Day 1: Your First Move
““Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states.””
6:30 am - Rise and shine, it’s morning time!
When you open your eyes, take a moment and say thank you for whatever you feel. If it’s sadness, tiredness, excitement or joy, say thanks. Then say “I love you” to everything and nothing in particular. As you sit the edge of your bed, do some shoulder rolls and head circles, then meet us on the mat for meditation. The recording is right here:
This retreat is structured for a morning meditation, followed by some cardio and then a flow. With the rest of the day open for healthy eating and mindful activities of your choosing. However, if you’re not a morning person, you can adjust this schedule to suit your needs!
Before your flow, ease into a walk, jog or stair climb for about 20 minutes and we will see you here for 9 am yoga flow:
Notice how you feel as you mix up a smoothie and journal about your morning.
What was your favorite part? What wasn’t? How’d you feel in meditation? Was there a thought kept coming up?
If you don’t know what to write? Doodle or let the pen take a walk across the paper. Take your time and let yourself be introspective and relaxed.
Done? Let’s have lunch! Below are some ideas for meals with yummy, healthy ingredients.
While cooking, be present. This is a mindfulness practice. Notice how you’re breathing while involved in cooking. Notice the colors and smells of the food, the texture, the energy. Say thank you, I love you to each piece. Then, listen to the sounds around you, perhaps sway to music you're playing. Feel the utensils in your hands and notice how they cut, chop or peel. As you cook the food and toss the salad, be 100% aware of what you are doing. Be present. "When you are washing the dishes, just be washing the dishes," Thich Nhat Hanh
After lunch read and relax. If you need to check email, go ahead. Put a time limit on for 90 minutes maximum. if you can, take an electronic break.
How about a Banana Face Mask?
Banana Mask Directions
Banana masks are the most natural and one of the best home-made facial masks that can be applied to your skin. It’s moisturizing for your skin, leaving it softer. Mash up a banana into a smooth paste, then gently apply it to your face and neck. Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water. Another popular mask recipe calls for 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey (a natural acne remedy) and 1 medium banana.
