what asana is best 2 do in the morning? b4 i go to sleep?

saint0 · 05-14-2003, 09:34 AM

what asanas are the best 2 do in the morning? b4 i go to sleep?

tnx!

Chandra · 05-19-2003, 11:27 PM

Dear SaintO,

No one else has jumped in, so here i go! My own yoga practice varies in intensity and design over time, depending upon my current situation. I may choose to focus upon a specific series or set of asanas to meet a goal and then change it as my needs change. I have learned from my teacher, yoga is a state of being. An asana practice can assist toward that. The most important part is one's awareness - really being present and listening to what your own needs are. When you wake in the morning, you may feel stiff and inflexible and a vigorous practice may be uncomfortable or it may be stimulating. You may want to begin with something gentle such as cat lift and tuck and gradually move toward standing poses which can leave you feeling prepared for the activity of the day. Sun Salute is an invigorating morning routine. If you are going to meditate, something more gentle such as Joint Freeing Series may be appropriate. In the evening, one is ending the day and releasing the accumulation of tension in the body and the mind are probably important to you. Gentle movements which gradually bring one to a seated position for pranayama and/or meditation may feel right to you then. In my experience, an asana practiced quietly and with attention focused on the stretch or relaxation is soothing and calming, while the same asana practiced dynamically can be invigorating and stimulating.

I would recommend that you consider your own knowledge of asana, your comfort in exploring them on your own, and especially how you feel after you have completed your practice. Has it led you in the direction you wish to go?

Namaste,
Chandra

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05-14-2003, 09:34 AM	#1
saint0 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: student Posts: 2	what asanas are the best 2 do in the morning? b4 i go to sleep? tnx!

05-19-2003, 11:27 PM	#2
Chandra Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: yoga teacher, massage therapist Posts: 243	Dear SaintO, No one else has jumped in, so here i go! My own yoga practice varies in intensity and design over time, depending upon my current situation. I may choose to focus upon a specific series or set of asanas to meet a goal and then change it as my needs change. I have learned from my teacher, yoga is a state of being. An asana practice can assist toward that. The most important part is one's awareness - really being present and listening to what your own needs are. When you wake in the morning, you may feel stiff and inflexible and a vigorous practice may be uncomfortable or it may be stimulating. You may want to begin with something gentle such as cat lift and tuck and gradually move toward standing poses which can leave you feeling prepared for the activity of the day. Sun Salute is an invigorating morning routine. If you are going to meditate, something more gentle such as Joint Freeing Series may be appropriate. In the evening, one is ending the day and releasing the accumulation of tension in the body and the mind are probably important to you. Gentle movements which gradually bring one to a seated position for pranayama and/or meditation may feel right to you then. In my experience, an asana practiced quietly and with attention focused on the stretch or relaxation is soothing and calming, while the same asana practiced dynamically can be invigorating and stimulating. I would recommend that you consider your own knowledge of asana, your comfort in exploring them on your own, and especially how you feel after you have completed your practice. Has it led you in the direction you wish to go? Namaste, Chandra