BE CONSCIOUS
There are different ways to interpret the phrase be conscious, but what we’re talking about here is being aware and present of your surroundings and the environment. At Inner Fire, we believe strongly in taking the eco-friendly route, in recycling and being as kind to Mother Nature as we possibly can. It’s easy to walk through life shrugging off “no littering” signs on hiking trails and in parks, or ignoring news stories in your Facebook feed about environmental policies. But there are little things you can practice to embrace the environment and all that nature has to offer, without causing any harm. The next time you go for a hike in the woods, are skiing the slopes, or walking your dog in the park, take a moment to look around; notice the smells, the sounds and views and offer yourself a little smile.
MANTRA:
Om Shri Gai Ma
Purnatva Gai Ma
Beautiful, abundant Mother Earth
You are the fullest perfection
Oh divine Mother Earth
This mantra is a gesture of gratitude to Mother Earth. She offers us so much, yet it’s easy for us to take all her offerings for granted. This mantra is one that can be repeated whenever you like, on a daily basis or as an offering of thanks after spending some time outdoors.
POSES:
Tree pose
- Root down through one foot
- Lift the opposite foot to rest on either your ankle, calf or inner thigh (avoid the knee!)
- Stand up tall, engage your belly, and press your foot into your leg and leg into your foot
- Hands raise to heart centre or you can reach your arms to the sky
- Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on other side
Wheel
- Lie on your back with your knees bent (and stacked over ankles) and feet hip-distance apart
- Plant your hands by your shoulders so that your fingers are pointing towards your body, elbows are to the ceiling, and triceps are facing your toes
- Press your hands and feet into the mat and lift up through your hips, head drops back
- Pull your knees together as if you’re holding a block between them (you can also practice this pose with a block between your knees)
- Hold for 5-10 breaths then slowly lower to the ground
Wild Thing
- Start in downward facing dog and lift one leg up behind you
- Bend that knee and roll the hip open
- Continue to drop the foot back, lifting the same arm as leg so it reaches long past your head
- Keep the knee of the dropped leg bent and stay on the ball of your foot
- Opposite leg is straight and foot against the ground
- Hold for 5-10 breaths then flip back to downward dog
Mountain Pose
- Come to a standing position with your toes together and heels slightly apart, or standing with your feet hip-distance apart
- Arms are by your side, fingers reaching towards the floor
- Root down through your feet, and engage your thighs and belly
- Pull your shoulder blades together to stand a little taller
- You may close your eyes or keep your eyes open and find a spot to rest your gaze upon
- Stay here for as long as you like
We’d love to hear how you used these poses and mantra in your practice, or the ways in which you stay conscious and present to the world around you. Hit us up @myinnerfire or #myinnerfire to share how you’re making the world a better place!
