Salutations, seekers of serenity and champions of chill vibes! It’s your favorite yoga whisperer back with another dose of wisdom, humor, and asana, chakras, mudra and mantra breakdowns. Plus, so much more yoga goodness coming at you this march. Remember to be fierce in your practice, but remember to find joy in the journey of each day.
Yoga Pose of the month:
Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana):
Tip for holding this asana: Downward Facing Dog aka Down Dog is a foundational asana in yoga, you are looking for a straight back, so bend your knees and point your hips & tailbone to the sky and slowly work on getting your heals back to the earth. Bent knees well help you pull your shoulder down your back for better alignment, remember to push of your fingers, little weight in your wrists and look back towards your toes, relax your neck.
Health Benefits of Adho Mukha Svanasana:
- Strengthens the entire body, especially arms, shoulders and back.
- Improves digestion and relieves stress.
- Stretches the entire body, especially the hamstrings and calves.
- Relieves tension in the spine and promotes overall flexibility.
Mudra: Adi Mudra (Thumb Seal) Benefits:
- Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System
- Reduces stress and promotes mental clarity.
- Balances the energy flow in the body.
- Grounds and stabilizes the mind.
• Chakra: Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura):
The navel or solar plexus chakra is located at the navel. “Manipura” means “lustrous gem of the city,” and is associated with the natural element of fire. Its associated color is yellow, hence its links to fire and, more broadly, the sun. It is directly linked to your sense of self.
Notice the Functions and Imbalanced Symptoms of the Solar Plexus. The more mindful we become, we can start to feel which chakras are blocked and imbalanced.
Mantra for the Manipura Chakra:
“I am strong, confident, and radiant like the sun.”
• Sanskrit Word: Ujjayi – One who is victorious , victorious breath, also called “the Ocean Breath”
Ujjayi breath is a type of diaphragmatic breathing technique performed during yoga asanas,m where the throat muscles of the glottis are slightly constricted, causing the air to produce a whispering, audible vibration as it passes in and out the vocal cords. Inhalation and exhalation are both done through the nose, and the resultant sound must be audible enough just for the user to hear it, but not so loud for someone standing six feet away to hear it. The inhalations and exhalations are equal in duration, and are controlled in a natural manner that causes no distress to the practitioner.
Wise Words for Mindfulness:
“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Reggae Song of the month: Easy Skanking by Bob Marley , Click Here to Listen to this song and follow the Do Yoga Do You Reggae Vibes Playlist! Easy Skanking is a smooth reggae track to accompany your practice and help you find joy in the journey.
As you dance through the rhythms of life, may each step be a mindful one. Until our next beat, keep grooving with grace.
~Traci Mitchell, Your Yogini Beekeeping Witch Goddess