60 seconds. To come out, place your LEFT hand back down, and unthread your right arm to come back into Bharmasana / Table Top, and repeat on the other side.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Parsva Balasana - Thread the Needle Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Parsva Balasana - Thread the Needle Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains

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

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

For today;s practice, we are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Uttanasana / Standing Forward Bend and modified Sun Salutations with three variations of this Asana. ⁣ We are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Talasana / Palm Tree Pose and modified Sun Salutations focused on chest opening. Daily Yogis are revisiting Talasana or another arboreal Asana - Vrksasana / Tree Pose. ⁣ Good morning Yogis! We are starting our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are starting with Tadasana / Mountain Pose, and a modified Sun Salutations focused on alignment. Check out our video under Tadasana for options for your hands! See full post for more!⁣ Happy Fall! Today is the Fall Equinox and the start of Libra Season. Today we are discussing Tolasana or Scales Pose for the start of Libra Season! This is a great arm and core workout. See full posts for instructions and variations!⁣ We are revisiting Sun Salutations today! We will be starting a series visiting each pose in this classic sequence, after recognizing the special new astrological month... stay tuned! ⁣ 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴. 𝘚𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘹. - 𝘉𝘳𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘔𝘤𝘎𝘪𝘭𝘭⁣ Today is Pranayama Day! ⁣ Today is Asana Day! We are discussing arguably the most important Asana of all - Corpse Pose or Shavasana. ⁣ Today is Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender) Day! We are discussing Padangusthasana or Toe Stand. ⁣

Share your Practice

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

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Share your Practice

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

              

Asana August 2023: Virgo Season – Goddess Pose

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, 4 Pranayama, Holiday

Table of contents

Happy Asana August 20, 2023 – Virgo Season – Goddess Pose

Good Morning Yogis, it is Upper Limbs Day! We just finished a series covering Asanas for each of the first three Limbs of Yoga!

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 today, I recommend a meditative Yin or Restorative session.

Utkata Konasana - standing goddess pose - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing green dress, outdoors barefoot yoga in the woods
Utkata Konasana – Goddess Pose

Good morning Yogis!

Today is the start of Virgo Season – Happy Birthday Virgo Yogis! We will cover two Asanas today inspired by Virgo Season – Goddess and Reclined Goddess! PS if you would like to finish our week of special Pranayama exercises with a Zodiac-themed breath, try Simhasana Pranayama – Lion’s Breath for Leo or Nadi Shodhana Pranayama – Channel Clearing Breath for Aries.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try the Goddess Asanas inspired by the start of Virgo Season!

Utkata Konasana – Goddess Pose

This Goddess Pose is a standing pose. The literal translation from Sanskrit is Fierce Angle Pose, so try to embody a fierce warrior Goddess for this pose! Only come down as far as you are comfortable! Hold for 30-60 seconds.

Feet – Feet should be about 3 – 4 1/2 feet apart, flat on the mat. Turn your toes out to point 45 degrees out to each side.

Legs and Hips – Bend your knees to come into this pose. The full expression is with thighs parallel to the ground, but only come down as far as is comfortable. It is more important to keep your knees over your ankles than to have a deep bend in the leg! Try to keep your hips neutral, but try to keep your booty tucked under rather than sticking out.

Torso – Keep a straight back. 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.

Arms – Cactus your arms – hold arms up with elbows at 90 degree angles, fingers spread, and palms facing forward.

Head and Neck – Keep your head in line with the rest of your torso, looking straight ahead. Note 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.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee – Utkata Konasana

Supta Baddha Konasana – reclined goddess pose

This Asana is called both Reclined Goddess Pose and Reclined Bound Angle Pose, the literal Sanskrit translation. This comfortable passive stretch is a common pose for Restorative Yoga! You can place a couch pillow under the knees, head, or upper body for support. You can place a cushion or block just below your shoulder blades for a more advanced chest-opening. I try to work this pose in near the end of nearly all my longer Asana practices.

Supta Baddha Konasana - reclined bound angle pose reclined goddess - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing green dress, outdoors yoga in the woods
Supta Baddha Konasana – Reclined Goddess

Feet and Legs – Your legs should be turned out and feet together. Let your knees fall to the ground, as far as is comfortable.

Hips – Hips should face up to the sky. Take note of your booty – it should be almost tucked under rather than sticking out.

Torso and Head  – Let your back rest or even sink into the ground comfortably in this Asana. Look straight up, and rest your head comfortably on your mat, or perhaps on a pillow.

Arms – Raise your arms above your head on the mat as is comfortable. Keep your shoulders down. Either grab each elbow, or perhaps cactus your arms out to the side.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee – Supta Baddha Konasana

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

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

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.

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

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

              

Asana August 2023: Brahmacharya (Moderation) – Anuvittasana (Standing Backbend)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Sun Salutations, Y4-Brahmacharya

Table of contents

Happy Asana August 10, 2023 – Brahmacharya (Moderation) – Standing Backbend

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras and representative Asanas with the fourth of the Yamas – Brahmacharya or Moderation and Anuvittasana. Standing Backbend or Anuvittasana (Ah-NUH-vee-TAH-sa-nuh) is my choice to represent Brahmacharya, since this pose requires moderation – you must gently lean back and avoid straining to avoid injury! This is a great pose for monitoring your yoga journey with Asanas, because you will come further and further into backbends as you increase your flexibility. Moreover, this pose literally translates from Sanskrit as “found” or “obtained” pose. I think further emphasizes the journey aspect of this Asana.

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. So, for Brahmacharya Day today, I recommend a Vinyasa class, which will include this pose as part of Sun Salutations.

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 Flexibility (30 Minute), which includes plenty of Standing Backbends!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try some Standing Backbends for Brahmacharya Day! This is a common opening pose series for all levels Yogis and all styles of Yoga. We will now talk about the standing and supported variations of this pose today! Start in Tadasana – Mountain Pose.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Brahmacharya Day – try a ditgital detox!

