Tag: yoga sutras

Svadhyaya (Self-Study) – February 2023

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 2-Niyamas, N4-Svadhyaya, Philosophy

Table of contents

Happy February 2, 2023 – Svadhyaya (Self-Study)

Good Morning Yogis! We are continuing on with weaving practice of each of the Niyamas into our day. Last time we practiced the fourth of the Niyamas – Svadhyaya / self-study by beginning a journal if we had not kept one. Today we will focus on the other Svadhyaya practice of studying sacred texts.

I am selecting one quote today from one of Yoga’s Sacred Texts – the Bhagavad Gita or God’s Song. The Gita is a section from the Indian Sacred Epic the Mahabharata. It is the most widely known of these Sacred Texts, and is widely read among modern day thinkers. Oppenheimer quoted the Gita after creating the nuclear bomb, and it is highly regarded by Henry David Thoreau, Carl Jung, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and other great minds. Perhaps some bonus Svadhyaya / self-study by reading more of the Gita! Or, if you practice a religion, perhaps read a meaningful section of your traditional sacred texts.

The Bhagavad Gita is available in our free app!

Groundhog Day

Today is also Groundhog Day in the US and Canada. This is a very amusing holiday, where we make weather predictions about spring’s return by pulling a rodent out of the ground. My absolute favorite part about this holiday is the comedy movie, Groundhog Day about a reporter covering this quirky holiday.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to reflect on the quotes from the Gita. Or, feel free to reflect on readings or quotes from your own religion’s sacred texts.

Want more Svadhyaya practices? Check out our Svadhyaya Guide!

Today’s Quote from the Gita

close-up colorful abstract multicolor art sculpture - svadhyaya self-study learning Quote: Feelings of heat and cold, pleasure and pain, are caused by the contact of the senses with their objects. They come and they go, never lasting long. You must accept them. - The Bhagavad Gita
Feelings of heat and cold, pleasure and pain, are caused by the contact of the senses with their objects. They come and they go, never lasting long. You must accept them. – The Bhagavad Gita

Journal Day

Also, this is a good time to make another journal entry if you have not kept up with this new practice! I have been prioritizing Svadhyaya this year with a daily 5-year guided journal (see below in my recommendations), but I am pleased to be reminded to keep up with longer writing on Svadhyaya days. If you are not sure what to write about, perhaps journal about your thoughts on any quotes from any sacred texts, or your Yogi journey so far.

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


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Share your Practice

Please comment and share your thoughts on the above quotes, or your own readings if you would like. Have you kept up with your journal, or are you making another entry with me for Svadhyaya Day? Always remember, be kind!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

              

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

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Meditation

Table of contents

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

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

30 Day Challengers

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

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

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

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

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

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

Share your Practice

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

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

              

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

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Holiday, Meditation

Table of contents

Happy December 31, 2022 – Meditation

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

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

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

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

New Years Eve

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

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

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

Share your Practice

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

              

November 2022 Challenge: Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga – Meditation

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 5-8—Upper Limbs of Yoga, Meditation

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

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

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

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is any Meditation Practice for Upper Limbs Day. You can scan through all of our recent meditations or check our most recent Dharana Day Post for a variety of focused meditative practices.

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

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

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

              

October 2022: Svadhyaya (Self-Study) – Self-Reflective Guided Meditation

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 2-Niyamas, N4-Svadhyaya

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

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

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

cool shot of midtown atlanta and stone mountain under cloudy blue sky with glass skyscrapers - svadhyaya self-study positive thinking power of thoughts Quote: Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is! - The Bhagavad Gita
Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is! – The Bhagavad Gita

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

Journal Day

Also, this is a good time to make a full journal entry if you have not kept up with this new practice! I have been doing a lot of journaling lately, more frequently than just Svadhyaya Days, since I have had a lot of interesting life events to document and prioritized Svadhyaya practice for myself for 2021… I am using both daily prompt 5-year guided journal and more artsy guided journal, but am happy to have a more free-style writing day today. If you are not sure what to write about, the Self-Reflective Guided Meditation may give some prompts from yourself to explore. Or, you can journal on your reflections on today’s quote from The Bhagavad Gita (available in our free Daily Yogi App). The Bhagavad Gita or God’s Song is a section from the Indian Sacred Epic – The Mahabharata. It is the most widely known of these Sacred Texts, and is widely read among modern-day thinkers.

