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

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

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

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

Dharana

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

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

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

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

Dharana Meditative Practices

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

Morning Motivational Meditation (10 minutes)

Evening Sleep/Relaxation Meditation (50 minutes)

Full Night Sleep Meditation (8 hours)

Grounding Meditation (9 minutes)

Body Scanning Guided Meditation (15 minutes)

Loving Kindness Guided Meditation (15 minutes)

Self-Reflective Guided Meditation (15 minutes)

Positive Affirmation Guided Meditation (12 minutes)

Celestial Visualization Guided Meditation (7 minutes)

Manifest Meditations (Power of Attraction) (10 minutes) 

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

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

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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.

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

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

Happy September 16, 2023 – Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras with the third limb of Yoga – Asanas. Since we are in the middle of a September Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Shavasana (shah-VA-sa-nuh) or Corpse Pose is my choice for Asana Day today – this is possibly the most important Asana, so it is worth revisiting often!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

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

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing Intermediate Relaxation (30 minutes).

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try focus on Shavasana or Corpse Pose in your Asana practice today for Asana Day! Shavasana at the end of your Asana session is important for your body to take in the changes you made during that session. Also, the Shavasana section of an Asana class is a great time for meditation and Pranayama.

I learned you should have 5 minutes of Shavasana for every 30 minutes of practice. However, this means only 10 minutes of Shavasana after an hour of practice, but I have read about more meditative benefits of Shavasana at 15 minutes and longer. Perhaps adjust your practice schedule to allow for a longer Shavasana today!

Shavasana – Corpse Pose

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

Lay on your back, and allow your legs and feet to gently splay open. Rest your arms a few inches away from your body, with palms facing up. Close your eyes, and allow your entire body to relax and sink into the mat.

To come out, gently roll onto your right side, then press your hand into the mat to come back up slowly into a seated position.

Take deep breaths into your belly (perhaps try Vilona Pranayama or Yogic / Three-Part Breath). You can use a couch pillow under your head and/or knees, or any modifications to make this pose more comfortable for an extended time. I occasionally take Shavasana with knees bent and feet on the floor, and/or with elbows bent and hands under my head or cactus-arms to the side.

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

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

You may want to try a couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself find a comfortable Shavasana.

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

Top 5 Yoga Mats


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

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Share your Practice

Please comment to share your experience! Do you always include Shavasana with your Asana practice? Have you taken a 15 minute or longer Shavasana before? Always remember, be kind!

September 2023: Satya (Truthfulness) – Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero’s Pose)

Happy September 7, 2023 – Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero’s Pose)

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras with the second of the YamasSatya or Truthfulness. We are in the middle of 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! Supta Virasana (Sup-tuh Vi-RAH-sa-nuh) or Reclined Hero Pose is my choice to represent Satya, since I feel sharing kind truths requires both courage and openness represented by this pose.

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 Satya Day today, I recommend an alignment-focused Iyengar class.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing one of my favorites – Beginner Flexibility (30 Minute), and switching out Camel Pose for Reclined Hero Pose!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Supta Virasana / Reclined Hero’s Pose for Satya Day! This is one of my favorite poses, and I often enjoy switching this pose with more targeted breathwork for Camel Pose. We will talk about how to get into this pose from a kneeling position today!

WARNING – This is an intermediate pose, requiring a lot of flexibility in the legs, lower back, and front of body. You may want to consider trying with one leg in front at a time, or only coming back into Ardha Supta Virasana or Half Reclined Hero Pose, especially if you have knee problems!

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Satya Day – share a kind truth with someone you care about!

Supta Virasana – Reclined Hero Pose

Start in a comfortable kneeling position. Lean slightly forward to bring your knees together and spread your feet, placing your bottom between your feet, your hands on your thighs, and sit tall in Virasana Pose for a few breaths. Keep your knees and seat grounded as you move from Virasana into the reclined pose.

