Yoga Fix 30 - Day 14 - Gentle Yoga and Pranayama
Extend your life!
"We are shaped and fashioned by what we love."
-Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this message! Today's yoga video focuses on a pranayama practice. The word "prana" in Sanskrit means 'life force or energy" and "ayama" means "to extend." When we practice prananyama, we're literally extending our life! I remember hearing that T. Krishnamacharya. known as the father of modern yoga, said a yogi's life isn't measured by the number of years but is measured instead by the number of breaths. It is said that T. Krishnamacharya predicted that he would live to be 100 years old because he said that he would regulate his breath to live that long. He was 100 years old when he died.
Normally, on average, we only use about 30% of our lung capacity. Pranayama practice helps to increase that capacity, and taking longer, breaths enriches our blood with more oxygen. It also can help bring about feelings of peace and well-being.
Today's affirmation to practice is:
"I trust the process of life. All I need is always taken care of. I am safe."
Additional "homework:" Practice extending your breath today. Sit or lay down and begin inhaling for the count of 4 and then exhaling for the count of 4, as you continue, increase your count. See how long your can increase your inhale/exhale without causing any straining.
Love,
Lesley
PS Become a patron of Fightmaster Yoga and receive access to a week's worth of additional yoga videos that will begin after the last day of YogaFix30. These additional videos will only be available to Fightmaster Yoga patrons! Check out our community at http://www.patreon.com/fightmasteryoga
Yoga Fix 30 -Day 15 - Shoulders, Upper Back and Balance
Find your center
"...remember one thing only: that it's you - nobody else - who determines your destiny and decides your fate. Nobody else can be alive for you, nor can you be alive for anyone else."
-EE Cummings
Hi my friend!!! I'm so glad you're here today. Our video for day 15 focuses on stretching and strengthening the shoulders and there are also some fun balance postures. As you've heard me say, yoga is about balance...balancing breath with movement, effort with surrender, strength with flexibility.
Affirmations help us to find mental balance. Here is today's to practice:
"I trust the right action is always taking place in my life. I am at peace"
Additional "homework:" Think about all of the things things that feel balanced in your life and then the ones that feel less balanced. In other words, what are the things that work well for you and what is a struggle. Write them in your journal. Notice if there are any common themes in the things that you're struggling with and then look at the commonalities in the things that are easier. Are there any changes that you can make to relieve some struggle? Sometimes a change in attitude can make a huge difference!
Love,
Lesley
PS Do you feel like the world could use some more joy and healing? Me too! Consider becoming a yoga teacher...you can help to bring more love and healing to those who need it: http://www.fightmasteryoga.com/ytt
Yoga Fix 30 - Day 16 - Yoga Stretch
Ahhhh....Stretch!
"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."
-Viktor Frankl
Welcome to day 16! I'm overjoyed that you're still addicted...to yoga! Today's video has some yummy stretching. You know when you first wake up in the morning and your reach through your arms and legs and it feels so wonderful to stretch out your whole body?? I just love that! I must admit that the stretching in this video might not feel quite as good as your stretching in your bed in the morning, but it's close! If you're not a fan of yoga stretches yet, keep at it...you'll really start to enjoy it soon enough!
Remember, I encourage you to repeat each day's affirmation at least 10 times out loud if you can, or in your mind if you feel like there are too many people around (I totally get it!). Here it is:
"I now choose to live in the every-joyous NOW. My life is a joy"
Additional "homework:" Listen to music that you love and makes you happy! Sing along at home or in the car...as loudly as you like!! It's such an awesome thing to do!!!! Let me know how it made you feel!!!
Love,
Lesley
PS I'll be teaching in Santa Cruz, CA and in Sedona, AZ this spring and I'd LOVE to see you!!! Click here for more information. xoxoxox
Yoga Fix 30 - Day 17 - Strong abs!
Sometimes the seemingly bad leads to the good.
"Barn's burnt down. Now I can see the moon."
-Mizuta Masahide
In today's video, we're going to work on strengthening our abdominal and core muscles...it's kind of intense, but don't worry...it goes by quickly! Notice how it feels to practice your Agni Sara pranayama (when you exhale all the air out and then strongly pull your belly in and up). How does it feel? Is it getting any easier?
And to keep our minds strong and clear, here is our Louise Hay affirmation for today...keep practicing these!!
"Divine Spirit is the structure of my life. I am safe and loved and totally supported."
Additional "homework:" Have you ever had a situation that you thought was the worst thing possible turn out to be an awesome thing? Write about it!!
Love,
Lesley
PS I have been blessed to have met the incredibly gifted Tina (Ciavarella) West a few years ago. She's an amazing healer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia but she's able to offer healing to people all over the world. I've benefited from healing she's sent me all the way from Australia to California. It's pretty incredible...really! She recently contacted me to offer you 10% off of any of her services and I encourage you to check her out: http://www.fortitudewellbeing.net and mention Fightmaster Yoga to receive your discount.
Yoga Fix 30 - Day 18 - HIIT Yoga With Crow Pose
It's getting hot in here!
"There are two ways to live: you can live as it nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle."
Day 18 is turning up the heat, so if it's cold outside, you'll hardly even notice! I get lots of comments from people loving the HIIT classes and I gets lots of comments from people who aren't as enthusiastic about them. They certainly generate a reaction! Whether you love or hate it, just do your best. It doesn't have to be perfect and you're always welcome to push pause and rest whenever you like. You can also practice it 3 times today if you love it lol!
Today's affirmation is all about attitude:
"I am the loving operator of my mind." Remember to practice this one...you're not responsible for the first thought that pops into your mind, but you ARE responsible for entertaining it. So, only entertain the good ones!!
Additional "homework:" Journal about the following topic: everything is a miracle!!
Love,
Lesley
PS Yoga teacher training is the ultimate way to deepen your practice, and this year I have a new 200-hour Yoga Alliance approved training program offering both on-line and in-person components. Details at http://www.fightmasteryoga.com/ytt