Since things have settled from the holiday rush, I keep finding myself saying, WINTER IS SO BEAUTIFUL! So far, not one person has agreed. Just a few years ago I would have never said such a statement, but since practicing Taoism, where one aligns themselves with Nature, Ive had an amazing appreciation for winter: its stillness is breathtaking! Heres a great way to become One with Winter: Try this Gentle, Restorative, 50 minute long, Turning Inward, Winter practice from Dr. Melissa West. Using props we relax completely, and by listening IN to our breath we let go of everything. I absolutely Loved this practice! You will need: 2 blocks, a strap, a folded blanket, a bolster, and some wall space. You may need to place the folded blanket on your bolster as well. Modifications: In Childs Pose, Melissa performs a Thread the Needle Position which my shoulder blades are not fans of. Instead, when opening to the right, I placed my hands into a prayer position, and placed my left elbow onto the floor, and performed a Childs Pose Prayer Twist. Also, once we come up to stand, my knees were not fond of her qi-gong squats. Even though I had my knees lined up properly, I opted for: side lunges, a strong Tadasana, and then a flow of a Half Sun Salutation. Its time to chill out, tune in, and reconnect before the cycle starts again! youtu.be/EWFTietBpZs
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 10:55:00 +0000