Yoga Pose & Focus : 1/17-1/23

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Theme: Values
Our values inform our actions in relations to ourselves, and ultimately those around us. When we feel grounded in our intentions, our desires, our image of our SELF – how do these form a new belief system? What values stem from this essence? Our values indicate our individuality, our ability to break loose of expectations set on us by others, and to create new beliefs based on WHO WE ARE. If we act in accordance with our values, we cannot disappoint ourselves. This is hard work and takes consistent practice, but eventually these actions will help us to create healthy boundaries, release judgment of ourselves, and reflect this back to others. 

Flow/Align Pose: Chakrasana/Wheel Pose
This pose is a huge heart opener and back bend meaning it may not be for every body, and that is OK! There are many points that we can build to on our journey towards Full Wheel. Pausing in a Bridge, or with the crown of the head still resting on the Earth allows us to open our hearts and begin to prepare the back. As we consider our values this week, focus on the heart being open and receptive to taking in information from the Self. What values do you wish to live by? Remember to value your body as well and move with caution in this posture. 

Restorative Pose: Supported Setu Bandha Sarvangasana/Supported Bridge
How will you choose to support your Bridge pose? A block under the sacrum offers a firm and grounded support, and more lift for the pelvis – a perfect place to focus on rooting into your values. A pillow or bolster under the sacrum/low back will offer a place of softness and ease to settle into – a wonderful place to allow space to consider what our values are, and what they really mean. Let the arms go wide or maybe overhead and feel a clearness in the chest and belly with which you can breathe deeply into yourself and ask – what is most important to me?