Hello love! I'm glad you're here. Isn't it the truth that we could all use some more happiness in our life? Well, this is something I do when I feel I need an extra boost and I thought I'd share it with you. Here's Yoga for Happiness.
1.Begin lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
You can close your eyes and feel yourself being supported by the earth. Breathe in light and positive energy and let it fill your body, allow your exhale to carry away all your negativity. If you feel pain anywhere, breathe light in and imagine that area filling with light and washing away the pain. When you breathe out, allow your breath to carry the pain and any negativity out of your body. Do this for a couple breath cycles, increasing your breath each time. Then repeat softly to yourself, "Happiness is an act of courage." Say this mantra 3 times.
2.Slowly and gently lift your hips off the floor, feeling your back press against the floor as your
hips peel up, for a deeper massage to the back, hold the arms straight and as you raise your hips, raise your arms slowly over your head. Raise your hips on an inhale and lower on an exhale. Lower your hips (and arms if you are doing so) slowly feeling each vertebrate massage as you roll back down to flat back position. Do this 3 times.
3.Bring one knee into your chest and allow the other leg to stretch out flat. This will give you
a good stretch. Be sure to keep your feet flexed. When releasing, bend your straightened leg first and then release your knee from your chest down to the floor. Do the same on the other side. You can hold each side for two breath cycles. Finally, bring both of your knees into your chest and roll a little from side to side to work the muscles in your back a little more. release with control to your feet flat on the floor.
4. Roll up to tabletop position. be sure that your knees are under your hips and your hands
are under your shoulders. You can put a pad or a folded blanket under your knees for a little cushion. The do 3 cycles of Cat/Cow, moving slowly through the poses and breaths. you can vary it a little to what feels good, don't hesitate to stretch a bit. Arch your back as you breathe in and curve your back as you breathe out. Close your eyes and enjoy the pose.
5.Curl your toes under and peel up into downward facing dog. Keep your knees bent and
pedal out to stretch your hamstrings. take nice deep breaths. Then find stillness for 3 breaths. Bend your knees and look toward the front of your mat, then step or hop your feet up toward your hands. You can straighten your legs and remain bent over in a forward fold.
6. Slowly, as you inhale, roll your body up to mountain pose. close your eyes and take a few
deep breaths here repeating your mantra. Place your hands together at your heart in prayer position and bow your head on the last repeat of the mantra. then raise your head, open your eyes and take a deep breath. If you feel like you have achieved the happy level you were shooting for, you can stop here. If not, continue with the next few steps. They will more actively work their magic and help you to feel better.
6.Complete 2 cycles of sun salutations. If you are unfamiliar, I'm including a beginner video.
There are many variations of sun salutations, this is just one. If you have your own practice, then please feel free to use your favorite variation. This is just to get the blood pumping.
7. Try the dancer pose. It is a complicated balancing pose, so if it is your first time, hold onto
a chair or a wall for balance. another variation you can try is holding your knee instead of your foot at first or use a strap to hold your foot if you find it difficult to stretch like that right off the bat. I'm including a link to a video on how to do the pose. It is a fun one to play with for a few minutes. Even more so once you start seeing that you're getting better at it. Just have fun with it.
8. Lie back down on your mat, flat with your arms by your side. bring your knees up to your
chest and hold the outside of your feet for happy baby pose. you can roll a little side to side. Whatever feels good. You can also do some core work here as well if you desire. Here is a link to a 6-minute ab/core workout. I enjoy doing this one as an add on sometimes. It is not necessary for the purpose of this workout, but if you would like a two for 1 deal, here ya go.
Finish up with a couple minutes of savasana (corpse pose). take that time to feel good
about what you accomplished on the mat. Let your breath return to normal. Remind yourself one last time of your mantra, "Happiness is an act of courage." Remember to give thanks for all that you have available to you within you and surrounding you. Your life is filled with priceless gifts, whether it be loved ones, friends, health, a roof over your head, intelligence, a job that allows you to pay your bills, or wonderful children. Find something in your life that you are thankful for and actually thank your "powers that be" for such a gift. When you are done your mood should be much better than when you began. If you feel it slipping throughout the day, just remember the things you are grateful for and give thanks for them... it will help remind you of your happiness.Go forth and enjoy your day my friend. Be well and share with me your experience when you can. I wish you love, light, peace, and happiness. Namaste!