Good morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a special Upper Limbs week of meditative practices. Today we will focus on Flame Gazing Meditation, a Dharana practice I particularly enjoy during winter with the wood stove.
The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled. – Plutarch
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a form of Flame Gazing, a DharanaPractice. There are a few different forms of this you can try!
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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Dharana exercise! Have you done this meditative flame-gazing before, not knowing this was a meditation practice? Always remember, be kind!
Good Morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a special Upper Limbs week of meditative practices. Today we will revisit one of my favorite Dharana Meditative Practice – Mandalas!
Dharana is the 6th Limb of Yoga, and is usually translated as concentration. I prefer to think of Dharana as intense focus, a bit stronger than “concentration”. This is typically the second step for meditation – after letting the outside world slip away, we then direct our focus inward. Please see our deep dive of Dharana for more info. Most of the meditative practices we think of are therefore Dharana practices – see our full list!
Or, if coloring is not your thing, try out a Mandala Kaleidoscope Meditation! I am not a huge fan of the new-agey music (unless using a special HZ), and prefer muting and listening to a meaningful song or album. You may also want to look into Tibetan Sand Mandalas!
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 me know which you tried, and what you thought of this Meditative Mandala exercise! If you have another favorite Mandala practice or coloring book, then please share! Always remember, be kind!
Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our special Upper Limbs week! Next month we will have a special bonus daily meditation month aligning with our 8 Limb Yoga practices, but this week we will cover special meditation practices.
We see in order to move; we move in order to see. – William Gibson
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a moving meditation. I recommend a meditative drive or hike!
Moving Meditations
Driving is my favorite meditative activity, I definitely have the “monkey mind” so having something big to focus on is very helpful for me, and these meditative drives often result in solutions to problems or my best ideas.
Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our special Upper Limbs week! Next month we will have a special bonus daily meditation month aligning with our 8 Limb Yoga practices, but this week we will cover special meditation practices.
Night is the wonderful opportunity to take rest, to forgive, to smile, to get ready for all the battles that you have to fight tomorrow. – Allen Ginsberg
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Bedtime or Sleep Meditation for Upper Limbs Day. I am providing a few recommendations for this style of guided meditation based on your preferences. I find I fall asleep much easier with a sleep meditation, and I find the 6-8 hour meditations help me stay asleep through the night.
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Please comment and let us know which meditation you tried. We are starting a daily meditation challenge for March, so please share any favorite guided meditations or meditation practices!! Always remember, be kind!
Good morning Yogis, it is the start of our special Upper Limbs week! Next month we will have a special bonus daily meditation month aligning with our 8 Limb Yoga practices, but this week we will cover special meditation practices.
Morning is an important time of day, because how you spend your morning can often tell you what kind of day you are going to have. – Lemony Snicket
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Morning Meditation for Upper Limbs Day. I am providing a few recommendations for this style of guided meditation based on how much time you have available to practice. I truly find I have a much better day when I start the morning with a guided meditation!
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Please comment and let us know which meditation you tried. We are starting a daily meditation challenge for March, so please share any favorite guided meditations or meditation practices!! Always remember, be kind!
Good Morning Yogis! Today is the start of Pisces Season – Happy Birthday Pisces Yogis! PS I am a Pisces rising so this is a special one for me! We will cover an Asana today inspired by Pisces – Matsyasana (maht-SYA-sa-nuh) or Fish Pose. This is a great chest opener and counter-pose for hunching over your desk, but you should avoid this pose if you have neck or shoulder injuries
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Fish Pose Asanas inspired by the start of Pisces Season!
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Matsyasana – Fish Pose
Matsyasana – Fish Pose
The full expression Asana is a great full body workout, and is especially great for the core. I usually practice the beginner version of this Asana as a counter-pose to inversions such as Supported Shoulder Stand. The full expression of this pose is with stretched legs, with whole body in a V similar to Navasana or Boat Pose.
You will enter this pose by sitting on the mat in Dandasana or Staff Pose with your hands on the mat. Lean back slightly, place your forearms on the mat under your torso with palms on mat under your hips. Keep the weight of your torso on your arms, and gently lean your head back and rest gently on the mat to come into beginner Matsyasana as above. Hold for 30-60 seconds. To come out, gently press back up to sitting on your forearms, and then roll back down onto the mat.
When you are ready, you can straighten your legs to come into the full expression of this pose below, or fold your legs into lotus legs as above for a hip-opening intermediate version.
Matsyasana – Fish Pose – Advanced
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Do not push yourself to pain on your Yoga Journey! Many Yogis of all levels embrace all kinds of blocks and props. Do not hesitate to grab a couch pillow for extra support, a block for extra support or when you cannot reach the floor, or a strap for extra arm-reach and leverage.
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 Fish pose was for you! Do you want to share an Asana inspiration for your sign’s pose? Always remember, be kind!
Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our week of special Pranayama practices! We will start a special meditation-focused week next week, today we will try a a meditative Pranayama practice – Nadi Shodhana (NAH-dee show-DAH-nuh). This literally translates as “channel-clearing” but we frequently use a more descriptive translation of alternate-nostril breathing. This technique is meant to clear the body’s energy channels, and I find it is super cleansing for the entire respiratory system – you may want to keep some tissues handy for this technique, and do not perform if you have a stuffy nose! You can also try a Guided Pranayama Meditation Practice – Nadi Shodhana.
Conscious breathing is the best antidote to stress, anxiety and depression. – Amit Ray
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Nadi Shodhana or Channel Clearing, a PranayamaPractice. Most of us have tried diaphragmatic breathing, which is part one of this alternate-nostril breath. We recommend trying this breath technique during meditation! This is also a great calming technique for anxiety.
Diaphragmatic Breath
Start in a comfortable seat by evaluating your current breath pattern. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on your belly. Breathe in and out, and notice when the hands resting on your belly and chest move to indicate expansion. You SHOULD use your diaphragm and breathe into your belly, so your belly expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest only, and our belly hand never moves!
Breathe in and make sure your belly expands, pushing your hand out as your entire torso fills with air
Breathe out, contracting the belly, making sure you empty the lungs completely
Continue breathing in to a full count of 6, and out to a full count of 6, using your diaphragm to fill your lungs with air, and contract the belly to empty lungs completely. Focus on keeping your chest hand fairly still, and using your diaphragm to breathe into your belly.
Get in position – you will want to come into a comfortable seat. Place your left hand on your left knee. Bring your right hand into a Vishnu Mudra, folding your first two fingers to your palm (or if this is not comfortable, bring all three center fingers to the palm, or rest your index and middle fingers on your forehead/third eye)
Use the right thumb to close the right nostril. Exhale and then inhale fully through your left nostril only, keeping your diaphragmatic breath technique, breating into your belly.
Move your right ring and pinky finger to close the left nostril. Exhale and then inhale fully through your right nostril only.
Continue this alternate-nostril breathing for 3-5 minutes. Remember, exhale and inhale, then switch sides.
This technique can be quite confusing – you may want to follow along our recommended video this first time!
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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Have you tried this alternate-nostril breath? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!
