In my last blog post I shared that I had experienced a lot of personal stress recently. To offset that stress and get my mind, body, and emotions back into equilibrium, I used meditation and yoga breathing to re- l- a - a -x completely. During the days that followed, I remembered another important technique for enhancing the soothing relaxation benefits of yoga: using personal rituals to add beauty, grace, and joy to my yoga practice.
I had not used my battery operated candles as you see in this photo for at least a month or two, so I turned them on. When the overhead lights are turned down low (which they are not in this particular photo), the candles add a delicate quiet touch to the ambiance of my personal yoga "studio." Right before I began my yoga regime, I clasped my hands over my heart and made a silent intention to create a heart-filled practice. I then turned on the cable TV music channel very low to the classical pops station and basked in the melodious tunes of Mozart, Hadyn, and Bach as I stretched and held the yoga poses I do daily - the cobra, the plough, the locust, neck movements, backward handclasp, sidebends, and lion. I did as many as I could with my eyes closed to enhance the relaxation effects of these poses.
Once I completed my set of yoga poses, I reached more my eyepad, turned off the music, and lay in Savasana (sponge/total relaxation pose) for several minutes as I allowed the energy in my body to recirculate and resettle throughout my entire being. And, as I lay there, I felt so thankful for the time I had just had in the yoga oasis I had just created. When I got up off the mat I felt wonderful - absolutely phenomenal and relaxed. I felt as if I had just returned from a day at a spa - for no extra expense at all and in the privacy and convenience of my own home!
One of my favorite books, Living a Beautiful Life, by Alexandra Stoddard contains hundreds of tips and rituals to enhance your entire life. Consider creating your own personal rituals in your yoga practice and watch your enjoyment and relaxation from your yoga practice soar!
Yours for enhancing your yoga practice by including personal rituals!
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