The body is layered, stacked like a Russian doll. In yogic philosophy, it is explained how the body is actually made up of various sheaths and what each sheath of the body is responsible for. By coming to know the five main koshas, or body fields or sheaths, it is easier to understand what part of us responds to, holds or processes each of our experiences.
Benefits:
Heart opener.
Stretches shoulders and arms.
Helps stretch out the backs of legs.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Start with feet slightly wider than hip distance. Next, interlace hands behind back. Bend forward raising hands up behind back.
Keep back straight for as long as possible.
Arms can be slightly bent for comfort.
Shoulders are not up by ears. Keep them relaxed.
Trail running is often a reprieve from more than just the hard-impact roads and tracks that I occasionally run–it’s also a respite from noise, traffic and congestion, and a welcome back into nature, soft trails, technical terrain, and peace. Even if you don’t run, walking along trails can often be a far more serene experience than walking on sidewalks or along the road. Don’t believe me? Here are 7 reasons why you need to get off the concrete and back onto trails.
Benefits:
Calms and clears the mind.
Helps strengthen arms and shoulders.
Helps with balance.
Foundation and general alignment:
Start in normal Downward Facing Dog, put weight on both hands and one foot, raise other foot up into air and line it up with back and arms.
Weight is evenly distributed through hands and foot.
Arms are straight but not hyperextended.
Benefits:
Great hip opener.
Helps open chest.
Grounding pose.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Start standing with feet wider than hip distance apart. Squat until backs of thighs are resting on calves. Elbows are pressing into inner thighs and hands are at heart center.
Weight is evenly distributed on both feet.
Feet are pointed outward slightly.
Back is straight.
Crow pose: You start in a squat, from which flight seems unlikely. You lift your hips, plant your palms, place your knees on your upper arms, and then…well, often, nothing. Flight is scary—the fear of face planting keeps many people grounded.
Do you wake up every morning feeling fresh and rejuvenated? Is your mind clear and skin glowing? If not, you may be experiencing the accumulation of Ama in the body. A body free from Ama feels light and generally enthusiastic about life and has a pink tongue and blemish-free complexion.
Benefits:
Helps relieve stress.
Stimulates the abdominal organs and improves digestion.
Stretches the hips, groins, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest, and spine.
Foundation & General Alignment:
Feet are in Warrior 2 postion.
Front leg is straight with toes pointing forward.
There are numerous ways to learn about healthy lifestyle practices, ranging from self-care to nutrition to exercise to yoga. Books, online and in-person classes, workshops, and friend-to-friend chats can all be great ways to learn more about the healing benefits of pine pollen, for example, or if plastic bottles are really safe.
A dear friend gifted me the book How Yoga Works by Geshe Michael Roach. After tearing away the wrapping paper to expose a yellow cover displaying the chin mudra and the title How Yoga Works, my initial thought was, Okay, an instructional book about yoga…nice.