Welcome to the Year of the Dragon! Celebrate with Dragon Pose!

“Gung Hay Fat Choy!” (Happy New Year in Cantonese)

The Dragon is the 5^th sign in the Chinese Zodiac, following the Rabbit.

If you were born in 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 or 2000 your sign is the dragon.  Find your Chinese Zodiac Sign HERE.

Celebrate the New Year with Dragon Pose (Yin Yoga Variation of Runner’s Lunge)

Dragon Pose is great for the hips, groin, quads and can help with sciatica.

How to:

Baby Dragon (Modified Lunge)

Begin in Down Dog
Step your Right Foot forward, between your hands
Bring your Right knee directly over your right ankle.
Drop your Left Knee to the floor
Hold
Repeat on the Left

Variation:

If you want to go deeper….

Opt. 1:  Bring both hands to the Big toe side of your front foot
Opt. 2:  Bring your Forearms to the floor on the big toe side of your front foot: Baby Dragon Flying Low
Opt. 3:  Bring the top of your head to the floor on the big toe side of your front foot

Baby Dragon Flying High (Balancing Modified Lunge)

Begin in Baby Dragon
Bring your Hands to your Right knee
Hold
Repeat on the Left

Twisted Baby Dragon (Twisted Modified Lunge)

Begin in Baby Dragon
Bring your Left hand to the Big toe side of your right foot
Raise your Right Arm
Open your Right Arm out to the Right Side (twist to the side of the front leg)
Hold
Repeat on the Left

Variation:

Opt. 1:  Bend your Left Knee and hold your Left Foot with your Right Hand

Baby Winged Dragon (Modified Lunge with Hip Opener)

Begin in Baby Dragon
Bring both hands to the inside of the right foot
Allow your right knee to roll out to the right side
Come onto the little toe side of the Right Foot

Variation:

Opt. Bring your hands to Blocks

If you want to go deeper….

Opt. 1:  Bring your Forearms to the floor on the big toe side of your front foot
Opt. 2:  Bring your Forearms to the floor on the big toe side of your front foot, then use your right hand and apply a gentle pressure to your right knee, pushing out.

As always, BACK OFF IF THERE IS ANY PAIN!

Dragon Pose (Lunge)

Begin in Down Dog
Step your Right Foot forward, between your hands
Bring your Right knee directly over your right ankle.
Up on your Left toes, Left knee remains off the floor
Hold
Repeat on the Left

Variation:

If you want to go deeper….

Opt. 1:  Bring both hands to the Big toe side of your front foot
Opt. 2:  Bring your Forearms to the floor on the big toe side of your front foot-Dragon Flying Low
Opt. 3:  Bring the top of your head to the floor on the big toe side of your front foot

Dragon Flying Low (Balancing Lunge)

Begin in Dragon Pose
Bring your Hands to your Right knee
Hold
Repeat on the Left

Variation:

Opt. 1:  Bring your hands together in Prayer Position at Heart’s Center
Opt. 2:  Bring your arms over your head, interlace your fingers, index fingers pointing up
Opt. 3:  Begin in Opt. 2 and add a mini back bend

Twisted Dragon Pose (Twisted Lunge)

Begin in  Dragon
Bring your Left hand to the Big toe side of your right foot
Raise your Right Arm
Open your Right Arm out to the Right Side (twist to the side of the front leg)
Hold
Repeat on the Left

Variation:
Opt. 1:  Bend your Left Knee and hold your Left Foot with your Right Hand

Winged Dragon  (Lunge with Hip Opener)

Begin in Dragon Pose
Bring both hands to the inside of the right foot
Allow your right knee to roll out to the right side
Come onto the little toe side of the Right Foot
Hold
Repeat on the Left

Variation:

If you want to go deeper….

Opt. 1:  Bring your Forearms to the floor on the big toe side of your front foot
Opt. 2:  Bring your Forearms to the floor on the big toe side of your front foot, then use your right hand and apply a gentle pressure to your right knee, pushing out.  As always, BACK OFF IF THERE IS ANY PAIN!

