Day 5 – Helping Hands – Helping Heart!

Pheww!  I’ve almost made it through my busy day.  I’ve just finished my practice and it’s 11pm.  Yikes!  Here’s a recap!  Since this morning at 5:30 am, I’ve done my daily meditation and reflection, taught a hot flow sunrise yoga at DeLaSol, taught 2 private yoga classes to young hockey players,worked a full day at the hospital and came back to the studio to work the front desk, where I’m involved in energy exchange.  This is a great opportunity to join the yoga community, help out, and get free yoga! Ya baby!  Studios are always looking for extra help so don’t be shy and inquire if you are interested!  What a day!

There are 2 keys inspiring messages from the meditation reading today:

Message 1) Whenever you find youself in negative behaviour, you should increase the time, thought, and energy that you direct toward positive behaviour.

It’s funny – because ever since I read this message this morning, I’m not sure if I can remember a moment where I had a negative attitude today….really?  Perhaps I am turning over a new leaf.  Or my positive aura is projecting towards others and they are being so positive as well.  Haha! Who knows?  Perhaps I’m just seeing the richness of life.  When I am feeling negative or down in the dumps I like to see and think of all of the love and abundance that I have in my life – and it usually turns my frown upside down.  But today there was wonderful positive thoughts and actions all around and I am glad I was there to share   This is definitely something to keep in mind on those days where I’m not feeling so abundant!

Message 2) Get rid of the “What’s in it for me?” attitude.  Let go of the ego and ask yourself “How can I be helpful?” in any situation.

- Today was filled with helping others. Looking at my crazy day! Sharing a yoga practice with lots of people, some who are familiar with yoga and others that are not, and coming to share my energy working the front desk at the studio.  It always feels wonderful when you can help or serve others.  So I’ll ask you, how can you serve the world?

The best part of my day hands down was when David surprized me with sushi for dinner!  Thanks Babe! Love you and you know how much I love sushi!

Now to the practice, I needed to fit in a quickie yoga session tonight.  If you only have 20-25 minutes to do yoga here’s how you can enjoy all the benefits of yoga and still keep it short and sweet!  This is a shortened Ashtanga sequence which I love to do – skip the vinyasas in between to cut it even shorter!  This sequence is a fairly athletic practice, although quite short.  I will provide a gentler more restorative one in the future as well.

Here it is!

Begin with ujjayi pranayama (breathing) to prepare yourself for practice and continue throughout each pose.

3-5 Sun Salutation A

3-5 Sun Salutation B

Move into the next series of poses, steady your gaze and hold for 5 breaths

Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose)

Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

Parsvakonasana (Side Angle Pose)

Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

Marichyasana C (Twist C Variation)

Navasana (Boat Pose)

Supta Padangusthasana (Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose)

Urdhva Dhanurasana (Bridge and/full wheel pose)

Sarvanghasana (Shoulder stand) (or modified) – Hold for 15 breaths – follow with Child’s pose or another counter pose

Meditate in easy seated position for a few minutes

Savasana

And..Done!  It was that easy and painless.  Now you can enjoy the rest of your day!

Do you have a special sequence that you do when you don’t have much time?  Let me know and love to hear about them.

Have a great night!

Namaste!  Alissa xo