Prenatal yoga is designed to improve strength and flexibility in expecting mothers, help prepare the body and the mind for childbirth, and help alleviate symptoms associated with pregnancy. Practicing prenatal yoga may also help reduce depression, stress, and mood swings during your pregnancy. Here’s a prenatal yoga sequence to boost your mood.
[Read more…] about A Prenatal Yoga Sequence to Boost Your MoodMonday Meditation: Find Your Authentic Truth
Across the struggles and challenges that we face, it’s easy to fall into feelings of self-blame, guilt, and worthlessness. The narratives we attach ourselves to can often lead us to seeing (and believing) the worst in ourselves. But more often than not, the supposed “truths” we tell ourselves are often not true at all. How, then, do you find your authentic truth?
To find your authentic truth is to acknowledge the quiet, peaceful spaces in your mind, to let go of any beliefs, grudges, and grief you’ve held on to, and to embrace the light within you. Below is a meditation to help you do that:
As you sit comfortably on your chair or on your mat, come into the present moment by scanning your body from the top of the head to the tips of your toes. Observe the shape of your body, and pay attention to how the body is feeling today. Notice if you’re holding any tension across the hips or the shoulders. Allow your body to be upright, yet soft and relaxed.
Then, tune in with your breathing. Are you breathing more from the belly or from the chest? Understand that there is no right or wrong way to breathe. Start by simply allowing your breath to be natural and effortless. When you’re ready, try to breathe more deeply and equally across your belly and your chest.
Finally, tune in with your mind. Notice any worries, anxieties, and grievances that have taken root or have lingered in your mind. Observe these without judgment. Know that it is simply the ego that holds onto these, that joy and peace are found in the quiet, still spaces in the mind–in between the thoughts. As you recognize this, allow yourself to feel softer and lighter.
As you continue to observe and acknowledge your thoughts, then, start to pay closer attention to those quiet spaces. They exist in between each thought–the small, tiny space that is neither thought nor feeling–just pure being. Recognize that to find your authentic truth is to know that you are pure being. And, once again, allow yourself to feel softer and lighter.
When you’re ready to end your meditation, simply come back to your body and breath. Feel the weight of your lower body against your mat or your chair, start to wiggle your fingers and your toes. Then, open your eyes and feel refreshed and renewed.
What are Yoga Bolsters For?
You may have already heard of yoga blocks and straps, and may even have a couple of these handy props in your personal inventory. But if you haven’t gotten your hands on yoga bolsters yet, there’s an entire roster of reasons as to why you should. But first: What are yoga bolsters for?
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Nadi shodhana or alternate nostril breathing is a type of pranayama. It helps soothe and calm the nervous system, support respiratory health, and promote improved oxygen flow. Here’s how to practice nadi shodhana:
[Read more…] about Monday Meditation: How to Practice Nadi ShodhanaWhat are the Benefits of Inversions?
Whether the practice is strong and powerful or gentle and restorative, inversions are a key component of any type of yoga. Moreover, there are many different kinds of inversions–from the challenging pincha mayurasana to the relaxing viparati karani. But what are the benefits of inversions?
[Read more…] about What are the Benefits of Inversions?Yoga Poses to Help You Prepare for Headstand
Inversions like headstand can be scary and daunting. They require a lot of mobility in the lower body, stability in the core, and strength in the upper body. And because you find yourself upside down, it’s normal to feel confused and disoriented the first several times you practice them. There are many yoga poses to help prepare you for headstands.
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