Calm your mind in two simple poses
There are days in which I found it particularly difficult to settle the mind and find some stillness,. When I am in that mood there are two yoga that can help me find balance and peace.
First pose: dangling head
To do this pose you will need a mat and a blanket or a soft edge. Place the blanket (or edge) under your heels, take a long deep and gentle breath stretching the arms up over your head and fold down slowly with your hands in prayer. Keep a soft bend in your knees as you don’t want any pressure on the hamstrings. Thread your left arm in between your left leg and your right one so that your left elbow is in front of your left arm and the back of your hand is touching the right calf. Repeat with your right arm. Let your head dangle gently, keeping the bent in your back.
Breathe slowly for as many as 10 times.
By letting your blood flow down towards your head away from the heart this pose can be very soothing and calming.
Second pose: modified hug
For this pose all you need is a mat and a block, or a blanket, to sit on. Cross your left leg in a triangle-like shape on top of your right leg so that your knees are facing forward and your feet are near your buttocks. Place the block or mat with the edge forward in the same direction of the knees. Sit straight. Place the palm of your right hand gently on your forehead with the fingers spread touching your hair and your left arm wrapped around your chest reaching the right side of the rib cage with your left palm, like a hug.
Close your eyes and breathe deeply for at least 10 counts.
By placing your right palm on your forehead and wrapping your left arm around your rib cage you are giving yourself a gentle comforting hug that soothes the mind.
These two poses are from a monthly calming practice you can find at glo, my favorite and the most comprehensive yoga, mindfulness and fitness site.
After that I indulge in a calming latte with adaptogens like ashwagandha, reishi and cacao.
Try it and let us know what you think!