Virasana - Hero's Hero Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Virasana – Hero Pose

Place your hands on the mat behind your seat with fingers pointing forward. Come down onto your elbows into Ardha Supta Virasana, or Half Reclined Hero Pose. This may be enough!

Ardha Supta Virasana - Half Reclined Hero Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Ardha Supta Virasana – Half Reclined Hero Pose

If you are able, keep walking your hands forward to lay all the way back on the ground. You can leave your hands here, next to your knees, or bring your hands together and rest behind your head for an extra chest and shoulder opening.

To come out of this pose, walk your arms back under your ribs and come back up onto your elbows into Ardha Supta Virasana, and slowly walk your arms and torso back up to Virasana. Make if you are placing one leg forward in a beginner modification to repeat this Asana on both sides!

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

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

You may want to try a couch pillow or blanket under the knees for extra support.

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.

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Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried the full or half version of Supta Virasana before? Always remember, be kind!

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

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

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras with the third limb of Yoga – Asanas. Since we are in the middle of an August Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Shavasana (shah-VA-sa-nuh) or Corpse Pose is my choice for Asana Day today – this is possibly the most important Asana, so I would like to revisit this today!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for August! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Asana Day today, I recommend a gentle Yin or Restorative class.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing Intermediate Relaxation (30 minutes).

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try focus on Shavasana or Corpse Pose in your Asana practice today for Asana Day! Shavasana at the end of your Asana session is important for your body to take in the changes you made during that session. Also, the Shavasana section of an Asana class is a great time for meditation and Pranayama.

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

I learned you should have 5 minutes of Shavasana for every 30 minutes of practice. However, this means only 10 minutes of Shavasana after an hour of practice, but I have read about more meditative benefits of Shavasana at 15 minutes and longer. Perhaps adjust your practice schedule to allow for a longer Shavasana today!

Shavasana – Corpse Pose

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

Lay on your back, and allow your legs and feet to gently splay open. Rest your arms a few inches away from your body, with palms facing up. Close your eyes, and allow your entire body to relax and sink into the mat.

To come out, gently roll onto your right side, then press your hand into the mat to come back up slowly into a seated position.

Take deep breaths into your belly (perhaps try Vilona Pranayama or Yogic / Three-Part Breath). You can use a couch pillow under your head and/or knees, or any modifications to make this pose more comfortable for an extended time. I occasionally take Shavasana with knees bent and feet on the floor, and/or with elbows bent and hands under my head or cactus-arms to the side.

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

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

You may want to try a couch pillow, blanket, or bolster to help yourself find a comfortable Shavasana.

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

Top 5 Yoga Mats


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

More for Yoga Teachers

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More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

Please comment to share your experience! Do you always include Shavasana with your Asana practice? Have you taken a 15 minute or longer Shavasana before? Always remember, be kind!

Asana August 2023: Satya (Truthfulness) – Parighasana (Gate Pose)

Happy Asana August 8, 2023 – Satya (Truthfulness) – Gate Pose

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras with the second of the YamasSatya or Truthfulness. Since we are in the middle of an August Daily Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Parighasana (Pah-ree-GAH-sa-nuh) or Gate pose is my choice to represent Satya, since one of my favorite quotes about truth is the Sufi Three Gate Saying below!

8/8 Lion’s Gate

Today is also the Lion’s Gate in Astrology. Read more if you are interested!

beach under pier water cool ocean perspective - satya truthfulness sufi saying Quote: Before you speak let your words pass through three gates. At the first gate ask yourself - is it true? At the second gate ask - is it necessary? At the third gate ask - is it kind? - Sufi Saying
Before you speak let your words pass through three gates. At the first gate ask yourself – is it true? At the second gate ask – is it necessary? At the third gate ask – is it kind? – Sufi Saying

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

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

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without Wifi or phone signal. Today I am doing one of my favorites – Beginner Flexibility (30 Minute), which includes a gate series!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Parighasana / Gate Pose for Satya Day! This is one of the few Asanas or poses that intentionally works a turned – out leg. We will talk about how to get into this pose from a kneeling position today! Start in a comfortable kneeling position.

