Posts In: Yoga Digest

by Laura McCorry

You know that whole-body blissed-out feeling you have sometimes at the end of a really good yoga class?

You feel completely relaxed, like you just woke up from a deep and restful sleep. Your eyes are only half-open. And your hair might be a little messed up but you don’t even care, you’re just *that* relaxed.

You bring your hands together at heart center and repeat “namaste” along with a chorus of other yogis. The room reverberates for a moment, waves of peace and calm floating through the air.

What if you could capture that feeling at home? First thing in the morning perhaps. Or right before bed. A simple yoga routine can prepare you physically and help settle your thoughts into the present moment.

You don’t need a teacher. You don’t need any props. You just need a baseline knowledge of a few, simple poses (or access to youtube) and about 10-15 minutes. Although, let’s be honest, 30-45 minutes with this sequence would feel heavenly. Enjoy!

Go to Yoga Digest for a sequence of 6 yoga poses you can do IN BED to ease strain in the body and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. 

What poses are part of your everyday home practice? Do you have your own pre-bedtime wind-down routine? Let us know in the comments and happy dreams to all.

Laura McCorry
Contributing Writer

Yoga and Laura had an on-again-off-again relationship from 2004 until 2009 when they decided to move in together and there’s been no looking back since. Passionate about both yoga and writing, Laura loves to introduce others to the joys and benefits of yoga and healthy living.

Contact: laura@yogaonesandiego.com

8 Yoga Poses to Enliven Your Hands and Your Practice

by Amy Caldwell

Thanks for the feature, Yoga Digest! Go here to read the full article which includes a guided yoga practice focused on enlivening the fingers and hands.

Knowing Your Body Like the Back of Your Hand Can Begin with Your Fingers

The Practice: The feet often get a lot of attention in yoga class. You may be familiar with the term “yogi toes” and teachers advising students to, “lift and spread the toes,” or “root down through all four corners of the feet.” Yet aside from a few mudras (gestures) the fingers often play second fiddle to the toes. The following practice will enliven your fingers. It will also increase your attention to detail, foster optimal alignment through the wrists, arms and shoulders and ultimately, empower your entire practice.

Body-Mind Benefits: Our fingers are dexterous, strong and acute sensory receptors. Bringing focus to what your hands are doing during practice will enhance the flow of energy, help prevent injury and improve concentration. Whether touching the mat, the earth, held in mudras or placed on your heart, our fingers initiate a connection and often tell a story. Learn to recognize and enjoy the nuanced sensations present at your fingertips.

Enjoy gratitude for your hands. They are an extension of your heart in their ability to feel, serve and connect compassionately to your self, others and the world around you.