BREATHE!

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In times of stress or pain, one of the first things we usually do is stop taking deep breaths exactly when we need them most.  This breath awareness and pranayama practice will help you cultivate a deeper breath and a deeper awareness of your breath; so when the going gets tough, you can breath/breeze right through it!  Click on the player to listen or visit http://yogadelsolstudio.podbean.com/ to listen to this and other short audio classes with me.

Ah, savasana!

What did I do last weekend?  I had a great yoga practice ... it lasted almost all weekend long. It was waaaay too windy to do anything productive outside and I felt like a major homebody. So I did a lot of savasana... I gave myself permission and I pursued savasana like I could perfect it.  And now I feel like I had a vacation.  How many hours of savasana do you think you can do in one weekend? Give yourself a savasana challenge this weekend and see how spacious can your life, your mind, your body can become!

Instructions for savasana?  Lie down comfortably, with as many props and blankets as you need to be comfortable and cozy.  Set a timer for what you would like your minimum savasana to be (you can always stay longer, but pledge to yourself to stay at least 8-10 minutes, this will get you started).  Close your eyes and go inside, staying present to the relaxation of your body, mind and soul.  

Consider this in your practice... I was in a workshop once where Judith Hanson Lasater posited that it takes at least 20 minutes for the average person to truly become relaxed.  In my own practice, I experience a shift into relaxation at about 8 minutes, but, just as she said, my deepest relaxation doesn't start until I'm about 20 minutes into my savasana practice.  How long is it for you?

Shoulder Exploration and Strengthening!

Understanding your shoulders is key to avoiding injury in this relatively weak joint. Explore downward facing dog and dolphin pose to feel how all the muscles work together to keep you safe and strong.

A warm up is advised prior to this brief but powerful exploration... consider warm ups to open the spine (i.e. 6 movements of the spine, sun salutations), shoulders (i.e. sun breaths, arm circles, cactus/robot arms), and wrists (i.e.anjali mudra variations, wrist circles, tractioning wrists). These same practices as cool downs (plus poses like bridge and reclining twists) will help to prevent soreness the next day.

 This practice is helpful for all, but especially those beginning to explore arm balances.

Tight legs? Loosen up with this short yoga practice!

Tight legs, sore feet, funky ankles? Its important to have good lower body circulation - keeps you warm, keeps your muscles limber, helps to prevent things like clots - all good stuff! This lunge/squat series will help stretch and open your entire lower body from hips to toes. Whether you are tight because you are an athlete or a desk jockey, this sequence makes a great stand alone practice, warm up or cool down. Enjoy!