September 30th, 2011 - Afternoon Practice

I needed to keep up my energy this afternoon. Fridays are busy days.

I found a perfect upload from yogajournal.com with Jason Crandell instructing. It's listed as 'beginner's'. Very easy to follow and the names of each pose show up once you go into the pose. That's helpful for new yogis wanting to learn the names of the poses.

On with the day...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyqHraoVSDA

September 30th, 2011

Good Morning! I wanted to try something different for my morning class. I found an upload by YogaVidyaEnglish. The beginning of the class involves a lot of breathing techniques that are easy to follow.

Then, we start doing sun salutations. Everything was fairly simple to follow. I was a bit tight in my shoulders today so doing shoulder stand and plow proved a bit difficult. All else went well with a great wind down.

The instructor goes through relaxing and then waking up the body. I enjoyed it all. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsmepJ4ii00&feature=relmfu

September 29th, 2011

Busy day today...I know I had time to do other sequences but ended up just doing a short evening sequence. I chose this one because I have a bit of an upset stomach this evening and wanted something to ease the burning and uneasiness.

I found a fun upload. The instructor seems a bit absent minded or rushed and I do wish some of the poses were held longer. But, every pose, I know is great for digestion. Overall the class was easy and fun. Namaste http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIc9hI6oOpo&feature=related

September 28th, 2011 Nighttime Practice

Tonight I wanted a nice quieting, relaxing practice. I had been eyeing this one uploaded by yogayak so decided that is what I would do tonight.

It was extremely relaxing. Perfect for right before bed. All poses are easy as is the instruction. Any yogi could conquer this sequence.

Time to sleep. Namaste. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKm7Br6PaGw

September 28th, 2011 Mid Day Practice

For my midday practice, I wanted to do something from yogatoday.com. I started off with one thinking it was 17 mins long. It ended up being around 7 or 8 minutes and then replays itself. So, I did two sequences (short ones) uploaded by yogatoday.com. The first class is instructed by Neesha and the second by Sarah.

The first sequence had some balancing poses which may be difficult for beginners. Even I had difficulty lowering into a squat while in the pose. Keep practicing though, it gets easier.

The second sequence was very easy to follow. Enjoy!

First one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph77ShWzFJQ&feature=player_profilepage

Second one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3GTbMiCfeY&feature=player_profilepage

September 28th, 2011

This morning, I'm feeling not as awake as I'd hope to be. I wanted more of an active practice to wake me up. I found one uploaded by yogatic for summer.

Although, summer is officially over calerdar-wise, it's still been very hot so I figured I'd give this sequence a shot. It's nice and short to incorporate into the morning. Yogis of all sorts should be able to easily complete this sequence.

Esther does go into crane or crow pose which a beginner may or may not be able to do. It took me awhile. I would recommend putting a pillow in front of you if you're going to give it a shot, that way if you fall forward, your head lands on the pillow.

Have fun! http://www.youtube.com/user/yogatic#p/u/31/-MVSV8T9lHc

September 27th, 2011 Afternoon Practice

For my afternoon practice today, I wanted to do a bit of core work since I did not get to incorporate that into my daily workout today. I found another great upload by SadieNardini.

Even though the sequence was rather short, I could really feel it working my core. I hope I have sore abs tomorrow. :-) http://www.youtube.com/user/sadienardini#p/u/47/ST5U3U0hqvs

September 27th, 2011

Another lovely morning yoga sequence this morning. I had a wonderful night of sleep and no tightness. Just wanted a routine to energize me this morning. I found the perfect short sequence to fit the bill uploaded by NadyaAndreeva. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLLskpRfhpM

September 26th, 2011 Evening

Tonight I had a lot of tension in my shoulders that were starting to go into my neck and head. It felt almost as if I could get a tension headache.

One of the many benefits of yoga is to heal. I immediately looked up a video for tension relief and came across someone new, Matt (who uploads under CafeHolistic). Matt had many great instructions. I was hoping for more 'action' or physicality in this class but all the poses were very helpful. He mentioned other uploads on youtube. I'm sure he has other helpful tips for staying healthy.

