As most teachers, I always start my yoga classes by taking time to center and ground. These few moments allow you to connect with your breath and draw your attention to your time and space on your mat. It's a reminder to students to let go of what's not serving them in this space - worries about work or school, their appearance, recent relationship troubles. Let it go.
Yoga is a humbling experience. Some days we make it into headstand, some days we don't. Yoga teaches us to embrace these flaws and imperfections as progress and growth. Each day we strive to reach our goals and overcome obstacles. We need to empower ourselves and find the courage to embrace all our flaws with a positive attitude.
Sure, paying bills is essential, hitting the gym everyday helps you feel good, and that text you've been meaning to return still lingers in your inbox. While these little things seem insignificant alone, together, they pile up and those everyday worries can easily takeover. As our list of things to worry about grows, it's important to take time to check-in with yourself. Taking a few moments to ground and center. A reminder to show yourself respect, forgiveness, and of course LOVE!
Self-care sounds simple, but is easily forgotten. Sometimes a gentle reminder is all you need. This Valentine's Day here's your reminder to take some time to say, "I LOVE YOU!" to yourself. Use these simple and inexpensive ideas to help spark the journey to self-LOVE!
- Practice yoga
There is a growing research to back up yoga's mental health benefits. Yoga decreases depression, anxiety and increases overall well-being. It also helps with body awareness, reduces muscle tension, strain, and inflammation, sharpens attention and concentration, and calms the nervous system.
You can practice yoga at your desk, in the park, in your house or anywhere you feel comfortable. Here's a pose to help you center:
Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Standing with feet hip-width distance apart, connect your feet with the earth beneath you. When you feel steady in your feet begin to draw your belly button towards the spine and stand up nice and tall. Roll your shoulders up to your ears and down your back. Arms naturally draw towards the sides of your body. Bring your ears in line with your shoulders and length through the crown of the head, keepings your chin level to the earth beneath you. Gently close your eyes and connect with your breath with deep
inhales and exhales. Stay here for a few moments to calm and re-energize you to tackle life's next obstacle.
- Read a motivational book
Finding time for motivational reads always awakens the spirit. If you have a busy life and you don't have the time to read a book you can try Audible books that you can listen to while driving. I always find inspiration while reading A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles by Marianne Williamson
- Meditation
Mediation doesn't have to be a long process. One of our favorite teachers, Hannah Leatherbury offers simple, real-life meditations. You can check out her collection here.