K(eep)
I(it)
S(imple)
S(illy)
k i s s
🙂
simple
Tag Archives: yoga
kindness
February! Month of Valentine’s Day! Let’s spread that lovin’ feeling throughout the whole month by focusing on ahimsa (consideration for all living things) qualities such as kindness, patience, tolerance which is one of the YAMAS (how we relate to others: our actions/thoughts/speech)
How does this show up for you on and off your yoga mat?
believe
Discouraged? Sometimes it helps to try things differently, sometimes not to try, but always BELIEVE that natures design evolves itself. Pranayama for optimism:
A great breathing practice to help foster optimism is Kapalabhati Pranayama (pronounced (kah-pah-lah-BAH-tee). Kapala = skull and bhati = light (implying perception, knowledge).
This wonderful breathing exercise will clear the mind, release emotional tensions, improve digestion, and leave you feeling energized and “brighter,” almost as if your brain was standing in a warm and happy sunbeam.
Build up slowly!
Step by Step Guide:
Sit comfortably, using any support or props. Try seated tadasana on a chair, if you like.
Focus on your lower abdomen, placing your hands there, one atop the other. Breathe in and then try laughing.
Notice the activity under your hands, as the belly contracts in short bursts.
Inhale, and as you exhale next time, repeat the same “ha ha ha” action but using short exhales through the nose.
Your inhales can be long, passive and slow, the exhales will be shorter bursts. You can keep your hands on the belly and use them to pump the abdomen until you are comfortable and feel more adept at the rhythm.
balance
what do you do to create balance in your life?
this pose may not be for you, but anyone can start a simple ‘balanced breathing practice’…why not try 10 breaths with inhale 5 counts, exhale 5 counts…
hope
Need some good cheer? Try pranayama! Yogatherapy cheer up breathing practice: Kappalabhati
A great breathing practice to help foster your new attitude is Kapalabhati Pranayama (pronounced (kah-pah-lah-BAH-tee). Kapala = skull and bhati = light (implying perception, knowledge).
This wonderful breathing exercise will clear the mind, release emotional tensions, improve digestion, and leave you feeling energized and “brighter,” almost as if your brain was standing in a warm and happy sunbeam.
Build up slowly!
Step by Step Guide:
Sit comfortably, using any support or props. Try seated tadasana on a chair, if you like.
Focus on your lower abdomen, placing your hands there, one atop the other. Breathe in and then try laughing.
Notice the activity under your hands, as the belly contracts in short bursts.
Inhale, and as you exhale next time, repeat the same “ha ha ha” action but using short exhales through the nose.
Your inhales can be long, passive and slow, the exhales will be shorter bursts. You can keep your hands on the belly and use them to pump the abdomen until you are comfortable and feel more adept at the rhythm.
complementary
Yoga is a system not a sport.
However, it is a very friendly system, and complements many activities, especially a simple walk.
I love my walks and find my yoga practice benefits my body helping me stay in condition for them, and to recuperate easier afterwards. A walk is a great time to be with your breath, instead of focusing on thoughts, focus on being with breathing and stepping.
little steps
whether it is a yoga pose or a cupcake, everything can be broken down into steps
so simple
so simple!
consider using a yoga prop today; well-situated it can give you space, build strength, and allow you to move even deeper into a posture with a calmer breath
present moment
I know…but, hey, it is called the present moment!
If your mind is sucking you in like a vacuum cleaner you can try sitting quietly and just breathing for a few moments, or if you would rather be doing something else, can you just get up and do it?
Part of practice involves discipline so maybe if you really need that cookie to distract yourself, stop at one?
breath
A conscious breathing practice will move you from panic to peace.
If you are someone who holds your breath when you are stressed, just for today, try lengthening your exhale, whether with a long sigh or just smoothly through the nose.