Last week, I shared with you the traditional moon salutation, allowing you to tap into its beauty. Today, we dive into a variation of the moon salutation that's accessible and adaptable from the chair. Either variation is perfect to practice right now as we are still experiencing the energy of yesterday's full moon, inviting us to harness its powerful energy while being gentle with ourselves.
As December begins and the holiday season takes over, it’s easy to let your regular routines slip away. Suddenly, the things you do to feel your best—like moving your body, eating well, or practicing mindfulness—get pushed aside. You might think, It’s just for now. I’ll get back to it after the holidays.
In today’s post, I want to introduce you to the powerful Goddess Pose (or Utkata Konasana in sanskrit). This pose is not just a fantastic way to build physical strength, but also a beautiful reminder of the balance between strength and vulnerability—a theme that's especially relevant as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday.
Starting the day with a grounded intention can set the tone for everything that follows. Today, let’s explore a gentle, seated Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskara that allows you to connect with your breath and create space for calm—right from where you’re sitting. This accessible variation of the classic Sun Salutation brings all the benefits of yoga without needing to stand, making it a wonderful way to ease into your week, especially if you’re dealing with an illness or injury or just opting for more support.
Today’s practice is all about balance—both physically and in the way we nurture ourselves to show up. We’re diving into a familiar sequence, the Sun Salutation, and adapting it with the powerful addition of a chair. This gentle variation transforms the flow, making it accessible to all, no matter where you are in your practice or how you’re feeling.
Imagine starting your day with a practice that not only energizes your body but also sets the tone for a mindful, intentional day ahead. What if just a few minutes could offer you clarity, focus, and strength, both physically and mentally? That’s the power of the Sun Salutation—an ancient flow that’s as much about inner connection as it is about movement.
Do you want to invite a little more joy into your day? Maybe feel some lightness or energy that doesn’t require an extra cup of coffee? Well, there's a practice for that—it’s called the Breath of Joy. Now, I know what you’re thinking: "Breathing? To feel better? Really?" Yes, really. Bear with me here.
Have you ever noticed how those little notifications on your phone seem to pull you in, even when you don’t want them to? The pings, vibrations, and screen lights seem harmless, but they steal your focus, making it hard to stay engaged with what really matters. Even with the sound off, that subtle glow is enough to break your concentration.
It's all too common to spring out of Savasana, eager to get on with the day. Maybe you’ve been there: you finally reach a state of deep relaxation, and then you jolt upright, tightening muscles as you go. Sure, this method gets you up quickly, but it also undoes the very relaxation you worked so hard to achieve. And, let’s be honest, it can feel a bit ironic to stress out your body right after a relaxation pose!
Savasana, often referred to as the “resting pose,” seems deceptively simple. After all, it’s just lying down, right? But anyone who's tried it knows that even in stillness, the body can hold onto tension. We often don’t realize that the subtle tightening of muscles or the closing off of our posture can prevent us from fully relaxing.
Have you ever found yourself attending a yoga class just for Savasana? I know I have! Many of us crave that moment of deep rest and relaxation at the end of practice, where we can finally let go and feel completely at ease. But here’s the good news—Savasana doesn’t have to wait until the end of a yoga class. You can practice this restorative pose anytime, anywhere, in whatever space allows you to recharge.
Have you ever noticed how your body reacts to stress? Maybe your breath becomes quick and shallow, or you feel tightness in your chest. These subtle signs are easy to overlook, but they matter. The way you breathe directly affects how you feel. By making small adjustments, you can shift your emotional and mental state.
As a yoga teacher, one of the things I cherish most is helping my students find ease and comfort in their practice. We all have unique bodies, and modifications can make a world of difference in how a pose feels. A few weeks ago, I shared a chest-opening pose using a strap in yoga mudra, which is incredibly powerful. But I also know that for some, it can feel a bit intense. That's why I’m excited to share a gentler variation that I’ve come to love—an accessible way to achieve that same sense of openness and freedom in your upper body, using a chair.
Do you ever feel like life is pulling you in a million different directions? When your mind is scattered and your energy feels fragmented, it’s easy to lose your sense of stability. That’s when returning to the basics can be profoundly grounding. One of the most powerful tools for finding your center is the Mountain Pose, known as Tadasana in Sanskrit.
Do you ever catch yourself feeling tense and tight in your upper body, especially around your neck and shoulders? If you're anything like me, it happens more often than you'd like. That nagging tension can make even the simplest tasks feel painful. But don't worry, I've got a simple and effective tip to help release that physical tension and bring you some much-needed relief.