Anuvittasana – Standing Backbend

Anuvittasana - standing backbend pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Anuvittasana – Standing Backbend

Feet – Think of your feet as three primary contact points with the ground. These are the heels, pinky toes, and big toes. Make sure your big toes are touching. If possible, make sure the back of your heels are touching. If you have a lower back injury like I do, you may also find it easier to keep the heels slightly apart. Claw your toes into the mat slightly to keep your arches from falling into the mat.

Legs – Make sure your legs are comfortably straight. Perhaps keep a slight bend in the knee. Always make sure you avoid hyper-extending or locking your knees.

Hips – Make sure your hips are neutral to start. Then on the exhale, tuck your tailbone under and press your hips slightly forward to come into the backbend. As you get more comfortable with this pose, you can press your hips further forward to come into a deeper backbend.

Torso – Notice your rib cage in Tadasana / 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. First inhale your hands into position, and then exhale as you gently press your hips forward and lean your torso back into a comfortable backbend.

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. Either close your eyes, or gaze softly ahead.

Arms – On an inhale before exhaling back into this pose, bring your arms over your head next to your ears, keeping your shoulders down and back. You can press your palms together, or keep them slightly separated.

Beginner Yogis may want to come into Salamba Anuvittasana – Supported Standing Backbend as pictured below. Point your fingers down towards the mat and press your palms into your hips or lower back, and make sure your elbows stay pointed straight back to help your chest open.

Finally, to come out of this pose, lead forward and lift with your chest on an inhale to come back into Tadasana / Mountain Pose.

Salamba Anuvittasana - standing supported backbend pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Salamba Anuvittasana – Standing Supported Backbend

Come into Anuvittasana / Standing Backbend on inhales, and back to Tadasana / Mountain. or all the way forward to Uttanasana / Standing Forward Bend on exhales. Then, repeat a few times. I recommend this series to stretch and warm up the spine and torso at the beginning of Asana practice!

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

Want more Brahmacharya practices? Check out our Brahmacharya Guide!

Want to See more like this?

Follow DailyYogi on Pinterest!

More for Yoga Teachers

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

More Positive Practices

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Share your Practice

Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried both versions of Standing Backbend before? Always remember, be kind!

              

Asana August 2023: Ahimsa (Non-Harming) – Marjaryasana / Bitilasana (Cat / Cow)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Y1-Ahimsa

Table of contents

Happy Asana August 7, 2023 – Ahimsa (Non-Harming) – Cat / Cow

Marjaryasana - cat pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Bitilasana - cow pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach

Good morning Yogis! We are beginning our cycle through the Yoga Sutras, and starting with the first of the Yamas – Ahimsa or Non-Harming. Since we are in the middle of an August bonus daily Asana Challenge, we will revisit Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Cat / Cow or Marjaryasana (Mahr-jar-ee-AH-sa-nuh) / Bitilasana (Bih-Ti-LA-sa-nuh) is my choice to represent Ahimsa, since this series is a great opening series to help avoid injury, by gently opening and warming up the back at the beginning Asana practice!

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 Ahimsa 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 one of my favorites – Beginner Combination (30 Minute), which includes a cat/cow opening!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try some Cat/Cows for Ahimsa Day! This is a common opening pose series for all levels Yogis and all styles of Yoga. We will talk about how to get into both variations from Table Top or Bharmanasana today! Start in Table Top – with hands directly under shoulders, and knees directly under hips.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Ahimsa Day – perform a random act of kindness!

Want more Ahimsa practices? Check out our Ahimsa Guide!

Bharmanasana - tabletop pose - yoga pose girl wearing platform black high heels and tiger dress, yoga in the forest, sexy yoga girl
Table Top – Bharmanasana
Click image above for our Yoga Ab Workout!

Marjaryasana – Cat Pose

Marjaryasana - cat pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Marjaryasana – Cat Pose

Feet & Legs – Start in Bharmanasana / Table Top or Bitilasana / Cow, with tops of feet laying on the mat. Your legs should stay hip-distance apart in table top. You will keep both knees and feet grounded on the mat in table top through both Asana / poses!

Hips – Turn your tailbone under and bring your hips forward on an exhale to come into Marjaryasana / Cat from Bharmanasana / Table Top or Bitilasana / Cow.

Torso – On the exhale, you will curl your spine and get as much of a rounding in your back as possible in this pose.

Arms – On the exhale, press your palms into the mat as you curve your back, pressing the mat away from you.

Head and Neck – Curl your head and neck under in line with the rest of your spine, and gaze back at your thighs.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Bitilasana – Cow Pose

Bitilasana - cow pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Bitilasana – Cow Pose

Feet and Legs – Start in Bharmanasana / Table Top or Marjaryasana / Cat, with tops of feet laying on the mat. Your legs should stay hip distance apart in table top. You will keep both knees and feet grounded on the mat in table top through both Asanas / poses!

Hips – Turn your tailbone up and stick your booty out on the inhale to come into Bitilasana / Cow from Bharmanasana / Table Top or Marjaryasana / Cat.

Torso – On the inhale, you will drop your belly and get as much of a chest opener and curve in the back as comfortable.

Arms – On the inhale, pull back on the mat with your hands to pull your torso forward for more of a chest opening.

Head and Neck – Pull head and neck up and forward from Bharmanasana / Table Top or Marjaryasana / Cat, gazing straight ahead.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Come into Bitilasana / Cow on inhales, and Marjaryasana / Cat on exhales. Repeat a few times. I recommend this series to stretch and warm up the spine and torso at the beginning of Asana practice!

