2016 is a year of the Monkey! Celebrate with Hanumanasana (monkey pose)

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

2016 is the Year of the Monkey! Celebrate with Monkey Pose!

Monkey is the 9th sign in the Chinese Zodiac, following the sheep.
In Hatha Yoga, Monkey Pose is Hanumanasana (hah-new-mahn-AHS-anna).

Monkey Pose is named for the Hindu monkey god, Hanuman

Monkey Pose helps to stretch the groin, thighs, hips, and hamstrings.

Monkey Pose (Hanumanasana) this is a basic split asana where your legs are ‘split’ forward and backwards.

Monkey Pose may be easier to do on a hard (uncarpeted floor) without a yoga mat – try it while wearing socks.
You may also want to place a cloth under each knee.

HOW TO:
Come to a tall kneel
Step right foot forward
On your next exhale lean your torso forward and bring your hands to the floor
Slowly slide your right foot forward and your left leg back
Stop before you feel pain, only go to where you are comfortable
Hold pose for about 30 seconds, then switch sides

FULL EXPRESSION:
Work towards having both front and back legs straight.
Your torso should be straight and your hands should rest comfortably on the floor

Modifications:
Not ready for a full split? Try placing a block under your front thigh.
This will help support your body

You can also place each hand on a block instead of placing your hands on the floor

Half Monkey  (this is also called Modified Pyramid or Kneeling Runner’s Stretch) – Keep back leg  at 90 degrees. Slide Front foot forward. Hands rest on either side of your calf.

TAKE IT FURTHER:
Variation 1:
When you have mastered the split and are comfortable,
raise your arms in the air (King Monkey)
Dristi or gaze is at your finger tips

Variation 2:
Come to Full expression of monkey pose
Fold forward out over your front leg

Variation 3:
Twisted Monkey – twist towords your front leg

Variation 4:
Open Hearted Monkey – Add a chest expansion

Variation 5:
Peaceful Monkey – Inhale arms into the air
If right leg is in front, lower left arm, left hand to left leg opening the heart chakra

Learn More Animal Poses Here
View More Calendar Theme Yoga Poses
Become a FaceBook Fan

 

Nervous about beginning a Meditation Practice?

I have a high-strung friend who messaged me recently. He was looking for ways to relax and let go.

He, like a lot of people find the thought of MEDITATING intimidating, but actually, most people are doing mini meditations all the time.

Think about when you are angry, do you count to ten? – meditation.
Do you count sheep to take your mid off of things so you can sleep? – meditation
Maybe you take a walk or ride a bike, these things can also be meditative

There is no reason to be scared, meditation is for everyone. Anyone can do it.

I started him off with one of my favorite meditations:  Easy Self Guided Bareh Count Down Meditation.

I do this one constantly. It’s easy to remember and simple enough to do it anywhere, anytime.

Learn More about MEDITATION, Click HERE
LEARN MORE Pranayama (Breath Control) HERE.
Dhyana-Perfect Contemplation

www.SecondStarToTheRightYoga.com
Become a FaceBook Fan
Follow Second Star To The Right Yoga on Twitter

Red Cowgirl Boots and what I learned from them.

1. I have been looking for Vegan Cowgirl Boots forever.
2. I finally found a pair at Plasticland.
3. Everyone looks at your feet when you are wearing Red Cowgirl Boots
4. Red Shoes make you happy (I’ve actually believed this for years).
5. When you only ever wear Converse Chucks or my one pair of  Toms even a small heel makes you feel like a giant.
6. When you only normally wear Converse Chucks or my one pair of Toms and you put on a pair of Red Cowgirl Boots and you walk on non-carpeted floors you make a loud clomping noise. (View Video)
7. I need to wear a thicker pair of socks with my Red Cowgirl Boots.
8. My calves are large and my Red Cowgirl Boots can’t come up all the way.
9. Because of my calves my Red Cowgirl Boots bunch up a bit at my ankles and I like them better that way.
10. Red Cowgirl Boots are much warmer than my Chucks and Toms.

Today is Makar Sankranti; Celebrate with Kite Pose!

Makar Sankranti (Sanskrit: Shankramana = to begin to move) is a Hindu festival celebrated by many people to celebrate the New Year.  Sankrant, usually celebrated on January 14 is based on the solar calendar (most festivals are based on the lunar calendar). Makar Sankranti is the day when the Sun enters and begins to ascend into the Northern Hemisphere. The Sun represents knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom. During Makar Sankranti we are reminded to turn away from the darkness of delusion, and begin to enjoy a new life.  Our bright inner light begins to shine brighter and brighter as we gradually grow into purity, wisdom, and knowledge.

Kite Festivals are a popular way to celebrate Makar Sankranti.

KITE POSE 1 – Patangasana
(this asana is basically Warrior 3 with airplane wings)

HOW TO:

Begin in Tadasana (Mountain Pose).

Take a step forward with your Right leg.

Raise arms next to your ears as you transfer your weight into your Right leg.

Lift your left leg off the mat, and slowly hinge forward from the hips.

Your raised leg, torso and arms should be parallel to the floor. Arms back to sides like airplane wings

Drishti (eye gaze) is out over your front fingers.