If you would prefer an off-the-mat practice for Satya Day – share a kind truth with someone you care about!

Parighasana – Gate Pose

Parighasana - gate pose - yoga pose girl sunny day yoga on the beach
Parighasana – Gate Pose

Feet & Legs – Start by kneeling, sitting on your feet. Lift your seat and come up onto your knees, keeping your legs about hip-distance apart. We will start on the right – extend your right leg to the right, turning your leg out, and laying your right foot flat on the ground. Try to keep your standing knee and foot in a line

Hips – Make sure your hips are neutral. Err on the side of tucking your tailbone under, rather than sticking your booty out.

Torso – Notice 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. On the exhale, you will move your torso right towards your right leg, as far as is comfortable. If you are a new Yogi, you may want to just keep your torso fairly upright, rather than allowing your shoulders or hips to come out of alignment.

Arms – Put your right hand on your right hip. Inhale your left arm straight up next to your ear. Exhale and extend your left arm to the right as you lean your torso to the right. Allow your right hand to slide down your right thigh.

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. If it’s comfortable, as you lean to the right, turn your head and gaze down at your right leg.

To come out of this pose, inhale your left arm and torso back up, and sit back down on your feet in a kneeling position. Make sure to repeat this Asana on both sides!

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

Want more Satya practices? Check out our Satya Guide!

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

You may want to try a couch pillow or blanket under the knees for extra support.

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 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 Parighasana / Gate Pose before? Always remember, be kind!

Asana August 2023: Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga – Meditation

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

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

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

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

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

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without Wifi or phone signal. Today I am doing Intermediate Relaxation (30 Minute)!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

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

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

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

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

Asana August 2023 – National Wellness Month

Happy Asana August 1, 2023 – National Wellness Month & Asana Challenge

Good Morning Yogis! Happy August! August is also National Wellness Month.

I find challenge-focused months super helpful for my own motivation, so today we are starting another bonus challenge for the month – Daily Asanas! 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!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are beginning a daily Asana practice challenge for August! For today’s start of Wellness Month, I recommend a relaxing Yin or Restorative class.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing Intermediate Relaxation (30 minutes).

close-up cool perspective of colorful luminescent bubble art from meow wolf denver - self-care health world health day Quote: Health is a state of complete mental, social and physical well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. - World Health Organization
Health is a state of complete mental, social and physical well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. – World Health Organization

As we begin our bonus daily Asana 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 or contentment in Asana practice to avoid injury. I often set Pranayama or 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. I also set Ocean as the background music in the Yoga Studio App for an extra reminder. 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 August, keeping August’s wellness theme 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.

More on the Power of Positive Thinking

The Law of Attraction & Power of Positive Thinking Intro

11 Ways to Boost Positive Thinking

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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 Asana challenge for August? Always remember, be kind!

July 2023 Summer Fun & Flow: Glow-In-The-Dark / Night Lights & Camping

Happy July 31, 2023 – Mindfulness & Flow: Glow-In-The-Dark / Night Lights & Camping

Good Morning Yogis! We are at the end of a special Santosha and Mindfulness Summer Fun Month to align with July’s Anti-Boredom Month.

Today is a KISS (Keep it Super Simple) Day with a simple Fun Practice. Today is the full moon and the brightest night of the lunar month. This is a Super Moon and the brightest full moon of the year! With tonight’s full moon, moonlight on a clear evening is often bright enough to walk around, and even cast a shadow, so it is a perfect day (or night) to talk about one of my favorite nighttime activities – glow-in-the-dark or light-up nighttime activities or take it a step further with Camping! Or perhaps revisit moonlight Stargazing, one of my favorite nighttime activities that we tried last week during a night with no visible moon, or earlier this week under the waxing gibbous!