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

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

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

For today;s practice, we are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Uttanasana / Standing Forward Bend and modified Sun Salutations with three variations of this Asana. ⁣ We are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Talasana / Palm Tree Pose and modified Sun Salutations focused on chest opening. Daily Yogis are revisiting Talasana or another arboreal Asana - Vrksasana / Tree Pose. ⁣ Good morning Yogis! We are starting our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are starting with Tadasana / Mountain Pose, and a modified Sun Salutations focused on alignment. Check out our video under Tadasana for options for your hands! See full post for more!⁣ Happy Fall! Today is the Fall Equinox and the start of Libra Season. Today we are discussing Tolasana or Scales Pose for the start of Libra Season! This is a great arm and core workout. See full posts for instructions and variations!⁣ We are revisiting Sun Salutations today! We will be starting a series visiting each pose in this classic sequence, after recognizing the special new astrological month... stay tuned! ⁣ 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴. 𝘚𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘹. - 𝘉𝘳𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘔𝘤𝘎𝘪𝘭𝘭⁣ Today is Pranayama Day! ⁣ Today is Asana Day! We are discussing arguably the most important Asana of all - Corpse Pose or Shavasana. ⁣ Today is Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender) Day! We are discussing Padangusthasana or Toe Stand. ⁣

More for Yoga Teachers

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried Cat / Cow before? Always remember, be kind!

              

Asana April 2023: Brahmacharya (Moderation) – Anuvittasana (Standing Backbend)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Sun Salutations, Y4-Brahmacharya

Table of contents

Happy Asana April 11, 2023 – Brahmacharya (Moderation) – Standing Backbend

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras and representative Asanas with the fourth of the Yamas – Brahmacharya or Moderation and Anuvittasana. Standing Backbend or Anuvittasana (Ah-NUH-vee-TAH-sa-nuh) is my choice to represent Brahmacharya, since this pose requires moderation – you must gently lean back and avoid straining to avoid injury! This is a great pose for monitoring your yoga journey with Asanas, because you will come further and further into backbends as you increase your flexibility. Moreover, this pose literally translates from Sanskrit as “found” or “obtained” pose. I think further emphasizes the journey aspect of this Asana.

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for April! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. So, for Brahmacharya Day today, I recommend a Vinyasa class, which will include this pose as part of Sun Salutations.

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 Flexibility (30 Minute), which includes plenty of Standing Backbends!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try some Standing Backbends for Brahmacharya Day! This is a common opening pose series for all levels Yogis and all styles of Yoga. We will now talk about the standing and supported variations of this pose today! Start in Tadasana – Mountain Pose.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Brahmacharya Day – try a ditgital detox!

Anuvittasana – Standing Backbend

Anuvittasana - standing backbend pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Anuvittasana – Standing Backbend

Feet – Think of your feet as three primary contact points with the ground. These are the heels, pinky toes, and big toes. Make sure your big toes are touching. If possible, make sure the back of your heels are touching. If you have a lower back injury like I do, you may also find it easier to keep the heels slightly apart. Claw your toes into the mat slightly to keep your arches from falling into the mat.

Legs – Make sure your legs are comfortably straight. Perhaps keep a slight bend in the knee. Always make sure you avoid hyper-extending or locking your knees.

Hips – Make sure your hips are neutral to start. Then on the exhale, tuck your tailbone under and press your hips slightly forward to come into the backbend. As you get more comfortable with this pose, you can press your hips further forward to come into a deeper backbend.

Torso – Notice your rib cage in Tadasana / 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. First inhale your hands into position, and then exhale as you gently press your hips forward and lean your torso back into a comfortable backbend.

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. Either close your eyes, or gaze softly ahead.

Arms – On an inhale before exhaling back into this pose, bring your arms over your head next to your ears, keeping your shoulders down and back. You can press your palms together, or keep them slightly separated.

Beginner Yogis may want to come into Salamba Anuvittasana – Supported Standing Backbend as pictured below. Point your fingers down towards the mat and press your palms into your hips or lower back, and make sure your elbows stay pointed straight back to help your chest open.

Finally, to come out of this pose, lead forward and lift with your chest on an inhale to come back into Tadasana / Mountain Pose.

Salamba Anuvittasana - standing supported backbend pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Salamba Anuvittasana – Standing Supported Backbend

Come into Anuvittasana / Standing Backbend on inhales, and back to Tadasana / Mountain. or all the way forward to Uttanasana / Standing Forward Bend on exhales. Then, repeat a few times. I recommend this series to stretch and warm up the spine and torso at the beginning of Asana practice!

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

Want more Brahmacharya practices? Check out our Brahmacharya Guide!

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Asana April 2023: Ahimsa (Non-Harming) – Marjaryasana / Bitilasana (Cat / Cow)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Y1-Ahimsa

Table of contents

Happy Asana April 8, 2023 – Ahimsa (Non-Harming) – Cat / Cow

Marjaryasana - cat pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Bitilasana - cow pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach

Good morning Yogis! We are beginning our cycle through the Yoga Sutras, and starting with the first of the Yamas – Ahimsa or Non-Harming. Since we are in the middle of an April bonus daily Asana Challenge, we will revisit Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Cat / Cow or Marjaryasana (Mahr-jar-ee-AH-sa-nuh) / Bitilasana (Bih-Ti-LA-sa-nuh) is my choice to represent Ahimsa, since this series is a great opening series to help avoid injury, by gently opening and warming up the back at the beginning Asana practice!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for April! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to youtube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Ahimsa 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 one of my favorites – Beginner Combination (30 Minute), which includes a cat/cow opening!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try some Cat/Cows for Ahimsa Day! This is a common opening pose series for all levels Yogis and all styles of Yoga. We will talk about how to get into both variations from Table Top or Bharmanasana today! Start in Table Top – with hands directly under shoulders, and knees directly under hips.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Ahimsa Day – perform a random act of kindness!

Want more Ahimsa practices? Check out our Ahimsa Guide!

Bharmanasana - tabletop pose - yoga pose girl wearing platform black high heels and tiger dress, yoga in the forest, sexy yoga girl
Table Top – Bharmanasana
Click image above for our Yoga Ab Workout!

Marjaryasana – Cat Pose

Marjaryasana - cat pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Marjaryasana – Cat Pose

Feet & Legs – Start in Bharmanasana / Table Top or Bitilasana / Cow, with tops of feet laying on the mat. Your legs should stay hip-distance apart in table top. You will keep both knees and feet grounded on the mat in table top through both Asana / poses!

