Richard Hittleman, a well-known yoga instructor in the 1960s and 1970s, emphasized the need to sit quietly (or you could also lie quietly in the Savasana pose) following your day's yoga session. The purpose of this is to soak in and become aware of the energy that you have "awakened" and to become more aware of the oneness of your body, mind, and spirit.
When I first learned yoga I didn't pay much attention to this. I was always trying to squeeze in the practice time and didn't really want to be bothered with this last valuable step. In the past couple of years, however, and even very recently, I have grasped the importance of sitting or lying quietly for at least a few minutes after my yoga practice. Most recently, I switched the order of my morning activities so that I awaken, do my aerobics routine, shower, do yoga, and then meditate.
The meditation time is valuable in itself for quieting the body. And, when it follows a yoga session, the quiet mediation time also allows the energy released during yoga to circulate totally. Plus when I finish yoga I am totally relaxed and alert which is perfect for meditation - no risk of following asleep. I reap the maximum benefits from my meditation time and my yoga practice! So, commit from now on to carving out at least a few minutes of quiet time following your practice to reap the maximum rewards from your yoga practice.
Wisdom of the Day: "Within several weeks you will look forward to your yoga exercises and the few minutes of 'silent awareness' that follow as one of the most meaningful periods of the day."~ Richard Hittleman, 28 Day Exercise Plan
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