calm

How To Start Your Day Calm & Relaxed – Without Yoga

Taya / Meditation, Reflections / , , , , , , , / 3 Comments

I have a confession to make: I am not a morning person – never have been and probably never will. Most of us don’t have a lot of time in the mornings, so here are some tips to start your day calm and relaxed when you don’t have time to fit in a morning yoga class:

  • Get Some Sun: Wouldn’t you love to be awoken soothingly by a gradual brightening of your bedroom and have a gentle ray of sunshine warm you face? Ok, you’re thinking, how do I experience that every morning in Vancouver? You can’t. But, take advantage of the mornings that do provide you with sun. Step out onto your deck or patio, close your eyes and feel the warmth of the sun on your face. Be present in the moment, be still, relax, and feel gratitude for this rare occasion.
  • Get Some Fresh-Air: Open your window take a long, deep breath of fresh, crisp morning air. Feel your lungs expand while you nourish your body with oxygen.
  • Take A Moment Of Peace: Take some time to experience your own personal moment of silence. Before you reach for your iPhone to check your emails, before you go wake up your kids, before you say good morning to your partner, take time to just “be” – don’t do anything or think of anything but focus on your breathing: This will calm your mind and body.
  • Read A Positive Quote: This could be an inspiring piece of advice from friends or family members, or quotes you have collected from literature. Keep them by your bedside table, or on a sticky-note attached to your bathroom mirror. Say them out loud, or to yourself, to positively affirm your intentions for the day.
  • Drink Warm Water With Lemon: Most of us are addicted to some form of caffeine – either tea or coffee. Try drinking a warm cup of water with fresh-squeezed lemon as an alternative morning beverage. This powerful concoction provides you with a shot of vitamin C and stimulates your digestive tract. It is also an alkalizing drink, helping to wake-up your liver and aiding in flushing your systems of toxins.

Now you’re ready to start your day calm, relaxed and ready to take on the world!

[Source: haberdasheryandhome]

Create A Zen Yoga Zone At Home

Taya / Meditation, Tips / , , , , , / 3 Comments

Generally, I enjoy attending yoga classes around Vancouver because I thrive on the energy of each class. OMNI recently sent me their Namaste Yoga DVD (stay tuned for the article) to review at home. In order to properly assess the six episode series, I needed to create a serene spot in our condo to immerse myself in front of our TV.

I started by deep cleaning my living room to insure a spotless, pristine area. Then, I tossed some floor cushions on the ground – you can use them to elevate you hips during sukhasana and alleviate some back pain during your practice. Random pillows also made great yoga props. Use the floor pillows as a bolster during savasana.

I turned on some soothing music. If you relax easier to the sound of the ocean, a running brook, or the gentle pattering of rain on a window, you can download meditative sound apps, many are free, on your iPhone/iPod Touch. The sounds can help you curb unwanted distractions and ambient noises.

Anse Source D'argent, La Digue Island, The Seychelles

Subsequently, I decided on a point of inspiration to focus on during my practice.

We have a large framed photo that we captured of an incredible white sandy beach with crystal-clear water.

We visited the beach during our honeymoon in the Seychelles (an exquisite country of tropical islands off the east coast of Africa), almost two years ago. So, the photo provides me with a sense of clam & reminiscence.

If ocean pictures don’t bring you serenity, choose a statue of Buddha, a portrait of Jesus, or anything else that provides you with inspiration.

A gently flowing water fountain, flickering scented candles, soft lighting, essential oils, and fragrant incense can all complement your at-home yoga experience.

Don’t forget your favorite yoga mat.

How do you create a calming & inspirational space in your home or office? Let us know in the comments below.

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