Wednesday, April 29, 2020 (Part I),
When we think of "yoga", we typically think of physical postures. We think of a zen'd out room somewhere where groups of people come to work out their bodies.
The physical side of yoga is important, and is a vital element to a complete yoga practice. However, physical poses, formally called Asanas, are only one limb of the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
Pranayama is another limb, of the "yoga tree" and, before I begin my physical poses/Asanas, I dedicate the initial 10-20 minutes on my mat to meditation, prayers, and Pranayama.
A person could study each limb of yoga through their lifetime, and continually find new ways to interpret their meaning, and their effects but, as today's update states, Pranayama, is a "fancy word for fancy breathing". An easier way to think of it is that it simply means controlling your breath. I've learned that, when you control your breath, you control your mind, and then your body.
There are many techniques dedicated to breathing exercises/Pranayama, but today's practice began with a simple 4-count-breath (that's a slow, 4-count inhale, a 4-count hold of my inhale, a 4-count exhale, and a 4-count hold of the exhale); I repeat that upwards of five times until the 4-count is steady on it's own. Try it out yourself...
Enough chit-chat, time to sweat it out....
Wednesday, April 29, 2020 (Part II),
I'm writing this post-practice update having come out of Savasana/Corpse Pose.
It's a little colder in St. Louis today than it has been in the past few days, but that hasn't affected my practice too much. This morning's practice was strong, and fluid, as yesterday's and Monday's were.
If you're looking to expand your knowledge of yoga, an excellent way to begin is with 15(ish) minutes dedicated to Surya Namaskar/Sun Salutes. My physical practice begins with these each morning. An excellent video can be found here; this 14 minute video will take you through Surya Namaskar A/B. Don't try to look like the guy in the video...I certainly don't. His technique, however, is flawless, and he executes each move with control and fluidity. #yogagoals
If you're looking for a bit more, a modified Ashtanga Primary Series video can be found here. My daily routine is similar to this, however, I modify it in many ways, and add/remove poses as I want.
I hope today's post helps you shape your mind and shape your body.
Namaste
 |
| Alternate Nostril Breathing- A Pranayama Technique |
The physical side of yoga is important, and is a vital element to a complete yoga practice. However, physical poses, formally called Asanas, are only one limb of the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
Pranayama is another limb, of the "yoga tree" and, before I begin my physical poses/Asanas, I dedicate the initial 10-20 minutes on my mat to meditation, prayers, and Pranayama.
A person could study each limb of yoga through their lifetime, and continually find new ways to interpret their meaning, and their effects but, as today's update states, Pranayama, is a "fancy word for fancy breathing". An easier way to think of it is that it simply means controlling your breath. I've learned that, when you control your breath, you control your mind, and then your body.
There are many techniques dedicated to breathing exercises/Pranayama, but today's practice began with a simple 4-count-breath (that's a slow, 4-count inhale, a 4-count hold of my inhale, a 4-count exhale, and a 4-count hold of the exhale); I repeat that upwards of five times until the 4-count is steady on it's own. Try it out yourself...
Enough chit-chat, time to sweat it out....
Wednesday, April 29, 2020 (Part II),
I'm writing this post-practice update having come out of Savasana/Corpse Pose.
It's a little colder in St. Louis today than it has been in the past few days, but that hasn't affected my practice too much. This morning's practice was strong, and fluid, as yesterday's and Monday's were.
 |
| Padmasana- Inverted Lotus |
If you're looking for a bit more, a modified Ashtanga Primary Series video can be found here. My daily routine is similar to this, however, I modify it in many ways, and add/remove poses as I want.
I hope today's post helps you shape your mind and shape your body.
Namaste
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