Every morning, I practice a simple yoga routine. That’s all it takes. Nothing fancy, no headstands or splits (which I still can’t do) and that is OK! Breath work and mindfulness can be achieved through simplicity. All it takes is 10 minutes! Doesn’t sound too rough?
- Lay on your back
That’s it. Lay on your back, bend your knees and place your feet close to your lower back. Easy resting pose. Place your left hand on your heart and right hand on your stomach. Breath. Deeply. Inhale slowly for 5 seconds and release your breath with a big sigh. Do that breath 3 more times.
- Knees to Chest
Tuck your knees into your chest, make yourself into a little ball. And roll from side to side, massaging your back, releasing the tension. Then take your right knee and pull it into your chest, allow your left leg to float down to the ground. Use the strength of your arms and pull your knee closer into your chest. Maybe wiggle your foot around, flex and point your toes, roll your ankle one way and then the other. Once you feel relaxed in this wind releasing pose, take your right leg across your body and rest it on the left side for a cross body twist. Relax and breath into this twist. Once you feel complete, release your right leg, pull in your left leg and repeat the sequence.
- Legs up the wall
After completing your cross-body twist on both sides, bring your knees into your chest for a moment. Then push your legs up to the sky and hold. Try to keep your feet above your hips. Allow a slight bend in the knee. This pose is great to practice against a wall or not. Keep the post active or passive, whichever works for you. This is your practice.
- Easy Seated Pose
Rock back and forth until your body comes to an easy seated position. Once you are relaxed and comfortable, let’s release the tension in the neck. Slowly roll your head in a circle one way and then the other. Taking it slow and maybe stopping in certain spots for an additional breath and stretch. Allow your arms to stay relaxed on your knees, or straighten them and touch the ground for a tighter stretch.
- Wiggle your hands
Shake, wiggle, rotate, release those hands. Make it funny. Wiggle your entire arm! Release that tension.
- Final Meditation
Close your eyes. Rest your hands on your knees or bring your hands to prayer position. Breath. Slowly, the same way we started. Inhale for 5 and exhale for 5. Stay here for your final pose and meditation. Stay as long as you need. This is your practice.