Good Morning Yogis! We are continuing our special Pranayama week! Today we will revisit a warming and energizing new technique – Bhastrika Pranayama or Bellows’ Breath!
Focusing on the act of breathing clears the mind of all daily distractions and clears our energy enabling us to better connect with the spirit within. – Unknown
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Bhastrika Pranayama, an energizing Pranayama Practice. We will start diaphragmatic breathing, which is part one of this breath. Please note this is a technique that should be practiced on its own, NOT during Asana practice! This Pranayama is best first thing in the morning, or if you need an energy boost during the day. Also, this technique is best on an empty stomach, or at least a couple hours after eating!
Start by evaluating your current breath pattern. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on your belly. Breathe in and out, and notice when the hands resting on your belly and chest move to indicate expansion. You SHOULD use your diaphragm and breathe into your belly, so your belly expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest only, and our belly hand never moves!
Breathe in and make sure your belly expands, pushing your hand out as your entire torso fills with air.
Breathe out, contracting the belly, making sure you empty the lungs completely
Continue breathing in to a full count of 6, and out to a full count of 6, using your diaphragm to fill your lungs with air, and contract the belly to empty lungs completely. Focus on keeping your chest hand fairly still, and using your diaphragm to breathe into your belly.
Bhastrika Pranayama / Bellows Breath
After 5-10 full Diaphragmatic Breaths, close your mouth and begin the Bellows Breath:
Exhale forcefully through the nose, followed by inhaling forcefully through the nose.
These are quick forceful breaths, about one second for each inhale and one second for each exhale.
Use your diaphragm to initiate this breath, so your belly moves in and out quickly with your breath. Note that due to the speed, your breath will likely only reach your chest, not your belly.
Keep head, neck, and shoulders still throughout this technique.
Complete a round of 10 Bellows Breaths.
Move back to Diaphragmatic Breathing for 5-10 complete breaths. If you are getting dizzy, just stick with one round.
Complete a second round of 20 Bellows Breaths.
Move back to Diaphragmatic Breathing for 10 complete breaths.
Complete a third round of 30 Bellows Breaths.
Do not practice more than 3 rounds or 60 total Bellows Breaths at a time.
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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Have you tried this breath technique? How many rounds did you complete? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!
Good Morning Yogis! Today is Pranayama Day! We are in the middle of a special Pranayama week.
Breathe in, take what life hands you; hold it, accept it; breathe out, let it go. – Susan Gable
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Vilona Pranayama or Retained Breath, a Pranayama Practice. We will start diaphragmatic breathing, which is part one of this breath. Vilona Pranayama translates as “against the wave” and is a retained breath technique. We recommend incorporating this breath technique into your Asana practice if poses are held for an extended period! Or, you can use this cooling breath technique to calm down after an active workout, or to help with anxiety.
Diaphragmatic Breath
Start by evaluating your current breath pattern. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on your belly. Breathe in and out, and notice when the hands resting on your belly and chest move to indicate expansion. You SHOULD use your diaphragm and breathe into your belly, so your belly expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest only, and our belly hand never moves!
Breathe in and make sure your belly expands, pushing your hand out as your entire torso fills with air
Breathe out, contracting the belly, making sure you empty the lungs completely
Continue breathing in to a full count of 6, and out to a full count of 6, using your diaphragm to fill your lungs with air, and contract the belly to empty lungs completely. Focus on keeping your chest hand fairly still, and using your diaphragm to breathe into your belly.
Vilona Pranayama / Retained Breath
VARIATION 1 – Retain before Inhale: Diaphragmatic breathing is the first part of this breath! Make sure you complete 10 full inhalations and exhalations, counting to 6 for each inhale and exhale. Then, hold your breath for a count of 6 before each inhale. Your breath pattern will be Inhale 6, Exhale 6, Hold 6, Inhale 6…
VARIATION 2 – Retain before Exhale: Diaphragmatic breathing is the first part of this breath! Make sure you complete 10 full inhalations and exhalations, counting to 6 for each inhale and exhale. Then, hold your breath for a count of 6 before each exhale. Your breath pattern will be Inhale 6, Hold 6, Exhale 6, Inhale 6…
VARIATION 3 – Retain before Inhale and Exhale: Diaphragmatic breathing is the first part of this breath! Make sure you complete 10 full inhalations and exhalations, counting to 6 for each inhale and exhale. Then, hold your breath for a count of 6 before each inhale AND exhale. Your breath pattern will be Inhale 6, Hold 6, Exhale 6, Hold 6, Inhale 6…
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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Do you incorporate Pranayama into your Asana practice? Have you tried retained breath? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!
Good morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a special Pranayama week! Today we will be revisiting Ujjayi (oo-JAW-yee) Pranayama. This is literally translated from Sanskrit as Victorious Breath, but is commonly referred to as Ocean Breath due to the sound of this technique. This is another great cooling and calming breathing technique, and is ideal during Asana practice. You may have learned this in Yoga class before, especially if you have attended a Hot Yoga class.
We live in an ocean of air like fish in a body of water. By our breathing we are attuned to our atmosphere. If we inhibit our breathing we isolate ourselves from the medium in which we exist…. the breath holds the secret to the highest bliss. – Alexander Lowen
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is trying Ujjayi Pranayama or Ocean Breathing.
Open your mouth and inhale and exhale through your mouth. Contract your throat to slightly say “HA” on the exhales. Keep this light contraction in your throat so you slightly say “SA” on the inhales. You will start noticing the ocean sound from which this technique gets its name.
Now, close your mouth. Inhale and exhale through your nose, while keeping this contraction in your throat to keep the ocean sound continuing on both inhales and exhales. As you become comfortable with this breathing technique, try your Asana practice with this Ujjayi Pranayama.
Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Ujjayi Pranayama exercise! Have you ever tried this technique as a standalone or during your Asana practice? Always remember, be kind!
Good morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a special Pranayama week and today is a KISS (keep it super simple) Day for Pranayama Day today! We are going to revisit Yogic Breath, a Pranayama Practice. This is one of my favorite Pranayama techniques!
Breathe and you know that you are alive. – Annabel Laity
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Yogic Breath, a Pranayama Practice. Most of us have tried diaphragmatic breathing, which is part one of this three-part breath. We recommend incorporating this breath technique into your Asana practice, and bringing it forward into meditation! This is also a great calming technique for anxiety – keep this practice in mind to use throughout this month if needed, since the holiday season can be stressful!
Diaphragmatic Breath
Start in a comfortable seat by evaluating your current breath pattern. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on your belly. Breathe in and out, and notice when the hands resting on your belly and chest move to indicate expansion. You SHOULD use your diaphragm and breathe into your belly, so your belly expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest only, and our belly hand never moves!
Breathe in and make sure your belly expands, pushing your hand out as your entire torso fills with air
Breathe out, contracting the belly, making sure you empty the lungs completely
Continue breathing in to a full count of 6, and out to a full count of 6, using your diaphragm to fill your lungs with air, and contract the belly to empty lungs completely. Focus on keeping your chest hand fairly still, and using your diaphragm to breathe into your belly.