Dragon Split
Begin in Baby Dragon
Slowly slid your Right foot forward, straightening out the Right Knee

Variation:
Opt:  Place a block under your right thigh

If you want to go deeper….
Opt: Slowly fold forward out over your Right Leg

Learn More Animal Poses Here

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Bear Pose to celebrate Winnie the Pooh Day (The Birthday of Winnie’s author A.A. Milne)

“Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.” -Winnie the Pooh

I love the wisdom of Winnie the Pooh (and his friends).  I have read the A.A. Milne books and the Benjamin Hoff  books, “The Tao of Pooh” an the “The Te of Piglet.”

“The hardest part is what to leave behind, … It’s time to let go!”

So much of what A.A. Milne’s characters have to say is great advice and perfect for the Yoga Mat.
“Just because an animal is large, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t want kindness; however big Tigger seems to be, remember that he wants as much kindness as Roo.” -Winnie the Pooh

To celebrate A.A. Milne’s Birthday ( born the 18th of January 1882), and his beloved characters, let’s practice…

Bear Pose:

Lay on your back

Raise both arms and both legs into the air

Rotate your wrists and ankles

“Always watch where you are going. Otherwise, you may step on a piece of the Forest that was left out by mistake.”

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A Prayerful Yoga Practice & the Anjali Mudra

Today we will be working on the Anjali Mudra.
Brings hands together in prayer position at heart center.  Your hands should be lined up evenly.  Press hands together slightly.

Come to a comfortable seated position with hands in Anjali Mudra for a few minutes of Centering.

Spend a few minutes for warm up asanas

Comet to Tadasana with hands in Anjali at heart center (near the back of the mat)

Begin Flow:

Tree Right leg up hands in Anjali Mudra

Step right leg forward in Warrior I hands in Anjali Mudra

Step Left foot forward, Chair Pose

Transition to Twisted Chair Right side

Return to Chair

Forward fold

Lunge (left leg back) hands in Anjali Mudra

Prayerful Triangle

Exhale Revolved Side Angle (hands in Anjali Mudra) – hold

Transition to Lunge

Step back into plank, lower

Child’s Pose

Garland Pose (heel down squat, hands in Anjali Mudra)

Forward Fold

Roll up to Mountain

Repeat on the opposite side

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Salutation Seal (Anjali Mudra or Hrdayanjali Mudra),hands in Prayer position (Namaste)

Mudra is Sanskrit for seal.  A mudra is a position, usually done with the hands, that directs the flow of prana (life energy).

As part of our Mudra Series, we are beginning with the Salutation Seal since most of us are very familiar with bringing hands together in prayer position.  This gesture first appeared in clay seals about 6,000 years ago.

The Salutation Seal is known by many names, Anjali Mudra, Hrdayanjali Mudra, Atmanjali Mudra, Pranamasana, Prayer Position, Namaste…

We will use the common Anjali Mudra for the rest of this post

Anjali (ON-jol-ly) means offering, salutation, to honor or celebrate.

How to:

Bring your hands together in Prayer Position at Heart’s Center:
Line up your hands and fingers, fingers are pointing up.
Press your hands together gently and evenly.
Bow head slightly

Hands represent action.  You can bring your Anjali Mudra to the center of the chest, Heart Chakra (thumbs resting against the sternum), the Heart represents emotion.  You can bring your prayer position hands to your forehead, Brow Chakra (thumbs resting against the third eye) the Head represents intellect. You can also bring your hands to your Crown Chakra (above the head).

Prayer Position symbolizes unity.  You are connecting the right and left hemispheres of your brain and are bringing all things into balance.  You become Centered.

Anjali Mudra is often used as a greeting and shows respect. This mudra is regularly used used with the word Namaste. The Anjali Mudra means much more than hello and goodbye.  It honors both the practitioner and recipient.

