2 Simple Yoga Practices to Transform Your Life

Yoga as we know it today, stems from the Yoga Sutras. The Yoga Sutras are practices for attaining a state of Samadhi (a form of enlightenment) and were put into writing by Patanjali. What most people don’t realize, is that of the 196 Yoga Sutras, only three of them relate directly to the body. So even if you don’t have a moment to get on the mat, there are still many ways to practice yoga with your thoughts, and hey, maybe one day reach Samadhi, or maybe today is the day. :)

---

Any which way, opening and watching your mind to move past problems of the intellect is helpful for a developing a rich relationship with yourself and others.

Here are two quick practices to open your mind to a state of receptivity, positivity and open your heart to yourself and whatever your day holds. Although this only takes five minutes, allow yourself to feel as though you have all the time in the world.

1. Close your eyes. Feel your breath gently moving in and out of your chest. Imagine yourself as a child. See yourself with compassion. Then bring a sense of gratitude to all the paths and every single choice you have made that has landed you right here, reading this, in this very moment. Smile for your journey and for who you are with all your strengths and weaknesses, all your humanity, and all of your striving for something greater. Forgive and acknowledge any resistance without judgement. Now allow this sense of gratitude to move deep into every cell of your body. Your feet, legs, hips, stomach, chest, arms and hands. Eyes still closed, direct long deep breaths  into each part of your body and allow each part of your body to relax.
2.  Now, take a moment to breath and acknowledge the longings that emerge from the depths of    your heart. Allow a lively and juicy image of you having and/or being everything that is in your deepest heart’s desire to emerge in your minds eye. From this image, create an intention for your day and for your life remembering to send love to all humanity in the process. Smile at it and yourself and let it go. As you open your eyes, allow the light to come in softly at first and then open your eyes wider to let in all the various colors and sounds of the moment. Feel the gentle air as it softly enters and exits your nostrils or mouth.

Whenever you’re having a moment of distress, remember, you can transform your moments, days, and life.  Allow yourself to return to these meditations, sensations, and thoughts every time you need a moment of peace and open yourself to a fresh new day! Life truly is a journey and we really can enjoy it by taking quick moments that lead to connection to ourselves and others.

Posted In: WellBody

​