Yogic Breath / Three Part Breath
PART 1 – Belly: Diaphragmatic breathing is the first part of three part breath! Make sure you complete 10 full inhalations and exhalations, counting to 6 for each inhale and exhale.
PART 2 – Ribs: After 10 complete belly breaths, after expanding into your belly – try expanding your rib cage outwards on inhales and allowing to compress on exhales.
PART 3 – Chest: After 10 full inhale and exhalations with rib cage expansion – first fill your belly, then expand rib cage, then try allowing your clavicle (collar bone) to rise as you fill and empty your lungs completely for another 10 breaths.
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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Do you incorporate diaphragmatic breathing like this, or other Pranayama into your Asana practice? Have you tried this full three-part breath? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!
Happy Sunday! Today is also Valentines Day – Happy Valentines Yogis! We are doing a special series this month covering the 3-8th Limbs of Yoga. We just finished a week of special Asana (3rd Limb) focused practices examining different styles of Yoga you will likely find at your Yoga studio. This week we will cover Pranayama practices, and next we will focus on the upper limbs and meditation practices. We are going to review Diaphragmatic Breathing today, which is usually the first step for all Pranayama techniques.
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. – Marcus Aurelius
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Diaphragmatic Breath, a Pranayama Practice. Today we are going to try either standing in Tadasana, or laying down, rather than in a comfortable seat as we have done in the past. I love practicing Pranayama laying down in Shavasana, as I feel I can breathe deeper into my belly. We recommend incorporating this breath technique into your Asana practice, and bringing it forward into meditation! This is also a great calming technique for anxiety.
Diaphragmatic Breath
Start either standing in Tadasana or laying down in Shavasana. Begin by evaluating your current breath pattern. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on your belly. Breathe in and out, and notice when the hands resting on your belly and chest move to indicate expansion. You SHOULD use your diaphragm and breathe into your belly, so your belly expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest only, and our belly hand never moves!
Breathe in and make sure your belly expands, pushing your hand out as your entire torso fills with air
Breathe out, contracting the belly, making sure you empty the lungs completely
Continue breathing in to a full count of 6, and out to a full count of 6, using your diaphragm to fill your lungs with air, and contract the belly to empty lungs completely. Focus on keeping your chest hand fairly still, and using your diaphragm to breathe into your belly.
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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Did you try standing in Tadasana or laying down in Shavasana today? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!
Good morning Yogis! We have talked quite a bit about Ashtanga, or the 8 Limbs of Yoga. This is a direct reference to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. There is also a style of Yoga / Asanas called Ashtanga, or Ashtanga Vinyasa you have likely seen at some Yoga studios. I am just a student of Ashtanga Yoga, not a teacher.. which will require a trip to the one Ashtanga Yoga school in India (one day!). Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a series of specific, challenging, and dynamic sets of Asana sequences and other Yoga practices. There are 6 Ashtanga Vinyasa Series: beginner, intermediate, and four advanced.
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is a beginner Ashtanga Vinyasa Asana series. Even though this is called a beginner series, you will see it is quite challenging!
Recommended Videos
This video is about as gentle and easy as possible for the beginner series.
This video is a more challenging and traditional version of the Ashtanga beginner series.
Check out a sped-up version of each of these videos above, to get a quick idea of what this style is like! You will notice a rigorous flow practice combined with advanced Asanas.
Do not push yourself to pain on your Yoga Journey! Many Yogis of all levels embrace all kinds of blocks and props. Do not hesitate to grab a couch pillow for extra support, a block for extra support or when you cannot reach the floor, or a strap for extra arm-reach and leverage.
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 to share your experience with this beginner Ashtanga series! Which version did you try? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!
Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our exploration of various style of Asana / poses.
Hot Yoga is probably my favorite style! I know this can be very divisive.. a few of my friends who are Yogis think I’m nuts for loving Hot Yoga so much. I kind of get it.. Hot Yoga is super intense, and many go to Yoga Classes to chill out, not sweat in a room over 100°F! I usually drink an entire large water bottle both before and during the class. However, I find the added flexibility I get from basically doing Yoga in a sauna to be well worth the extra sweat!
Bikram is basically a brand name of Hot Yoga. Bikram Studios are always 105°F (41°C) and 40% humidity. Bikram Yoga is a set 26 pose sequence, and only Bikram Studios can perform this particular series. Many other Hot Yoga studios do similar but not identical sequences, and they may also have cooler “hot” rooms to accommodate Hot Vinyasa or other blended style offerings. Whether true Bikram or another Asana style in a cooler hot room, all Hot Yoga makes you SWEATY! Bonus Saucha / Purity practice – make sure to take a quick shower very soon after all Hot Yoga! When they open, most Hot Studios have showers in case you live far from the studio.
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is a Hot or Bikram series. If you are able to, perhaps try to practice these in a warm room or perhaps outside if today is a warm nice day. See if you can find the increased flexibility from Asana practice in a hot area, despite all Hot Yoga and Bikram studios likely being closed for COVID! I am trying in my living room, which is about 85°F on warm sunny summer afternoons if we do not open doors or windows! Make sure you have plenty of water, and if trying the Hot Vinyasa series make sure the temperature is well below the 105°F standard Bikram room!
Check out a sped-up version of the beginner series above, to get a quick idea of what this style is like! In a Bikram or a more traditional Hot Yoga class, you will notice a fixed series of 26 intermediate Asanas (traditionally performed twice) with beginning and ending special Pranayama practices.
PS If Hot Yoga is not your thing, perhaps go back to one of your favorite styles this week and try the second video! Also, Hot Yoga can be particularly dangerous or difficult for those with injuries or health conditions, so please evaluate safety with a medical professional before trying Hot Yoga.
Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our exploration of various styles of Asana/poses.
Vinyasa is arguably the most common class at Yoga Studios in the West. This is a fast-paced Asana practice combining breath with fast transitions between Asanas / poses to “flow” almost like a dance. Although these classes are popular, they are not for beginners. You should know many poses very well and sometimes how to transition between these poses
We are on our second day covering the two different Vinyasa types. Vinyasa and Power Yoga are similar, but not exactly the same. Vinyasa refers to the connections between breath and movement and a traditional Vinyasa class will move like a dance. Power flow also has this breath/movement connection or “flow” but is primarily cardio and strength-focused.
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is a traditional Vinyasa Yoga series. This is a very challenging Asana practice moving quickly between each Asana.. you may want to try the beginner version if you have never tried a Vinyasa class before or are still learning the poses!
Check out a sped-up version of each of these videos above, to get a quick idea of what this style is like! You will notice linking breath to motion to “flow” through poses like a dance, with each Asana often held for only one breath.
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.
Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our exploration of various styles of Asana/poses.
Vinyasa is arguably the most common class at Yoga Studios in the West. This is a fast-paced Asana practice combining breath with fast transitions between Asanas / poses to “flow” almost like a dance. Although these classes are popular, they are not for beginners. You should know many poses very well and sometimes how to transition between these poses
We will take two days to cover two different Vinyasa types. Vinyasa and Power Yoga are similar, but not exactly the same. Vinyasa refers to the connections between breath and movement and a traditional Vinyasa class will move like a dance. Power flow also has this breath/movement connection or “flow” but is primarily cardio and strength-focused. Since today is Wednesday, we will cover Power Yoga first for Workout Wednesday!
