An open mind allows you to listen to what your body has to teach you, without judgment, embracing where you are right now and taking great delight in the changes you see taking place over time.

You will enjoy your practice more if you come to your mat with an empty belly. It is best to wait 2 hours after a meal, 30 minutes after a light snack, so the twisting, turning, moving right-side-up and upside-down does not make you uncomfortable.

Remove your shoes at the door and remove your socks too. Practicing in bare feet allows the sense receptors in the soles of your feet feel the mat beneath you. You will also practice safer and avoid slipping in standing and balancing poses.

Take time every day to practice, even if for just 10 or 15 minutes. It is always better to do a little once a day than 2 hours only once a week. It is nice to practice at the same time very day, but you can fit in a yoga session whenever you can. Do forward bends while watching your favorite television show. Maybe a few Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskara) while the pasta is cooking, or Tree Pose (Tadasana) while washing the vegetables or dishes. And remember you can always breathe mindfully, or practice a little pranayama, while standing in the grocery line or waiting at a stoplight.

 

"Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about who you are."	~ Jason Crandell
excerpted from "2010 Yoga Planner"

 

The Winter Blahs Getting Started The Power of Meditation Accept and Embrace The Vinyasa of Life The Power of Om Be Kind to Yourself Stand Your Ground