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HW 30DYC: Yoga fundamentals
It’s called yoga practice not yoga perfect. So it’s all about experiencing the flow in your body and mind. When you notice sticking breath or clenching jaws; it often means you are pushing your body a little too far. Yoga is a journey for yourself, don’t compare yourself to others how far they have gone or how limber they are. You are exactly where you need to be. Explore your body’s capabilities in terms of flexibility and strength, test the limits and always remain respectful of your body and limits. There are a number of techniques you can use to ease through tension or discomfort: breathing, visualisation/affirmations, rocking back and forth, massaging yourself / stimulating blood flow by tapping the muscle,…
The most important thing in yoga is the connection between your body, your mind and the source just in this moment while you’re standing on the mat. The asanas, meditation, breathing,… all are tools for this. See your yoga practice as your moment of self-love.A basic exercise is breathing in Easy pose.
The name says it all: make it easy on yourself and sit with your legs crossed. The feet can be on top or under the opposite knee, or at hip level. If this feels uncomfortable you can raise your pelvis by sitting on a block or meditation cushion, cross the legs more, bring the knees closer together or further out. Find the posture that feels right for you at this moment. The most important thing is that your sitbones are stable and resting firmly on the ground or block. Your knees are somewhat supported and your back is straight, allowing all the energy and breath to flow properly.
Now place 1 hand on your heart and 1 hand on your belly. Close your eyes and focus your attention on your breathing. Feel how this breathing is going. Shallow, deep, slow or fast, does your chest rise or does your belly rise? Observe this for a moment and then try to let your belly come forward/up as you inhale through the nose. And lower the belly back while exhaling through the mouth. Do this 5 times.
Next try to slow down your breathing. 4 counts in , 4 counts out, 4 counts pause before breathing back in. Adjust the number of counts to what is feasible for you, but try to make the exhalation last twice as long as the inhalation. Feel the peace it brings you. After 10 breaths, breathe normally again. Check if you feel any difference between how you started this exercise and how you are now.
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3 Replies
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Beautifully written! I love the introduction 🕉
I’m not able to view the photos though. Is it my device? Did they post visibly on your end?-
I did not see the photo’s in the preview, but I can see them in the post. I post them again in the reply
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Thank you so much Floor! I see them now. I appreciate that.
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