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is a Power Vinyasa Yoga series. This is a very challenging Asana practice.. you may want to try the beginner version if you have never tried a Vinyasa class before!
Check out a sped-up version of each of these videos above, to get a quick idea of what this style is like! You will notice linking breath to motion to “flow” through poses like a dance, with each Asana held for only one breath. Power Yoga is more cardio and strength focused than a traditional Vinyasa class, which we will cover tomorrow!
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.
Tri Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana – Three-legged Down Dog
Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our introduction to the variety of styles of Asana / poses. Although passive Yin and Restorative Yoga is probably a bit easier than our Iyengar style from yesterday, knowing proper alignment is extremely important since they are held for an extended period of time.
Yin is probably familiar to those in the west from “Yin and Yang” (PS Yang actually rhymes with pong, not pang!). Yin and Yang is a concept of complementary opposing forces. Yin represents dark, shade/shadow, feminine, and passive sides. Yang represents light, sun/light, male, and active sides. Yang Yoga Styles include Hot / Bikram Yoga and Vinyasa is also a very active style. So, we would expect a Yin class to be passive, and the opposite of an active / Vinyasa style class. Yin classes are often slow paced, with passive Asanas / poses held for a longer period of time.
Restorative Yoga is a type of Yin Yoga. This style usually utilizes props to support the body in Asanas / poses held for very long periods of time, typically 5-10 minutes. Restorative Yoga is typically extremely gentle and safest for Yogis with injuries.
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is a Yin or Restorative series. As I mentioned, Restorative Yoga typically requires a lot of support! I prefer lots of blankets, bolsters, and/or pillow for most restorative poses. I usually only use blocks during restorative practice for support under limbs… I usually prefer couch pillow for my head! If you do not have a bolster, you can try a large firm pillow.
Check out a sped-up version the Yin video above, to get a quick idea of what this style is like! You will notice passive poses held for an extended period of time, often with support from blocks, bolsters, or pillows.
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 to share your experience with these Yin and Restorative series! Which version did you try? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!
Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our exploration of various styles of Asana / poses. Today we are moving on to a slightly more difficult style.
Iyengar is somewhat between Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga. The creators of Iyengar and Ashtanga Vinyasa trained under the same Yoga Master, so it is no surprise there are some similarities! Iyengar, like Ashtanga, is typically a regimented series progression of Asanas/poses, with Sun Salutations in the series. However, Ashtanga is a flow style, while Iyengar instructors usually focus on proper alignment, and often hold the poses for a longer time. Iyengar also often uses props to aid with proper alignment. Because of this approach to Asanas, Iyengar classes are typically a good fit for beginners or Yogis with injuries. I really enjoy learning proper alignment with Iyengar, and trying to bring these “corrective focuses” into flow classes.
Have you used props before? If not, I strongly recommend trying today with an Iyengar series! I typically use blocks and a strap to help get proper alignment in some poses impacted by my tight hamstrings. We will talk more about different props later, but these two are probably the most helpful to Yogis at all levels!
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is an Iyengar series. We have recommendations for Iyengar series both with and without props. I have demonstrated this series without props, but I am fairly flexible.. props are strongly recommended for this style to properly perform each Asana!
Check out a sped up version of the second video above, to get a quick idea of what this style is like! You will notice beginner poses held for a longer period of time, with an emphasis on alignment using props or modifications if needed.
Check out our Top 5 Yoga Mats and Equipment for Newbies!
You may want to start with a block if you are a beginner and do not have any props.. they are helpful for proper alignment and support when holding poses for a longer period of time.
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 to share your experience with these Iyengar series! Which version did you try? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!
Good morning Yogis! We are continuing covering the various Asana styles. I have covered these in the past, and for the next week will revisit or introduce some of the variance Styles of Yoga. Hopefully you will find one or a few favorite Asana styles to integrate into your daily practice, and be more informed to select between class offerings at a Yoga studio. Today we will cover Kids and Family Yoga and try a Family Yoga Series.
Kids and Family Yoga
Many Kids’ Yoga classes use traditional Yoga Asanas (poses) with fun animal names and animal sounds. Most family and kids classes are more exciting versions of Hatha Yoga Style from yesterday. This is a great trick for busy parents – get some Yoga in your day, even if it is hard to find alone time in your day! Unfortunately the animal noises and trippy cartoons in Family or Kids’ Yoga may not be as relaxing and meditative as you are used to, and most classes for kids cannot flow, but I personally find the physical benefits of Asanas practice equally if not more beneficial than the mental benefits. You will also get a laugh.. it is hard not to smile at silly stories, animal noises, and the other fun things in kids yoga.
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Vinyasa series, or perhaps a family Yoga series if you have children!
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.
Check out a sped up version of a Cosmic Kids video above (I tried Minecraft Adventure), to get a quick idea of what this style is like! You will notice beginner poses held for a longer period of time, silly names for poses, and fun motion for kids… I could not stop giggling during the Zombie section, but my dogs got a bit upset!
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Good morning Yogis! We have talked quite a bit about working various techniques into your Asana practice and discussed Surya Namaskar / Sun Salutations. However, I realize many of you may be new to Yoga, and there are many kinds of Asana styles. I have covered these in the past, so for the next week we will take a brief detour and revisit or introduce some of the variance Styles of Yoga. Hopefully you will find one or a few favorite Asana styles to integrate into your daily practice, and be more informed to select between class offerings at a Yoga studio. Today we will cover Hatha Yoga and try a Hatha Yoga Series.
We will start with Hatha Yoga, which is both an Asana style and a Branch of Yoga. The Hatha Branch of Yoga actually covers all styles of Asana (from fast-paced Vinyasa to calming Restorative), since Hatha Yoga is the Branch that focuses on Asanas or poses and movement.
Hatha can be translated to English as either “Sun and Moon” (implying balance) or “Forceful”. Even though all Asana Styles and Asana Practices are technically Hatha Yoga, you can typically expect a Hatha class at a Yoga studio to be a more slow paced class than a Vinyasa class, and to have more detailed instructions. Often Hatha classes at studios are the beginner / intro Yoga classes.
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is a beginner Hatha Asana series. I am a huge fan of Rodney Yee. I practice at home with videos or apps far more than I do at Yoga Studios. The first Asana Yoga practice I ever tried was in college, with my roommate and a Rodney Yee DVD. So, I feel it is appropriate to start with a couple video options from Rodney Yee‘s Hatha and Beginner series.
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.
Check out a sped up version of the first video above, to get a quick idea of what Hatha style is like! You will notice beginner poses held for a longer period of time with more instruction.
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Happy Friday Yogis! We are on the last day of this round of weaving practice of each of the Niyamas into our day. Today we will practice Ishvara Pranidhana / Surrender focusing on the literal translation from Sanskrit – surrender to all-pervading consciousness and its vibration/sound/representation – OM.
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Please comment and share your experience if you got your OM on with us today! Have you tried this before, or is OM new to you? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!
