BE CONNECTED
We live in a fast-paced world and it can be really easy to go through the motions of daily life without connecting to anyone or anything – even yourself. A strong and steady yoga and meditation practice can help you to connect to those around you even on the busiest of days. Making time for yourself is a key to staying connected. Schedule in a yoga class and ask a friend to go for coffee or smoothies after; set an alarm for your morning meditation so you don’t skip it before heading off to work; or try smiling at everyone you pass on the sidewalk during your lunchtime walk. The more connected you are to your surroundings, the more connected you become to yourself. And if you lose that connection, you’re more likely to lose your mind! But it’s simple enough to regain that control and practice. Just remember we’re all the same. We all have struggles and we all have good days. Share your smiles with everyone.
MANTRA
Loka samastah sukhino bhavantu
May all beings be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to the happiness and the freedom for all.
This is a beautiful mantra that is easy to remember and can be applied to any situation in life. It’s a great reminder that we are all human, and all experience suffering, pain, loss, happiness, love and joy. If you’re ever feeling disconnected from your community, your surroundings, or even yourself, take 10 deep breaths and recite this mantra.
POSES:
Eagle
- Come into chair pose with your hands on your hips
- Root down through one foot
- Lift the opposite leg up and over, as if you’re crossing your legs while sitting in a chair
- You can rest the foot of your crossed leg on the floor or wrap it around your calf
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For the arms: sweep same arm as crossed legunderneaththe other arm
- Wrap your arms up to press your palms together or hold onto opposite shoulders
- Hold for 5-10 breaths then repeat on other side
Standing head to toe
- Root down through one foot
- Lift your opposite knee up, engage your core
- Reach for your toe with same hand as foot and wrap your peace fingers around your big toe
- Begin to extend your leg as much as possible
- Option to keep your chest lifted so you’re standing tall, or
- Hinge forward at your hips to bring your forehead toward your knee
- Hold for 5-10 breaths then repeat on other side
Warrior II
- Start in downward facing dog and step one foot forward between your hands
- Drop the back heel to the floor so that your back foot is parallel to the edge of your mat
- Lift yourself up and stack your front knee over the same ankle (your knee and thigh will be at a 90 degree angle)
- Take your arms out to the side at shoulder height and gaze past your front fingertips
- Hold here for 5-10 breaths then repeat on other side
Half Moon
- Start in a standing forward fold
- Extend one leg back and keep your hips level
- Begin to rotate the hip (and leg) open and reach the same arm as leg to your hip or up to the ceiling
- The other hand remains on the ground and stacked under your shoulder – use a block under your hand if you need
- Hold here for 5-10 breaths then repeat on other side
We’d love to hear how you used these poses and mantra in your practice, or what you use to stay connected. Hit us up @myinnerfire or #myinnerfire.
