As you know (if you’ve been reading it) this blog has been a little bit on the ugly side of late so I’ve asked Mrs Summerhouse to write something with her yoga hat on, a blog with a pick-me-up flavour. Maybe sometimes you need more than logical thinking to get yourself out of a slump. Do whatever you can is my motto.
Sequence for Salute to the Sun
This is what she wrote.
The practice of yoga is not only beneficial in keeping the body fit and healthy and flexible, it also helps keep a healthy state of mind. Daily or regular practice of asanas (postures), pranayame (breathing exercises) and mindfulness or awareness of being in the here and now, can be of great help in combating stress and related issues.
Just taking as little as 20 minutes a day can restore your sense of equilibrium. A quiet place where you won’t be disturbed is best.
Choose a few basic movements that physically stretch the body – Salute to the Sun (as in above diagram) is a great sequence for working on the relief of tension.
Then kneel or sit for a few minutes breathing slowly and deeply (but not forcefully) through the nose. Keep it calm and rhythmical.
While breathing in this way mentally tell yourself to breathe in peace and breath out turmoil. Don’t rush, take your time. Watch the breath slow down and be aware of the effect of being quiet and still is having on you.
Reflect for a while, thank yourself for taking time out to become grounded again and try to view the practice as part of your daily nourishment.
Try it, you may be pleasantly surprised.