Day 10 & 11: Bhakti Yoga Challenge

The last Bhakti Challenge plunged right into the depths of Yoga philosophy.  Do not let  those fancy Sanskrit words prevent your from dropping in-- Sanskrit words reveal themselves over time just as the 5000 year old tradition of Yoga does. Yoga is experiential in nature and doing the practice is the only way to feel what it does for you.  I cannot tell you-- you can only feel the truth in your own body, heart and mind. (Photo: Mt. Tam Sunset I took after a beautiful meditative walk on the ridge)

Bhakti Challenge: Day 10 & 11

Today’s practice is similar to yesterdays but with a different warm-up.  See how this warm-up changes your experience of the Clarity Meditation from Day 8 & 9.

Sun Salutation- Mountain pose, forward bend, plank, cobra, down dog, then back to mountain pose.  Or make up your own-- get creative-- just get on your mat!  Or, do the on-line video called Sun Salutation warm-up on the Yoga Mountain homepage.  Breathe slowly and mindfully with all movements.

Shoulder Opener- Stand tall and strong in mountain pose. Clasp your hands behind your buttocks.  Breathe high into your collar bones and across your upper back.  Stretch the arms straight and move the shoulders and head back.  Feel the chest opening with each breath. Soften your face and throat.   Stay 8 breaths.

Supine Twist- lay on your back, bend your knees and lift your feet off the floor. Engage your belly and twist to the right bringing the stacked knees to the floor. Soften your chest and breath your opposite shoulder down.  Enjoy this restorative twist as it opens your hips and your shoulders. Stay 10 breaths and the repeat on the other side.  

Clarity Meditation- with the legs up the wall. (See Day 8 & 9 for a refresher) This is so perfect for a HOT day!  When your ankles and feet get puffy and achy from the heat-- its time to go upside down.  I cannot tell you how GOOD this feels and how AMAZING it is for relaxing the thinking mind and dropping into your HEART.  You’ve got to feel it for yourself.  Then journal about your experiences.

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With Heart ~

Sienna