Check out this month’s Introduction for more on mindfulness, flow, and Tea Ceremony – my recommended substitute practice for any suggested daily Fun Practice this month you do not want to try. We will have 31 different practices and activities to at minimum beat boredom for Anti-Boredom Month, and hopefully help you experience a flow state.

cool shot of bright moon clear sky over ocean waves - mindful mindfulness moon making waves Quote: Don’t worry if you’re making waves just by being yourself. The moon does it all the time. - Scott Stabile original work - https://unsplash.com/photos/LIM3_XTo_5w
Don’t worry if you’re making waves just by being yourself. The moon does it all the time. – Scott Stabile

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try today’s Anti-Boredom / mindfulness/flow Activity: Light-up or Glow-in-the-dark Nighttime Fun or Camping! Today is a KISS simple day to enjoy the full moon, but you can turn a fun and simple outdoor activity into a mindful practice and your own Zen activity. You can make this as simple or as complex as you want, and taking a step back and observing your approach can be a way to learn more about yourself.

Camping

Camping is by far the most complicated practice option for today! I personally find the key to enjoying camping is being very prepared, since you often will not have easy access to necessities. Even if camping in your backyard, you will want to plan a comfortable sleeping arrangement, possibly a tent, and consider bug protection and ground/water protection with a tarp. You cannot prepare enough, so if you are new I do strongly recommend doing backyard camping weekend in your or a friend’s yard first, and research camping for beginners!

Light-up Nighttime Fun

I have been fascinated with glowy things since a child, always gathering glow-sticks, staring at friends’ lava lamps, and sticking glow-in-the-dark stars wherever I could. As I have gotten older, I started also enjoying light-up patio and barbeque areas, to keep fun gatherings for friends comfortable into the night! I strongly suggest looking into new cheap solar powered hanging lights, light strips, and floating balls. Take adult fun up a notch even more with new galaxy lights that sync to music, glowing flow toys, or light-up clothing or accessories. For kids – consider non-toxic glow face painting, glow-in-the-dark chalk, or prepare ahead and hide glow-in-the dark toys during the day for a fun nighttime scavenger hunt!

Stargazing

You can do this activity any night of the year, but is best around the new moon when there less light from the moon, or for celestial events like meteor showers. Tonight is the full moon, so it is the best nightof the lunar month to observe the surface of the moon! If this is new for you, make sure to bundle up or bring a warm thermos if needed – even during the summer, it can get quite cold outside at night! I strongly recommend the Sky Guide App which can help you identify stars and other celestial objects (like satellites) in the sky using your camera, plus identify and learn more about constellations and their mythology. Learn more about mindful stargazing and constellations. If tonight is poor weather to be outside or stargaze, perhaps try a Celestial Visualization Guided Meditation.

Try to calmly take notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to and fully immerse yourself in the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

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

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Please comment and share your experience with today’s practice. Were you able to find flow or contentment in the now? Always remember, be kind!

July 2023 Summer Fun & Flow: International Day of Friendship – Fun with Friends

Happy July 30, 2023 – Mindfulness & Flow: Fun with Friends

Good Morning Yogis! We are near the end of a special Santosha and Mindfulness Summer Fun Month to align with July’s Anti-Boredom Month.

Check out this month’s Introduction for more on mindfulness, flow, and Tea Ceremony – my recommended substitute practice for any suggested daily Fun Practice this month you do not want to try. We will have 31 different practices and activities to at minimum beat boredom for Anti-Boredom Month, and hopefully help you experience a flow state.

