The power of short, simple practices for cultivating calm & courage
When I first started practising yoga I was working and studying, with a young family. I knew I’d found something I loved and that kept my stressed out system calmer, but I didn’t have much time. All I could do was get up a few minutes early and treat myself to just two simple poses: one that made me feel great (Trikonasana!) and one that was really hard for me, that I felt would help me develop some physical & mental strength (Downward Dog pose!)
Those few minutes a day taught me the life-changing potential for a 5 minute practice to change my life. I learned not to underestimate the benefits of something short & simple, done consistently.
If you want to weave some nourishing self-care into your life but it’s hard to find the time or to know where to start, I hope these practices might help. Click on each picture to listen or watch & download …
Listen to this 5 minute meditation when you wake up, or during a work break, or in the transition between activities to feel more calm & grounded. This practice can be helpful when you’re feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated.
This 10 minute audio will guide you through a gentle way of practising Nadi Sodhana, which can leave us feeling clear, calm and quietly focused. It’s a good practice to refresh your mind and help you concentrate.
12 minutes of gentle, easy, energising movement: the Lighten Up Sequence:
This short 12 minute practice makes a great work break. It will refresh your mind, restore expansive breathing, release your back and shoulders and leave you feeling energised and focused. It also makes a great warm up preparation if you have to practice Yoga asana in a cold space, or if you want to wake yourself up in the morning. As a bonus, if you practice this regularly you will strengthen your hips, enhance your core strength and improve your balance too.
As always, treat your body and yourself with kindness and choose from what's on offer here with respect for how you are in this moment.
More short practices …
Try one of these 3 breathing practices for a few minutes to cultivate calm.
If you have 10 minutes, the Legs Up pose (Viparita Karani) will nourish your adrenals and leave you feeling rested and relaxed.
If you have 20 minutes, even only once or twice a week, a Yoga Nidra guided deep relaxation can be incredibly nurturing, clarifying and calming.