My shoulders do feel looser. Got to remind myself to sit up straight, walk straight, don't slouch! Namaste. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fROZfB2Aud8

September 26th, 2011

For my first sequence today, I wanted something short and sweet. I found an upload from yogatic that involved hip openers with instructor Esther Ekhart.

She was very easy to follow. I believe any yogi could easily follow this sequence that could be done at any time of the day. I was a little tighter in my hip on my right so when she put her right leg on top of her left leg, I did the modified move (she shows how to do that). I will definitely do more of her sequences. I enjoy her instruction.

http://www.youtube.com/user/yogatic#p/u/20/hsPUAppdfqs

September 24th, 2011

This morning when I woke up, I still felt very sleepy. I wanted to do an invigorating practice to help start my Saturday and wake me up. Success! I found a great sequence.

In fact, I was starting to sweat a lot. This video was uploaded by yogajan06. Great instruction, easy to follow. No difficult poses. Most of the poses involved moving within the pose. I enjoyed it. Ready to conquer the day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9z2vSwHE0lI&feature=related

September 22nd, 2011 Afternoon Practice

I wanted something invigorating this afternoon. I work at a desk, type a lot and am constantly on the phone. It can put a lot of strain on the neck and back.

I found an upload from yogatoday instructed by Neesha that was titled 'Energizing Office Yoga'. Perfect! No need for a mat or even yoga clothes. In fact, she's dressed in a suit and heels. Chairs and desk are both utilized to help stretch and open.

Wonderfully quick, so you can get back to your work day! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bZ9z6BBMVY

September 23rd, 2011

Happy Friday. I decided to actually do a morning sequence almost immediately upon waking. My body was still warm from being in bed so I started to sweat easily.

I did another search for 'morning yoga' and found one uploaded by UmojaYoga. She instructed very well and was easily followed. I feel immediately more awake but my muscles are relaxed. So, not like I had just woken up and stiff from bed. Hooray. Mission accomplished!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feOIVsU2EFM

September 22nd, 2011 Evening Practice

For this evening, I followed another sequence that had been uploaded by yogadownload. It had the same instructor speaking and the same girl in the pictures as earlier today.

I liked the fact that it was a quick evening practice but guess I was hoping for a little more. I'll try a different one another night. Time for a meditation. Namaste. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvMWLqGvfa0&feature=related

September 22nd, 2011 Afternoon Practice

Since I run often for my workout and enjoy running very much, after work today, I decided to find a yoga sequence that would aid my body in running.

Although it was just a series of photos and not a live person going into each pose, the instructor advised so well how to enter each pose and when to breathe. I have never done a sequence uploaded by YogaDownload, but will definitely do more in the future.

Right now, I feel energetic, ready for my evening. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSAS2UbW5cI&feature=relmfu

September 22nd, 2011

I woke up rather tense this morning. It may have been the way I slept or may have been the fact that I did not wind down with yoga last night. Nevertheless, I felt the need for some loosening up this morning.

I did a search on youtube for 'morning yoga' again. I found one uploaded by kineticvigilantes; I have never done a sequence from this person before.

She was very easy to follow. It seemed to move a bit quickly but it is a short sequence. I guess I prefer the flow of Neesha's morning sequence more.

It did loosen up my shoulders though, and I'm ready for the rest of my day! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_FpE5iCyYU

September 21st, 2011

I wanted something short and sweet today. I felt like this would go along with my regular workout since I ran. Toning up the butt never hurts. :-)

Adi from yogatoday.com instructs in a similar way to Neesha; both very easy to follow. While doing this sequence, I could feel it all through my butt and legs. Great middle of the day sequence! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYQcmcdZ_hc

September 20th, 2011 Evening Practice

For tonight, I wanted a quick practice. I did a search on youtube.com and found an upload from yogatoday.com that helped to combat insomnia.