Hips – Turn your tailbone under and bring your hips forward on an exhale to come into Marjaryasana / Cat from Bharmanasana / Table Top or Bitilasana / Cow.

Torso – On the exhale, you will curl your spine and get as much of a rounding in your back as possible in this pose.

Arms – On the exhale, press your palms into the mat as you curve your back, pressing the mat away from you.

Head and Neck – Curl your head and neck under in line with the rest of your spine, and gaze back at your thighs.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Bitilasana – Cow Pose

Bitilasana - cow pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Bitilasana – Cow Pose

Feet and Legs – Start in Bharmanasana / Table Top or Marjaryasana / Cat, with tops of feet laying on the mat. Your legs should stay hip distance apart in table top. You will keep both knees and feet grounded on the mat in table top through both Asanas / poses!

Hips – Turn your tailbone up and stick your booty out on the inhale to come into Bitilasana / Cow from Bharmanasana / Table Top or Marjaryasana / Cat.

Torso – On the inhale, you will drop your belly and get as much of a chest opener and curve in the back as comfortable.

Arms – On the inhale, pull back on the mat with your hands to pull your torso forward for more of a chest opening.

Head and Neck – Pull head and neck up and forward from Bharmanasana / Table Top or Marjaryasana / Cat, gazing straight ahead.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Come into Bitilasana / Cow on inhales, and Marjaryasana / Cat on exhales. Repeat a few times. I recommend this series to stretch and warm up the spine and torso at the beginning of Asana practice!

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

Follow us on Instagram – easy access to our daily positive practices
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For today;s practice, we are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Uttanasana / Standing Forward Bend and modified Sun Salutations with three variations of this Asana. ⁣ We are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Talasana / Palm Tree Pose and modified Sun Salutations focused on chest opening. Daily Yogis are revisiting Talasana or another arboreal Asana - Vrksasana / Tree Pose. ⁣ Good morning Yogis! We are starting our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are starting with Tadasana / Mountain Pose, and a modified Sun Salutations focused on alignment. Check out our video under Tadasana for options for your hands! See full post for more!⁣ Happy Fall! Today is the Fall Equinox and the start of Libra Season. Today we are discussing Tolasana or Scales Pose for the start of Libra Season! This is a great arm and core workout. See full posts for instructions and variations!⁣ We are revisiting Sun Salutations today! We will be starting a series visiting each pose in this classic sequence, after recognizing the special new astrological month... stay tuned! ⁣ 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴. 𝘚𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘹. - 𝘉𝘳𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘔𝘤𝘎𝘪𝘭𝘭⁣ Today is Pranayama Day! ⁣ Today is Asana Day! We are discussing arguably the most important Asana of all - Corpse Pose or Shavasana. ⁣ Today is Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender) Day! We are discussing Padangusthasana or Toe Stand. ⁣

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December 2022 Holidays: Asanas (Poses): Malasana (Garland Pose) – Krampusnacht

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, Holiday

Happy Monday Yogis! We just wrapped up practices focused on the Niyamas, and we are now on to Asanas, the 3rd Limb of Yoga. Today is the first of the holidays we will discuss for our special Holiday month, and we will cover a festive Asana – Malasana or Garland Pose, often referred to as a “yoga squat.”

Holiday Yamas Practice Schedule

We will start soon by counting down the 5 Yamas with 5 days of Ahimsa (non-harming), 4 days of Satya (truthfulness), and 3 days of Asteya (non-stealing). Then we will have a full week of Brahmacharya for the week of Christmas in the United States.. a time that I will enjoy the focus on moderation! We will focus on a different way to practice each of these Yamas each day.

Holiday Season – Krampusnacht

Krampus!

We are celebrating a special Yamas / Interpersonal Ethics focused month. December is the holiday season for many worldwide nations, cultures, and religions, so this ties in with most other holiday seasons our Yogis may celebrate. I will continue my research through the month and tie in our practices with world holidays if they tie in with our daily practices… please contact me if you have any requests or suggestions!

Today is the first holiday for this season I am going to share – Krampusnacht! I have been into world history and traditions for many years, and Krampusnacht is the most amusing December holiday to me.. partly because of the name “Krampus” which makes me giggle. This holiday is seriously like the Nightmare before Christmas!

Krampusnacht is celebrated primarily in Bavarian mountain towns the evening before St. Nicholas Day. This is a different European Christmas tradition than we are familiar with in the United States. St. Nicholas Day, celebrated earlier in December, is the day for gifts from St. Nicholas or Father Christmas – for only good children. The bad children do not get coal… they were either stolen, eaten, or scared straight by the monstrous Krampus the evening before!

I am guessing with this terrifying holiday, areas celebrating Krampusnacht have the best-behaved children in the world. I tried to make one Malasana picture a bit scary today for the Krampus theme!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try today’s Asana – Malasana or Garland Pose. This pose is great to counter sitting at a desk all day!

Malasana - garland pose - yoga pose girl wearing tie dye shirt with trippy yellow holiday lights on black dark background
Malasana – Garland Pose

Malasana – Garland Pose

This is a deep hip opener – make sure to practice a bit before attempting this pose! This seemingly simple pose is a journey pose, and you will begin to move your torso forward as your chest and hips open with practice!

  • Start standing in Tadasana / Mountain Pose.
  • Step your feet out a bit wider than hip-distance, and turn your toes out 45 degrees.
  • Bend your knees and slowly come into a full low squat.
  • Bring your arms forward between your knees, and bring palms together into a prayer position, pressing elbows into thighs.
  • Press gently into thighs and bring your chest forward.
    • Take note of your head and neck – keep in line with your torso
    • Take note of where your weight is in your feet, both front to back and side to side. Keep even side to side, and keep most weight in your heels.
  • Hold this pose for as long as comfortable while taking deep breaths into any tension you feel in your hips. Begin with holding 30-60 seconds, and work up to 3-5 minutes!