International Day of Friendship

Today is the International Day of Friendship! So, for today’s Summer Fun activity, we will cover one of my favorite activities – Fun with friends!

cool shot of three girl friends embracing in the sunset - mindful mindfulness friends friendship positivity Quote: Friendship takes work. Finding friends, nurturing friendships, scheduling face time, it all takes a tremendous amount of work. But it’s worth it. If you put in the effort, you’ll see the rewards of positive friends who will make your life extraordinary. - Maya Angelou original work - https://unsplash.com/photos/tXiMrX3Gc-g
Friendship takes work. Finding friends, nurturing friendships, scheduling face time, it all takes a tremendous amount of work. But it’s worth it. If you put in the effort, you’ll see the rewards of positive friends who will make your life extraordinary. – Maya Angelou

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try today’s Anti-Boredom / mindfulness/flow Activity: Enjoying a fun time with a friend!

Fun with Friends

  • Enjoy a meal or drink with great conversation!
  • Spend an afternoon shopping or window shopping
  • Tour a brewery or winery
  • Call a friend on the phone or zoom and catch up
  • Play a card, board, trivia, or video game together (some of these can easily be done remotely!)
  • Beach Day!
  • Catch a new movie or watch your favorite TV shows together
  • Go for a walk or a hike together
  • Spend an afternoon enjoying a shared hobby like golf, biking, crafting or playing sports
  • Try an indoor adventure with laser tag, glow-golf, bowling, pool, darts, or a haunted house
  • Enjoy people watching or a picnic in a city park
  • Try something new like a cooking class, ziplining, jetskiing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, or kayaking
  • Play backyard games such as bocce, croquet, backgammon, volley ball, corn hole, or other fun family activities.
  • Check the local guides for your city and check out the top local attractions

Try to calmly take notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to and fully immerse yourself in the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

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

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Please comment and share your experience with today’s practice. Were you able to find flow or contentment in the now? Always remember, be kind!

July 2023 Summer Fun & Flow: Tiger Day – Animals

Happy July 29, 2023 – Mindfulness & Flow: Animals

Good Morning Yogis! We are near the end of a special Santosha and Mindfulness Summer Fun Month to align with July’s Anti-Boredom Month.

WWF Tiger Day

Today is International Tiger Day to raise awareness about this endangered species. Please consider supporting conservation efforts through WWF’s Tx2 Initiative. So, today’s summer fun practice will be spending time with animals! I grew up with dogs, and LOVE my two dogs. I have always been an animal lover, and enjoyed studying marine biology as a child. Animals and pets benefit our mental health, so today we will be spending time with animals! Or, perhaps celebrate Tiger Day as we did last year with Vhyagrasana or Tiger Pose!

Check out this month’s Introduction for more on mindfulness, flow, and Tea Ceremony – my recommended substitute practice for any suggested daily Fun Practice this month you do not want to try. We will have 31 different practices and activities to at minimum beat boredom for Anti-Boredom Month, and hopefully help you experience a flow state.

Eka Hasta Vyaghrasana - one-handed tiger pose - yoga pose girl wearing platform black high heels and tiger dress, yoga in the forest, sexy yoga girl
Eka Hasta Vyaghrasana – One-Handed Tiger Pose

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try today’s Anti-Boredom / mindfulness/flow Activity: Spending time with animals!

Animals

  • Today’s practice is inspired by Tiger Day so perhaps visit a zoo and learn about animals and conservation efforts!
  • Visit a butterfly garden or aquarium
  • If you have a pet, spend extra time together today or perhaps go on an adventure!
  • If you do not have a pet, consider asking a friend if they would like you to pet sit, or volunteer at a local animal shelter!

Try to calmly take notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to and fully immerse yourself in the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

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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July 2023 Summer Fun & Flow: Waterpark Day – Amusement Parks & Parks

Happy July 28, 2023 – Mindfulness & Flow: Amusement Parks & Parks

Good Morning Yogis! We are near the end of a special Santosha and Mindfulness Summer Fun Month to align with July’s Anti-Boredom Month.

National Waterpark Day

Today is National Waterpark Day! So, for today’s Summer Fun activity, we will cover one of my favorite adventures – Amusement Parks & Parks!