(Repeat with the Left leg forward)

 

KITE POSE 2 – Falling Star (aka Soaring Eagle)

HOW TO:

Begin in 5-pointed star pose (legs 3-4 feet apart, arms at sides parallel to the floor)

Transfer your weight to your right leg

Hold for several Breaths

Return to 5 pointed Star

Repeat on the Left side

Makar Sankranti Blessing:
“May the Makar Sankranti fire burn all the moments of sadness and bring you the warmth of joy, happiness and love”

More Calendar Theme Yoga Poses

www.SecondStarToTheRightYoga.com
Become a FaceBook Fan
Follow Second Star To The Right Yoga on Twitter

 

Yoga pose for New Year’s Day – Gate Pose

January 1, New Year’s Day is dedicated to Janus the god of gates, doors and beginnings. 

Celebrate the beginning of a new year with GATE POSE.

Gate Pose:  Parighasana. (par-ee-GOSS-anna) parigha = an iron bar or beam used for locking or shutting a gate.

How to:

Come to a tall kneel

Extend your right leg out to the side

Inhale, Raise your left arm

Exhale, side stretch out over your right leg

Bring your right arm to the inside of your right leg.  Use the leverage of your arm against your leg to help deepen the stretch, opening your heart chakra to the sky.

Hold for several breaths, then, switch sides

VARIATIONS:
-Bend your Right Knee and place your Right foot on the floor (instead of extending your right leg fully)

-Your right hand can reach down your right leg, possibly holding onto your right ankle.

 Revolved Gate Pose

Come to a tall kneel

Extend your right leg out to the side

Inhale, Raise your left arm

Exhale, twist to the right, and bring your left arm to the back of your right leg. Left arm is in the air

Hold for several breaths, then, switch sides

Bound Revolved Gate Pose

Same pose as above,

Then, bring your right arm behind your back and your left arm under your right leg

Clasp hands or wrists

Seated Gate Pose:

Come to a wide knee low kneel

Extend your right leg out to the side (half straddle, your left leg is bent with your calf under your thigh-low kneel)

Inhale, Raise your left arm

Exhale, side stretch out over your right leg

Bring your right arm to the inside of your right leg.  Use the leverage of your arm against your leg to help deepen the stretch, opening your heart chakra to the sky.

Hold for several breaths, then, switch sides

Grab a partner….

Double Gate 1:

Come to a tall kneel several feet apart from each other

Extend your legs so that the side of your foot touches the side of your partner’s foot

Inhale, raise your arms (opposite of your extended leg)

Exhale, side stretch out over your extended legs

Hold hands or wrists with your partner

Hold for several breaths, then, switch sides

Double Gate 2:

Come to a tall kneel next to your partner (hip to hip)

Extend your legs out to the sides (legs that are not touching your partner)

Rise your arm (the arm closest to your partner)

Exhale and side stretch out over your extended legs

Hold for several breaths, then, switch sides

Double Latched Gate:

Come to a tall kneel facing your partner

Come to Gate pose (mirror image, person A extends their right leg, person B extends their left leg)

Bring your extended/supporting arm to your partners extended leg (your partner brings their extended/supporting arm to your extended leg)

Hold the hand or wrist of your partner (use the hand that is opposite of your extended leg)

Hold for several breaths, then, switch sides

Related Post:  Celebrating the New Year with Traditions to Bring Love and Luck!

More Calendar Theme Yoga Poses

www.SecondStarToTheRightYoga.com
Become a FaceBook Fan
Follow Second Star To The Right Yoga on Twitter

Crying

I seem to be an emotional mess.  Is it because in my family you could never show emotion?  Now I cry all the time.  How can anyone take me seriously when as soon as there is a difficult situation the tears come out.  I am frustrated and I am crying.  Something happened at work, and I only care about it a little bit. I’m not really upset about it, just frustrated.  As soon as I try to express my feelings to my boss, I begin crying.  It really sucks.

In general, I am really happy.  I love my life and my job.  I like where I am and where I am going.  So, why the tears?  How can I stop them?

Vistit: Second Star To The Right Yoga
Become a FaceBookFan
Follow Second Star To The Right Yoga on Twitter

High School reunion and happiness. How do you judge success?

I recently went to my 20 year High School reunion.  What a strange experience.  There are only a few times a year that you are forced to really examine your life.  The New Year and your birthday force you to look at your accomplishments and failures, but a High School Reunion forces major reflection.

You end up having your whole being reduced to a few bullet points.

• Married?
• House?
• Kids?
• Career?
• Overweight? (women)
• Bald? (Men)

Based on the above criteria, how do you stack up?  How do I?

I’m married and have a house.  I have a dog, a cat and a day job I (mostly) like.

I really need to lose some weight.  No kids and I have all my hair.

Do those things equal success.  Does it for me?

How do you judge success?

What did I want to accomplish in my life that I haven’t?  What dreams are lost to me?

How can you objectively answer those questions?  Whose standards are we using?

I’ve been examining my life for a few months and I have no answer.