If you have tight hips and knees, or have trouble balancing here, you may want to sit on a block for support.

Malasana - garland pose - yoga pose girl wearing tie dye shirt and black pants with holiday winter white bare aspen tree forest background
Malasana – Garland Pose

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.

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

Follow us on Instagram – easy access to our daily positive practices
Plus second daily reminder photo /edit On INSTAGRAM Only
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enable notifications for pop-up reminders!

For today;s practice, we are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Uttanasana / Standing Forward Bend and modified Sun Salutations with three variations of this Asana. ⁣ We are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Talasana / Palm Tree Pose and modified Sun Salutations focused on chest opening. Daily Yogis are revisiting Talasana or another arboreal Asana - Vrksasana / Tree Pose. ⁣ Good morning Yogis! We are starting our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are starting with Tadasana / Mountain Pose, and a modified Sun Salutations focused on alignment. Check out our video under Tadasana for options for your hands! See full post for more!⁣ Happy Fall! Today is the Fall Equinox and the start of Libra Season. Today we are discussing Tolasana or Scales Pose for the start of Libra Season! This is a great arm and core workout. See full posts for instructions and variations!⁣ We are revisiting Sun Salutations today! We will be starting a series visiting each pose in this classic sequence, after recognizing the special new astrological month... stay tuned! ⁣ 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴. 𝘚𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘹. - 𝘉𝘳𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘔𝘤𝘎𝘪𝘭𝘭⁣ Today is Pranayama Day! ⁣ Today is Asana Day! We are discussing arguably the most important Asana of all - Corpse Pose or Shavasana. ⁣ Today is Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender) Day! We are discussing Padangusthasana or Toe Stand. ⁣

Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried this Asana before? Is this your first time learning about Krampusnacht? Always remember, be kind!

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

              

September 2022: Brahmacharya (Moderation) – Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Sun Salutations, Y4-Brahmacharya

Table of contents

Happy September 11, 2022 – Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras and representative Asanas with the fourth of the Yamas – Brahmacharya or Moderation and Ustrasana or Camel Pose.

Since we are in the middle of an Asana-focused set of practices for September, we featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Ustrasana and Ardha Ustrasana (ARD-huh oos-TRAH-sa-nuh) is my choice to represent Brahmacharya, since this pose requires moderation – you must gently lean back and avoid straining to avoid injury! This is a great pose for monitoring your yoga journey with Asanas, because you will come further and further into backbends as you increase your flexibility. I actually prefer Ardha Ustrasana, or the half version, with a Mudra!

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. So, for Brahmacharya Day today, I recommend a Hot Yoga class, which will include this pose.

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 Flexibility (30 Minute), which includes Ustrasana!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Half Camel and/or Camel Pose for Brahmacharya Day! This is a common peak pose that you should only practice after warming up, in the middle to end of your session. This is an intermediate pose that should always be followed with a counter-pose such as Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose) or Balasana (Child’s Pose).

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Brahmacharya Day – try a digital detox!

Ustrasana – Camel Pose

Ustrasana - Camel Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Ustrasana – Camel Pose

Start sitting on your feet in a comfortable kneeling position. On an inhale, come up onto your knees, keeping your legs about hip-distance apart and your feet pointing straight. Place your palms on your hips, with your fingers pointing forward and elbows pointing back. Exhale, press your hips forward while you roll your shoulders back and lift your chest, to come into a slight backend with your hands supporting your lower back. As you deepen the backend, you can reach one hand back at a time to hold your heels.

Beginner Yogis may want to come into Ardha Ustrasana – Half Camel Pose as pictured below. Reach only one hand back, and reach the other hand straight up. I like to touch my first finger to my thumb in a Mudra. If you are having problems reaching your heel, you can also come up onto your toes to decrease the distance you must reach!

Finally, to come out of this pose, inhale and put your hands back on your lower back, come back up onto your knees, and then sit back on your heels. Remember to always follow this pose with Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose) or Balasana (Child’s Pose)

Ardha Ustrasana - Half Camel Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Ardha Ustrasana – Half Camel Pose

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

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 both versions of Camel Pose before? Do you prefer a different Mudra with this pose? Always remember, be kind!

              

September 2022: Ahimsa (Non-Harming) – Parsva Balasana (Thread the Needle Pose)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Y1-Ahimsa

Table of contents

Happy September 8, 2022 – Parsva Balasana (Thread the Needle Pose)

Good morning Yogis! If you have not noticed, we are keeping our August Asana challenge going into September! We are beginning our cycle through the Yoga Sutras, and starting with the first of the Yamas – Ahimsa or Non-Harming. We are beginning a special Asana-focused round through the Sutras. Each day, we will feature a new Asana (including more intermediate poses) that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Thread the Needle Pose or Parsva Balasana (PAR-svuh buh-LAH-sa-nuh) / is my choice to represent Ahimsa, since this is part of a great opening series to help avoid injury, by gently opening and warming up the back at the beginning of Asana practice!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of daily Asana-focused practices for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to youtube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Ahimsa 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 one of my favorites – Beginner Combination (30 Minute), which includes a Cat / Cow opening!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try some Thread the Needle Pose for Ahimsa Day! This is a common opening pose series for all levels of Yogis and all styles of Yoga. We will talk about how to get into both variations from Table Top or Bharmanasana today! Start in Table Top – with hands directly under shoulders, and knees directly under hips.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Ahimsa Day – perform a random act of kindness!

Parsva Balasana – Thread the Needle Pose

Parsva Balasana - Thread the Needle Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Parsva Balasana – Thread the Needle Pose

We will perform on both sides, starting turning towards the LEFT with the RIGHT shoulder down.

Bharmanasana - tabletop pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Table Top – Bharmanasana
Click image above for our Yoga Ab Workout!

Feet & Legs – Start in Bharmanasana / Table Top with tops of feet laying on the mat and both hands directly under shoulders. Your legs should stay hip-distance apart in Table Top. You will keep both knees and feet grounded on the mat in table top through this Asana / pose!