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.
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.
Today’s Quote from the Gita
It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else’s life with perfection. – 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!
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 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!
Happy Wednesday Yogis! We are continuing on with weaving practice of each of the Niyamas into our day. This is our ninth Tapas or discipline Day! Our intro Tapas Day, we made a goal that was important to us. Each Tapas Day, we checked in on our progress. It has been nearly a month and a half since our last Tapas Day, so if you are a new Yogi and have kept up on your daily habit, you have likely successfully formed a new habit! Congratulations, keep it up!! 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.
PS I want to report back on my Duolingo Daily Habit.. I have kept up with this goal and I am currently close to 150, going for 180 🙂 I am extra motivated by my two friends who also have this as their daily habit, and coming up on 1 year and 500 days in a row!
This December we are going to have 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 nerdy 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! Nearly all holidays this month involve feasting, so we will start the month with a work out! If you eat more calories you should burn more calories, and I love holiday treats, so I am preparing for the holiday season with burning more calories!
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to get some exercise for Tapas Day and Work Out Wednesday. If you are having a hard time keeping up with the daily habits you have set for yourself, consider trying and sticking with a 30 Day Challenge! We have a 30 Day Asana Challenge going on right now for September! Register and find our Daily Asana group if you would like to join! There are many free Apps for other 30 Day Challenge workouts. My favorite is a free app called 30 Day Butt, which allows the pop-up phone notifications I love so much.
Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day. – Jim Rohn
Want more Yoga Workout Ideas? Check our Yoga Workouts Board 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.
Please comment and share how you are doing. Have you kept up with your daily habit? Are you changing your systems or perhaps setting a new meaningful goal? Are you joining us with our Asana Challenge? Always remember, be kind!
Happy Tuesday Yogis! Today is Santosha Day! Last time we practiced the second of the Niyamas, Santosha / contentment with ourselves on the mat, by honoring and being gentle with our bodies, and not pushing ourselves to pain. Today we will be focusing on Santosha with our lives, not just our bodies.
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.
Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored. – Earl Nightingale
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to actively exercise Santosha / contentment by focusing on the present moment, ideally in nature. 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”. I find one of the easiest ways to do this is to get outside and be active! Go on a walk, and perhaps literally stop and smell the roses. Take a run and feel the wind on your face. Being around water is always especially calming for me, maybe head out for a walk down the beach, around a lake, or by a river. Perhaps hike and appreciate the beauty around you rather than focusing on finding a perfect selfie spot. Since we are still in the days of social distancing, maybe pack a picnic and head to the back yard or a nearby park, or read a book on your deck or by the window. Or, try a mindfulness exercise if this is new for you. Whatever feels like the best way for you to get out of your little bubble, and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.
Also, calmly notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, sm (ells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.
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Please comment and share how you did focusing on the present moment today. Did you get outside? Were you able to find contentment in the now? Always remember, be kind!
Good morning Yogis! Happy February! We completed our round of practices of the Yamas and now we are moving on to the Niyamas!
I have mentioned my interest in mythology of all kinds, and my super Irish name (Tarryn) means I am particularly interested in Celtic mythology. Today is Imbolc, one of thefour seasonal Celtic holidays, half way between the winter solstice and spring equinox. It was traditionally celebrated January 31-February 1 because Celtic days began and ended at sunset, rather than at midnight as they do today. There are many interesting ancient Imbolc traditions and rituals, the main one which has carried into modern times is Spring Cleaning! You can read more about the history here if you are interested. We will focus on two of the traditional Imbolc rituals – spring cleaning and bonfires (fires for purification).
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to practice Saucha / Purity with our surroundings. We will have a bonus review of Flame Gazing Meditation, a Dharana practice also below!
I personally do not do well when my home is cluttered or disorganized. I need everything to have its own place to go back to, or else I cannot find anything! Pick an area of your home or office to declutter and clean. Get storagebins, drawer organizers, or whatever you need to help yourself keep this area clean and organized going forward. Whether it is your closet, garage, junk drawer, basement, car, or your e-mail inbox, work on bringing Saucha to one of your spaces that you feel needs some TLC.
Want more Cleaning Ideas and hacks? Check our cleaning Tips & Tricks 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.
Want more on Meditation? Check our Meditation Board on Pinterest!
Please comment and share whether you practiced Saucha and/or our flame-gazing Dharana exercise today. How did it make you feel? Always remember, be kind!
The more attached we are to a vision of the future, the less present we are to what is actually trying to emerge here and now. – Peter Merry
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to practice Aparigraha/ non-grasping with our actions. Today we will take action without making expectations of a particular outcome. Need some ideas? Sometimes we do nice things for others, hoping for a particular result and we then end up disappointed if the other person does not react how we planned. Try today to not hold expectations for another person’s behavior. Or perhaps set aside a few hours to relax, or enjoy time with loved ones, or just go for a drive without a pre-set agenda, and see where life takes you!
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Please comment and share how you decided to practice Aparigraha today. How did it make you feel? Always remember, be kind!
Happy Saturday Yogis! We are continuing on with weaving practice of each of the Yamas into our day. Last time we practiced the fourth of the Yamas – Brahmacharya / Moderation with choosing the middle path in any area of our lives. Today we will be more specific with our moderation .. this is one of my favorite Brahmacharya practices, and I am super thrilled this one lands on a weekend for our intro challenges 🙂
Almost everything will work if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you. – Anne Lamott
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to practice Brahmacharya / Moderation with our electronics and social media. Perhaps try an Unplugged Weekend with no electronics! Social media may be a useful tool to keep in touch with friends and family, especially in this isolating time. However, social media does not make us happy, and it can also distance us from the people we are spending time with. Many of us spend WAY too much time on our phones. It is the weekend, so many of us are off of work today. If you can, practice Brahmacharya with your phone and especially with social media, and enjoy your time with your loved ones this weekend. Perhaps encourage the entire household to spend a few hours “off the grid.” Or, go all out today with a full digital detox!
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Please comment if you decided to practice Brahmacharya / Moderation today with your phones and social media, how did it go? How did it make you feel? Always remember, be kind!
I think many of my students have followed the advice I gave years ago, to give more than you take. – B.K.S. Iyengar
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to actively practice Asteya/ non-stealing. Need ideas for how to practice non-stealing?
This is going to be similar to our Satya practice from yesterday, and we should reflect on areas of our life where we may be acting a bit selfishly or taking advantage of a situation. If you are taking a lot of assistance or time from a particular person but not giving much in return, reflect on that and consider how you can make the situation more fair. Or, examine a situation where you have been taking more than giving, express gratitude, and see how you can make things more balanced and take better care of those who take care of you. Examine areas where you can focus a bit more Asteya, and express that however it feels right to you.
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Please comment and share how you decided to practice Asteya today. How did it make you feel? Always remember, be kind!
Happy Thursday Yogis! Today is Satya or Truthfulness Day! We are staying synced up with our 30 Day Challenge group. We are continuing on with weaving practice of each of the Yamas into our day. Last time we practiced the second of the Yamas with a kind truth, but today we will examine and practice from a different angle.
