Gloriosity

Yoga Pose of the Day: Padahastasana

"When you apply conscious effort on the back and visual effort on the front, the brain and mind begin to function as one."

Padhastasana, hands-to-feet pose, strengthens and lengthens the hamstrings and spine. Blood flow increases to the brain. This re-centering posture works the internal organs, preventing and curing digestive ailments while minimizing the waistline.

From standing, exhale to a forward fold.

Step the feet into the palms of the hands, as the toes press into the wrists.

Inhale, head and tail lift up.

Exhale, forward fold, the shoulders move away from the ears. 

Lift the hips to the sky.

For a modification, feel free to bend at the knees.

Today I decided the day would be perfect for a dreaming session. As I sat outside on my purple blanket with the clouds, blue skies and chirping birds above me, I let my dreams flow from my minds eye, to paper, from pen. 

What came out was astonishing. I'd known these dreams existed in me all along. Bits and pieces of ideas that I'd thought for a long time, came out into full fruition. My life's work sat on the page in front me. It's what I've always wanted to do! I knew I had it in me.

I encourage you to try a dreaming session. This is especially helpful if you feel stuck or confused about your path or the path of something you're working on.

Take some time in a nice, cozy comfortable space, one where you feel most like yourself. If that means music is playing then let it. Just make sure you're in touch with yourself.

Take out a pen and a journal, or a piece of paper will do, and start writing. Begin to plod out the dreams that you have in your mind. I know you have them, we all do.

Take those bits and pieces and put them to paper and make them tangible. You will feel so at peace. This is step one of making your dreams a reality.

  Yoga Pose of the Day: Dandyamana Janusirsasana

"Discovering balance in yoga will help you recognize balance in the rest of your life."

Dandyamana Janusirsasana, standing head to knee pose, strengthens the legs and abdomen. This balancing posture stimulates the nervous system and aids in relaxation.

Inhale arms up overhead.

Exhale, lower arms down to pick up the right knee. Left leg is strong.

Drop the torso to the thigh and make a basket with the hands by interlacing the fingers. Place the foot in basket.

Take a deep breath in.

Exhale completely, extend the leg fully, locking the knee if possible.

Continue breathing, standing strong.

Release and repeat on the opposite side.

Yoga Pose of the Day: Vrksasana

"Experience balance, even if it lasts only for a microsecond."

Vrksasana, tree posture, strengthens the hips and thighs, alleviating any knee pain. This grounding posture creates balance in the body and the mind. 

Bring all of your weight into your right foot.

Lift and spread the toes, pressing into the four corners of your right foot.

Lift the left foot to meet the inside of your ankle, calf or thigh--avoiding the knee at all costs.

Bring hands into prayer at heart's center.

Gaze directly ahead, focusing on the breath, opening wide to balance.

To release, take a deep breath in, exhale and release the posture. Repeat on opposite sides!

Yoga Pose of the Day: Upavistha Konasana

"The individual soul realizes itself when it faces the sun."

Upavistha Konasana, seated angle posture, stretches the hamstrings, tones the legs and opens the hips. This calming pose creates length and circulation in the spine. 

Sit with legs a wide distance apart.

Reach the hands forward, grabbing the outside of the feet.

Inhale, lift and lengthen the spine.

Exhale completely, as the pelvis tilts forward.

Press down into the sitz bones and back of the legs as you breathe.

Inhale halfway up, and on the exhale, release the posture.

Do not practice if you have any back pain or groin injuries.

As a modification, you may place hands on the ground, in between your legs if your hips are tight.