Hips – Keep your hips in place when moving from Bharmanasana / Table Top with your hips over your knees.

Torso – On the exhale, you will keep your spine long and turn your rib cage to the left with your shoulder.

Arms and Head – On the exhale, slide your RIGHT hand and arm behind and under your LEFT hand. Keep ‘threading the needle’ until your RIGHT shoulder is on the ground, and rest your right ear on the mat. You can then reach your LEFT hand either straight in front of you on the mat, or reach straight up towards the sky.

Breathe into your ribs and hips, and hold the pose for 30-60 seconds. To come out, place your LEFT hand back down, and unthread your right arm to come back into Bharmasana / Table Top, and repeat on the other side.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Parsva Balasana - Thread the Needle Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Parsva Balasana - Thread the Needle Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains

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

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

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

For today;s practice, we are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Uttanasana / Standing Forward Bend and modified Sun Salutations with three variations of this Asana. ⁣ We are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Talasana / Palm Tree Pose and modified Sun Salutations focused on chest opening. Daily Yogis are revisiting Talasana or another arboreal Asana - Vrksasana / Tree Pose. ⁣ Good morning Yogis! We are starting our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are starting with Tadasana / Mountain Pose, and a modified Sun Salutations focused on alignment. Check out our video under Tadasana for options for your hands! See full post for more!⁣ Happy Fall! Today is the Fall Equinox and the start of Libra Season. Today we are discussing Tolasana or Scales Pose for the start of Libra Season! This is a great arm and core workout. See full posts for instructions and variations!⁣ We are revisiting Sun Salutations today! We will be starting a series visiting each pose in this classic sequence, after recognizing the special new astrological month... stay tuned! ⁣ 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴. 𝘚𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘹. - 𝘉𝘳𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘔𝘤𝘎𝘪𝘭𝘭⁣ Today is Pranayama Day! ⁣ Today is Asana Day! We are discussing arguably the most important Asana of all - Corpse Pose or Shavasana. ⁣ Today is Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender) Day! We are discussing Padangusthasana or Toe Stand. ⁣

Share your Practice

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

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Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

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

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August 2022 Yoga Challenge: Virgo Season – Goddess Pose

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, 4 Pranayama, Holiday

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

Utkata Konasana - standing goddess pose - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing green dress, outdoors barefoot yoga in the woods
Utkata Konasana – Goddess Pose

Good morning Yogis! Today we are learning Sitali Pranayama, a cooling breath we covered on the Summer Solstice! If it’s as hot where you are as it is in Colorado today, you may want to try some Sitali again today!

Today is the start of Virgo Season – Happy Birthday Virgo Yogis! We will cover two Asanas today inspired by Virgo – Utkata Konasana / Goddess Pose and Supta Baddha Konasana – Reclined Goddess Pose.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try the Goddess Asanas inspired by the start of Virgo Season!

Utkata Konasana – Goddess Pose

This Goddess Pose is a standing pose. The literal translation from Sanskrit is Fierce Angle Pose, so try to embody a fierce warrior Goddess for this pose! Only come down as far as you are comfortable! Hold for 30-60 seconds.

Feet – Feet should be about 3 – 4 1/2 feet apart, flat on the mat. Turn your toes out to point 45 degrees out to each side.

Legs and Hips – Bend your knees to come into this pose. The full expression is with thighs parallel to the ground, but only come down as far as is comfortable. It is more important to keep your knees over your ankles than to have a deep bend in the leg! Try to keep your hips neutral, but try to keep your booty tucked under rather than sticking out.

Torso – Keep a straight back. 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.

Arms – Cactus your arms – hold arms up with elbows at 90 degree angles, fingers spread, and palms facing forward.

Head and Neck – Keep your head in line with the rest of your torso, looking straight ahead. Note 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.

Supta Baddha Konasana – reclined goddess pose

This Asana is called both Reclined Goddess Pose and Reclined Bound Angle Pose, the literal Sanskrit translation. This comfortable passive stretch is a common pose for Restorative Yoga! You can place a couch pillow under the knees, head, or upper body for support. You can place a cushion or block just below your shoulder blades for a more advanced chest-opening. I try to work this pose in near the end of nearly all my longer Asana practices.

Supta Baddha Konasana - reclined bound angle pose reclined goddess - yoga pose forest yogi girl wearing green dress, outdoors yoga in the woods
Supta Baddha Konasana – Reclined Goddess

Feet and Legs – Your legs should be turned out and feet together. Let your knees fall to the ground, as far as is comfortable.

Hips – Hips should face up to the sky. Take note of your booty – it should be almost tucked under rather than sticking out.

Torso and Head  – Let your back rest or even sink into the ground comfortably in this Asana. Look straight up, and rest your head comfortably on your mat, or perhaps on a pillow.

Arms – Raise your arms above your head on the mat as is comfortable. Keep your shoulders down. Either grab each elbow, or perhaps cactus your arms out to the 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

Top 5 Yoga Mats


Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This page contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

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

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

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee – Utkata Konasana
YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee – Supta Baddha Konasana

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Asana April 2022: Brahmacharya (Moderation) – Anuvittasana (Standing Backbend)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Sun Salutations, Y4-Brahmacharya

Table of contents

Happy Asana April 11, 2022 – Brahmacharya (Moderation) – Standing Backbend

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras and representative Asanas with the fourth of the Yamas – Brahmacharya or Moderation and Anuvittasana. Standing Backbend or Anuvittasana (Ah-NUH-vee-TAH-sa-nuh) is my choice to represent Brahmacharya, since this pose requires moderation – you must gently lean back and avoid straining to avoid injury! This is a great pose for monitoring your yoga journey with Asanas, because you will come further and further into backbends as you increase your flexibility. Moreover, this pose literally translates from Sanskrit as “found” or “obtained” pose. I think further emphasizes the journey aspect of this Asana.

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for April! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. So, for Brahmacharya Day today, I recommend a Vinyasa class, which will include this pose as part of Sun Salutations.