Uses and Benefits:

Helps Center
Shows Respect
Helps achieve a meditative state
Brings Focus
Helps alleviate Stress and anxiety
Brings a sense of humility
Stimulates the Heart Chakra (if hands are at heart center)
Stimulates the Third Eye (if hands are brought to the brow)

Asanas where the Anjali Mudra is commonly used:
The salutation Seal can really be used in any posture or seated Meditation, but you can find hands in Prayer Position regularly in:

Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Vrkasana (Tree Pose)
Malasana (Garland Pose)
Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
Hanumanasana (Monkey Pose)
Anjaneyasana (Crescent Lunge)
Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I)

Try using Anjali Mudra during centering at the beginning of your Yoga Practice.

Read More about MUDRAS here

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Yoga Mudras : an introduction

In Sanskrit, Mudra means sign or seal, mark, gesture or attitude.

A Mudra is a symbolic or ritualistic gesture used to direct or seal in Prana (Life Energy).  Mudras are used in yoga with a specific purpose for physical or mental improvement.  They can change perception and attitude, and deepen concentration.

Yoga Mudras are gestures that lock and guide energy flow. Yoga Mudras affect the body’s energy system and the flow of prana (life energy).

Shiva is said to have started the tradition of using Mudras.  Mudras are in use all over the world in many different religions, cultures and arts.

Mudras are used to manipulate the flow of Prana.

Mudras are grouped in to Five categories:
Hasta (hand), Mana (head), Kaya (posture), Banda (lock) and Adhara (perineum- genital and anal areas).

Hasta are meditative Mudras, they keep Prana flowing back into the body

Mana (an important part of Kundalini yoga) they use the eyes, nose, ears, tongue and lips.

Kaya use postures and breath

Banda energizes the body

Adhara moves prana from the root area of the body to the brain

Each Finger has it’s own meaning and element:

Thumb =  agni (fire), the Universe – Parama-atman, associated with the abdomen and anxiety
Index = vayu (air),  the embodied self –  Jiva-atman, associated with the large intestine and depression
Middle = akash (ether), energy – Rajas, associated with the heart & circulatory system and impatience
Ring =  prithvi (earth), represents inertia – Tamas, associated with the gall bladder & liver, anger & resentment
Pinky =  jal (water), luminosity or benigness – sativa, associated with the kidneys and fear

Read More about MUDRAS here

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Chandra Namaskara B (Moon Salutation B)

Mountain Pose (Tadasana)

Inhale Arms up, Exhale fold forward, Inhale look up

Exhale, Step LEFT foot back into a lunge and drop your left knee, arms up, hands in prayer (modified Crescent lunge)

Exhale lower arms and step Right leg back into Down Dog

Inhale drop knees in Table (look up)

Exhale into child’s pose (balasana)

Inhale tall kneel, arms in the air (hips off heels)

Exhale child’s pose with elbows next to your ears and hands in prayer behind your head (Praying child’s pose) hold

Release your arms, palms to the floor

Inhale slide chest forward into upward-facing dog

Exhale into Down Dog

Inhale Left foot forward; drop right knee arms up (modified crescent lunge)

Step your right foot forward into a standing forward fold

Inhale look up, Exhale fold forward

Inhale back up into tadasana

Repeat on the other side.  One round of Chandra Namaskar B

See Moon Salutation A (Chandra Namaskar) Post Here

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November 27th is Pins and Needles Day! Celebrate with Thread the Needle Poses!

In honor on Pins and Needles Day, try Thread the Needle Poses!

Thread the Needle from Table Pose

Come to Table Pose: hands and knees.
Wrist and Shoulders in alignment and Knees and Hips in alignment.  Top of feet flat

*Allow your weight to sink into your Right Hand,

Lift your Left Hand off the mat, Palm facing Up

Slide your Left arm under your right Arm

Allow your Left Shoulder and side of your head to come to the mat

Inhale and raise your Right Arm in to the air or

Bend your Right elbow, bringing your Right back of your Hand to your Left Hip

Repeat on the opposite side.

