Happy September 23, 2023 – Uttanasana & Parivrtta Uttanasana
Good morning Yogis! We are 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!
Parivrtta Uttanasana – Standing Forward Bend Twist
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to go “back to basics” with either Uttanasana / Standing Forward Bendor Parivrtta Uttanasana / Standing Forward Bend Twist. Both of these are great hip openers, and Uttanasana will always be special to me since this Asana helped me finally touch my toes!
Check out our new video for some variations of Uttanasana including an extra chest-opener!
Check out our Top 5 Yoga Mats and Equipment for Newbies!
You may want to try a block or bending your knees slightly if you cannot reach the floor – focus on keeping a straight back more than straight legs!
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.
Goor morning Yogis! We are 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 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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We are starting a series on 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 Tadasana / Mountain Poseor finding your preferred comfortable seat. I consider finding your preferred grounding pose to be finding your center. Most Yoga classes start and end with these Asanas. Each of these centering Asanas are great poses for meditation.
What do I do with my hands?!
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.
Happy September 20, 2023 – Libra Season – Tolasana (Scales Pose)
Good morning Yogis! Happy Fall! Today is not only the Fall Equinox, but it is also the start of Libra Season – Happy Birthday Libra Yogis! We will cover an Asana today inspired byLibra – Tolasana (toe-LAH-sa-nuh) or Scales Pose. This is one of the few arm balances and advanced poses I can do! I had to try to channel my Libra friend with that smile, which was quite difficult in this challenging Asana.
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Tolasana or Scales Pose inspired by the start of Libra Season! The full expression of the bottom half of this pose is from Padmasana or Lotus Pose, but there are variations for both the Lotus Legs and full Arm Balance to make accessible for beginner Yogis. This Asana is a great workout for the arms and core!
Tolasana – Scales Pose
Tolasana – Scales Pose
Start in either Padmasana or Lotus Pose, or cross your legs and bring one foot on top of the opposite thigh to come into Half Lotus. If neither pose is comfortable, stay in a comfortable cross-legged position.
Place your hands on the mat, palms down and middle fingers pointing straight to the sides and fingers spread. Exhale and press into the mat with your hands, as you contract your core and lift your legs and seat off the mat. If you cannot lift your entire seat off the floor, come into Half Lotus and lift your hips off the ground, using your other foot on the mat for stability. Hold for a few breaths if you can, and slowly lower back to the mat on an exhale. Make sure to flip your feet and practice on both sides!
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Please comment and let us know how Scales pose was for you! Did you try full Lotus Legs? Were you able to lift your seat from the mat? Do you want to share an Asana inspiration for your sign’s pose? Always remember, be kind!
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to again perform the traditional Asana series –Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations Series. Remember to focus on incorporating Diaphragmatic Breathing or Ocean Breathing, and try to get a “flow” with one deep inhale or exhale for each pose as you are moving through this Asana series.
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!
Talasana – Palm Tree Pose
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Please comment if you would like 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!
Good Morning Yogis! Today is Upper Limbs Day. Today we will revisit Dharana, and then try a Dharana Guided Meditation or other Meditative Practice.
Your calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges. So relax. – Bryant McGill
Dharana
Nearly all meditation practices you think of are types of Dharana.
Dharana is the 6th Limb of Yoga, and is usually translated as concentration. This comes from the Sanskrit root “dhri” meaning to hold, carry, or maintain. I prefer to think of Dharana as intense focus, a bit stronger than “concentration”. This is typically the second step for meditation – after letting the outside world slip away, we then direct our focus inward. Most of the meditative practices we think of are therefore Dharana practices – see our full list!
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Dharana-focused Meditation Practice for Upper Limbs Day. Perhaps try our traditional breath-focused meditation. Perhaps focus on your breath or body in Shavasana / Corpse Pose after an Asana practice, another meditative practice from our list, try a guided meditation below, or any other method of your own.. whatever feels right to you. We will cover mandalas and flame gazing later!
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 Dharana exercise! If you have another favorite, then please share the link! Always remember, be kind!
