Yoga to Health Past Newsletters

Dear friends in yoga,

Have you a daily yoga practice routine?
It’s not as hard as you think! So keep reading!!!
In an ideal world, everything we do becomes our yoga practice. How we breathe, think, act, work etc. And you’ll be amazed at how often you can practice yoga during the day!
.... We can squat to pick up something;
.... we can dog pose and lunge as we weed the garden
.... or clean the floor.
.... We can invert as we dry our hair,
.... forward bend to pick up a fallen pen
.... and improve our posture as we wait in line.
.... We can practice our sitting poses while reading, at meal times or watching TV.
The possibilities are endless!
But nothing beats the bliss of rolling out your yoga mat in your private little yoga space and doing a private yoga practice. You might be able to create a small space where you can light a candle or play your favourite relaxation music. A small sacred space that you’ll want to visit each day.
But what do you do then?
Many people tell me that the obstacles to home practice are; no time; no space; too tired; and don’t know what to do! Well, since it need be only 10-30minutes a day; takes only a tiny space (only the size of your mat!) it will energise you and I’m about to tell you what to do!

Once you have found the resolve to take the time to nurture yourself, follow this simple routine... and allow your weekly yoga class to help you to keep your practice safe and interesting as you discover what your body needs. A regular home practice can start with only 5-10 minutes per day. You may choose morning or evening to suit your situation or you may practice at both times. As you begin to feel the benefits of your practice, you may eventually lengthen your practice to 30 minutes or longer. Here is a plan to help you get started.
DAILY YOGA PRACTICE ROUTINE SUGGESTION:

1. Centering:
.....Being still for a few moments... lying or sitting.

2. Breathe:
.....Notice your breath and slowly let it deepen and lengthen.

3. Limbering:
.....If standing; the Seven Way Stretch (from Growing Younger with Yoga DVD)
.....If Lying: Some of the Spine Savers (from Yoga for Your Back DVDs)

4. Standing Poses:
.....Some Sun salutatins or Triangle Pose, and Dog Pose.

5. Backbend:
.....Cobra or sphinx

6. Daily 10 stiing poses (from Three Daily Practices DVD)

7. Meditation:
.....Observe the stillness beneath and between your thoughts

8. Relaxation:
..... Give your self at least 5 minutes to absorb the benefits of your practice.

9. Smile

10. Enjoy your day.

Let me know how you get on and if I can help you.