One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be, rather than being yourself. – Shannon L. Alder
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to actively exercise Satya / truthfulness with ourselves. Need ideas? It can be big or small.
This usually means examining mindsets, practices, or people in our life that may not be serving us. For example, maybe you are like me and should really examine eating less candy and more veggies. Or maybe you have other unhealthy practices like smoking, or a medical issue you have been putting off getting examined. Perhaps you have “friends” who cut you down to bring themselves up or consistently take but never offer support.
We usually know deep down what truths we need to accept… perhaps meditate to allow these thoughts to come up. Accepting difficult truths is a big step, and do not push yourself to do anything until you are ready. But, if you decide you are up for it, plan a course of action to resolve what you had been avoiding.
Please remember this can be a difficult practice, so be gentle with yourself!
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 share how you decided to practice Satya with yourself today. This can be difficult, but honestly is always the best policy. Always remember, be kind!
PS I want to announce our schedule for the next couple months! In February, since we typically have nearly a week of practices for Yamas and Niyamas, we will have longer weeks for practicing Asanas, Pranayama, and Meditation. We will have a March Meditation focus, and Asana focused practices for April. We will do our next 30 Day Challenge in May.
Nonviolence is not inaction. It is not discussion. It is not for the timid or weak… Nonviolence is hard work. It is the willingness to sacrifice. It is the patience to win. – Cesar Chavez
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to actively exercise Ahimsa/ non-harming today.
Need ideas for non-harming practice today? It can be big or small. We should strive to exercise non-harming with our thoughts, words and/or actions.
For actions, you can avoid killing a bug you find in the house, and instead use a cup and paper or cardboard to carry outside. Perhaps drive compassionately if you have to drive today. Maybe refrain from letting your temper get the best of you and stay kind throughout a difficult interaction.. this will probably be non-harming in both words and actions. Keep in your mind and try to follow “if you do not have anything nice to say, do not say anything at all.” Or, to practice Ahimsa with our thoughts, try to stay positive today with yourself, and notice and stop yourself from any negative self-talk.
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Please comment and share how you decided to practice Ahimsa today. How did it make you feel? Always remember, be kind!
Happy Tuesday Yogis! National Hydration Day was in the middle of my first month of entries, which is now my 30 Day Intro Challenge. I am glad to revisit this during the year, because I always forget to prioritize this! I have mentioned that I love resolutions, and “drink more water” has been at the top of my New Years’ Resolutions list every year for at least 20 years. I also love holidays and any reason to celebrate, so I hope you all enjoy recognizing some of these random national and international holidays.
Blue River, Colorado
Today we will focus on hydration again before restarting our 8 Limbed Yoga practices, since I personally DO need to revisit my resolution to drink more water and many of you may also struggle with this. So, maybe this is the key to my finally keeping my resolution to drink more water.. roundabout method, but yay! I also completed my Ayurveda Continuing Education, so I am covering both since they do have some correlations.
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to track, evaluate, and possibly increase your hydration levels. If you are like me and need help with this, maybe get a new water bottle to keep water with you and help track oz you drink during the day. If you have a favorite bottle already, perhaps try the Ulla clip which will blink to remind you if you have not drunk for a while (thanks to SEB for this tip!). Try adding fruit, mint, tea, cucumber, etc to your water if that encourages you to drink more during the day. Or perhaps try an app like Drink Water – Daily Reminder (free version is fine) to help with tracking and pop-up reminders, and a tool for personalized recommended oz of water per day.
Ayurveda – Morning Routine
Ayurveda recommends a daily morning self-care routine. One of the first recommended morning ritual practices in Ayurveda is tongue scraping. I tried this practice during my Ayurveda training, but have recently stopped some of the morning practices or practice less than daily. This is something I want to revisit, and am adding back tongue scraping, water before coffee, and my morning meditation and sun salutations, which takes about 20 minutes on average. I am keeping oil pulling with coconut oil and a couple other self-care items to every couple of days.
If you want to try a new Ayurvedic practice, perhaps add this to your morning routine and see what you think!
Need help hydrating? Check out our recommended tracking bottles and reminders
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 share your thoughts on today’s hydration discussion. I hope you are doing better than I am keeping up with your hydration goals than I am 🙂 Always remember, be kind!
Happy Monday Yogis! As our 30 Day Challenge group is working on a detailed breakdown of each of the poses in the Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations Series, we will review these Asanas along with our challengers. Or, if you prefer, you can practice a twisted/sister version of each pose during this series. Today is the last day of this series!
Good morning Yogis! As our 30 Day Challenge group is working on a detailed breakdown of each of the poses in the Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations Series, we will review these Asanas along with our challengers. Or, if you prefer, you can practice a twisted/sister version of each pose during this series!
Good morning Yogis! As our 30 Day Challenge group is working on a detailed breakdown of each of the poses in the Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations Series, we will review these Asanas along with our challengers. Or, if you prefer, you can practice a twisted/sister version of each pose during this series!
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 to share your experience! What did you think? Which Asana and yoga workout did you choose to practice today? Always remember, be kind!
Happy Thursday Yogis! As our 30 Day Challenge group is working on a detailed breakdown of each of the poses in the Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations Series, we will review these Asanas along with our challengers. Or, if you prefer, you can practice a twisted/sister version of each pose during this series!
Good morning Yogis! As our 30 Day Challenge group is working on a detailed breakdown of each of the poses in the Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations Series, we will review these Asanas along with our challengers. Or, if you prefer, you can practice a twisted/sister version of each pose during this series!
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to go “back to basics” with either Anjaneyasana / Low Lungeor Parivrtta Anjaneyasana / Low Lunge Twist. Please note that I usually choose to practice my Sun Salutations Series in the morning currently with High Lunge as this Asana is easier on my knees, and I can perform without even a mat quickly in the morning, and even outside! I also have incorporated the suggestion from one of our Yogis, and I cactus my arms on an exhale through the lunge into Phalakasana / Plank Pose.
fIND YOUR FLOW
I switch up my sun salutations in the morning… I usually do the traditional Surya Namaskar sequence with High Lunge in the morning while my dogs are outside so I can get in a couple rounds quickly without a mat. When I use my mat, I usually do a longer version using Low Lunge with the support of my mat, adding Ardha Uttanasana or Half Standing Forward Bend at each Uttanasana, and sometimes adding an extra Phalakasana or Plank since I am working on arm strength. You can check out both of my Sun Salutation flows below.. try some variations from our pose breakdown, and find your flow!
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Please comment to share your experience! What did you think? Which Asana did you choose to practice today? Always remember, be kind!
Today is the start of Aquarius Season – Happy Birthday Aquarius Yogis! We will cover an Asana today inspired by Aquarius – Navasana (nah-VA-sa-nuh) or Boat Pose. Remember that Aquarius is the water BEARER, an air sign not a water sign!
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Boat Pose Asanas inspired by the start of Aquarius Season!
Tag @dailyyogi.world with your Boat Pose Pics on Instagram!
Navasana – Boat Pose
This Asana is a great full body workout, and is especially great for the core. I practice Ardha Navasana or Half Boat Pose. The full expression of this pose is with stretched legs, with whole body in a V.
