Yesterday brought a chilly winter day to the Midwest, and residing in the countryside with the added wind made our home colder than usual. Despite the biting cold that left my toes freezing and fingers numb, I found myself reluctant to engage in my usual yoga routine. Instead, I opted for a moment of meditation while lying on the cold ground, inhaling and exhaling. As I lay there, I challenged myself to withstand the cold and, upon completion, decided to embark on a quick yoga session.
Post-meditation, which was particularly enriching with tingles and vibrant color auras, I reflected on my journey towards healing and self-discovery. These experiences inspire me to strive towards becoming my highest self and provide solace in the knowledge that the universe is on my side.
Returning to my yoga session, the focus shifted to fluid body movements. Navigating my stiff back in harmony with the breath became a primary goal. Recently, my attention has been directed towards stretching my hips and building strength in my back and shoulders to achieve graceful backbends. Witnessing the strength and agility of fellow yogis serves as a great source of inspiration.
Contrary to misconceptions about yoga merely being a form of stretching, I attest to its capacity to strengthen muscles. Holding challenging yoga poses demands both a resilient mind and a robust body. The keyword here is "strength." Flexibility is equally essential but can be challenging to attain. Consistency in practicing poses and deep breathing is the key to achieving flexibility. So, stay committed and resilient, dear friends; you have the power to realize your heart's desires through strength and dedication.
Diving back into my yoga practice, I'm thrilled I chose to embrace the experience. It's crucial to consistently challenge yourself to move your body actively. Simply lounging around and using the cold weather as an excuse won't lead you to achieve your goals. Rising and engaging in controlled movements while breathing deeply can rapidly thaw your frozen body.
A simple way to initiate movement is to start small and gradually progress to more robust poses. A simple warmup pose to begin with could be child's pose with knees wide, bowing down to the mat, arms outstretched in front, ensuring your back remains straight. Transition into cat-cow variations while synchronizing breath with the movements. In one of my sessions, the yoga teacher made a profound statement about breathing, that it is like your spirit. Ensuring you don't hold your breath, or "spirit," in is essential. Let it flow in and out, maximizing the benefits of each movement.
Another effective warm-up involves Downward Dog to Upward Dog variations, ensuring a smooth ripple of the back forward during the transition into Upward Dog, all while staying mindful of your breath. After the warm-up, follow your body's cues. Whether it's gentle hip stretches (my current focus) or robust flows with warrior poses, extended hand-to-toe pose, Lord of the Dance pose, chair pose, and twist chair pose, choose what feels right for you. Embrace the satisfaction of what your body can accomplish for you.
There's no need for self-judgment if you're not at your desired level with a pose. As long as you're making an effort and giving your best in the present moment, you'll eventually reach your pose goals. Even on those cold days when the motivation to move is lacking, make the effort, even if it involves small movements—your body will express its gratitude. Breathe deeply, allowing your spirit to flow and roar as it's meant to. Namaste.
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