Sarah instructed this class; a blanket and yoga block are recommended to relax more. I felt this class relaxed me well. Sarah was easy to follow as well, though her teaching is a bit different from Neesha's. You see her in the pose but she doesn't instruct at the same time, a bit like a voice over. Still very easy to follow. Sleep well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWc5L-1YxAo

September 20th, 2011 Afternoon Practice

I had a wonderful afternoon practice today. I practiced around 5 o'clock. I typed in 'afternoon yoga' on youtube.com and up popped another sequence that had been uploaded by yogayak. It was EXACTLY what I wanted.

I think some of the poses may be difficult for beginners. At times, the poses are held for extended times. It included some balance postures that may at first seem trying. But, stick to it, and you'll master them.

Afterward, I feel energetic yet relaxed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tklllKHDkIE

September 20th, 2011

Good morning all! Happy Tuesday to everyone.

After my night-time yoga last night and some meditation, I slept very deeply. I wanted to loosen up my muscles again and get ready for the day.

I did a search on youtube.com for 'morning yoga', several options came up. I found one lead by Neesha from yogatoday.com. Always easy to follow. I didn't mention last time, the names of the poses are printed on the screen whenever she mentions them.

I feel great, ready to take on the day! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeL3IvG4iJI

September 19th, 2011-Evening Sequence

Earlier, I noticed Yoga Zone had an evening stress release sequence. A different instructor lead this class. I found that it was still very easy to follow. It seems as if they use similar techniques. It was a great success. I feel much relaxation. Time to sleep. Namaste. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spWmuGEgnUA&feature=related

September 19th, 2011

For shame, yesterday I felt very lazy and did no yoga. Of course, I started back today with an after work/after dinner sequence perfect for getting ready for the evening. I found Yoga Zone. I had never tried any of their videos before and very much enjoyed it.

Once again, any yogi would be able to follow this class. What I did find interesting is how flowing the poses were, it somewhat reminded me of pilates. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEYPKXV661g&feature=related

Day Six-September 17th, 2011

Since today was my day off from my regular workout, I decided to incorporate a longer yoga sequence. I followed a yogatoday.com sequence taught again by Neesha. Once again, this was very easy to follow. Any yogi could easily follow any of the poses. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCFeAJAFWpU

Day Five-September 16th, 2011 Afternoon practice

For my afternoon sequence today, I once again turned to yogatoday.com. I wanted to try more challenging sequences. Neesha requires a yoga block for one short part of the sequence so you're aware of space in the legs.

I wasn't able to achieve the full pose but got pretty close. I was able to do the side crane pose almost with ease, which was difficult for me previously. Needless to say, I was very excited about being able to do that.

The sequence would be difficult for beginners. Practice helps, and it's always fun to see the more challenging poses.

I can't wait to be able to do the full pose. Namaste.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei36Ebt-AD8&feature=player_profilepage

Day Five-September 16th, 2011 Morning practice

To wake up this morning and help expand my muscles, mind, lungs...I decided to once again turn to Tara Stiles. I believe I figured out why she is speaking so quickly when she does these. It seems that she does her own sequence then adds her voice to instruct. Nevertheless, after this short practice, I feel awakened and alert.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRsC1YdXqOc

Day Four-September 15th, 2011 Sequence 2

For my 2nd sequence, I wanted something quieting. I searched youtube and found http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqWpt1xyn8A

While I found the sequence and moves very useful and easy, it wasn't exactly quieting but more rushed. I would try it again but only after I knew the whole sequence and could do it at a slower pace. Of course, it could work for a quick fast paced sequence.

Day Four-September 15th, 2011

First of all, let me mention how I noticed today how much easier I was breathing while working out, thanks to my yoga practice. This afternoon, I decided to do a sequence to help bring my energy back up. You know how sometimes in the afternoon, you feel a bit sluggish. Again, I turned to Jason Crandell and yogajournal.com. http://www.yogajournal.com/video/67

The sequence is easy for all yogis. However, if you are a beginner, you may have to glance up to see which pose he discusses as he uses the sanskrit word for the pose quite a few times.

