Meditation master Thich Nhat Hanh, originally from Vietnam, talks about the importance of doing regular practices that train us how to be present in each unfolding moment. It’s as easy as walking! I hope you enjoy his sweet, solid, unhurried presence.
Root your ‘peace’ fingers (pointer and middle fingers) into the ground with your arms straight out to the sides as you sit on the floor (or press peace fingers into the centers of your thighs). Notice your natural breath, perhaps sensing it dropping down into your belly and pelvis to assist in rooting and grounding you.
Hold for 5-10 natural breaths to start, increasing over time if you like. State the affirmation three times out loud, then silently.
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Tapotement is a bodywork method to awaken your connection and awareness with your body, as well as to increase flows of energy, blood, and lymph throughout your body. Try this before you shower or bathe.
It’s easy to do: with cupped hands, tap each part of your body starting with your feet and moving upward to the legs, torso, arms, neck and head. At the same time make sure you LOOK at the body part you are tapping, AND mentally say the name of the body part “This is my foot” to increase neural, physical, mental, and energetic connection with your body parts.
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Mindful walking can be practiced ANYTIME YOU ARE WALKING! For example, you can do this as you: walk in your house from one room to another; walk to the car; walk from the car to work or grocery store; as you walk inside work or the grocery store. You get the idea! The world is your monastery, your forest, your temple, and your place to practice any and every moment.
Begin with 5-10 natural steps stating “In every step…” as you set your LEFT foot down; “I am Here.” as you set your RIGHT foot down. Increase the number of steps each day. The key is to remember to do it.
These Mudras are modified from Mudras for Healing and Transformation by Joseph and Lilian LePage, Integrative Yoga Therapy, and used by permission here.
Finding My Inner Guide flow is a journey inward, a dance of breath and body that can lead you to the quiet truth that has always lived within. You are invited to stretch not only your muscles, but the boundaries of your spirit, reaching deeper into the wisdom that rests in your heart.
May you move with grace, listen to the voice of your inner guide, and trust the strength carry within. With each breath, you’ll discover that peace is not something to chase, but something to uncover, waiting patiently in the stillness of your soul.
HOW TO: Coordinate the movements of your body with breath as you move between 2 postures in each ‘Set’ below. You may like to state the affirmations aloud as you EXHALE, and silently repeat them inward as you INHALE.
For all-levels. Modify with props and any way you need to make it feel just right for your body.
1. INHALE “I reach out to find my Inner Guide…”
EXHALE “And come back to my center.”
Repeat three breath cycles on each side.
2. “I am grounded in my True Self.”
“From this source, my inner wisdom flows.”
Repeat one to three repetitions with breath from Down Dog to Anjanyasana on each side.
3. EXHALE “Though at times I feel down, overwhelmed, and like I’ve lost my way.”
INHALE “My Inner Guide frees me from fear and shows me the way.”
4. BREATHE NATURALLY
“In my True Self I rest deeply where I am filled with Pure Love and Acceptance.”
Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise or weight-loss program. The general information displayed here is not intended to substitute for or replace your healthcare professional.
Five Element Yoga® is a vibrant and colorful flowing practice created by Jennifer Reis. This potent practice realigns you with the rhythms of nature as you explore your inner five elements.
An all-levels yoga practice, Five Element Yoga® invites you to revitalize body with yoga postures, flow with yogic breathing, tune into your energy with mudras, detoxify with self-massage, deeply rest and rejuvenate in Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra, and integrate your discoveries with creative expression and reflection.
Five Element Yoga® Teacher Training (for EVERYONE! You do not need to be a yoga teacher)
