Incorporating exercise into our daily routine is another way to practice self-care. I’ve tried many different exercise programs from Tai-Bo to running and even weightlifting, etc. My favorite and the one that transformed my body that most? Yoga.
I first tried yoga a few years after being diagnosed with Lupus. My Rheumatologist suggested for me to try it after I was having pain in my joints. At the time, I was doing kickboxing, Tae Bo, or running each day as my daily exercise routine.
I didn’t know much about yoga at the time. However, I did my research. That’s when I came across Kundalini Yoga.
What is Kundalini Yoga?
Kundalini is the female energy believed to lie at the base of the spine. When this energy is awakened, you are aware of the power within you. Not only does it involve poses and practices, but it includes meditation, chanting, and breathing techniques. If you are open to becoming more spiritually enlightened while getting the benefits of a workout, then this might be a good choice for you.
I have a collection of yoga books and DVDs, and these are my favorite Kundalini finds:
Maya Fiennes was the first Kundalini DVD that I ever bought, and it was called A Journey Through The 7 Mantras and 7 Chakras. It is no longer available that I can find, but if you ever come across it, I highly encourage you to get a copy. She also has a book called Yoga for Real Life. It’s filled with inspiration, poses, and recipes.
Ana Brett would be my next choice. These are my three favorites of her videos: Beginners & Beyond, Fat-Free Yoga, Lose Weight and Feel Great and A Journey through the Chakras.
Other forms of yoga include Ananda, Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, and Power Yoga, to name a few. If yoga is something you are interested in, I encourage you to read about each one of these types and to find the one that fits you the best.
Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self. ― The Bhagavad Gita
What’s naked yoga all about?
If you want to awaken your true nature, I suggest: Yoga Undressed, The Goddess Series. This is a beginner’s video and combines Kundalini, Hatha, and Vinyasa in one practice. There is also an intermediate and advanced video that I highly suggest as well. Nothing makes you embrace your body more than practicing something naked.
Remember back in our twenties when our bodies were at their best? If you are like me, you also remember how self-conscious you were about it, no matter how good you looked. Since I started this practice, I’ve learned to accept and love my body with each of its flaws. If you’ve never done naked yoga, I highly suggest you give it a try.
While I practice almost everywhere (even in the shower at times), I have sectioned off a corner area in a spare room. I’ve made this my little Meditation/Yoga/Zen/You better have a good reason for bothering me area. I keep all my essentials nearby to use.
Here are my yoga essentials:
Mat – I have two yoga mats, one for the beach, BOBIBI Thick Round Yoga Mat with Tassels, which can be used as a beach towel or picnic blanket (I love multi-purpose things) and the one that never leaves my area, Aurorae Premium Eco Safe Mat. However, my dog likes to be on my mat at the same time as I am. My next mat to accommodate us both is going to be Extra Large Gorilla Mat.
Yoga Socks – These aren’t mandatory when you first begin, but as you move through more challenging poses, they help to maintain your balance and keep you from sliding. I’ve had several pairs, and my favorite so far is Ozaiic Yoga Socks for Women.
Yoga Bolster – If you need extra support for your back or legs during practice, I suggest you get a bolster. The one I have is by Yoga Accessories it‘s firm and offers plenty of support. You can also use a meditation pillow for extra comfort. This pillow is the one that is on my wish list (hint hint) Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Meditation Pillow.
That’s all you need to get started. I hope you are following me on this journey of self-care. If you would like to catch up. Here are the articles you might have missed:
Mindfulness Challenge, Take Care of Your Self
How to Live Your Most Awesome Life
Why You Should Have Manuka Honey in Your House
Mindfulness Challenge, Take Care of Your Self II
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.