The two little people who inspired me to figure out creative ways to fit mini yoga sessions into my day
For this period of time between Fall Equinox and Samhain (the midpoint between Fall Equinox and Winter Solstice), I’ve offered a seasonal theme of Falling, and how it applies to yoga. I think of autumn leaves falling, of snowflakes floating to the earth, or raindrops pummeling the ground. These are different ways we can fall, in different moods or with different energies or intentions.
On the new moon, I always think of what new intentions I want to sow, or which old and recurring intentions I want to bring back to the forefront. For now, it’s that perennial intention to bring mini yoga sessions into my life. How can I find brief moments of practice that I can either insert spontaneously into a busy day, or schedule into the day so that I don’t forget?
Last Friday, I shared a yoga sequence for getting down on the ground (to play with your little ones, for instance, or for all kinds of other reasons you might want to touch the earth). In that post, I mentioned I would give a few other examples of yoga sequences for getting low, so here you go!
Tadasana - urdhva hastasana - uttanasana (knees bent) - bend knees to touch hands down and walk them forward to adho mukha svanasana (or walk the feet back) - cat - cow - balasana or seated pose
Tadasana - urdhva hastasana - utkatasana - uttanasana (knees bent) - bend knees to touch hands down and walk them forward to adho mukha svanasana (or walk the feet back) - cat - cow - balasana or seated pose
Tadasana - utkatasana - hands to thighs and step back, pivot to wide stance - hands to hips, open chest - hinge forward to prasarita paddotanasana with knees bent - hands flat to floor, step one leg in then the other to virasana or balasana
If you are not familiar with yoga poses or their Sanskrit names, or if you’d rather have a little video guidance, here it is below. I chose not to narrate this one, because I don’t want you to overthink the alignments; feel free to wiggle in the poses, come out of alignment, or do whatever variation feels right in your body. This is my way of giving you back your authority over your body: experiment and do what feels right, rather than just blindly relying on what I might say is ‘the right way.’
Of course, I always invite you to comment below if you have any questions or concerns. I’m happy to post a more instructional video if enough mamas ask:) And as always, if you’re new to yoga it is best to ask your healthcare provider if these practices are suitable for you.
Of course, I’m just one mama finding my way through motherhood. What types of ways do you fit mini yoga sessions into your day? Do you schedule yoga into your day or just try to squeeze in a few postures or breathing practices here and there?
Did you find this post helpful or inspiring? Please share it with another mama you know that might also enjoy it. Thanks in advance!