Thread the Needle from Child’s Pose

Come to Child’s Pose: Table, then push hips back onto your heels, arms extended, Then follow from ‘*’

Variations

Thread the Needle BALANCE           

From Table Thread the Needle Pose…

Thread the Needle ‘*’ then Lift Leg (if your right arm is raised, raise Left Leg)

Hold

Repeat on Opposite Side

Thread the Needle BALANCE with a Bind

Come into Thread the Needle Balance Pose

Bend the knee of your Right raised leg

Reach back with your Right Hand

Hold your Right Foot with your Right Hand (bind)

Press your Foot into your hand

Squeeze your shoulder blades together and

Turn your heart Chakra up

Drishti is to the ceiling

Repeat on the Left Side

More Calendar Theme Yoga Poses

More Table Poses Coming soon…. 

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If you have an open mind you will have an open heart, but to help the process along, let’s try some Openhearted Yoga

Start in a seated position for a few minutes of Centering

Set an intension for your practice.

Try this one from Pamela Leavey, “I am grateful for the new experiences in my life. My open mind and open heart reap many rewards.”

Climbing Stretch

Rock the baby (cradle the baby)

Switch the cross of your legs

Cat and cow (seated pose)

Rainbow Side Stretch

Chest expansion

Twist to each side

Chest expansion

Come to a low kneel , and Ride the Camel:
Inhale, tall kneel, cow
Exhale, low kneel, cat.
Continue to move at your own pace, moving with your breath- Inhaling into a tall keel Cow, Exhaling into      a low kneel cat, flowing from one pose to the other.

Transition into Table, curl your toes under and come to Down Dog.
Walk the Dog

Table

Child’s pose with chest expansion

Table

Down Dog

Openhearted modified lunge (each side)

Down Dog

Walk hands to feet,

Ragdoll

Roll up to Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

Recenter, repeat your intention “I am grateful for the new experiences in my life. My open mind and open heart reap many rewards.”

Come to the top of the mat in Mountain Pose

*Beginning Sun Salutation to Lunge (left foot back)

Openhearted lunge

Chaturanga

Down Dog

Openhearted warrior 1 (right foot forward)

Release hands, windmill arms to the floor (lunge)

Chaturanga

Down Dog

Three Leg Down Dog (right leg into the air)

Right knee comes past the chest to ½ Pigeon

Openhearted pigeon

Release hands, hands to the floor, curl your left toes under

Three Leg Down Dog (right leg into the air)

Down Dog (recovery)

Right foot forward into lunge

Step left foot in, look up with a flat back

Exhale forward

Inhale reverse Swan Dive to standing

Repeat from * stepping back with the right foot

Dancer Pose Balance

Standing forward fold chest expansion

Inhale back to standing, little mini back bend at the top, release arms

Wide legged standing forward fold chest expansion

Release arms, hands to floor

Wide legged standing forward twist (each side)

Come to a Tall Kneel

Camel Pose

Rabbit Pose

Child’s pose

Inhale to a low kneel

Side Stretch each side

Staff Pose

Forward Fold

Staff Leg lift each side

Roll to back

Knees to chest, rock from side to side

Shoulder Stand

Fish

Knees to chest, twist to each side

Corpse Pose

Savasana
Repeat your intention “I am grateful for the new experiences in my life. My open mind and open heart reap many rewards.”

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WORLD PEACE DAY NOVEMBER 17 Celebrate with a Peaceful Yoga Practice

Shanti, Santhi or Shanthi (from Sanskrit शान्तिःmeans peace, rest, calmness, tranquility, or bliss)

In honor of World Peace Day, try a Peaceful Yoga Practice:

Begin in Salutation Seal (Anjali Mudra or Hrdayanjali Mudra) for a few minutes of Centering:
Come to a comfortable seated pose, bring your hands together in Prayer Position at Heart’s Center.
Insure your hands and fingers line up, press your hands together gently.
Bow head slightly

Try chanting the Buddhist Compassion Mantra  ” OM MANI PADME HUM“ (translation: ‘Hail the jewel in the lotus’)