You will enter this pose by sitting on the mat in Dandasana or Staff Pose with your hands on the mat. Lean back slightly, tighten your core, and lift and bend your knees, to come into Ardha Navasana as above. Lift arms and lefts to parallel to the floor. Keep shoulders down and back. Hold for 30-60 seconds. To come out, lower your legs back to the mat. I recommend Crab Pose after this Asana to counter, and repeat these two poses for a Yoga Workout!
When you are ready, you can straighten your legs to come into the full expression of this pose below Paripurna Navasana or Full Boat Pose. For an extra leg challenge, put a block or book between your knees!
Paripurna Navasana – Full Boat Pose
Check out our Top 5 Yoga Equipment and Yoga Mats!
Do not push yourself to pain on your Yoga Journey! Many Yogis of all levels embrace all kinds of blocks and props. Do not hesitate to grab a couch pillow for extra support, a block for extra support or when you cannot reach the floor, or a strap for extra arm-reach and leverage.
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 Boat pose was for you! Do you want to share an Asana inspiration for your sign’s pose? Always remember, be kind!
Happy Tuesday Yogis! As our 30 Day Challenge group is working on a detailed breakdown of each of the poses in the Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations Series, we will review these Asanas along with our challengers. Or, if you prefer, you can practice a twisted/sister version of each pose during this series!
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 to share your experience! What did you think? Which Asana did you choose to practice today? Always remember, be kind!
Happy Monday Yogis! As our 30 Day Challenge group is working on a detailed breakdown of each of the poses in the Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations Series, we will review these Asanas along with our challengers. Or, if you prefer, you can practice a twisted/sister version of each pose during this series!
We are adding videos each day to our original pose breakdowns.. check out the new video with options for arms through this pose below and in our original Talasana post!
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to go “back to basics” with either Talasana / Palm Tree Poseor Vrksasana / Tree Pose. Both of these are great balancing poses for new Yogis! I find practicing balancing Asanas brings a calming stillness after focusing on holding the pose.
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Please comment to share your experience! What did you think? Which was your favorite of these arboreal Asanas? Always remember, be kind!
Happy Sunday Yogis! As our 30 Day Challenge group is working on a detailed breakdown of each of the poses in the Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations Series, we will review these Asanas along with our challengers. Or, if you prefer, you can practice a twisted/sister version of each pose during this series!
We are adding videos each day to our original pose breakdowns.. check out the new video with options for arms through this pose below and in our original Tadasana post!
Check out this little video for a few options for arms through Tadasana. I prefer to “swan dive” forward as in the first and second option. I find bringing hands up together above head and bringing prayer hands straight down to be most popular in the Yoga Studios I visit. You can also try bringing arms up straight in front of you… Try a few options, and pick your favorite!
Check out our Top 5 Yoga Mats and Equipment for Newbies!
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 to share your experience! What did you think? Which was your favorite of these seated poses? Always remember, be kind!
Want more on Meditation? Check our Meditation Board on Pinterest!
Please comment and share what meditation you chose for today! If you have another favorite meditation, please share the link! Always remember, be kind!
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Diaphragmatic Breath, a Pranayama Practice with “flowing” between our first two Sun Salutations Series Asanas. This is an intro to linking breath and movement, if you are familiar with this already perhaps try a more advanced Asana class today and focus on your breath. Today we are going to start standing in Tadasana to prep for our Sun Salutations Asana Series rather than in a comfortable seat as we have done in the past. This is also a great calming technique for anxiety.
Diaphragmatic Breath
Start standing in Tadasana. Begin by evaluating your current breath pattern. Place one hand on your chest, and the other on your belly. Breathe in and out, and notice when the hands resting on your belly and chest move to indicate expansion. You SHOULD use your diaphragm and breathe into your belly, so your belly expands on the inhale and contracts on the exhale. Most of us breathe shallowly into our chest only, and our belly hand never moves!
Breathe in and make sure your belly expands, pushing your hand out as your entire torso fills with air
Breathe out, contracting the belly, making sure you empty the lungs completely
Exhale and lower your hands back to your sides to come back into Tadasana
Continue breathing in to a full count of 6, and out to a full count of 6, using your diaphragm to fill your lungs with air, and contract the belly to empty lungs completely. Raise your arms as your breathe in, and lower them as you breathe out, to start getting a basic flow coordinating your movement and breath. Focus on keeping your chest hand fairly still, and using your diaphragm to breathe into your belly.
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Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Did you try standing in Tadasana or laying down in Shavasana today? What did you think? Always remember, be kind!
Happy Thursday Yogis! We will soon break down each of the Asanas in the Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations Series. I planned to go over the transitions between each pose in detail this month, but I have had a couple of requests for videos of these Asana exercises to follow, and will be adding them this month! So, please stay with us and review the videos as we add them to our original posts, and compare your alignment and flow!
The next few days as new Yogis doing our 30 Day Challenge are learning this series, we will re-examine variations of each of the poses and modifications in the Sun Salutations Series.. stay tuned!
Tadasana – Mountain Pose
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Please comment to share your experience! What did you think? If this is part of your morning practice, how many repetitions do you do? Always remember, be kind!
Accept—then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it… This will miraculously transform your whole life. – Eckhart Tolle
Good morning Yogis, we reached the last of the Niyamas! We first practiced the fifth of the Niyamas – Ishvara Pranidhana / surrender by working on practicing acceptance rather than upset reactions to a difficult situation. As we discussed in our intro, Ishvara Pranidhana is the most difficult of the Niyamas to understand and practice, but also one of the most rewarding. So, today we will work again on the challenging practice of acceptance in difficult times.
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to practice acceptance when something bad or less-than-positive happens today. Try a deep breathing exercise when you encounter a problem. If you lose your temper, perhaps try to step outside yourself and see yourself reacting to a difficulty, and ask yourself if your reaction was productive. If it is possible, try seeing the silver lining for potential for growth in a bad situation. If you are practiced in religious faith, perhaps try praying for your own peace, calm, and understanding instead of a solution to a problem you are facing. Again, this is a journey and this particular practice today is one of the most difficult, so be gentle with yourself. If at first you do not succeed, evaluate what your reaction contributed, and try again next time. Treat this as an experiment, and see how you feel later after trying different approaches to problems that arise.
Advanced Yogis who incorporate Ishvara Pranidhana into their lives may begin seeing difficulties as challenges to overcome, and opportunities to practice managing our responses. This is one of the keys of long-lasting happiness, since getting upset often does nothing to help a bad situation and only makes things more difficult for ourselves. Instead, try to stay calm, and do not allow a negative encounter to draw you into negativity. Of course, this is easier said than done! Remember, it is a journey.
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Please comment to share how this exercise impacted you. Feel free to share your successes or your struggles with this challenging practice. Always remember, be kind!
To know yourself, you must sacrifice the illusion that you already do. – Vironika Tugaleva
Happy Tuesday Yogis! We are continuing on with weaving practice of each of the Niyamas into our day. Today we will continue our Svadhyaya / self-study with a special Journal Day prompt. 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. However, I am more interested in doing a bit more of a self-reflective journal day today! I am pulling a couple of prompts from the 5-year guided journal that I enjoyed recently to expand on – the journal I am using does not allow much room for long reflections!