FaceBook has really changed the scope of High School Reunions.  I graduated in a class of just under 300 students. I’m FB friends with maybe 75 of them.  About 55-60 alumni came tot he reunion.  I think there was just one guy at the reunion that didn’t have a FaceBook account.  I kept in touch with my classmates virtually.

Several people (who I had not seen since graduation in 1992) came up to me and said “Hi!  This must be Bob!”  My husband was instantly recognizable to people he has never met because of the photos I post online.

I feel a little bit sad about the past,  little reminiscent, and a bit nostalgic, but I know I would never want to relive my teenage years.  There is no way I would ever want to go back to that time.  I am 38 years old and 1988/1989 were the worst years of my life.  I was the most unhappy and desolate at 14.  I am much more happy now.

My whole life was reaffirmed when a former classmate said to me “I like to see all of your FaceBook updates.  You seem so happy.”

I really hope that is how people view me.  I hope that I am remembered for being happy.

Happiness = Success
I win.
www.SecondStarToTheRightYoga.com
Become a FaceBook Fan
Follow on Twitter

Surya Mudra for July

Surya (Ravi) Mudra – Surya means sun. The sun is a source of energy. The Surya Mudra attracts energy of the Sun.  This mudra reduces the Earth (Prithvi) Element and increases the Fire (Agni) Element in the body.

The Surya Mudra helps with weight loss.  It is said to help lower bad cholesterol.  This Mudra also fires up the metabolism and body temperature.  Surya helps strengthen eyesight.

 How To:

Place the tip of your Thumb on the tip of your Ring finger.

This Mudra can also be done by placing the pad of your Thumb over the second section of your ring finger.

 

Practice his Mudra  daily at any time.  You can practice this Mudra while standing, sitting, or even walking.  You can practice this Mudra on each hand separately or together.

Shuni Mudra is used in various pranayama techniques as well as meditation, but try it in some other asanas:

Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Vrkasana (Tree Pose)
Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I)
Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)

Try using Shuni Mudra  during centering at the beginning of your Yoga Practice & during Meditation & Pranayama.

You can also try Mudras in your everyday life.  Try the Surya Mudra while watching TV or waiting in line.

Read More about MUDRAS here

Vistit: Second Star To The Right Yoga
Become a FaceBookFan
Follow Second Star To The Right Yoga on Twitter

As the United States Celebrates it’s Independence, observe this holiday with a Patriotic yoga Practice.

Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better.  ~Albert Camus

Center-seated

Set an intention to be free:  Free from worry, free from hate, free from jealousy, free from whatever you need to let go of in your life.

We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.  ~William Faulkner

Warm ups:

Seated Figure Four (Eye of the Needle) toe separation, ankle roll.

Twist

Side Stretch

Repeat on opposite side

Eagle Arms – raise and lower

Table

Down Dog

Rag Doll

Tadasana:

Recenter, repeat Mantra

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.  ~Abraham Lincoln

Soaring Eagle (Shooting Star – Acticve Balance)

Don’t quack like a duck, soar like an eagle. –Ken Blanchard

Eagle Balance

Flow:
*Mountain
Inhale Arms Up
Exhale Fold Forward
Inhale, Look up, Flat back
Exhale, fold forward and step Right Leg Back
Side Angle, Windmill Arms to Reverse Warrior – Repeat 3 times
Step back leg in to Standing split
Look up with a flat back
Exhale fold forward
Inhale Reverse swan dive
Repeat from * on the opposite side

Eagle at Rest (Sleeping Eagle)

Flow to Table

Cat / Cow

Child’s Pose

Squat, Praying Mantis

Proposal Pose

Hip Flexor Stretch

Repeat on opposite side

Sit:
*Half Lord of the Fishes Twist
Lower Legs
Tangled Shoelaces
Fun Turnaround
Repeat From*

Roll back to Floor

Bridge

*Bridge with Figure Four
Lower hips, eye of the needle (legs into chest)
Legs Cross Twist
Repeat From *

Wheel

Both Knees to chest

Bear Pose

Savasana

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.”  ― Coco Chanel

Learn More Animal Poses Here

More Calendar Theme Yoga Poses

www.SecondStarToTheRightYoga.com
Become a FaceBook Fan
Follow on Twitter

 

Shuni Mudra for June

Shuni Mudra

Shuni, Saturn in Sanskrit, is the Seal of Patience.
(Saturn represents the taking of responsibility the thumb is ego)

This mudra can bring calmness and commitment.  Shuni Mudra helps with insomnia, depression and nausea.

How to:
Bring the tip of your middle finger together with the tip of your thumb.  This forms a circle.  This Mudra is like creating the ‘OK’ symbol with your middle finger (instead of your index finger).  You can keep your hands upright or rest the back of your hands on your knees.

Make the Shuni Mudra more active, bring your thumb to the nail of the index finger.

Shuni Mudra is used in various pranayama techniques as well as meditation, but try it in some other asanas:

Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Vrkasana (Tree Pose)
Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I)
Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II)

Try using Shuni Mudra  during centering at the beginning of your Yoga Practice & during Meditation & Pranayama.

 

Read More about MUDRAS here

Vistit: Second Star To The Right Yoga
Become a FaceBookFan
Follow Second Star To The Right Yoga on Twitter