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

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

              

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

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 2-Niyamas, 3-Asanas, Grounding Asanas, N5-Ishvara Pranidhana

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

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

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

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

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

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

Padangusthasana – Toe Stand Pose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. - 𝘓𝘢𝘰 𝘛𝘻𝘶⁣ 𝘙𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘶𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴— 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺— 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘴, 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦. - 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘋𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘴⁣ 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭. - 𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘭𝘴𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳⁣ 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘴. 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦. - 𝘖𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰 𝘑𝘢𝘺 𝘚𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘩⁣ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰, 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺. - 𝘋𝘰𝘦 𝘡𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘢⁣ 𝘗𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴. - 𝘌𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘌𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘵⁣ 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘗𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺. - 𝘝𝘰𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦⁣ 𝘞𝘪𝘴𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭. 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯. 𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥. - 𝘌𝘤𝘬𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘛𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦⁣ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘦𝘨𝘰, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘰 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵. - 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘭 𝘑𝘶𝘯𝘨⁣

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

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

              

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

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 2-Niyamas, 3-Asanas, N4-Svadhyaya

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

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

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

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

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing one of my old favorites with both of today’s poses – Intermediate Flexibility (30 Minutes) which works these poses.

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

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

Ardha Hanumanasana – Half Monkey Pose

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

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

YOGA TEACHERS – see more on Tummee

Utthan Pristhasana – Lizard Pose

Utthan Pristhasana - Lizard Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Utthan Pristhasana – Lizard Pose

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

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

Utthan Pristhasana - Lizard Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Utthan Pristhasana – Lizard Pose (Beginner)

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

Journal Day

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

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


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

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

              

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

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 2-Niyamas, 3-Asanas, Grounding Asanas, N3-Tapas, Yoga Workouts

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

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

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bakasana – Crow Pose

Bakasana - Crow Pose - yoga pose yoga guy wearing gray and black black doing yoga outside in a grassy yard
Bakasana – Crow Pose

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next INTRO CHALLENGE May 2023

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

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

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 2-Niyamas, 3-Asanas, N2-Santosha

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras with the second of the Niyamas – Santosha or Contentment. Since we are in the middle of a September Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana (EH-kah PAH-duh RAH-juh kah-po-TAH-sa-nuh) or One Legged King Pigeon pose is my choice to represent Santosha. This pose, especially with a forward fold, always brings me to a mindful place in my Asana practice, and whenever I practice, I just want to hang out in this pose!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

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

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing one of my favorites – Intermediate Flexibility, which includes both variations of this pose.

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try One-Legged King Pigeon Pose for Santosha Day! This pose is a favorite among all levels of Yogis, and is a great passive hip opener.

Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana – One Legged King Pigeon Pose

Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana - One Legged King Pigeon Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana – One Legged King Pigeon Pose

Start in Table Top. We will begin with the LEFT leg forward. Bring your left knee forward, and place it next to the inside of your left hand. Extend your left leg straight back as you lower your hips, making sure you keep the top of your foot on the mat and hips pointing forward. Press your hands into the mat and roll your shoulders back, puffing out your chest to come into the standard version of this pose.

After a breath or two, you may want to slowly walk your hands forward to rest your upper body over your front leg in a forward fold. You can keep your front leg parallel to the front of your mat to deepen the stretch. Take deep breaths into your belly (perhaps try Vilona Pranayama) and hold this pose for at least 30-60 seconds. To come out, lift yourself back onto your hands if you are in a forward fold, flex up onto your back toes, and come back up into either Downward Dog or Tabletop. Make sure to repeat on the other side.

Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana - One Legged King Pigeon Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana – One Legged King Pigeon with Forward Fold

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

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

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

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 2-Niyamas, 3-Asanas, N1-Saucha

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

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

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

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing one of my favorites – Twist and Align, which includes many twisting poses!

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

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

Ardha Bhekasana – Half Frog Pose

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

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

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

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

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

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

Top 5 Yoga Mats


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

              

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

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Y5-Aparigraha

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

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

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

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

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

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without Wifi or phone signal. Today I am doing one of my favorites – Beginner AM (20 Minute), which includes the beginner version of this pose! I modify with more advanced versions of poses including full side plank, standard extended side angle, and lowering slowly from plank to Chaturanga Dandasana / Yoga Push-Up… I am still working arm strength to do the Intermediate version of this class!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try King Dancer Pose for Aparigraha Day! This is a challenging pose for all levels Yogis. Make sure to incorporate Aparigraha, and just practice without expectations, and see how you can progress with this journey pose. Remember – practice not perfection! We will talk about the variations of this pose as you progress today! Start in Tadasana – Mountain Pose.

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

Natarajasana – King Dancer Pose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. - 𝘓𝘢𝘰 𝘛𝘻𝘶⁣ 𝘙𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘶𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴— 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺— 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘴, 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦. - 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘋𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘴⁣ 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭. - 𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘭𝘴𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳⁣ 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘴. 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦. - 𝘖𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰 𝘑𝘢𝘺 𝘚𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘩⁣ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰, 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺. - 𝘋𝘰𝘦 𝘡𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘢⁣ 𝘗𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴. - 𝘌𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘌𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘵⁣ 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘗𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺. - 𝘝𝘰𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘦⁣ 𝘞𝘪𝘴𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭. 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯. 𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥. - 𝘌𝘤𝘬𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘛𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦⁣ 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘦𝘨𝘰, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘰 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵. - 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘭 𝘑𝘶𝘯𝘨⁣

Please comment to share your experience! Where are you on your journey with this challenging pose? Always remember, be kind!

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

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

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.

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

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 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 Ustrasana!

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

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!

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September 2022: Asteya (Non-Stealing) – Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Y3-Asteya

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras with the third of the Yamas – Asteya or Non-Stealing. Since we are in the middle of a September Daily Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Sasangasana (SAH–sahn-GAH-sa-nuh) or Rabbit Pose is my choice to represent Asteya since this is a moderate inversion pose where you must find the right balance for yourself, and one way to practice Asteya is examining and maintaining balance in our relationships, making sure to support those who support us.

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are in the middle of a daily Asana-focused set of practices for September! Please see our Asana Styles page for links to YouTube videos for various Yoga Styles. For Asteya 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 – Intermediate Balance (30 Minute).

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Sasangasana / Rabbit Pose for Asteya Day! This is a beginner pose that is great for neck and shoulder tension, but you must be cautious to only go as far into this pose as you are comfortable.

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

Sasangasana – Rabbit Pose

Sasangasana - Rabbit Pose - yoga pose yoga girl wearing black doing yoga outside in the rocky mountains
Sasangasana – Rabbit Pose

Start in a comfortable kneeling position. Lean slightly forward, roll your back as much as possible, and place your head down on the mat in front of your knees. Grab the back of your feet with your hands, on an inhale, lift your hips and lean forward rolling onto the top of your head. Hold for 30-60 seconds, and release back to a kneeling position.

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

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Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried either version of Sasangasana / Rabbit Pose before? Always remember, be kind!

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September 2022: Satya (Truthfulness) – Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero’s Pose)

by Tarryn Tyler - Daily Yogiposted in 1-Yamas, 3-Asanas, Y2-Satya

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras with the second of the Yamas – Satya 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 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.

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

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!

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

Top 5 Yoga Mats


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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!

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