Happy Asana September 17, 2023 – Pranayama (Breathing) – Hot Yoga Breath
Good Morning Yogis! Today is Pranayama Day! We are in the middle of a daily Asana practice challenge for September, so we will revisit a moving Pranayama technique common in all kinds of Hot Yoga Classes, that originated in Bikram studios. This breath technique is part of the opening in the classic Bikram 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 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. I typically practice Asana most consistently in the morning, and this is my favorite morning series! PS I keep Ocean for the background sound in my Yoga Studio App, to help remind me to use Ujjayi Pranayama or Ocean Breath!
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is Bikram’s Pranayama a moving Pranayama Practice used in all kinds of Hot Yoga classes. We will start diaphragmatic breathing, which is part one of this breath. I am sure you will have tried this Pranayama technique if you have practiced any kind of style at a Hot Yoga studio – this breath feels particularly great in a hot and humid environment.
Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Pranayama exercise! Do you incorporate Pranayama into your Asana practice? Have you tried Hot Yoga or this breath technique? Do you have another Pranayama practice you particularly enjoy? Always remember, be kind!
Happy September 16, 2023 – Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our cycle through the Yoga Sutras with the third limb of Yoga – Asanas. Since we are in the middle of a September Asana Challenge, we are featuring a new Asana that represents each of the Yoga Sutras! Shavasana (shah-VA-sa-nuh) or Corpse Pose is my choice for Asana Day today – this is possibly the most important Asana, so it is worth revisiting often!
I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing Intermediate Relaxation (30 minutes).
Today’s Positive Practice suggestion
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try focus on Shavasana or Corpse Pose in your Asana practice today for AsanaDay! Shavasana at the end of your Asana session is important for your body to take in the changes you made during that session. Also, the Shavasana section of an Asana class is a great time for meditation and Pranayama.
I learned you should have 5 minutes of Shavasana for every 30 minutes of practice. However, this means only 10 minutes of Shavasana after an hour of practice, but I have read about more meditative benefits of Shavasana at 15 minutes and longer. Perhaps adjust your practice schedule to allow for a longer Shavasana today!
Shavasana – Corpse Pose
Shavasana – Corpse Pose
Lay on your back, and allow your legs and feet to gently splay open. Rest your arms a few inches away from your body, with palms facing up. Close your eyes, and allow your entire body to relax and sink into the mat.
To come out, gently roll onto your right side, then press your hand into the mat to come back up slowly into a seated position.
Take deep breaths into your belly (perhaps try Vilona Pranayama or Yogic / Three-Part Breath). You can use a couch pillow under your head and/or knees, or any modifications to make this pose more comfortable for an extended time. I occasionally take Shavasana with knees bent and feet on the floor, and/or with elbows bent and hands under my head or cactus-arms to the side.
PS If you are comfortable with variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!
Check out our Top 5 Yoga Mats and Equipment for Newbies!
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! Do you always include Shavasana with your Asana practice? Have you taken a 15 minute or longer Shavasana before? Always remember, be kind!
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,
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 Positive Practice suggestion
Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try Toe Stand Pose for Ishvara PranidhanaDay!
Padangusthasana – Toe Stand Pose
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 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 Prep
Bend your right knee and lower down into a toe stand, keeping your hands grounded for stability.
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!
PS If you are comfortable with variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!
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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!
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 Positive Practice suggestion
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
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.
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.
Instructions are for each pose with the LEFT side. Make sure to repeat this sequence on both sides!
PS If you are comfortable with variations of these poses, please tag us with your pictures on Instagram!
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!
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.
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!
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 Positive Practice suggestion
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.
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.
Happy September 12, 2023 – Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana (One Legged King Pigeon)
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!
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 Positive Practice suggestion
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
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 with Forward Fold
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!
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 Positive Practice suggestion
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!
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!
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!
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 Positive Practice suggestion
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.
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!
Follow us on Instagram – easy access to our daily positive practices Plus second daily reminder photo /edit On INSTAGRAM Only (2nd Insta post currently paused)
@dailyyogi.world tag us with your Asana pics! enable notifications for pop-up reminders!