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 Flexibility (30 Minute), which includes plenty of Standing Backbends!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try some Standing Backbends for Brahmacharya Day! This is a common opening pose series for all levels Yogis and all styles of Yoga. We will now talk about the standing and supported variations of this pose today! Start in Tadasana – Mountain Pose.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Brahmacharya Day – try a ditgital detox!

Anuvittasana – Standing Backbend

Anuvittasana - standing backbend pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Anuvittasana – Standing Backbend

Feet – Think of your feet as three primary contact points with the ground. These are the heels, pinky toes, and big toes. Make sure your big toes are touching. If possible, make sure the back of your heels are touching. If you have a lower back injury like I do, you may also find it easier to keep the heels slightly apart. Claw your toes into the mat slightly to keep your arches from falling into the mat.

Legs – Make sure your legs are comfortably straight. Perhaps keep a slight bend in the knee. Always make sure you avoid hyper-extending or locking your knees.

Hips – Make sure your hips are neutral to start. Then on the exhale, tuck your tailbone under and press your hips slightly forward to come into the backbend. As you get more comfortable with this pose, you can press your hips further forward to come into a deeper backbend.

Torso – Notice your rib cage in Tadasana / 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. First inhale your hands into position, and then exhale as you gently press your hips forward and lean your torso back into a comfortable backbend.

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. Either close your eyes, or gaze softly ahead.

Arms – On an inhale before exhaling back into this pose, bring your arms over your head next to your ears, keeping your shoulders down and back. You can press your palms together, or keep them slightly separated.

Beginner Yogis may want to come into Salamba Anuvittasana – Supported Standing Backbend as pictured below. Point your fingers down towards the mat and press your palms into your hips or lower back, and make sure your elbows stay pointed straight back to help your chest open.

Finally, to come out of this pose, lead forward and lift with your chest on an inhale to come back into Tadasana / Mountain Pose.

Salamba Anuvittasana - standing supported backbend pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Salamba Anuvittasana – Standing Supported Backbend

Come into Anuvittasana / Standing Backbend on inhales, and back to Tadasana / Mountain. or all the way forward to Uttanasana / Standing Forward Bend on exhales. Then, repeat a few times. I recommend this series to stretch and warm up the spine and torso at the beginning of Asana practice!

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

Want more Brahmacharya practices? Check out our Brahmacharya Guide!

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Asana April 2022: Ahimsa (Non-Harming) – Marjaryasana / Bitilasana (Cat / Cow)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Y1-Ahimsa

Table of contents

Happy Asana April 8, 2022 – Ahimsa (Non-Harming) – Cat / Cow

Marjaryasana - cat pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Bitilasana - cow pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach

Good morning Yogis! We are beginning our cycle through the Yoga Sutras, and starting with the first of the Yamas – Ahimsa or Non-Harming. Since we are in the middle of an April bonus daily Asana Challenge, we will revisit Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Cat / Cow or Marjaryasana (Mahr-jar-ee-AH-sa-nuh) / Bitilasana (Bih-Ti-LA-sa-nuh) is my choice to represent Ahimsa, since this series is a great opening series to help avoid injury, by gently opening and warming up the back at the beginning Asana practice!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for April! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to youtube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Ahimsa 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 one of my favorites – Beginner Combination (30 Minute), which includes a cat/cow opening!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try some Cat/Cows for Ahimsa Day! This is a common opening pose series for all levels Yogis and all styles of Yoga. We will talk about how to get into both variations from Table Top or Bharmanasana today! Start in Table Top – with hands directly under shoulders, and knees directly under hips.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Ahimsa Day – perform a random act of kindness!

Want more Ahimsa practices? Check out our Ahimsa Guide!

Bharmanasana - tabletop pose - yoga pose girl wearing platform black high heels and tiger dress, yoga in the forest, sexy yoga girl
Table Top – Bharmanasana
Click image above for our Yoga Ab Workout!

Marjaryasana – Cat Pose

Marjaryasana - cat pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Marjaryasana – Cat Pose

Feet & Legs – Start in Bharmanasana / Table Top or Bitilasana / Cow, with tops of feet laying on the mat. Your legs should stay hip-distance apart in table top. You will keep both knees and feet grounded on the mat in table top through both Asana / poses!

Hips – Turn your tailbone under and bring your hips forward on an exhale to come into Marjaryasana / Cat from Bharmanasana / Table Top or Bitilasana / Cow.

Torso – On the exhale, you will curl your spine and get as much of a rounding in your back as possible in this pose.

Arms – On the exhale, press your palms into the mat as you curve your back, pressing the mat away from you.

Head and Neck – Curl your head and neck under in line with the rest of your spine, and gaze back at your thighs.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Bitilasana – Cow Pose

Bitilasana - cow pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Bitilasana – Cow Pose

Feet and Legs – Start in Bharmanasana / Table Top or Marjaryasana / Cat, with tops of feet laying on the mat. Your legs should stay hip distance apart in table top. You will keep both knees and feet grounded on the mat in table top through both Asanas / poses!

Hips – Turn your tailbone up and stick your booty out on the inhale to come into Bitilasana / Cow from Bharmanasana / Table Top or Marjaryasana / Cat.

Torso – On the inhale, you will drop your belly and get as much of a chest opener and curve in the back as comfortable.

Arms – On the inhale, pull back on the mat with your hands to pull your torso forward for more of a chest opening.

Head and Neck – Pull head and neck up and forward from Bharmanasana / Table Top or Marjaryasana / Cat, gazing straight ahead.

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Come into Bitilasana / Cow on inhales, and Marjaryasana / Cat on exhales. Repeat a few times. I recommend this series to stretch and warm up the spine and torso at the beginning of Asana practice!

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

Follow us on Instagram – easy access to our daily positive practices
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@dailyyogi.world
tag us with your Asana pics!
enable notifications for pop-up reminders!