I feel full of energy and extremely happy. Glad to have these feelings flowing through me. HOORAY!

Day Three- September 14th, 2011-Sequence 2

For my evening sequence, I felt the need for much calm. I still had so much energy coursing through my body even though it was 10pm. I turned to a trusted sequence I've used previously. http://www.yogajournal.com/video/54

Jason Crandell talks in a way to help yogis of all sorts from beginners to experts. A belt is recommended for this sequence; I used my exercise band.

I was a bit tight in my hips tonight and since this is a calming sequence as well, I did not push my body too much. He explains which poses to stick with if you are tighter in your hips or not as flexible.

My body is much more calm after, time to sleep. Namaste.

Day Three- September 14th, 2011-Sequence 1

We're going for two sequences today. At 4:30pm, I decided to look up a short yogatoday.com sequence. I found one on youtube.com http://www.youtube.com/user/yogatoday?blend=1&ob=5#p/u/48/uItLmLRR2Xk

I decided to see if in fact this was easy for a novice to follow. My answer, yes! Neesha is always a great instructor. There are no difficult moves, and she explains exactly how to move the body. She also tells the viewer the English and sanskrit word for the pose. I enjoyed this for my first practice today. I feel calm yet energized.

Also, the view of Jackson Hole is always a welcoming site.

Day Two-September 13th, 2011

After reading a bit about different variations, I was wanting to try something a little more fast paced today. I searched for Ashtanga, but didn't find one yet that suited what I wanted. I did stumble across this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6Wt9CFb-4s

Sadie Nardini, the instructor, describes 'Golden Egg Breath' as a way to fire up the metabolism. She was also very instructive and I was sweating in no time. It was exactly what I was looking for today.

I should say that I did this practice starting around 6:30pm. I wouldn't recommend doing this right before bed as right now, I feel full of energy. Also, I feel as if I'm breathing more fully.

Another great day of yoga; I will definitely do more of Sadie's sequences. I love youtube.com Until tomorrow...namaste.

Day One-September 12, 2011

As I mentioned previously, one autumn/winter I was practicing for almost an hour each night. It was at that time I noticed how deeply I slept after doing yoga. During that time, I would simply go to yogatoday.com and do a sequence. However, a year or more ago, they started to charge for their online classes. I complete understand why; they're awesome!

I was overjoyed to find the other day that some of those longer classes are on youtube.com. I haven't embarked on doing one yet. I'm simply easing back into those long classes.

For today, I decided on this sequence: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bofQabiS3C4

I am not feeling particularly sad, but I wanted to feel really happy. The class was easy to follow, especially if you are a beginner. The poses are not complicated and the instructor does not use any sanskrit words for the poses but rather describes how to move into the pose. I also felt she was very thorough when telling you when to breathe and how exactly to make sure your body was positioned.

Afterward, I feel relaxed. It is time to wind down for bed. I definitely will check out yogayak's other uploads. Namaste.

Introduction

As a way to connect more with my body and mind or maybe I should say connecting my body and mind, I've decided to practice yoga every day. Whether it be for just 10 mins, I intend to do some sort of yoga practice each day. I felt this to be necessary after feeling a bit of disconnect between the two.

Several years ago, I started practicing yoga (around 2005). One autumn/winter, I did an hour practice at least three to four times a week. I noticed how I was more at peace. I noticed a connection I felt with all living beings. I had more compassion. Even though it was around the holiday season and people were on edge, I was not reacting to their anger or rushed-ness. Rather, I understood how they felt.

In my blog, I will let you know which yoga practice I do that day. If it is an online practice, I'll post the link. If I do my own sequence, I'll write out which poses I used. As a note, some sequences require a yoga belt (I use an exercise band) and/or a yoga block. Both can be especially helpful for people just beginning yoga. Enjoy!