Make room for a little ommm in your home!

After practicing some yoga yesterday, I left my mat, blanket, block and strap out. I usually always put all of my props away since I live in a small apartment, but maybe I was feeling tired, relaxed, or lazy. (or all of the above) Instead, I left my props right next to my favorite yoga wall.

This morning I had to wake up early to get bloodwork done. On my way to the kitchen, I saw my yoga gear sitting there waiting for me. I didn't have much time but since everything was already out, I decided to do a few poses. I just did a few of my favorite poses- Virasana, Setu Bandha and Viparita Karani. After all I only had a fifteen minutes. I felt immediately better afterwards and so I decided to leave my props out. My goal is to do a few poses each day. However, if I have to keep putting props away and taking them out, I will forget to take time to practice yoga. In my dream house, I would have a room dedicated to yoga filled with bolsters, chairs, rope wall, etc. Someday. Maybe. But for now, I'll settle for a yoga nook!

I am by no means a yoga teacher. But I have been blessed with wonderful yoga teachers who have given me wonderful tips on how to make poses work for me with my health condition. Here is a little bit more about the 3 poses that I did today:

1. Virasana (Hero Pose)


Virasana (Hero Pose)



Since my butt does not reach the ground when I do this pose, I simply sit on my block (at the second height). You can also use blankets or a bolster. You should not feel any pain, if you do sit higher! I find this to be a relaxing pose. While I sit in this pose, I like to meditate. Also, I like to do Urdhva Hastasana once I'm in this pose for a bit. Basically that just means raised hands. All you do is lift your arms straight up. Then I clasp my hands together in front, turn my hands out and lift them above my head. I was feeling sore in my quads from my yoga class on Monday, so this was a great way to stretch them out.



Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose)



2. Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose)

I couldn't find a picture for this pose to show exactly how I do it. There are so many variations.  Instead of placing the block between my legs, as it is shown to the left. I place a block on the floor, right under my sacrum.  This is a great support for those who are fatigued or new to yoga. It allows you to reap the benefits of the stretch without being too hard on your body. First, I start off on the lowest height, and I gradually work up to the highest.  I love this pose because it calms your brain, alleviates stress, rejuvenates tired legs, and reduces fatigue, headaches and insomnia.





Viparita Karani (Legs up the Wall)



3. Viparita Karani (Legs up the Wall) This is my absolute favorite pose! No matter how bad I feel, I always feel better after this pose. It calms your mind, relieves tired or cramped legs and feet, and relieves mild back pain. Instead using a bolster as it's shown in the picture, I like to use a folded blanket. I find it's easier on my back. I can use a bolster if it's not super round. I also like to use a strap. I wrap it around the balls of my feet and hold the straps in my hands. I find this helps me to get into the pose. Then I make a big V with my legs, still using the strap. Lastly, I bend my knees, put the soles of my feet together, and slide my feet down the wall. I then support my thighs with either my hands or blocks. If you are suffering from back pain, once you are in this pose, have someone place a sandbag across the soles of your feet.

For more information on these poses, go to www.yogajournal.com (That's where I got my photos!)