Check out this month’s Introduction for more on mindfulness, flow, and Tea Ceremony – my recommended substitute practice for any suggested daily Fun Practice this month you do not want to try. We will have 31 different practices and activities to at minimum beat boredom for Anti-Boredom Month, and hopefully help you experience a flow state.

cool perspective decordova sculpture garden shot of tile glass and metal abstract sculpture with background of green grass - self care joy Quote: Besides, you don't work for a dollar - you work to create and have fun. - Walt Disney
Besides, you don’t work for a dollar – you work to create and have fun. – Walt Disney

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try today’s Anti-Boredom / mindfulness/flow Activity: Visit an Amusement Park or Park of your choice, or have some other outdoor or adventure fun!

Parks, Amusement Parks & BackYard Fun

  • Today’s practice is inspired by National Waterpark Day, so perhaps visit a water park or amusement park near you!
  • Have outdoor family fun with golf or mini-golf, go-kart racing, berry picking, or a pool
  • Try an indoor adventure with laser tag, glow-golf, bowling, pool, darts, or a haunted house
  • Find a nearby summer carnival, fair, or arts festival
  • Visit a zoo, petting zoo, or aquarium
  • Get some extra education with a musem or a historical theme park
  • Try an escape room!
  • Have a quieter and calmer day enjoying nature at a botanical garden, sculpture garden, national or state park, or any other nearby park or garden!
  • Enjoy people watching or a picnic in a city park
  • Try something new like ziplining, jetskiing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, or kayaking
  • Have a group water gun fight
  • Play backyard games such as bocce, croquet, backgammon, volley ball, corn hole, or other fun family activities.
  • Check the local guides for your city and check out the top local attractions

Try to calmly take notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to and fully immerse yourself in the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

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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July 2023 Summer Fun & Flow: Riding & Driving

Happy July 27, 2023 – Mindfulness & Flow: Riding & Driving

Good Morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a special Santosha and Mindfulness Summer Fun Month to align with July’s Anti-Boredom Month. I have heard if we focus on the past we will be depressed, if we focus on the future we will be anxious, and the key to joy is living in the present moment. A couple of the Yamas and Niyamas reflect this secret of happiness hidden in the “now”.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is central to a number of eastern religions and philosophies, and is becoming a common theme in western therapy, psychology, and self-help. We have also focused on mindfulness in some of our past daily practices, especially on past Santosha Days and with some focused meditation practices. Mindfulness and losing oneself in the current moment is my idea of “finding flow” that we most commonly experience during “getting in the zone” during particular athletic, work, and artistic activities. Zen Buddhism takes this concept further with Zen Arts such as Tea Ceremony, Archery, Painting, and Flower Arrangement. So, we will focus this month on trying different practices and activities (including some Zen Arts!) to at minimum beat boredom for Anti-Boredom Month, and hopefully help you experience a flow state.

Zen Tea Ceremony

Riding & Driving

Early this month I shared that running is when I first experienced flow, during a team run in high school. I most recently started biking, and experienced this same flow state. Biking is also great cardio! I also enjoy off-roading. If riding is not for you, try a mindful walk, hike, or exercise equipment. Or, go back and try another personal Tea Ceremony today!

cool shot of close up bikes - original work -https://unsplash.com/photos/usufNntkVsw
Bikes

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try today’s Anti-Boredom / mindfulness / flow Activity: Riding or driving! Make sure to practice mindfulness and try to enjoy each day’s practice with all five senses. If you are new to biking, check out these tips for new bike riders. If you have equipment for off-roading or another sport, try this today .Otherwise, go for a meditative drive. Whichever activity you pick – wear a helmet and/or drive safe!

Try to calmly take notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to and fully immerse yourself in the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

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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July 2023 Summer Fun & Flow: Crafting, Creating & Building

Happy July 26, 2023 – Mindfulness & Flow: Crafting, Creating & Building

Good Morning Yogis! We are near the end of a special Santosha and Mindfulness Summer Fun Month to align with July’s Anti-Boredom Month.