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to make a self-reflective journal entry for Svadhyaya Day. Today, I am doing a few prompts I want to expand on from my 5-year guided journal that found that I found interesting. If my picks do not resonate with you, please scroll through our Journal Prompts Pins below!
Journal DaY
What goal would you like to accomplish this year?
What is your favorite memory from last year?
Do you live mostly in the past, present, or future?
What is the last dream you remember?
Want more Ideas for journal day? Check our Journal prompts board on Pinterest!
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Please comment and share if you selected another journal prompt. Have you kept up with your journal, or are you making another entry with me for Svadhyaya Day? Always remember, be kind!
You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine. – John C. Maxwell
Good Morning Yogis! We are continuing on with weaving practice of each of the Niyamas into our day. We have had quite a few Tapas or discipline Days. Our intro Tapas day, we made a goal that was important to us. Each Tapas day, we check in on our progress. If you joined us on our last intro challenge in November, it has been nearly two months, so if you have kept up on your daily habit you have likely successfully formed a new habit! Congratulations, keep it up!! 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 electronic and visual 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. PS I want to report I just completed 125 days in a row for my Duolingo daily habit!
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to monitor our daily habit goals, and set a new one if needed. If you are having a hard time keeping up with the daily habits you have set for yourself, consider trying and sticking with a 30 Day Challenge! There are many free Apps for 30 Day Challenge workouts. My favorite is a free app called 30 Day Butt, which allows the pop-up phone notifications I love so much. We are in the middle of an Intro Challenge for January, which we will do again in couple months. We had a September daily Asana challenge, and a daily meditation challenge for October – these are great Daily Yoga Practices to integrate into your morning routine! If none of these resonate with you, please pick a habit that is meaningful to you to add to your life. Today is Monday so channel some Motivation Monday energy, and select a daily habit that will really motivate and inspire you to
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 how you are doing. Have you kept up with your new habit? Are you changing your systems or perhaps setting a new meaningful goal? Always remember, be kind!
Happiness is really a deep harmonious inner satisfaction and approval. – Francis Wilshire
Good Morning Yogis! Our challengers are learning to remember to incorporate Santosha / contentment with Asana practice. We have discussed that Yoga is a practice, and I find nearly all of the limbs to be challenging. I personally have a hard time with Santosha, finding it especially difficult to “turn off” to just relax and enjoy where I am. So, today you have the choice between Santosha in the present moment, or Santosha with your Asana practice today.
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice for SantoshaDay is either bringing Santoshainto our Asanapractice, or focusing on the present moment, ideally in nature.
For those Yogis practicing the finding the happiness in the “now” – here are some of our best tips!
Go on a walk, and perhaps literally stop and smell the roses.
Take a run and feel the wind on your face.
Being around water is especially calming, maybe head out for a walk down the beach, around a lake, or by a river.
Go for a hike and appreciate the beauty around you rather than focusing on finding a perfect selfie spot.
Since we are still in the days of social distancing, maybe pack a picnic and head to the back yard or a nearby park.
Read a book on your deck or by the window.
Sit quietly, and go through all of your senses one by one to appreciate your surroundings.
Any way that feels right for you to get out of your head, and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.
PS calmly notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.
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Do not push yourself to pain on your Yoga Journey! Many Yogis of all levels embrace all kinds of blocks and props. Do not hesitate to grab a couch pillow for extra support, a block for extra support or when you cannot reach the floor, or a strap for extra arm-reach and leverage.
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 share how your Santosha Day went focusing on living in the now. Please share any favorite practices or tricks! Always remember, be kind!
Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live. – Jim Rohn
Happy Saturday Yogis! We are restarting the Niyamas for our daily practices with Saucha or Purity Day. We are going to keep our practices synchronized with the challenge group!
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is a deep cleaning or pampering of our bodies for SauchaDay. Need some ideas November is Healthy Skin Month. I recommend focusing on skin today – I am going to do a face mask and at-home pedicure!
Relax with a face mask and cucumber slices over your eyes.
If you want to try a new Ayurvedic practice, maybe try oil-pulling (I recommend 2-15 minutes, not 20-30) with coconut oil.
If the days of social distancing are done, maybe book a last-minute facial or salon treatment of your choice.
Clean your insides with a clean-eating day – no junk food, or perhaps try another clean eating diet method or cleanse of your choice.
Whatever practice feels right for you to integrate Saucha into your day.
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.
Want more Self-Care Ideas and hacks? Check our Self Care Board On Pinterest!
Please comment and share how you decided to practice Saucha today. How did it make you feel? Always remember, be kind!
We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. – Cynthia Ozick
Happy Friday Yogis! Today we are going to stay sync-ed up with our challengers and revisit the positive practice of Aparigraha (non-attachment) today.
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice isto make a list of 5 things you are grateful for in your life, right now. Need some ideas? They can be big or small. You may be grateful for physical things like your health or your long hair or your home or your beautiful garden. You may be grateful for your family or friends or pets. You may be proud of something you accomplished or positive personal traits like humor or loyalty. You may be grateful for past learning experiences or positive changes you see in yourself or the world. Or, these are tough times.. if you are proud for getting out of bed or taking a shower, or putting on pants for your zoom meeting, then celebrate small victories! This practice is about finding the joy and blessings in the moment. Focus your attention to positivity and abundance already in your life, rather than putting off your happiness for something in the future.
Perhaps get some bonus Svadhyaya (self-study) by making your gratitude list today in your journal!
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Please comment and share how today’s practice for Aparigraha Day made you feel! Always remember, be kind!
Happy Thursday Yogis! Today is Brahmacharya or Moderation Day. I personally need more work-life balance in my life right now, so we are having another KISS (keep it super simple) Day!
Moderation is the key of lasting enjoyment. – Hosea Ballou
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to exercise moderation or take the Middle Path in a way that is meaningful for you today for Brahmaharya Day. Remember – the middle path is about moderation, not denial! Need some ideas?
Look for temptations during the day, and neither deny nor fully indulge the craving, but instead make a healthy choice. Like maybe a salad or healthy sandwich instead of fast food, or fruit instead of candy, or yogurt instead of cake or ice cream. Maybe have just a couple pieces of candy instead of NOMMING the whole bag (this one is both inspired by and directed towards me!), or have one very small serving of exactly what you are craving.
Make today the first day taking steps to minimize an unhealthy lifestyle choice. Perhaps get a nicotine gum or patch to stop smoking, or plan a reasonable cut-back schedule with small goals you can reach rather than the cold-turkey approach.
If you have been super busy with work and family with our current quarantine situation, ask for help and take 15 minutes minimum to spoil yourself with a bath or workout or even a nap, whatever you need!
Take a digital break – plan today to have an evening without phone or social media.
Choose your own way to practice a more balanced lifestyle today that feels right to you.
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Please comment and share how you chose to practice Brahmacharya today! Always remember, be kind!