For today;s practice, we are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Uttanasana / Standing Forward Bend and modified Sun Salutations with three variations of this Asana. ⁣ We are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Talasana / Palm Tree Pose and modified Sun Salutations focused on chest opening. Daily Yogis are revisiting Talasana or another arboreal Asana - Vrksasana / Tree Pose. ⁣ Good morning Yogis! We are starting our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are starting with Tadasana / Mountain Pose, and a modified Sun Salutations focused on alignment. Check out our video under Tadasana for options for your hands! See full post for more!⁣ Happy Fall! Today is the Fall Equinox and the start of Libra Season. Today we are discussing Tolasana or Scales Pose for the start of Libra Season! This is a great arm and core workout. See full posts for instructions and variations!⁣ We are revisiting Sun Salutations today! We will be starting a series visiting each pose in this classic sequence, after recognizing the special new astrological month... stay tuned! ⁣ 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴. 𝘚𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘹. - 𝘉𝘳𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘔𝘤𝘎𝘪𝘭𝘭⁣ Today is Pranayama Day! ⁣ Today is Asana Day! We are discussing arguably the most important Asana of all - Corpse Pose or Shavasana. ⁣ Today is Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender) Day! We are discussing Padangusthasana or Toe Stand. ⁣

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YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

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Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried Cat / Cow before? Always remember, be kind!

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Asanas (Poses): Malasana (Garland Pose) – December 2021 Holiday Season: Krampusnacht

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 3-Asanas, Holiday

Happy Sunday Yogis! We just wrapped up practices focused on the Niyamas, and we are now on to Asanas, the 3rd Limb of Yoga. Today is the first of the holidays we will discuss for our special Holiday month, and we will cover a festive Asana – Malasana or Garland Pose, often referred to as a “yoga squat.”

Holiday Yamas Practice Schedule

We will start soon by counting down the 5 Yamas with 5 days of Ahimsa (non-harming), 4 days of Satya (truthfulness), and 3 days of Asteya (non-stealing). Then we will have a full week of Brahmacharya for the week of Christmas in the United States.. a time that I will enjoy the focus on moderation! We will focus on a different way to practice each of these Yamas each day.

Holiday Season – Krampusnacht

Krampus!

We are celebrating a special Yamas / Interpersonal Ethics focused month. December is the holiday season for many worldwide nations, cultures, and religions, so this ties in with most other holiday seasons our Yogis may celebrate. I will continue my research through the month and tie in our practices with world holidays if they tie in with our daily practices… please contact me if you have any requests or suggestions!

Today is the first holiday for this season I am going to share – Krampusnacht! I have been into world history and traditions for many years, and Krampusnacht is the most amusing December holiday to me.. partly because of the name “Krampus” which makes me giggle. This holiday is seriously like the Nightmare before Christmas!

Krampusnacht is celebrated primarily in Bavarian mountain towns the evening before St. Nicholas Day. This is a different European Christmas tradition than we are familiar with in the United States. St. Nicholas Day, celebrated earlier in December, is the day for gifts from St. Nicholas or Father Christmas – for only good children. The bad children do not get coal… they were either stolen, eaten, or scared straight by the monstrous Krampus the evening before!

I am guessing with this terrifying holiday, areas celebrating Krampusnacht have the best-behaved children in the world. I tried to make one Malasana picture a bit scary today for the Krampus theme!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try today’s Asana – Malasana or Garland Pose. This pose is great to counter sitting at a desk all day!

Malasana - garland pose - yoga pose girl wearing tie dye shirt with trippy yellow holiday lights on black dark background
Malasana – Garland Pose

Malasana – Garland Pose

This is a deep hip opener – make sure to practice a bit before attempting this pose! This seemingly simple pose is a journey pose, and you will begin to move your torso forward as your chest and hips open with practice!

  • Start standing in Tadasana / Mountain Pose.
  • Step your feet out a bit wider than hip-distance, and turn your toes out 45 degrees.
  • Bend your knees and slowly come into a full low squat.
  • Bring your arms forward between your knees, and bring palms together into a prayer position, pressing elbows into thighs.
  • Press gently into thighs and bring your chest forward.
    • Take note of your head and neck – keep in line with your torso
    • Take note of where your weight is in your feet, both front to back and side to side. Keep even side to side, and keep most weight in your heels.
  • Hold this pose for as long as comfortable while taking deep breaths into any tension you feel in your hips. Begin with holding 30-60 seconds, and work up to 3-5 minutes!

If you have tight hips and knees, or have trouble balancing here, you may want to sit on a block for support.

Malasana - garland pose - yoga pose girl wearing tie dye shirt and black pants with holiday winter white bare aspen tree forest background
Malasana – Garland Pose

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.

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

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

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

For today;s practice, we are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Uttanasana / Standing Forward Bend and modified Sun Salutations with three variations of this Asana. ⁣ We are continuing our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are learning Talasana / Palm Tree Pose and modified Sun Salutations focused on chest opening. Daily Yogis are revisiting Talasana or another arboreal Asana - Vrksasana / Tree Pose. ⁣ Good morning Yogis! We are starting our breakdown of each pose in Sun Salutations! New Yogis are starting with Tadasana / Mountain Pose, and a modified Sun Salutations focused on alignment. Check out our video under Tadasana for options for your hands! See full post for more!⁣ Happy Fall! Today is the Fall Equinox and the start of Libra Season. Today we are discussing Tolasana or Scales Pose for the start of Libra Season! This is a great arm and core workout. See full posts for instructions and variations!⁣ We are revisiting Sun Salutations today! We will be starting a series visiting each pose in this classic sequence, after recognizing the special new astrological month... stay tuned! ⁣ 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴. 𝘚𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘹. - 𝘉𝘳𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘔𝘤𝘎𝘪𝘭𝘭⁣ Today is Pranayama Day! ⁣ Today is Asana Day! We are discussing arguably the most important Asana of all - Corpse Pose or Shavasana. ⁣ Today is Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender) Day! We are discussing Padangusthasana or Toe Stand. ⁣

Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried this Asana before? Is this your first time learning about Krampusnacht? Always remember, be kind!

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

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