We covered a few specific crafts during the month, such as painting, sewing, and diamond painting. Today’s summer fun / flow practice suggestion is to pick from a range of crafts or other DIY activities to create something. I started my career in accounting which is a mostly paperless industry, but I especially enjoy interior design and organization projects where I can actually see the physical results of my work and then live in my own creation.

Check out this month’s Introduction for more on mindfulness, flow, and Tea Ceremony – my recommended substitute practice for any suggested daily Fun Practice this month you do not want to try. We will have 31 different practices and activities to at minimum beat boredom for Anti-Boredom Month, and hopefully help you experience a flow state.

close up of crafting table covered with various craft supplies - mindful mindfulness sewing crafting craft Quote: The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. - Dieter F. Uchtdorf original work - https://unsplash.com/photos/bYOi200uQ6w
The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. – Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try today’s Anti-Boredom / mindfulness/flow Activity: A craft, DIY, or building project to create something! You can turn any activity you are passionate about into a mindful practice and your own Zen activity. You can make this as simple or as complex as you want, and taking a step back and observing your approach can be a way to learn more about yourself.

Craft, Create & Build

Try to calmly take notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to and fully immerse yourself in the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

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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.

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July 2023 Summer Fun & Flow: Sewing & Knitting

Happy July 25, 2023 – Mindfulness & Flow: Sewing & Knitting

Good Morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a special Santosha and Mindfulness Summer Fun Month to align with July’s Anti-Boredom Month.

Today is a KISS (Keep it Super Simple) Day with a simple Fun Practice. Today is also Threading the Needle Day, so today’s fun practice is sewing or knitting!

Check out this month’s Introduction for more on mindfulness, flow, and Tea Ceremony – my recommended substitute practice for any suggested daily Fun Practice this month you do not want to try. We will have 31 different practices and activities to at minimum beat boredom for Anti-Boredom Month, and hopefully help you experience a flow state.

close up of incomplete floral needlepoint embroidery alongside textile fabric - mindful mindfulness sewing crafting craft embroidery needlepoint Quote: Take your needle, my child, and work at your pattern; it will come out a rose by and by. Life is like that – one stitch at a time taken patiently and the pattern will come out all right like the embroidery. - Oliver Wendell Holmes original work - https://unsplash.com/photos/fL5xqqoUVF0
Take your needle, my child, and work at your pattern; it will come out a rose by and by. Life is like that – one stitch at a time taken patiently and the pattern will come out all right like the embroidery. – Oliver Wendell Holmes

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try today’s Anti-Boredom / mindfulness/flow Activity: Sewing or Knitting! Today is a KISS simple day, but you can turn a fun and simple pastime such as crafting into a mindful practice and your own Zen activity. You can make this as simple or as complex as you want, and taking a step back and observing your approach can be a way to learn more about yourself. I enjoy Sewing and especially needlepoint. Knitting is not for me, although this is a favorite hobby of some of my friends!

Sewing & Knitting

Sewing and Knitting are similar, but two very different crafts. Knitting is creating a piece of fabric with yarn. Sewing usually uses a thin needle to stitch thread to fabric, or stitch pieces of fabric together. If you are familiar with these crafts, I recommend picking your favorite and mindfully creating! If this is new to you, please review the list below (I have tried to list in order of difficulty) and start crafting!

Now, I realize this type of activity is not for everyone, so here is another reminder about Tea Ceremony – my recommended substitute practice for any suggested daily Fun Practice this month you do not want to try.

Try to calmly take notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to and fully immerse yourself in the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

Want to See more like this?

Follow DailyYogi on Pinterest!

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

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Please comment and share your experience with today’s practice. Were you able to find flow or contentment in the now? Always remember, be kind!