Day 1: Virtually Amazing

 
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start,”
— Nido Qubein, motivational speaker, president of High Point University.

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 or excitement, say thanks and gently sit on the edge of the bed. Do some shoulder rolls and head circles and meet us on the mat for pranayama and silent meditation. The recording is right here:

 
 

Now, 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 yourself 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?

Take a moment to explore in your journal. If you don’t know what to write, perhaps doodle some things or let the pen take a walk across the paper. 

Let’s have lunch. Your recipe is right here! While cooking, try to be present. This is a mindfulness practice. Notice how you are breathing and involved in the process of cooking. Notice the colors and smells of the food, the texture, the energy. Say thank you to each piece for its energy. Then, start to hear the sounds around you, perhaps you sway to music you are playing. Then, feel the utensils in your hands and notice how they cut or shop or peel. As you cook the food and toss the salad, try to be 100% aware of what you are doing.

 
 

When your amazing meal is ready, say thank you again before eating and enjoy savoring each bite. 

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. Why not try a nourishing facial scrub?

Fine Facial Scrub

  • 2 tbsp. finely ground rolled oats (organic if possible)

  • 1 tbsp. organic plain Greek yogurt

  • 1 tbsp. jojoba or coconut oil

Directions

Grind oats into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or food processor (or a molcajete if you’re feeling very inspired!). Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Apply to clean skin in gentle circles for about 30 to 60 seconds. Rinse the scrub from your skin with lukewarm water. Spoon any remaining mixture into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

facialFINE-unsplash.jpg
 

Ready to have a wonderful, gentle Yin practice? This practice is designed to stimulate your heart and lung meridian. These two places - not only the internal organs but the emotions they hold and care for - are working particularly hard right now. Tension, stress and working in places that may not be the best ergonomically, create blocks to the flow of energy in these powerful meridians. So breathe deeply and remember the 3 precepts of Yin Yoga:

We hold the pose for a little while, between 3 and 7 minutes.

We look for an edge or our limit for entering the pose where we can stay still, in the mind and in the body. 

We never want any pain, discomfort perhaps but no pain. If your body invites you to back off of the pose or come out of it, we always accept the invitation. If your body invites you to go deeper, you may accept. 

Here you are: