It’s here…February…the season of love. And while many people are cynical about Valentine’s Day, we can use it as a reminder for what the day is really about…Love. Whether it is for a significant other, partner, friend, or family member, Love is an important thing to have in our lives. It is what fills us with passion, hope, and light. It is what helps us to learn from our fears and our darkness. It is where we learn to heal and connect to our true inner self. In this sense, the most important thing you can do to celebrate love and fully be there to support the ones you love and who love you, is to take time to care for yourself. Love yourself. Make time for a cup of tea, a few pages of a good book, a yoga class, or a hike. Whatever you love, take a few moments for it.
One of the best ways to slow down and reconnect with yourself is through Yoga. When you are stressed or just need to reconnect, a gentle, relaxing class will work wonders for you. And in turn make you a brighter, happier, healthier person who radiates love.
Give these a try and see how much love you can conjure up:
1)Reclined Cobblers Pose: lie on your back, soles of the feet together and knees open to the sides. Place one hand on your chest and one hand on your belly. Hold 5-10 breaths.
2)Child’s Pose: Sit on your heels. Fold forward bringing the forehead towards the ground. Let the hips stay heavy towards the heels. The arms can reach out ahead on the amt or back towards the heels. Hold 5-10 breaths
3)Cow/Cat Pose: Come onto hands and knees. Bring the wrists in line under the shoulders and the knees in line under the hips. As you inhale, open through your chest, lifting the head and hips. On the exhale, draw the belly into the spine and round through the back, tucking the head and hips under. Repeat 5 times.
4)Downward Dog: upside down V shape.From Cow/Cat pose, tuck the toes under and lift the hips towards the ceiling. Let the heels melt towards the ground and the fingers be spread wide. Feel both the arms and legs straightening as the hips lift higher to the ceiling. Relax the shoulders away from the ears and feel the chest pressing towards the thighs. Hold 5-10 breaths
5)Forward Fold: Sit with your legs out in front of you, together, with the feet flexed. Hinge forward from your hips and reach for the toes or shins. Roll the shoulders back and feel the spine lengthen as you fold. Hold 5-10 breaths.
6)Cobblers Pose: from a seated position, bring the soles of the feet together and open the knees out to the sides. Clasp your hands around your toes and slowly lean forward, allowing the knees to open further towards the floor. Roll the shoulders back here as well. Hold 5-10 breaths.
7)Seated Twist: Sit with a tall spine, both legs pout in front. Cross your right leg over the left thigh. Bring the sole of the right foot to the ground. Wrap you left arm around your right knee and twist open to the right. Try to keep the spine tall here. Hold for 5-10 breaths. Switch legs and repeat on the opposite side.
8)Legs up the wall: Sit in front of the wall. Scoot forward until you can work your legs up the wall, and your bottom close to it. Place a pillow or blanket under your hips. Hold for 10 breaths.
9)Reclined Twist: Lie on your back, with the knees into your chest. Bring the arms out to a “T” shape and drop the knees over to the right. Let them touch down on the ground. Hold for 5-10 breaths and switch sides to repeat.
10)Savasana/Corpse Pose: Lie on your back. Bring your feet to the corners of the mat. Bring your hands down by your sides, a few inches away from the body with the palms facing up. Close the eyes and lie here, breathing steadily, for 5 minutes. Try to remain still and relax fully.
Come up slowly after the five minutes, by rolling onto your right side and slowly coming back to a cross-legged position. Take a breath here and open the eyes.
Relax, renew, and enjoy!
Peace and love,
Jessi
