Hello from your 3B Yoga family! How are you holding up through these beginning months of 2022? Whatever your answer is to that question, we hope that you have found solace and respite in your yoga practice however that looks right now.
Over here, we have been aiming to keep our practice simple; doing what we can when we can and leaving the rest. Does winter feel that way to you too? Night comes sooner than we expect and we wonder if we’ve even taken a full breath through the whole day. Nonetheless, if yoga has taught us anything it is that we are allowed to practice in different ways and that there is power in mindful moments.
Honestly, some days this looks like taking deep breaths and trying to sit tall while driving or spending some time connecting with life through nature or with loved ones; it isn’t just time on the mat that counts or that makes up a yoga practice. That said, if you are feeling yourself in a slump in your time on the mat, you might consider attending a Restorative, Yoga Nidra, or BGentle yoga class with us; these slow paced sessions are perfect for taking root in your practice and mindfulness again or for the first time.
With the idea of growing mindful moments, we want to share how we are finding ground to thrive right now. We hope these practice moments give you a glimpse of light at the cusp of spring...
To practice: Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose)
This pose not only acts as a strengthening and lengthening shape but also one that epitomizes growing and reaching from your roots!
Foundation
Inhale step one foot back, opening your body toward the long side of your mat. Exhale, turn the back toes to point to the back of your mat, bending the knee over your ankle and placing your palm or hand toward the outside edge of your foot. Opposite arm stretching from a diagonal line from your back heel, over your ear toward the back edge of your mat. Pause here and breathe for 5-8 breaths, pressing down into everything that touches that mat and opening the body to the side of the mat. Lengthen the entire side of your body facing toward the ceiling, creating a radiant long energy line from ground to ether. When ready to move on, inhale, straighten out your legs, facing the side of your mat once more. Repeat on the other side.
Options to Consider
:Take hand onto a block or make a fist versus having the palm on the ground
:Forearm to top of thigh instead of hand toward the ground
:Tired shoulders or working on mobility? Bring lifted arm down and place hand on the back thigh
:Stay low on your mat by placing one knee down on your mat, a blanket underneath for cushion. Step opposite leg to long side of mat, pressing whole foot down to ground. Lift torso up over hips, arching back arm over head. On the same side as your knee, place this arm alongside the body or lean down and bring a block underneath your hand for more depth through the side extension.
To read: After the Rain by Alexandra Elle
The subtitle of this book says it all- Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love. This is our current read and we want to share it with you! Complete with essays and reflections, this is the expansion needed for mind and soul in these dwindling winter days. Grab a copy, we promise you won’t be disappointed.
P.S. Check out @alex_elle on Instagram for more inspiration and offerings on self-love and growing through what comes your way.
To affirm: Today I choose to live with an open heart.
To journal: Where can I give myself more grace and create space for growth?
Every day, we send out warmth and light to you in the community; we hope you feel this when you walk into the studio, get an email or text from us, or check out our page here or on social media. We are with you for mindful moments, always.
With gratitude and open arms,
3B Yoga