Day 11
Build a Consistent Home Practice
April 1 – 29, 2016
Day 11 – Restorative
A whole lot of love! Welcome to Day 11!
Give yourself a big pat on the back! We’re wrapping up week 2!! Halfway there!
The halfway point can often be a challenging place to be. We’ve been putting our all into getting here and our energy might be starting to wane. So it’s important to get down to the “why”.
WHY are you practicing yoga? Is it to find calmness amidst the storm? Is it to become more flexible? Is it to become strong? Lose weight? Find balance? All of these are valid reasons, but it’s important to find out Why DO YOU practice?
Write it down.
It’s one thing to have it formulated in your head – but that isn’t enough to hold you through the tough times. Something happens when we take the idea out of our precious noggin and write it down on a piece of paper. There’s something that happens in the translation from brain to hand. Often we’ll tell ourselves one thing and realize there is something deeper beneath it. So do yourself a big favor and write it down. Then put it up on your refrigerator.
Here’s my WHY: I practice to yoga to feel at home in my body. Without yoga, I feel stiff and uncomfortable. Then I get grumpy and impatient. I have aches and pains that feel foreign. Without yoga, I feel limited and constricted. Practicing yoga makes me feel light and free. I become empowered because I know the yoga movements to do that will open my body and get rid of aches and pains. I am more patient and it is easier to see the goodness in the people I meet. I can feel the joy all around me. I am at peace.
Here’s my WHY as to sharing yoga with others: I love to share yoga with others because of the positive difference it has made in my life and how I have seen it benefit others. I have had students find relief – no more achy backs, shoulders, anxious thoughts that consume. They have become physically stronger and more flexible. They can continue doing the things they love – gardening, hiking, kayaking. They find their patience and connect with a deep compassion for one another. My students have formed the most amazing community – warm, loving, inviting, and joy-filled. It is an honor to serve them and I am joy-filled as I watch them transform and connect to their peaceful, strong, and loving spirit. Plus we always have laughter in class! 🙂
Let’s celebrate the halfway point with a restorative yoga pose.
Please set aside at least 5 minutes to practice. Grab some blankets or pillows too!
As much as we squeeze into a week, it is important to fill ourselves back up. It’s no good to run around on empty – no energy, high stress, give, give, give. Take some time to receive now and rest deeply in this restorative pose knowing that you are doing something wonderful for yourself.
Keep breathing and smiling! I’ll see you on Sunday night for Monday’s practice. 🙂
PLEASE NOTE:
Once we complete our 21 day journey together I will leave up the pages and videos for an extra week. Then on May 8th they all will be coming down. If you’ve missed a practice, or 2, or 3 🙂 sneak them in on the weekends, or the extra week we’ll have. Because they’ll be going away May 8th. The next challenge will be in July. So mark your calendars! It will be great to take with you on vacation!
Quick Question
Why DO YOU practice yoga?
Let me know in the form below or a comment on Facebook. 🙂
Quick Reminder:
The intention for this 21 Day Challenge series is to do something everyday Monday – Friday. We are focusing on doing the basics at home and getting into a rhythm. Pace and modify according to you needs. I will always give you options. Remember you know yourself best, listen to your instincts.
Download Your Journal Page
Click on here to download the Journal Page (then simply click the print icon or download arrow to save it to your computer). I have filled in a sample one for you to see at the bottom of the page. Get creative and find wonderful color pens!
Let’s play!
Here’s the video to guide you through the restorative yoga pose. Check it out! Remember to share comments on my Facebook page or share pictures of your 21 Day Challenge with me on Instagram.
Benefits of Restorative Yoga
Calms the Nervous System
Deep Rest and Relaxation
Clarity of Thought
Boost Your Immune System
Increase Energy
Journal Example
with light and love,
Missed a Challenge?
No worries, click on the day below to catch up. 🙂
Week 1 – Get your body moving
Day 1
Restorative Yoga – Reclined Bound Angle
Day 2
Vinyasa Monday – Flowing Yoga Sequence
Day 3
Day 4
Vinyasa – Fire Up the Core Yoga Sequence
Day 5
Day 6
Restorative – Legs Up the Couch
Week 2 – Where’s your spirit?
Day 7
Day 8
Meditation – You Are What You Think!
Day 9
Vinyasa – Let’s Dance in the Sunlight!
Day 10
Pranayama – Breathe In, Breathe Out.
Comments or Questions? Send them to me here and I will get back with you as soon as I can.