Switch the cross of your legs for balance

Do a few Cat & Cow Stretches to warm up your spine

Rainbow Side Stretch (each side)

Seated Twist (both sides)

Transition into table,

Thread the needle stretch (each side)

Down Dog, Walk the Dog

Rag Doll

Recenter, perhaps repeat ” OM MANI PADME HUM”  (3x’s)

Active Crescent Moon Side Stretch

Come to the top of your mat
*Beginning Sun Salutation A to Down Dog

Step your Right Foot forward into Lunge
Bring your Left hand to your left hip, Left Heel rotates Down to the mat,
Invert your Right hand (Palm Facing Up),
Inhale into Peaceful Warrior (variation of Warrior 1)-hold for a few breaths

Straighten your Right Leg, turn hips and torso to the left side and add a mini side stretch toward your back leg,
Peaceful Triangle (variation of Triangle)-hold for a few breaths

Inhale back to torso center

Exhale and transition into Lunge (Right Foot forward)
One hand on either side of your front foot, up on your back toes or down on your back knee.

Step your Left Foot next to your Right foot

Look up with a flat back,

Exhale Fold Forward

Inhale reverse Swan Dive Back to Tadasana

Repeat from * with Left Leg forward

Half Moon Balance (Modification:  Hold Left Foot with Left Hand) -each side

Goddess

Yoga Squat

Table

Down Dog 

Child’s Pose

Roll to Sit
Fish Pose
Knees to Chest
Bridge or Wheel
Happy Baby
Rotated Stomach Posture

Savasana-” OM MANI PADME HUM”  (3x’s)

 

 

 

 

—————————-

Peaceguy’s Prayer

May the people on this planet be changed.
Changed from hatred to love,
Changed from greed to giving,
Changed from selfishness to selflessness,
Changed from apathy to action,
Changed from jealousy to joy over someone’s accomplishments,
Changed from intolerance to acceptance,
Changed from being destructive to being constructive,
Changed from fighting to peace,
Changed from killing to protecting life,
Changed from censorship to freedom,
Changed from ignorance to education,
Changed from fearing our differences to rejoicing our variety.

May we each take it upon ourselves to feed the hungry, cure the sick,
house the homeless, educate the illiterate, love the unloved,
compete to do the right thing instead of winning at any cost,
make heros that teach our children to
make the world a better place instead of glorifying violence and war,
stand up and speak out against things that are wrong
instead of sitting back and waiting for someone else,
demand honesty from our governments,
demand honesty from ourselves.

May we each take responsibility for our own actions
and realize that by refusing to change ourselves,
we condone all the evils in the world.
If one person changes they teach others by example,
who in turn change and teach more,
one person becomes as a pebble rolling down a mountain,
picking up more pebbles as it continues,
becoming an avalanche of change.
It can happen, it must happen, it will happen.

(To make this prayer work, you have to change yourself. 
Copyright 1997 Don Morris. Feel free to use this anywhere and any place. All I ask is to reference this website if you do.)

LEARN MORE about Peace Guy’s Mission HERE 

 Please note International Peace Dayis always celebrated on September 21.

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Easy Self Guided Bareh Count Down Meditation

Bareh (बारह) is 12 in Hindi .

This is a great relaxation technique to do when ever you are stressed.  It’s perfect for unwinding after a long day.  It can help keep anger in check (think counting to ten).  It’s a perfect meditation to do when you can’t sleep (think counting sheep).

Come to a comfortable seated pose or corpse pose
Settle in, close your eyes and begin to take a few slow deep breaths.
When you are ready to begin…

• Take a long slow deep breath in,
• as you exhale, relax and release mentally say 12.
• Inhale once again,
• as you exhale, relax and release a little bit further,  mentally say 11.

Continue on in this way slowly counting backwards, relaxing and releasing with each breath out.

If you find that you reach zero and your mind or body are still racing, begin again at 12.

Learn More about MEDITATION, Click HERE

LEARN MORE Pranayama (Breath Control) HERE.

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