I find that my relationship with myself is greatly affected by my body awareness. Practices like yoga, which require listening to my body and bring me into my body in the moment, help me; these activities are now important paths that I travel repeatedly on the way back to myself.
Benefits:
Opens hips.
Stretches legs.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Start crouching on knees. Pull one leg out straight in front of body. Gently lean body over leg.
Front foot does not have to be flat on floor, if other foot is flexed.
Front leg is completely straight.
Hips are squared.
Tailbone is slightly tucked.
Back leg is stable, top of foot is pressing into ground for balance.
Jiddu Krishnamurti was a philosopher and spiritual teacher born in 1895-1986 in India; he was brought up in England. He was one of the foremost spiritual leaders in the world. He is not aligned with any religion; his teachings are neutral. His belief was that the value and beauty of nature was inextricably connected to the beauty of spirit.
“To understand the immeasurable mind,
The mind must be extraordinarily quiet, still.”
-J. Krishnamurti
Benefits:
Strengthens arms, legs, and core.
Prepares body for full plank.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Start on hands and knees. Lift one arm and opposite leg.
Lifted leg and arm are both straight.
Grounded leg is pressing into ground.
Top of foot is flat on ground for balance.
Lifted foot is pointed..
As a daily meditator, I’ve often asked myself if I could reap more benefits from my practice.
Benefits:
Strengthens arms and legs.
Improves balance.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Arms are at a 90 degree angle. Entire weight is on arms.
One leg is bent inward, foot and knee is resting on elbows.
Entire upper body is leaning forward, raising leg that is behind body.
Back leg is straight with foot flexed.
As humans, we need movement: exercise keeps our cardiovascular system healthy, keeps our bones strong, improves our blood circulation, and can even lower our risk for certain diseases.
Benefits:
Opens hips.
Helps prepare of full lotus.
Can also help with posture.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Sitting with sitting bones pressing into the ground.
Tailbone is slightly tucked.
Legs are crossed with one leg up and over other, foot is resting on thigh.
Both feet are flexed.
Back is straight.
Benefits:
Stretches tops of thighs.
Opens chest.
Helps deepen backbend.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Start by sitting up on legs. Feet are tucked underneath body.
Pull feet out from underneath body, feet are directly next to thighs. Legs are making a “W” shape.
Knees are both pointing forward.
Feet are pointing straight back.
Since ancient times, labyrinths have been used for prayer and meditation. They have been carved into stones and built into floors and the grounds of sacred spaces. They have been found all over the world, in diverse geographic areas, and by people with vastly different religious beliefs.