Yoga to Care for Yourself in a Busy World

Sit tall with a lifted heart.
Root your tail bone into the earth.

Imagine a bright light expanding within you.
It gets so bright and big that it glows past your skin.
Feel the way your breath responds to this new spaciousness.

Encourage your breath to naturally become deeper.

Take three, slow, deep, nourishing breaths...

How does this feel? Does it change your experience of the moment?

And, really, how long did it take to create this shift? Just a minute, maybe two.

You've just breathed new life and energy into your body!

It is possible to glide through the day with ease and still be productive and efficient. The secret lies in choosing to take time for yourself. By beginning and ending your day with a practice that nurtures you and helps you be firmly grounded, you can stay centered and meet the demands of life on your terms. By taking little yoga breaks, which you get when you sign up for Daily Doses of Delight, you can stay balanced through the busyness.

Everyone knows that yoga improves your life. Yoga is a practice that can guide you to peace and equanimity. The physical postures, or asana, help your body stay strong, supple and healthy. The breathing is enormously good for all parts of your being; body, mind and spirit. The philosophy gives you a perspective of the bigger picture, and offers a way to stay true to what feels right to you by using the wisdom of your heart. Meditation connects you to the source, and is one of the best ways to find peace, and happiness.

These different aspects of yoga; breathing, moving, meditating, living with awareness and integrity, are the tools we need to stay clear and capable of enjoying life's gifts. There are many ways to integrate these practices into your schedule, making you feel healthier, happier, and more balanced. Your whole being will be delighted!

Benefits include:

* Peace of mind
* Improved circulation
* Improved digestion and elimination
* Strength and flexibility
* Healthier internal organs and a stronger immune system
* Increased awareness
* An enjoyable way to de-stress

When you can't make it to a yoga class or fit a full practice into your day, just think of a way to include small infusions of breath, movement, and awareness.

Keeping it simple may be the best approach to bring sanity to a packed schedule. There are so many small things you can do to benefit from yoga without it being a big effort. Here are some ideas:

Bring awareness and depth to your breathing wherever you are, whenever you remember.

Adjust your alignment so your body is supported by optimal posture anywhere: driving, walking, sitting at a desk...

Do one or two little stretches each hour. Every time you get up from your desk, reach to the sky with an expanded inhale, or do an easy forward bend with your hands on the back of your chair.

Be nice to people. Really, it's yoga. Complement someone, make people smile, laugh together and enjoy the presence of others. Being happy is good for you!

What else can you think of that you can do without much time to make a difference?

The following is one formula that can be changed as you see fit. Just remember include all the elements of healthful living: breathing, moving in ways that balance the body, meditating, connecting to your highest nature, and living your truth.

Upon waking, breathe deeply. Meditate. Get outside and take a walk. Enjoy nature. Breathe in the beauty around you, whatever its form and shape. Feel grateful for all the good in your life presently, and all the gifts that the future holds. Do some asana. It can be as simple as five or ten minutes of mindful stretching.

During your day, remember to re-focus by taking a few centering breaths. Do a mini-practice from Daily Doses of Delight. Stretch periodically. Get outside for fresh air. If you find yourself getting caught up in the whirlwind of 'what must be done', know that a short meditation will actually help you accomplish more.

Before you go to sleep, find peace again. Reach beyond the common perspective to see the big picture and connection between yourself and all of existence. Do a short yoga practice and/or meditation.

If you really think about it, we all want the same things. We want to feel happy, healthy, free, peaceful, and loving. By taking time for yourself, you can bring these feelings consistently into your experience.

Naturally, you'll want help as you explore the vast realm of yoga. Daily Doses of Delight is a free service that brings yoga realistically into your everyday life. How incredible is it when you get an email that brightens your day? When you subscribe to this free meditation and yoga service, your practice deepens without much time or effort.

The first week you will get a message every day, and then they come once or twice a week. Daily Doses of Delight help you integrate the practices that anchor your intention to enjoy life to the fullest.

Enjoy the new feeling of freedom you create by taking time for yourself!

Katrina is an Anusara-inspired yoga teacher™ who travels the world teaching, and taking in the beauty and wisdom life has to offer. She feels honoured to share her passion for living fully, and hopes to uplift the hearts of all who choose to learn with her. You can visit her website at www.YogaWithKatrina.com.

Taking time to connect to your highest self and deepest wisdom is the most important thing you can do in life. By taking care of yourself using the fullness of yoga, you are more able to help others, accomplish what you want, and live your dreams. Choosing to cultivate a healthy and balanced body, mind, and heart not only makes you feel great, but contributes to the health of the world. As you feel uplifted, energized, and happy, it sparks the same feelings in others.

Empower yourself! Integrate your yoga practice into your life in whatever way possible. For great ideas on how to do this, subscribe to Daily Doses of Delight.

Yoga With Katrina is an online resource dedicated to the path of living life to the fullest. Topics range from health and fitness to nutrition, and of course yoga, meditation, and fun stories that make you feel uplifted and empowered. Articles are supported with videos and beautiful photos.

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